The sky is the color that Bellicheck's sweatshirt should have been

We went to a dandy Super Bowl party at Mike and Lynn's last night. They've put a fantastic entertainment room above the garage. We ate well, enjoyed the crowd, and stayed for the first half. The high-def big screen was just what the game called for.

Of course, what was really called for was the Patriots team that played the first 18 games of the season. There was plenty of suck to go around last night - the coach, for not going for the field goal, Brady, for throwing bad passes, the offensive line, defensive backs, just about everyone.

The theme in the NFL for the last 20 or so years is that, on any given Sunday, any team can beat any other team. The quality of all of the teams is so high that it only takes a slight shift of skill, luck, or energy to raise up the low or knock down the mighty. The value of a team is what they bring to each and every game. Last night, the Patriots played as though they were confused and tired. In the past, their desire has overcome their confusion and tiredness. Last night, it didn't.

It wasn't a great game. Neither team showed great stuff. The Giants just played well enough to win.

So, now, we wait. The Red Sox equipment van leaves Boston for spring training next week.

And what the heck was the deal with that red sweatshirt?