- Hell of a game by Deion Branch. At the outset he seemed to be having trouble with his cuts, but hung tough and became the first WR since Jerry Rice to earn Super Bowl MVP. Wide Receivers drafted before Deion Branch in 2002:
Pick # Player Team
13 Donte Stallworth New Orleans
19 Ashley Lelie Denver
20 Javon Walker Green Bay
33 Jabar Gaffney Houston
36 Josh Reed Buffalo
46 Tim Carter NY Giants
47 Andre Davis Cleveland
48 Reche Caldwell San Diego
62 Antwaan Randle-El Pittsburgh
63 Antonio Bryant Dallas
Wow. Ten teams. Stallworth, Gaffney, Reed, Carter, Davis, and Bryant have accomplished nothing, and Lelie was a joke until he finally stepped up this year. Walker, Caldwell, and Randle-El have been good, but not as good as Branch. Just another example of why the Pats will do just fine without Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel.
- Rodney Harrison and Tedy Bruschi don't get enough credit. Harrison effectively had two interceptions in two plays in the first Eagles drive, and the one that counted was much more impressive, as Rodney read the play about three seconds before McNabb threw it. Bruschi's pick was incredible.
- T.O. really had a good game. Unfortunately, McNabb turned in his typical game, where he wasn't bad enough to get a lot of criticism, but he wasn't good enough to lead his team to victory. I'd love to know why they weren't playing hurry up with five minutes left.
- Great moment when Belichick, Romeo Crennel, and Charlie Weis had a group hug in what was likely their last game together.
- What I was dissapointed to see was the Pats mimic the Eagles (TO's) TD dances. A little much I thought, but I won't let that spoil the thrill of victory.
- So what's new for next year? For starters, look for either Ted Johnson or Roman Phifer to retire or leave the team, which should mean an expanded role for Tully Bunta-Cain. I will be surprised if Ty Law isn't back, and as my main Nick pointed out, we have the return of Tight End Ben Watson to look forward to.
As for challengers to the throne, I think Carolina will once again be strong, if healthy, as will Atlanta. I think Indy either loses Edgerrin James or has to pay him enough so that they can't improve their defense. Either way, I think this was their best season. I think Pittsburgh will come back to earth even if Bettis and Burress are back. I think if Todd Heap can stay healthy and Jamal Lewis can stay out of jail, the Ravens will be a force again. I think the AFC East will once again be the toughest division in football, with Nick Saban leading a much faster rebuild than will be expected. I think if Cleveland does hire Romeo Crennel they will be much improved, somewhere around 7-9, in a tough AFC North. I would be shocked if someone other than Philly represents the NFC in Super Bowl 40. As for darkhorses, look for Arizona to win the NFC West and the Detroit Lions to win the NFC North. Lastly, I think the Patriots will once again finish on top (big surprise there).
Now, since all this football talk is out of the way, on to baseball. Pitchers and catchers report in less than two weeks!
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