...or any sport for that matter--I think my interest level (ranging from entirely apathetic to engrossed) is based on whether an interesting, compelling, and fresh narrative emerges. I'm sorry, the Patriots are not a fresh narrative. They are probably the best team ever, but they've won the Superbowl multiple times, and they even with the majesty of an undefeated season, they've also also duplicated 18-0 before (what was the streak before, 23-0 over two years or something?). There's nothing new here, excepting an unlikely Eli Manning coming-of-age Giants-victory, and that looks pretty unlikely.
In the process, the Brett Favre gritty-old-gunslinger-leading-a-bunch-of-upstarts story died on Sunday, and that both makes me sad and diminishes interest in the Superbowl. It was a great game, but I think the cold really did level the playing field between those teams. As for Chargers-Pats, when is a coach going to grow some balls and realize that field goals will not cut it with the Patriots and go for it on some of those Fourth and Goals?
Some questions: If the Patriots win, do you see a Belichick and/or Brady retirement? There's absolutely nothing more to accomplish, though I'm sure the sports pundits will want Brady to start mopping up all the QB lifetime records. I know its a cynical view, but sometimes I wonder if the the league just agreed to let the Patriots be the dominant team so various stars can cycle through and claim their rings (Cory Dillon, Seau, Moss...)
Another question: After seeing the Giants win out in close games against the Packers and the Cowboys (who I still think were superior teams), how do you think the playoff system is holding up, say, in opposition to the BCS? Is this NFL season more satisfying than the college season? Would a Superbowl blowout change your minds?
