I know you are probably all sick of the Super Bowl stuff at this point (unless you're a Giants fan), so I promise this will be my one and only post on it.
I really didn't think the offense would be what would let the Patriots down in this game, because it certainly wasn't the defense, who I thought played a hell of a game. Drops, poor clock management, and Brady deciding to recklessly bomb it down the field for the 2nd week in a row led to the Patriots undoing.
It was painful being there. The experience was great, but having to watch the ending was like slowly bleeding out. You knew they blew it, but you had to keep coming up with reasons it would be Ok. Then slowly the "possibilities" roll away, and it's over.
Looking back on the season I didn't think the Patriots would make it this far (ironic that I thought it would be the defense that would cost them). Yet, what makes this so painful is that they had this game, and they gave it away. When Welker dropped that past I seriously had flashbacks of horrid Boston sports memories (Wesley hitting the post, Boone HR, ect). It just had that feel. Yet, as much as I wanted to be pissed about it, the only play that really set me off was Brady reckless bomb that got picked off. There was no need at that point in the game to be lobbing a 60 yard bomb to a one legged TE (especially when he did a similar thing just a game ago).
Saying that give Eli credit. I can no longer hold him out of the conversation of top NFL QBs. He is amazing in the 4th quarter, he is poised, and he no longer ever looks like a frightened puppy in the pocket. Also, that catch by Manningham might be the 2nd great catch I have seen in a Super Bowl.
Brady's window is closing. He probably has 2-3 years. I think the Patriots have a lot of way they can improve. Pass rush, OLBs, CBs, safeties, and a deep threat at WR is where I would start. It's painful to come that close and know some of the best players in your teams history blew it (Brady/Welker), but it's the truth.
Hell of a year though.
As for random misc stuff of being there...
- Cost is out of control. $500 for parking (knew someone so we didn't pay), $11 bucks a beer, $20 for popcorn, $8 for a hot dog. T-Shirt were going for $50 bucks.
- People need to leave protesting at home. Anti-Gay marriage, "Occupy", Bible Belt crap, honestly just go away.
- I'll say it, people in Indiana just aren't very smart.
- Lucas Oil is the loudest stadium I have ever heard, and might also be the nicest. Really cool place to go if you ever get a chance.
- Funny how many random fans are there. Almost every NFL team had a fan there (lots of Packers, must have though they'd be there and bought early).