Yin/Yang

Big night for Boston sports last night. The Red Sox took on the MFNYY just a mere 30 minutes before the Chargers came to the Razor to do battle with the Patriots. Two thrilling games for different reasons - and with very different results, to the combined delight/chagrin of New England and the Red Sox fan diaspora.

The Good



The Patriots looked fantastic. They mopped the floor with the Chargers on both sides of the ball. Moss had 2 TD recs and another 100+ yard game. He and Brady are going to produce some serious points this season. Welker had just under 100 yds. Big Ben had a TD, wide open in the end zone. The rushing game was effective, with Maroney and Morris averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The offensive line wasn't quite as much of a wall as last week, but still allowed Brady plenty of time to work for most of the game. The defense was punishing - 3 sacks of Rivers, 2 interceptions, one of which was returned for a TD by Adalius Thomas. Rosie Colvin had the other INT and a big game all around with 5 tackles, 2 sacks and a fumble forced on Rivers. This team is making New England fans giddy, and for good reason - the Pats are loaded right now, and look like they are going to tear apart all comers.

The Bad



The Sox lose to the Yankees, 4-3. It was a great game going into the eighth, with Schilling dueling the Rocket in a 1-1 tie. Then Schilling makes one mistake to Jeter with two men on base, and it's 4-1. The Sox couldn't overcome the deficit, although they came very close - bases loaded against Mariano in the bottom of the 9th with Big Papi up. Couldn't ask for a better scenario. Rivera once again looked downright vulnerable. He's not what he used to be. In practical terms this game (even this weekend's entire series) didn't matter, save a Yankees sweep and a complete nosedive by the Sox. They are going to win the division, and the Yankees will very likely win the Wild Card.

So then why did this loss hurt so much? Because it's the MFNYY, and it always will hurt to lose to them, especially in ways like Friday and Sunday nights' games turned out.

Also, I hate to say it, but Joba Chamberlain looks pretty nasty.

The Magic # is at 9. Step it up as we prep for October baseball, boys. The margin of error will quickly drop to 27 outs.

(Photos courtesy of Boston.com)