The general concensus (which includes one Ocean State columnist) after Sunday's debacle against the Houston Texans is that New England's season is over. The Patriots' playoff chances are a thing of the past, thanks to a torn ACL and MCL suffered by receiver Wes Welker, the team's sparkplug, chain-mover and NFL leader in receptions.
But let's not put the wagon ahead of the horse. Sure, the Patriots have had a tough go of it - especially on offense - at times this season, and the defense has been the epitome of swiss cheese on occasion. Yet for some reason, I still think the Pats have a chance to get pretty deep during these playoffs.
Why? Mostly because nobody's giving them a shot in hell to win a Super Bowl championship. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady thrive off doubt - be it from fans, from media or from opponnets - and there will be plenty of that this week, when New England prepares for Baltimore's stout defense.
Welker was a big part of this offense, perhaps the biggest piece, but the Pats have more weapons, and they'll have to utilize them. The running game, which includes Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor and Kevin Faulk, is potent, and Brady will need to find other receivers, notably rookie Julian Edelman, who plays like Welker's clone.
I'm not saying this team is championship caliber, but don't sleep on them.
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