We loved how, postgame, Tom Brady claimed that he heard the whistle before his fourth-and-1 call, and that's why he didn't get the first down. Right. It's impressive that the Patriots' search for dominance is so complete that they can't even admit that things went wrong when they didn't officially happen. They're not just undefeated; they're ministers of information.

And say what you will about ESPN, but their telecast matched the spectacle last night. They will never, ever have a more timely guest in the booth than Don Shula, watching the Pats threaten his most enduring legacy in the city where he became famous. When the Ravens scored in the third fourth quarter to take a touchdown lead, Tony Kornheiser pointed out that Shula had grabbed his back in excitement. Shula pretended like he wasn't rooting against anybody ... but we knew. It was an exhilarating game, and it's exactly why, ultimately, the Patriots are great for the NFL this year. Everything they do is now draped in history and drama, and they're going to be unmissable, pretty much for the next two months. We can't wait.

The Spygate thing has diminished what they've accomplished. You would hate to have that attached to your accomplishments. They've got it," Shula told the Daily News. "Belichick was fined $500,000, the team was fined $250,00 and they lost a first-round draft choice. That tells you the seriousness or significance of what they found.

"I guess you got the same thing as putting an asterisk by Barry Bonds' home run record. I guess it will be noted that the Patriots were fined and a No. 1 draft choice was taken away during that year of accomplishment. The sad thing is Tom Brady looks so good, it doesn't look like he needs any help."

Two things here: Shula, of course, is still bitter about the snow plow game. And if it came to it, he could still kick Belichick's ass.

Meanwhile, there are some who say that it's the '72 Dolphins who deserve the asterisk.

19-0 Pats Would Need An Asterisk, Shula Says [MSNBC]
Getting Tough With The '72 Dolphins [Out Of Left Field]