Pats in control of their own destiny

Two for the price of one...

That is what you're getting today. Two articles for the price of one written by yours truly. What a bargain! It's right up there with that Carrot Top guy and those annoying long dial down the center ads.

Well, the Patriots bounced back from their loss in the Black Hole to Oakland two weeks ago, with a victory over the Minnesota Vikings at home, and then the Detroit Lions on Turkey Day where most of the home team crowd was in support for QB Tom Brady.

Now the boys in blue have fate staring them right in their faces again, and it's almost like deja vu from last year, but it seems like a piece of the puzzle is missing and it's not WR Terry Glenn nor QB Drew Bledsoe.

Well, let me recap before trying to find the missing piece.

The Vikings came to town with a huge win over the Green Bay Packers, and I had to remind myself that this Vikings game was one I had picked for the Pats to lose in the off season. For some reason my mind had changed during the week, the Pats lost a game to the Raiders that they had every chance of winning, but that seemed to be a trend with most of their losses this year.

After I saw the Vikes had sent QB Brett Favre and company packing with a loss I knew they weren't going to continue their streak over the Super Bowl champs. The Vikes luck had ran out, and they blew their wad all on the Packers. There was no way for them to have anything left, but in the end the Pats almost gave it to them with good ole prevent defense.

Arrghh!

I hate prevent defense. I swear the NFL has teams institute the prevent when games become more than 21 points. It gives those watching at home a false hope that a team may come back, and sometimes it happens. This practice keeps the viewer glued, and the ratings don't dip. This is what QB Daunte Culpepper almost did in the end without WR Randy Moss.

Hey, what the hell is wrong with this kid? He has some serious talent, but he seems to come from the same planet WR Terry Glenn was deported from. I'm watching him slink up to the line of scrimmage, and then losing all interest for the play if it doesn't involve him. A few times I noticed S Victor Green busting his chops after the down. Later that Monday it was confirmed that Green had criticized Moss for not running his decoy routes properly.

I wish I was on that squad... Moss would be getting a blanket party after every practice until he learned his place on the team. The kid is a cancer on that offense and he needs to be surgically removed come the off season.

So the Pats took out the Vikings, but had no time to relish the win because four days later they were in the Motor City to face the blossoming Detroit Lions, a team that may be contenders for most improved next year.

The Pats tamed the Lions, but faced a key loss when LB Tedy Bruschi went down for a knee injury. What makes matters worse he had just intercepted a pass and returned it for a TD for the second week in a row.

LB Larry Izzo came in and filled the spot, but it was LB Ted Johnson who picked up the slack.

So now the we head into the homestretch tied for first with the Miami Dolphins, but armed with a schedule that favors the Pats. Next week QB Drew Bledsoe returns to Foxboro, but it will be the same situation as it was for the Vikings.

The Bills are coming off an emotional win over the Dolphins, but weather will not play as much of a factor here. What this game is going to come down to is the battle of the running backs.

RB Antowain Smith has been more than happy to put the nails in their coffin the last two match-ups, but he will need some help from some players who really need to step it up mainly the rookies. WR Deion Branch and TE Daniel Graham. If Branch can get things going then he will be helping out WR Troy Brown and David Patten.

As for Graham... He needs to decide what he wants to do for this team. I know he may seem hurt by the play of TE Christian Fauria, but there are plays designed for two TE's. He just has to prove he wants fill that other spot.

If they beat the Bills, then the Pats get an extra day's rest because their next game is in Tennessee on Monday night. The Titans have some guys coming off of injuries, but the Pats know how crucial this game is, and so doesn't head coach Bill Belichick. I expect the Patriots to lay waste to the Titans in front of an national audience.

After the Titans, the boys will finish up their last two at home with the Jets, and Dolphins. This is the part of the season most people overlook when it comes to predicting games. Most people just look at the match-ups and the overall records, but forget about one major intangible...

Weather.

Weather is a major factor once we hit these late months. Look at Tampa Bay. They always seem to come out of the gate with a strong defense and balanced offense, but for some reason, late November to December is their downfall because they seem to always have trouble when they have to play games in 40 degrees or below.

Another team that falls to the cold is the Miami Dolphins who seems to be on track this year. Last week the Pats gained ground in the standings because they lost to the Bills in a full blown snow storm, and they still have the Pats for the final game of the season in Foxboro late December.

Trust me, it is intimidating when you're a guy like RB Ricky Williams who has played in warm climates for all of his NFL career, then he has to play up here all bundled up and looking across at a defensive line with guys in short sleeves and no gloves. It does give somewhat a mental edge. When WR Shawn Jefferson was here he wore only shoulder pads, while his shins and arms were exposed.

This is an advantage, and if you still don't believe it, then go back to the Patriots match up with the Raiders last year. I was there sitting on the opposing teams sideline, and I can tell you that those guys were happy to get off the field when the play was over so they could sit on the heated bench. Then you look across the field and see guys jumping around with their helmets off and steam rising from their heads.

Now while the weather may help the Pats with their final run, there is one piece of the puzzle they need to add if they want to be successful, and that would be -- DISCIPLINE.

Right now guys like DT Richard Seymour, G Mike Compton, and P Ken Walter need to stay onsides, pay attention to snap counts or get some strength behind the punts.

Now these aren't the only guys screwing up, but they are the biggest offenders. Especially when they do it on third downs.

As for P Ken Walter, he needs to give some money back from this last contract he signed. Lately his punts have sucked so bad I thought the guy was moonlighting as a fluffer. (If you don't know what that is then you don't need to know.)

So, where do I see the Pats at the end of the season?.

I had predicted them to go 10-6, but right now they have a chance to go 11-5, realistically, and that would get them into the playoffs. But, it will be the AFC West who dictates where the chips will fall.

Okay, now before I go I wanted to touch base an a few more quick issues...

* Ty Law's success this year at CB: I've been saying this since he signed is contract. The year after he signed, the coaching staff made Law play off the ball and the receiver. This allowed him to give up more big receptions and hurt his defensive numbers. Finally, someone must have gotten some brains and realized that when watching the Super Bowl.

When Law plays man to man he is at his most dangerous. If you don't believe that, then ask Bills WR Eric Moulds from the first game up this year. He abused Moulds knocking two TD passes from his grasps with one being in the end zone. Law has been the secondary's heart, while SS Lawyer Milloy has slacked.

* Warren Sapp's hit during the Green Bay game: At first I was bothered by the hit and felt it was a cheap shot, but then I had to look at it from a coaches/player's point of view. Now the hit becomes fully justified because the whistle had not yet blown, and you can't say the guy was near the play because any fumble within that area would have made him a threat.

Now for some non-football things...

* The hiring of 28 year old Theo "Juan" Epstein as the Red Sox new GM: I have no problem with is age. I guess the guy was 13 when he was with the Padres organization. (Just kidding.)

Besides becoming the most eligible bachelor in Beantown, this guy will need to make some impressive off-season decisions to the gain respect of the fans and players alike.

To be honest the fans will probably accept him quicker than the players. The players usually like to have some who played the game as their headpiece. For example, every year P Pedro Martinez comes down with some minor ailment and misses a couple of starts. During this time he usually heads off to Puerto Rico. What if Theo puts an end to this? He has to be stern and will Martinez respect a younger person dropping the hammer?

Time will tell, but in my opinion he needs to make some key signings to the bullpen to get my respect. This is where they've been lacking for the last two years, and there is no way P Derek Lowe will repeat his performance next year.

* Vin Baker and the Celtics: The Celtics may be atop of the NBA's Atlantic Division, but Vin Baker and his doughnut eating is hurting this team. The worst part of the deal is that he was only signed to keep the new owners from having to pay a higher luxury tax. His signing kept the books below value, but hurt the team, and the only way out of it would be if he gets hurt or retires. I hate to wish any injury on any player, but maybe we as fans can run him out of town. This team is too good for him.

* The Big Bad Bruins: Finally the B's are getting the respect they've deserved in the NHL, and Joe Thornton is showing everyone what he has always been capable of doing. Look for the Bruins to make it to the playoffs this year.

* "24," Fox TV series: Is this the best show on television this year? It even outshines HBO's "Sopranos," which was a disaster script-wise this season. Tony knocking off Capo Ralphie C was the only major surprise this season, while plots like Adrianna and the feds, and Furio with Carmella just faded into non existence. I also assumed the Mad Russian would return this year after escaping in the snow from Christopher and Paulie.

"24" brings the drama like no other show during this time of the year, and it's format is so riveting. But, it has to watch out because FX's "The Shield" is a close second, but doesn't show up until January.

Well, it's out of here for me until next time...

Contact me at: Sinista1@msn.com.