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It’s probably time to put this Bill Belichick Moment to bed, so I’ll give it a try here.
After speaking to several local football coaches, I found that two of them made a similar call — leading a game, deep in their own territory, fourth and short. Both of them made it and won their games.
But nine out of the 10 coaches contacted, including the two who had made that decision in the past, probably would have punted. But all of them “understood” why he made the decision to go for it.
My thoughts?
I understand. I disagree. But more importantly, I believe Belichick lost one of those rare opportunities to give his defense a chance to make a difference and gain confidence that would have or could have led to special things.
If you remember the 2003 Pats-Colts game, which the Pats won 38-34. It was the defense that stopped Peyton Manning and the Colts offense on the goal line to end the game.
That defense was dominant the rest of the way en route to the first of back-to-back Super Bowls. That’s why I disagreed most with Belichick’s gamble.

I will break slightly from the trend to pick the teams with the best records, wait for them to lose, and then drop them down.
Here are the best six teams, I believe, with their win-loss record being a key factor, but not the only factor:

1. New Orleans Saints (8-0): I believe that they have been championship driven from Day 1. They have a quarterback, Drew Brees, playing as well as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. They just are a tough team that refuses to lose. I like the fact that they can run the ball as well as pass.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2): The Steelers just win, baby. They are going to be tough to knock off in a big game. The key is not to play that game in Pittsburgh. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is one Super Bowl title away from tying Brady. The Steelers defense is the best, I don’t care what stats say.

3. Minnesota Vikings (7-1): I am shocked at how good this team is. I love the way they pressue the opposing team’s QB. Jared Allen is a superstar pass-rusher. Kudos must go to Brett Favre. He hasn’t made the mistakes we counted on. Imagine talking about this team and mentioning Adrian Peterson third. That’s how good they are.

4. Indianapolis Colts (8-0): I just think the loss of their defensive backfield is going to hurt them going forward. I am leaning toward the Colts possibly losing three straight games to the Patriots, Ravens and Texans. I love Peyton Manning and the Colts. I believe the Pats and Colts are dead even. Their game on Sunday, I will almost guarantee, will come down to the final play.

5. New England Patriots (6-2): They could crack the top three if the Steelers or Vikings lose, but right now they are anywhere from the fourth to sixth best team. They are playing their best football, particularly on defense, as the weather is getting colder. That’s a good sign.

6. Dallas Cowboys (6-2): The Cowboys are tough to figure. I am still a bit apprehensive, but if Favre can become more protective of the ball at age 40 then Tony Romo can at age 29. I think Wade Phillips is a great guy, but question his leadership in December. If the Patriots had the Cowboys running backs, I’d put them at No. 1.

Best of the rest …
7. N.Y. Giants (5-4): I’m in shock, but believe they will rebound slightly.
8. Cincinnati (6-2): Love their moxie, but hate their schedule
9. San Diego (5-3): Always shoots self in foot at some point.
10. Denver (6-2): Could be 10-6 when all is said and done.

We will throw out a few stats the rest of the week on this matchup on Sunday night.
While most people like to compare Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, and Brady’s slight statistical lead (7-3 record, 2-1 in playoffs and three Super Bowl rings) here’s a head-shaker.
When Rodney Harrison was in the starting lineup and finished the game, the Patriots were 5-0 versus Manning and the Colts.
The one game Harrison started and was hurt in the first quarter of a 0-0 game (in 2006 regular season), Manning led the Colts to a 27-20 win.
The other two recent wins by the Colts — in the AFC Championship in Jan. of 2007 and last season — Harrison was out. Also, Brady didn’t play last season.
Mind you, Manning has said in the past that he had a difficult time reading what Harrison was going to do — play the run or the pass. Manning once told me that Harrison was one of the best safeties he ever went up against.
Interesting.

Gostkowski drills a chip shot from 40 yards and the Pats assume the insurmountable 27-17 lead.