Patriots Kicked Around

A second-quarter play in Sunday’s 24-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles typified the New England Patriots’ lost season, not to mention the pervasive cult of self-centeredness that has spread throughout the sports world.

While Larry Whigham of the Patriots celebrated after blocking a punt, Mike Caldwell of the Eagles alertly scooped up the ball and ran for a first down.

Denied an excellent scoring opportunity, the Patriots went on to lose for the fifth time in six games and were eliminated from playoff contention.

Whigham, at least, learned a lesson.

“You always have to finish the play,” he said, “and stop looking for ways to point the camera at yourself.”

Now he gets it.

In Miami, a 12-9 victory over the San Diego Chargers did little to lift the spirits of Dolphin Coach Jimmy Johnson.

“All this stuff . . . it’s taken the fun out of coaching,” Johnson told the Miami Herald after Sunday’s game. “All I want is to coach football and be left alone.

“It’s a shame when you’re 9-5 and people act like some are acting now. You don’t think I want to win another Super Bowl? You don’t think Don Shula wanted to win more Super Bowls?”

Johnson wouldn’t elaborate Monday, telling reporters: “If I tried to explain myself, I’d be fighting a losing battle because of who I’d be talking to.”