As a fan of the Patriots, it can be fun to get yourself caught up in the hype of a big game. I enjoy arguing until hoarse in the throat and red, white and blue in the face defending the team. More so, I am glad that there are fans out there willing to point out with the utmost certainty that my opinions and views are completely wrong. Thank you so much, the past week as been fun. 

The Colts have a great team. There is no doubt about that, and it starts with their Organization, on down through the Head Coach and the rest of the coaching staff and ends with the players. There is so much talent on the team from the top down. They have been a dominant team for over half a decade and in any other time would have the term dynasty hung over their front door. They were rewarded last year with a well-deserved Super Bowl victory. 

However you can not have your David without your Goliath. And in the NFL that means the New England Patriots. Over that same time span, the Patriots have been feeding off the talent and skill of the Indianapolis Colts and no rational person should think for a second that the Patriots would be as great as they are if they did not have a team they NEEDED to be great against. The two teams have evolved into the top tier of the NFL and that is something that you can not dispute.

What I find most disappointing is the attack on character that has gone on the last few weeks. I do not think there is a team in the NFL that embodies class and sportsmanship better than EITHER team. You can talk about handshakes all you want. The reality is that both teams play with 125% of their hearts, and when you put yourself out on the field like that, it is impossible to not feel the disappointment and frustration in losing. Over their recent rivalry, both teams have handled themselves with the utmost professionalism, about as much as you could possibly find when the game is played at such a level.

This year, for the Colts and the Patriots alike, the road to the Super Bowl will be through each other, most likely in the AFC Championship. True sportsman would have it no other way. In order to be the best, you have to play against the best. For the Patriots and Colts, there is no other competition.

I look forward to that game and all the hype and conversation surrounding it.