Teddy, I hope you are only wrong once a month. That way I can book an unexpected vacation to Arizona!! Happy New Year my friend!! (PFKR)

I wouldn't make those plans for Arizona too quickly, my friend... Just as you were ready to send Indy to NE for the AFC Championship... the Chargers will have something to say about who goes to the SB (to beat up on the Packers).

Now, understand, I realize the Chargers will be huge underdogs and I am certainly not picking them to win but they do have the following working for them and certainly have a puncher's chance (if not much more)

1. Even if LT doesn't play or is limited- Turner and Sproles looked awfully good yesterday. It's more the O-line than anything but those guys are both very quick.

2. Chargers' receivers are much better than the first time they played, even if Gates doesn't play. Chambers/Jackson is a much more potent duo than the sad sacks the Jags tossed at them on Saturday night.

3. NE's defense is still not firing on all cylinders- especially the secondary. Randall Gay looks horrible and Hobbs is not much better. Harrison's dumb penalties aren't helping either.

4. That one-handed INT by Weddle on the goal-line when he was being blocked by Saturday. If *THAT* play didn't reveal who had karma on their side yesterday I don't know what else could.

5. Manning threw for a ton of yards but when SD needed to stop the Colts they sure seemed to come up pretty big. Their run defense was also extremely stout yesterday. Holding the Colts to 24 points at home is quite an accomplishment in my book.

Now I agree you can probably find 20 good reasons for the Pats to win (and it starts with BB vs Norv Turner- point taken!) but just realize that there are a lot more reasons to think that SD has a shot than to think the Jags did... Besides the AFC champ is gonna toy with the NFC winner, anyway, so may as well make this one out to be interesting even if it's going to be a 14 point (or more) Pats' win.

San Diego definetely has a shot to beat the Pats. LT, Rivers, and Gates will all be playing ok Panos. Didn't you learn your lesson about making stupid predictions from the stupid one you made before yesterday's Indy Game? SD has a great D as well. Better than any D the Pats have faced all season my friend. And SD's D forces teams to make mistakes and we all know how Brady tends to make bonehead plays when he's under alot of pressure. Nevermind the 3 superbowls, i'm talking about recently. Whoever comes out of the AFC will be losing to the real MVP Brett Favre and the Packerz.

I hope you stretched out well before typing that last one, DB. Because if you have to reach that far to find a scenario in which the Chargers can beat the Pats, you're likely to pull and oblique or something.

I get a chuckle when I hear the comments about the Patriots defense not playing well...sorta like the stuff we heard about the lack of a running game (funny, those voices have been silenced, haven't they). Let's look at this for a second:

Forget yards allowed...as I've told everyone many times, the only stats Belichick cares about are scoring more points than the opposition or allowing less than the opposition. Coming into Saturday's game, the Jaguars averaged 27-PPG's on the season and 32 over their last 8-games. They scored 20 against the Pats. In other words, 7 less than their season average, almost 2 touchdowns less than the average over the last half of the season.

All we heard all week was how unstoppable the Jags running game was, yet the Pats shut them down like a strip joint caught serving minors. Sure, Garrard looked good in the first half, but that's because the Patriots were making him beat them. Once the second half came and the running game had been completely emasculated, the proper adjustments were made and the "potent" Jags managed only a pair of FG's.

The only team of destiny is the one that's undefeated and making history every time they take the field.

And finally, you conveniently left out the QB conversation. Rivers/Volek vs. Brady is a bigger mismatch than Belichick vs. Turner.

Throw in a warm weather, west coast team traveling across the country twice in two weeks, and the recipe is there for blowout burgers.

I understand not everyone is a Patriots fan, but it's time to quit looking for ways New England can get beat, and start realizing they're not going to get beat. They've come too far, survived too many letdown scenarios during the regular season to allow an undermanned Chargers team to stop the joy ride now.

Face it DB...your Eagles and the Ravens had a shot and blew it. You will now have to deal with a Patriots fan base stoked by the fires of a 19-0 season...THE GREATEST TEAM IN NFL HISTORY!

"SD has a great D as well. Better than any D the Pats have faced all season my friend."

Hey Danimal, is that the same D Brady tore to shreds in Week 2, on the very same field they'll be playing on again Sunday?

I agree with Danimal, you super-homers are counting out the Chargers way to early, but the Patriots will win. Just like the Jags game, the Pats become to much for the Chargers in the end, and win it in the second half. That being said, your blind faith toward the Pats doing no wrong is sad, they can lose, they just probably won't.

Ken, you obviously haven't read this blog the entire two years I've been doing it. When the Pats were flawed in '05 and '06, I said so, and predicted they wouldn't win the Super Bowl. Of course they CAN lose. Anything CAN happen. A meteor CAN strike the earth at some point before Sunday and destroy all mankind, too.

However, what CAN hapen and what WILL happen are totally different things. The Patriots WILL beat the Chargers, just like they HAVE beaten every other team in their path.

That's not blind faith. That's living in reality and calling them as I see them, not as I hope they're going to be.

I hate to fall back on the old "put your money where your mouth is" argument, but if the Patriots CAN be beat, why don't you bet the mortgage on that happening. No point spreads. Just a money line. You'd be filthy rich if your faith were rewarded.

Unless, of course, it's a blind faith.

Now then, where are the rest of the Patriots fans out there.

You folks were quick to have your voices heard and jump all over me the last two years when I didn't think the Pats could win. Where are you when I need you?

These Patriots haters are questioning your knowledge, calling you "super homers," as if you just blindly root for your home team and really know nothing about the game. You just going to sit back and take that? You wouldn't let Yankees fans get away with that, and that was back when the Yanks were a dynasty and owned the Red Sox.

LET'S GO...MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!

Yeah, Panos you stupid Super Homer. Good one Kenny. And no Panos it is not the same D that Brady tore to shreds in week 2. Hello!? MCFLY!? It's not the same team period that they were in week 2. Haven't you heard SD has wone like 70 straight games. I've said it before and i'll say it again Panos, you are absolutely PATHETIC

Feel free to take that tongue out of your cheek now, DANIMAL, before you accidentally bite it off during one of your rants!

And folks in New England truly wonder why the Patriots and their fans are hated almost as much as the Cowboys?? It's the attitude expressed by folks that just about mimic this blog posting... How the Patriots are "going to win". Hey, I admitted above the chances of a Chargers upset are very slim but you need to acknowledge that there is a chance and not in the same sentence you discuss being hit by a meteor or aliens invading from Mars or any other "possible" scenario.

Remember Super Bowl 3? Remember NC State in 1983? USA hockey in 1980?? Not saying we will see a repeat of any of those but how many fans of the "overdogs" in those games were ready to plan the victory parade long before the game was played??

All the talk to fuel the first SB win was about how the Rams and national media all disrespected the Patriots and gave them no chance despite being an up-and-coming team. Funny how when the shoe is squarely on the other foot all of a sudden that sort of talk is not only okay but encouraged??

I don't recall ever backing "my" Ravens as I hate that team. Yes, I am an Eagles fan but for all of the troubles they had in the NFC playoffs over the years at least they never lost in the first round when they were a #1 seed.

I meant "your Eagles"...Ravens was thrown in there because along with Philly, they came the closest to beating the Pats.

Here's what bothers me; I know it sounds arrogant, but I never remember as much discussion about how the great Montana 49ers or the Aikman-Smith-Irvin Cowboyos were beatable, and those teams never went undefeated. Maybe it's the onslaught of cable programming and talking heads that need to fill hours of "discussion" trying desperately to find a new twist. However, I find it amazing so much time is spent trying to search for flaws in a team that went 16-0, against the schedule they did it against. Of course there are flaws. So what. Nobody said they're perfect. Every team is beatable. But on a one game basis, who is going to beat them? Who would you bet on if you had to let it all ride...the Pats or some other squad?

So instead of searching for flaws, how about we appreciate them for what they really are. You don't have to like them. You don't have to like their fans. You can root like hell for them to lose, just as I did with all those Niners teams. But as a true sports fan (which I know you are) you should tip your hat to them and realize that when it gets to this point in the season, the 14-2 Patriots NEVER lost. The 16-0 version won't either.

And for the record, I didn't believe in the Pats against the Rams, either. If you're a logical fan, how could you? That's what made the victory more enjoyable than the other 2 Super Bowls. (At least until this one comes) I am far from a Boston sports yahoo...ask the fans I ticked off by saying the Pats and Sox weren't good enough in years past (if you can find them...they've all deserted me).

OK I'll buy that Ravens explanation... For the record I was only really rooting for the Eagles to win and not so much because I don't like the Pats and wanted to see their perfect season end- more because the Eagles needed that win to have a shot at the playoffs and so far the NFC playoffs have proven that a good team on a roll could really do some damage in the NFC (Giants) even if coming from the wild card spot.

Of course the Pats should be appreciated for what they have done- even by fans of other teams. I guess the part that bothers me is, at this point, they have not yet accomplished what the Niners, Cowboys, '72 Dolphins, etc have done which is win the SuperBowl. Once that happens (and, yes, if I were betting I'd be foolish to bet on anyone other than NE) THEN I think the talk about comparing them to teams from history should begin in earnest. I think it's jumping the gun a bit to call them a team of the ages when they still have to face a very tough SD team and then whomever comes out of the NFC.

I'd think the one vs the Rams would always be #1?? They beat a team MUCH more highly regarded by the media, they went for it when Madden said they should take a knee, and finished it off with a GW FG as time ran out. No way to create any more drama than that even if it wasn't their first SB win ever. I would think a win this year would be a little more of a "ho-hum we were the best team, anyway" sort of a reaction but that's just what I think as an outside observer. I just want the Eagles to win ONE of these things SOMEDAY and they can go 0-16 every year after if they have to- LOL.

You say that now DB, but that's what we used to say;
"Just let the Sox win ONE World Series and I can die happy" or "If the Patriots could only win a Super Bowl I wouldn't care if they stink for 20-years."

Then it happens, and you get greedy...greedy and cocky. And when they stink for 20-years, you belittle them, just like we did the Celtics when they fell on hard times after giving us the greatest 25-year run in team sports history.

I hope you live long enough to experience that!

I guess that's why I don't think I'd feel that way... I was elated in 2004 when the Sox won. This time around I was happy they won but was almost expecting it and, I think, it just didn't mean as much. Back in 2004 I had to have the official baseball, hat, etc right after game 4. This time I got the NESN and MLB DVDs for Christmas but haven't even watched either one yet.

Now- I am still as much of a Sox fan as I was before but I think that the greed factor is just not there for me. I agree that if they have a 20-year stinky period I'll get upset (similar to the C's) but I don't feel that the C's or the Red Sox owe me anything. Now the Bruins on the other hand... LOL.

Ok something I have to comment on is, you mention the talking heads, and how they are not reslishing the Pats being undefeated, ARE YOU JOKING? I grew up with a 49ers fan, and yes every single year they talked about how they are weak here and there. The fact that you feel that the National Media isn't loving the Pats more makes me feel sad for you. To compare the pats losing to an asteroid hitting the earth is the worst arguement you can have. Well I suppose Tom Brady can get blown up by some crazed fan, and they will lose, but I am guessing there is a better chance on them losing to the Chargers. I still think they will win, but I know there is a chance they will lose. You ask if I would bet all of my money on the Pats if point spreads weren't there, OF COURSE NOT! I wouldn't do that for any team, and the fact that you would amazes me.

Did I say the national media wasn't "relishing" the Patriots being undefeated? It's the fans that aren't relishing it. I know why the haters don't, but what about the supposed Pats fans...why can't they enjoy the ride and are always looking for the doom and gloom?

What I was talking about was that far too much time is being spent justifying a case for how they can be beat. Too many people who supposedly are "experts" are saying and writing things that they have to know aren't accurate or possible. Wasn't Merril Hoge picking the Steelers to beat them? And he's not alone. You have so-called experts talking about the lack of a running game, a vulnerable defense, an offense that would stall in bad weather...etc, etc....

Such talk is foolish, as Maroney's rushing totals last week showed, not to mention the defense keeping the Jaguars well below their points average.

The gambling question was a hypothetical. There's a difference. And I'll ask it again; if you HAD to bet, wouldn't you take the Pats? Would you even give taking the Chargers a first thought, never mind a second one?

We can all sit here February 4th and talk about how great the Patriots are, what a wonderful season they had and maybe call them the greatest in history. Of course, what fun is that?

You sit back and wait for hindsight because you're afraid to go out on a limb and make a prediction/definitive statement. I'll feel good about the fact I was calling this back in Week 6. I put my money where mouth was (figuratively speaking...don't call GA on me), and it's going to be a lot more satisfying WHEN, not IF, it happens.

Ok I took this from your post, saying that they should relish it.

************
Maybe it's the onslaught of cable programming and talking heads that need to fill hours of "discussion" trying desperately to find a new twist. However, I find it amazing so much time is spent trying to search for flaws in a team that went 16-0, against the schedule they did it against. Of course there are flaws. So what. Nobody said they're perfect. Every team is beatable. But on a one game basis, who is going to beat them? Who would you bet on if you had to let it all ride...the Pats or some other squad?

So instead of searching for flaws, how about we appreciate them for what they really are.

**************

You said that not me, you are saying that the talking heads should appreciate them, if that's not what you meant maybe you should have said the fans.

What the heck do you want other people to talk about, not everyone loves the Pats, maybe it's interesting for people to figure out a way they can be beat. I for one would not tune into Sportscenter is they talked about how great the Pats are day in and day out. Also do you realize there is life outside of New England, a lot of people don't like the Pats (or their arrogant fans), and ESPN is looking for ratings, and having a station full of Pats Cheerleaders would suck...bad, and Merril Hoge is an iddiot. Hell people do it all the time with the underdogs, it makes things interesting.

If I had to bet sure I would take the Pats, but if someone said if I pick wrong the will shoot me, I wouldn't being feeling great, as of course the Chargers can win!

Also you called this week 6, so did about 10000000 of other Homers, if you were wrong you would have said well of course they couldn't go undefeated not with this parity.

All I am saying no one should be celebrating until the night of the super bowl, as they haven't won anything yet, and you know what if you ask anyone on the Pats, they wouldn't, even with a gun to their head, say they will win.

I guess the definition of "relish" I go by is: vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment.

The definition of "appreciate" (which is the actual word I used) that I meant was: To recognize the quality, significance, or magnitude of

I guess we're arguing semantics here, as the words are very similar in many of their dictionary definitions. However, the intent is different in the way we interpret them.

That's neither here nor there. The point I was making (and has been missed) is that we don't need people to root for the Patriots. Nor is there anything wrong with coming up with ways in which they can be beat, provided people aren't talking out of their you-know-what just for the sake of being a contrarian.

Let me say it AGAIN; I don't care how repetitive it is to say the Patriots are a great team or have a great offense. If your job is to analyze and discuss football (as we do here), then it's downright silly to say the Patriots are WEAK at running the ball or on defense...destroys all credibility because those arguments couldn't be farther from the truth, and have been shown to be false. People making serious money as "experts" shouldn't be on a fishing expedition. They should use that expertise to enlighten us with credible arguments, not just arguments for the sake of filling ESPN Ocho's programming schedule.

As for the haters, don't tell me there's a CHANCE the Chargers will win just because there's a CHANCE anything can happen. We know that. That's why I threw in the stupid analogy of the meteor (or asteroid, or whatever the hell I said).

Tell me HOW the Chargers can win, and sound credible doing it. Convince me with facts HOW the Chargers will pound the ball down the Patriots throats when the Jaguars couldn't. Convince me with facts HOW in the two most important roles on a football team, QB and Coach, that Philip Rivers and Norv Turner will be able to outthink and outperform Tom Brady and Bill Belichick...on the road. Tell me HOW an underperforming 11-5 team, from a warm weather city, playing for the 3rd consecutive week will come into the frigid home of a 16-0 team, playing at home for the 2nd consecutive week after a bye, having won countless playoff battles in that exact scenario and in that exact weather, and beat them.

Don't just talk about it for the sake of talking about it like the talking heads do. Don't do what others on this blog did and tell me the Patriots are gonnna lose somewhere along the way because all NFL teams lose at some point, because you were all wrong. Step out on the limb and tell me HOW it's going to happen. TELL ME IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN, if you really believe it will. Otherwise, don't tell us to wait till after the Super Bowl to celebrate.

As a fan, I've been celebrating all year. I've been celebrating the greatest team in the history of the NFL. I've been celebrating seeing everyone wrong about whether the Patriots could be beat and how it could happen. Best of all, I've been "relishing" the experience because this happens once in a generation, and I was fortunate enough to recognize it and enjoy every little step along the way.

It's like wooing a fine woman and finally conquering her. If you wait until after the deed is done to enjoy it, you'll be left thinking; Now what?

So you haters go ahead and wait for the Pats to lose so you can say I told you so. We homers will simply enjoy the Charlize Theron of NFL teams!

(How's that for an analogy? LOL!!!)

RE: Merril Hoge... As Ken says that guy is about the WORST talking head of them all. One season, I think 2003 or 2004 he picked against the Eagles EVERY week of the season - probably because he had played for Pittsburgh or maybe someone in Philly made a comment about him and he holds a grudge.... Let's just say the fans had a nice reception for him when he had to work one of the games at the Linc later that year (I think maybe it was the NFC Championship vs Atlanta if memory serves).

Don't take ANYTHING that guy says seriously- I think he got one or two too many concussions while playing that went untreated!

I'll bet the guy hasn't picked even 50% winners (without the spread) in his ESPN career.

Agree with Ken's main point... Rooting and hoping for a Pats' win is fine but celebrating the expected championship more than 2 1/2 weeks before the Super Bowl is even played with 2 more games to go *is* pushing it and you know the players and organization (especially BB) feel the same way. So- enjoy the ride and celebrate a victory, should it come, the same as the last 3 but no one should bet the house on ANY team winning.

Ok so how can San Diego beat the Pats.

1 - LT is not the same LT from Week 2, something has definitely changed about him, if he plays and his is healthy, he can beat the Pats LB's, he is better than Maurice Jones Drew and Fred Taylor, there can't be an arguement about that.

2 - Defense - The Chargers have to get to Brady often, and when I say often the hurries need to be over 20. On top of that they can't let the Pats beat them deep, so it will be a matter of getting in Brady's face often and quick. I think the Chargers need to hope for a not 100% healthy Pats Offensive line.

If those two things happen, and Rivers/Turner don't make any stupid mistakes, I think this game will be a lot closer that its made out to be on this blog.

That being said, I think the Pats can stop the Chargers from getting to Brady every down, and that right there will hurt. And as the Pats have done in every close game this season they will eventually wear down the Chargers and win the game, Final Score 31-27. If I were a betting man I would take the Chargers with the points, hell the last few weeks betting against the Pats with the points they were giving up was not a bad idea.

Finally, we're making progress! Unless I'm misunderstanding, you need three big IFS to occur just for the Chargers to lose the game but cover the spread. Not that I see those IFS happening, but there's some logic to it and definitely logic to your conclusion even if they DO happen.

I'll do you one better; IF I were 25-pounds lighter. IF I had 10% less body fat. IF I were a decade younger. Combine those factors with the prayer that IF I happened to run into Charlize Theron and IF she happened to be really desperate, I'd have a great chance of getting close enough to her to be shot down!

Now then...which possibility is more likely to occur...LOL!

Well the ifs I proposed could actually happen. I don't think all of those have to happen to cover the spread, I only think those have to happen to win! To cover they just have to have a healthy LT and they will cover just not win, and God I hope LT cries after the game.