Top dogs

Good response to the question we posed last week about what would constitute a satisfying or disappointing Patriots season after the Miami win. Most of you feel, if I may paraphrase the consensus of opinion, that what's been accomplished to this point is enough. Some of you expressed that being the No. 1 seed right now, the Patriots would need to win the AFC Championship Game. It was a mixed bag, but the consensus was the Patriots are going in the right direction and should be a top team for many years to come.

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A few of you even went so far as to say the Patriots are a dynasty, taking a similar view to my colleague Michael Holley in a well-done column in the Globe this week.

The Patriots are playing this Sunday's game as the top dog. No more underdog stuff. They are no longer under the radar screen. Bill Belichick made Dolphins sound like the '72 Dolphins this week, which is his way of not taking the Jaguars lightly. He's right, they shouldn't.

We certainly had a number of e-mails on either the joy of last Sunday or the disappointment of it. The joy came to those who were able to make the game and enjoyed the win and being a part of the AFC East clinching moment. On the flip side, many people, about 25,000, couldn't make the game. Some chose not to brave the elements and others chose to start out fully intending to come to the game only to be told not to attempt it.

I empathize with anyone who was turned away because the parking lots were full, or what ever the reason. I just don't know what the Patriots could have done. From everyone I spoke to involved with the Patriots, they just couldn't keep up with almost 30 inches of snow which fell over the course of Friday night through Sunday. I can tell you being at the stadium Wednesday, there were still crews removing snow at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Patriots would have loved to take your $30 or $40 for parking. They lost a great deal of parking and concession revenue for the game.

The decision to play is the NFL's, not the Patriots. It was a tough day for them because they had just issued a commemorative ticket for the 100th consecutive home sellout, something the team ownership was very proud of. I'm not certain what the team can do, if anything, to make it up to those people who had to eat expensive tickets. It sounds as though the situation was completely out of their hands.

After signing punter Brooks Barnard last week, the Patriots added punter-kicker Travis Dorsch to the practice squad this week. Dorsch, drafted in the fourth round by the Bengals, has a big leg but his NFL debut last season resulted in two, low line-drive punts that Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith returned for touchdowns. He also had a 10-yard punt in that game.

As we reported here many weeks ago, Larry Centers has returned to the team this week. Centers is welcome because he's one of the best pass-catching fullbacks in the league and Tom Brady could use am outlet like Centers. The Patriots released J.J. Stokes, but Belichick said the team may look at him again next season.

Here's the mailbag:

Nick, Thanks for taking my question. In today's NFL with the cap, what will be the chances of the Pats signing players like Law, McGinest, and Brady? Will players like that look to stay with a competitive team like the Pats or will they leave for more money? The reason why I ask is because the NFL has parody and a player could say, "Well, so I jump ship and go to a loser team who cares. They might be competitive in a few years from now." Or do they say, "We got something going here. I'll take a restructuring of my contract to see what happens." Is it really about the money? I love parody and the cap because we got a Super Bowl out of it. But will it mean teams like the Pats will never become a dynasty?
Sean Androsoff, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

A: I think the players who take less money to stay in a good situation are the ones who have already made a lot of money and don't need to make every last penny. McGinest, you mentioned, might be a guy who is wiling to play for less. In speaking to Law recently he's definitely softer in his comments about leaving if the Pats try to cut him, but I know he won't take a significant cut. As for a dynasty, I never think that way in football. I can see it in basketball with the Lakers perhaps, but not in football. The two teams who played in the Super Bowl last season are sub-.500 right now.

With the Patriots still without a consistent running game, why don't they take a look at Adrian Murrell? He looked pretty good at times with Dallas.
Martin Tully, McAllen, Texas

A: What they have in Smith, Faulk, and Cloud is better than Murrell. That's just my opinion.

Nick, No doubt you saw Dr. Z try to rip the staples out of Charlie Weis's tummy in SI this week, basically charging that he's putting his own future as a head coach over the good of the team. I'm not trying to egg you into a fight with an older guy or anything, but what's your take? Is Charlie still throwing the ball with a 21-point lead because his ego is out of control or because ball control is just not the Pats' game?
Dan Riley, Vista, Calif.

A: I don't agree with that assessment of Charlie. If that was Charlie's intent, do you think Belichick would let him get away with that?

Hi, Nick. This is a really great forum. Although I wish some of the folks would get over the Bill's personnel problems. Fisherman have the same problem, no one wants to look at the flotsam of an off-shore dumping ground. Anyway, here's a chance to help us at the NFL.com site. We have one of the most dominating defensive teams playing this season. So, who of the four linebackers deserves Pro-Bowl recognition? Vrabel, a seek and destroy player, Phifer, a tackling workhorse, a cagy and opportunistic McGinest, or Tedy "Never saw a hole I didn't stick my head into" Bruschi. And why aren't these guys hailed as masters? Is it that they meet at the ball so often their numbers suffer from assists and half sacks or because they do their job and get off the field? Losers pile up high tackle numbers! What do you think, Nick?
Jeff Peterson, Hubbardston

A: Vrabel missed most of the season with a broken arm, so he's out. McGinest has played very well (especially lately) and Phifer is very steady. But for me the Pro Bowl guy there is Tedy Bruschi.

Hi, Nick. Thanks for the effort you put into the mailbag, it really is a great resource for us rabid fans out here. I have enjoyed reading your thoughts on the Pats for the last couple of years now. You mentioned in the mailbag last week that the team really misses Tebucky Jones in special teams coverage. Special teams really stepped it up against the Colts. In particular, I'm excited to see Shawn Mayer on kick coverage. What if anything do you know about this guy? I think he was on the practice squad, but the Patriots.com has no bio info on him at all. Thanks, keep up the great work!
Terry R., Colchester, VT

A: Shawn Mayer is a Penn State kid who has really come on. He learned a lot from his time in camp and his time on the practice squad. The Patriots often cut these guys and then keep track of them and bring them back when there's a need. As Belichick has said, you need 65 players at least during the course of the season. He's done a nice job and I would think he's a guy you might look at making the team as a safety next season.

Nick, I love your column. Recent history suggests that Coach Belichick makes positional and personnel changes based on a "what's best for the team" philosophy, to include the recent long overdue departure of Ken Walter. Question: Why doesn't this apply to Antowain Smith? I believe it's fair to say that he is to rushing what Walter is to punting: inconsistent and non productive, save for a few flashes of brilliance during the season. He is being used in substitution packages when he's healthy but I think that is merely an excuse to keep him activated. Why not come to terms with the fact that he doesn't get the job done, bench him permanently, and activate Faulk and Cloud who would present a formidable tandem behind Brady? Doesn't this makes more sense? What am I missing here?
Mark Gehrung, Seven Lakes, N.C.

A: The coaches believes he serves a purpose. If they believed Smith was of absolutely no use to them, he wouldn't be here. Now next season is a different story because he's due a $2 million roster bonus. I doubt he'll be back. But at this time, Smith serves their needs as a big, short-yardage, bad weather back. I do agree that Cloud should get more playing time.

Belichick has been getting a lot of the credit for the Pats success the last three years, but a great deal of the credit also needs to go to Scott Pioli, especially for the 2003 draft and his 2001 free agent signings. How long is Pioli under contract with the Patriots? Do you sense that he is satisfied with his current role, or is there risk the Pats could lose him to another franchise that would be willing to give him a GM job?
Mark Stasium, Portland, Maine

A: Pioli signed a four or five-year deal last off season. They have him tied up, I believe, even longer than Belichick, whose deal runs through 2006. I sense he is very satisfied working under Belichick. It's been a successful marriage. Scott is still pretty young -- in his mid-to-late 30s -- so he has plenty of time to seek his dream job what ever that might be. If a team does try to snatch him away, and to this point, no team has, the Patriots have some very good people under him like Tom Dimitroff, Keith Kidd, and Lionel Vital who could slip into that job without a drop off. The people I've mentioned are getting a lot of attention around the league, especially Dimitroff, who is the Patriots director of scouting and did a great job with the draft this past season.

In response to your "Define success" mailbag, I believe it to be when a team can compete every week and has a realistic chance of winning. In this league of parity (a good thing), having that chance is all you can hope for. I remember the Ron Erhardt years and sitting with my dad on the 30-yard line with room to lay out on the benches and having our own vendor throughout the game. Success isn't winning, it's doing the best you can and I think this team (and for the past 10 years) has achieved that. I may never see another Super Bowl win in my lifetime, but as long as the team plays hard and competes I will always be a fan.
Chris Morris, Chicago, Ill.

A: Good approach, Chris.

Nick, Sorry, got a non-Patriots question for you. I would like to know who you feel your top five linebackers in the league are. I really think Donnie Edwards and Jamie Sharper get enough credit. You always have Ray Lewis and Zach Thomas. But even Ray Lewis has said in interviews that he thinks the next best LB besides himself is Jamie Sharper. Let me know what you think.
Eric Dolan, New Bedford

A: The guys I think are superb are Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Tedy Bruschi, Takeo Spikes, and Derrick Brooks.

Hello, Nick. I enjoy reading the mailbag every week. My question revolves around next year's draft. The Pats need a running game. I think the Pats should seriously think about drafting Kevin Jones, an RB from Va Tech. He looks like he can be a game-breaker. What do you think of him?
Paul Maitino, Billerica

A: He's exciting to watch. I'm just not sure what type of back this regime prefers. I'm guessing they want a bigger guy like Antowain Smith who can move. A Fred Taylor type, for example.

Nick, Nice mailbag. I agree with you most of the time. My question: Regarding a question in a previous edition about the offensive coordinator talking to the QB while the play is in progress. Isn't communication cut off before the QB goes to the line for the play? If not, why can't coaches change the play when the QB goes to the line?
Bob Lewallen, Front Royal, Va.

A: The communication is cut off, but he could yell it at the top of his lungs from the sideline if that's where he's situated. I guess I misunderstood the question.

The offense has struggled frequently this season and I have wondered why the Pats have not used the hurry-up offense more during the game. It seems that Brady is just the right type of quarterback to thrive with a hurry-up. (Look at all his late game comebacks.) But then I think, "they're 10-2, they haven't needed to use it." Is this something that Belichick and Weis are holding back on to surprise someone with in the playoffs, where you don't get a second chance? This would seem like Belichick's style.
Dave H., South Bend, Ind.

A: Dave, I think you did answer your own question. One thing the Patriots don't want to do is turn the ball over and there is greater risk of doing that in the hurry-up.

I'm Boston-born and raised rooting for all the Boston sports teams. In answer to your question of "What will success be?," It seems this team can win it all. I believe a Pats-Cheifs game could go either way if played at Arrowhead. If Pats have home field, Pats win it. I also think it is assumed the AFC will win the Super Bowl this year though it is not guaranteed, of course. I said when the Pats won the Super Bowl that if they never won it again, I would be fine. This comes from enduring season after season of disappointment from the Red Sox. It gives you a "just give me one championship and I can die in peace" type of attitude. So, if the Pats don't win it all this year, it won't be devastating as if they had lost to the Rams, but it will disappointing because I think they have the team and coaching to accomplish another Super Bowl title and how often to you get the chance to win it all? You need to take advantage when you got the goods. Thanks.
Rob Crose, Idaho Falls, Idaho

A: Great point, Rob. It's not often you get into this position where you're the top-seeded team and completely in the driver's seat. You have to take advantage of that.

Is Antowain Smith going to play anymore this season?
Larry Cummings, Petoskey, Mich.

A: In situations, yes.

Nick, how can we ask what's a "satisfying" season until after it is complete? After all, last year's supposed disappointment, in hindsight with the struggles of Tampa Bay, must now be viewed at least as a partial success. Nothing short of a Super Bowl victory should be everyone'expectation at the beginning of the season for all teams. Not an expectation born of building momentum during the year. I prayed for a Super Bowl under Fairbanks. In '83, I thought Ron Meyer was the best thing ever for the Pats. Even with Rod Rust you still hoped, did you not? Expectations should always be for a championship. Otherwise, a "successful" season can't be quantified until it's over.
Alex MacPhail, Shapleigh, Maine

A: Right. But I asked the question right now. Given the situation where they're the top team, what would be successful and what would be disappointing?

Define success: I think the question of defining success for the Pats this season is a bit of a red herring. I know it's fun to make predictions, but looking to the future and setting expectations for success (or disappointment) seems besides the point this season. The Pats have accomplished so much this year, overcoming the injuries and the Buffalo/Milloy fiasco, beating the Fish in Miami, beating the Broncos in Denver, and beating the Titans and the Colts. I'm just so pleased with the resilience and fight and smarts of this team that I look forward to see what they come up with each week. Of course, the goal on the horizon is winning the Super Bowl, but there are so many hurdles and contingencies between where the team is now and getting to that goal that I don't want to lose the pleasure of the real, weekly accomplishments of this team speculating too hard about future accomplishments. Thanks for the great column, it keeps us connected back to home from out here in the wilds of Idaho.
Scott MacPhail, Moscow, Idaho

A: And I think that's an acceptable answer. For some people, over coming the odds of all the injuries, and winning big games against the iron of the AFC and the league, is quite enough.

Nick, non-Patriots related question, but your a knowledgeable guy and I couldn't find anyone else to ask this to, so here it goes: Why in the A-Rod for Manny discussions hasn't it been brought up to move A-Rod to third, keep Nomar at short and move Mueller to second? I haven't heard anyone mention it, maybe I'm just missing the boat here, but I do remember when A-Rod first came up, people talked about him out growing the shortstop position and eventually moving to third. Why not now? Also, corner outfielders are much easier to come by than a top third basemen, which if he could make the switch, he would clearly be. I would love an answer, thank you very much. I enjoy reading your articles as well as your Internet answers.
Matthew Cohen, Boston

A: A-Rod is a better shortstop than Nomar. A-Rod wins games with his glove. The reason, as we write this, you can't keep Nomar is because you've reached a contract impasse. If that's straightened out, I could see entertaining keeping both A-Rod and Nomar, but Nomar would have to move to third or to the outfield. Is he ready to do that at age 30?

Hey, Nick, great forum here. One aspect of being a baseball fan that is easier than a football fan is being able to tell whether a play happened because one guy messed up or the other guy stepped up (i.e.: fighting off a good pitch vs. hitting a meatball) but with football it is hard to tell whether something is a good juke or a missed tackle or one line is winning the battles because they are good or the other line is terrible. (It's probably somewhere in the middle, but where in the middle exactly?) Could you or your buddy Ron dedicate a few lines to this in explaining some plays each week. This going under the assumption that sports writers are a sort of "expert fan." I'd appreciate it, if possible. Thanks.
Micah Goldwater, Newton, and Austin, Texas

A: We try to do that as often as possible. But if I look at a tape of the game, I might think this guy messed up when he didn't. One of the assistant coaches would have to have the authority to say, "OK, Joe Smith missed a block and that's why Tom Smith was sacked." The Dolphins were very up front on what happened on the Harrison blitz and stripping of the ball from Fiedler -- McMichael missed as block. Now as I watched that, I figured it was probably McMichael. But we don't alway know what the blocking assignments are. That's why I stay away from report cards on a game to game basis. I have no idea what the blocking assignments are for the offensive line, tight end, or running backs.

I've been a Pats fan for 17 years, and I have to say this is the most exciting year to be one. The Super Bowl Year was great, but we were considered underdogs then. Right now there is an ongoing debate as to whether or not the Pats are the best team in the NFL. What do you think? Are they better than KC, and do you think we will ever find out?
John Adams, Wichita Falls, Texas

A: Right now the Patriots are the best team in football. The numbers don't lie in this case. They are tied for the best record and they've demolished the best teams in either league. They haven't played KC or Baltimore or St. Louis, but my sense is if they're playing like they are after the Dolphins game, they'd likely be the Super Bowl champions.

Do you think the lack of a running game with hurt the Patriots in the playoffs when you should be running the ball in the cold weather since it's a lot harder to pass?
Scott Fleming, Natick

A: This is the old conventional wisdom topic, Scott. Every ounce of logic says yes, they need to run in cold weather. The evidence suggests, that's not the case.

Hi, Nick. Great column, and thanks for accepting my first ever question to a sports e-mail forum (last week). This has encouraged me to ask this one: how good are our backup QBs? Is there a Bulger or at least a Rattay hidden in one (or both) of them? I ask this 'cause November is do-or-die for the Dolphins, Jets, and, of course, the playoffs. Defenses will be gunning for Brady, given our limited running game. I know the O-line will do all it can to protect Brady, but we all remember the effects of Mo Lewis' hit on Bledsoe. It changed the whole season, and eventually the organization itself (by good fortune, for the positive). So, back to my question: how do you rate Davey and Huard against their peers?
Ram Krishnan, Nashua, N.H.

A: Ram, I doubt anyone knows the answer to that. Huard is suited for Weis' offense. Davey has really come on as an exciting QB with a big arm in practice. But Huard hasn't played in a game for two years. Davey is very inexperienced. I would say with all the injuries this team has been able to overcome, Brady's loss would be the toughest to come back from.

Hey, Nick, I wanted to respond to the person who said that the Pats should just call the same side in the coin toss every week, they'd win 50 percent of the time. Setting aside the fact that they only get to choose when they're on the road anyway, this assessment is not true. Statistically speaking, there's just as much chance of tails coming up a thousand times in a row than there is of any other combination of a thousand results. It doesn't matter whether they pick heads or tails in any toss, or what they picked the previous week. No matter what and no matter when, they always have the same 50-50 shot. Thanks.
Ryan Meech, West Roxbury

A: Good point.

The talk in Pittsburgh is Bettis is done. I still think he could give the Pats a year or two, since they don't overwork the backs in this offense. If New England could get him at low cost, do you think he'd like to attend a Super Bowl in a Patriots uniform?
Paul Iannelli, Kennesaw, Ga.

A: Yeah, I'm sure he would. If Smith goes next season and the Patriots don't re-sign Faulk, Bettis could be your short-yard option provided you have a good young back ready to take the reigns.

Hey, Nick, I decided to answer this week's question before the Miami game. I am extremely satisfied with the Patriots right now, even if they go out 1-3 over the next four games this has been the most entertaining team ever. Yes, include 2001, 1976. I vowed I would not question Belichick again this season but picking up a punter that was cut in August by the Bears and the first cut no less? Sunday, when New England punts, I'll be stealing a line from Caddy Shack and just whisper "Billy, Billy, Billy." Go Pats.
Mark Drews, Framingham

A: Mark, I'm getting a lot of this. I think fans are very happy with this team and organization and I think even though they don't have great stars, they can be entertaining.

Nick, I love your mailbag. I have always been a fan of Bledsoe and was sorry to see him go, but I think it's time to recognize the treasure we have that is Tom Brady. He's dramatically improved over the past two years, and all he does is win and rally his teammates week after week. He's got some pretty impressive records/stats already. Where would you rank him among Boston's all-time players right now, and also at the end of his career (assuming his career progresses in the same direction)? Thanks for responding!
Alvin Lin, Cambridge

A: Special. He's really special. I think now you have to start talking about him in the Bird, Orr, Havlicek, Ted Williams, Russell context. Believe me, I'll get a zillion e-mails from older fans who will take me to task for putting him in the same place as Russell, and I'm really not because Russell won multiple championships. But he's certainly above most of the great big stars who have come through Boston because he's won a championship. Before I get too carried away and dig a deeper hole for myself, let's see what he does with his career from here. He's a winner. He's a great person, which is very important to me, which is why I have so much respect for Bledsoe. I've had the honor to cover a lot of great athletes and people in the last 27 years of sports writing and Tom is right up there of people I respect as an athlete and as a person.

Last year, the Patriots were one of the worst teams in the league against the run, but this year they've only allowed one 100-yard rusher. They haven't really made any huge personnel changes in regards to the run defense (except for Ted Washington, but he was hurt for much of the year) but they've looked like a totally different defense. So what has been the difference in the run defense between last year and this year?
Mike Daley, Needham

A: You have to include Washington, but Harrison has been superb and Vrabel is having a much better season that he had a year ago.

Hi, Nick. Don't you think that the Pats should provide enough parking for all ticket holders? I spent three hours stuck in traffic on 495 for Sundays Miami game to be told there was no parking, turn around, and go home. Unbelievable.
Julie Garceau, Upton

A: There were many complaints, Julie. I received a ton of them. I just don't know what they could have done based on the volume of snow and the time they had to clear. I am completely sympathetic.

Nick, Thanks for taking my question. I am a season ticket holder and was one of the thousands of fans who was stuck in five-plus hours of traffic attempting to get to the game. I got about a mile from the stadium but at that point it was the middle of the second quarter and WBCN passed along word from the Patriots that all lots were closed and that fans sitting in traffic should just head home. I understand the weather was terrible, but shouldn't the Patriots postpone the game if there aren't nearly enough parking spots? How do the Patriots plan on compensating me and the 25,000 or so others who couldn't get into the game? I think a ticket refund or, at the very least, a certificate to the Patriots Pro Shop equivalent in value to my tickets would be a good gesture on the Patriots' part.
Bill Sullivan, Bolton

A: Bill, The decision to postpone is not in their hands. It's the league's decision. The fact the Dolphins made it on time and that there was no obvious hazard for fans in the stadium, or that there was no danger to the players because of field conditions, then the show went on. I had people I know effected by the weather who couldn't get there and who had to eat the tickets. I know the Patriots have asked me to have anyone who asks a question about last Sunday to e-mail them on their website because they want to hear your story and they'll try to respond as best they can. As for the lots, the Patriots do have to have a certain amount of parking spots available to hold an event, but I doubt that if they're short because of Mother Nature, if that bylaw comes into play. It was really an unfortunate situation. The people who made it had an unforgettable experience and those who didn't, are upset.

Nick: I have strange thought. If the No. 3 seed is Indianapolis, I'd almost rather be the No. 2 team than the team with best record. The way Baltimore is playing, I'd rather play the winner of Colts vs. Dolphins or Broncs than the winner of Baltimore vs. Tennessee. The Ravens looked awesome and Wright is putting up points. No way KC wins against the Ravens or the Titans, so you get the home field for the AFC Championship. Like I said, it is a strange thought.
Jon, Washington, D.C.

A: The Ravens are the trendy team at the moment. They are the one team we don't know about because the Patriots haven't played them. So there's a bit of mystery there as to how the Patriots would fare against them. So I understand what you're saying.

Wow, what a great win in the snow, what a great season! My complaint is with the national media. I think our Pats get under-reported and not nearly the attention they deserve because they do not have the big name players that the media loves to focus on. All of the national media covering the NFL has taken the old ABC "up close and personal" approach to a ridiculous extreme. The constantly refer to teams as "Peyton Manning's Colts," "Ricky Williams and the Dolphins," or sometimes just "Michael Vick vs. Jacksonville," as if the other 52 Falcons don't even exist. We will never cure this bias toward reporting on individuals rather than teams because the national media seems incapable of making that stretch. What I think can happen though is to at least get the national media to recognize what a great defense we have. The only way to do this is to come up with a catchy name for our defensive unit so they have something to talk about. Great defensive teams only get national recognition once they have a catchy name, even if it is the "No Name" defense of the old Dolphins. I propose "The Spirit of 76" as the name of our defense. They played hurt, they played through adversity, they played through the loss of some of their most respected compatriots, (Milloy), and through it all, just like those Patriots who fought against the British in 1776 they persevered. They represent the spirt of all that we admire in sports and it's about time they got the recognition they so justly deserve.
Gary Roberts, St. Johnsbury, Vt.

A: Gary, I think the national media gives the Patriots their just due, especially after the Miami win. They're the No. 1 seed right now and there's no way around that. Most of the major publications and major websites have the Patriots as the top team.

Nick, I love the mailbag. I've got two questions, one for you and one for the readers. For you: Dick Vermeil's Chiefs have barely been challenged and he's has been fully staffed all season. Bill Parcells did well, but his (lone) star is fading. Marvin Lewis has been impressive but, seriously, how could anyone not vote for Coach Belichick for Coach of the Year? A sleeper team, racked with injuries, overcomes it all to clinch the AFC East and now leads the AFC. What possible argument could be made against him? For the readers: I've seen how y'all helped the guy looking for a place to watch the game from Montreal. Well, I'm going to be in London Jan. 18, and fully expect the Pats to be playing. Does anyone know if there's a place over there that shows the NFL? Thanks.
Peter Hale, Woburn

A: Belichick will get big support for Coach of the Year. Let's see how everyone finishes up. Parcells, Vermeil, Dungy, Lewis, and Billick will all get some support.

There was an article in Sunday's New York Times about how Sam Cunningham was reconnecting with the USC football program this year after staying away for many years. Do you know if he maintains any connection with the Patriots organization or if there is any effort or interest in bringing him back into the fold? I'm a 35-year-old New Yorker and Sam Bam is the reason why I started following this team 30 years ago.
Scott Cooley, Centerport, N.Y.

A: One of my all-time favorites, too. I heard one of the ex-Patriots talking about him recently. The Patriots have an alumni association and I believe there's contact with him through that organization.

Before the Colts game I would have said 12 wins, which would be the most in Pats' regular season history, and one or two wins in the playoffs. Now, after beating the Colts and Dolphins, anything less then a Super Bowl appearance would be a disappointment. Even 12 wins would be a slight disappointment, since it would mean they ended the year going 1-2. The more the Pats win the higher expectations go. I'm sure the game would have been different, but even without the snow the Pats beat the Fish. Wishful thinking: I hope they have shots of the 'snow confetti' in the 2003-2004 Super Bowl championship video.
E. Boris Becker, Gorham, Maine

A: Right, 12 wins would mean they'd be on a little skid at the end of the season which is what you don't want.

Regarding your question in "Dolphins' attack proved offensive." Personally, I'm not up to the point of contemplating the Super Bowl. I'd be very pleased if the Pats got that first-round bye. If the Pats do get a bye, then it will depend on who the opponent is.
Chris Baker, Harpswell, Maine

A: A one game at a time approach. That's the way Coach Belichick likes it.

Hi, Nick. I don't have a question, just a couple of things, one good and one bad, that I wanted to mention and get your thoughts on. I am still reliving the euphoria of Sunday's snowy win at Foxborough. I wanted to say how truly special of a game it was. While everyone I know said how crazy (and some said stupid) to go to a game like that, you really had to be there to truly understand it. When Bruschi ran in the interception and the entire stadium erupted into a spontaneous confetti toss of snow, it was a memory I will never forget. Seeing the replay on TV just didn't do it justice. I have been to all of the big games since the early '90s, and this ranks up there with the best of them. And to witness my mom, who still decided to go to the game with her two sons despite the weather, giggling like a schoolgirl as the snow rained down on us was worth all the hassle of getting to the game and tailgating in frigid conditions. Now, on to the bad. While I refuse to let this ruin the great experience I had, the people in the end zone who were pelting the Dolphins (and cheerleaders I also heard) with snow balls should be ashamed of themselves. Not only could someone have been hurt, but it shows a complete lack of class that I might expect in New York or Philadelphia, but not Foxborough. Anytime fans interfere with the game, it shows they have no respect for it. It was a very embarrassing moment for me as a Pats fan. Thank, Nick, keep up the good work.
Andrew Brown, Stratham, N.H.

A: The snow show was great. That was creative and harmless. To go from that to the snowball throwing and Patriots players having to calm down the end zone crowd, you're right, not a good sight.

This team is definitely headed to the Super Bowl, Nick, but I find myself having a lack of confidence in of all people, Adam Vinatieri. That first field goal, even if we extend the post imaginatively upwards, was not good. At best it would have hit the outside of the left post. The second field goal missed badly and his extra-point was a double doinker. He isn't having a good year and the way this offense has trouble in the red zone, that scares me. You too?
Paul DeSalvo, Derry, N.H.

A: Automatic Adam hasn't been so automatic. But I still believe he's a money kicker and I'd rather have him out there when the game is on the line for a big kick than anyone. Know why? He's done it. Vanderjagt is a great kicker. Akers is great. Wilkins is terrific. But Vinatieri has hit the biggest money kicks in the game. Now, he not only has a new holder (Huard) but a new long snapper (McDermott). Let's see how that works out.

Here is my theory. Tom Brady is a latter day Joe Montana. He has excellent game management and passing efficiency. He always wins the close games, won the Super Bowl at a young age, won Super Bowl MVP, and was the QB for a football dynasty (Patriots are the next football dynasty). Not to mention they both have the boyish good looks, and marketability right down to the chin. What do you think of my theory? And don't give us any crap about Brady hasn't done what Montana has done yet, because you can feel the dynasty forming just like I can. Go Pats.
Patrick Conley, Groton, Conn.

A: After a another Super Bowl win, I think I can embrace the concept of a dynasty.

Nick, It's great isn't it? Pats at 11-2 and only three games left. Of the remaining opponents, Jags, Jets, and Bills, which one poses the most threat in terms of denying us home field throughout the playoffs? I am so proud of these guys. No matter what happens in the playoffs this has been an incredible ride. Bruschi, Woody, Willie, Vrabel, and Bethel as well as the Teds, all of them are pro bowl to me. Remember Patriot fans vote for your team members on nfl.com. They deserve our support. Nick, do you agree that the real Super Bowl this year is the AFC Championship Game? How long after the season will you continue the column? Have a great holiday!
Brad, Birdsboro, Penn.

A: I think a loss to the Bills would deny the Pats the No. 1 seed because KC has beaten the Bills. Otherwise, only a late-season collapse would do that.

What happened to celebrity restaurant reviews?
Jim Rust, Braintree

A: I might fire it back up.

Is there any team that prepares better than the Patriots? After the Indy game we heard how they had been just practicing the goal line defense. After the Miami game we hear how the linebackers practice exactly the interception situation Bruschi jumped on, and Brady had practiced the pooch kick that led to the safety. And is there any team that executes better? The Pats didn't let Portis run wild, though he had a good game against them, unlike the Chiefs, because the Pats tackle.
Andy Gustafson, Townsend

A: The players who come from other teams like Harrison and Poole can't believe the attention to detail and the "little things" they practice. It's like micro-practice and it's amazing how many times during a game some of the things they practice come into play.

Hi, Nick. Thanks for keeping up the mailbag, it's one of my favorite places to get extra Pats information. My question is about the Miami game: Do you think Miami chose not to score so that they wouldn't have to kick off to Bethel Johnson?
Mat Lauritsen, Portland, Ore.

A: I'll tell 'ya, teams would be crazy to kick the ball to him.

In answer to your question last week, I have to say that this season is an unqualified success regardless of how far the Pats go. You can't take a Red Sox question and apply it to the Pats. For one thing, the Pats already have a championship under their belts. For another, there's no questioning the heart, soul, and talent of the players and the coaches. I endure being a Red Sox fan, but I am proud to be a Patriots fan. If they lose their first playoff game, it won't take away from the thrills and inspiration the team provided all season long. If they get to the Super Bowl and lose, that will be four Super Bowl appearances in less than 20 years for a team that was the laughingstock of the league when I was a kid. And if they win it all, there will not be a single team in the NFL more deserving. So no matter what happens, this has been a season for the ages. Go Pats.
Jason Rubin, Melrose

A: Thanks for your input, Jason.

Hi, Nick. Not that I necessarily have an opinion one way or the other, but why was Tyrone Poole returning punts and Richard Seymour playing fullback and Brady pooch punting for that matter? Just wondering if you have any idea what any of the thinking was there. Thanks.
Beth Cassavell, Boston

A: Poole was returning punts because Brown was not playing. They have had different people returning, but they've settled on Poole because he has good hands. Seymour was playing goal-line FB because Dan Klecko was inactive because of a hand injury. The pooch punt was just to pin Miami back into their own territory. It certainly was executed perfectly.

Thanks for your efforts at "keeping the masses informed." A plea to Brooks Barnard: As you could tell by the fan response during the Miami game, if you continue to kick the ball out of bounds, (Coffin Corner) inside the 20, you will be embraced very quickly. We don't just need a 40-45 yard punt every time, but a skilled punter who can help dictate the opponents' field position. I believe it's truly a lost art of the old NFL.
Jake, Guilford

A: I thought he did a decent job. The conditions were bad. He was kicking line drives which will get you in trouble, but with better weather maybe he can get some hang time.

Nick, It's been quite a surprise finding out how much LT was able to get away with while playing for Parcells and the Giants. Apparently he missed tons of practices, team meetings, drug tests, etc. How do you rationalize Bill Parcells would accept that type of behavior from any player? And, do you think these revelations can turn this story towards Parcells in terms of how much did he knowingly allow the drug policy to be broken by LT?
Brian, Waltham

A: I'd love to know the full story and hear it from Parcells and Belichick. But I doubt we ever will.

Hi, Nick. Two things: 1) I wanted to respond to someone who was touting DirecTV; I agree that it's great for those of us far from home, but this year I declined to get the package since its price increased from $140 last year to almost $200 this year. A $60 hike to watch maybe 10 games? (The Pats will be on about 5-6 national games this year.) No thanks. I think that's a very high price to pay and that the price increase was unexpected and unfair. I now go to a local bar that has all the games; there's always a large contingent of Pats fans there! 2) Last week on "Inside the NFL," Bob Costas brought up the overtime rule again as if it were such a terribly flawed aspect of pro football. Well, I just want to say that the overtime rule, as it exists, is just fine. It requires that your football team is solid in all three aspects of the game, offense, defense, and special teams. If your team is weak in one of those areas, then the overtime rule may expose that. So what. If you lose the toss, then the defense and/or special teams has to step up. I don't think it's unfair at all for one team to get the ball first. If you lose the toss, suck it up and hold them on defense. The OT rule rewards balanced teams and punishes unbalanced teams; I have no problem with that. Additionally, any of the proposed remedies, like what they have in college football, seems so convoluted as to take away from the game. The system is fine as is.
Kurt Gundersen, Berkeley, Calif.

A: Kurt, the DirectTV comment is a personal choice on your part. In terms of the OT rule, I agree with you. You have to play every aspect of the game well to win the game in sudden death. I hope it's never changed.

Nick, First, I'm sick of hearing people complain about the condition of the stadium, parking lots, and traffic on Sunday. What did they expect, a perfectly clean stadium? On to more important topics. While enjoying this amazing and hopefully super season, I have my eye on next year since the Pats have an opportunity to truly build on the outstanding foundation that's in place. My question is what do you expect the consequences of the Clarett (vastly overrated) and Fitzgerald situations on the draft? Will this open the flood gates and what will the repercussions be on this and future drafts? Personally, the three-year rule is perfect. Football players are not physically ready for the demands of the pro game.
Don DeBolt

A: I think these players will eventually be able to play in the league. Then, I think, it's up to the teams to draft kids who are physically mature. I think you will see teams draft less mature kids and hope they can mature on the back end of their roster. I don't think you'll see too many of them, though.

I read Belichick's press conferences and now see what he says about the secondary being the primary factor in long runs. Eugene Wilson had a great bounce back game with a solid hit on a 2-yard reception and more importantly a huge toe tackle on Ricky Williams's 16-yard run. If he didn't make that tackle, I think Ricky would have taken it to the house. Instead of going with the conventional wisdom -- a solid corner is too good to waste at free safety -- why not make others reconsider the free safety position and enjoy the benefits of a sound tackling coverage guy like Wilson?
Peter Dwyer, Santa Fe, N.M.

A: Sure. Belichick often refers to Wilson as a corner. He says there are times in the game when he does actually play a corner position. So it certainly is a creative way to do things with a player who has corner speed and skills and seems to hit pretty hard, too.

Nick, Your question is a good one and I would say this year is already a fully satisfying one given that the Pats have equaled the best number of wins (11) in franchise history and that when I looked at the schedule at the beginning of the year, I had them picked for only 8-8 or 9-7 at best. Now, I'm hoping they can run the table, which seems a bit overly optimistic, but anything they do now short of a complete collapse is terrific. I'm with you about the Colts game: It was a great football game between two highly skilled and well coached teams. But let's face it, this year has been replete with unbelievable games week after week. As one of your readers said last week, these are the glory days for Pats fan and as someone who has followed them from the early days when they played in Fenway, I'm loving it!
Joseph Burns, Falmouth

A: It's been quite a year, I must admit. The games have been close and competitive. Except for that blowout of the Eagles in the second week, the rest of the games have been tight and they've gone the Patriots way because they know how to win close games.

Nick, I showed up about 45 minutes before kickoff Sunday with my girlfriend to find not only our seats covered in snow but just about our entire section. I asked one of the stadium personal to borrow his shovel and started to dig. I was able to get the aisle cleaned out and a few rows cleaned. I returned the shovel right before kickoff wet and cold we headed planned to head for our seats but the usher instead he handed us two club seats for the game. Nick, it was great. We got to have the best of both worlds, sit outside and watch the game then heads inside during the commercials. With all the negative stories about the personal at the Razor, we had a great experience.
Kelly Schiender, Concord, N.H.

A: The Patriots don't mind hearing the positive experiences people had.

Nick, To answer the question about a successfully season, as long as the Patriots go out playing their game: good pressure defense and make few mistakes on offense then I will be satisfied even if they loose. If the other team beats them by playing great, so be it. First-round of the playoffs even, as long as they don't beat themselves in whatever the last game happens to be. Now a question. The seven-man rush -- man-to-man cover -- seemed to be so dominant for the Pats. Why don't they use it more often? I know it occasionally allows the big play, but against Miami it was devastating. I think if they face the Colts again it might be very effective against Manning. Is this type of defense impossible from an endurance standpoint because it tires out the secondary too quickly?
Ronald Byrne, Jericho, Vt.

A: I think that's fair. What you've come to expect is a 60-minute football game from this team. If the other team is better on that day, so be it. As for man-to-man, they play some during just about every game, but I doubt they play it all the time.

In the 2001 Super Bowl season, the only people who thought the Patriots had a legitimate chance was the local New England area fans. All the national media didn't give much credit to the Pats and the team fed on that in their run. This year, however, with a long winning streak, and the accolades of national media attention, can the Patriots sustain the momentum through the playoff to the Super Bowl, or are they setting themselves up for a major upset? Do you think they could afford a loss before the end of the regular season to keep them in check?
Nick Rahko, Boston

A: They can afford a loss or two, but I think it's preferable they keep winning. They don't look at three games from now. They're the ultimate one game at a time team. I think it would be shocking to see them lose any of the next three games. people talk about the Jets at the Meadowlands as a possible loss, but why? I would guess they'd want revenge on the Bills, and Jacksonville, sure they're an up and coming team, but it's not even close in terms of talent between the two teams. You also have a rookie coach against the best coach in the league.

Hey, Nick, happy holidays to you and your family. I am having such a wonderful time rooting for this team and almost hate to ask you this question: Can you imagine how scary this defense could've been if we had Covin all year? What's going with his health? I'd love to see him back next season.
Todd Zaino, New Britain, Conn.

A: Happy holidays to you, too, Todd. I think they would have been about the same, really. Colvin is a heck of a player, but McGinest did a great job basically filling for him. The way McGinest has played, it's hard to imagine Colvin could have been better. He's undergoing a very slow rehab. It's one step at a time. He just began sitting up a few weeks ago.

Nick: Every strong defense needs a nickname. The posters over at patsfans.com have coined one for our beloved New England Patriots. We are now calling our killer Patriots defense "The Boston D Party." Use it on your website or in your articles and pass it on. We want this thing to spread. All of us at www.patsfans.com will be reading your articles, as always, as our Pats make a march to their second championship in three years! "The Boston D Party" has a date in Houston in February! Thanks.
Armen, Plantation, Fla.

A: Good job, Armen.

Nick, First off, I'm so proud of the Patriots and their play thus far this year. Sunday's snow game was amazing. The defense was stout and Brady played a spectacular turnover free game. Which brings me to my point. The Patriots are everything that is "right" in this league. Team and winning comes first, no egos on this team. During commercials Sunday I switched channels to check the Chiefs game and I see Clinton Portis on the sidelines wearing some sort of boxing or wrestling belt proclaiming himself the best running back in the world. I thought to myself, you would never see this on the Patriots sideline. Players who play for the teammates and play for their fans, this is what is right with this team. I don't know if you can "blueprint" that.
Joe Sawhill, Des Moines, Iowa

A: I saw that, too. I don't know what that was all about but Mike Shanahan is quite a disciplinarian. He's won two Super Bowls. He's a fine coach. I think you have to allow some expression by your players. Look at what Deion Branch does after he catches a ball? Of course, the Patriots don't a have a running back like Clinton Portis, either. The Patriots players are humble, they do the right things, no question.

All this talk of pay cuts for the good of the team. Let's view it this way. How offended are we when a player decides he is worth more money than what he agreed to in his contract and holds out for a new contract? Aren't we offended and don't we insist that he honor his contract? Now reverse the tables and think how absurd it is for the owner to insist he signed a player for too much dough and ask him to take a pay cut. I can see if the player were Terry Glenn and honestly didn't earn his pay however in a case like Ty Law, he earned every red cent and like you said in last week's letters, give the man a raise!
Chuck Dore, Portsmouth

A: Ty has earned it.