What's not to like about Tom Brady's passion for the game?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

This quick video piece from Yahoo! Sports on New England quarterback Tom Brady says it all. Take a look and you'll see why I consider him the best in the game.

Brady still has that burning desire to be the best. And he still plays with a chip on his shoulder for getting drafted in the 6th round.

After watching this, tell me he's just another pro athlete that's in it for the paycheck.

Quote of the Day

THIS HUMBLE PIE TASTES LIKE FEET --Chad Garner, Fan Fanatic Sports

Jets deserve to talk because they embarrassed the Patriots

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

So what, the New York Jets like to talk a lot of trash.

Well, if they can back it up, then it really doesn't matter, right?

And the Jets backed it up -- in a big way -- to knock off the Super Bowl-favorite Patriots out of the playoffs.

And the Jets really sent a message: The Pats aren't unbeatable.

Simply put, New England couldn't do a darn thing right, while the Jets did everything right.

The Jets won all the battles, especially on defense by confusing the Pats and QB Tom Brady with multiple coverages that Jets coach Rex Ryan drew up in the sand during the week.

Ryan devised a plan to confuse, and it worked to perfection. Man coverage looks were really zone; zone looks were really man-to-man. By the time the Pats adjusted --oh, yeah, they never did -- the game was over.

Tip of the hat to Ryan, he outcoached Bill Belichick in a big way -- much bigger than Ryan's mouth and gut, too. Ryan deserves all the kudos in this game, he got his team to believe in the team and plan, while the Pats completely pooped their pants in every part of the game.

Mark Sanchez outplayed Brady --that wouldn't happen 99 out of the 100 times, either. Same for the Jets' defense that had five sacks and a pick, while the Pats defensed didn't show up and had a chance to deliver when the Pats cut the deficit to 3 points, but quickly let the Jets burst down the field and make it a 10-point lead.

New England's key threats -- Deion Branch, Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Benjarvis Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead -- got taught a lesson in making big plays by the Jets' key threats like Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, LT and Shonn Greeene.

It was a total failure, a total team collapse and gigantic choke.

The Patriots best player yesterday was hands-down punter Zoltan Mesko, who averaged 47 yards on four punts, including bombing a 55-yarder. At least he didn't crumble under the spotlight.

If you still ask me, the Pats are still the best team in the NFL, but in these one-game situations, you must play well to advances and if you don't, well, just ask the Pats that today.

It's a shame that the Pats played their worst game of the season on the biggest stage. They've got some young guys that got some great experience this year, however, so plan on the Pats returning to the playoffs next year. They've got a solid team, but must address both sides of the line in the draft this season.

It's not all gloom and doom in New England. Yes, this loss hurts, but we're very lucky to have a team like the Pats to cheer for. We could live in Buffalo and never get a sniff of the playoffs, you know.

But Rex Ryan and Jets got the last laugh this year. They can talk all they want because they backed it up. They deserved to win, too. This humble pie tastes like feet.

The long offseason has already started. And it's going to be a LONG offseason.

Jets talking now, but will they after the game?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

You know what they say about waking up a sleeping giant, right?

Well, consider Tom Brady that GIANT.

It's become a war of words -- all on the New York Jets side -- as the Patriots prepare to face the hated Jets on Sunday in Foxboro.

Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who could be nicknamed "toast" because of how often he gets burnt, is shooting his mouth off about Brady and how he celebrated late in the regular-season blowout vs. the Jets.

Do you need a tissue Cromartie? Stop being a baby. We all know that if you make a play -- and it happens very rarely -- you make sure you thump your chest and let everyone know you were the reason for a play being made. You even do that when a receiver drops a ball when you're in coverage, thinking it was all about your "lockdown" defense.

I bet Brady, who's killing the Jets with kindness in the media (which is the Patriot way), is licking his chops to destroy the Jets once again.

And I bet he'll be doing a little more finger-pointing at the Jets sideline every time the Pats score.

Well, if it happens, the Jets brought it on themselves.

We all know coach Rex Ryan and now Cromartie are trying to take Brady off his game. Good luck with that. Remember this is a three-time Super Bowl champion, he very rarely gets rattled. Words aren't going to do much to shake Brady's confidence.

He's probably more focused this week now, thanks to the loudmouth Jets. Well, I'm thinking the Jets are going to get what they rightfully deserve: A good old fashion butt-whoopin' courtesy of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Then, we'll see who's talking after the game.

No reason to be scared of Sanchez

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Wild-Card Weekend is officially in the books, and now it's on to the Divisional round.

For the Patriots, they now must content with the ever-dangerous (joking) New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Throughout the year, Sanchez has been asked to not make mistakes while the running game and the defense are expected to carry the load and win games.

But with New England up next, you can bet coach Bill Belichick is going to make the Jets young quarterback beat his well-rested defense, which welcomes back rookie inside linebacker Brandon Spikes.

A quick question for Patriots Nation: Are you guys really afraid of the Jets? Better yet, Sanchez?

I think taking the cautiously optimistic approach to beating the Jets is fine, but of all the quarterbacks still left in the playoffs, the Pats drew perhaps the easiest guy to face (I'd even take Jay Cutler and Matt Hasselbeck over Sanchez) and the least likely to carve up a secondary.

So advantage Patriots.

I'm going to say this all week, too: The Jets need to play a perfect game to beat the Pats, while the Pats will have to play a less-than-a-C-game to lose to loudmouth Jets coach Rex Ryan, who obviously wishes he had Tom Brady on his team.

Can the Jets keep up with the Pats and go point-for-point with them? No way, especially not with that offense -- led by pee-shooter-for-an-arm Sanchez running the Jets offense.

The Pats will make Sanchez throw, stacking the line of scrimmage in order to stop LT and Shonn Greene in the backfield. It's the right way to play them, too. Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes must deliver down the field, but plan on one of those two guys being taken away on every play by outstanding play from rookie Pro Bowl cornerback Devin McCourty.

I know the Pats and Jets split during the regular season, but expect the Pats to confuse Sanchez and prove to everyone the former USC product will never be a top-of-the-line starter in this league.

Pats avoid Ravens; Jets should be taken seriously, however

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Oh, yeah, bring on the Jets.

Good old loudmouth and foot-lover Jets coach Rex Ryan and his cocky crew are coming to Foxboro next Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

Bring it on.

How lucky do Patriots fans feel now that they don't have to see the rough-and-tough Ravens (who play the Chiefs today and would have drawn the Pats if they won and the Colts won last night)?

We all know the Ravens are a threat because of how physical they are and how they pound the football with Ray Rice, but now it's the rubber match vs. the Jets, a team that doesn't have the offensive weapons to go toe-to-toe with the Pats.

But the Jets should be taken seriously, however. They popped the Colts with a ground-and-pound approach -- something the Pats have had trouble with at times (remember the Browns game this year?).

But the Jets need to play a perfect game to beat the Pats, and the Pats have to play real poorly (both on offense and defense) to get upset.

And do we honestly think the Pats will sputter coming off the bye and with Tom Brady at quarterback?

Not a chance.

Bet Brady wants to get the last laugh against Rex (remember all the digs he's been throwing Brady's way while hyping up Peyton Manning?).

It should be a dandy -- either a low-scoring nail-biter or a blowout. No style point needed, however, a win is a win in the playoffs.

So many great story lines this week.

Check back throughout the week to get some quick-hitting insight on the game and certain matchups at Fan Fanatic Sports.

Patriots not perfect; easy with the Super Bowl talk for now

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Nobody asks how you won, they ask if you won.

The only thing that matters is picking up victories, so even though the Patriots didn't play a solid game by any stretch of the imagination, the important thing is that they didn't get tagged with a loss.

Winning is so hard to come by in the NFL, but if anyone in Patriots Nation thinks this team is a shoe-in to go to the Super Bowl, they better not think that far ahead.

The Patriots had been on a great run with Tom Brady posting eye-popping numbers over the last month and the defense coming up with big plays, but last night's game against Green Bay had stinker written all over it.

Who thought this game was going to be a laugher because Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers was out with a concussion and little-known Matt Flynn was the starter?

Well, the Patriots sure made the inexperienced quarterback look good, which they do from time to time (see Cleveland's Colt McCoy as an example).

Actually, just about everyone on the Packers looked good.

But the Patriots found a way to get the job done, even though the Pats should be thankful that Flynn completely blew it with his lack of clock management skills at the end when the Pack had a chance to win the ballgame.

We probably should have seen this coming, too, since the Pats have been decimated by injuries on the defensive line and the loss of inside linebacker Brandon Spikes gave the Packers a gigantic advantage in the running game.

But some old issues resurfaced -- not getting off the field on third down, the inability to stop the run or get pressure on the quarterback, and poor play-calling on offense -- which need to be corrected.

Give the Packers credit, however. They played good enough to win and probably should have, especially given the circumstances of having to start Flynn.

But the Pats proved again that they have that special something going on, with the ability to overcome adversity and produce when the game is on the line.

Those qualities can take you long way in the playoffs.

While it wasn't a vintage Patriots win, it was a victory nonetheless. It also gives Bill Belichick and his staff another reason to push the Pats even harder and demand excellence, knowing they simply aren't good enough to walk all over every opponent they face.

The Patriots are a darn good football team, obviously, but they are definitely beatable.

But it's a lot nicer to be able to correct mistakes when you're winning than if you were losing.

Early thoughts on Patriots vs. Jets

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It's the showdown everyone has been waiting for: Patriots vs. Jets.

And it's a game that is going to be broken down every which way from now until Monday Night's kickoff.

But here are a few quick-hitters from Fan Fanatic Sports.

1. Does anyone even remember when these two hated AFC East rivals squared off in Week 2? Well, we all know the Jets won, but amazingly enough, Jets QB Mark Sanchez won the battle with Tom Brady. The former USC overrated QB threw three TD passes and no INTs in a 28-14 win.

2. Tom Brady and Co. were awful in the first meeting with the Jets. Brady was a dismal 20-of-36 passing for 248 yards, 2 TDs and 2 INTs. There's no way he can play worse, right? Is anyone expecting him to play subpar again?

3. LaDainian Tomlinson is back to being his old self -- as in old man. I've watched him over the last several weeks, and he's again lost that spring in his step. While he looked young and fresh early in the year, L.T. is having a hard time making a cut and getting to the outside.

4. Could the Patriots be playing any better with the Jets ready to come to town? The Pats have won 8 of their last 9, with the only stinker in the bunch being that terrible Cleveland loss.

5. After watching the Thanksgiving Day game vs. Detroit, Pats fans must still be worried about the defense. The Pats better tighten it up on 'D' vs. the Jets or they will dominate the time of possession, wear down New England and obviously have the best chance of winning.

6. Deion Branch vs. Darrelle Revis. I'll take Revis every day, including this Monday Night. Revis hasn't had the year he had last season (due to injuries and showing up late to camp because of contract issues) but he's still the best corner in the NFL, by far.

7. New York Jets coach Rex Ryan is a loudmouth, but that's OK with me. I'm actually a fan; he's a darn good coach and he provides season-lasting soundbites.

8. You can't run on the Jets, so the Pats better not try to force the issue when spreading that defense out and throwing quick passes is the way to attack.

9. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are threats at the tight end position every time they're on the field. How many TE's in football can you say that about?

10. Can we please confuse and fluster Sanchez this time around? I love watching him self destruct -- and I'm even a USC fan -- when things aren't going his way.

Prediction: Not yet!

Write it down: Patriots are SB contenders

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

No doubt the Patriots are legitimate Super Bowl contenders now. If you had any doubts before, after yesterday's victory over the Colts, you have to at least believe the Pats have a shot to play for another Vince Lombardi trophy.

Seriously, back-to-back games vs. Pittsburgh and Indianapolis and back-to-back wins? Trust in Belichick is back, but it's not like that's ever left this scribe.

The Patriots did exactly what I thought they'd do -- they made a real effort to pound the pigskin, which set up some great play-action looks by Tom Brady. The premier QB, who some had written off, simply doesn't miss open receivers.

And the added bonus that should have everyone gushing this morning is that the defense stepped up and created some crucial turnovers.

And it didn't get any bigger than James Sanders' game-sealing interception of Peyton Manning, who fired three INTs, on the final drive of the game. If Asante Samuel made the catch in the Super Bowl ... well, you get the point. Sanders actually made the big play when the game was on the line.

Just when we all were thinking the Pats were going to blow another lead to these scary Colts -- that's a darn good football team too, even with all those injuries -- the defense rises to the occasion.

These are the type of special ingredients that championship-type teams are made of. The biggest thing, however, is that this team is all about T-E-A-M, it's not about M-E. Doesn't it remind you of another former New England team that beat the Rams in the Super Bowl?

I'm not getting ahead of myself, but it's OK to have big goals. And I'm setting the bar real high on this team.

I know they have some weaknesses (I'd like to see the defense tighten up slightly with a better pass rush), but every team this year has issues.

They say chemistry goes a long way in determining the success of any team, and it's hard to argue that the Pats don't have a special type of mojo brewing. And that wasn't the case when Randy Moss was here (tears).

It always feels better when you're a contender and not a pretender.

Colts are still dangerous, especially with Manning at the helm

By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Bring on the Indianapolis Colts.
Bring on Peyton Manning.
Should Patriots Nation being worried about the Colts? Especially after pounding the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Of course.
These Colts are still dangerous, even though they are completely banged up. But don't get me wrong, it's nice to be playing the Colts with some key guys out, including tight end Dallas Clark.
But Indy can still run with the big boys. Plus, the Pats have shown they can play and beat the best (see Steelers game) and play way, way down to the competition (see Cleveland Browns).
So what team will show up for the Patriots? Let's hope it's the team that isn't stuck in neutral in the first half and falls way behind. But I'm betting that's not going to happen.
I think we're in store for a great ballgame. Well, it's Tom Brady and Manning trading pass for pass. What's not to like about that matchup?
Chalk this one up to the defenses.
While it's not going to be a defensive battle -- expect both teams to move the football with relative ease (Colts through the air, and don't be surprised if the Pats try to pound away with the run to set up the deadly play-action game) -- the defensive guys will need to come up with some big plays.
I'm talking about a key interception, a huge third-down tackle to prevent a first down, a strip-sack, a fumble recovery. That's how you win football games, anyway.
But every time the Pats face Manning, I get a little nervous. This isn't the old Manning who was wetting his pants having to face a Bill Belichick defense. This is the television commercial comedian who has won a Super Bowl and isn't afraid to air out the ball. It's tough to outsmart Manning, too. He's Mr. Audible, whether what he's doing is for real or for show.
So, who will rise to the challenge on defense? They hold the key to this game.

Prediction: Patriots 27, Colts 24

So are you still doubting Tom Brady?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Don't doubt Tom Brady.

He's not washed up, not even close.

All those Brady haters out there who have been saying he's not the same quarterback he has been and his skills aren't at the elite level anymore, well what are you saying while drinking your Monday coffee?

Brady showed everyone -- even Patriot Nation doubters -- that he's still one of the elite QBs in the NFL.

While Brady doesn't have the weapons around him like Peyton Manning or Drew Brees, Brady is the best in the business at doing more with less.

And you know what, his weapons aren't chopped liver, either.

These guys are all solid pass-catchers. While they don't have the brand name like Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne or Larry Fitzgerald, they play as a unit under the team concept and always seem to produce.

They are put in positions to succeed and Brady makes sure they are rewarded for getting open.

Last night against Pittsburgh -- a team I thought would beat up the Pats -- Brady and Co. showed they have the makings of a championship-caliber team (or a team that could be knocked out of the playoffs in the first round if they play like they did against the Cleveland Browns). I'm not saying they aren't flawed, however, but it seems like every team this year has a weakness or two that can be exposed.

But with the way Brady was slinging the ball around in Pittsburgh, one has to wonder if there's more shows like this to come in the second half of the season.

Kudos to the offensive line for keeping Brady pretty much clean the whole game. And when Brady has that kind of time to sit back and survey the field, he can pick any secondary part.

And the Steelers got shredded last night, that's for sure.

Brady was 30-of-43 for 350 yards and three touchdowns. All those TD tosses went to rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski, who grew up a lot last night.

Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Alge Crumpler, Deion Branch, Wes Welker, Julian Edelman and Brandon Tate might not frighten many fans, but teams know they are to be taken seriously.

Give most of the QBs in this league those guys to work with and they fail, both the QB and the receivers. But with Brady at the helm, they are legit. Those aren't 1,000-yard pass-catchers, but they all get their share of balls. Brady never locks in on one target anyway, if someone is open that's who he throws it to. That's why he's always been a great QB, plus he makes everyone around him better.

I can't believe people have been doubting Brady anyway, but hopefully last night's game will make others realize that Brady is still the same old Brady, but with the flowing locks.

Word to the wise: Don't ever doubt Tom Brady.

Patriots better get their act together

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Are you still shaking your head after yesterday's disgusting Patriots game?

I am, but I'm also sort of chuckling.

Not because of the loss because those always sting, but in the way that it happened.

They got humiliated.

And people were starting to believe that this New England Patriots team was the best in the NFL?

What are they thinking this morning?

Yes, the Patriots are not as bad as they played, but they're also not as good as people think they are. They are somewhere in between, and that's not a bad thing, either.

Teams in the NFL do put up stinker games, but against Cleveland? Against the rat Eric Mangini? Shouldn't have happened.

Obviously, looking back on it now, the Pats took the Browns lightly. They played like it, too.

But those Browns played like it was their Super Bowl.

If you never watched a football game in your life, you would have thought that the Browns were the elite and the Patriots were a team at the bottom of the pack.

The Pats didn't do anything right. They were severely beaten in every phase of the game, including coaching.

But defensively, they just laid a major stink bomb.

Browns QB Colt McCoy is a rookie, but the Pats made him look like an All-Pro. They didn't put pressure on him, they couldn't contain him and they paid the ultimate price.

And while most of their attention was on stopping the run, the Pats couldn't do a darn thing against bruising back Peyton Hillis (184 yards, 2 TDs). Hillis, who would destroy a brick wall if he ran into it, made the Pats defense look like a Pop Warner team. He took their will away and completely punked them.

Well, the offense wasn't much better. How out of sync does Tom Brady and his cast of receivers and tight ends look? They are not on the same page and it's showing. Perhaps the one positive is that no-huddle offense, which they should have done earlier. They at least dictated tempo and actually moved the ball down the field. And one week after praising the Law Firm, I'm back to not being a fan. He didn't run hard and was a non-factor. Nine carries for 14 yards, not going to cut it. Perhaps this team should just drop back and pass (via the no-huddle) on every down?Use the short, 3-yard pass as a run. It's worked before, maybe go back to it on a full-time basis.

Any way you slice it, Mangini and his cast of former New England assistants completely outschemed mastermind Bill Belichick and his assistants. That'll eat at Bill for a long time ...and it should.

It was a total team collapse. This is the type of loss that can linger for weeks. And now the Pats enter the meat of their schedule -- at Steelers (Sunday night 8:20 p.m.), vs. Colts, at Lions (but don't automatically chalk that up in the win column) and vs. Jets -- for the next four weeks.

The Pats have a lot of work to do, obviously. Everyone -- coaches and players -- need to elevate their game and start putting a better product on the field on a consistent basis. If things don't change quickly, the AFC East division could slip away real quickly.

Do you believe in BenJarvus Green-Ellis?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I really enjoy watching running backs who run hard, have a little juke in their step and make the right reads by following their blocks and quickly racing to daylight.

I've never thought that New England running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis has been that type of back (although there's no questioning that he runs hard).

Green-Ellis was a pleasure to watch yesterday, however.

The young back gave the Patriots what they've been missing all season -- balance. He ran like a guy possessed, desperately trying to secure that starting running back spot.

And, at least for one game, he'g got to be the No. 1 guy in the backfield.

The Law Firm rushed for a career-high 112 yards and scored twice to lift the Pats over the Vikings.

In a game that featured Brett Favre and Randy Moss, Green-Ellis stole the show.

He grew up a lot yesterday.

Green-Ellis did look like a different running back. While he ran hard and physical, he also showed some burst by bouncing to the outside and made it hard for the secondary to run him down.

Perhaps this was his coming-out party? Could Green-Ellis be the key piece that really makes this offense go? He could be, considering the Pats are no longer a quick-strike offense without Moss taking the focus away from Wes Welker and Co.

But if Green-Ellis continues to re-charge a quiet rushing attack, this offense will be extremely hard to defend.

While it's no secret that I haven't been a big fan of Green-Ellis over the years, he really showed me a lot of positives. I'm not going to completely take the bait just yet, but it's a great start to making me be a believer.

Real scary: Pats are waiting for you guys (Favre, Moss)

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Happy Halloween, Vikings.

When the Patriots host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday for a Halloween showdown in Foxboro, all eyes won't be on the Patriots. Those spooky eyes will be directly on Vikings QB Brett Favre and WR Randy Moss.

And you can bet the Patriots' defense will be looking to haunt those two guys.

If you're a Patriots fan, aren't you all jacked up for this Sunday's game?

And there's no doubt it's because of the story lines that Favre and Moss have created on their own.

Well, we know about Favre and his photography abilities, but now this "injury" is really creating a sideshow. And Favre has always like the attention directly on himself. Will he play, won't he play? Of course he's going to play, it's all about him. His ankle is messed up, I guess. But he might play? Well, it can't be that bad, right?

Pats fans want Favre to play anyway. Favre gives the Pats the best chance to win. Yes, I said it. Mr. Favre is an interception machine. He's so gutsy ...blah, blah, blah. He's a gunslinger who forces the ball into double- and triple-coverage a lot. So he's not that smart at protecting the ball, and that's been well documented over the years. You can bet your house that he'll throw one, two or even three picks the Patriots' way if he plays. And you'd like your chances if he did that, right?

And welcome home Randy Moss. You got your wish, and Bill Belichick traded you away. Hope you enjoy your new contact because that's all you really cared about anyway. I have no issues with you as the player, but when you were constantly yapping about wanting to get a new deal and taking away from the success of the team, you completely lost me and then I purposely lost my New England Patriots Randy Moss jersey.

But the Pats aren't afraid of you, either. Yes, you can still run the deep route with the best of them, but we know you get really frustrated with double-coverage. And the Pats will be doing that to you this Sunday. Plan on a cornerback playing bump-and-run, and then a safety over the top of you at all times. Do you think Belichick will let you beat him? Not a chance. The Pats will probably even let you go over the middle, but there will be a price to pay. And we all know you don't like to take hits over the middle. So what are you going to do Randy?

The Patriots are really looking forward to you guys enjoying Halloween New England style. And that means a helmet full of candy and a long trip back to Minnesota with another loss to your record.

Happy Halloween from Patriots Nation.

Is this a trap game for Patriots?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I know, the Patriots are rolling. Fresh off a gigantic overtime win vs. my Super Bowl pick, Baltimore, the Pats now travel to San Diego.

And this should scare New England fans.

I know the Chargers haven't played well, but they are still dangerous.

Here's five questions I have entering today's showdown in San Diego.

1. Can Tom Brady have a "breakout" game?

-- I know he's Tom Brady and all, but he hasn't had that game yet that you just shake your head and say he's the best QB in the NFL (note: I'd still take Brady over Manning or Brees, any day of the week, however). It may happen today, however.

2. Will we see a commitment to the running game?

-- Not a chance. The Pats pass to set up the run. And with a cast of characters like BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead in the backfield, do you expect either guy to carry the load? No way.

3. Will Phillip Rivers torch the New England secondary?

-- I think Rivers will have a great day in the air, as long as TE Antonio Gates plays. If he doesn't, his security blanket is gone, and advantage Pats. Remember, this defense is still a work in progress, but they are making great strides. If the Pats get a good pass rush, the secondary will look just fine.

4. Is Deion Branch a go-to receiver?

-- No, he's not a legit No. 1 receiver, but the Pats don't need that. But he sure does have a great rapport with Brady. The Pats like solid receivers, being flashy is overrated in New England.

5. Who will win this game?

-- As much as my gut says trap game, I'm still picking the Patriots. Brady brings his A+ game today and lights up San Diego.

Prediction: Patriots 31, 24.

Thought on the Patriots vs. Ravens

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Here are 10 things I'm thinking about in anticipation of the New England vs. Baltimore game on Sunday in Foxboro.

1. Really, is there any way the Patriots can win this game?

Of course they can, but the Pats are going to have to play a near-flawless game to beat the Ravens (they are my Super Bowl pick this year, too). Obviously, easier said than done.

2. Give Bill Belichick two weeks to prepare for anyone, and I'm betting the Ravens are going to see some things the Pats haven't done yet this season. Bank on Joe Flacco making a mistake because he didn't see a particular coverage on film this year.

3. The fans will not be leaving this game early in the fourth quarter. Well, perhaps they may if it's a blowout. But if you can beat the traffic, why not? Brady should even understand that.

4. Tom Brady is going to have some trouble in the passing game. The Ravens ranked first in the NFL in third-down defense. Yes, they get off the field, while the New England defense ranks dead last. Brady and Co. will be frustrated at times in the this game.

5. Stop the run. I'm calling out the Patriots' front right now. If the Ravens keep picking up chunks of yardage on the ground, it's going to be a long game and the Ravens will just keep pounding the rock.

6. I'm not scared of Joe Flacco, but his weapons are pretty dangerous (Boldin, Housh, Heap, Mason, Rice). This game should come down to Flacco winning it.

7. Welcome back Deion Branch. Now do something on the field. If he's open, Brady will find him. But can he get open? I'm cautiously optimistic that Branch is a key piece to this offensive puzzle.

8. I just love the tight ends who can stretch a defense. The Pats have two great rookies in Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. They will be feared for many years.

9. I'm really concerned about the New England defense. Even if the Pats stop Ray Rice on the ground, Flacco is solid enough and has enough playmakers that can make it a long day for the Pats' secondary. Boy, that secondary is soft and inexperienced, anyway. They better tighten it up ...and fast.

10. Who will win? Yes, I'm a Patriots fan and I'd love to pick them, but I can't. The Ravens are a premier team in the AFC, and the Pats are a notch below. I think Baltimore is all-around a better team and they'll hold down Brady and force field goals. And we all know what happens when you kick field goals: You lose. Plus, New England's defense is a work in progress, and the Ravens' physical brand of football will wear down the Pats.

Prediction: Ravens win, 24-16

A good replacement for Moss: Deion Branch

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Well, Randy Moss is gone, so it's time to start thinking about how this New England offense can recover and regroup.

And it could all start with the return of old friend, Deion Branch.

Remember, the same Branch that was a favorite weapon of Tom Brady from 2002-05.

But Branch was quickly traded away to Seattle over a nasty contact dispute.

But now, hopefully, the Seahawks can trade him back and for a lot less (hopefully it'll only cost a 5th-round pick, instead of how the Pats got a first-rounder from Seattle in 05).

Branch isn't a legit No. 1 receiver, but I would never expect him to post the numbers that Randy Moss did, either. But Branch is smart, he runs great routes, can help the younger players, is a security blanket for Brady and is good enough that teams must respect him on the outside and will hopefully not allow other teams to double-cover Wes Welker in the slot.

But perhaps his biggest plus is that he's a total team player. He knows how to play in a team concept and isn't worried about being the featured guy in this offense. He knows Brady spreads the ball around to the open receiver, too. He's not a full-blown diva, either.

See, these are some things that Randy Moss never understood. The sad part is, as good as Moss is as a receiver, he's simply too selfish and that's a major negative in New England.

So it could be a great addition for New England. Branch is not a 1,000-yard receiver (he did have 998 in 2005) but he could be in the right situation.

The Patriots need a proven veteran receiver on the outside to take some heat off of Welker. The young kids (Brandon Tate, Julian Edelman, Taylor Price) aren't the answer right now, but the Super Bowl XXXIX MVP is. Make the right decision, and bring back Branch.

Do you still Trust in Bill?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

There's no crying in football, either.

I know Randy Moss is gone, but it's already time to turn the page. There's still 12 weeks of the regular season to play, so there's no time tear up about Moss being traded to the Vikings.

But what I'm more ticked about is the compensation that the Patriots got from Minnesota. A third-rounder for one of the best wide receivers of all-time? Seriously, a third-rounder? It doesn't add up based on Moss' resume and career stats, but I guess the Pats are lucky to even get that much.

Remember, Moss has been vocal about wanting to get paid (a contact extension) and then there's reports that Moss had words with coaches and he was a bad seed in the locker room. Should any of that really surprise us? Moss, despite boatloads of talent, has always been a problem child. So knowing that the Pats weren't going to re-sign Moss anyway, why would the Vikes actually give up their first-round pick in the 2011 draft?

So, although Moss has the talent to fetch at least a first-round pick, the Pats had no leverage to broker that rich of a deal. So a No. 3 might not be that bad after all considering the circumstances.

Just think, everyone was up in arms that Laurence Maroney was traded to the Broncos for a fourth-rounder. That deal actually looks good now, considering it was only a 3 for Moss.

After this latest blockbuster, do you still Trust in Bill?

Moss back to Vikings signals white flag for Patriots

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

OK, full disclosure here. I couldn't stand it when the Patriots traded for Randy Moss. Of course, I was 100% wrong, and I fully admit it. I've now come full circle, as I can't stand how the Patriots traded Randy Moss to the Vikings for a measly 3rd round draft pick. To me this signals the Patriots surrender to the 2010 season.

I don't care what you think of Randy Moss, but the one thing I know is he makes the Patriots a better team. Despite not catching a pass against the Dolphins on Monday night, he still was a key contributor to me. How did he contribute? Randy Moss forces opposing teams to use their best corner to cover him most, if not all, of the game. Now that the Patriots no longer have their deep threat, what will happen to the likes of Wes Welker & Aaron Hernandez? Brady targeted Brandon Tate 5 times, 4 of them for a reception, but Tate is not ready to take over as the Pats deep threat.

Now onto the compensation received for the future Hall of Fame receiver. a 3rd rounder? Terrible value in my opinion. It doesn't matter to me that he's a free agent after the season, or that he's a 33 year old receiver looking for a new 3 year deal. He's still one of, if not, the best deep threats in the game. A 3rd rounder when the Pats got a 4th rounder for Maroney, and the Bills got a 4th rounder for Marshawn Lynch? A 3rd round pick when the Vikings were clearly desperate to get a proven receiver for Brett Favre? Ridiculous. So what if the Patriots now have two 1st round, two 2nd round, two 3rd round and 2 4th round picks. Unless the Patriots package picks and Logan Mankins for a player this year, this deal makes absolutely no sense to me.

Once again, say what you want about Randy Moss. Listen to how the media dislikes the man. I'll take what his fellow players say about the man. Regardless of his relationship with Bill, he was a beloved teammate who will be sorely missed.

In case you haven't figured it out, I hate this deal. It just feels like another Deion Branch to me. What do you think?

Faulk a giant loss for the Patriots

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Patriots absorbed a big loss in Sunday's game vs. the hated Jets. Third down specialist Kevin Faulk was injured in the game and it was found that he suffered an ACL tear to his knee.

Obviously, not good news for the Patriots.

Around the country, it may not seem like a big loss at all since Faulk isn't a great tailback or even a full-time starter.

But everyone here in Patriots Nation really knows how important Faulk was to the success of this team.

Faulk is that total team player that every coach hopes to have on his team. He didn't complain about not starting, he was great in the locker room, he helped the young guys and he produced every time he was allowed to touch the football.

On the field, Faulk was the secret weapon not many clubs have. On third down, you could bet Faulk was in the backfield or split out wide. Faulk was a great draw running back, but his best trait was catching the ball and picking up much-needed first downs. Didn't it seem like every time the Pats were in a third-and-long situation, Faulk got his paws on the pigskin and picked up a first down to keep a drive alive? Lets not forget about how great he was picking up blitzes and keeping Tom Brady clean from attacking defenders.

Basically, Faulk did it all from that running back slot. And since the Pats decided to trade away Laurence Maroney, they are left with aging Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris and the Law Firm to carry the load. Yes, no one from that above list can do what Faulk did. The depth in the backfield isn't good, either, so expect to see Brady throw more passes. It' a big loss, no doubt about it.