I can't frigging believe the Patriots lost that game. I was a bit more worried about it than many of my peers for one reason: several Patriots coaches commented that the practices on Wednesday and Thursday were horrible. When I heard that, I got concerned. But they still couldn't lose this game, right?
My concern grew after seeing a 7-3 score at halftime. The Giants defense was beating the crap out of Tom Brady and he did not look sharp. The Giants had the formula: hit Tom Brady and you stop the Patriots. Brady spent a good chunk of their 18-0 run with enough time in the pocket to make a sandwich and a phone call. With that kind of time, he can pick apart any defense. He didn't have it in the Super Bowl.
My concern really grew when the Patriots went for it on 4th down and 13 instead of opting for a 49 yard field goal attempt. 4th and 1 I can see, but 4th and 13? Try for the points when the game isn't on the line. The roof was closed fercryinoutload! Those 3 points were HUGE.
Bottom line: they were out played and out coached. They were still an exceptional team this year, they just won't be thought of as the best ever. It isn't the biggest choke ever, but it's a pretty big choke nonetheless.
The Patriots will be back next year and they will be the odds on favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Maybe the chip on their shoulder will be big enough that they will roll on to another Super Bowl, maybe not. Their mantra all year has been "play for 60 minutes." They may have done that, but they didn't do it for the full 21 weeks.
Congratulations Giants.
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