If anyone stuck around for the halftime show on Sunday Night Football, they were given a treat. Rodney Harrison decided to call out one of his former teammates, and it caught me so off guard, that I had to rewind it about seven times. Here's the clip if you missed it....

Obviously as a defensive player Harrison would side with Ray Lewis, but to call out his former quarterback like that is usually unheard of. It's no secret that the league protects quarterbacks, and is it wrong for Brady to lobby for the flag? Maybe, but it happens in every sport and really isn't a big enough deal to tell someone to "take their skirt off" though. Still, it was hilarious.

Video: Rodney Harrison Tells Tom Brady to Take His Skirt Off (BSO)

Ah Suzy. Ever the professional, even when a player tells you they don't even want to talk to you. Just keep that hair bouncing until he acknowledges you. Well at least she didn't try to hook up with him on live television (*ahem* Andrea Kremer! *cough*)....

We'll be doing some more live blogging tonight over at 12StepDrop at 8pm. Brady's back and Jon Gruden makes his debut on Monday (well Thursday) Night Football.

If you haven't been by 12StepDrop yet, checkout the Chatter section. It filters out all the useless tweets by the players and shows you just their thoughts on camp and their teams. Just what the internet needs, more fantasy data.

See you back here at 8 ...

There are certain monikers that stick with a team/player, and every time you hear some one utter the phrase, it makes you think of them and them alone. One of the more famous ones, "America's Team" has been associated with the Dallas Cowboys since 1979, and one that's unmistakable. Well that is until ESPN gets their hands on it. The "Leader" posted an article yesterday titled "The Great Debate: 'America's Team'", and is trying to make cases for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots (!), as the heirs to the title. Seriously....

It's time to rescind the Cowboys' honor and turn it over to the Patriots. The Cowboys are known for wanton spending and attention-mongering with zero results. The Patriots are widely regarded as the NFL's most efficiently run organization. Their owner, Robert Kraft, was a season-ticket holder who aspired to buy the team one day -- and did. The American dream and capitalism all in one.

What's more, the Patriots were formed in Boston, a.k.a. "The Cradle of Liberty" and crucible for the American Revolution.

They were an original member of the American Football League, which is celebrating its golden anniversary this year.

They changed their name to New England to reflect their meaning to a region where Pilgrims landed. Some teams, such as Minnesota and Arizona, claim a state. The Patriots claim six.

The Patriots wear red, white and blue. When they score, Minutemen line up behind the end zone and fire their muskets into the air.

They're loved. They're despised. They give a nation of sports fans plenty to talk about. They win.

They're called the Patriots, for crying out loud.

What's more American than all of that?

The thing that's so dumb about this isn't just that they've had the term since the 70s, but rather that they're just using Football teams. Shouldn't you consider the Yankees (perhaps more fans out there), the Red Wings (the American working man's team), and/or the Celtics?

As much as I hate the Cowboys, that nickname is theirs and theirs alone.

The Great Debate: 'America's Team' (ESPN)

There are about three teams involved in the Terrell Owens sweepstakes and they are the Titans, the Raiders and most surprisingly, the Patriots. Now newspapers will usually put up polls and forums that ask the fans their opinion on free agents, but it's rare that the team does so on its own website. Until now....

If T.O. wanted to play for the Patriots, should New England sign him?

Andy Hart says, "Yes!"

Assuming T.O. doesn’t have a lot of options, which I think is a safe assumption at this point, I hope he comes crawling to Bill Belichick and the Patriots in a last-ditch effort to resurrect his reputation and championship dreams. Let me be clear, if he has options and expects the Patriots to in any way bid for his services then I have no interest.

Erik Scalavino says, "No!"

Yeah, sure, go ahead. Sign T.O. … if what you want is the utter destruction of locker room chemistry and team unity. If on-field discord is what you want to pay to see at Gillette Stadium this fall, then T.O. is the guy for you!

Humble pie? Not for him, thanks. He prefers popcorn.

Nice use of the popcorn reference there, but I'm with the first guy. Sure Owens will more than likely wreck havoc on the Patriots' locker room, but just imagine the AFC's defenses going up against Moss, Owens and Welker. That's like the Cardinals on steroids! As far as New Englanders go, here are the current poll results....


Debate Friday (Patriots.com)
Pats Launch T.O. Poll (PFT)

Hey, who thinks ten people for a pregame show is too many? Certainly not NBC! The Peacock added yet ANOTHER analyst to their set for their five hour pregame show, putting their current total at eleven. The latest to join the ridiculous count is current Patriot, Rodney Harrison. Via NBC PR....

Rodney Harrison, who earned two Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots, will join NBC's Super Bowl XLIII Pregame Show it was announced today. In a 15-year-career, Harrison has made three Pro Bowl appearances and is the only player in NFL history with both 30 career sacks and 30 career interceptions.

NBC's Super Bowl XLIII Pregame Show kicks off at Noon ET and will be led by its "Football Night in America" studio team of Bob Costas (host), Cris Collinsworth (co-host), Keith Olbermann (co-host), Dan Patrick (co-host), Jerome Bettis (analyst), Tiki Barber (analyst) and Peter King (reporter). Tony Dungy, Mike Holmgren and Matt Millen were also recently announced as contributors.

In addition to his two Super Bowl rings, Harrison was part of perhaps the most famous play in Super Bowl history, attempting to defend David Tyree's miracle reception in last year's Super Bowl XLII. During NBC's pregame coverage, Harrison will discuss his role in Super Bowl lore as part of a feature on the Tyree catch.

At this point they're going to have to go over to Conan, and borrow some mics or something. I haven't even seen what they're planning, and I'm already aggravated by this nonsense. With that many people on board, all day Sunday is going to be a dizzy, convoluted, set of random pieces with no real semblance of order. It's just impossible for it not to be.

Many of you may have heard that Tom Brady went on The Fan 590 in Toronto yesterday evening to discuss among other things, how exactly his knee is doing. The move seemed odd on the surface, but ever since "Spygate", Brady has seemed less and less thrilled with the Boston Sports Media. Sort of the anti-Schilling if you will. Here's the clip from the show, which really has nothing to do with this post, but I wanted to share if you missed it.

If you listened to the whole thing, you probably found it as tame as I did (and the whole pain product endorsement a bit odd), but I still find it interesting that he decided to go on in Toronto. If he was really trying to piss of the Boston Media, I would think he would go on a show in New York, which is what makes this move even more odd. This summer should be a real fun one in Massachusetts!

Tom Brady Interview (590 The Fan)
Tom Brady Speaks....To Canada??? (BSO)

You've probably seen this video by now, but in case you haven't, here is a hilarious question and answer on Jeopardy the other night. Here's the answer, and let's see if you know the question before you view the video.

A: One second from defeat in the 2008 Super Bowl, this losing Head Coach threw a hissy fit & stalked off the field.

How funny was that? I love the deadpan "correct" from Alex after the contest answered the question, or questioned the answer. Whatever they do on Jeopardy. Good on you though, Trebek.

Film Room: Jeopardy Blasts Belichick (Jets Blog)

FOX and CBS are probably throwing shit against the wall right about now, but the rest of America is thanking their lucky stars for the Ravens, Eagles, Raiders and Texans. Why is that? Well because it knocks the Jets, Cowboys and Patriots out of this season's playoffs....HUZZAH!

I don't think I've ever seen a stoppage of play so that workers can straighten the goal posts on the field, but that's exactly what just happened in Buffalo. This is what 40 mph winds can do to your kicking game....

New England leads 3-0 after a very odd end to the first half, and the wind isn't slowing down anytime soon. Should be a fun thirty minutes in the second half.

Mercury Morris was back on First Take this morning with his yearly "They Aren't In Our Neighborhood" Speech again, but this time there was something different. He was obviously on to talk about the 10-0 Titans, and not only did he not make it all about himself or the Dolphins but....wait, is this a humble and almost supportive, Mercury Morris?! I think it is!!!

Maybe Mercury just hated the Patriots as much as we do (joke people), or they rubbed him the wrong way, but Titans speech just threw me for a loop. I mean, he even said "Go Titans!" there at the end. Unbelievable. Next you're going to tell me that the NFL is fixing games....oh.

The apocalypse is really upon us.

Mercury Morris Raps His Feelings About The Patriots (Awful Announcing)

I know a lot of you don't even get the NFL Network, and probably missed the wild end of the Jets-Pats game, so here are your highlights. The Jets had a 3rd and 2, with the chance to end the game, and the ran to the left for just a yard. With no timeouts and a little over a minute on the clock the Pats moved down the field, and Matt Cassel hit Randy Moss on a 4th and the game to send it to overtime.

After that score, I thought this one was over and the Pats were going to win the toss and run down the field. Favre had something else in mind and he picked the NE defense apart, complete with a huge 3rd and 15 pass to rookie Dustin Keller, on the way to a Jay Feely attempt to win it....

I tell every Pats fan I know that they are the luckiest team on the face of the earth (see last week Bills game), but that was just "never give up" Football right there. 1st place in the AFC East was on the line and both teams seemed to want it as much as the other. The Jets took the top spot tonight, but that division isn't ending without a fight. God I love the NFL.

I caught this commercial after going back and watching Monday Night Countdown from last night, and I think it's safe to say that the NFL Network's commercial for the Jets-Patriots game will make you sick to your stomach....

A "Heroes" parody? Ugh. The only my they could have made that more nauseating was to play the Foo Fighters "My Hero" in the background. I understand that networks need to attach their promos to someone, but when it's Favre, I immediately just roll my eyes. It'll be interesting to see if Papa and Collinsworth, fawn over Favre as much as the MNF crew did earlier in the year.

That's Welker at some sort of karaoke event and fundraiser.

Ellis Hobbs brings it out to the 25 or so. Cassel hits Benjamin Watson for nine yards to start. The Law Firm gets another nine out to the 45. The more Al mentions the Pats not being flagged yet, the more likely it is to happen. Cassel throws a screen to Moss and is brought down by Bob Sanders in the open field. Cassel runs for the first on 3rd and 7 and gets it, almost hitting the ump in his exuberance.

A flag gets thrown, but picked up, and we get a repeat of Cassel nearly punching the ump. Coach Hobo is challenging Indy, saying they had 12 men on the field -- which is likely what that flag might have been.

If my Budweiser was always perfect, it wouldn't taste as bad as it does. Seriously, the only time I buy Bud is at a bar I frequent where it's $2 for a draft mug. Belichick loses his challenge. Cassel has to scramble when everyone is covered, and Rahim Brock just levels him.

"Brock storms the Cassel. I'm sorry, I couldn't help it." - Al

Cassel then hits Moss on the sideline for a first down at the Colts' 31. On the next third down, Cassel goes to Welker, who gets up to the 19. Pre-snap whistle is the Pats' first penalty in more than six quarters, a false start on Nick Kaczur. Cassel goes back to Welker, who gets to the 17 on 1st and 15. Pats call time out #2.

Faulk busts through the middle for a first down and goal at about the 8 or 9. Cassel to Thomas at the six.

"Tyjuan Hagler, hitting him like Marvelous Marvin Hagler." - Al

The Law Firm takes it on the handoff and rushes six yards in for the score. Coach Hobo decides to go for two, and Faulk comes up short of the goal line. Patriots take their first lead, 12-7. I have a hunch that the Hoodie wants to challenge that, but doesn't want to risk his last time out after his ill-advised challenge earlier.

Garcon returns it out to the Indy 43, giving Peyton some good field position. Manning hits Clark at the NE 40. Addai then rushes to the 35. 2nd down pass is short to Gonzalez. 3rd down is right to Wayne for a first down and he is whacked by Brandon Meriweather. Addai picks up 2, up to the 22. Wayne works his way inside of Hobbs, and Manning hits him at the 8 yard line. First and goal. Addai gets hit in the backfield.

2nd down pass is incomplete, as Harrison runs into Deltha O'Neal. 3rd down is a pass to Anthony Gonzalez in the end zone that looks damn close to the first one, and it's a score. Indy's gonna try a 2-point of their own. Manning runs right, and throws across to the back of the end zone to Reggie Wayne, and the conversion is good. Indy up 15-12.

"You put a bowl of candy corn in front of [Bill Belichick], and he'll eat the whole thing!" - John

Ew. Of course Coach Hobo likes candy corn. God, that stuff's awful. Moss gets a first down past the NE 30 after a catch. Kevin Faulk runs for 15 out to midfield. Cassel throws the next one out of bounds, the closest person was in a blue jersey. Faulk catches another one a yard shy of the first down marker at the Indy 41. Cassel sneaks for the first to the 39.

Cassel airs it out on first down to Jabar Gaffney -- fabulous choice, good read -- and Gaffney drops a sure touchdown. Yikes. Draw play to Faulk for about 3 or 4.

I trust you all are just as tired of political ads as I am. Here in California, it's worse -- even though we're nowhere near a swing state, there are plenty of ads for the 12 statewide propositions on the ballot, plus the numerous state reps and senators. Yeesh.

Cassel hits Moss on on 3rd and 8, to keep the drive moving. Faulk runs inside to the 20. The 2nd and 4 pass goes to Watson, who gets a first down at the 17. Cassel throws incomplete to the Law Firm. The next play finds Welker tackled behind the line of scrimmage. Cassel is complete to Welker on 3rd and 11, a yard short of the marker inside the 10. Coach Hobo's going for it -- and he rushes on to use NE's last time out.

Belichick used it because he wanted to kick a field goal instead, and Gostowski's FG is good; we've got a 15-all tie.

That looked to me like Cassel got the first down after the Hoodie called the timeout. Wow...now they know how the Ravens felt last year. - JFein

Seriously, I think Cassel would have gotten that one too. I'm not sure the NE defense can stop the Colts' O right now, so at least getting a tie seems like the smart move right now. Garcon brings it out inside the 20. Manning hits Dallas Clark, who breaks a tackle and gets out to the 38. Addai gets one yard. Next pass to Clark is incomplete; Jerod Mayo was all over him.

Manning hits Gonzalez for 24 over the middle, and he's in NE territory at the 38. Addai gets 4, but then gets stuffed up on the next play.

Hey, this game's been so good as of late that neither Al nor John have talked about Tom Brady too much. My count is at three mentions. Peyton's incomplete on 3rd and 6 to Wayne, and Vinatieri comes in to kick a 52 yard FG -- it's good, pending the flag, and it's on the Pats. So, the kick is good, and it's 18-15, Colts.

Oh God, a Jeremiah Wright commercial. - JFein

Good, I wasn't the only one who saw that. I'm not gonna go any further than that.

Ellis Hobbs runs the kickoff back to the 19, as John rants on about Vinatieri's clutchness, making him sound like the football version of David Eckstein. (I know Adam's kicks legitimately won a few Super Bowls, but bear with me.)

Two straight passes bring it up to the Pat 38. Cassel then buzzes one to David Thomas at the Indy 41 for another first down. Faulk busts through for eight more. Law Firm grabs one trying to bounce outside, but there's a flag -- and it's a personal foul call on the Pats' David Thomas. Can we see a replay? Couldn't see a thing on it -- and now it's 3rd and 16 at the Indy 45. Faulk gets taken down at the 40.

Coach Hobo looks like he could kill David Thomas right now. They're going for it -- and Bob Sanders picks off Cassel on the attempt.

And Thomas is going to feel the Hoodie's wrath after the game. Now, New England can't stop the clock as the Colts move downfield. Rhodes rumbles to the 46, and we're close to the 2 minute warning. Addai gets a yard.

Holy crap, this has to be the quickest SNF game in history. - SSReporters

When you have very few penalties and a lot of running plays and passes that wind up in bounds (also, few incompletions), that helps, doesn't it? Regardless of who wins, this was good football, with the exception of the Hobo's time out management. Addai rushes, winding up a couple short of the first down. Hunter Smith will punt.

21 seconds left at the Pats 20, Cassel airs it incomplete, aiming for Moss. Same again on 2nd down.

"They have everyone but Martin Brodeur back there," - Al, on the Indy prevent defense.

Moss catches the ball over the middle, tries to lateral, but fumbles, and the game's over. 18-15, Colts win, and the picture stays really confused for all of us.

See you next week for Giants-Eagles!

A Peyton Dollar. It might be worth more than an actual dollar these days! (I kid, I kid the economy!)

This intro still sucks, but at least it's Faith Hill and not Kenny Chesney, right? Gotta be fortunate for the little things. I am very disappointed in Coach Hobo for not wearing his Flashdance hoodie, opting for a jacket instead.

Even after only seven weeks of John this year, all the things he says just kind of start to run together; he's almost become the Frank Caliendo imitation of himself. Not that what he's saying is wrong (always) or that it can't be insightful, it's just more blather than anything interesting about these teams. This is probably because neither he nor anyone else can concretely figure out what the hell the Pats can be with Matt Cassel right now or if the Colts really are that lousy this year.

Over / Under on Brady mentions ? - JG

Last time I gave a number for this, John and Al were very good about it and were way under the stated 15. So, let's go 12, and there's one down as Al says "They better be glad they're not going against Tom Brady."

Stephen Gostowski kicks off to Pierre Garcon, who returns it just past the 20. Anyone know French? I imagine it is Pierre the Waiter, thus, I wonder if he says it "show-dehr." "It's CHOW-DAH, FRENCHIE!" Peyton to Clark for 8 yards at the 32, Addai gets one on the next carry. The third down pass to Harrison is broken up, and the punt goes to Welker, who's down at the NE 21.

Matt Cassel starts there, hands it off to BenJarvus Green-Ellis -- despite the starting line-ups saying Kevin Faulk is starting. He gets three yards. Tyjuan Hagler tackles Faulk after a screen for about two yards. 3rd down is inside handoff to Faulk, and that's short. Three and out.

Chris "Predator" Hanson boots it 64 yards, Marvin Harrison is tackled returning it inside the 20, and we get Pearl Jam's "Dissident" for a bump, even though we're nowhere near Seattle.

Addai rumbles from the 9 up to about the 14. Harrison gets his first reception right at the first down line, which the Colts get for the first chain movement of the game. Addai rushes into the pile to the 22. 2nd and 7 goes over the middle to Anthony Gonzalez to the Colts 32. Addai rushes outside and gets nothing. Manning finds Clark over the middle again and it's another first down at midfield.

Addai heads into NE territory at the 47. The Colts keep moving the ball on a 3rd and 3 pass to the sideline, where Reggie Wayne brings it in. Manning bootlegs after a fake to Dominic Rhodes, and then throws to Rhodes for 8 yards. Rhodes gets the first down, rushing inside the Pats' 25; Rhodes then gets two more. Another pass over the middle to Harrison, an open-field tackle makes it 3rd and 2. Addai gets that first down at the Pats' 12. Manning throws the 1st down pass to Anthony Gonzalez's shoulder, and he brings it in for the touchdown. Kick by Vinatieri is up and good, 7-0 Colts.

That sequence of plays looked familiar.

Why does Al Michaels insist on reminding us of the number of first downs the Colts have this drive every time they get a first down? - JFein

Nervous tic, maybe Tourette's-like. Ellis Hobbs takes the kickoff out to the Pats' 33.

Regarding the SNL election special: Fred Armisen is still a bad choice as Obama, even if he has the intonations down. It just looks bad. Are there no black comedians out there that can do it, Lorne Michaels? 2nd Brady mention right there, as part of the lineup of injured players on New England. 3rd and 3 is a pass from Cassel to David Thomas, who gets past the first down marker.

"Something I don't think I've ever said in the play-by-play is 'Bob Sanders missed the tackle.'" - Al

Next play gets out to the 48, which is where the first quarter ends.

The Colts must lead the league in white boys. - 49er16

Jason Whitlock believes this is the reason for the team's success. I was pissed about the NFL Network showing the Broncos vs. Browns game, but after today against Miami, I'm not sure I want to watch the Broncos suck in the predictable ways any more. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (great name, BTW) burrows deep into Indy territory to the 27. He then grabs five more on the ground.

"Boy, they all have that chin and the same grim look when they throw." - John, when they show pictures of Matt Cassel's baseball playing brothers.

Kevin Faulk takes the direct snap, Cassel splits wide, and they get a few yards. Heath Evans burrows through to the 17 for a first down. Cassel breaks out of the pocket and runs, sliding down at the 10 yard line. Green-Ellis gets nothing on 2nd and 5. The pass is broken up by Tim Jennings, and Gostowski is heading on. Kick is up and good, Colts, 7-3.

Next week's Sunday night game: Giants at Eagles. That should be good. Two weeks: Cowboys at Redskins. That one, not so much. Pierre the Waiter kneels after catching the kickoff in the end zone.

A retrospective of Peyton Manning is accompanied by Cracker's "Low." I find this funny for various reasons, because Peyton looks like he's "hey, hey, hey, like bein' stoned" a lot of the time. First down pass is broken up by the corner defending Harrison, and Wheatley's hurt.

Manning has to scramble out the pocket a bit, but finds Addai on the short checkdown, and Addai gets the first down on 2nd and 10. Addai only gets one on the outside before he's tackled by Tedy Bruschi. Inside handoff to Addai, who gets a couple more, after John notes the 2 linemen and 4 LB formation up front, which is useful to note. We slam guys a lot, but it's nice to have someone point these things out. Mike Vrabel makes a good ankle tackle on Addai short of the first down.

Hunter Smith punts it again to Wes Welker, and he brings it back to the 22 yard line after breaking a couple of tackles. Depeche Mode bump, using "It's No Good."

I see Mike Holmgren has taught Tony Dungy about the "3rd and X draw play" that works so well for him. - SSReporters

Nah, that's Tony's Steelers background showing.

Fun Fact: Bill Curtis found the internet around the same time FEMA realized that New Orleans was underwater. - Anon
Hey Bill Curtis give me credit I invented the internet - Al Gore

+1 to both of you. Four Names runs it up to the 27. Cassel then throws to Four Names past the 30 for a first down, and we haven't even seen Randy Moss so far, have we? Doesn't matter, as Four Names pounds to the 37. Another first down for him.

"You just love to say that name. BenJarvus Green-Ellis. He uses his mother's name Green, his father's name Ellis. This team has a Jarvis Green and an Ellis Hobbs. You know what his teammates call him? Law Firm." - Al

That's actually so good that it's replacing my dubbing of Four Names. BenJarvus, you are now "Law Firm" for the rest of this live-blog. Faulk gets a couple. Welker catches his first pass short and to the side, and they're within the 40. Evans gets a couple more, then the ref falls down and the Colts call time out.

Cassel converts the 3rd and 4 by hitting Jabar Gaffney at the 25. Gaffney went up a bit for it, nice job. The Law Firm is stopped as the Colts' defense shouts "Objection!"

"A lot of passes he's thrown this year have been behind the line of scrimmage" - Al Michaels
on Matt Cassel (via JFein)

Wait, aren't all passes thrown behind the line of scrimmage? Or does he mean that they're screens that start with the receiver behind the line of scrimmage?

Faulk takes the direct snap, throws to Welker on the screen, but Indy stuffs it behind the line. 3rd and 12 results in a rush by Faulk to the 12 to set up the FG attempt. Gostowski's kick is good, 7-6 Colts.

I think I've got Jingle Stockholm Syndrome when it comes to the five-dollar footlong Subway tune. Gostowski kicks to Garcon, who brings it to the 18. Pass for Addai gets deflected. Manning hits Wayne over the middle to the 35. Almost the exact same play to Wayne, to midfield. A short one to Addai loses yardage, and the next one is tipped and nearly picked off. 3rd and 6. Manning hits Harrison, but he can't get out of bounds. The clock stops and Peyton tries to spike it, but the Colts get called for a false start. 10-second runoff means the end of the first half, which ends 7-6, Colts.

See you in the second half thread.

Coach Hobo and the Brady-less Patriots are at 5-2 and headed into Indy to face the 3-4 Colts. With the Bills losing today, the Pats can take sole possession of first place in the AFC East with a win. Peyton Manning and Co. need to defend the home turf or risk falling out of any chance of a Wild Card spot.

I honestly think it's a toss up, so make your pick in the comments, document anything stupid on Football Night in America, and we'll see you in an hour for the live blog.

Man, tough week for the "Leader" huh? First they decide not to piss off Brett Favre by ignoring a story, thus making everyone else mad at them. And yesterday, they decided to go ahead with a rumored report on Tom Brady, thus making the Patriots mad at them. Here's the skinny....

ESPN reported yesterday, via an unamed source close to the Patriots, that the team was mad at Tom Brady for not using team doctors for surgery. Well late last night the Patriots decided to issue the following statement....

"Today, ESPN cited an unnamed source who supposedly expressed the feelings of the Patriots ‘organization.’ This unsubstantiated report does not represent the team's views whatsoever. We have supported Tom Brady one hundred percent from day one of this process and will continue to do so. We issued a statement last Saturday expressing our complete organizational support for Tom. That support includes all aspects of the process. Unfortunately, our statement was not mentioned or referenced in ESPN’s report. Today, we reiterate our total support for Tom as he recovers from his injury."

Now on the surface, that seems pretty harmless right? While it ultimately is, it's extremely curious that immediately after ignoring the Favre item, they would go with a rumored story of this nature. It's an odd decision at best, but not the thing that sticks out to me.

The bigger issue though in reporting rumored stories about the Patriots is that the network has already pissed off that team enough with Spygate. What happens of the "media anointed champs", The Dallas Cowboys, lose their next two games (very possible against the Bucs and Giants)? With the Cowboys virtually out of the Playoff picture, they're upsetting the other huge ratings giver in the Pats. I don't know what it is, but the network almost has a vendetta against that team now.

Maybe ESPN should take a few plays off. It's just been a crazy week, and NFL season, for the "Leader". Tom Brady already can't stand you, you might not want to anger the "Golden Boy" even more (you won't like Tommy when he's angry).

Patriots release statement (Boston Globe)
Tom Brady Calls Out ESPN (Awful Announcing)

Did I ever tell you that Bill Belichick graduated from the same High School that I did? I did??? Well whatever then. Onto the boring second half....

Game over. (Via SS)

"The Patriots had 6 points in the first, 13 points in the second, giving them 20 points for the half" - Math Major Mike Tirico (Via JFein)

Berman just announced the highlight of Janikowski's game winning FG as: "Janikowski with a High Ball". Pretty cold considering See-Bass's drinking problems. (Via Mal)

10:18- Pats get the ball to start and Tony goes into his "article" of the game so far. Let's go with a lot of runs this quarter guys, okay?

Pats pick up a quick first down and are starting where they left off last half. 3rd and short....another first. Pats ball at midefield and a screen gets a few. Another third down.....sack.

"Another combo platter for Jamie Winborn and Elvis Dummervil."- Mike Tirico

BenJarvis Green Ellis? Did they make a hybrid version of Ben Watson, Jarvis Green, and Ellis Hobbs? (Via SS)

Royal escapes a few on the punt return but is eventually brought down at the 12. Cutler is back in and is welcomed back to the game with a sack. Welker with a nice return and it'll be the Pats' ball at the Broncos' 27. 1st down run loses two, 2nd run picks them back up and it'll be third and long....

Randy Moss on a screen.....TOUCHDOWN! This one is a blowout....

27-0.

Is the game still on? (Via NHZ)

Unfortunately.

"The Gillette Jump!" - Mike Tirico (Via SS)

Ugh.

10:36- The Pats are now dancing on the sidelines as the Broncos take over. Marshall with a couple of nice runs after the catch and the Broncos have it in NE territory....

Wait....Cutler is picked by Sanders. Pats ball.

Cassel to Moss for a first and there's a Bronco down. Pats ball at their own 30 and Cassel hits a wide open Welker and he traverses the sideline for a big gain.

Was that a guy dressed up as a Vikings fan? Man, those Bostonians must have really got drunk last night upon the Sawx losing....How else would you explain it? (Via JFein)

Hey, Shanahan! Put in Bubby Brister. (Via Mal)

SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT TOM BRADY!! (Via Anon)

Broncos pick a ball off at the goal line, but the Pats are challenging, and it looks to be incomplete. Yep...overturned.

"You don't know where that flag from Belichick has been. If I'm the ref, I let him pick it back up"- Tony Kornheiser

Cassel to Welker....TOUCHODOWN....34-0 Pats. And here comes the patented running up of the score by Belichick.

Broncos are putting together another drive, but it's more than likely going to end in a turnover. Cutler down inside the redzone, but it'll be a third down....and that's finally the end of the third.

Hey, look at that....the Broncos actually scored. It's 34-7 now and I smell a comeback!

HA!! We have a diagnosis from Dr. Kornheiser. He's going to be out from awhile. I think from now on when I quote Tony I'm going to refer to him as Dr. Kornheiser... (Via JFein)

AA - do we get some sort of bonus endurance award for making it all the way through this turd of a game?(like the ribbon you get just for finishing all the laps in the race during Field Day in Elementary School). (Via Mal)

I wish I could print out some sort of certificate for you, but I'd have to print one out for myself too because this is dreadful.

"I mean, it's a longshot."- Jaws on a Broncos comeback

Thanks for that one, Ron. I'm not even sure who's ball it is at this point but there's still 12+ minutes to go. Oh it's the Pats' ball and they're still passing. I hope Matt Cassel's head gets taken off. Oooh....it almost did just then. Faulk finally runs and Kevin Faulk has a first down at the Broncos 40.

Everyone knows the reason Brady got injured is the old Tecmo Super Bowl Syndrome... you run up the score enough, the computer gets mad and your best player gets hurt. Just ask QB Eagles. (Via Anon)

"It was too smart for me, I couldn't follow it" - Dr. Kornheiser on the Intentional Safety play of a few years ago (Via JFein)

Patriots punt and we're under nine minutes! Jaws says that Cutler shouldn't be taking shots and potentially wasting his season, and I'm inclined to agree with him. Welker dances around and he gives the Pats the ball at the 50....6 minutes to go.

"You've got to have the onions..."- Mike Tirico channeling his inner-Raftery (Via Mal)

Green-Ellis with back to back runs and the Pats are finally running the clock out. Thank God! The Pats then throw on the next play of course. I can't portray just how much I hate this team. Faulk picks up another first down....

And then follows it up with a TD! Or not....they mark him short, but the next play should be six....

Green-Ellis....TOUCHDOWN! 41-7 Pats and I'm just hoping for a fight after the game at this point.

Mike Tirico says that Hockey is an 88-game season and that comment just about sums up the night. 2-minute warning. Bill Belichick looks very proud of himself and that'll be it for me tonight. Thanks for keeping me company and I'll see you with that Emmitt video in a few.

Final: Patriots 41 - Broncos 7

We start the second half with a shot of Coach Hobo and his latest selection as Queen of the Hobos, shot at the NBA Finals earlier this year. Pats start at the 21 with a pass to Sammy Morris for three or four. Another pass goes to Morris, goes for a first down. Cassel gets to the 45, rushing it himself -- near the first down marker. Moss gets his second catch of the day for 15 yards and crosses midfield.

Next pass to WELKAH for eight yards. 2nd and 2 is a bomb aimed at Moss for the end zone, but it's short. Cassel runs and slides to the 28 for the first down. Cassel, facing the blitz on first, tosses a short out to Sammy Morris, who evades two tacklers and gets all the way to the Bolts' 2 yard line. Cassel has to throw 1st down away, as no one's open. Morris gets nailed in the back on 2nd down. 3rd down pass is incomplete, too, and they're going for it -- and that was awkward looking, as Cassel tries to run it himself and gets stopped.

Do you think Coach Hobo and Tom go on double dates? - 49er16

Not after that awkward date-swapping incident.

"So that is where Cindy was this summer." - John McCain - JG

+1.

"Erin Andrews in 25 years." - Anon

You take that back!

Tolbert gets the first carry and goes to the 5. Rivers floats another rainbow to Vincent Jackson, who gets all the way to the NE 35. After a couple plays, he airs it out to Jackson again in the end zone, and we're gonna get a PI flag on Ellis Hobbs. First and goal at the 1 yard line. Rivers to Gates, and it's a San Diego touchdown!

Kick is good, 24-3, Chargers.

"The big space-eater Jamal Williams." - Al
"He was doing more than eating space, he was taking the red right off the Patriots' helmets." - John
"You can put lipstick on a helmet, but it's still a helmet." - Al

Quentin Jammer picks off a pass thrown over Wes Welker's head. We may now be entering blowout territory (if we weren't already.)

Not that I mind, but the NBC cameramen seem very dedicated to shots of the Charger Girls' decolletage tonight. - PM

It's more attractive than some of the football being played. Sproles goes down to the Pats' 26 on a rush, but apparently it was 3rd and 10 anyway. The next play is a catch, and here comes the FG team on 4th down, and the crowd is booing when he sends Kaeding on up 21. Kaeding's kick is good, 27-3, San Diego.

Al, San Diego did NOT trade Michael Turner to Atlanta, he left in free agency.

Brandon Siler just mashed the kick returner. "Slater is looking like he got hit by a truck with Brandon Siler on the license plate." - Al

Cassel's pass gets batted down, and they're going back to his Little League World Series highlights. 2nd and 10 is to Faulk and he gets flipped by Eric Weddle. 3rd down is too short a pass to Jabar Gaffney, and here comes the punter again. Chris "Dateline NBC" Hansen boots it away from Sproles, the Chargers will have it at the 18.

"That's his reputation, a very classy, intelligent guy." - Al on Rodney Harrison. What? All I hear about half the time is how players think Harrison's a dirty player.

Rivers hits Gates past the 40 for a first down. Sproles runs outside for nothing. Flag on the next deep throw, and it's on Deltha O'Neal for illegal contact. LDT breaks one and runs for the Pats' 27 yard line. End of the 3rd. You mean I've got one more quarter of this blowout to go?

NBC needs to show a continuous picture in picture of Darth Hoodie b/c he must be fuming. - Anon
We should have started a Charger Girl view count. Not that I mind or anything, but the producer really likes those cheerleaders. - another Anon

Watch for it this quarter, because there's not gonna be a lot of reason to shoot the game. LDT to the 14 yard line. Hobbs tackles Tomlinson after one, LDT then gets a couple more, and now they're reviewing the Chargers' hard luck. (As a Broncos fan, I'm kind of tired of watching that sort of montage.) 3rd and 7 has Rivers scrambling and throwing it out of bounds -- but the flag is for a face mask on the Pats. 1st and goal. LDT up to the 5 on 2nd down. Fade off of Floyd's fingers, Kaeding will kick again. 23 yard figgie is good, 30-3, Chargers.

Slater takes the kick out to the 30.

Is Seattle really soaring into any game at 1-5? I think not. Faulk rushes for a first down. Cassel throws a short pass that bounces off his target, and was almost picked by Jammer. Norv wants to challenge it. Why, I'm not sure. Even if it was picked, Jammer fumbled and lost it.

You can't celebrate a tackle when your team is down by 24 points. - Anon

Agreed. And of course, Norv loses the challenge because it was obvious that Jammer didn't control it at all.

The clock operator can't hear the ref because the Charger fans are booing so damn loudly. A thumbs up to the dude in the luchador mask -- and we've got the chants of "BULLSHIT."

"It's a good boo night; there's a full moon. Somewhere in life you just need to get your booing." - John

Cassel throws the ball to the ground on 2nd, then calls time out.

"It's a two-minute boo!" - Al

You just knew we couldn't go a whole 60 minutes without NORV doing something so pointless. - SSReporters

This is why the Chargers will lose in the playoffs again this year. Norv will blow a challenge on something stupid, and he won't be able to challenge an important call later. Actually, I think that happened to him at least once last year.

"It's partially the Hochuli thing and the other booze, not spelled b-o-o-s." - Al

3rd and 15 goes to Ben Watson for a first, but it's negated thanks to offensive holding. 3rd and 25 is dropped by Welkah.

Please tell me someone has copious screencaps of Belichick tonight. - Dan

It's all the same emotionless expression and grumbling face, anyway. Punt goes out of bounds at midfield. Took 'em long enough to play the "San Diego Super-Chargers" song. That tune kicks ass.

"I wonder if one of my assistants are getting footage of the Chargers assistants hand signals."-Coach Hobo - 49er16

Coach Hobo: "If that assistant didn't get footage of the Chargers cheerleaders, he's getting fired."

"I hear that they are still so angry that they won't let zebras in the San Diego Zoo." - Al (via 49er16)

Jacob Hester just gave us San Diego's first screw-up of the day by fumbling. Pats ball at the SD 46. Even when Norv is winning he looks like a loser. Moss comes back for a short catch to the 31. Faulk is able to "squirt through a hole", in Al's words, to the 22. John sounds like a life coach, urging the Patriots to "make this a positive experience." Faulk runs to the 9, and another first down for him on the next carry. 1st and goal. Cassel runs to the 2.

Sammy Morris heads into the end zone from 2 yards out. Kick is up and good, 30-10, Chargers.

"They want blood." - Al on the fans booing again.

More lovely shots of Charger Girl decolletage before the kickoff, which Cletus Gordon runs back up to the 24.

I came to watch an NFL game but apparently NBC substituted it with soft porn. - SSReporters

It's better than the snuff film this game turned into a quarter ago.

"He's got seven screws and a wire going through his foot -- must be fun at an airport..." - Andrea Kremer

LDT rushes out for a bunch more after getting a screen pass.

"Bill Belichick's getting a headache." - John

I will never, ever get used to a Morrissey song being used to promote the NFL Network. Ever. It feels wrong.

Has John always been this amazed with punters, or has he been hitting the turducken too hard? - Dan

It's one of those things that former coaches like to make a big deal about, to tell you that every position matters. Cassel throws to Welker for a first down after SD punts it. Cassel to Faulk for 20 more into SD territory, as John talks about the Big Space Eater, Jamal Williams.

"He's kind of like Ralph Nader; you don't see Nader in the polls either." - Al, explaining why Williams isn't on the top players poll. BenJarvus Green-Ellis catches the pass from Cassel, and NE is taking a time out with two seconds left. That is pure Coach Hobo, being a prick.

Game over, Chargers win, 30-10. See you next week. Pray for the ALCS to go seven, so I live-blog that instead of Seahawks-Bucs.

Philip Rivers is apparently pretty good at math, but not good enough to figure out how the Chargers are at 2-3 when they were the odds on favorite to win the AFC West. (They still are, to many -- because as witnessed again today, Denver has no capability to stop anyone on offense.)

My pick: The Chargers should make a stand here. It's a home game. They need to gain a game on the Broncos, and the Patriots aren't exactly the tightest on the defensive side. But the Bolts' D has been bad in terms of getting a pass rush going. Patriots 23, Chargers 17.

If Tony Gonzalez gets traded before the deadline, do they have to re-shoot that shot of him in the Sunday Night Football open?

The Chargers are in the powder blue uniforms, which should be their regular home unis, honestly -- although I like the old powder blues because they were actual throwbacks, complete with the old school helmet design.

"The urgency lamp is shining brightly in San Diego." - Al

"Offensively they have a good offensive line." - John (via Dan)

We're off to a rousing start.

I like Subway OK, but I don't get any subs there that involve that crappy marinara, so none of that new $5 footlong sub for me.

Andrea Kremer is telling us that LDT's toe is still bugging him. I feel more and more competent about my earlier concerns about the Chargers' offense. The Bolts will get the ball first -- and that means Darren Sproles. Stephen Gostowski kicks it into the end zone, and Sproles takes a knee.

Philip Rivers floats a big one to Vincent Jackson for 48 yards, and they're inside the Pats' 35. Well, that's an auspicious beginning. Rivers hits Antonio Gates for five more. LDT grabs 2 on his first carry of the night.

In the starting line-ups, Ellis Hobbs mentions his high school. If I went to Iowa State with the way they're playing, I wouldn't mention them either. On 1st down, LDT rushes his way into the middle for two or three yards. Rivers to Jackson on a slant for another 1st down, and it's goal to go at the 8.

Think the Patriots miss Asante Samuel much? - 49er16

Just a little. 2nd and goal is a juggled and incomplete pass to Antonio Gates (Rivers rolled out and threw the ball away on 1st.) 3rd down gets the pass thrown out of the end zone; offensive holding is called, but the penalty's declined -- Nate Kaeding's on the way after the injury time out.

Every time I think the Chargers are looking good, they show a sideline shot of Norv. - Dan

We'll be keeping tabs of how many times Tom Brady is mentioned and how many times we catch glimpses of Norv Face. Help me out with these, won't you? 25-yard FG is up and good by Kaeding, 3-0, Chargers.

Speaking of Norval, it's always amusing to see that LDT Chunky Soup ad at the "Did I do right by my boss?" part and see Norv as the boss. Makes me laugh every time.

"Randy Moss, Rand...University." Nice.

Ellis Hobbs takes the kick out to about the 22. Cassel to Wes Welker for 9 yards on his first play. Sammy Morris goes for six on the next for a first down, and we are told that BenJarvus Green-Ellis (of Ole Miss) will be in the game at RB later, probably. He wins the name derby for tonight. Cassel hits David Thomas for another first down, which Morris follows up with another 7 yards. 2nd and 3 at the SD 40 is a throw-away by Cassel. Cassel scampers on 3rd and 3 for the first, winding up on the Bolts' 36.

The Pats are idling here, after a deep pass to Moss is incomplete and Morris gets stuffed. 3rd and 10. Pass is to Welker, but he's five yards short. Gostowski's coming on for a figgie try.

"Welker is stopped by his left ankle." - John
"80% of his passes are behind 10 yards....or less than 10 yards." - John on Cassel

Gostowski misses wide left. Rivers hits Brandon Manumaleuna for 4 yards to start. Tomlinson goes for a couple yards up the middle. First down as Gates dives for the catch. Rivers floats another rainbow to Malcom Floyd for the TOUCHDOWN, beating Deltha O'Neal badly. Kick is up and good, 10-0 Chargers.

When they showed Moss on the sideline, he looked like he was ready to leave already. - 49er16
Ah... San Diego Charger cheerleaders... this should be a good Sunday Night for no other reason. - Rob in WI

If you'd like to ogle the Charger Girls further, here you go.

The Pats go three and out after Cassel throws behind Benjamin Watson. Another Pats player is down on the ground and hurt. Nick Kaczur's out, the punt comes down to Sproles and it's up to the 44 -- but someone ran into the punter. It's only a 5 yard version, so they'll kick again. Sproles takes that punt across the 45, where he gets tackled by Hanson.

"That should never happen to a very good punt returner. The punter should never be able to tackle you." - John

LDT rumbles to the Pats' 34, then grabs four more on the next play. He takes the next pass from Rivers to the 26, a yard shy of a first. The 3rd and 2 pass is overthrown and out of bounds, so Kaeding will come out again. 44 yard FG is up, and it hits the left upright. No dice.

Sammy Morris rushes for three yards to start. Cassel hits Moss on a screen, 3rd and 1 when the 2nd quarter starts. As we return, we're watching the Pats have to make do with players falling left and right, and Cassel couldn't get anything downfield on 1st down. 2nd is a short pass to Welker. He throws it to Faulk on 3rd down, but it's short and he doesn't get the first down. Hansen boots it, and it's downed at the Chargers' 3 yard line.

Mike Tolbert gets the carry to burrow for a couple of yards, and we get a glimpse of Norv, although it is not quite Norv Face. LDT goes to the 10 on the next carry. The Rivers bomb to Vincent Jackson doesn't work, as Hobbs has inside position. Mike Scifres punts it to the Bolts' 43, and the Pats have great field position.

Pats get seven on the first play -- ooh, Tom Brady mention! They're talking about his ACL surgery in Los Angeles. Morris gets a couple on 2nd, and then moves the chains on the next carry. Brady Counter is at 3 tonight. Five wide and an empty backfield, and the Chargers swarm and sack Cassel on first down. Handoff is to Heath Evans for 2 yards. Right idea on 3rd down -- sideline hitch to Randy Moss, good throw by Cassel, but the ref called it incomplete, as Quentin Jammer got his hand in there. Gostowski nails a 48-yard field goal. 10-3, Chargers.

Sproles gets tripped up at the 23 on the kickoff return. Swing pass to Tomlinson, who grabs 10 yards. He can't get around the corner on the next play, and Al notes he's gone above 11,000 yards for his career. Vincent Jackson makes a nice catch on the sideline at the 49, but two plays later, he drops a ball he should have had from Rivers.

I'd forgotten Bo Jackson's real name is Vincent. 3rd and 13 is air-mailed into double coverage to Jackson, and the WR had to play DB as Brandon Meriweather almost picked that ball off -- and that's Meriweather on the ground. The Chargers down Scifres' punt at the Pats' 6 yard line.

"Scifres is a guy who has every kick. You know how you talk about a quarterback who can make every throw? He's a guy who can make every kick." - John

Sammy Morris gets stuffed again going over the right side. Brady Mention #4, specifically "Tommy." 3rd and 2 now, and Faulk can't get the first. Hansen punts to Sproles, who hits the corner and gets to the Patriot 46. Flag on the play -- a face mask on the Pats, so the Chargers get to start at the NE 31.

"Well maybe Brady wans't Brady when he started, but it didn't take long for Brady to be Brady." - Al, mention #5.

Andrea is talking about her boyfriend. - 49er16

LDT gets two yards to start. Two minute warning, SD's got all three time-outs.

I've been alerted that Seattle vs. Tampa Bay is next week's SNF game. That is a cosmic combination of impending suck. If there is a Game 7 in the Boston-Tampa Bay baseball playoffs, I will be live-blogging that instead. (A potential Game 7 is scheduled for a week from tonight.)

Rivers hits Malcom Floyd at the 13 for a nice catch. Time out called. Tomlinson burrows all the way inside the 5, it's now 2nd and 2. Rivers hits Jackson over the middle for six more. Kick is up and good, 17-3, Chargers.

Pats will start at their own 17. Cassel gets nailed and fumbles, but the Pats recover. Faulk rushes for a few yards. New England runs the clock out, and it's 17-3, Chargers, at the half.

It's amazing that someone that looks like Norv can produce such a great looking daughter. - 49er16

"All you ever done is make a hot daughter, Norv!" The same principle goes for Wade Phillips.

See you in the second half thread.