Painful, wasn’t it?
Here are 10 reasons why the Patriots lost, in my opinion:
1. The Giants pass rush.
Of all the things that happened, this played the biggest role in dictating the game. Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck were all over Tom Brady. It really wasn’t fair at times. The Patriots offensive line, a strength the season, played its worst game.
2. No big plays when it counted.
The Patriots played their best in the second half, other than that last drive for the Giants. The worst part was the Patriots had three opportunities for game-clinching interceptions — Asante Samuel, Brandon Meriweather and Rodney Harrison.
3. No luck.
The Giants had two fumbles, both in their own end, but luckily fell on both of them. One, appeared to be stolen by Ahmad Bradshaw in the bottom of the pile.
4. Tom Brady’s injuries.
He just didn’t move well all game. While he was very good in their last drive, which led to a Moss touchdown, he did not have the air of confidence he has had for nearly five full months. He wasn’t himself.
5. Why no field goal?
Unless Patriots Stephen Gostkowski is found to be hurt, the Patriots decision not to kick a 49-yard field goal in the third quarter, instead going for it on 4th-and-13 appeared odd. What was even worse was Brady’s pass was out of bounds.
6. Randy Moss didn’t step up.
He was doubled all game, but he had to deal with it. And he didn’t. It was something he and Brady never quite figured out over the last month. He will be double-covered the rest of his career. Obviously the pressure on Brady hurt the downfield passing game, but Moss didn’t help it either.
7. No special teams plays for Patriots.
It was a dead day on special teams, other than the incredible hit by Ray Vetrone on the kickoff after the Patriots took the lead, 14-10.
8. No firepower early.
The offense need to get ahead by 10 points to put the Giants away, but they never came close. The longer the game went on the more the Giants figured out it was “winnable.”
9. Unsung Hero Award to Giants.
The Patriots usually take this category in big games. But it was the Giants, led by David
Tyree, who made the play of the game hauling in a 32-yard pass from Peyton Eli Manning in the final minute. He had 4 catches in the regular season. And last night he had three catches for 43 yards, including a fourth quarter touchdown.
10. The Giants wanted it more.
As crazy as this sounds, the Giants really played with wredkless abandon. They hit a little harder and made a few more plays. That was a strange sight.
The bottom line is the Patriots offensive line wasn’t able to protect Tom Brady. But remember, the Giants linemen were the best group the Patriots faced this season.
