The day after

+ Goldberg has the best write-up I've read so far of the Patriots' victory. Nice credit to Kevin Faulk who is an amazing utility player in their system. He's the kind of guy who could not command top dollar somewhere else, but as a part of this team he makes really amazing contributions.

+ Banks is pretty good, too, focusing on the defense, which held the Chargers to only field goals, including three red zone trips. Now, that wasn't an incredible feat, since LT was out and Rivers and Gates were hobbled, but it was definitely the key to this game

+ All the writers want to blame the wind for Tom's bad throws. Not sure that was the problem, but maybe ...

+ This was not exactly the Patriots of old (contra Vrabel). They have created such a high-powered offense that they force opposing defenses to pick part of it to shut down. They all pick Randy Moss because he'll kill you fastest. But that still leaves some pretty good clubs in the bag, including the improving (and crucial in the post-season) running game and the short game, especially to Wes Welker in the slot.

+ Since I am not on the Patriots payroll, I can ask this question: How do they look for next year? Moss is eligible for free agency, I think. If he gets a ring, will he stay? If he doesn't? Anybody else?

The defense, especially, is pretty old. They need to draft some guys who can contribute in each unit (line, backers, secondary), and bring that average age down a little.

+ Prediction: I'll take the Pats, of course. Confession: I keep picking against the Giants and they keep proving me wrong. Good for them. I still don't think they'll win this game. They could, sure. But I don't think they will, because:

1. They're too inexperienced. They almost folded yesterday. The pressure will be huge.

2. Weather will be no factor and the Pats should be able to dust off the offense that buried teams. The banged-up Giants D will not be able to stop Moss, Stallworth, and Gaffney in the long game all night, not to mention all the underneath stuff to Maroney (out of the backfield), Welker, Faulk, and Watson. And the run game.

That's all from me for now.

What do you think?