Let’s face it – all I really need to say is “insert caption here.” While yesterday’s 59-24 onslaught on the Colts was a hell of a lot of fun to watch, nothing was better than watching Tom Brady bob over to Andrew Luck in his silly hat for the post game handshake. In many ways this was Luck’s true welcoming to the NFL – “you’ve got a long way to go, Junior,” I imagine Tom saying. “Call Peyton for some pointers.”
While Colts vs Patriots games have been my favorite to watch over the last decade, easily, one thing is now clear – the Patriots and the Colts never had a rivalry – Tom Brady and Peyton Manning did. I can guarantee you that both want a shot at each other in the playoffs, and if the damn Ravens would just cooperate, my Brady-Manning fix just might be met. As for Andrew Luck, well, the hype and rushing TDs have been fun to watch… but keep on practicing.
Yesterday’s game solidified the Patriots ranking as the pre-eminent offense in the National Football League – in fact, it’s disgustingly not even close. And with Aqib Talib returning an interception for a touchdown in his first game as a Patriot, there is at least room for some degree of optimism on the defensive side of the ball.
Two things about the Patriots genuinely scare me – first how bad the Patriots secondary has been, and how easily that could end their season prematurely. Secondly, just how good the offense has been, considering it hasn’t even touched upon its total potential as of yet. Gronk has been battling injuries all season, and managed to break his arm with no one noticing yesterday (click here for more information). Aaron Hernandez has been out. Many of the O-line’s best players have been battered, but I won’t lean on that crutch – after all, they’re offensive linemen. Perhaps the most intriguing takeaway from yesterday’s game was the emergence of Julian Edelmen. He did it all yesterday – from amazing returns, to a 47-yard run, to receiving touchdowns. That little bastard is fast, let me tell you. Unfortunately, that’s likely just another sign that Wes Welker will be playing elsewhere next season.
With Gronk and Hernandez now out, it’s a shame that Jake Ballard is also out for the season. Apparently the Patriots don’t have enough depth at tight end. But as I said last week, the question remains to defense’s ability to not be tragically bad against the pass. Keep at ‘em Bill.
