The big fallout of this postseason, and in fact throughout the season, has been the progressive decline of the New England Patriots. As a Colts fan, I can’t say that I was upset about the Patriots’ loss yesterday, but in a really weird sort of way, I am. Afterall, who wouldn’t look forward to an AFC Championship Game match-up pitting the Colts vs. the Pats, this time in the Dome? Regardless, yesterday, every one of the Patsies’ weapons let them down. Bruschi (probably the most over-hyped player this year) and company didn’t make a play. Even the normally dependable Adam Vinatieri missed a field goal. Tom Brady had far from his usual calm, cool, collected and commanding demeanor, appearing frustrated and forcing throws he wouldn’t ordinarily attempt. 

After years of watching the match-ups between the Patsies and the Colts, the interesting thing I’ve noted is how different they are when they play other teams. Sure, Belichick did some absurd things against the Dolphins that showed a complete disrespect for Jacksonville (having the choice between facing the Jaguars, if they lost, or the Steelers, if they won, Belichick chose to throw the game with some incredible calls – like Doug Flutie’s drop kicked extra point, and an “intentional” throw to the cheerleaders when the Patriots had the opportunity to score the go-ahead touchdown). But, this is a team that has a history of doing things like this. I mean, I’ll never forget the infamous Belichick shuffle on the sidelines, when he actually blocked Marvin Harrison from making a play on an intercepted ball from Peyton Manning (see The Bill Belichick Shuffle). Or, when Willie McGinest faked a leg injury in the final moments of that game in 2004 in the Dome to stall the Colts momentum, only to return to the game two plays later, make a play stopping the Colts on fourth down, and then run triumphantly down the field. This is a team that has a history of playing dirty, and me and thousands of other NFL fans just don’t understand why they are such media darlings.

But despite Belichick’s antics, Colt-Pats is no doubt the NFL’s marquee match-up – a game pitting the league’s two best quarterbacks against one another. Always physical, always hard fought, and always controversial. But this was the year that not only will that matchup not happen, but the matchup might lose some of its luster with the Patsie’s on the decline. Oh well. We always have the Chargers to look forward to. Go Colts!

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