Baffling (UPDATE)
by Bryan
Of all the baffling things about the Pats’ loss last night, perhaps the least baffling is Bill Belichick’s decision to go for it on 4th and 2 from his own 28 yard line. Seems like a simple calculus: Will it be easier to get 2 yards or stop Peyton Manning? You play to win the game, not delay your opponents from winning it. I was all for the fourth down decision, and I thought it had worked. I was wrong.
Outside of that I’m completely baffled. I have no idea how the Pats lost, outside of Peyton Manning simply being incredible. It was just… I try not to get worked up about games any more. I try not to let them affect my outside life. Today I am a miserable failure. I had to compose myself for 30 minutes before coming to work on the off chance that someone mentioned anything to me about this game. This week is going to be brutal. I know, intellectaully, that the Patriots are going to bounce back, but if they feel anything like I feel I can’t imagine how that’s going to happen. The truth is they feel worse, I’m sure, it being their livelihood and all.
Maybe this corn muffin will bring me joy.
UPDATE: Numbers people Joe Posnanski and Brian Burke who are not as non-war-related shell shocked as I bring you explanations.
UPDATE 2: Nate Silver weighs in on the call, defending it. I only wish all this logic permeated the media I usually consume.
Bryan Joiner 
Ha, no. But I did type it from my cruise liner on denial river.
Did you write “Pats’ win last night” on purpose? Also nice of you to channel good ol’ Herm. And now you know how I felt after the Giants game last week.
Exactly. If you don’t think you can get two yards, what makes you think you can win the Super Bowl? That’s oversimplified, but pretty much what I’m getting at.
I haven’t read anything about this yet other than the game report, since it happened at 5am local time.
I’m in favor of it for two reasons:
1. Reg season, when you’re already 2 behind the Colts (right?), means dick in comparison to
2. showing your team you trust them.