Happy New Year!

What better way to start the New Year. The AFC Championship is up for grabs by either the New England Patriots or the ah…ah...ah….oh yeah, the Baltimore Ravens.

Naturally, the Pats have laser like focus when it comes to preparing for each game. They study their own performance as well as their opponents. Plays are being designed to capitalize on their strengths and take advantage of Raven vulnerabilities followed by practice, practice, practice. It explains how Brady threw that pigskin down the sidelines at least twice in last week’s game against the Denver Broncos. Each resulting in a touchdown. Do the Pats always get it right? No, but they learn from the past. Under the leadership of Coach Belichick the Pats work to leave nothing to chance. They assess, plan, practice and execute. Further, they treat each game as if it is a one game season. While that’s a lot of pressure it sure does generate that laser like focus that’s fueling the Patriots’ drive.

The excitement is building across Patriot Nation too. Thousands of fans are planning AFC parties as I write this and you read it. This week’s most favored topic at the water cooler? You guessed it. Just pick up a grocery store flyer where football foods graduated to the front page. Need some Patriots paraphernalia? It’s abundantly available. Media coverage? Got that covered too. And on game day the Pats have their fans’ complete and undivided attention which should be no surprise after a season of unwavering support and enthusiasm. We are hopeful for a triumphant albeit nail biting game. And if this one game season leads to another – the Super Bowl – well that is just icing on the cake.

The New Year is a good time to do some assessing of your own:

1. When’s the last time your organization rallied around a common cause?
2. Did your A players use the magic formula? assess, plan, practice and execute?
3. Did the one game season mind set come into play?
4. Did your team have a strong, unwavering fan base rallying behind them?
5. If not, what are you going to do differently this year?

Game on Ravens, Game on!
 

Game info: http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2012012200/2011/POST20/ravens@patriots#menu=gameinfo