HYPE-FITTERS REUNION:

For buildup, Colts-Patriots can't be beat (Dan Shaughnessy, November 3, 2007, Boston Globe)

The words have all been spoken - even the unspoken words about the unwritten rules of engagement in the National Football League.

It is the league's regular-season Game Of The Last Two Centuries. Exaggeration? I don't think so. Unbeaten teams haven't met this late in a pro football season since the Buffalo All-Americans (6-0) played the Akron Pros (7-0) in November of 1921. That one ended in a 0-0 tie. Old Man River Paul Robeson was a member of the Akron Pros, and I think the late, great Will McDonough did the color commentary for CBS.

It's not likely to be 0-0 when the final whistle blows tonight. We expect Tom Brady and Peyton Manning to empty all chambers, then reload and fire again. Remember those Russell-Chamberlain duels? They'd combine for 60 points and 50 rebounds, shake hands, then promise to do it again soon. Brady-Manning is getting to be a lot like that.

There is simply too much hype and hysteria to digest. The NFL Network is providing 36 hours of pregame coverage and - making you wait an extra hour - America was awarded an extra hour of anticipation when we turned the clocks back last night. Colts coach Tony Dungy likened the matchup to Ali-Frazier. Bill Belichick, naturally, pretty much put it on a par with the Aug. 10 preseason joust at Tampa Bay.

It takes all one's willpower to not start cooking the chili today...

Posted by Orrin Judd at November 3, 2007 6:06 PM