Talking NFL

Some more thoughts about one incredible playoff game:

- Let’s talk Marty-Ball:

Strike 1: Going for it on 4 and 11th at the 30 in the first quarter instead of opting for a 48-yard field goal chance by Pro Bowl kicker Nate Kaeding.

Strike 2: Challenging the call on the Troy Brown strip of Marlon McCree in the 4th quarter, even though there was ZERO doubt about the call, costing the Chargers a time-out.

Strike 3: Wasting yet another time-out on 3rd and 4 with 3:46 left in the 4th quarter, despite the fact there was an injury time-out just prior to the play. Then making the call to go directly at Asante Samuel, the Pats best cornerback, who knocked the ball out of Eric Parkers hands. Well done.

Three strikes - you’re out, Marty.

- If the Patriots go on to win it all, the Troy Brown strip of Marlon McCree takes its place along Ben Rothlesburger’s tackle, the Tuck Rule play on Brady, and the Immaculate Reception as surreal and critically important plays in NFL Divisional Playoff History.

- LT is an absolute BEAST. There isn’t another offensive player in the NFL that scares me more than him.

- A lot of people have been ripping the Pats WR’s (including myself). Well, Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney really stepped up when it counted. Mea Culpa.

- Stephen Gostkowski does a prett good Adam Vinatieri impression, huh?

- Way to use your head, Drayton Florence.

- Like most fans, I was a wreck for most of the game, especially with the Patriots being man-handled on both lines of scrimmage, and Tom Brady having a bad game. But when they got the ball back with 3:30 left to play with the score tied 21-21, well…I mean, the feeling you have when Tom Brady is your quarterback in that situation? How do you describe that? It’s like a calm just rolls over you, and you think, “something wonderful is about to happen.” I’ve never taken Ecstasy before, but I’m guessing it must feel something like that…

OK, I think it’s time to pass out now. (Or should I say, “Lights Out!”)