NFL Playoffs: I love this time of year

Ah, the playoffs. Nothing says a good weekend of football like a game without touchdowns and the league MVP ending his season on a sour note, right?

Since I am living in Maryland, I got a taste of what playoff fever does to this place. These people love their Ravens and have a severe hatred for the Indianapolis Colts. Well, if my beloved team suddenly skipped out of town in the middle of the night, I'd be ticked, too. But these people were out of their minds (I say that cautiously, but with mutal respect for their dedication. Don't hurt me). T-shirts, bumper stickers, flags, posters, purple lights: you name, they made it (and bought it). Of course, I'm saying this as a Patriots fan in Ravens territory.

One cool thing about the playoffs and my job: Several weeks ago, I covered a sports radio segment at a local pub featuring Ravens head coach Brian Billick. I know what you're thinking: diehard fans and alcohol. Sounds like a couple of assaults waiting to happen, right? Thankfully, everyone behaved (some guy even offered to buy me a drink). Everyone I interviewed (including a 12-year-old boy) oozed confidence about a Baltimore victory. They were, as the media has put it, marching to Miami. I like writing these kinds of stories because sports fans love to talk. Fans think they know the game better than the coaches. And who better to listen to them than me? It was only during my last interview that I told some guy I was a Pats fan. Honestly, I was scared some drunk would blurt it out and the torch-wielding Ravens fans would turn on me. I didn't feel like making headline news that night.

Needless to say, I was shocked (along with every other Ravens fan and probably the team themselves) that Baltimore choked so badly. Okay, you had the top-rated defense and yes, you stopped Peyton Manning, but a little offense wouldn't have hurt anyone. Did Steve McNair show up to the game? I forget. The city is still in a period of mourning but don't feel badly, Baltimore. Indy played awful, too. They just played a little less than you.

And then there are the Patriots. I think I endured every possible human emotion during those exhausting 60 minutes. I have to be honest: I didn't think they would win. I know I should have faith, but I'm also realistic. They have a good team this year but they looked shaky. Cheers to a couple of key turnovers and place-kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Jeers to fourth-quarter and post-game drama. Yes, the Patriots were disrespectful in their celebratory dance moves. Memo to LaDainian Tomlinson: get over it. Bad-mouthing other teams is not a classy way to end an MVP season.

There is one good thing about Baltimore losing: now they are rooting for New England. They hate the Colts that much. Now it's Brady vs. Manning and who could ask for a better matchup? I'll be watching and who knows - maybe this game, like last weekend's, will have me yelling profanities and shielding my eyes with a pillow.