--Disagree that the running game "wasn't much at all." The Pats have had trouble closing out games in recent years, great to see the defense make a play and the offense close it out. That's what's supposed to happen.
--The Pats have been "lucky" healthwise this year (knock wood), in the sense that there's not a lot of guys on IR. But damn if the offense isn't gimpy right now. Great that Mitchell has stepped up, I'm in his fan club like most others here, and can't wait to see the guy in Year 2, 3, and beyond. But for now, Brady, Gronk, Bennett, Edelman, Hogan, are all hobbling to one degree or another. If playing doesn't make their injuries worse (and of course in a sense of course resting is better) then I suppose they'll keep plugging along, but I sure as hell hope this is a healthy team in the playoffs. Really want to see that.
--Derby isn't hindsight, I think most didn't like the deal at the time. Watching the Denver game, every time I heard "Derby" was irritating.
--Pass rush. Like Ghost, I think we're just going to have to cross our fingers and hope it does its job when the time comes. Yesterday Long made a play. Keep hope alive.
--OT Tip for the NFL: get rid of the commercial break after kickoffs. It's painful. Fold those commercials into other breaks throughout the game.