Preview Preview

I'm going to do a more extensive preview of this weekend's divisional playoff games later, check for it tomorrow morning, but I want to get one quick thought out on the Pats / Denver game right now.

Remember last year at exactly this time when everyone was picking the Colts to go into Gillette and beat the Pats? Everyone lauded the efforts of New England in winning the previous Super Bowl and gaining the 1st round bye but really those statements were just cream filling for their real thoughts: the Patriots have no chance. I'm getting the same sense from a lot of pundits coming into this matchup and it's making me very nervous. They are talking about Denver's running game and the home field advantage at Invesco Field, but after that no one is really saying that Denver can win this game. Believe me, they can.

Remember the odd quiet that always seems to come from Belechick and the Pats before these games? That's exactly what we're hearing from Denver right now, nothing. There is no talk about whether their defensive leader is healthy, there is no talk about their playoff win streak (since they have the opposite, 0 wins since John Elway's departure), there is not a single solitary peep coming from the Mile High city right now. That to me says something. The Patriots are not saying anything either, but last year all of the talk was about the visiting Colts knocking off the champs. Now all the talk is about the visiting champs knocking off the Broncos to extend the dynasty. These things tend to motivate teams, maybe more than we know, and don't think for a second that Mike Shannahan is not using the popular perception that his team is the underdog to his advantage in practice.

If I had a choice I would stick a sock in the mouths of all the analysts that are examining this game, no need to fan the flames of the legitimately under-appreciated Broncos. They were easily the 2nd best team in football and navigated one of the toughest divisions in the league (containing two teams that spanked New England). I think the Pats will win (it's hard to believe that Jake Plummer will end the dynasty) but I think it is going to be a monumental struggle and if they do it will be they who are pulling the upset, not the other way around.

More later after a thrilling Phatt Boys shift.