On Rocky Road

In year full of potholes, Denver is big test

Excitement keeps building for the Patriots, as caution remains tucked aside.

The Pats are in Denver to kick off the season’s second half on Sunday night. The anticipation is so edgy.

“I don’t know. They really haven’t looked like our Patriots all year long,” winced Pat Patriot while at the Pro Shop looking at a discounted jersey of Kony Ealy. “They are 6-2 but it may be the worst 6-2 team Tommy and Bill have ever given us. I just don’t know.”

Pete Patriot then lifted the five-time Super Bowl Champions mug he held and shoved it at his brother’s face.

“Hey, 6-2 is 6-2. That perfect season nonsense of yours was never going to be,” said Pete, as he picked out a five-time Super Bowl Champions mouse pad.

“Yeah. That ended quickly,” sighed Pat. “But every game is too close now. Can’t even make a pit stop to relieve myself for fear of missing something awful. Boy, do I miss the 27-7 half- time scores and the cruise- control, pop-open-another- one second halves.”

“You’re spoiled, my bro. Spoiled rotten,” barked Pete. “So they play every game down to the last min- ute now, last play even, and you’re drenched in fear and wondering whatever hap- pened to 42-10. So what. It’s different. And now they’re in Denver for ‘Sunday Night Football.’ What’s to worry about, except do you like this five-time Super Bowl Champions baby bib.”

Pat dropped the Ealy jer- sey, eyes bugging out like he was about to be sacked by Von Miller.

“That’s what I mean! Too much tension watching the games now. We’re almost like a regular-looking NFL team. I don’t like it,” he said.

Pete then stopped rummaging through the five five-time Super Bowl Champions shot glasses he held, handed one to his brother, and blurted, “Fill ’er up. You need it.”

“No! I need Pats 51-10, and peace and comfort on every Sunday,” Pat bellowed.

And Pete had one last retort: “It’s Denver. Forget about any peace and comfort.”

This Is The Year: Patriots (-71⁄2) at Denver — OK, the Pats are stumbling along and the Broncos are falling face-first in their own pony dung. But something stupid always happens at Mile High. Things remain a fearful watch. Pats, 24-20. Brrrrrrrrr.

Minnesota (-11⁄2) at Washington — The Vikings are 6-2 and even they can’t believe things are this good. Time for a correction. Redskins, 20-16.

Green Bay at Chicago (-6) — Aaron Rodgers is out injured, but what’s the excuse for the Packers defense?