Why 2010 Has Been So Fun For A Pats Fan

The beauty of the Brady-Belichick era is that no season can be considered a success unless the Lombardi Trophy is involved in a parade throughout Downtown Boston. The 2010 Patriots have a long way to go for this season to be considered truly successful. Unless Brady is holding up the four fingers on his right hand in Ric Flair style on February 6, this will not be a season remembered like the years of 2001, 2003, and 2004. However, that does not mean this has not been a year that has provided many great moments and memories. A 13-win regular season (with the potential to reach 14 this Sunday against the lowly Dolphins) and the top seed in the powerful AFC is a season worthy of a tip of the cap. So, without further ado, here is a random list of 21 names and moments that have made 2010 a great season: 1. Tom Brady. The greatest keeps on getting better. 2. The Randy Moss/Deion Branch trades. Moss was fun to watch but his selfishness did not fit the Patriot Way. Branch's return has made this offense click on all cylinders. 3. 45-3. Fuck the Jets. Fuck Rex Ryan. Let's hope for a replay of that night sometime in January. 4. BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The Pats jettisoned former first-round pick Laurence Maroney to make way for the former undrafted free agent. Great move. 5. Logan Mankins return. The running game exploded when he came back from a contract dispute. 6. Devin McCourty. The team's top pick from Rutgers has reminded me of Ty Law more than once this season. 7. Bill Belichick. Rebuilding his organization on the fly has produced a team capable of winning another Super Bowl. 8. Patrick Chung. Injuries have made his play a bit inconsistent but the former Oregon star has become a favorite of this blogger. 9. Sebastian Vollmer and Matt Light. The bookend tackles keep Brady standing and the run game aggressive. Vollmer is an All-Pro in the making. 10. Wes Welker. Didn't he have major reconstructive knee surgery in January? You would never know by watching his play this season. 11. Danny Woodhead. 5-6 former Division II star is a serious playmaker who makes it fun for all us regular guys to watch on Sundays. 12. Rob Ninkovich. Wearing Mike Vrabel's old #50 jersey has delivered Ninkovich the ability to make big plays in big moments. 13. Jerod Mayo. Third-year middle linebacker leads NFL in tackles. 14. Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, and Alge Crumpler. Rookie tight ends Gronkowski (9) and Hernandez (6) are amongst the leaders in touchdown receptions at their position. Veteran Crumpler is a true leader and earned captain position in first year in Foxboro. 15. Jermain Cunningham and Brandon Spikes. Rookie linebackers from Florida make Pats defense fast and tough. 16. Vince Wilfork. Still eats up multiple blockers and makes big plays. Defensive line was supposed to be a weak spot but #75 makes everyone around him a better player. 17. 31-28. It wasn't easy but anytime the Patriots (Brady) beat the Colts (Manning) it makes TheBostonInsider smile. Peyton's three interceptions make it even more special. 18. Brandon Tate. The team's top return man has been quiet for the last couple of weeks but he should be a difference maker in January and February. 19. Sammy Morris. The veteran running back rarely gets his number called (15 carries in 2010) but he has been a key cog on special teams. 20. Heists of Carolina, Oakland, and Minnesota. Looking ahead briefly to the 2011 NFL Draft, the Pats own a second pick in the first round thanks to their 2009 trade of Richard Seymour to the Raiders that will fall somwhere in the 10-18 range. They also own the top pick of the second round thanks to the Panthers and will own a high pick in the third round thanks to the Randy Moss trade with the Vikings. The rich will get richer. 21. Dan Connolly. The fifth-year guard from noted football powerhouse Southeast Missouri State has filled in wonderfully for Mankins in his absence and now for the injured Stephen Neal. His 71-yard kickoff return against the Packers was another amazing moment in a special year.