Oasis of Football

I've found the NFL incredibly boring this season.  Until last night.

Yeah, I'm old when Peyton vs. Tom still gets my attention.  However, they are still two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.  Tom Brady has lead his teams to more victories against Peyton Manning, and last night was no different.  The Patriots' 34-31 overtime win over the Broncos gave Brady 8 wins in 11 outings against Peyton.

It was the way it happened this time.

Peyton had no passing yards and a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter.  What?

New England made some second half adjustments to shut down the Denver offense, while the offense increased the pace to score three quick third quarter touchdowns to get back in the game.  Eventually the Patriots ran up a 31-24 lead, when Peyton took the Broncos to a tying touchdown with just over 3 minutes to play.

A bounce, a player in the wrong place, and the Patriots got the win.

New England definitely rode Tom Brady.  Three first half fumbles had the Patriot faithful showing their displeasure.  I wonder if Stevan Ridley will ever be seen alive again.  I had the Patriots going to the Super Bowl, but the balance needed to go all the way appears missing.

It was good to see Denver dominate without huge numbers from Peyton Manning.  Knowshon Moreno ran for over 200 yards to lead the Broncos cause.  Peyton Manning hit the clutch passes, just nothing else.  I believe that balance will be important for the Broncos come playoff time.  They could be a lot more dangerous in January, when a running game is so import.

Maybe it all goes back to boring tonight, but for one evening, it was worth the time.

So...am I off base?