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Colts 38-Patriots 34

"I learned one thing a long time ago about football, baby. What could have happened, did happen."-Dreamer Tatum in Dan Jenkins' immortal "Semi-Tough."

" I can't see anything we have to be mad about."-Patriots nose tackle Vince Wolfork.


This one was a gut-check. Not Peyton Manning's gut, or Tom Brady's lower intestinal tract. The 2006 AFC Championship Game was a psychic colonoscopy for every fan of the New England Patriot franchise, a more severe test the longer said fan had subjected themselves to what used to be a most creative form of masochism.

Why waste words? Anyone who can't jump the net and congratulate the victors after this excruiating loss not only doesn't understand sports, they have no soul. Sometimes, it's not about you, or about your team. The Colts turned every awful thing said about them in the past five years into a dirty lie when it appeared impossible they could. This game was THEIR story, their struggle, their triumph. The Pats aren't any less an historic champion for this loss, any more than Joe Frazier's legacy suffered from the Thrilla in Manila. If what the Colts put out on the field tonight is what it takes to beat New England, that's a feature, not a bug, of the Pats' dynasty.

When historic teams play historic teams, they lend dignity to all who care for them. Even the ones unhappiest with the outcome.

posted by Michael Gee @ 11:19 PM