The Wait is Over

We've waited over a year for this moment. Well, 373 days to be exact. But it felt even longer.

We've gone through a harsh winter, a hopeful spring and a rainy summer. In that time we've seen the death of the King of Pop, the passing of a Kennedy legend, the nation's first black president and a recession that will go down as second worst in American history after the Great Depression.

New England has been depressed. We were bounced from the NBA and NHL playoffs, squashing hopes of a parquet-to-ice same day switch in mid June. The local baseball team made a valiant effort last October, but an undermanned and ultimately tired ball club sputtered out in the 7th game of the ALCS.

A lot has gone down since Tom Brady left the 2008 season opener with a torn knee. Now the wait is over. No. 12 is back and with him dreams of a championship, the fourth of the decade and one that would firmly establish the Patriots as THE team of the 2000s.

Last year, we had Matt Cassell, the man who just made himself $63 million with his solid performance last season. We had 11-5. But it wasn't enough. Something was missing in out lives. And that something just happens to have a cannon arm, uncanny confidence, blue eyes and a cute lil bum chin.

From P-Town to Pawtucket, Bangor to Boston, New England is rejoicing. Brady means more to us than any QB to any other fan base. Guys love him. Chicks dig him. Little kids idolize him. Everyone sweats him. His revered. Already, a spot sits for him in the pantheon of Boston Greats, right next to Williams, Bird, Yaz, Russell, Orr and Bourque.

He's ours. And he's back.

7 p.m. EST. Getcha' popcorn ready...

--Nick