Two weeks later:
Tom Brady? What's that you say, Tom Brady? A quarterback controversy, while Drew Bledsoe is mending? Too silly to even mention, ridiculous I say. What's the name again? Right, Tom Brady.
Week after that:
The new hero is David Patten, whose name isn't even spelled right. They're doing it with rejects, but they've beaten the Colts twice, so let's give 'em a little respect.
Next week:
Overwhelmed by his own boldness, Tom Brady threw four picks in the fourth quarter and blew a hard-earned lead. I know a method of settling him down. It's called Drew Bledsoe.
Next:
Wow, is Tom Brady ever making things tough for Bill Belichick and his staff. How do they bench one of the hottest young QBs in the league?
Next:
It's a lively little band of cutthroats that Bill Belichick has fashioned for himself up there in Foxboro, and now they'll be called upon to implement what could be one of the strategic masterpieces of his career. If, somehow, he can come up with a defense that can topple the mighty Rams, future von Clausewitzes of the gridiron will be studying it for the next millennium.
Next
In their Sunday nighter against the Rams their defense was like a sturdy pitcher, going on short rest and getting people out for five innings. Then uh oh, blam blam, blam, the crack of the bat was heard. Nevertheless, I salute the effort, and the way Bill Belichick is getting the most out of his skimpy material, which all translates into no drop at all in the rankings.
Next
It is late September in Foxboro. The Patriots are 0-2. Their quarterback is out. Their long-ball wideout is serving a suspension. All along the Mass Pike there are homemade signs reading, "Pats Tickets for Sale." Time fries. Drew Bledsoe can't get back into the lineup. Terry Glenn? Who's he? Facing the team is a trip to New York and a Jets contest that ranks as one of the truly big ones in recent Patriots' memory. Win that and, gosh, the playoffs beckon. Yes, I foresee an upset, unless, of course, the Jets are taking this one as seriously as New England is, and I don't think they are.
Next
Don't get me wrong, I really like the Patriots. Heck, I picked them to win their last two, and you always have a soft spot for teams that come through for you. I'd like to raise them higher, but they have now split with the Jets, not dominated them, and Miami beat them big, and Baltimore has done more on the record. You get the picture. No nasty e-mails, please.
No nasty email, LOLOL, the disrespect card.
Next:
I sure would have liked to have been in Bill Belichick's team meeting when he explained why Terry Glenn was going to be on the field last Sunday (four catches, 67 yards). I mean, the guy just about admitted he was faking an injury, and walked off the practice field, and humiliated the coach on numerous occasions, and, worst of all, refused to present a jolly, good natured demeanor to the members of the press. I think there's something legal brewing here. I think they're handling Glenn a certain way to shortstop his lawyers, based on the advice of the club's attorneys. It's what I've been saying all along, if you want to bring football into the 21st century, you've got to get the lawyers involved.
I D-I-D.
Next:
They're on a mission. I just know they're gonna play up to the limit of their ability this weekend. I'm not sure about the Dolphins, though. I see a high-turnover contest in windy, possibly rainy, possibly snowy Foxboro.
Next:
Rest up, fellas, you've earned your bye. Where'd that big ground game come from? Imports and youngsters up and down the O-line. A reject running back, Antowain Smith, plowing for 156 yards against the Dolphins. This is a hot team, folks, that's peaking at just the right time, and if Oakland falters, the Pats could wind up as the No. 2 seed. Who would have thunk?
Next:
I can't believe that they'll let down against the Panthers, with a shocking division title so close. If they do, then I'll lose my faith in all the values this country (and a few others) stands for.
I couldn't find an end of the season one but that was a fun trip down memory lane.
