Okay, I've lasted as long as I could without writing about the Patriots. As you may recall, this blog began with the Pats. Though I've been concentrating on the Sox since then, it is time to speak up.

What has prompted my sudden action? Steelers fans. They're out there. Some right in our own backyard. The nerve!

One (a friend and colleague) wrote me as he sat on his couch with a broken leg (he fell off a mountain almost two weeks ago now):

"How are things going? Like the AP story about Ben - 'taking the gloves off.' I'm more worried about the Patriots defense than the damn gloves. My opinion on Ben's performance: No he is not the best quarterback and makes mistakes. But when the game is on the line, he and the whole team pulls together to move the ball downfield. The Pats need to put this game away early - which they can. If the Steelers keep the score within a touchdown, they can win it in the last two minutes.

"By the way, it's supposed to be a cold, messy evening in Pittsburgh - which doesn't hurt the Pats. This could be a battle of the running backs.

"Someone told me it's a good thing I am locked up in the house and don't have to see any of the Pats stuff out there. That wouldn't bother me. I grew up on the dividing line between Browns and Steelers territory. Almost every day I got into a round of trash talking with a Browns fan. (BTW, one of those fans grew up to become a Browns QB - Bernie Kosar) This is nothing compared to the days when the Browns were in the fight.

"Speaking of which, here's a joke that explains how we all got along. (My dad suspects this is how I actually broke my leg):

"Four football fans go rock climbing one afternoon, a Cowboys fan, a Patriots
fan, a Steelers fan, and a Browns fan. They had been arguing all the way up
the mountain about who among them was the most 'die-hard' fan. Upon reaching
the top of the mountain, the Patriots fan proclaimed to the other four...
'This is for the New England Patriots!' and promptly threw himself off the
mountain as a form of sacrifice.

"Not to be outdone by a Patriots fan, the Cowboys fan jumped up and
said...'This is for the Dallas Cowboys!' and then threw himself off the
mountain again as a form of sacrifice.

"Refusing to be outdone by the Cowboy and Patriot fans, the Steelers fan rose
to his feet and yelled at the top of his lungs 'This is for the Pittsburgh
Steelers!' and without hesitation, pushed the Cleveland Browns fan off the
mountain."

Funny, but it would be funnier if the Patriots fan knocked off the whole bunch -- as the Pats have done to the league.

I can not think of a better match - Steelers vs. Patriots - a classic.

I was at the divisional playoff game in 1997 when the Steelers came to Foxboro. Steeler fans were well-prepared, confident spinning their golden towels in the stands. It was something. Many who made the trek.

Although cold, there was an enormous amount of fog in the stadium. I was sitting in the cheap seats with many of the Steeler fans.

Let me say Steeler fans are great; not as great as New Englanders, but they know their stuff and respect the game as much as Pats fans.

In that game, the Patriots got off to a great start. In fact, I remember the opening drive: Drew Bledsoe fading back and heaving a 80-yard bomb which from my vantage point got lost in the fog. The crowd in the far corner notified the rest of the stands that Terry Glenn had made the catch. A thunderous roar was heard and we were off. It was easily over by the half.

Steelers fans, acknowledging the early defeat, started to hand their sought-after golden hankerchiefs to Pats fans. What a brilliant endorsement. They wished us luck and solemnly headed to the parking lot. It is something I will never forget.

I have a great amount of respect for Pittsburgh.

When I was younger, I rooted for Terry Bradshaw and Lynn Swan to kick Dallas' butt.

But here we are months and years later, meeting again. This year shouldn't be much different than recent years. The Pats will win a close scoring game, 17-13.

My Steeler friends, like many around the country, think this is going to be a ground battle. I'm not so sure. I believe that one has to expect the unexpected when it come to Bill Belichick. If everyone is expecting a running game, well, think air.

The Steelers have some fine receivers in Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress. A fact probably not lost on who the Post-Gazette calls "The Mastermind."

Belichick is that and more. His preparation and schemes are unmatched. He is by far the best coach the Patriots have ever had. No one has accomplished so much in so little time. I'm not sure what happened in 2002, but it certainly wasn't the norm.

He's also had a great supporting cast with Romeo Crennel (defense) and Charlie Weis (offense) leading the pack. Next year may be a bit different with their departures.

It has certainly been a fun time to be a Patriots fan. Back to back 14-2 seasons. It's as brilliant as the invention of Guiness.

There are reasons for the team's success besides the brilliant coach. One can not look past the difference Corey Dillon has made for this team. Dillon set a franchise record for rushing yards in a season with 1,635, surpassing Curtis Martin. And he did it in his first year with the team. No one has ever doubted Dillon's ability, but his attitude had been in question. Not this year. Whether it is Belichick's influence, pressure from his winning teammates, belief in the system or just being part of a championship team, something has brought Dillon around. Imagine if he was on the team at the start of his career. The numbers would be huge!

How about the versatility of the players? Harrison playing fullback, Brown playing corner, Vrabel catching TDs. This team is loaded with talented athletes willing to do whatever it takes to win.

How about consistency? Two of the most valuable players this team has -- Tom Brady and Adam Vinaterri -- never miss a beat. While neither of them is flashy, they both can be counted on in every game.

There is speculation that if the Patriots win the Super Bowl, both Belichick and Brady would be shoe-ins for the Hall of Fame.

Belichick, sure. Brady I'm not so sure. Yes, he already has two Super Bowl MVPs, but his career stats thus far aren't too impressive.

Reader comments: What do you think? Will Tom Brady and Bill Belichick make the Hall of Fame?

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