2008 has been a rough year for the much beloved New England Patriots of The National Football League (NFL).It started in February, when after a perfect regular season and playoffs, they suffered a heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl XLII. A very rare mistake in clock management gave the other team enough time to score and win the championship.
The Patriots were the first and only to team to win 18 games in a single season. That is impressive in and of itself.
Much of the 2007 -08 season was caught up in a media driven witch hunt over violation of a little known league rule. They lead to other false charges of cheating, by people who were extremely jealous of the success of couching genius, Bill Belichick, and this storied and noble football team.
At the same time, the league had a new commissioner. He wanted to appear tough, not like the paper tiger he was known to be. The commissioner issued unfair and unwarranted fines against the Patriots and its couching staff. The only upside was that it put all the issues to rest. I can't help but think this was a major distraction for everyone; the players, staff, and the loyal fans of Patriot Nation.
Things didn't get much better in the 2008-09 season. During the first game, the Patriots lost the current league most valuable player (MVP), and quarterback, Tom Brady to injury. A few days later, after lots of tests, it was clear he would be out for the rest of the season.
As the season progress, the team was hit with more injuries to key players. No matter the lineup that was on the field, Belichick and his staff tried it hardest to continue to be competitive each week.
Patriots.com said, "In order to secure a spot in the playoffs, the Pats needed not only to win, but to have either or both the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens to lose their respective games, which kicked off at 4:15 Eastern Time."
The Patriots had to deal with high winds and other winter elements as they played in Buffalo, New York. In fact, the goal posts were swaying side to side for most of the game.
The team got the job done, and was in control quickly and throughout the game. The Patriots beat the Bills, 13-0. It was great showing and a shutout as well.
A chance to get into the playoffs slipped away as both the Dolphins and Ravens won their own games. This meant that for the New England Patriots the season was over.
According again to Patriots.com, ""Despite an 11-5 record, they’d be home for New Year’s and watching the playoffs.
The team talked of the sense of pride they felt despite missing the playoffs.
“In some ways, it's been a very rewarding year because of all the stuff we've had to fight through,” said defensive coordinator Dean Pees, alluding to the Pats’ astronomical number of injuries to key players like reigning NFL MVP Tom Brady.
“When you start the season off losing the MVP, and what our offense was able to accomplish this year, that's pretty remarkable,” Pees added.
“We had a hell of a season,” Wilfork observed.
“A lot of people doubted us. A lot of people counted us out. A lot of people thought we wouldn't finish the way we finished. A lot of people said our season was over after Tom went down. As a team, we rose to the challenge way back then. It just goes to show you what kind of team we have.”
For the Patriots and their legions of fans, this year has been one wild ride indeed!""
One of the great things about sports is no matter the outcome, there is always next year and season. If the New England Patriots can stay healthy, they are sure to bring home another NFL Super Bowl Championship.
Go Pats !!
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