2008 Woodie Awards
Just the Truth
There's always next year for Pats fans
Nathan Hoffman
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: Sports
First and foremost, congratulations to the New York Giants and their dedicated fans. Unfortunately, I cannot find any comfort in your ecstasy.
The sheer anguish I have experienced since the conclusion of the Super Bowl is difficult to convey. No, I am not alone in this sunken ship. Yet the buildup to this game, the inconceivable season the Patriots had, and just the quality of the team makes this a particularly tough pill to swallow. This game is the most painful loss I have suffered as a die-hard sports fan from Boston. Yes, this was even more agonizing than Aaron Boone's walk off homerun in the seventh game of the 2003 American League Championship Series.
The game was there for the Patriots taking on numerous occasions, adding to the humiliation when the clock hit zero.
Bottom line, the Giants played a better game. They deserved this one.
Although I strongly believe in the team concept of sports, and that it takes a team to win and/or lose a game, there are a few individuals who just completely let us Patriots fans down. Firstly, the offensive line was a disgrace. They could not keep their man in front of them to save their lives.
The offensive tackles Matt Light and Nick Kaczur were particularly dreadful and should be ashamed of their performance- or lack of performance. Although Tom Brady's play was far from his typical brilliance, he can hardly be blamed for his mortal performance. He could not get in a rhythm, because the Giants were in his face on just about every play. Despite this, when Brady did get adequate protection, many of his balls were overthrown or thrown behind the intended receiver. In addition to this, his deep balls were weak and off target.
I am saving the majority of the blame for the man who deserves the most credit for getting the Patriots to this point, Coach Bill Belichick. I never would have given consideration to the notion that he could be out- His game plan was arrogant and poorly constructed. Particularly dreadful was a 4th and 13 on about the 31-yard line where Belichick decided to go for it.
The sheer anguish I have experienced since the conclusion of the Super Bowl is difficult to convey. No, I am not alone in this sunken ship. Yet the buildup to this game, the inconceivable season the Patriots had, and just the quality of the team makes this a particularly tough pill to swallow. This game is the most painful loss I have suffered as a die-hard sports fan from Boston. Yes, this was even more agonizing than Aaron Boone's walk off homerun in the seventh game of the 2003 American League Championship Series.
The game was there for the Patriots taking on numerous occasions, adding to the humiliation when the clock hit zero.
Bottom line, the Giants played a better game. They deserved this one.
Although I strongly believe in the team concept of sports, and that it takes a team to win and/or lose a game, there are a few individuals who just completely let us Patriots fans down. Firstly, the offensive line was a disgrace. They could not keep their man in front of them to save their lives.
The offensive tackles Matt Light and Nick Kaczur were particularly dreadful and should be ashamed of their performance- or lack of performance. Although Tom Brady's play was far from his typical brilliance, he can hardly be blamed for his mortal performance. He could not get in a rhythm, because the Giants were in his face on just about every play. Despite this, when Brady did get adequate protection, many of his balls were overthrown or thrown behind the intended receiver. In addition to this, his deep balls were weak and off target.
I am saving the majority of the blame for the man who deserves the most credit for getting the Patriots to this point, Coach Bill Belichick. I never would have given consideration to the notion that he could be out- His game plan was arrogant and poorly constructed. Particularly dreadful was a 4th and 13 on about the 31-yard line where Belichick decided to go for it.
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