Easy As Perfect

In 2007 The New England Patriots completed a perfect regular season by winning sixteen and losing zero. On the way to this historic mark they scored the most points by a team in a single season ever, and broke the records for passing and receiving touchdowns in a season. This appeared to be a magical season that comes once in a lifetime, but just two years later the NFL has two teams vying for perfection. The Indianapolis Colts (11-0) and New Orleans Saints (10-0) are each entering the home stretch of the season still undefeated. If either of these teams complete the perfect regular season, it will have only been fitting that they had to defeat the Patriots first. In week 10 the Colts beat the Patriots by one point to improve to 9-0 on the year. The Patriots will have another chance to protect their 2007 legacy against the 10-0 Saints tonight at the Superdome. Saints running back Reggie Bush recently stated that his team would and could go undefeated this season; was his aware that they play New England week 12? To become undefeated you must be perfect and you must beat the best. The Saints will attempt to stay unbeaten and the Patriots will try to protect a legend of perfection.

    If the Colts complete the perfect season they will have beaten the Patriots on route to 16-0 and will have finally done what they had come close to in the past. In 2005 the Colts were 13-0 going into the final three games on the season, but they would lose two of these games to become 14-2. In 2007 the 7-0 Colts squared off against the Patriots in Indy only to lose a close game. Fast forward to 2009, Peyton Manning and the Colts are now 11-0 after beating the Patriots earlier in the season. With five games left and the division already clinched the possibility of an undefeated season is strong. However, it will be interesting to see if when the Colts have secured the number one seed in the AFC, if they still play all of their starters. The 07' Patriots were clearly aiming to run the table as Tom Brady and the starters played all the way through until perfection was achieved. If the Colts follow the same rubric for perfection than we may be looking at the second team in NFL history to win all 16 games of the season.

   To protect the 2007 legendary season of 16-0 the Patriots must defeat the Saints. but they are helpess against the Colts winning out. The Patriots must now rely on the Titans, Broncos, Jaguars, Jets, and/or Bills to take down Indianapolis. If the Colts or Saints, or both teams complete the 2009 campaign undefeated what does that say about the NFL? Shouldn't an undefeated season by an incredible feat that is so impossible it can only happen once in a lifetime? If only two years later there is another perfect team or a pair of perfect teams, there is something wrong with this league. An undefeated season should be anything, but easy as perfect. Hopefully the Saints and Colts lose a game or two and this concern vanishes into the night.

Federalist 51

Yes this is a non sports blog post, but just showing readers another side of my writing.

Upon conclusion of Federalist # 51 one is able to acquire a real sense of the true genius of the United States Constitution and the government it created. James Madison had a strong understanding of the American Government system. He was able to accurately predict the necessary changes our political system would and could undergo in the future. Madison saw the boundaries and necessities of the new Constitutional government, and in it’s support Federalist 51 was written. The important message to take away from Madison’s work is that the American Government System is a remarkably adaptable structure with extensive lasting potential to justly govern. Madison’s real faith in the system’s sustainability is drawn from the policy’s structural reliance on checks and balances. Madison conveys a vote of the utmost confidence to the division of power between what would be the executive, legislative, and judicial branches throughout the piece. Madison’s crowning message is the importance of the checks and balances foundation. What it is, what it needs to do, and why it will last.

In opening of the discussion about the necessity of the checks and balances upon governmental power, Madison speaks to the inadequate nature of government on its’ own; “...exterior provisions are found to be inadequate…contriving the interior structure of the government as that its several constituent parts may, by their mutual relations, be the means of keeping each other in their proper places” (Madison pg. 1). A government can be created easily, but it often then becomes a tyrannical one in which power is abused. Therefore an organization of checked power must be put into place. This said organization of power should include separate branches that have their own power to create or enforce policy. “…essential to the preservation of liberty, it is evident that each department should have a will of its own...” (Madison pg. 1) A division of power spread through different branches of governance allows for a fail safe or check upon overgrowth of power. Each branch is responsible for and able to usurp any overgrowth of power by another branch. The checks and balances framework severely limits the possible rise of tyranny in American government; and will not leave any attempt to over accumulate power uncontested. If one governmental subdivision seeks to impose it’s will beyond its set power, then another can balance the situation to normal. Such a flexible and versatile system of governance is susceptible to linguistic ambiguity, but attempted or actual abuse of power will never go unscathed or eliminated. What it is: The distribution of power theory/checks and balances is a system of separated power that aims to limit overgrowth of power in any one area of the governmental body; and equally aspires to contest any unconstitutional summoning of excess power. With an understanding of what the system is, Madison leads us to what the system must do.

Not only must the governmental structure protect itself against an imbalance of power, but also it must protect against majority and minority tyranny in the citizen population. “..It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part”. (Madison pg. 4). The division of power amongst the government allows for a balance at the top, but below the surface is the citizenry. The government will be able to sustain itself, but it must do more than exist, it must govern over its people. “..you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself”. (Madison pg. 2) Governance over the people must be carried out in a fashion that does not facilitate for the existence of a majority or minority tyranny. Each can be harmful to a functioning democracy for many different reasons, but Madison’s real focus was on fear of majority tyranny. Madison hoped for the ability to avoid a situation in which any one group controlled the decisions of a society. Democratic elections safeguard against a dictatorship (minority tyranny), but the danger for a majority tyranny is more prevalent in a democracy. The government must check and balance internally and fairly balance the direction of its power in protection of the citizenship of America. Lastly, the ultimate strength of the argument; why the constitutional United States Government will last.

The most evolved principle of the democracy created in America is the complex system of checks and balances upon power and morality. The trait of our government’s constitution that gives it the most potential for longevity is a built in moral code. Morality in the sense that humans cannot be trusted with amassed individual power and that this is a human government. Although the governmental system is an entity it must be treated as if it were a human body. To be treated human in the sense that to thrive, the government must operate by many functions happening dependent and independent of each other. The human body and mindset operates this very way; the body with blood pumping to many different organs all performing separate tasks all towards a common purpose. Also, if the result is to be moral and fair, the human thought process must deliberate, weigh and balance consequences, think logically, ruminate in a search of truth, avoid temptations of power and greed, and critically observe the moral fiber and essence of an issue, person, or policy. The system is human; and human means prone to greed, power, bias, and of course mistakes. Madison most famously addresses this very belief in stating: “If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary”. (Madison pg. 2) Men are not angels indeed, but the checks and balances on power our government  maintains the integrity of the democracy. This system is so inherently human, so protective and expansive. It can curtail man’s propensity towards corruption and power and in turn last. Our constitution and governmental system of power distribution is built to control man’s weaker and eviler side. With this moral control upon government; shall come longevity of liberty and just governance.

In conclusion, it can be taken away that Federalist 51’ has a clear message of an importance. James Madison wanted to convey three aspects about the American government system. First stating what the checks and balances system is and what it can do, and how what it does is effective. By a calculated separation of power each branch of government will function dependently and independently of each other working towards a common goal of balancing power. Next, Madison explains how it is of the utmost importance that our system protects itself and the citizenry below. Our system must check its’ own power and the power of society. There needs to be protection against minority and majority tyranny, but Madison was more centered on the risk of minority tyranny. In a democracy, the many should rule the many, as compared to the few ruling the many. Lastly, Madison communicates how the American government system of separated powers will have a lasting effect. The fact that the system has a built in moral safeguard against corruption and is so adaptively human; it will indeed last for many years in the future.

Worst Loss Since Super Bowl

   I've found that the best way, as a fan, to move on from such a travesty of a loss, is to do what Brady and Belichick do; move on. Just start thinking about the Jets game next week. Answer the questions, state "it is what it is", and then immediately engage in preparations for the next game. The Super Bowl loss against the Giants was by far the worst in Patriot history; and has taught myself and fans alike to handle any defeat, because that is forever the worst one. There is no point in ruminating on the Lawrence Maroney fumble in the end zone, the Brady interception, the wasted time outs, the failed fourth and two that lost the game, or the fact that it was the worst ever blown lead in the fourth quarter (under Belichick). The entire sports media entity has been honed in on the failed fourth and two play and all eyes and ears have been on Bill Belichick. The fact is that it was just a regular season game. Yes it was an important regular season contest, and with the loss New England now has virtually no chance at securing the top seed in the AFC,  but the Patriots are in excellent position to win their division and of course qualify for the NFL postseason.

    This Sunday is the rematch with the AFC east rival New York Jets, and the Patriots will look to avenge their no touchdown performance of week 2. The Jets won 16-9 and held the Patriots out of the end zone the entire game. This time around the game is in Foxboro and the Patriots are much improved since that early season defeat. New York has been very inconsistent and after starting 3-0 as they now are 4-5 looking up at the Dolphins and Patriots in the AFC East standings. The best way to redeem the heartbreaking loss to the Colts is to blow out the Jets and then prepare for a quite possible Super Bowl preview game against the undefeated New Orleans Saints.

Same Game

  
As much as the NFL changes each season; we find the same teams in the AFC vying for the top position in the conference. The 6-2 Bengals and Broncos are certainly a surprise, however we are still talking about the Steelers, Colts, and Patriots in discussion of conference best. No matter what the other upstart teams do in the course of this season, the facts remain the same; Steelers, Patriots, Colts. These three teams are the best in the conference and we are going to learn alot about who is who atop the AFC.

    The Steelers are one game behind the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North, despite being 6-2 overall. Pittsburgh lost to the Bengals in a week 3 upset and have a 2-2 record within the division which is not good enough compared to the Bengals 4-0 mark. The defending Super Bowl Champs are going to reclaim first place in the AFC North this Sunday with a solid dismantlement of Cincinnati. As for the other two AFC powers; they will be squaring off against each other later that evening on Sunday Night Football.

    This game will play a major role in determining who will receive home field advantage in the playoffs. The Colts will not be losing more than 3 games this year so New England had better hand them their first loss of the season. Looking back to 2007 the Patriots and Colts meet in week 9 each with undefeated seasons on the line. It was almost exactly two years ago to the day this epic matchup took place; a match which saw the Patriots come from behind to stun the Colts and preserve what would ultimately be an undefeated regular season. Neither the Colts or  Patriots are as good as they were back then, but this is the same game. The same old bitter rivals: New England VS. Indianapolis and Brady VS. Manning. It will be an intense contest between two of the best teams in the NFL and it will be a victory for the Patriots. New England has yet to play it's best football and the Colts have yet to play a worthy opponent this year. Brady and Moss have rediscovered their 07' magic where as the Colts are hurting on the defensive side of the ball. Indy will be missing three starters from their secondary and will still have to cover Wes Welker and Randy Moss. I see a close first half, followed by a shoot out in the second half where New England never looks back. Patriots 41-27 over the Colts.

October's X-mas

 -It looked like Christmas in New England this past Sunday with the red uniforms in the snow; and the fifty plus points that were scored. So much for Jason Whitlock's "Brady will never mentally get over his knee injury" prophecy; number 12 is very much back to his old self. The aspect that makes Tom Brady so great is that he is incredibly critical of himself. You knew he was appalled by his performance in Denver and you had to know that he was going to light up the skies against Tennessee. Brady is never arrogant and never thinks of himself too highly; which in turn creates for an unmatched work ethic. Never thinking you are good always challenges yourself to do better and to work harder. Perhaps Peyton Manning is the only other NFL quarterback whose work ethic fairly compares to Tom's. Before the Patriots most recent trip to the Super Bowl, Giants wide receiver (now in jail) Plaxico Burress boldly stated that his team would defeat the Patriots 21-17. When Brady was told of this lofty prediction during Super Bowl media week, he laughed saying "he is only giving us 17 points?". Implying that the Patriots would easily score more than 17, but this statement was important because for the first time ever it seemed Brady was displaying arrogance. Tom's typical response would have been a laugh perhaps, but then a neutral comment about how its going to be a great game and that the Giants are a good team/Plaxico a good player. That year may have developed a sense of arrogance in anyone; as New England went undefeated in the Regular season and set so many NFL records. I would never imply that a sense of arrogance is why the Patriots lost the Super Bowl, but I do know the Giants were underestimated severely (by myself and many others). I bring this up only to point out that more than ever Brady is back to normal; and normal for him is greatness.

       After demolishing the Titans 59-0 and after throwing for six touchdown passes, Brady remains humble and looking to continue to improve. Perhaps the Super Bowl loss and the season away from football has helped Brady regain his true form. Look for him and the Patriot offense to return to their 2007 form and what better place to start than in England against the 0-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They obviously can't go undefeated, and they wont set a new NFL points record, but they will be dominant offensively the rest of this season. The New England Patriots will be explosive offensively and will not lose more than two games the rest of the season, including the coming weekend's 35-10 win over Tampa Bay.

AFC West Champions

This past Sunday we saw another epic contest between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens. Perhaps not quite as memorable as 2007's late season 27-24 victory over the Ravens, but certainly a classic game with an exciting finish. A key dropped pass on fourth down by Raven wide out Mark Clayton put an end to a game winning drive for Baltimore. The Patriots won 27-21 in a great contest between two of the top teams in the AFC. The game leaves both teams with a 3-1 record on the season and has each team tied for first place in their divisions. Don't be surprised to see these teams square off again in the postseason. Baltimore and New England will be vying for the number one seed in the AFC all season long. The Ravens next face the 3-1 Bengals who share first place in the AFC North and the Patriots travel to the Mile High City to take on the Broncos.

Denver is led by head coach Josh McDaniels who was the offensive coordinator for the 2007 and 2008 Patriots. He was the offensive play caller in the magical 2007 (18-1) campaign that claimed the record for most points scored in a season; amidst many other NFL records. Now McDaniels will be the next Belichick disciple (turned head coach) to face his master. Coach McDaniels was questioned for his handling of quarterback Jay Culter; who in result was traded. Also, there was plenty of controversy surrounding the benching of Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall. With all of the distractions and disarray in Denver nothing boded well for the future. However, despite all of the offseason drama the Denver Broncos are flaying high at 4-0 with the Patriots coming to town.


The Broncos have a great running game, great receivers, great tight ends, solid quarterback play, and a surprisingly improved defense; featuring a strong secondary. This team will amass more than eight wins and will be named AFC West Champions at the end of the season, but not before they suffer their first loss at the hands of the Patriots.

The Moment We've Been Waiting For

     As annoying as the whole Brett Favre "retirement" fiasco has been and despite his loss of credibility it will soon all be worth it. The topic of Favre playing or not playing became so redundant and tiresome that many didn't even want to hear about the decision anymore. The game of cat and mouse finally came to an end when Favre showed up in Minnesota ready to be a Viking. Favre wasted little time to begin writing his Viking legacy with a thirty-two yard game winning touchdown pass with two seconds remaining. This spectacular play was perhaps lucky, but only a play that number four could make. The fact that at such an advanced NFL age he can still make such a play is quite impressive. I thought he should have stayed retired last year, and I thought he should have stayed retired this year; but Favre is showing us he can still play. There are still real questions of durability and if he can remain healthy into the playoffs. Last year as a member of the New York Jets, Favre led his team to an 8-3 record, but faded down the stretch missing the playoffs. Injury and age seemed to have finally caught up with the future Hall of Famer. Once again he is off to a great start with his new team, but the rest remains to be seen.


   Popular speculation is that Favre wanted to come back simply based on the principle of going against the Packer's twice a year. That he wanted to avenge the wrongs he felt the Packers had committed against him. No one outside those close with Brett and Brett himself actually know the true reasoning, but this Packers vengeance theme is the most intriguing to NFL fans. Next Monday night will be the moment we've been waiting for; Favre against his old team. When these teams meet again later in the season, It will be interesting to see how Favre is received in the home of his NFL stardom. Are Packer fans going to boo in anger and disappointment or will they shower him with pre game cheers? As for the current Packer team you know they will be amped up for this contest. Aaron Rodgers waited three years to replace Favre as the Packers starting quarterback; and it was not an easy three years. During this time there was constant mind-changing from Brett Favre and great uncertainty about who the starter would be. Despite all of this Rodgers worked hard and patiently awaited his moment in the sun. Now he will face off against the man he replaced; a Packer legend Brett Favre. This is the moment Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, broadcaster, analysts, and NFL fans have been waiting for; Monday Night Football Packers VS. Vikings. Brett Favre VS. the Green Bay Packers.