Stats on Pats Weekly - A Christmas Wish
Article by Raleigh Dugal, southcoast247.com correspondent
Dear Santa,
I know I have not been very good this year. I have cheated on my math homework, hit my brother, and spent too much money on booze. But please Santa, just make everyone shut up about the New England Patriots for Christmas.
Next week they are playing the Miami Dolphins, who narrowly escaped a winless season by edging out Baltimore in overtime. Most civilized nations know the Dolphins were the last team to ever go undefeated in the NFL. Coupled with the Patriot's 20-10 victory over the New York Jets, there is sure to be endless hoopla over whether the Dolphins can oust fate and preserve their ancestral record. Now at 14-0, the New England not only has a chance, but is favored to run the table.
This Sunday, Tom Brady forced the ball to Randy Moss all day against the Jets and only came up with one big play. Chris Hanson made a stupid play and got his punt blocked. New England was just 6-16 with 134 yards passing. I understand people will want to knock the Patriots down and key on these things. They are valid arguments. But Lawrence Maroney ran for 104 yards and a touchdown. The defense shut New York's offense out of the end zone entirely. And newcomer Kelly Washington made two huge special teams plays (a blocked punt and a pin-back on the 1) to ice any Jets momentum. Let the haters hate, I hate plenty of other teams myself. But I can't stand anymore ignorant bandwagon Pats fans complaining about bad wins.
Lawrence Maroney came to play when the running game was badly needed
Santa, all I want from you for Christmas is to keep everyone in perspective. And keep Don Shula off of the damn television for just one week. And Mercury Morris, for that matter. I know I missed last week (another way I was bad) but please remind everyone how the Patriots put up 34 points on Pittsburgh's league-leading defense. How they sacked Ben Roethlisberger three times and forced an important fumble. Maybe you could just wrap the box score and some stats in with some of your presents? Particularly any including Indianapolis Colts merchandise.
Thank you, Santa. I promise not to swear for the whole rest of the year. Unless I have to hear the Mercury Morris rap one more time. Then I will be dropping F bombs like crazy.
Merry Christmas!
Dear Santa,
