I really need to know.
Just what is an “acceptable” win for the New England Patriots?
When they win a nail-biter, the cry is that they cannot “close out” teams, they lack “killer instinct” and they don’t “step on the throat” of opposing teams when they have them down.
On the other hand, in games like yesterday’s 59-24 rout of the Indianapolis Colts, the cry turns to “running up the score” on a team whose coach has cancer, showing “poor sportsmanship” and “extreme arrogance” and “hubris.”
Additionally, there is talk of “karma” when all-world tight end Rob Gronkowski breaks his forearm while blocking for the final extra point of the game.
Other than the Gronk injury, it was a very nice all-around game for the Patriots, one only the soccer moms or self-appointed extreme “fan critics” could grouse about. And Ron Borges. And they all will. The Jets are coming, babe.
If you want predictable, today’s (all week, actually) sports radio and TV topics are all lined up for you:
Patriots ran up the score!!!!
Why was Gronkowski in the game??????
They booed Adam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And yes, the Patriots won 59-24 yesterday.
Patriots show signs of hope on defense – Tom E Curran has the beleaguered unit actually doing a few things right yesterday.
What we learned Sunday: Patriots must now figure out how to live without Gronk – Christopher Price runs down a number of items from yesterday.
Aqib Talib shows his stuff – Karen Guregian says that the newest Patriot had a mixed bag as a debut, but he also showed he could be a big contributor. Greg A. Bedard has a similar view. Even Mike Felger acknowledge the big-play potential.
‘Old reliable’ does it again – Jackie MacMullan has Tom Brady showing Andrew Luck a thing or two about the QB position in the NFL.
It won’t be the same without Gronkowski – Chad Finn looks at the loss of Gronk. Mike Reiss says that while the Patriots have stockpiled depth at tight end, it won’t be the same without #87. Bedard says that the Patriots will have to make up for it in different ways.
Other Patriots with big days yesterday included Rob Ninkovich and Julian Edelman.
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I want to throw out a thank you to Anna’s Taqueria for providing a great game-day spread for BSMW yesterday.
The food was awesome (picked it up out of the Somerville location) and was a big hit with gang at home The giant vat of guacamole they sent over was worth the drive from NH to pick it up all by itself. There were even some leftovers, which will be devoured shortly for lunch. A spot definitely worth checking out for your next game-day party.
