Boston is the Dave Stoller of Sports

It used to be that Boston sports fans were some of the biggest losers in sports. They were Dude Lebowski, Shelley Levene and the Matthew McConaughey character in Dazed and Confused. They were Louis Tully, Jerry Lundegaard and Gary in The Last American Virgin.

Sure the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins experienced some good times. But they weren’t enough to offset the heartaches of the Red Sox and the Patriots. Even Boston College left area fans feeling like this guy.

However, all that has changed recently. The Patriots have won three of the last six Super Bowls. The Red Sox are looking for its second World Series victory since 2004 after waiting 86 years for a title.

And then there was what happened last night.

I’m no Virginia Tech fan. But I do have state pride and was rooting for the Hokies to take down the No. 2 ranked Boston College Eagles. What transpired made me sick to my stomach as BC rallied for two touchdowns in the final minutes to win, 14-10. I can’t imagine how Tech fans must have felt. Lane Stadium became the saddest place in America.

Are you like me? Are you ready to see Boston teams and their fans knocked down a notch or two? Not that they’re bad people. I’m sure the majority of them are amazingly graceful and appreciative. But it’s like watching a neighbor say thank you after winning the lottery for the third time. Enough is enough.

So this Sunday, the Redskins have a chance to restore some balance in the sports world. And from conversations with fans of my beloved team, there is some belief Washington has a chance.

I’ve heard talk about the Redskins highly regarded defensive and in particular the secondary. Hit them. Lay the lumber. Make Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth think twice about extending the arms.

Indeed, the skins are physical enough downfield to intimidate. Sean Taylor is brutal and craves challenges against the best receivers. BOO! He’s scared many good NFL receivers in the past. Remember this play? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls794MhIkU4

Although it was former Redskins Ryan Clark who was charging at Todd Pinkston, it was Taylor’s (No. 36) reputation and hits earlier in the game that caused the receiver to pull up. There are quite a few examples similar to this that demonstrates Taylor’s ability to alter a receiver’s focus.

I do believe that if the linebackers and defensive backs keep everything in front of them, limit the yards after the catch and deliver punishment at the same time, there’s a chance to contain New England even without a push from the front four. But if the Redskins are able to pressure Brady, then absolutely, I believe keeping the Patriots to no more than three touchdowns is very possible.

It’s no secret that Washington defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has a huge ego. Sometimes it’s to the team’s detriment. But I think his ego will be a benefit against the Patriots. Williams will take this game as a challenge to his genius. He will devise a terrific game plan. But will his personnel be able to execute it?

Who knows? If I did, I would definitely wager dinner against a Patriots fan. Speaking of which, why is the point spread 17? That’s a disgrace and extremely disrespectful. New England was the favorite by the same margin last week against the winless Dolphins.

The Redskins point spread opened up at 16 and actually moved up. So that means there’s no faith around the country that the home team can maintain pace with the Patriots.

My head tells me that Washington needs four turnovers with one for a score, four sacks, 150 rushing yards and solid game management by Campbell to have a chance at victory. I don’t see all of those happening. Pats 28, Redskins 10.

My heart tells me that Brady and Moss bleed like we all do and Taylor, Landry, McIntosh, Fletcher and Marcus Washington are blood-thirsty. Skins pound the Pats like a Bobo Doll Experiment. Washington 35, New England 31.

And just so you know. I always follow my heart.

Finally, if you need another reason to root for the Colorado Rockies, despite their 0-2 deficit, here’s a good one. The Rockies have voted to give a full playoff share to the wife and family of Mike Coolbaugh, the minor-league coach killed in July by a line drive while coaching first base for the franchise’s double-A affiliate Tulsa Drillers. His wife, Mandy, was six months pregnant when her husband died at age 35. The couple also have two young sons.

The World Series winning share last year was $362,173.

OUT AT HOME: For Halloween, I want to be this like this Bruce.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Time to get fired up for some Richmond Renegades hockey. The home opener is tomorrow night at 7:35 at Richmond Coliseum.