The black cat certainly changed his colors. Following that Week 4 loss to the 'Skins, the Patriots have gone on a 13 game winning streak. And in the past three months they've walked under all kinds of ladders, but their good fortunes haven't changed. Where do you want me to start? We blocked a field goal to save the game against the Dolphins, were screwed out of the coin toss in overtime, and had Miami shank a 35-yard field goal, and then threw an 82-yard touchdown pass to win the game. How about when Bill Belichick took the intentional saftey against Denver so we could have the field position to set up a last second, game winning touchdown. Then there was the time that we gave the Texans the ball on our 35 yard line in OT, (which would almost guarantee them a good field goal attempt) only to have our defense nail them for a five yard loss on the possession. It's certainly been an incredible run. It's something that I've never experienced before, and I doubt will ever experience again.
Hey we have found
Becoming one in a million
Slip into the crowd
This question I found in the gap in the sidewalk
These past 13 games have all been built on the foundation of the Patriots defense. I don't think that since the '85 Bears there's been a defense that has held so strong for so long. They pitched three shut-outs in the final four home games of the regular season. And as impressive as those shut-outs were, nothing showed their true grit and determination as much as the game they allowed 34 points against the Colts. In that game, the defense showed that they would could stop the opposition when it mattered the most. They kept Indy from scoring the game winning touchdown when they had a 1st and Goal from the 2 yard line. When it matters the most, I trust this defense whole-heartedly. They proved it again on Saturday night. In all honesty, I was getting a little bit worried when the Titans tied the game at 14-14. They had been dominating us on both sides of the ball. But once the game was in jeopardy, the defense took on a whole new personality. They suddenly became unstoppable and didn't allow another point to be scored. When everything is on the line, this defense will flat-out hold.
But none of that really has anything to do with this lyric excerpt, so I'll get back on track. The thing that makes this defense so strong, is that they work as one unit. They aren't out there for personal stats. They aren't concerned about making the big play and ending up on Sports Center. They've realized that the best formula for success is to become just "one in a million", to "slip into the crowd". They are solely concerned with the well-fare of the team. I haven't seen such an overwhelming display of teamwork since Super Bowl XXXVI.
My heart's numbered beat
Still echo in this empty room
Fear wells in me
But nothing seems enough to defend
If there's a weakness to this team, it's the offense. Don't get me wrong, they're good. I think they're one of the best in the league. It's just that the defense is THE best in the league. And going into the AFC Championship, the real question is whether or not our offense is going to be able to put up the numbers to compete with the firestorm the Colts have been putting up. But I believe they can. After all, they've been doing it for the past 13 weeks. And like the defense, they seem to always be able to make the big play when everything's on the line. Take Tom Brady's 4th and 3 completion to Troy Brown to keep the drive alive on Saturday night as an example. And speaking of always getting it done, how about Adam Vinatieri? I've been saying that if I had to have somebody kick a field goal with my life on the line, Adam would be the person I chose to kick it. Not Vanderjagt, not Akers, not Elam. Adam would be my choice. He hasn't let me down yet. And speaking of heroes, Tom Brady is just indescribably efficient. He has the best winning percentage of all the quarterbacks in the NFL. He's never lost a playoff game. He's the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl ever. His list of accomplishments goes on and on. And even though he doesn't get the attention, or throw up the numbers like Peyton Manning, he has the heart of a champion. He knows how to win. When it comes to Tom Brady and his offense, "nothing seems enough to defend".
And here I sit
Life goes on, end of tunnel, TV set
Spot in the middle
Static fade, statistic bit
And soon I'll fade away, I'll fade away
The New England Patriots have had one of the most dominating regular seasons in history and are one game away from the Super Bowl. Yet the media still refuses to recognize them as the best team in the league. A lot of people picked the Titans to win, and I'm sure a lot will have the Colts in the Super Bowl when they pick this week. I watched most of the post-game coverage after the divisional round, and the Patriots were mentioned the least out of any of the winners by far. I know that our game was the least exciting. It wasn't a turnover-ridden field goal fest like the Panthers and Rams. It didn't feature a huge meltdown like the Eagles and Packers. And it wasn't a game devoid of any form of defense like the Colts and Chiefs. No, our game didn't really feature anything that will be remembered for years to come. But it did feature sound, fundamental football by both teams. And while sound, fundamental football doesn't sell newspapers or make for great drama during an ESPN highlight, it does win football games. And out of the four teams left in the tournament, we're the only one that's playing sound, fundamental football. The media has overlooked us all season. And maybe it's because we have been a little boring lately. So we're just going to have to make them cover us by being the only team left when it's all over.
That's our blood down there
Seems poured from the hands of angels
This is it. All the struggles, toil, and pain were to reach this point. Everything they've played for will be decided on Sunday. On the frozen fields of Foxboro a group of battle-hardened warriors will clash with the Colts in a game for the ages. 15-2 means nothing now. A 13 game winning streak has been rendered obsolete. An 9-0 record at home is worthless. Not losing to a winning team all season doesn't change the fact that the first loss ends everything. Either they get the job done, or they go home. They must be focused on the challenge. They must protect their home. They must enter into battle carrying their pride and honor. They must emerge victorious.
My love I love to stay here
My love I love to stay here
My love I love to stay here
My love I love to stay here
In a corner was wondering...
If a change could be better than this
And then I worry
Maybe things won't be better than they have been here
Here in the warehouse
I've said many times that our Super Bowl season of 2001 could never be topped. I've said that even the Timberwolves winning the NBA title wouldn't be able to match the exhilaration of that moment. It was the ultimate Cinderella story, the dream come true. And no, if we win the Super Bowl this year it won't be as good a story as our first victory. But it just might feel a little bit better. I don't know for sure. I wouldn't be able to say that until it would happen. But it's a possibility. And that in itself is amazing. I've never felt so wrapped up in a team as I am with the New England Patriots right now. I have so much respect for each man that wears the Patriots uniform and the incredible job they've done this season. I'm not sure if it does get better than this. I would love to stay here. These past 13 weeks have been my ideal football situation. But in the best case scenario, I've only got two more games left in this season. Maybe things won't be better then they have been here. But at least they have been here. And I'm so thankful for that.
This I admit
Taste so good, hard to believe an end to it
Smell, touch, feel,
How could this rhythm ever quit?
Bags packed on a plane
Hopefully to heaven
...Hopefully to Super Bowl XXXVIII.
