Not that anyone in his right football mind would underestimate them anyway, but just to make the message crystal clear, let's state the obvious: Beware the New England Patriots.
It is their time of year, the post-season, when the going gets tough and the toughest get going all the way to the Roman numerals, one X and O at a time. And, despite finishing out their regular schedule with a meaningless loss to Miami yesterday, the New Englanders are obviously prepared to defend the Super Bowl title they have claimed three of the last four seasons.
What appeared to be a dynasty in decline, when a rash of injuries contributed to a spotty 4-4 start, now appears once again to be a dynasty with the will and wile to defend itself. Plus, the current group is possibly more loosey-goosey than ever under head coach Bill Belichick, nobody's idea of a comic or cut-up.
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Suggested theme song for the Patriots playoff drive, as recorded years ago by Bobby Bare: "Drop Kick Me, Jesus, Through The Goalposts Of Life." With apologies to the same sensitivities that have always been offended by Flutie's famous "Hail Mary" pass during his days at Boston University.
They'll deny it, naturally, but the Indianapolis Colts, everyone's darlings for most of the regular season, may well be praying that they don't wind up facing the Pats in the second round of the AFC tournament.
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Quoth Belichick, who might be referring to any playoff team, not only his own: "We are where we are. It doesn't make any difference where that is."
