The Lion in Winter

That Jimmy Garoppolo trade didn't look like such a big deal Saturday night.

What? Me Worry?

Gronk is healthy. Tommy is pissed. The defense is playing rope-a-dope with opposing offenses like Ali in his prime. This Saturday night they'll be playing a team that has no business being there.

That's what has me worried.

Once upon a time, that team that had no business being there was the New England Patriots.

Everything Ends

I find it interesting that the Seth Wickersham's Patriots expose was dropped on a Friday by ESPN. Friday is the traditional "news dump" day, when stories the publisher hopes will go away are released. It's almost like ESPN didn't really want to talk about it themselves.

Jealousy

I know I said I wouldn't do this; wouldn't waste my time arguing with haters, defending the Patriots, Bill Belichick or Tom Brady from the jealous and the dumb.

This was just too perfect though. It literally has everything.

Take a look...

Untrue To Form

Jets games never seem to go true to form. Let's just say that while I would never wish injury on anyone, I'm glad Josh McCown won't be playing this Sunday. I know. Josh McCown? Trust me on this one. With the man who literally defines the term "journeyman" under center, an ugly, grind it out, weather definitely a factor 20-17 Patriots' loss at home to the Jets would be a very real possibility.

Which begs the question: How did Don Belichick arrange to have McCown's hand broken in a game where the Patriots weren't even playing?

Small Changes

There aren't many teams in the NFL with a 12-3-0 record and a chance to lock up home field throughout the playoffs that would see themselves as underperforming or average or even disappointing.

Welcome to New England.

Who Can Beat The Patriots?

Pigskin pundits and bobbleheads have Patriots Fatigue. They are desperate seeking a team that can take down the Patriots before they win yet another Lombardi Trophy. It reminds me of that line from "Thunder Road."

...praying in vain for a savior to rise from these streets...

Well?