Future Tense

Who knows where the road will lead us? Only a fool would say…

Fool? I guess that's where I come in!

Getting Better All The Time

As much as everyone west of the Connecticut River doesn't want to hear it, the New England Patriots, the team that just won the Super Bowl, could be even better next year.

Here are just a few reasons why…

Second Year Leapers

The "Second Year Leap" is a thing. The step up in competition from college to the NFL will cause many to stumble. There are some rookies who contribute immediately but most take a year to adjust to the size of their opponents, the speed of the game and the demands of their new profession. Even for seasoned pros, joining a new team can be a challenge. New terminology, new concepts, new teammates to adjust to. In their second year, the game "slows down."

Looking over the Patriots roster and considering the second year leap (and a few other considerations), the team that just won the Super Bowl might be even better in 2017...

The Argument Is Over

I'd thought I'd reached some zenned out bliss when it came to the trolls and the haters. I could follow Tom Brady's lead and just be a positive guy when they called my boys cheaters, when they dug Spygate out from under the rock where they keep it, or mentioned the Helmet Catch, when the flat-earthers insisted footballs can't naturally deflate in cold weather.

Like Brady, I'd be a positive guy. I'd just smile. And wave. Or flash the peace sign.

Just one problem.

That's not me.

I Can't Quit You, Football!

First there was the afterglow. If I smoked I'm sure I would've lit one up. Eventually, though, you come down from that high. Post-Super Bowl depression? I'm not sure depression is the right word. Okay, yes, it's the right word. No more football till when? Wait! Don't tell me!

GOAT

For everyone other than Joe Montana, the question as to who is the greatest quarterback of all time was answered on February 5, 2017.

But is he the greatest football player of all time?

Hurt My Feelings

So Roger Goodell is butt-hurt over the Patriots enjoying their post-Deflategate Super Bowl win just a little too much at his expense. First, Robert Kraft relished the moment a little too much, calling everyone's attention to what's "transpired in the last two years" after receiving the Lombardi Trophy. Sweet. And savory. Then defensive coordinator Matt Patricia was photographed wearing the Barstool Sports t-shirt, literally clowning Goodell.

Let me just start with…

Well, he started it!

The Best Patriots Super Bowl (So Far)

One of the Patriots was asked in the post-Super Bowl confetti cloud if they thought this might be Brady's favorite Super Bowl win (subtext: Deflategate). I wish I could remember who said it because it was a great line. Paraphrasing: "I think Brady thinks of his Super Bowls like his children. He loves them all."

That hasn't stopped the pigskin pundits and bobbleheads from ranking the five Super Bowl wins for the B&B Patriots. So, yeah, I guess I'm going to go there, too.

Taking It From The Top

Haters still hating. Brady. Belichick. The Patriots. Hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate. They even hate me and the other good citizens of Patriots Nation. Apparently, we're just not humble enough. Or something.

I'm guessing it's the the seven Super Bowls. The five wins. The quarterback and coach who are the greatest of all time. The greatest NFL dynasty of all time. Can you blame us if we've lost perspective?

You can? You do?

Okay. Whatever.

Because I really don't care anymore.  

A Tough Act To Follow

A day later and Super Bowl 51 seems even more unbelievable that it seemed in real time. The numbers simply don't correlate with the emotional context. The Falcons only rushed for 104 yards? Really? It seemed like 250. I'm sure Atlanta fans wish it had been 250. Or even 125 for that matter. I heard today that Brady passed for 246 yards in the 4th quarter alone. As ridiculous as his record-setting Super Bowl line of 43/62/466 was, that 4th quarter projects to a full game of 984 yards!

Wait - What?

That can't be right.

So yeah, I Googled it. 21 or 27 for 246.

Just imagine if he hadn't gotten off to a slow start.

The Greatest of All Time

It can't get any better than this, can it?

That's what I thought after Super Bowl 49.

Then Super Bowl 51 happened. The biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. The first overtime game in Super Bowl history. Tom Brady sets records for attempts, completions and yards, winning his 5th Lombardi Trophy and his 4th MVP. Julian Edelman made The Catch. James White set a record for receptions and scored 3 touchdowns including the game winner. Trey Flowers and Dont'a Hightower making plays. A defense that was gashed by the Falcons for forty minutes got back up on their feet and stoned Atlanta's league leading offense while Brady led the Patriots to 31 unanswered points that included two 2-point conversions.

I guess I was wrong. Sometimes life is like a movie.

Super Bowl 51 Drinking Games - Patriots Edition

We're down to hours. The big game is almost upon us. Guacamole will be dipped. Lucky chili will be eaten. Drinks will be drunk.

And if you need any encouragement, I can offer the following…

I'm Not Getting Over It

The message seems to be that I should just move on. Well, not me personally but everyone who's pigskin passport was issued by Patriots Nation. Move on. Get over it. Haters gonna hate so shake it off, shake it off. Let it go, let it go… Oh wait, that lyric is all about letting it all out while I'm being asked to keep it all inside. And you'll go gay if you sing it. Well, that's what I heard.

Where was I?

Oh, right. Unreasonably bitter and angry.

You Hate Them. You Really, Really Hate Them

If you still believe in polling data (I seriously understand if you don't) then we can confirm with actual numbers and stuff that the Patriots are the most hated team in the NFL.

Suck it, Dallas Cowboys! We all know who the real America's Team is now, don't we?