Brady's Big Quarter

I will be the first person to admit that anybody who throws 5 touchdown passes in no quarter definitely did something very special, there is no denying that. But before we get back to the Patriot-worship that so many people seem to be so fond of, let's try and put this whole thing in perspective, if we're capable of doing that.

The first thing that I'll come to point out, as so many people were so eager to do when my Broncos started off so strongly, is that the Patriots were playing one of the weakest opponents that the AFC has to offer. Yes, Tennessee was a league best 13-3 last year, but the NFL is all about what have you done for me lately? With an 0-5 start to the season, the Titans are among the saddest of the crop, especially on defense. They no longer have Albert Haynesworth up front to attract all the attention from 2 or 3 offensive lineman. As a result, teams are able to focus on Kyle Vanden Bosch and keep him from getting to the QB. Not to mention the loss of Cortland Finnegan, their pro-bowl cornerback from a season ago. This defense is not the dominant group that it used to be. Plus, Kerry Collins has been playing like, forgive me but it's true, an old man. He's not as solid as he's been, and we all know that Vince Young isn't the answer to anybody's problems.

Secondly, Tennessee is not a team that is used to playing in that kind of weather. They are a hotter weather team, so it is natural to assume that they won't be as prepared to play in that kind of a terrible snow storm as a team like New England that gets that sort of snow every other week after the middle of October. That may not account for all of the points given up, but it is certain to account for a certain amount.

Thirdly, if Tom Brady was so back, where was he just a week ago in Denver? Isn't this the guy who, when he is "back", makes all the throws at all the clutch moments? Plus, all these analysts can't seem to make up their mind. Before this game, all of them were saying that there has never been anything wrong with Tom Brady all season, and now everybody is saying that he's back as if there HAD been something wrong with him up to this point. Which is it? I know that Patriot fans love to have their cake and eat it too, but come on. This is just like I said it would happen in my picks for the week section. I predicted that New England would win big, and that everybody would go back to congratulating them for being the best team in the history of everything after beating up on a bad team. Let's remember, folks, at this moment, they are only 1 game up on their division, and they are down in the tie breaker. If this is the best team in the history of everything, then why do they need assistance from the Jets, who should really be ashamed of their effort against the Bills, to get back on top of their division?

I'll say it again, I recognize that 5 TDs in one quarter is an amazing achievement. But come on people, the bottom line is that the Patriots are still nowhere near as good as people, including themselves, believe that they are. And to Chris Collinsworth, and the rest of the sporting world, can you guys at least pretend to be a bit more unbiased when it comes to Brady and the Patriots? It makes me sick the way that you guys continue to throw yourselves at his feet as if he is some great idol to be worshiped. Did he have an amazing game and quarter of football? Absolutely, he did. But get real folks, this is not a sign of things to come.