THEO WHO?

I'm going to come clean with you. I am using the recent announcement of Theo Epstein as the newest and youngest GM in Red Sox history, just to get your attention. You see, fans of this column have been asking me why I never have ventured into Ramblings about... THE PATRIOTS. Love it or hate it, the day has finally arrived. Sure, I'll write up something about Epstein and other Hot Stove topics in another month or so, but as long as the Pats' are still playing ball, the pigskin is my passion.

First of all, a little history lesson: The Patriots won the Super Bowl last year (XXXVI). True, as Belichick constantly reminds us, last year was last year. But I for one believe that they should get a "pass" for this year, at least a partial pass. Admittedly, it's pretty hard to win the Super Bowl. This year, it's a 1-in-32 shot. You need to be both very good and a little lucky. That's what the Pats were last year.

The obvious comparison is WHEN, not if, the Red Sox finally win the World Series. Be sure even the most eternal pessimists will be drinking champagne at the City Hall parade. Are they not a little hypocritical if they go back to their whining, defeatist attitude the following season ??? One definition of fan is fanatic. I believe you should be a loyal fan, not a fair weather fence-sitter or a negative naysayer. You gotta BELIEVE, even if at times it's irrational and your head tells you otherwise. Your HEART has to lead. Enough of my speech.

As of right now, the Pats' are 6-5 going into a Turkey Day game vs. the Detroit Kitty Cats. They should take care of business this week in the Lions' Den. Doubt it will come to this, but if the game goes into OT, at least we'll know that Detroit's coach won't want the ball. He must be a Holy Cross grad: trying to think too much, without any success.

Assuming things go as planned, YOUR team will be 7-5 heading into December. 4 games left, including 3 at home against AFC EAST foes: Buffalo, the Jets, and the Dolphins. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and I'll have something special for you real soon.

You can email Jack at JCooney@challiance.org