It feels like Bizarro world in Patriots Land. Peyton Manning pulled a Tom Brady and staged a come from behind victory against the Pats. For the first time, Tom Brady was the one walking off the field for the last time of the season. Brady couldn't lead his team to a last second come back, something that's become the equivalent of David Ortiz with a big hit in the ninth or Robert Horry hitting a big shot. In other words, a sure thing. It's a strange feeling, but right now there is too much disbelief to be angry. To hold back the anger, I had to come up with excuses. The patriots should have won this game but they were playing against themselves during the second half.

It would have helped if the running game showed up for four quarters. After some vintage Corey Dillon in the first which included a touchdown that gave the Pats an early 14-3 lead, the rush attack disappeared. Laurence Maroney lost yards on six of his eight carries and finished with a total of 13. Had the team managed more than 3.9 yards per carry, they could have run out the clock with 3:22 left in the fourth. Instead, they had to throw it three times, and went three and out. The worst part is it's the first time this year the Colts terrible run defense held an opponent under 100 yards.

The Pats also made four penalties in the fourth quarter. That isn't the discipline you would expect out a team fighting for a spot in the Super Bowl.  Heath Evans wanted to be in the huddle too much and his too many men in the huddle penalty backed the offense up when they could have run out the clock. Then Tully Banta-Cain's roughing the passer moved Peyton and Crew closer before Joseph Addai's game winning score. The penalties happened so quick and right in the middle of all the action, they were kind of lost in it all. But I don't expect Bill Belichick to overlook them as much as Jim Nantze did.

Peyton wanted this win and needed it to validate his career. My hat is off to him and the Colts for winning this game. They completely took over the game after halftime, and their first drive that ate up nearly seven minutes set the tone. Peyton finally won the big game over the Patriots, and gets to go the Graceland now. You could still see how worried he was on that last drive by Brady and Co. though. His head was down, and he wouldn't even watch. What would he have done if the Pats pulled one of their patented last second wins? Tears? Violence? Homicide? Something tells me he'll be able to watch his defense go against Rex Grossman in two weeks (yes, Rex Grossman is a Super Bowl quarterback. Move over Trent Dilfer).

There is no reason to hang your head as a Patriots fan. For one thing, Brady and Belichick will be back next year, and they'll have to quench their Super Bowl thirst soon. The defense will get Rodney Harrison back, and I doubt the thoughts of a Tedy Bruschi retirement will become anything more than just thoughts. The Pats also have two late first rounders and a lot of cap room next season (just to make everyone feel better, next year the Colts are going to be over the cap, and Dwight Freeney and Cato June are free agents. Feel better?). Any questions about Stephen Gostkowski and if he can kick were answered with an eight for eight playoff performance. And don't worry about offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels jetting for the Raiders. No one is that desperate to be a head coach.

So as the sting sets in the morning after, Pats fans just have to move on. The Colts played better, and showed up when it mattered. Usually it's the other way around, but for now we'll have to suffer in Bizzaro World. Did anyone have faith this team could get as far as they did in mid-November? They overachieved this year, but their past success bit everyone with February Fever. It's still a good sign to see the Pats are there every year competing for a championship. That is a trend I don't see ending anytime soon.

• One more thing that gets me excited about the Pats. David Thomas had a pretty solid rookie year. He didn't play too much this season, but his diving touchdown catch against the Jaguars and impressive play on special teams gives reason the think highly of him. Daniel Graham is a free agent and could bolt for more money and playing time. Thomas is quick and maybe his tackling on special teams will improve his blocking.

• My recent disappearance is actually due to me writing for www.redsarmy.com, a Celtic fan-site. So don't let the fact they are letting me write for them scare you, it's a pretty fun page for Celtic/Basketball fans. You'll be able to tell where my stuff is pretty easily.