Phew (Niners), Peyew (Officials)

Where's the camera? Over there?

That was a great win last night - no doubt about it. But I was disappointed that the Niners blew so many opportunities to run away from the Patriots earlier in the game. If San Francisco's offense (and David Akers) could have taken advantage of the gifts the defense was giving them in the first half, there's a good chance Bill Belichick would have put Tom Brady on the bench before he would have had the opportunity to direct the 28-point comeback that tied the game midway through the fourth quarter.

Still, it was awesome to see Tom Brady's growing frustrations as the Niners extended their lead to 31-3. But Tom, seriously - enough with the whining. You're becoming as bad as all of your petulant fans who witnessed your first December loss at home in ten seasons. Boston fans, we know you all think the world is against you and you are the biggest underdogs of all time. But in reality, you are a spoiled fanbase that never believes your teams lose fair and square. You will always play second fiddle to New York.

And if we've learned anything about last night's game, it's that Ed Hochuli's crew should never, ever, EVER - under ANY circumstances, be allowed to officiate any NFL game of consequence. The mismanagement of the first-half punt return fumble/illegal touching penalty and subsequent replay challenge is just the latest example of how these bozos are woefully unprepared for working a nationally-televised game.

Here's a new rule of thumb for the league. If you are assigning Hochuli to an NFL game that isn't being announced by Sam Rosen or Chris Myers, you are running the risk of having the worst officiating crew in the league affect possible playoff positioning and outcomes.

Now, it's on the Seattle for the second week of the 49ers' Sunday Night Football residency. You're welcome America.