There's no need for Tom Brady and his mates to play coy any longer. After months of playing "one game at a time," there's only one game left in what has been a shining season for the New England Patriots.

When they meet the Giants in Glendale, Ariz., Sunday, the prize will be both a Super Bowl championship and a chance to make history. A win and the Patriots not only match the 1972 Miami Dolphins by going undefeated, but they will have accomplished that feat by winning 19 games vs. the 17 victories recorded by Don Shula's team 35 years ago.

This week, the hype will intensify as the nation awaits yet another title clash between teams representing New England and New York, two regions of the country whose rivalry dates back to colonial times.

After a week off so the NFL can milk every ounce of p.r. out of its premier event, the big game is now just days away. To be honest, players from both teams need that long to thaw out from the subfreezing conditions in which both the AFC and NFC title games were played.

And Patriots fans can be grateful that Brady has another week to heal his "ankle sprain" or whatever ailment it is that has him wearing a support boot on his right foot and missing practices. Yes, coach, we know Wednesday's injury report will tell the full story. We're sure Brady will be listed as "probable" just as he has been for most of the season - as if there were any doubt at all he will play. Belichick's information-free injury reports rival former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan in their ability to say nothing.

But at least Belichick and other team members can be honest when they respond to questions during the media blitz that awaits them in the desert. No longer will they have to pretend they're "not looking ahead" or insist that their only focus is "next Sunday's opponent."

There's only one team and one game left separating these Patriots from a 19-0 record. We can't wait for the kickoff.