Well done better than well said

This is why I love NFL football ... because of games like the New England Patriots (12-0) vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) this Sunday.

In case any of y'all have missed it, Steelers DB Anthony Smith has guaranteed a win against the Pats this Sunday:

"We're going to win," he said Wednesday. "Yeah, I can guarantee a win. As long as we come out and do what we got to do. Both sides of the ball are rolling, and if our special teams come through for us, we've got a good chance to win."

Um, yeah ... have fun with that.

For their part, the Patriots coaches and players have taken Smith's comments in stride and are concentrating on the preparing for the game.

What's interesting is the rest of the Steelers' reaction to Smith's comments ... they've all but distanced themselves from him knowing it was a stupid thing to say publicly (even if they all believe it).

In any case, when asked about Smith's comment, Patriots QB Tom Brady said: "Well done is better than well said."

Good point ... games are won on the field, not in the press.

As much as I want the Pats to win this game, if they don't, at least they'll lose to a good team. Losing to Miami or the Jets in the next couple of weeks would not be good for the team.

Also, here's hoping it's a good game Sunday. If the Pats are blown out in the first half (seriously doubt that will happen, but you never know), then I think that will be more disappointing than the fact that they lost.

Really not sure what to make of this game ... frankly, the Patriots' D is making me nervous. Lately, they can't stop the run and their pass coverage has been spotty at best. The offense can put points on the board, but can the defense prevent the other team from doing so enough to give the Patriots the W?

Not for nothing, but ... right now, the Patriots are favored by 10.5 (well, really 7.5 because they automatically get 3 points for being the home team). Wouldn't surprise me if that spread shrinks as the game gets closer.