Hard to be disappointed with the way the season ended up given the fact that I had basically written this team off after Brady went down during Game 1. It just sucks that the Pats did everything they had to to make it in and it came down to the newly unemployed Eric Mangini (or should I say, CAN-gini ha ha ha), the soon-to-be unemployed Brett Favre, and the rest of the J-E-T-S blowing the game against the 'Fins. No one was actually expecting the Jags to put up a fight against the Ravens, but the Jets really should have won that game. Ahhh, what could have been and what should have been.

Oh yeah, and as if that wasn't tough enough to deal with, NBCSports.com just came out with a report saying that Brady is "well behind" his recovery from knee surgery and that another operation may be necessary, meaning his 2009 season could be in doubt. Peter King says the Pats are sending mixed signals to increase Cassel's trade value (in the event that they extend him or place the franchise tag on him), but either way, the fact that such information is being pumped out there is not a great sign.

In the end, as Bill Belichick said earlier today on 'EEI, we can always look forward to next season when the Pats will hopefully still be playing at this time of year (a loose paraphrasing, of course). Anyway, on to some highlights from yesterday's game:

• Running backs finish strong - Faced with gusts of upwards of 60 MPH, both teams were understandably focused on the run. With one of the most highly touted young backs in the game in Marshawn Lynch riding the pine, the combined effort of Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan dominated the Buffalo defense to the tune of 149 total yards and the game's lone touchdown. Morris' truck-stick hit on Donte Whitner was a thing of beauty. Another excellent showing from the duo. Morris is under contract for next year, and hopefully the Pats can find a way of keeping Jordan around, as well.
• No Seymour not such a bad thing - Jarvis Green was unbelievable, playing what was likely the game of his career. 3 solo tackles and 2 sacks, including the pivotal strip-sack in the third quarter. Just a fantastic performance when the team needed it most.
• Cassel can fill in for Hanson any time - The dude earned himself a ton of money this year and if you want to get cute, you could even say he has the added versatility of being able to drop in a quick kick every once in a while. I don't like the idea of signing him as a backup long-term if it's going to cost upwards of $8 million per year, but it's not a bad idea to franchise him and let things with Brady play out as they may. At this point, he's an excellent insurance policy that the Pats most certainly can afford.
• Maybe Meriweather can replace Harrison - Rodney's chances of returning are minimal, so it was particularly good to see Brandon Meriweather put together one of the best games of his young career. Five solo tackles, good for third on the team, most of which of the incredibly hard hitting variety. Good stuff.
• Randy being Randy - Moss clearly didn't have the same rapport with Cassel that he has with Brady, but are any of you actually feeling bad that we have Randy Moss under contract for the next 2 years? Didn't think so...
• Time for the rest of the NFL to raid the Patriots' closet - Next on the list of soon-to-be ex-Patriots personnel are Scott Pioli and Josh McDaniels, both of whom are reportedly being heavily pursued for the GM and head coach positions of the Browns. Can't blame them for wanting to go out and make names for themselves away from the Patriots dynasty... as long as BB's still around, Patriots nation is safe.