You Can't Win For Losing!

My mother had a favorite saying that I remember whenever I find myself in the position that the Jacksonville Jaguars found themselves in after the AFC championship game. They had an incredible season, and against all odds, they were leading the Patriots in the 4th quarter by double digits. Fans in Florida were already planning their Superbowl parties. 

However, things didn't go as planned. They lost. And now, much to the dismay of football fans everywhere, outside of New England, the Patriots will be going to the Superbowl... again.

After leading the team to another thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Brady will have the chance to win his sixth ring. He already has more rings than any other QB in NFL history. Another ring will just let him add to a lead that will probably never be broken. The Patriots will have the chance to tie the Pittsburg Steelers for the most SB wins in NFL history. It's even been suggested that they rename the Superbowl to the Patriots Bowl! 

OK... that's my idea... but it's a good one!

Apparently, the Patriots playing in another Superbowl isn't something anyone in the country wanted to see. I'm reading stories on many sports sites bemoaning the fact that the Patriots, by virtue of their incredible consistency, are somehow ruining their fun. Watching the Patriots go to another Superbowl is getting old. It's not good for the NFL, it's not good for the fans and it's definitely not good for the Jaguars. Ask anyone, they deserved to go to the big game.

The complaints can be summed up this way.

Shouldn't the Patriots lose so some other team can have their shot? Haven't they had more than their fair share? Come on! Obviously there is some kind of conspiracy going on. And there is no shortage of conspiracy theories to choose from

The most popular theories are that:

A) the Patriots are cheaters.

If so, then they are the greatest cheaters to ever play a sport. No one knows just how they cheat, but it must be true or why would everybody call them the Cheatriots?

B) The Patriots are paying off the refs.

Really? If true, they must have paid them millions over the last 16 years. That would explain why all the refs that work their games live in mansions and drive fancy cars.

Or

C) The NFL wants the Patriots in the Superbowl because it's great for their ratings.

Oh sure. That would explain them taking away draft choices, fining them millions, suspending Brady for four games over something that never happened and then somehow helping them comeback from a 28-3 hole against the Falcons.

They're all good theories. They sound even better when you're drunk with your friends at the bar trying to explain why they are so successful. But I have a theory of my own. I'll admit, it's pretty far out there and one that most haters won't even consider.

But think about it.

The only two guys left from the start of this dynasty in 2001 are Brady and Belichick. Yet, through all the years, with players coming and going, the Patriots are still on top. So it's pretty clear that it has nothing to do with having the same players from year to year.

It has nothing to do with cheating.

It has nothing to do with paying off the refs.

And it has nothing to do with the NFL office.

Maybe... just maybe... Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are the greatest QB/HC tandem to ever work together. And whether the fans or the NFL like it or not, the winning won't stop until they retire.

So, my reply to all those teams and fans who are bitching about how much the Patriots win and wondering why their team isn't going to the Superbowl is what my mother used to say when I didn't win.

You can't win for losing.

GO PATS!

Do You Believe in Magic?

I know I'm late in commenting but I wasn't online yesterday. But I did get to watch the last 4 minutes of the Saints vs Vikings game. As a football fan I have to say the end of the game was one for the ages. It has reaffirmed my personal belief that sports; the games, the players and their fans, is one of the last places where magic can still be created, conjured and witnessed.

There were four lead changes in the last 3+ minutes. Two FG's that, in most circumstances, would have decided an ordinary game. Two teams that played their hearts out down to the last second. Combined with the support, love and faith of fans around the country and the world that cheered, cried and prayed with every new play; All of efforts ended in a game that was decided in the last seconds by a play that contained elements of the greatest and worst efforts that athletes can achieve. The victory came as a result of a Hail Mary toss, an incredible catch that was as athletic as they come and one of the worst timed attempts at tackling ever seen!

Anyone who saw the game live couldn't help but be astonished at its unlikely outcome. But that's where the magic that sports promises us can still be found. It's where the Davids can still defeat the Goliaths if they just give their best effort... and believe.

In games like this, players hopes and dreams can be both crushed and realized within a span of moments. Their hearts can dive into the depths of despair or soar to the heights of Heaven all based on one play, one effort and one individual.

After the Vikings drove down the field and kicked a FG with less than two minutes left, it was up to, Drew Brees, to get the Saints in position to kick a FG and get the lead back.And he did just that. The Saints drove downfield and kicked a FG to take the lead with 25 seconds left.The Vikings had their backs to the wall. They got the ball back after and worked to get back upfield. But they came up seriously short.

They had 10 seconds left, no timeouts and needed about 30 yards to get into field goal range. This was going to be their last try. EVERYONE knew that game was over. But that's where the magic happened.

On 3rd and 10, the Vikings QB, Case Keenum, threw the ball long and high just hoping against hope it would find a friendly pair of hands. A Vikings receiver, Stefon Diggs, leaped high into the air and made a sensational catch. All the Saints defender had to do was make a routine tackle and the game was over. But then, nothing is routine in sports.

The Saints rookie defender, Marcus Williams, went low and missed hitting Diggs' legs. To compound the missed tackle, Williams hit the only other Saints player with a chance to make the tackle and took him out of the play. Diggs landed on his feet, kept his balance and sprinted into the end-zone for the winning touchdown.

The Vikings and their fans went wild. The Saints players were left to struggle with the unbelievable end while their cheering fans fell silent with disbelief. I felt so bad for the Saints player because, even though most of the planet is asking "What was he thinking?" I think I know what he was thinking. "If I take out his legs he'll come down inbounds and the clock will run out."

And it's true... if the Viking guy landed on his feet and managed to get out of bounds, the clock stops with 1 or 2 seconds and they have time to set up for a FG attempt from well within the kickers range.

It never should have happened... but it did. Two players became part of a sports play that will go down as one of the most miraculous plays in sports history. Williams will never forget it... Diggs will always remember it.

Despite the role each one played, together they were a part of one hell of a a magical ending... It's what I love the most about sports.