In a game with about as much suspense as a first-grader's knock-knock joke, New England stepped on New York early and kept the pressure on their foot, piling up both Patriots points and Jets turnovers in a 41-3 gift to Gillette fans. Or, as play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle put it at the two-minute warning, … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Jets Review
This past Sunday, New England turned their perennial nightmare venue into a dream showcase, using all three facets of their game to beat conference rival Denver 16-3. In the process, they won the AFC East for the eighth year in a row and secured a first-round bye. (It says a lot about the expectations of … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Broncos Review
Okay, I'm pretty sure we can call the Patriots good now. Oh, we had our reservations. Heading into the game vs. the Ravens, New England had beaten three also-rans, handling the California Cupcakes (Niners and Rams) without too much trouble, but needing some last-minute heroics by Tom Brady to get past the puttering Jets. How … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Ravens Review
Well, after the Patriots' 26-10 handing of the Rams – the team's 10th win of the season and quarterback Tom Brady's record-setting 201st for his career – I figured the locals would have a more positive response. It seems like the tone has calmed a bit (and they may have gotten distracted by a Red … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Rams Review
Amazing how much a late comeback can change one's point of view. Trailing 17-16, the Patriots strode down the field with help from the arm and brain of quarterback Tom Brady, who needed all of three minutes, eight seconds to go 83 yards resulting in the winning TD pass to rookie Malcolm Mitchell. Defensive end … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Jets Review
Welcome to our holiday version of Thursday Observations, brought to you a day early. Enjoy the day, enjoy football, and for Heaven's sake, make sure you have enough cinnamon around the house if you need it, because that stuff is more coveted right now than spice in Dune. Speaking of the holidays, it's started to … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, 49ers Review
After their thrilling-yet-ultimately-disappointing 31-24 loss to Seattle, it's apparent that over the past 15 years the Patriots tend to lose in three different ways. 1.) The Blowout – just one of those games where the opponent plays well and New England seems to do everything wrong and have everything go against them. At some point … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Seahawks Review
"Well, that is how you go into a bye week." That's what I typed Sunday evening to begin my column. Just a simple, easy line marking the enthusiasm that abounded in New England after the Patriots smacked the Bills, 41-25, gaining a league-best 7-1 record and a three-game lead in the AFC East heading into … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Bills Review
I won't pretend to understand why the Patriots made the decision to trade Jamie Collins. Yesterday's trade, which shocked and baffled fans and media is now in its second day of debate. The rants are predictable. The anger and confusion palpable, on Twitter; profane. Jamie Collins is a marvel to watch. He did things no … Continue reading So, That Jamie Collins Trade…
A brief history seems in order here. In 1981, your New England Patriots went 2-14, earning the nickname "The Patsies." They played the Baltimore "Dolts" in the season finale, with both teams ending the season at 2-14 (Baltimore's two wins coming against New England). In the strike-shortened 1982 season, the Patriots went 5-4. They managed … Continue reading Patriots Thursday Observations, Steelers Review
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