Filed under: New England Patriots
Well it wasn’t really the second coming of the original 1982 AFC playoff snowplow game. THE snowplow game. The one in which Mark Henderson, a convict on work release, used a snowplow to clear a spot for John Smith to kick the winning field goal in New England’s 3-0 victory over the Miami Dolphins. But this one was close.
Well not really.
What I am refering to ladies and gentlemen is Fox’s new winter graphic which debuted on national television during the New England Patriots 28-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In a game that was completely and thoroughly dominated by the Patriots, Fox included an entertaining graphic at the top of the screen, above the digital scoreboard, that depicted accumulating snow followed by intermittent plowing by an animated snowplow.
As I was watching this game in a local fermented beverage establishment, I was first notified of the plow around the start of the second quarter. Since the plow moved faster than Bethel Johnson on Red Bull, it took a few times to notice it was really there. Normally, I would cringe at the thought of a Fox animated graphic as I envisioned an annoying cartoon football interupting important plays to describe the mechanics of an on-side kick to, what Fox must believe, is an audience of 2 year-olds(similarly to “Scooter” the talking baseball of the ‘04 MLB playoffs). However, I was pleasantly suprised. The plow was subtle but entertaining and enjoyably inspired “Plow!” chants at random points in the game.
For most of the game however, the plow took a back seat to the 28-0 drubbing the Pats dished out to the co-NFC South leading Bucs. For the next few nights I am pretty sure the sugarplums in Chris Simms’ head will be replaced by visions of Mike Vrabel, Willie McGinest, and Rosevelt Colvin as the Patriots defense combined to sack the young QB 7 times, as well as hurry or hit him more times than he is carded on a Saturday night. The Bucs offense was held to just 138 yards, including 30 on the ground and only 23 from Carnell “Cadillac” Williams who will now have a tough time achieving 1,000 yards this season. Apparently he had a flat tire.
This game was vintage Patriots though. It was unreservedly reminiscent of the ‘03 and ‘04 Pats as Belichick’s defense gave the Bucs fits, while the offense methodically dismantled their counterpart’s attempts to encumber Brady & Co. While there was ample room for improvement, the Patriots dominated this game leaving no doubt of a W after just the first half. With the game all but in the bag and the Pats in Belichick’s “don’t-reveal-anything-but-what-is-absolutely-necessary-to-win-the-game” mode(except for one direct snap to the RB which I am convinced was done as a tribute to Charlie Weis, who was in attendance), the game became as predictable as Tampa Bay weather. And thats when the snowplow took over.
Mid-third quarter and a few beers deep, the restless crowd turned its attention to the digital plow, inciting chants of “Plow! Plow! Plow!” in anticipation of the machine’s emergence on the screen. Waiting for the plow to truck across the screen as the snow accumulated was like waiting for the wave to come to you at a Red Sox playoff game.
Wait for it…
Wait for it…
(C’mon plow!)
Wait for it…
YAAAAHH! WAHOOOOO!!!
I felt like I was sitting watching porn with a group of teenagers waiting for the money shot that would spark a celebratory ovation. Finally Fox has a graphic that doesn’t get riddled with boos(although they do get credit for the imaginary 1st down/line of scrimmage). But yes, needless to say, I found the snowplow very entertaining.
Although this snowplow game contrasted in magnitude to the original, it still has an important spot in my book. Beyond just a sound victory over a competetive team or clinching of a division title, this game has resurged an energetic confidence in this Patriots team. It has revealed the potential of a healthy defense, and above all else, it has restored the excitement to Patriots fans everywhere. This years Pats are peaking at the right time and seem locked up for a 1st round playoff game at home. Bring on the snow. Oh yeah, I’m excited.
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