That was close

It came down to the last play of the game, but Tom Brady and his New England Patriots managed to hold on to keep their undefeated season alive.

But I never expected that they'd come so close to losing against the Baltimore Ravens. The Colts, yes, but the Ravens?

ESPN's Len Pasquarelli has a great rundown of the Patriots' fortunes during the last two minutes of the game. Despite the complaints of the Ravens, though, who were saying that the officials gave the game to the Patriots, the calls made against the Ravens in that last drive were totally valid.

The Pats probably shouldn't have won this game. But they did. Which is why I think they'll squeak out a 16-0. The gods are smiling on them.

But Sunday's game - Week 13 of the season - is against the Pittsburgh Steelers. That game will not be a cake walk. At least the Pats are at home.

What do you think? Can the Patriots get past the Steelers on Sunday? Give us your opinion in the comments.


LUNCH: clubhouse and chips

Patriots still perfect

Well, I didn't get to the computer to post after the big game on Sunday. Blame the excitement of a second half comeback and a few too many pints during the celebration for my absence.

After a breakfast meeting Monday I was off to the airport to get on a plane back home.

So I'm only now getting a chance to reflect on the game.

I'll admit that I wasn't the most positive of monkeys at the half. The two pass interference calls made on the Patriots nearly killed me, and I mistook Brady's steely glare for frustration, when I should have known it was resolve.

Next time I'll know better.

At the end of the game, Peyton Manning didn't even bother to take off his helmet. Trying to hide tears, maybe?

Now for a week off, before coming back to round out the season with another string of victories.

16-0 here we come!

It's B-Day

Yes, I know there were CFL games this weekend, but other than the Argos locking up the East Division title, the games didn't mean much.

This weekend, though, is all about the NFL, and more specifically, all about the New England Patriots and the Indianpolis Colts. That game starts in just under an hour.

I'll report back after the game.

BTW, "B" is for Brady.


LUNCH: A big, coronary-inducing plate of chili-cheese fries

Countdown: Tom versus Peyton

Despite the fact that these guys don't like each other, they are surprisingly civil about it.

In fact, they are both going out of their way to compliment each other, as the quotes in this article prove.

I almost wish there was some trash talking going on, but you're never going to get that from guys like Tom and Peyton. Their mothers taught them manners.

Countdown: Tom versus Peyton

Four sleeps to go.

Nobody seems surprised that the Colts - undefeated this season, 12 straight home game victories, and Super Bowl champions - are underdogs against the Patriots.

That's because the Patriots are that good.

Sure, their game in Indianapolis will be their toughest of the season, but does the word juggernaut mean anything to you?

"You can't stop the Juggernaut!"

Make no mistake, either, there is no love lost between Tom and Peyton. They really don't like each other. This time, it's personal.

Ain't it always.

Tom versus Peyton

Only five more sleeps until the game of the year.

Are you ready?

It turns out I'm going to be on the road, too, so won't be in front of my nice big flatscreen to watch the Patriots crush the Colts. Guess I'll be trolling the streets of Montreal for a decent sports bar.


LUNCH: Cobb salad

Holy crap

Going into today's NFL game with the New England Patriots in Miami to play the Dolphins, the question wasn't whether the Patriots would win, but how badly they would embarrass the Fins.

Well, at halftime, the Patriots are up 42-7. Tom Brady has already thrown for five touchdowns.

In all of their games so far this season, the Patriots have scored more than 34 points. They've done that today in the first half.

People, 16-0 is possible.

EDIT: Final score: Patriots 49, Dolphins 28; Brady threw for six touchdowns, and only played about half of the second half.

Football round-up

Well, Tom Brady clearly won the battle of the quarterbacks when the Patriots crushed the Cowboys on Sunday. Too bad, Tony Romo.

Tom, don't give up your day job, though, cause an actor you are not, and you proved that in the funny bit about why you are always listed as "probable" on the NFL injury report because of that lingering shoulder injury.

Henry Burris showed why the Stamps need him so bad, and the Eskimos were, for all intents and purposes, officially eliminated from the CFL playoff picture. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Ha!

Finally, over at Twelve Men on the Field, a look at how B.C. Lions president Bob Ackles is trying to save the CFL.


LUNCH: Really average mall Thai food, ginger beef and orange chicken. Mmmm, sweet

Holy crap

Tom Brady and the Patriots are still undefeated, after taking down the Bengals 34 to 13. And the Bengals are a better team than their 1-3 record would indicate.

Now I'm excited for Favre and the Packers, and have a passing curiosity with what the Raiders are doing, but at this point, is there any reason not to make the prediction now?

New England Patriots, Super Bowl XLII champions.


LUNCH: burrito with too much salsa