It Ain't Over Till, Well, You Know

We're on to Jacksonville!

I know it's a classic rationalization but after this past Sunday, I really need one. So, here we go: If the playoffs started today…

Hmm. That really should've made me feel better.

If you'd told me at the beginning of the season the Patriots would have 9 wins and the 6th seed in the AFC playoff bracket with 2 games to go, I probably would've asked you if your doctor had recently changed your meds. Okay, I wouldn't have asked. I would've smiled, nodded, said something vaguely positive in response while definitely thinking that your doctor recently changed your meds.

I guess I'm just a red pill guy. Yeah, 9 wins sounded fantastical in August but now that it's December, and you realize it could've and probably should've been 11 wins, the loss to Buffalo somehow seems a harbinger of pigskin doom. And when you consider that one of those maybe wins (also known as losses) leaves New England in a potential win or go home game in the Patriots' own personal Thunderdome (aka Miami) in the regular season finale, it definitely gives one pause.

I'm guessing Bill "It Is What It Is" Belichick is a red pill guy, too.

That is a good thing for Patriots Nation. 

It may be counterintuitive but I think Belichick is actually happier after a loss than he is after a win (except for Super Bowls, of course). Happier in terms of his pigskin brain. Belichick is the quintessential, the consummate coach and he's never happier than when he's doing his job. 

Look, in the dick measuring contest that is professional football, the Patriots came up short last Sunday. The Bills were dancing with our dates. Making fun of our life choices. Pissing on our rug. 

I would not want to be the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. 

Wait.

I would not want to be the Jacksonville Jaguars, like ever, but you know what I mean.

As for the elephant in the room…

Are the 2021 New England Patriots a Super Bowl team? 

Yes. 

Okay. 

I'm just saying there's a chance.

Less of a chance than I would've given them before last Sunday but still, a chance.

I'm also wondering why this has to be the only question.

I get that this is what every team in the NFL is ultimately playing for, but I also get that sports is all about moments, about competition, about teamwork, about triumph, and yes, failure. If you believe life is for learning and you believe sport is life then you've come to the right place. It's always about what you do next that matters.

Some of us (Jets *cough* Jets) have more to learn than others, of course.

Yes, the loss to the Bills left a mark but I'm looking forward to what this Patriots team does next. For those moments. For that unlikely hero to step up. For a blocked kick, a defensive scoop and score; for Mac Jones to get flagged for taunting after throwing a 40-yard TD pass into the tooth and claw of an all out blitz. I'll take that 15 yards all day long.

Wait! You say I'm just the Patriots ride-or-die bitch?

Was that supposed to hurt me?

We're on to Jacksonville!