Oh, please. Isn't this the guy who sees the Red Sox doing well in May and proclaims that there's no way they can't win the World Series? I get that Globe writers have to produce a certain amount of content to get paid, but these never-ending "it's gotta be this outcome" based on whatever happened in the last game columns are just tiresome. I know you have to get paid, Dan, but if you can't put more effort into in it than this, I'm just going to stop reading.

"They can slap 40 points on you in less time than it takes David Ortiz to circle the bases after hitting a homer." That's not saying much.

I have no idea why you still have a job.

Unfortunately, I agree with you. Let's hope we're proven wrong.

Take it back!

So therefore, by your rationale Dan, the Green Bay Packers are "one and done" come playoff time, right?

Sorry, but can't agree Dan. That was a little rust we saw in the first quarter, as the injured guys like Chung were back, but sluggish. They'll go all the way.

From byline, to hed, to article - Unreadable.

Seriously Dan, I think you are clinically depressed.

Hey Dan, Our Patriots just won a game and are 13 - 3! Can't you wait a few days before giving us your Gloom and Doom predictions! Happy New Year! Cheer Up!

Once the Bills were ahead 21-0, I knew the Pats had them right where they wanted them.

For the sake of Brady's career the Pats really need this first one. They need to treat it like the SB. For his sake. He's worked hard too. He could have a career ending injury on any given Sunday. To go out without winning a playoff game in his last five seasons would put him into the dustbin of history rather than being one of the greatest players to have stepped on the field. The pressure this year must be palpable.

Dan, As I get older I have learned the value of sometimes keeping my thoughts to myself and just keeping my mouth shut. You should try it. Go Pats!!!

Danny boy, How about something positive for a change? Your negativity is getting old and boring-Maybe the Herald could use a schrill like you to sell papers, without the Globe you'd be nowhere!!!Happy New Year!

We're all concerned about the Patriots' tendency to give up early points of late, but I'm with the other commenters here. For the love of God, couldn't you have allowed the team and its fans to savor a phenomenal season for even one day before you kicked them to the curb? What a killjoy you are.

There are no really dominant defenses anymore. The rule changes and the emphasis by the league through their officials has changed the nature of the game. Can't hit the QB high...can't even trip him up low. I'm all for protecting QB's. But there ought to be some discretion allowed the refs in assessing some of these ridiculous penalties. This is but one aspect. All over the field they have made it easier for the offense to produce. Fine. But this is WHY these amazing numbers are run up by so many teams and QB's. It's also WHY I think the Pats have a better chance than most to go all the way. I really believe they have the best QB playing today. I sure don't know if they will. But having a bye week certainly helps the cause considerably as they now have a chance to get...and stay...healthy while other teams beat the snot out of each other. Old Shank is just running his tried and true shtick here...ticking the true believers off. It's given him a fine, long career and made him his fortune. Take him with a chuckle and a grain of salt as always.

Oh Dannie boy, let me try to understand your reasoning. So the Patriots were behind by 21 to 0. So you reason that they did poorly. But you overlook that finally they did well and after a while, oh, they won the game; they blasted the beast out of the prairie. What was the final score? It was a devastation. So now I understand why you would think the Pats did poorly. Huh??

You're wrong.

Dan, I have the solution. We give the opponent a 14 point head start but the game has to start in the 2nd quarter. From the 2nd quarter on, they are the best defense. Seriously, lets hope they figure this slow start out. The Pats cannot give a Pittsburg or Baltimore a 21 point head start

Although Dan perhaps could of waited a few days to write this article, he is correct. No team wins in the playoffs or win the Super Bowl without a top rate Defense. The Pats are pitiful on D'. Let's face it. The Patrios are going to face at least two top-notched teams in the playoffs who will not allow them the catch-up from a 17 to 24 point deficit. Will not be done. Do you readers really feel that if the Steelers take a 21-0 lead on the Pats by half-time that the Patriots are going to catch up??....Dan was right on with this article and the truth hurts......Great season record. The best in the AFC, but SEE-Yeah!! in the second round of the playoffs. Sad to say this..