Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Drowning my sorrows in a six-pack of observations:

The dynasty days are done: No longer can we expect opposing teams to melt like the Wicked Witch of the West when confronted by Belichick, Brady and the rest of the “flying Elvis� crew in Foxboro. Where it used to be a Patriots blowout or close shave victory, now it’s the home team getting nicked-up and left bleeding on Gillette Stadium turf whenever a quality foe visits “The Razor.�

Tom Brady needs a hug: I can see the line of volunteers forming already. (Ladies, please…no Fighting!)

The Pats QB already admitted to being distracted against Buffalo, but the Denver debacle was another matter, as distraction turned to dejection. Tom Terrific hung his head more often than a frat boy doing the morning walk of shame after seeing last night’s “conquest� without benefit of beer goggles.

I realize Bill Belichick isn’t exactly the touchy-feely type, but he may want to send a little love his franchise quarterback’s way. Love, of course, being defined as a threatening wide receiver.

Rice’s record cooked: Speaking of receivers, my favorite little tidbit from the entire weekend of football was New Hampshire wideout David Ball hauling in 3-TD passes in a win over Dartmouth. The trifecta gives the senior from Orange, Vermont 50-TD receptions for his career, tying him for the top spot on the Division 1-AA all-time list.

Ball, along with all-world QB Ricky Santos, has been the driving force behind the Wildcats amazing run since 2004. The tiny school in Durham, NH, where the players actually have to go to class, has made two consecutive post-season appearances and is currently ranked number one in the country. They’ve even beaten Division One foes each of the last two years, including a 34-17 thrashing of Big-Ten bowl participant, Northwestern earlier this month.

Wondering who shares the record Ball is about to shatter? Some dude named Jerry Rice.

Red Sox in the playoffs: Well, not anyone from the current edition, but more than a few you’ve rooted for before.

I’ll leave the Johnny Damon thing alone. The Mets World Series chances rest on the shoulder of Pedro Martinez. If the Dodgers are still playing next week, you’ll be able to see Nomar Garciaparra (having fun again), Derek Lowe (why did we offer Matt Clement more than him?) and Grady Little (gone but not forgotten…or forgiven). Even the Padres boast Dave Roberts, Josh Bard and Cla Meredith. (Bard & Meredith for Mirabelli? Lucy, you have some splainin’ to do!)

Giambi the role model: I get why the Yankees are disappointed in Alex Rodriguez. If Joe Torre, Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams or Mariano Rivera want to rip him, no objections here. They’ve earned the right.

Tell me again where Jason Giambi gets the nerve to spout off though? Does hypocrisy come in needle or cream form these days?

Sunk across the pond: Once again, the Euros beat us like a rented mule at the Ryder Cup. Don’t know about you, but I couldn’t care less. The format is kind of silly, to be honest.

Alternating shots? What’s that all about? "Hey kids, play nice. Stewart, you’ll get your turn to hit the ball right after little Davis does. Eldrick, you put that club down right now and stop beating Phil over the head with it, you hear me?�