Now that practice is over

I can't decide if yesterday's win was a good thing or a bad thing. They almost seemed emotionally drained from Bruschi's return, rather than energized. I guess almost two weeks of questions about Teddy can be wearing, but you would still like to think they would be excited by having a playmaker in the middle again.

The Patriots did not show up to play for three quarters, yet turned it on enough to win in the end. There was almost no scoring done in the first half, the only 3 points on the board was a 23 yard field goal by Lindell. With 7 seconds left, Vinatieri missed on his second attempt at a 44 yard field goal. He made the first, but it was nullified by a delay of game penalty.

The Pats were the better team last night, but their defense was fairly horrid. McGahee had 136 yards on 31 carries, and he always seemed to be in the secondary. Kelly Holcomb, the eternal backup, went 20/33 for 263 yards, with 1 td and 1 interception. Moulds had 9 receptions (and didn't it seem like he had more than that?) for 125 yards. Both teams had 2 turnovers. Hopefully, Seymour will be back to anchor the line again next week.

They have their biggest game of the season next week against the undefeated Colts and I'm not sure who's going to come out and play. Will it be the team that finished off the Bills in the fourth quarter? Or will it be the team that looked like it was sleep walking because of the time change?

Speaking of which, whoever scheduled the Pats game as a night game to follow daylight savings should be shot. I'm exhausted.

Patriots

Theo's contract is up tomorrow

Will he or won't he. That's the big question for Red Sox Nation today. With Theo's contract running out tomorrow at midnight (and what kind of Halloween is that?), Boston Globe reporter, Dan Shaugnessy has come out with the belief that Theo will put aside his differences with Larry and sign up for a few more years.

Personally, I think too much is being said about Theo's apprenticeship to Larry and their relationship. I think Theo is just doing exactly what he's been trained to do. Holding out for the best deal just makes sense these days in sports. And who can blame them?

Mind you, there have been some cases ("My family needs to eat") of athletes who have tried to make a bigger case that have gone overboard. It makes a lot more sense when the athlete (or in this case, GM) come out with the honest truth. Say it like it is, and add in a little bit of kindness to the fans. It's not that hard.


Red Sox

Are you ready for some football?

Here we are after the bye week and the patriots are getting ready to face the Bills. Not exactly big competition, but they are still a pro team in our league, so... Let's take a look at what they've got.

Whether it's Kelly Holcomb or former starter J.P. Losman at quarterback, the Bills have completed just four passes of 20 yards or longer - and only one on the road.

Poor pass protection, a banged-up offensive line and overthrown passes have limited what the Bills can do.

Or at least that's what the story on the Bills has been posted as everywhere. What's not being pointed out is Kelly Holcomb's 95.2 QB rating, or McGahee's 4.2 average rushing. Or perhaps you'd be interested to know that the Bills have 9 Interceptions already. I know the Pats are 8 point favorites, but if you overlook the Bills, they'll run you over.

Of course, that's not the big story this weekend. Patriots fans are excited to see Bruschi back in uniform once again. Although we've all been nervous about what his decision should be, Teddy has been a fan favorite for years now. We were excited to see him in the probowl last year, and I for one am looking forward to seeing him there again this year.

Patriots

It sounds like Theo will be leaving

I'm pretty shocked. I thought they would be making a deal, but the news stories 'leaking' to the press are starting to sound more and more like when Nomar left. The stories about how he wants more, how he rejected a good offer, etc... Without saying anything bad about Theo, the Sox have been 'hinting' that it's not going to be their fault if he leaves.

According to stories in the Globe, Theo has rejected a three year, 1.2 million a year contract. The sticking point is how much control Theo has over baseballl operations. Apparently, he's tired of having Larry looking over his shoulder.

Either way, an announcement about a decision is expected out of the front office about Theo's future here in Boston in the next couple of days. But then, we've been expecting some decision to be made for weeks, even months before now. But this time there is a real time limit. Theo's contract runs out on the 31st.

Red Sox

NFL Week 8

Make your picks based on the lines shown. Favorite to the left, then line, then underdog. Home team is capitalized and remember it's all in fun. So, make your picks and do your best.

NFL
Sunday, Oct. 30
N.Y. GIANTS	2	Washington	42
CINCINNATI	9	Green Bay	46
DETROIT	3	Chicago	32.5
CAROLINA	8	Minnesota	44.5
TENNESSEE	4	Oakland	N/L
DALLAS	9	Arizona	40.5
HOUSTON	2	Cleveland	37.5
NEW ORLEANS	2	Miami	41
ST. LOUIS	2	Jacksonville	N/L
SAN DIEGO	6	Kansas City	50
Tampa Bay	11	SAN FRANCISCO	36
DENVER	3.5	Philadelphia	42.5
NEW ENGLAND	9	Buffalo	44
Monday, Oct. 31
PITTSBURGH	9.5	Baltimore	33

Week 7 results can be found here.
Patriots