Wishing and Hoping

The week leading up to a Patriots game is fraught with anxiety. I know that may be hard to believe if you live west of the Connecticut River. New England has won nearly 80% of their games with Belichick and Brady. Why worry so much? Because Belichick (and his coaches and players) will make this week's opponent sound like a combo platter of the Greatest Show on Turf Rams and the Super Bowl Shuffle Bears. Intellectually I know it's just that Belichick has too much respect for the game and the men who play it to take any team lightly. Still, my inner child with his fear of failure, fear of abandonment, fear of ego dissolution, fear of - well, you get the picture - my inner child can't help but feel a little nervous.

And with two weeks leading up to a Super Bowl against a legitimately dangerous opponent?

My inner child is currently curled up in the fetal position, sucking his thumb, whimpering quietly, hoping no one can hear.

Patriots So White

I hope you haven't turned "Chris Hogan played lacrosse in college" into a drinking game. If so, you're probably face down in a puddle of your own vomit. Best wishes on a speedy recovery.

It's The Same Old Song

I guess there's no other way to put it. I've just been blackout drunk on the Patriots win in the AFC Championship Game. I finally woke up today and after a quick look around, all I could think was...

I really could use a drink.

I guess Willie Shakesberg was right; there really isn't anything new under the sun. Everyone west of the Connecticut River hates the Patriots. The Patriots are cheaters. (These two narratives may be related.) Bill Belichick is a genius albeit of the evil variety. (This may also be related to the "everyone hates the Patriots" narrative.) Everyone west of the Connecticut River hates Tom Brady. (Sensing a pattern now.) Tom Brady is the GOAT. Or not. Either way he's smug, condescending and arrogant. Blah, blah, blah.

What Was Your Question?

Well, I guess the Patriots defense finally played somebody.

Sunday Morning Coffee and Contemplations

Coffee. And bagels with cream cheese. It's a good start.

Lucky Socks

Apparently, Bill Belichick doesn't own a pair of lucky socks.

On the other hand, Robert Kraft might believe in lucky charms. Tedy Bruschi will be the Pats honorary captain for this, their sixth consecutive AFC Championship Game. New England is 8-0 in previous games honoring Bruschi.

It couldn't hurt.

Wishful Things

Look, I'll take the W however it comes. But last week's game took a lot out of me. It was a five vodkas game. My liver could really use a blowout this Sunday.

Let's start with...