Some comments on the comments:
1. Thank you for the thread and all the posts. It took a couple of hours by I enjoyed it emmensely.
2. I wouldn't get all bummed by any reports of Boos and haters. From my brief views on TV and here, it seems to me that the Pats have had massively more support from the crowds than Atlanta. Sounds to me like a mediots' personal narrative.
3. You have to figure that Atlanta is going to go into this ****y. They have to. They are coming to slay the Giant of the league. I bet all week in their film sessions their coaches have been showing them ways they can win this game to build up that all important confidence. On the other hand you can be sure BB has been showing them all the ways they can lose this game if they don't execute, and will end the week telling them what he did in 2004 (IIRC). "Just do your job and follow the plan and tommorow you will be World champions"
4. Good it looks like we are trying to find meaning in every sentence these guys are making and most are completely out of context.
a. Bennett has been nothing but effusive during his entire time in NE. How many times does he have to say this has been his happiest year in the NFL for people to stop looking for reasons he'll be gone. Jeeeessssss. As far as the White House comment goes, who cares. Personally I wouldn't go either, but that's just me.
b. Same goes for Hightower. Collins was his best friend on the team, and suddenly without warning he's gone. Christ WE were completely shocked, how would you expect him to feel. I read it as him showing respect for his friend and a shout out. The bulk of his interview was nothing but repsect for his team and teammates. He's smart enough to know WHY Collins was traded, it doesn't mean he has to like it.
c. As to whether he'll be back next year, for the first time I don't know. He certainly didn't put up much in the way of individual stats. Don't forget Tavon Wilson had more tackles than he did. A lot more IIRC. And his snap declined (could be injury related) and the Pats defense thrived despite his apparent lack of impact. That might affect his market value.
But the fact is that I believe that despite all that, he is more valuable to the Pats than any other team in the league and despite the lack of stats, like McCourty, the Pats will go out of their way to keep him long term. JMHO
5. Again great thread.
