I know it feels like "new season, same story" right now. We have seen this before - impressive big game performance with big plays that make us look ready to take the next step but we ultimately fall just short by some horrific turn of events. Believe me, I've thought of all the negatives over and over again. I feel better this morning but that lump in my throat and twist in my gut are still there as a reminder of how bad last night felt. Let's also remember, division games are what keeps you in or out of the playoffs and we let the Pats get away with one when we caught them vulnerable. That stings and hurts our playoff chances even if it is week one. That all being said, I do think there were some signs that this year will not be like all the others. This team in many ways smashed the many common fan complaints about why we wouldn't be able to compete this year in the process of this heart breaking loss and if you distance yourself from that sinking feeling you have right now, you might be suprised what you find:

1.) Trent Edwards led our team the length of the football field for what we all thought was the game winning drive. He looked accurate and poised and displayed a knack for making the big plays. He seemed to grasp his offense well and commanded the team properly. The deeper we go into the season the better his timing and feel for his offensive lines capabilities will get, something which derailed us on that final drive for the game winning field goal.

2.) Aaron Schobel is back! With some fans foolishly calling for him to get cut, Aaron Schobel showed he was back from injury and ready to return to his old self. A great sack, a great interception, a great read on the screen, and a great touchdown were the highlights. Constant pressure and explosiveness were the story. Not only that, our entire defensive line was getting pressure and breaking through who the analysts say is one of the best offensive lines in the game - not just on passing downs but on crucial third and fourth and shorts. Nobody stops the Pats on fourth and an inch - we did. Kyle Williams and Marcus Stroud looked great and Maybin obviously needs work but is going to be a stud. Schobel is back.

3.) Our offensive line did not looked terrible, or even bad. That is huge. They had some great moments and some terrible ones, but they are the greenest o-line many of us will ever see this team have in our lives and they played hard and gave their all. Demetrius Bell made some key mistakes, those will go down. They need chemistry and thats what practice is for. This is a unit that will get better each week as they get more comfortable together. One thing they already do great? Screens, especially with Fred Jackson back there. Thats a testiment to the athleticism we have on the line. This unit will be great one day, and they will get closer to that day with each week.

4.) Our defense was simply outstanding. We held arguably the best offense in the league to 25 points but truly 19 if you take away the fumble and 13 points with minutes left in the game. Our defensive line was borderline dominating the Pats vaunted offensive line, Donte Whitner was flying around the field, Terrence McGee was playing great and Leodis made better tackles that last year he would have blown. Take heart that both of Tom Brady's final two touchdowns were targeted at Keith Ellison who was in for Poz. Brady could only make his "magic" happen when our defensive captain wasn't in his position. We look like a defense that can keep us in every single game and even win us a few - they almost did last night. They should have if not for the football gods distaste for our team.

5.) Fred Jackson is a beast. Enough said. An absolute beast.

6.) Terrell Owens didn't have a good game. He is going to be angry and he will want to prove that he is still a stud. TO will step up and play with a chip on his shoulder. In fact, our whole team will. They are angry, they should be angry. This better not deflate this team, it should infuriate them. They will crush the Bucs, this team looks good, they are good. They better use this to play mad. We lost to the Pats when we should have won in their stadium. We get them again in December on our field. We will crush them.

Bottom Line: Our team is good. Keep your heads up.