My Patriots are back on top of the NFL. As a season ticket holder for many years, I’m thrilled to have a great team on the field again.
This season, however, has been unusual.
The team is undefeated on the road, which means all their losses have come at home. This means I’ve seen all the losses, and sadly, I missed a bunch of the home wins, too.
The Patriots lost their first two home games to the lowly Raiders in the home opener and to the Steelers — after turning the ball over five times.
I saw both games.
Then the Patriots beat Carolina at home, but I was at a bat mitzvah and missed the game. I watched on television.
Then the Patriots defeated Cleveland and Atlanta. I was at both games.
Then they won games against the Giants and the Jets, but they were on Thursday and Monday nights, so I gave away the tickets to friends who wanted to attend.
I watched those victories on TV.
Then I watched them lose to Buffalo two weeks ago.
In summary, I attended five of our eight home games so far this year, and I’ve only seen the Patriots win twice.
The Patriots’ record when I am physically in the stadium is 2-3.
Overall, they are 12-3.
What the hell?
I’m thrilled that after just a few years in the wilderness, my favorite team is back on top and the future is bright, but I remember a time when the Patriots won 18 and 21 consecutive home games, and I attended almost all of them.
I realize that to a New York Jets fan, this quibbling over a 12-3 team with the best record in the NFL sounds ridiculous, but a home loss when you are in attendance is about 15 times worse than watching a loss on television.
Tom Brady and the Patriots of yesteryear spoiled me a bit. Losses at home are supposed to be an anomaly. A rare occurrence.
The Halley’s Comet of the NFL.
Perhaps next year, the Patriots will be more accommodating when I’m in the stands.
