The Fun Machine Took a Shit and Died
I’m stunned it ended so soon. 10 straight playoff wins over four years, three Superbowl titles – and it all came crashing down in an avalanche of turnovers and mental mistakes. The Team That Never Beats Itself did just that on Saturday, coughing up a 27-13 decision to the Denver Broncos. Patriot turnovers led directly to 24 of Denver’s points.
I’m disappointed in this loss, but certainly not devastated. After all, when your team takes three titles in four years, it’s hard to get too bent out of shape when they finally prove to be human. And since the the core of the team – Brady, the receivers, the offensive and defensive lines – are all under 30 and are signed long-term, they will be right back in the mix next year, when they will have a chance to tie the 1974-79 Pittsburgh Steelers’ record of four Superbowl wins in six years.
The blow of New England’s season ending was further softened by two other results this weekend:
1) The Seattle Seahawks won their first playoff game in 21 years. Although they’re not really my team, I do live in Seattle. Since my own team is out, I can root for them with a clear conscience.
2) The Indianapolis Colts choked, choked, choked. AGAIN. Peyton Manning, the most overrated player of his generation, once again stunk the joint out in the playoffs. To make matters even sweeter, he showed his class after the game by basically throwing his own teammates under the bus.
In honor of the Indianapolis Chokes, we present a gallery of that most hilarious of all sporting occurances, one that makes an appearance every January, just like clockwork. Yes, we’re talking about the one, the only, Peyton Manning Face™.
Peyton is as big a loser as his daddy. Everybody always assumed that the reason that Archie Manning lost at New Orleans was because the ‘Aints were simply a bad football team. After all, if you looked at Archie’s arm, it was great. If you looked at Archie’s mobility, it was great. But the ‘Aints just couldn’t win. But when Bum Phillips came in and traded Archie away, Archie didn’t do any better at Minneosota, which at the time was a reliable football powerhouse. Like father, like son. The fruit don’t fall far from the tree. Yada yada yada.
January 15th, 2006 at 10:15 pm– Badtux the Football Penguin
I just gotta grin. Whatta low-life. He actually said, “I’m gonna be a good teammate” and then thru the bomb on his line. I’m sure that went over well. Whenever he get’s into real pressure situations, he buckles. The Colts actually had me worried this season. Now I think my team has an even better shot at the prize.
January 16th, 2006 at 9:04 amFor once we agree about something football related. Peyton Manning bugs.
January 16th, 2006 at 9:36 amCut.
January 16th, 2006 at 10:42 amThat.
Meat.
Oh man, here’s an even better one, this time from the Indianapolis Star:
January 16th, 2006 at 11:47 am[...] I may not be a fan of the Seattle Seahawks, but since my Pats’ threepeat effort ended weeks ago, and I live in Seattle anyway, I was prepared to root for them – albeit halfheartedly. However, in the past week, my lukewarm support for the Seahawks has turned far more ardent. [...]
February 3rd, 2006 at 11:46 am