BB’s all-in 4th and 2 call with more than 2 minutes remaining overlooked one critical wrinkle: what if you need to challenge the call on the field?  Everybody knows that NFL referees are under strict instructions to call anything in the 4th quarter that will lead to a more exciting outcome.

No media outlet has mentioned the terrible officiating that tilted the game in favor of the Colts.  Phantom pass interference calls twice put Indianapolis in the red zone after falling behind by two scores.  When KF caught the 4th and 2 pass from TB, he bobbled the ball once, then grabbed it – but the linesman made a decided step backwards when making the spot.  The spot would have undoubtedly been overturned had the Pats not used all their time outs.

Which brings us to the Coach’s call – one of the gutsiest, most controversial decisions of the modern era and a gift to BB haters all over the world.  Did BB know something we didn’t, such as the statistical probability that PM would score under two minutes regardless of field position?  Possibly.  Either way, it didn’t work out – but that rests on the offense and I assure you, the only person who took the loss harder than BB was TB.

So Happy Holidays, Pats fans, because this game was a blowout.  While the end score read 35-34, the Patriots dominated the undefeated Colts.  If the two teams were going to meet again next week, who would you take, the 8-0 Colts, or the 6-3 Patriots?  The delicious thing is – I don’t think New England has peaked yet.

Question the call all you want, but from here on ’til The Superbowl, I’d bet on the team now with a chip on their shoulders…GO PATS

You know you’re a crazy Red Sox fan if you believe that folks taking off en masse to watch the Pats-Broncos game caused the Red Sox to lose today. This is how the conversation went: They’re up? Two runs? Alright, I’m audio video – goin’ to bump my baL @ the Pats lolol…Moments later, Papelbon has a “regular ol’ thermonuclear meltdown,” and lays said egg (see photo). With Bull Durham on repeat, we can only see Paps and Theo having a monster offseason, so beware pups.

Anyone miffed to see that temp Wagner in the 8th instead of fireballer Daniel Bard? The kid was hot by the end of 7 (101 mph). Instead we got Tito’s wrote strategy that used to be formulated with more desperation. 2-time recent World Series winners, there are currently too many high paid pitchers needing to get playing time. And why not sub in Capt. Tek for defensive purposes? Who were we trying to rest? Bard, age 24? Shouldn’t have ‘Tek been out there win or lose? Phaw and phooey…the fix was in.

Since Terry was out to lunch, Paps looked seriously stiff probably from lack of use, thanks Sox O… speaking of which the Sox are 0-2 in postseason bids without Manny. Is it greed to feel discontent when they don’t make it to the Series (of all places?) or is it that Manny looks like The Babe more and more all the time? Straightaway quick, I’d go get that witch doctor KG to reverse the new curse if Tom Werner traded Manny to finance a 2010 screen adaptation of The Cosby Show. ttt

Sounds like cribbage over at my brother’s.  What a score!

In Sports and Traffic: Cape Codders going home from work to watch the U.S. Open met the Fat Cats traveling to The Razor for MNF, causing an 11 mile traffic jam at the Sagamore Bridge — in both directions.