It Isn't Easy Being Green

Pats win but did anyone seriously think that we might lose? More of a pressing concern to most was…
The Tom Brady situation. As is the norm in New England, every time there is any cause to worry about Brady, sports writers run with it. Brady had been looking somewhat shaky, his name as usual graced the injury report list, and the most shocking was the addition of veteran Quarterback Vinny Testaverde. I read a column this past week that actually asserted the possibility of Brady missing this Sunday’s start.
With all that said, Tommy came out and threw a beautiful game. No interceptions, 128 passer rating, 4 touchdown passes, some of the most attractive passes you will see on any given Sunday. Makes you feel glad to be a Pats fan during the Brady era. It is clear that Testaverde is no more a possibility to start games than was Doug Flutie in ‘05. Sighhh of relief.
The defense pitched a shutout which could serve as a key mental boost in the face of next week’s game versus Chicago at home. But my question is: how much credit should the shutout go to the Patriots’ defense and defensive schemes, and how much goes towards the utter ineffectiveness of Favre, backup Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay running game? I was hoping to see more interceptions from the D, after seeing Favre throw pick after pick last season, but a win is a win is a shutout.
I will end this rant with a couple thoughts on the Packers. I couldn’t say I was surprised that we won, although it was more lopsided a win than I expected. Sure, Green Bay came into the game 4-5, but those wins were against teams with a combined .384 winning percentage (10-26) against the Lions, Cardinals, Dolphins and Vikings. I do feel a little sorry for the Green Bay area. Football is all they have and they can’t stop loving Favre enough to get a young winning QB. As Kermit the frog would say, it isn’t easy being green these days.
Oh well, more wins for the rest of us.