And he’s right here. Yep, some Youtube love comes early today. This is why it’s dangerous to make predictions.

Brady happened. Belichick happened. Schottenheimer happened. If ever a game followed a pre-written script, it was New England’s 24-21 victory over San Diego. The Chargers have more talent, and in fact outplayed the Patriots for most of the game. But Martyball (not at all affiliated with RandBall) made some strange decisions (i.e. going for it on 4th-11 from New England’s 30 in a scoreless game instead of trying a 48-yard field goal), and the team with the guts got the big break (the interception-turned-fumble that led to the tying TD). Given that one crack, Belichick made a huge call on the 2-pt conversion (direct snap to Kevin Faulk? Are you kidding? The coach, to borrow a term from corporate America, has some low-hanging fruit of his own, if you know what we’re saying). Then Brady makes the money throw on third down during the final drive. Win enough games like this, and it’s not a coincidence. It’s a dynasty. As for Marty and the Chargers: Lose enough games like this, and it’s no longer a coincidence. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. See Mason, Glen. So now we have Patriots v. Colts, which is the best thing ever and allows the use of one of our favorite pictures of all-time. Tells a thousand words, doesn’t it?

Oh, and we somehow went 4-0 in picking games (though just 2-2 vs. the spread, not bad enough to have our thumbs broken had we been bold enough in real life, but still, we didn’t think either NFC road team would cover. Nice effort by the Seahawks, who really had the look of winning that game at the end and probably should have. Hasselbeck couldn’t make the one play to push them over the top. There’s the line between good and great. Matt can see the line from where he stands. He can also see Tom Brady on the other side of it.

They can do no wrong: Wild and Wolves. Suddenly, the Skating W’s have won three consecutive on the road. Suddenly, of course, is synonymous with “thanks to the return of Marian Gaborik.” The Wolves, meanwhile, are beating the teams they should beat. Good chance to make a mini-statement today in Detroit, too.

First comes action. Then reaction. Phase three? Someone tries to cash in. That’s the stage we’ve hit with Tony Romo. Sorry, we (kind of) promised there would be no more Romo posts. And we lied like Nick Saban. But still, we just got this press release, and we couldn’t pass it up. A sports psychology researcher named Richard Cox (and his press folks), on the heels of Romo’s gaffe, released some remarks about performing in the clutch (referencing Romo’s botched hold in one paragraph). Cox is quoted extensively, including what you see in the headline and so much more:

“Even during the Superbowl (sic), where you have the best of the best, some will still make errors. … If you have confidence in the team around you, that should help. However, kickers are the only ones who can kick the ball, and placeholders are the only ones who can hold the ball. They still must control the mind, go through the pre-performance routine and replace negative thoughts with positive ones.”

Conveniently, Cox has published a book titled “Sport Psychology: Concepts and Applications,” which is also mentioned prominently in the press release. Apparently you can get it new for $85 or used for about $3.

We wondered if Bill Belichick’s photographer abuse — somewhere between a fling and a shove — on the way for some coach-on-coach hugging with Eric Mangini after Sunday’s game had been posted by anyone on Youtube yet. And, of course, it has. We saw this live (on TV, not in person, silly), and we couldn’t believe it.

At least that’s what the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting. Steelers coach Bill Cowher, the longest-tenured current NFL coach, will announce his retirement Monday.