Backed into a Corner

NFL Network reran the 2002 AFC Divisional playoff game last night in its entirety. While it was fun to relive the "Snow Bowl" game again and remember a couple memories that have faded over five years (converting a 4th and 4 in overtime, Larry Izzo recovering two consecutive Troy Brown fumbles), something disturbing caught my eye:

Tory James in his prime.

James, playing nickelback for the Raiders in the game, was one of the major reasons the Patriots were able to move the ball up and down the snow. He was terrible. He was giving Earthwind Moreland-type cushion to the Pats' street free agent wideouts. He was unable to keep up with Jermaine Wiggins' blazing footspeed. Ten times in the second half, Wiggins ran simple five yard outs towards James and Brady hit him.

James was 28 that night. It looked like he was heading towards a distinguished career as a defensive specialist with the Philadelphia Soul.

Today, James is 34 and is likely a starting cornerback on the Patriots' depth chart right now. If that scares me, it has to scare Bill Belichick.

He knows Eugene Wilson's name is already on Week 12's injury report (Questionable - Leg). He knows Randall Gay has an annual date with the IR around week 3. He knows Chad Scott is bald, Willie Andrews is a special teamer and some guy named Spann is also on the roster. He remembers Jeff Burris, Otis Smith and Terrell Buckley aging to the point where he had to cut them before the final preseason games. Duane Starks gives him nightmares.

If Coach Bill knows all these things, it can't be long before #22 is back. EVERYONE is calling this team a Super Bowl contender. There are no weak spots on this team. The third string punter is ripping up NFL Europa. Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell, starting wide receivers on the second best team in football last year, could both be cut at any time. The offensive and defensive lines are young, talented and under long term deals.

As fantastic as the team is, if Peyton Manning is throwing target practice, a repeat of last year is a good bet. And Asante played in that game and even scored seven points himself.

In his last two games against James' Bengals, Manning has thrown for over 600 yards and seven touchdowns.

Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne staring into the eyes of Ellis Hobbs and Tory James?

That's scary.

Do what's necessary Bill: Resign Asante. Make number four official.