Super Bowl Bound

Draye Maye Securing the Final First Down to Win the Game - Getty Images

The Patriots are going to the Super Bowl!! But first let's review the Patriots recent history. 

The Patriots are coming off back to back 4-14 seasons, having a winning record would have been a much needed relief. The greatness of the Patriots had faltered significantly and it was anyone’s guess what it would take for the Pats to rise to that level again. But they rose to the challenge. Not only did they have a winning season, but they were dominant – making their first playoff berth since the 2021-2022 season, but more importantly their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2018–2019 season. They beat the Rams 13-3. However, since then it appeared as though the Patriot’s magic was lost, especially when Brady went to the Buccaneers. But the winds seem to have changed this season. 

Going into this season, I was definitely shocked that Jerod Mayo was fired. He had seemed like a promising coach and then abruptly after the end of the Patriots season Robert Kraft fired Mayo. Despite having had a trainwreck of a season, this was still surprising, especially since Kraft personally hired him. This hiring led many to believe that he was the new big man, but appearances can be deceiving. Despite the twists and turns in the road I am happy with how things have turned out, although I do think it was kind of cheap of them to fire Mayo after one season, when he wasn’t able to build his own team.

However, Mike Vrabel has turned out to be something special. I am not sure what exactly makes him so special, but he clearly has a secret sauce. Many have said that Vrabel is the players’ coach and I wholeheartedly agree. We have all seen the videos. The ones where he stands in the tunnel as his whole team comes back in from the field. He gives all the guys hugs, high fives and encouragement. He is truly a players’ coach, and helps them up when they fall and cheers them on in their success. All of this was on display in today's game against the Broncos. This is quite the change from the stoic Belichick.  

The game against the Broncos was a very low scoring one, and was a tale of two halves. Both teams went three and out to start the game. The beginning was rocky for both sides. Broncos had Jarrett Stidham who hadn’t played a snap in at least 2 years, and Drake Maye who is in his first post-season at only 23 years old. The beginning went as expected. However, the Broncos struck first with Stiddy throwing a 52 yard pass, and on the next drive they scored a touchdown. Having the Broncos strike first was not ideal. However, the rest of the first was quiet on both sides. Ultimately, that touchdown proved to be the only points that the Broncos would put on the board all game. Stidham’s pass was perfect, but it was the only one of its kind. In the second quarter the Patriots’ defense sacked Stidham and in the process forced a fumble leading to the Patriots getting the ball, roughly 10 yards shy of the end zone. They were able to convert with Maye walking the ball in for a touchdown. At the end of the first half with just seconds left on the play clock, both teams got the opportunity to go by three. However, neither team was able to capitalize. Although, the Broncos should have made it and were in easy distance. The Patriots field goal attempt was the equivalent of a Hail Mary. At over 60 yards, it would have been miraculous if Patriots’ kicker Borregales had gotten it through. 

Going into the second half it felt like the momentum had shifted in the Pats favor. Honestly, Maye and the offense could not have played a worst half and yet they entered the locker room tied at seven. The Patriots marched down the field in the third quarter. Things looked promising for another touchdown. However, they were stopped just shy, leading to a field goal attempt which was good. By this point the weather had shifted in the game, with the temperature dropping, the wind blowing all directions and snow blanketing the field. This field goal ended up being the game winner. With just a few minutes left on the clock the Broncos got the ball back and attempted to make something happen. Stidham threw a pass that was intercepted by the Christian Gonzalez, which effectively ended the game. To seal the deal, Maye ran the ball and got the first down!

Truthfully, the offense struggled all game. Maye and the offense were very similar to the side that showed up against the Steelers. It was another rough go. However, Maye is rookie so there is that to be aware of, but the O-line should be doing a better job protecting him and giving him time in the pocket. 

It is hard to say whether the second half was an accurate representation of Maye and the offense, as the weather was a significant factor. Visibility was low and the ground was slick, tricky conditions for even the most veteran players. One could even argue the field was unsafe, with snow blowers being brought on so that they could see yards and the center of the field. But the game went on. 

The defense was the real shining star. They forced a fumble leading to the only Pats touchdown. They sacked Stidham, applied pressure, and forced many three and outs. Perhaps most significantly, Gonzalez got an interception with just over two minutes on the play clock. This sealed the deal for the Patriots. Winning 10-7 against the Broncos. 

This was not a pretty game, and there is certainly lots that can be improved upon, but they pulled it off. And a win is a win, no matter how ugly. 

On to the next. Super Bowl, here we come!!