Feel free to call the 40-7 shellacking the Patriots laid on Houston anything you like, but the facts are these: since December 2004 the Texans are 6-25. Their beleaguered quarterback, David Carr, was again an unmitigated disaster. In most cases, NFL teams are usually far too competitive and proud to allow any game to be over by halftime, even when the score is 27-0.
Yesterday, this game truly was over at the intermission. Quite honestly, you could have made case for calling it a day with 3:31 left in the first quarter, after Tom Brady tossed a short pass to Kevin Faulk, who galloped 43 yards into the end zone to make it 17-0.
Anyone who has played sports has experienced this kind of game. When I was growing up and my school was in a bit of a funk, the answer to our prayers was Nipmuc. At that time, and we're talking close to 30 years ago, they were the cure for whatever ailed us. Occasionally, we'd be beating them by so much on the basketball court they'd stop crediting our baskets to keep the score from spiraling out of control.
(A note to the fair people at Nipmuc: I've been informed your sports programs have improved dramatically since I was a kid, so please hold the indignant e-mails and take this in stride. I'm merely illustrating a point.)
Yesterday, the Houston Texans were New England's Nipmuc, and that was welcome news.
Concerned about the kickoffs with Laurence Maroney sidelined? No worries. Fill-in Ellis Hobbs returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, the first of his career, and the first all season for the Patriots. Skittish about the lack of protection Brady was given in recent weeks? Rest easy. The Franchise only hit the dirt once yesterday.
Turnovers were not an issue, because New England had none. Slim offensive production was a moot point, because the defense left the Patriots in optimal position all afternoon. They didn't need to pile up gaudy numbers.
Blowouts like these are uncommon in the NFL, which strives for, above all, parity. But there's no denying what a good old-fashioned whuppin' does for the psyche of a football team.
You never forget who your Nipmuc is. It is an afternoon that promises prosperity, good will, and stats. Lots of stats.
