Contenders v. Pretenders

11.23.2008 10:50:30pm

"Well Done Is Better Than Well Said"
Pats show they are contenders, exploit pretenders
Written By: Boston Sports SID

In a must-win game for both teams to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Patriots proved they are the contenders and the Miami Dolphins are the pretenders in a 48-28 victory Sunday afternoon. Hats off to the Dolphins, after finishing the season last year at 1-15, they had a marvelous 2008 season but are no where near the caliber of the Pats or Jets.

Joey Porter just does not know when to shut his yap. He got away with calling out the Patriots, then, inexperienced quarterback in Week Three so he thought he would run his mouth again before Week 12’s re-match in Miami. Unfortunately, Porter was not so lucky this time.

Late in the fourth quarter when the game was almost sign, sealed and delivered, Porter committed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Matched with another Miami penalty on the play, it culminated with a BenJarvus Green-Ellis two-yard touchdown run to put the Pats up by 20 and really seal the deal. Thanks to Porter’s actions, the Patriots returned the favor of spanking the Dolphins at home in southeast Florida.

Not to long before that play after Stephen Gostkowski put the Pats up two scores with a 30-yard field goal, Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder went after offensive lineman Matt Light. After Light got in a few punches of his own, both he and Crowder were ejected and will be heavily fined or, worst case scenario, suspended.

This game just goes to show you that even though Miami has improved from last year, they are a young and undisciplined team. When they play teams such as the Patriots, Colts, Jets or any team who is rigorously disciplined, their fatal flaws are going to show. Or maybe it can be deduced that Porter is a cancer to any team he is on.

The guy is still running his mouth about how the Steelers should have been the dynasty of the 21^st Century because the Patriots cheated. Sounds like the sour grapes talking. Now this the reason the media relations staff likes to give players and coaches a 10 minute “cool down” time post-game, to prevent stuff like this. Hey Porter: It was seven years ago. Get over it. The day Joey Porter retires is the day the NFL will be better.

But you know who will not be retiring soon, Cassel. No longer an inexperienced quarterback, Cassel continues to impress and is sure to command a high price tag come free agency. You know that $50 million for four year price tag, Scott Boras is commanding for Jason Varitek? Well Cassel deserves that money more than the former Sox catcher catcher.

As devastating as last week’s loss to the Jets was, remember it Cassel who, in Brady-like fashion, drove the Patriots down-field and threw to Randy Moss, who made an extraordinary catch, to send the game to OT. Against the Jets, Cassel had his best game of the year, completing 30 of his 51 passing attempts for 400-yards including three touchdowns. It was hard to imagine that he could top last week’s performance this week. But it is exactly what he did.

The one time back up quarterback can but something on his resume that the legendary Tom Brady can not. For the second consecutive game, Cassel threw for over 400-yards including throwing three touchdowns one of his favorite targets, Randy Moss. Completing 30 of his 43 attempts, Cassel averaged nearly a first down every time (9.7) while finishing with 415 passing yards overall and a 114.0 passer rating. On the receiving end, Moss also had his best game of the season. He caught eight balls for 125 yards with his longest being a 29-yard reception for one of his three touchdowns in the second quarter.

Through all the trash-talking thrown the Patriots way this past week, the Pats showed once again that they do all their talking on the field because “well done is better than well said.” They could care less what you say in the week leading up to the game. All that matters is how the team plays for 60 minutes on Sunday.

-- BOSTON SPORTS SID