Crunch Time

I'm not talking about Q4 wrapping up or anything like that, I am talking about the last 4 weeks of the NFL season. Football in December is where the good teams separate themselves from the weaker teams, and as hard as it is for me to say it, I think my Patriots are one of those weaker teams. After another 4th quarter letdown, the Miami Dolphins went onto 6-6 while the Pats fell to 7-5. They are still up a game on the Fish and the Jets, but things are not looking so good. The Pats will probably find themselves in the playoffs thanks to a somewhat manageable schedule ahead of them, but a lot of things have to happen in order for the Pats to be in the AFC championship game against the Colts (they are rolling, plus there are 8 other teams in the AFC that are still in the hunt including MIA and NYJ). December football is wildly entertaining, second only to January football but with so many teams battling for births, this is going to be a photo finish.

OK, that was my attempt at professionalism, now here is my bulleted rant on the debacle in Miami yesterday:

• I realize you play to win the game (thanks Herm), but after failing to convert on 4th down against Indy, the Pats went for it again on 4th down at the end of the first half, and again they didn't convert. They had a chance for a field goal but turned it over on downs and gave it back to Miami who marched the other way and kicked a field goal for themselves. Really?
• The Pats' secondary is weak, and if Chad Henne can pick them apart, who knows what Cinci, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Baltimore, Denver, etc. can do against them down the stretch?
• Is #96 going to show up this year, ever? He had 2 tackles yesterday. Know who else had two tackles? Junior Seau. He's 40 years old. Enough said.
• Moss had two catches yesterday. I know that he typically has double coverage because teams are stacking a safety over the top against him, but he is the best receiver in the league, shouldn't they try a little harder to get the ball to him?
• Lastly, not to name names, but the coach who usually wears a hoodie cut-off needs to make better decisions. Kick that field goal, put points on the board. Cripes.

Crash - OUT