One and done

SPORTING GOODS

I'm not going to grouse about the fact that the New England Patriots won't get to go to the NFL playoffs with an 11-5 record while the Arizona Cardinals (and Denver Broncos?) at 9-7 will.

The Pats had their chances, and I truly think that the November 13 loss to the hideous Jets (a game that most of America couldn't see) was the game the Pats can look back on and say, "If only ..." (For a period of ten days, the Jets looked like world beaters as they defeated both the Pats and the Titans. After that episode, the only team they could beat for the rest of the season was the lowly Bills.)

Next year could be interesting. Hell, the off-season could be interesting, as there're sure to be many teams interested in the Pats' backup quarterback—whoever he turns out to be.

At any rate, this'll make my January and February televiewing choices a bit easier. Go Huskies!