Some thoughts on the game:
First, it's far better to be complaining about how they win than how they lose. Amazing, after a decade plus of Brady and Belichick, that our expectations have become so high.
The inconsistency is stunning. Once again, on the first several drives Brady's accuracy was terrible. Throwing at feet, mis-communications on in-cuts vs. out-cuts - even between Brady and Welker. The defense can't tackle, can't defend a pass, can't rush, bowls over receivers on third down on poorly thrown balls. And then everything turns around.
There have been very little back-and-forth battles. It's all terrible or all powerful. Against these last half-dozen teams, the Patriots have had the ability to get right back in these games when they stumble and shut the other team down.
The two TE's the Patriots have are a pretty unique weapon. I can't remember a team having two TE's that are so unstoppable as receivers. They beat linebackers, and overpower DB's. Teams just are not built to stop two TE's like this. Congrats to Gronk on the records. I have to say I was surprised to see Belichick play for the stats - the one last throw to Gronk was reportedly because the team was following Jimmy Graham's receiving yardage in realtime, and wanted to get the record for Gronk. I thought stats were for losers, and we just care about winning, but Belichick was right on the sideline cheering for Gronk.
The flip side: when was the last time only ONE wide receiver had a reception in a winning game? Anyone notice Tiquan Underwood was on the field for over two dozen plays? No? Wonder why? Branch, Ochocinco, Edelman, Underwood, 0-for-the-game. Of Brady's 24 completions, 21 went to Gronk-Hernandez-Welker. Hopefully they can work on getting a second receiver open.
On offense, nice that Cannon is getting some action. He's a limited tackle, but good in the power game. Hopefully he can contribute as a mauling guard next season.
Amazing this season, while the Patriots have really struggled to rush the passer on most plays, that they have generated two double-digit passers for the first time in over 25 years. Really too bad they won't be playing together in the post-season. If Carter is healthy, I'd like to see them both back.
I know we've been waiting for the return of Chung and Spikes. One solo tackle between the two - after the Chung hit on Happy New Year, I didn't much notice either. I'm glad that they are healthy, and hopefully they will be ready to go in two weeks. It was funny hearing Criqui repeatedly call Chung the Patriots' best DB, but I guess he's right.
A big thanks to Detroit. With Stafford throwing for 520 on Green Bay, the New England pass defense is only the second worst in the history of the NFL. If Green Bay and New England meet again in the Super Bowl, that could be a highly entertaining game for any fans of offense.
Going into the playoffs, the team will be without Carter, Vollmer, Bodden, and probably Mankins from the starters at the beginning of the season. That's not too bad, historically.
Nice win, nice season. The team should be serious favorites over Pitt/Cincy/Denver.