Super Bowl XLVI Game Notes

As a Patriots fan, that was one of most depressing sporting events to see.  Here are some things that probably won't get talked about (I wouldn't know, I'm not watching any espn or football coverage for a while).

• Steve Weatherford was the closest a punter will ever get to Superbowl MVP.  He pinned Patriots inside their own territory 4 times in the game.  Punters/Kickers always get overlooked as just side notes, but they are one of the most important players on the field.
• After such a dominating performance by Wilfork in the AFC Championchip I was expecting a much better showing in the Superbowl.  Giants interior lineman were thought to be a weakness that Wilfork and Patriots could easily take advantage of.  There was no pressure up the middle all game.
• Mankins played horrible.  A lot of the pressure that Brady felt during the game was coming from the man Mankins was blocking.
• Yes, if Welker caught that pass the Patriots would probally of had a parade yesterday, but that was not the only play that can be pointed at.  12 men on the field, Ninkovich offsides on 3rd and long, Bradys safety, and all the Giants fumbles falling right into Giants players.
• The interception Brady threw was a hard decision.  It was amazing he was still on his feet for that long after the quick pressure Giants got to him off the snap (from Mankins man).  Brady had gone through his first three reads before even getting to Gronkowski who was 1-1 with a linebacker who was teaching at a school a couple of weeks ago.  It would be an easy decision if Gronk was 100%, but he clearly was not.  You could see in the replay that he tried to come back for the ball but just couldn't push off his ankle to do so.  With the way Patriots were driving the smart decision would of been run for quick 5 yards and keep the drive going, but you have to understand the throw.  It was not the same as the interception vs. Ravens in which he threw to Slater who was double teamed.

Overall, a good game by Pats on all sides but a couple unlucky bounces, drops, and a couple dumb plays (12 man, safety) was their undoing.