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.