Patriots have no heart

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

OK, I'm sick and tired of sticking up for the Patriots. After today's gross performance, I've completely had it.

Yes, I'm still a huge fan, but I also call it as I see it.

This team has a lot of weaknesses, but I thought I'd never say a Bill Belichick-coached team doesn't have heart.

There, I said it.

Who wants to step up and be that go-to player that is a playmaker and one that everyone feeds off of? I call that heart, and no one -- and I mean no one -- has shown to be able to do that, at least consistently.

Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Corey Dillon, Asante Samuel, Ty Law, Lawyer Milloy and Adam Vinatieri aren't walking through the door people.

Those are some of the former Patriots that always made plays, including when the game was on the line.

Tom Brady has done that in the past, but not enough this year. He's still outstanding, but he's not carrying this team. How about Randy Moss and Wes Welker? Do they want the ball with the game on the line? Of course they do, so they need to elevate their game in crunch time and start making more plays.

Actually, you can call out everyone on this team, including the coaching staff.

And how about that defense?

They are a pitiful bunch of nobody's. I'd start building a defense around Jerod Mayo, Brandon Meriweather and Vince Wilfork, but there's just not enough talent on that team.

And the secondary is downright sad. Miami's Chad Henne picked them apart for over 300 yards today. And those were all easy yards. Come on, Chad Henne? Really?

Soft coverage, sometimes no coverage and a lack of tackling is just not acceptable.

Everyone is to blame. How about a pass rush, too? Those down linemen don't get any heat on opposing QBs. They allow them to sit back, survey the field and, of course, find the open man.

It's like taking candy from a baby.

How about a little more fight in the trenches? Play like you're playing for your next contract.

Again, where's the heart?

Who's the inspirational leader on this team that makes big plays in big situations?

This franchise has taken a major step back (tears as I type). And in a hurry.

Until these players start playing with more heart and start making a lot more plays, especially in the fourth quarter, this team in nothing more than a Wild Card team (maybe not even a playoff team unless they win the AFC East) that will get bounced in a hurry because we all know they can't win on the road.

Patriots, where's the heart?

Week 13 Recap: Dolphins Shock Patriots

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanaitc Sports Staff

The Patriots, Steelers, and Redskins were all on the wrong end of some surprising results, highlighting week 13 in the NFL.

Dolphins 22 (6-6) Patriots 21 (7-5)

Where to begin? A lack of pass rush by the Patriots helped make Chad Henne look like an all pro. Henne led a last minute drive to set up a game winning field goal by Dan Carpenter, and Channing Crowder picked off Tom Brady to ice it, as the Dolphins stunned the Patriots in Miami. The offense must also share some of the blame, as there definately were some points left out on the field. Never mind getting the second seed in the AFC, the Pats must now do some work just to make the playoffs.

Saints 33 (12-0) Redskins 30 (3-9)

Just when the Redskins looked poised to pull off the biggest upset of the season, the Saints find a way to pull out a miracle win. With a chance to ice the win, Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham missed a 23 yard field goal. Minutes later Brees and company took full advantage, tying the game on a 53 yard TD reception by Robert Meacham. New kicker Garret Hartley then won it in overtime, as the Saints remained unbeaten.

Raiders 27 (4-8) Steelers 24 (6-6)

Don't worry Patriots fans - things could be worse. After all you could be the Steelers. The Steelers dropped their fourth straight, this time in stunning fashion to the lowly Raiders. Bruce Gradkowski hit Louis Murphy from 11 yards out with just 9 seconds left to hand the Steelers a last second loss at Heinze Field. The defending champs may be all but done for year.

Colts 27 (12-0) Titans 17 (5-7)

There was no drama this week for the Colts. Peyton Manning helped put 24 points on the board in the first half, and the Colts cruised to an easy win from there. Vince Young suffered his first loss after taken over for Kerry Collins at QB.

Eagles 34 (8-4) Falcons 7 (6-6)

Michael Vick managed to get a measure of revenge against his former team. Vick found the end zone twice, once by air and once by ground, to highlight a big win by the Eagles. Chris Redman, in for an injured Matt Ryan, had a tough day, throwing 2 ints, one which was returned 83 yards for a TD by Sheldon Brown.

Bears 17 (5-7) Rams 9 (1-11)

Can you believe it? Jay Cutler went a whole game without throwing a interception. Cutler wasn't great, but he didn't have to be. The Bears jumped out to an early 10-0 lead, and the defense took over from the there. The win keeps the Bears slim hopes at the post season alive.

Bengals 23 (9-3) Lions 13 (2-10)

Cedric Benson was the show for the Bengals, rushing for 110 yards on 36 carries, as the Bengals are now on the verge of clinching a spot in the playoffs. The win gives the Bengals at least a 2 game lead over the Ravens in the AFC North.

Broncos 44 (8-4) Chiefs 13 (3-9)

A few weeks back, it looked like the Broncos were going let their season slip away after losing four straight. Now it looks like the Broncos are back among the AFC's best. Denver ran all over Kansas City, gaining over 240 yards rushing in a rout of the Chiefs. Matt Cassel had a QB rating of 14.6 for the game. Who knew it was possible to be that bad?

Panthers 16 (5-7) Buccaneers 6 (1-11)

Josh Freeman moved the Tampa Bay offense fairly well most the game, but the problem was interceptions. Freeman threw 5 picks, and Carolina was able to pull out the win at home.

Jaguars 23 (7-5) Texans 18 (5-7)

The Jags continue to do just enough to stay in the playoff chase. Behind David Garrad's 2 TD passes, the Jags won for the fourth time in the last five games, and remained in the middle of the race for a wild card playoff spot.

Chargers 30 (9-3) Browns 23 (1-11)

This one was not as close as the final indicates. San Diego led 27-7 in the fourth quarter, before the Browns added a pair of late scores to make the score look closer than it really was. Phillip Rivers was huge, passing for 373 yards and 2 touchdowns, as San Diego won for the seventh straight time.

Giants 31 (7-5) Cowboys 24 (8-4)

Domenik Hixon's 79 yard punt return for a TD helped put the game away for the Giants, and put the New York right back in the race for the top spot in the NFC East. Romo was not to blame this time around, as the QB was solid, throwing for 392 yard and 3 TDs in the loss.

Seahawks 20 (5-7) 49ers 17 (5-7)

The 49ers may have seen their chances at a post season appearance come to and end in Seattle. Olindo Mare kicked a 30 yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Seahawks to a win at home. The loss spoiled a great day by Alex Smith who threw for 310 yards and a pair of scores.

Cardinals 30 (8-4) Vikings 17 (10-2)

Kurt Warner had a big night, throwing for three scores, as the Cardinals handed the Vikings just their second defeat of the season. Brett Favre threw 2 ints, marking the first time he has throw an int since week 7 against the Steelers.

Monday Night Football: Packers Look Playoff Bound

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Perhaps the biggest story of the NFL season has been the play of the ageless Brett Favre. What's not to like? Favre has been outstanding, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 26 TDs. He should be the league MVP, leading the Vikings to a 10-2 record thus far.

Overlooked in the Brett Favre saga however, has been the story of the man who replaced Favre at QB in Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers has had a career year himself, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 22 TDs in leading the Pack to a 7-4 record.

There is no doubt that Rodgers is the new face of the Packers organization, but Favre's shadow is still cast over Green Bay. As good as Rodgers has been, he will not get the credit he deserves until he can beat Favre and the Vikings. The only way this will happen is if the Packers can get into the playoffs as a wild card. A win over the Ravens at Lambeau will go a long way to securing the Packers a spot in the post season, and perhaps getting the Packers one more shot at Favre and the Vikings.

Think of Rodgers as a the NFL's version of Luke Skywalker. Luke was not able to become a Jedi until he beat Darth Vader. Favre is Aaron Rodgers' version of Darth Vader. Rodgers must beat Favre to truly cement his place as the leader of the Pack. With a win on MNF over the Ravens, Rodgers may well be on his way to seeing Favre once again this year. If you thought the regular season match ups against the Vikings were huge, imagine the hype if these teams meet in the playoffs.

The Packers appear to be playing their best ball of the year, and are peaking at the right time. A win over the Ravens on Monday night will be four straight wins for Green Bay. You want to be playing your best football late in the year, and the Pack have been doing that the past few weeks.

If the Packers are playing their best, then the Ravens have been inconsistent at best. The defense has started to turn things around, allowing just 12 points per game over the past five contests, but the real problem for the Ravens has been on offense.

Ray Rice has been a stud at running back for the Ravens, but QB Joe Flacco has come back down to earth a bit. After a hot start to the year, Flacco has thrown just one TD over the past four games. The Ravens have not been able to put back to back wins together since September. If current patterns hold, the Ravens will have an off week.

Even thought both teams have a lot on the line, the Packers have just been a better, more consistent team all year. Throw in a Monday night crowd at Lambeau, a potential rematch against Farve and the Vikings looming in the playoffs, and Green Bay gets the nod for a win on MNF.

Prediction: Packers 23 Ravens 17