NFL Power Points: Panther Pride

The Panthers are going to sports' biggest game, yet they are only just now entering the top 10 in the Power Points.

Updated: January 19, 2004, 11:49 AM ET
By By Ryan Early | NFL Insider
The Patriots moved back into first place with their win over the Colts in the AFC Championship Game thanks to their home-field advantage. Yet it is hard not to look back on the Patriots' goal line stand to preserve the win in their regular-season meeting with the Colts in Indianapolis.

If Edgerrin James had made it into the end zone from the 1-yard line, this game would have been played in Indianapolis instead of Foxboro. There would have been no blowing snow or cold temperatures to hamper the Colts' long passing game. No screaming Patriot fans to make it difficult for Peyton Manning to call his audibles. No natural grass slick with snow and ice to slow the Colt receivers.

Not to take anything away from the Patriots' incredible performance on Sunday, but the difference between the Colts going to Houston and watching the Super Bowl at home on television was one yard back in Week 13.


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