Rare Situation

The Patsies are in a rare situation this weekend. Rare for them anyways. For the first time this year, they are going into a game where people other than Pats fans might be rooting for them. All year, they have been portrayed (not unjustifiably, really) as cheaters, thugs, and poor sports. They have also been portrayed as quite possibly the best team ever. (Also more or less justifiable.)

Really, the only NFL team that's taken it from the media worse than the Pats, is the Jets. Mangini has been described as basically a snivelling little rat who turned on his master, as a terrible coach, coaching a terrible team. (Also justifiable.) Oh, and people think he's fat. (It's interesting that the same people who crucify Belichick for cheating, vilify Mangini for turning him in. You can't have it both ways people.)

Having listened to some of the national sports talk people talk about this game, I've sensed a sort of evil anticipation in them, similar to the rubberneckers or "watching an impending train wreck" sort. Most seem to think Belichick is going to try to embarrass the Jets. Some have predicted the Pats will score 100 points. Nobody but nobody thinks the Pats will lose this game. Hell, Eric Mangini's mother probably doesn't even think they have a chance.

Personally.. I'm watching this game. Normally the game is on in our house, but I may be snoozing, or reading, browsing the internets... Not this time. Billy B is capable of anything here. It wouldn't surprise me to see onside kicks (Yes, that is an intentional plural) when up by 30, going for it on fourth down, Rodney Harrison accidentally kicking the Mangenius in his nutty buddy.

This is must-see tv. From the opening (hopefully onsides) kick, to the closing handshake, (God I hope mangini goes for the hug) anything could happen.

Is it wrong that this is only the second Pat's game all year I've been even remotely excited about?