They're Back!

It seems strange calling the Patriots underdogs in the match-up against the Colts just a couple hours ago. The Pats, who in years past had dominated the Colts, had lost three straight games to them, including most recently, the AFC title game. A tough loss. With both teams undefeated, the Pats came out winners: scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Defense also stepped up and stopped Peyton Manning in his tracks in the Fourth.

I didn't stay up to watch the game, but maybe I should have. Last night I didn't sleep well at all. I had dreamt about the Pats winning four times. I dreamt about discovering the Pats' win in four different scenarios: 1) opening up ESPN.com, 2) friends excitedly SMSing me, 3) hearing the result on the radio on the way to work, and 4) having a colleague reveal the result in person. The last two scenarios are pretty unrealistic as the Hong Kong media would not pick up the results that quickly, and none of my colleagues have any idea what American football is. Facts aside, it just goes to show how much my mind was on this game.

I had a strong feeling the Pats would win, but football is the type of sport where you just never know. All the pieces have to come together. Every player has to do their job in order for the team to succeed. Football is the ultimate individual team sport. You must do your job as an individual in order for the team to succeed. Your job may seem insignificant or that it doesn't affect your teammates directly, but it does. In fact, the effect is immense. Football is also a team sport where every player on the field is always doing something. If you're not throwing, you're moving, blocking, trying to break free, get through, or cover your defender. If you're able to do exceptionally well, and if you can elude or overpower your opponent, you may be able to help the team gain some yardage.

A lot of people don't like football. That's fine. I understand how it may not appeal to everyone. However, from my experience, the people who say its boring usually don't understand the game. If you don't know what's going on, it just looks like a whole bunch of guys running towards each other. Its the same with baseball. There's so much more going on than just the pitch and the hit. You have to know the game and pay attention in order for it to be interesting.