The Patriot Effect

December 6, 2007 – 3:55 pm

Not too long ago I wrote about the importance of the Patriots - Colts contest and how a game of that magnitude was good for the NFL. It was essentially Super Bowl XLII 1/2. Coming into Week 14, the Pats record is still unblemished and they face the last big hurdle in finishing the season undefeated: the Pittsburgh Steelers. Seeing as I’m a Steeluh fan, I had to give my thoughts on the match-up.

There are two things that stand out to me going into this game. First, the Patriots are coming off of two last minute wins against mediocre teams. Two weeks ago they needed A.J. Feeley to throw a late interception to win against Philly, and last Monday night in Baltimore they scored the go ahead touchdown with less than 40 seconds to play. The talk of the sports world has been how beatable the Patriots have looked in these last two games after seeming invincible in the previous 12 weeks. One of their starting linebackers, Roosevelt Colvin, was recently banished to injured reserve for the remainder of the season, decreasing their defensive versatility. These trends are worrisome for the Patriot fan and freakin’ sweet if you are an anti-New Englander.

“Hold on there a minute,” the Pats fan is saying, “the Steeluhs have losses to Arizona, Denver, and the freaking Jets, man! How are we supposed to take a team who lost to those three teams seriously?!?” Well, as much as I hate to admit it, it seems the ‘07 Steelers tend to lose focus when playing inferior teams like these three, whose combined record is now 14-20. Losing to the New York Football Jets is like dying on the first enemy in the original Super Mario Bros. But they’ll be ready for this big one. I guarantee it.

Speaking of which, one thing that really grinds my gears is when professional athletes “guarantee” a victory. Many times it is amusing, but it always seems like some yay-hoo will always say something leading up to a big clash. So of course second year defensive back Anthony Smith of the Steel-City had to go and guarantee a victory against the Pats. Hopefully this tomfoolery won’t mess with the Pittsburgh mojo or further motivate the Brady Bunch.

These are the kind of games that make me love the NFL. Do you want to see the Pats go with zero losses and glide their way to another title? The Patriots are quite a polarizing team, so I think no matter what they are increasing interest in the league. You either love them or hate them. I hate them. But, I still watch. I was on the edge of my seat Monday night pleading for the Ravens to not screw up. Hopefully this game won’t disappoint. Unless the Steelers blow them out. That wouldn’t be so disappointing. No, that would be as sweet as Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Why hasn’t anyone made a real chocolate river yet?

EDIT (December 10): The Pats made trounced their would-be adversaries, winning by three touchdowns. Anthony Smith got burned on two long touchdown passes. Guess he should have guaranteed that he would play like poop.

Tags: grinds my gears, NFL, patriots, pittsburgh by 3, steelers