Waiting for the Sun

Already in my game-day gear, watching the snow, wondering if my pigskin heroes can do it one more time despite the injuries, as they've done so many times before.

 

I guess this is why they play the games. To answer the questions even a thousand sims on Madden can't.

What will the offensive line look like?

Vollmer was still gimpy according to reports on Friday. Will he play? Can he be effective against the Chiefs' speed rushers on a bad wheel? Will the Pats bring David Andrews back to the starting lineup at center and move Bryan Stork to guard or tackle?

Whoever they have out there, will they be able to give Steven Jackson enough room to operate. Can they give Brady 3 seconds? Yes + Yes = Win.

Does the defense play with a chip on their shoulders?

It's probably perception but it seems to me the pigskin pundits and bobbleheads have been talking up the KC defense a lot. Oh, and the Patriots have a pretty good defense, too. Thanks for noticing.

The New England defense can win this game on their own. 

They may need to.

How Gronk can Gronk be?

Yes, he's one of those "80% of him" guys but will he even be 80%?

Gronk's effectiveness as a blocker may be the bigger concern. Gronk could be a decoy in the passing game and have a positive impact on the outcome but with all the other problems on the offensive line, if Gronkowski can't be his usual self as an extra tackle – he is that good when healthy – it's going to be rough sledding in the running game.

Does somebody have a "You'll never have to buy a beer in this town again" kind of game?

This is why we love sports. The unlikely hero. The role player who rises to the occasion, playing the best game of his life in the biggest game of his life.  

The nominees are Steven Jackson, James White, Scott Chandler and Keshawn Martin on offense; Akiem Hicks, Malcom Brown, Jabaal Sheard, Ryan Logan and Geneo Grissom.

My money's on Keshawn Martin. A touchdown catch and another score running back a kick.

Can Edelman really go full throttle?

Oh, please Gridiron Gods, let it be so.