It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine

That REM song pretty much sums it up for me.  Tongue firmly implanted in cheek, Michael Stipe declares the end of the world that we've come to know and love, but he's ok with it all.  No big deal.  He feels fine.  And like the nonsensical verses throughout that song, pushing the panic button is just not where it's at, man.  Relax.

I don't want to proclaim us spoiled because so many of us have sat through the lean years.  The years when a playoff berth, for that matter a winning season, was something to dream about.  Some of us remember the 8-8 or 9-7 seasons, sitting in Mosi's Endzone and freezing our you know whats off at Sullivan Stadium.  Those were the days.  There were no individual seats, just metal bleachers which were loads of fun in December.  We didn't care.  We were praying at the altar.  We came to visit mecca and had a good time doing it.  Today, we have individual seats, $8.00 beers and Hollister.  We have Patriots Place and a movie theater in case you wanted to catch a show after the game.  That's probably not a bad idea given the traffic getting out of the parking lots.

I don't want to proclaim us spoiled, but Ellis Hobbs said it better than I could have:

Does it hurt? It doesn’t hurt … [but] it amazes me how people react,” he said. “You would think this organization hasn’t won as much as they have, and been as successful in the years that they have. It’s a testament to how spoiled they are, where expectations are that high, that we’re not allowed a bad game or something like that. How many times has someone had a bad day at the office?

I was at the game and was embarrassed when our guys, the guys who gave us 3 rings and many trips to the playoffs, were booed at halftime.  If your voice wasn't horse from screaming in support during defensive plays, then SHUT THE HELL UP!!  Sure, they paid their money and wanted to see a win, but it's a sporting event, my friends.  Any given Sunday.  Mad props to Miami for an awesome game on their part.  If I couldn't enjoy my Patriots, I certainly got an eyeful of some good football.

Don't hit the panic button.  Don't jump off of the Zakim Bridge just yet.  Your Patriots are 2-1 and there's still a lot of football to be played.  Be a fan, support your team, and relax.

It's NOT the end of the world.  I feel fine.