I've had a day to RECOVER from a really pi$$ed afternoon. Here's the gig. We lost, we lost, we lost. Sucks.
I'd be overstating things in dramatic fashion to say that this was a shot across the bow of the AFC East, and that a new dawn was rising on Lake Erie, etc. (and dawn comes up behind Lake Erie anyways).
This disclaimer having been said, c'mon people. Only the bitterest and most mission-focused players in that locker room are continuing to kick themselves after a shocking performance on Sunday. No one in the country gave us a chance of finding midfield for the coin toss! Here's another way to look at it. How many people lost how much money by betting the line? What were we - an 8-point dog? A 9-point dog? A 10-point dog? The conventional wisdom got its cakes pounded on Sunday. Hope they're having fun sitting down tonight.
You're all correct when you say that there are no Moral Victories in the NFL. No kidding. I'm still furious at the erosion of our run defense, the fatigue of the offensive line, and JP not getting back across the goal line (but....SOMEONE had to miss a block on the left side. Who blew it? It was off camera).
For those of us in upstate New York, only the Super Bowl is going to get this chip off our shoulder. Perfection is always one step short, isn't it? But believe me - the coaching staff in Miami is saying "Holy $#!+". And if you think the Patriots team is getting a pat on the back from THAT coaching staff - sober up.
I feel a LOT better after this opener than I have in years. Bring it on.