Going To The Dance

The Patriots have mauled their glorious way to a third Super Bowl appearance in four years. They've been called various things: the dynasty, the Team (uppercase 'T'), even "the obedient sons of Bill Belichick" in today's Globe. But never, never 'the losers' or even 'the New York Yankees of football'. Nope, this winner isn't overpaid, juiced up, or constipated. What a team! What a run!

We had an enjoyable party last night; complete with burgers, wings, dogs, Pennsylvania & Massachusetts brews, chips, dips, and confident Pittsburgh fans. And I've already requested the day off for Monday, Feb. 7th - I'm not watching another football game in Virginia this season!

What's really impressed about the Patriots is not just that they win; they go for the jugular. They find the strength of each time and assault it directly. They scored 34 points against the league's leading defense (and seven more on Rodney Harrison's interception), the week after they had held the league's leading offense to one miserly field goal. Going for it on 4th-and-1 late in the game - and getting the first down - Belichek showed that he's playing for keeps.

In two weeks, the Pats will be lining up against the best team in the NFC. There's only one question left: will they shut them out or blow them out?