Record Breakers

On Saturday evening the New England Patriots won a hard fought battle with the Jacksonville Jaguars to move to 17-0. This win puts them a mere 120 minutes from perfection and the first ever 19-0 regular season. Given the banged up nature of the Chargers and the flawed nature of the the NFC contenders I have little doubt Brady, Belichick and the rest of the crew will be pouring glorious champagne on each other come early February.

When thinking of this I have to reflect on the greatest season in my other favorite sport. For those who don't follow the show I am a huge Chicago fan, and of course my first blog had to reflect that love. Which leads me to the 1996 Chicago Bulls and the greatest season by an NBA team in league history (Note I said greatest season, not greatest team as that is a debate for another day). With the Boston Celtics losing their third game in the last four on Monday night the Bulls 72 win mark seems oh so very safe now. The Celts who started white hot fell to 30-6 and would have to win 24 straight games to get back on pace with those Bulls. That Bulls team was unreal, whipping their opponents by an average 12.8 ppg. Michael Jordan played every game like a man possessed, showing the world that he had returned as the greatest player of all time. Jordan averaged 30.38 ppg, 6.62 rpg, 4.3 apg, and 2.2 spg on his way to becoming the league and finals MVP. Led by Zen Master coach Phil Jackson they ran the triple-post offense with remarkable efficiency. With talent like Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Toni Kukoc, and a host of top tier role players each with their own niche those Bulls were winning machines rolling to a 15-3 post season record and their first title of a 3-peat.

While the Patriots have shown anything to be possible, I have serious doubts as to whether a run like the one the 1996 Chicago Bulls put up will ever be matched. The combination of intensity, talent, chemistry, great coaching, and a slightly soft league may never be seen again. Now if only this year's Bulls can pull themselves together... David Stern if you're reading, for the love of God send T-Mac and quickly.

-Steve