Column as I see 'em

Author: JEFF PATTERSON

When Philadephia fans heard that TO would play, they were so excited that they didn't listen to the entire sentence: TOs (a.k.a. turnovers) would play a huge part in the Patriots victory in Super Bowl XXXIX. Donovan McNabb threw three costly interceptions, while another was erased when Roman Phifer was flagged for a penalty. Furthermore, until Sunday night, NFL viewers had never seen L.J. Smith lose a fumble. But then again, NFL viewers have never seen a team like the Patriots.

Injuries are the only opponents that can beat the Patriots. Before beating the Eagles, Belicheck's Blitzers didn't give up any touchdowns to Peyton Manning, the all-time leader in single-season touchdown passes and they made quaterback, Ben Roethlisberger, who had never lost a pro game, looked like he had never won one. They did this without Richard Seymour, their three-time Pro Bowler and Tyrone Poole, who played 13 games this season. Yet the Lawless defense stayed flawless. Rookie Randall Gay, who made 10 tackles, filled-in better than taco meat.

The Office of Learning Resources needs to call Andy Reid and request that he works on his time management skills. When the Eagles chose to huddle-up on second down with under a minute to go, the clock proved to run more than Donovan McNabb, as the former did and the former Big East rookie of the year didn't. McNabb didn't run at all. The 240 pound QB is one of the best players in the league because he is an above average runnner and has an above average arm, but just an above average arm will never have a chance against Tom Brady. Brady has bunched together post-season wins over his college and professional career, accumulating 11. Middlebury College doesn't even have half that many different Commons. Brady has never lost.

I've never lost my room key, but I've only been at Middlebury for six days. I've never lost a Middlebury golf match, but I haven't played in one. I've never lost my wallet, but I carry a money clip. Tom Brady is undefeated in the playoffs and will stay that way next year, as long as the team stays out of the trainer's room.

Deion Branch, now the record holder for receptions in consecutive I-don't-switch-channels-during-commercials-games, deservingly won the MVP. Number 83's last name is fitting because Boston (and New England) is celebrating the accomplishments of its sports teams with a party the size of a Redwood tree. The celebrating is understandable. The Patriots have won three out of four Superbowls, the Red Sox won the World Series, the men's Boston College basketball squad is 20-0, and the Celtics are in first place in the Atlantic division.

There are some big games coming up for our Panthers, hopefully Middlebury, Vermont can contribute to the party.