For the most part I handle losses better than I used to. I think a big part of that is because back in 06/07, I was a single guy trying to find myself. Now I'm married with two kids. Not that I've totally found myself yet, or ever will, but I just don't have the time to dwell on these type of things as much.
Overall, the toughest losses for me are the ones that we were favored to win (2007 SB), had a lead in the game and lost it (2006 AFCCG), or blew the #1 seed/bye late in the season (2015, 2019). The end of that 2015 season still stings (DEN, NYJ and MIA games). There was no reason for that AFCCG to be in Denver.
The recent 3 super bowls have definitely helped a lot. I remember in 2013 thinking, are we really "only" going to end up with three championships? Now though, for the tough losses that we had from 2005-2013, 2014-2018 have given us just as many amazing wins. I can't lie though, I do still look at that gap from 04-13 and think how that '07 undefeated season would have linked everything together.
I must admit, this recent loss has stung more than I would have liked. I think a small part of it is because I live in South Florida around Dolphin fans. But I think the bigger reason is because we are nearing the end of the Brady/Belichick run and I want so badly for them to go out on top, and based on history if the Patriots don't have a bye they aren't winning a Super Bowl. There is always a first for everything, but if it doesn't happen, we've got SIX f'n trophies to fall back on!
Overall, the toughest losses for me are the ones that we were favored to win (2007 SB), had a lead in the game and lost it (2006 AFCCG), or blew the #1 seed/bye late in the season (2015, 2019). The end of that 2015 season still stings (DEN, NYJ and MIA games). There was no reason for that AFCCG to be in Denver.
The recent 3 super bowls have definitely helped a lot. I remember in 2013 thinking, are we really "only" going to end up with three championships? Now though, for the tough losses that we had from 2005-2013, 2014-2018 have given us just as many amazing wins. I can't lie though, I do still look at that gap from 04-13 and think how that '07 undefeated season would have linked everything together.
I must admit, this recent loss has stung more than I would have liked. I think a small part of it is because I live in South Florida around Dolphin fans. But I think the bigger reason is because we are nearing the end of the Brady/Belichick run and I want so badly for them to go out on top, and based on history if the Patriots don't have a bye they aren't winning a Super Bowl. There is always a first for everything, but if it doesn't happen, we've got SIX f'n trophies to fall back on!