The ultimate frustration is that now, the New England Patriots know they could have played host to an AFC Championship Game in Foxboro.

With the Pittsburgh Steelers having defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 21-18, in the AFC Divisional playoff Sunday afternoon, all it would have taken is for the Patriots to have not fumbled the ball away three times and been intercepted twice Saturday night in Denver to have a much more advantageous course to follow to Detroit.

Instead, the Patriots are heading into an uncertain future, with coaching defections and salary-cap excesses threatening to make certain that their dynastic days are over for good.

For complete story, see Monday's Sun Chronicle