I know many are stuck in the muck and mire of 'spygate' and many others are flooded with disappointment from their only loss of the year. Still others are in hiding from all the many attacks on the team, ducking from the brick bats and unfair charges being thrown and then there are those that might be a bit of all three, hiding and refusing to look back. I can not just look at the last game and throw the rest of the season down the drain. To let that extreme disappointment in the last game wash all the rest away is just plain silly. Should all fans just take those experiences and erase them like a powerful magnet to a video tape? Should they take the five months of incredible play and eradicate them from their memory? I can not do that, nor do I want to see the last game stealing away the incredible joy I had with what this team did before that last game. It is hard to put it in perspective now, so close to heartache, but it is really needed, for I feel this incredible Patriot team is not being appreciated at all like it should be..

I do see the season as a journey and what a ride this season was! There were big wins early and the team was piling up points and to remember that a few years ago fans kept wondering when the Pats would break out and crush a team. This was the year for that. In Dallas, was a big win over the Boys as the NFC put up their best and were trounced fairly easily. Three weeks later, it was Colts and even with the aid of poor officiating, this Patriot squad came from behind and took the defending champs down. But after the Bills, it was tough going as the Eagles and Ravens surprised the Pats, the latter game featuring one of the most incredible come backs in Patriot history. But there were more wins and talk of an undefeated season grew prevalent. The snow froze what could have been a Jets trouncing and the last game of the season, was another great comeback over a tough Giant foe. The Jags and Chargers went down, but the ride ended in Arizona with a tough fall off a Bronco named, the Giants. Still, it was a great year.

But how can this team be considered great? They did not get that 'perfect' year as many put it and I cringe when I heard that word the first time and still do now. If 'undefeated' was used, as it was in 72, that would make so much more sense, but this time someone decided 'perfection'. And 'perfection' and football make no sense at all when used in the same sentence. But that is another topic. How many teams have ever played for a nineteen win season? Did the Niners? Did the Packers? Did the Steelers ever get near that? Did the Dolphins or Cowboys? The answer is simply that no other team has been where the Patriots were. Yes, the 72 Fins who won 17 games in 1972 had their time in the sun, and the Bears of old that won all their regular season games, but no team has won eighteen straight in a season going for number nineteen. And no team has won sixteen regular season games. None! I think in the grand scheme of things, this team will be looked at quite favorably; certainly as one of the best, if not best Patriot teams.

But I will not get into a full discussion of that, for my purpose is more to remember and celebrate what an incredible season this was.

The Offense put on a great show this past year, from their first touchdown, a pass from Brady to Welker of 11 yards, as he caught it at the 7, let Barret over run him and prance into the endzone, to Moss's grab of 6 yards from Brady in the Super Bowl to put them ahead. It was a spectacular display, as the team ripped apart the record books.

The leader was quarterback Tom Brady, who had an outstanding year as he threw passes long and short, and moved quite well avoiding the rush. It was an MVP year in so many ways as his TD passes were checked off quick and fast. His big day was in Dallas, with five of them, but another was called back on a cheap penalty and yet another was caught, ruled a score, challenged and negated. He also used his legs on some occasions with touchdown runs against Washington, a big 19 yard scramble in Indy and a fourth down run for 12 yards in Baltimore as part of the big come back. There are many 08 highlights with Brady.

On the other end of many of those, was Randy Moss, who had a big year as well. While so many people thought he was all done, he rose to the occasion with a record number of touchdown catches. From his first catch over the middle for 18 yards against the Jets, Patriot fans knew they had a gem of a receiver. On opening day, he caught a 51 yard touchdown as three defenders were around him, but he ran between them to the ball and the endzone. There was a 55 yard TD reception against Buffalo, a 43 yard bomb in Buffalo, a 63 yarder against Pittsburgh and then there was the classic one in New York. Not only did the 65 yard touchdown give records to both he and Brady, but it vaulted the Pats into the lead. That catch and run will always be a highlight in Patriot's history. There was also a timely 55 yard reception against the Colts to set up a score and one of 46 against the Jets in a snow bound game at Foxboro. But he also made one handed grabs in Indy and Buffalo and made a circus catch in the endzone in Cincy, grabbing the ball off of defensive back Joseph's shoulder. He grabbed the ball over in the endzone over Pittsburgh's defenders, did the same in Miami and later in Miami even grabbed the ball by his side with defenders around him in the endzone. Years ago, a few long bombs in a year would be cherished, with Moss and others, it was a year filled with many.

On the other side of the field was Donte Stallworth, who had his longest catch in the Dallas game, one for 69 yards. He grabbed it over the middle and took off downfield. There was one for 34 against Cleveland as he caught it on the left and broke two tackles, but his best was against Miami, as he got it over the middle, broke two tackles and with a spin move ran for a 34 yard score. He caught one for 42 early in Baltimore and caught another for 33 by the sideline on the Patriot's big come back drive in Indy. His 53 yard catch against the Jags in the playoffs. blew the game open for the team. While not as spectacular as Moss's, they were still memorable.

But there was also Wes Welker in the slot, who caught short passes and knifed through the defense for many yards. He was tied for the league lead in receptions and there were a few that I will remember. There was his 3 yard catch in the Colts game in the fourth quarter, where he caught the ball moving to the left and just angled into the endzone for the score. His 3rd down grab later in the quarter to ice the game was just as nifty. He caught a 42 yard TD grab against Phillie, a 35 yard one in Dallas as he went down the seam and cut in between two defenders and another for 34 yards as the Pats got on the board to smash San Diego on a tense Sunday night. Welker was a great addition to the team.

Even the fourth receiver, Jabar Gaffney had some large highlights later in the year. While he started slow, there was a big catch at the end of the half against Phillie. The 19 yard grab in the back of the endzone gave the Pats the lead at the half. He caught the ball on the big trick play against Pittsburgh, grabbed a 48 yard bomb against the Fins and had big 12 yard catch over the middle in the playoffs against San Diego, but his biggest catch was in Baltimore. His 8 yard catch by the sideline in the endzone gave the Pats the lead in a game that many thought they were going to lose. It had to have been his finest moment last year.

And then there was Lawrence Maroney, who got off to a very slow start and who came on strong at the end, He had a big 4th quarter 4 yard run against Phillie and cut apart the Miami D for two 50 plus runs. One was for 51 and his 53 yard touchdown was beautiful as once he got a few yards beyond the line on the third and short, he was gone. His run after catching a screen pass for 25 yards against the Skins was only a preview of things to come. His 43 yard reception against Baltimore set up a field goal and his 32 yard catch against the Jags set up another. His running inside and out was a large factor in the Patriots late season offense and there was nothing more enjoyable than seeing him run down the clock in smash mouth football fashion at the end of the San Diego AFC Championship game.

Sammy Morris came up large for the team early, with Maroney on the shelf, with back to back 100 yard games, His biggest run was one of 49 against the Bengals as he broke free, stiff armed a defender and scooted down the sideline. It is too bad that his injury forced him to IR as he was the perfect mate for LM.

Kevin Faulk might be the most underrated Patriot, but he made many things happen, whether he ran with the ball or caught it short and made yards. He was incredibly effective in the latter part of the season and the playoffs with key third down plays. Probably his biggest highlight was his catch, run and dive into the endzone in Indy with the go ahead score. His knack for getting to the marker will be remembered in this big offensive season.

Heath Evans blocked and provided some short yardage in situations. His 1 yard TDs against Phillie and in Baltimore helped the Pats continue their winning season.

Big Ben Watson also had some big plays. There was a 25 yard TD grab against Cleveland and Brady's double pump that found him wide open against San Diego was just classic. He caught two big touchdowns against the Jags and was a big target on many drives. Ironically, the play maybe most remembered was in Baltimore, when he did not catch the ball. A Pass Interference call on 4th down was called and that kept the Pats come back drive alive.

Kyle Brady, the other tight end, was used more as a blocker, but had a big 20 yard reception against Buffalo and a key touchdown catch of a yard in Dallas. Like the linemen, his highlights do not show up in the spotlight, but are in the trenches.

And talking about the trenches, the Pats offensive line did an outstanding job all year, despite the last game dip in performance. Starters Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Dan Koppen, Stephen Neal and Nic Kaczur and backups Russ Hochstein, Billy Yates, Ryan O'Callaghan and Wesley Britt. all did a great job protecting Brady and giving him time for the long bombs. They were just as strong with their making holes for the backs and when one or two starters were out, the backups filled in without missing a beat.

There were also a few memorable trick plays that the offense pulled off, from the reverses of Welker and Moss, to Brady's faked spike and resulting TD pass to Moss in the Washington game. The Welker lateral to Moss in the Buffalo game, was dangerous and had a total gain of 37 yards, but I doubt it was anything close to preplanned. The two that stand out were pulled off against the Jags and the Steelers. In the 3rd quarter against the Jags, Brady faked a give to Faulk and a ball going over him. With the modified statue of liberty play, he came down from the fake and with a bit of confusion on the D, hit Welker with the pass and the touchdown, giving them a 21-14 lead. The other play, was a modified flea flicker. Brady threw it right to Moss as a lateral as he moved backwards. He dropped it, picked it up and threw it cross field to Brady, who had moved further back. Brady caught the ball and with a big heave downfield, got it to Gaffney at the goal line for a 69 yard touchdown play. It was a razzle dazzle at its best.

The defense was tough, although in the shadow of the offense for most of the season. They were ranked up with the best and they did show it, although in quieter ways than the offense.

The defensive line played tough this year, even with standout Seymour returning later in the season from a knee injury.

Ty Warren was strong against the run and had some big plays, from a fumble recovery against Washington, to a sack and forced fumble of Garrard in the Jags playoff game. With Vrabel's recovery, it led to a Patriot's touchdown and a lead that was not given up.

Nose tackle, Vince Wilfork was big inside and had a few key plays, a big sack of Anderson in the Cleveland game as the Browns made a comeback and a big recovery of a fumble in the San Diego Sunday night game. He made a hard hit on Roethislsberger on a sack later in the year, but the play many will remember was his inadvertent hit on Losman in Game 3.

As is with most D line players, their work is done in the trenches with little highlights.

Richard Seymour's work was mostly like that, although he got a late start because of offseason surgery. One big highlight was his big rush on Clemons and the forced bad pass that was picked off by Wilson for a score. He also helped out Harrison on Ward's 4th down reverse and stopped any Steeler come back.

Defensive end Jarvis Green also had a big year, filling in for Seymour at the start and playing a solid backup role later in the season. He had a great game against the Colts, sacking Manning twice, forcing fumbles on both. One, forced a punt and the latter nailed the victory with a slap at the ball and a Colvin recovery. He made a recovery on a Losman fumble early against Buffalo and sacked Pennington at home, knocking him out of the game.

The linebackers also had a solid year of play.

Roosevelt Colvin scooped up a Campbell fumble and ran it in 6 yards for a touchdown, his first ever.in the NFL. He recovered a big one at the end of the Colt game and another in Miami when Lemon dropped the ball. He had a big game against the Chargers with an early interception and two sacks, one forcing a Rivers fumble. When he went out on IR, midseason, it was a big loss for the LB corps.

Tedy Bruschi was the spirit of the defense and this year, he led the team in tackles. He batted down some passes, most notably against Miami and in the playoffs against San Diego. His big play diving and knocking the ball away from Gates in the endzone was one of a number of key defensive plays in the game. He had 12 tackles in games against Miami and Baltimore.

Mike Vrabel caused five fumbles, two against Washington's quarterback Campbell. He also had a huge recovery of a Garrard fumble in the Jags game. He caught touchdown passes against Cincinati and Washington and was in on 13 tackles in that Washington game.

The old man of the D, Junior Seau, came up big on a number of occasions. He had two interceptions in the Browns game, one, early in the game in the endzone, stopping a big Brown drive. He made a big sack on Rivers in the San Diego playoff game and knifed through the line on 3rd down to stop Turner and force a field goal, another key defensive play in that game. He had 10 tackles a week before that against the Jags and who will not recall the image of him carrying the ball like a loaf of bread, after his second pick against Cleveland.

Vet Adalius Thomas got off to a quick start, with a big pick in the San Diego game. He ran down the sideline for a 65 yard touchdown, outrunning even some of the receivers. Unfortunately, he was hampered by a leg injury and played, but with less effectiveness. He forced a fumble in the Jets snow game and had 6 sacks overall, the second best on the team.

And even youngster Eric Alexander got into things when he made a big tackle on Baltimore's desperation last second pass to Clayton. He grabbed him down at the 2 yard line as the time ran out.

The defensive backfield also played well this year, although not as strong as in year's past.

Asante Samuel led the team with 6 picks and he had two of those against Philadelphia. On one, he cut in front of Wesrbrook and ran down the sideline 40 yards for a big touchdown and a 7-0 lead. Later on at the end of the game, as Feely tried to win it with a throw downfield, his pass was long and he picked it off in the endzone. He pressured receivers on his side and many games forced teams to pass to the other side.

Ellis Hobbs, the other corner, was attacked a great deal, but pretty much held his own. He had a big interception in New York, stopping a Giant come from behind drive, but he also had two others in the playoffs, one against San Diego and another in the Super Bowl. He had one sack, on Losman and caused fumble and turnover. At Buffalo, late in the game, he grabbed a fumble by Wright in midair and ran 25 yards for a touchdown. In the San Diego playoff game, he made a big tackle on Chambers on a short pass. It was a key play as it forced a field goal. The fact that he had shoulder and groin injuries and a sports hernia and still played solid the second half of the year, spoke volumes of how tough he was.

Rodney Harrison was back in full gear after a four game suspension and led the defensive backfield in tackles. He had 11 against Pittsburgh and 12 in the Super Bowl. Many games, he played closer to the line, taking on runs and defending short passes. He had an interception in the 3rd quarter against Indy and another late in the game against Jacksonville, sealing the win. He blanketed Dallas Clark in the Indy game, prevented many 3rd down pass completions and had key stops against Baltimore and Pittsburgh. In Baltimore, he stopped McGahee for no gain on a screen pass late in the quarter. It forced a punt and gave the Pats the momentum needed for that come back drive. Against Pittsburgh, with Seymour, he stopped Ward's 4th down reverse cold.

James Sanders came into his own this year, moving into a starting role nicely. He had two interceptions, one on a desperation last second throw against the Eagles and the other a big pick against Boller in the 4th quarter that set up a field goal and brought the Pats to within 4 points. He also had a hard hit on Wright on a short pass near the sideline that jarred the ball loose and gave Hobbs a chance to catch it on the fly and run in with the TD.

Randall Gay filled in as a third cornerback and added three picks. He played some solid D against Jacksonville and in the waning seconds of the Cleveland game, tackled Winslow after a short pass, knocked the ball out of his arms, picked it up and raced 15 yards for a score.

Eugene Wilson filled in for a injured Sanders in the Jets snow game and picked off a Clemons pass for a 3 yard touchdown. Later in the game, he recovered a Baker fumble deep in Patriot territory that stopped a big drive.

Special teams had some highlights as well, but they did not involve the kickers, Stephen Gostkowski nor Chris Hanson. With most of the games won by larger margins, the kicking game was far out of the spotlight. There were two returns for touchdowns, one in the opening game against the Jets and the other in Miami six weeks later. Ellis Hobbs blew the game open with his 108 yard kickoff return to open the 3rd quarter. He hesitated and once through the traffic, broke it open down the left sideline. The Miami strategy was to kick short, away from Hobbs, and when they kicked it to Willie Andrews on the right, he caught it and broke through the middle, angling right for the corner and a 77 yard return TD.. Kelley Washington had a big day in the Jets snow game, knocking a punt back from the endzone so Andrews could down it inside the 5 and later, blocking a Graham punt with his forearm. James Sanders made a smart play in the Pittsburgh game, jumping on the ball after Hansen's short punt bounced off of Steeler Gay.

There were incredible come backs, against the Colts, Eagles, Ravens and Giants, where the offense would make the plays to go ahead and the defense would respond in kind, nailing the win. Each was quite special and will be remembered.

With so many highlights though, I think fans need to be reminded that for every player in the spotlight of that, there are nine or ten other players who are doing what is needed in the shadows of the play. Hats off to those in the trenches and all the other players who helped to make those highlights such incredible memories of this season.

There were two challenges that stood out, one in the Jets game, that negated a McCareins touchdown catch in the back of the endzone and the other in the Super Bowl that changed a punt into a penalty and a first down and the continuation of a drive. Although the first resulted in a stalled drive and a missed field goal, the second prolonged the Patriot drive which ended in a loss of downs on a missed fourth down pass. The challenge of a twelfth player on the field was a big one and it certainly could have turned the game around.

By far the worst game for the officials was the Colts game, where the major calls and non-calls were blatantly against the Patriots. The two Pass Interference calls, against Samuel and Hobbs, were the worst and the fact that the Colts got points off of both of them makes them even worse.

There were funny moments as well, when Coach Billick blew a kiss to Rodney or when one of the officials was dancing, trying to imitate Moss in the Giant game, after he flagged him for celebrating.

The oddest play had to have been Lindell's 52 yard field goal in the 3rd quarter in Buffalo as the ball hit the camera on the other side of the goal post and bounced back onto the field. That the Browns beat the Ravens in a game where the last second tying field goal hit the post in back and bounded back, earlier that day made it even stranger. Up until that day I had never seen a football bounce back like that, ever.

The most embarrassing moment of the year was in the Jets snow game, when the officials stopped play because of some morons at Gillette who continued to throw snow onto the field. It was a black mark for Patriot fans.

And as there are highlights, there are also 'lowlights', from flubs and mistakes to some of the big plays by opponents. In the first game, Cassel dropped a snap for a field goal and was tackled by Coleman, In the other Jet game, punter Hansen bobbled the snap and had his punt blocked by Bowens, who recovered the ball and trotted into the endzone. Cassel got careless and arched a short pass out to the left, allowing Jason Taylor to make an easy interception and score an easy TD and the kick receiving team was asleep as Phillie tried and succeeded with a surprise onside kick, Baskett diving for the ball and recovery as Patriot players moved into position to block. Unfortunately, long time Patriot Troy Brown let a punt bounce off his helmet, only to be recovered by the Miami squad. One of the worst defensive effort occurred on a Barber run of 2 yards. He ran left, was trapped and circled into the endzone and around toward the other sideline for the gain. In the process, at least eight or nine Pats could have tackled him, including a number in the endzone, which would have resulted in a safety. A fumble on a Manning hand off in the second quarter could have been a big turnover in the Bowl had soph Pierre Woods secured the ball underneath him and not let Giant running back Bradshaw pull it away from him for the recovery.

And then there were the 'killer' plays by the other teams. Brady went down in a sack by Ellis, the ball picked up by Hatcher and returned for a 29 yard TD. Manning was in trouble and a short dump pass to Addai sent him left and up the field, for a 73 yard touchdown, giving them some big points in the last minute before the half. Boller ran right, was chased and threw it downfield to Darling who caught it, dodged a Mweriweather tackle and ran down the sideline for a 53 yard gain. Smith ran out left and flipped the ball on the option to Washington who ran down the sideline for 49 yards way into Patriot territory. Manning went back to pass and heaved it downfield to Burress who jumped up over Hobbs for the 52 yard completion. The kick came to Hixon who caught it on the run, broke left through the tacklers and pas the remaining defenders for a 75 yard TD kickoff return.

And of course, the play that will haunt Patriot fans for decades. Manning went back to pass, escaped the rush, almost thrown down and threw a floater downfield to Tyree, who caught it over his head and went flying to the ground, but still had possession for a first down at the Pats 24. It's the image that seems to not want to go away, but I will not let this season of joy, excitement and triumph be ruined by one play and one game.

And it was a year when the media and Patriot haters far and wide came out of the woodwork like cockroaches. This year, the hate fueled by simple jealousy started early and continued all year. What is good though is that now that these slime balls are known, anything they say can be ignored or discarded easily. For years, they have been in the waiting, taking shots at the team here and there, but now, they have been uncovered and they will not be forgotten by any Patriot fan. But I will not let these Patriot haters get in the way either, now or in teh future.

My feeling is that this team will be overlooked by many Patriot fans, many who will think of this team and the Super Bowl loss and without perspective, erasing the five months of incredible play. They will all be forgotten as will their gifted play and I think that is so sad, for this team needs to be appreciated big time for all that it did, so many weeks giving so much to Patriot and football fans worldwide.

I want to thank the members of this Patriot team.

Thank you, Tom, MattC, MattG, Laurence, KevinF, Heath, KyleE, Troy, Jabar, ChadJ, Randy, Donte, Wes, Kelley, Ben, StephenS, KyleB, StephenN, Logan, MattL, DanK, Nic, Russ, BillyY, Wesley, Ryan, RichardS, Ty, Jarvis, Vince, LeKevin, RashadM, Santonio, TedyB, Larry, Junior, MikeV, Eric, Pierre, Adalius, Asante, Ellis, WillieA, Randall, Rodney, JamesS, Ray, Gino, Antwain, Brandon, StevenG, ChrisH and Lonnie. This was a great team that needs to be remembered, a team that gave their all and came so close to making history in a large, large way.

But thank you's are needed for those on the Practice Squad as well as BB considers them as part of the team. Thank you Bam, CJ, Jason, DanC, KyleB, Tim and Gemera. Thank you's are also needed for those on IR. Thank you Mel, MikeW, Roosevelt, Sammy, DavidT, MikeR, Oscar and ChadS. Appreciation also needs to go out to players that were on the team roster or practice squad during the season. Thank you to ChadB, RashadB, EddieJ, Kareem, Marcellus, CoreyM, DavidH, Tory, Reche, PatR, Zach, Clint and DavidG.

Thanks are also needed to all the players that tried to be on the team and pushed all to be even better players. Thank you to Garrett, Justin, EugeneM, Dante, Kelvin, Quinton, Brian, ChrisD, MikeE, CoreyH, DannyB, ChrisP, Justise, Artrell, TomM, KennyS, MattK, BrianB, Josh, Jake,TonyC, Justin, Denny, ChrisV and ChrisB.

The coaching staff has to be included in this as well and a gigantic thank you to BillB, the leader of the group who has gone through an incredibly difficult year of much pressure and many unfair attacks. He stood firm and tall, through the storms, the sun, the rain and the snow, and will continue to be the football genius that he has been. Thank you Josh and Dean and to Dante, Brad, Ivan, Pepper, Nick, DonD, Joel, Pete, MattP, Harold, MikeW and the brilliant ErnieA.

And of course, without a great owner, like Mr Robert Kraft, this all would never have happened. Thank you!! And the many executives as well. Thank you, Jonathon, Scott, Nick, Stacey and many many more!!.It was a great season even though it ended with a thud and the large wave of disappointment.

A special congratulations has to go to Andre Tippet, for making it to the Hall. That was a great moment and probably the best thing that happened that weekend of attack and disappointment.

RIP: Marquise Hill, Darryl Stingley, Bucko Kilroy, Mike Holovak; great Patriots, all of them and they will never be forgotten.

Thank you NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS!!