NE vs SD, terrific game, how did NE win? (1 Viewer)

[NE_REVIVAL]

Yes lots of mistakes on both sides but all in all it was a terrific game. Just got up, haven't had time to go over everything that happened but I can't help but feel SD had a better team. It seemed like they had their foot on the throat of NE on a couple of occassions but couldn't finish the job.

I also can't help but admire how mentally tuff and resilient NE was in hanging in when they appeared to be over matched.

Lots to discuss, but lets start with this; How the hell did NE beat the Chargers on a day when Tom Brady brought his "B" game and LT brought his "A" game?

Also, I don't think there is any clear choice, but if you had to make one, who would be the MVP for NE in this game? T. Brown? Gostowski? Brady? Gafney? many others I am sure.

 

[jafo]

A crucial 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct by San Diego cost them the game IMO. Sure, there were mistakes on both sides of the ball, but that penalty is a mistake that could have been avoided.

 

[BassNBrew]

Question 1: Luck

Question 2: Your coach

 

[PatsWillWin]

1. The first half defense was incredible. The offense was doing NOTHING, and the defense was coming out to the field with the Chargers on or around the 50 yard line in almost every possession. To hold the #1 defense to 14 points in that half is quite a feat - I really thought it was shapping up to be a blowout before the Pats scored on that drive right before half-time.

2. The offensive line was superb. Brady was pressured a lot, but he still had a lot of time, especially on the big drives when it mattered. Matt Light had a much better game than I thought he would. Merrimen, for all of the hype, was almost a non-factor.

3. Brady had a bad day, but got it together when he needed to. That 50 yard pass to Caldwell was beautiful, as was the entire drive that ended the first half.

4. Troy Brown's play is probably the play of the game.

5. If not #4, the play of the game might be Florence's incredibly stupid personal foul penalty that, had it not occurred, would've had the Patriots punting on 4th down. Instead, they get 15 yards and a 1st down, and they go on to score on that drive.

6. Dropped balls by the Chargers' WRs helped.

7. Goskowski!!!!!

 

[TD Ryan]

I still believe that the "Thurman Thomas" gameplan was in play for Belichick again.

"Give him 100 yards and we'll win".

Now, I realize it didn't go perfectly BUT LT's longest run was 15 yards... it was the 50+ screen that really hurt.

NE had to keep away from letting up the big play... let LT be the only successful thing SD could do on offense and allow themselves to get the clock ticking away. Really, the longer this game lasted, the worse it was for NE because as the announcers stated, not only was SD bigger, but they were faster too.

What they were NOT was smarter and more composed.

I don't know how many times NE was pinned against that goal line or how many times SD started at about the 50... but it was amazing they NE didn't crack. It could have easily been about 28-3 at the half.

 

[cowboyz]

BB. chargers were getting good pressure when they tried running and passing. he spread them out, got merriman in coverage (or was it his injury?). and really took the life out of the SD pass rush. helps of course to have tom brady who can beat the blitz.

i thought their defense didn't really stop the chargers. it was more anti-marty ball taking the ball out of LT's hands and placing it in the stone hands of his wrs.

 

[TD Ryan]

despite the fact that NE "spread it out" to neutralize SD's pass rush (1 sack), the Pats had 2 TE's in for most of the game.

And they'd even start with Faulk (RB) in the backfield and move him in the slot or wide.

Yes, the O-line (Light) played well, but those TE's (and Faulk) were critical in the blocking schemes and they should be given credit for their versatility (as skill guys and blocking guys alike).

We hear so much about NE's disguise defense and the DL/LB tweeners that play multiple roles... NE seems to be doing this with their stable of TE's and RBs now too.

Always flexible, always ready to adjust on the fly.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Marlon McCree's fumble. Knock it down

 

[TD Ryan]

Marlon McCree's fumble. Knock it down

yup.it was being discussed on the local Boston radio today:"Would the NE DB's have knocked it down?"It's a question we'll never know the answer to, but the PERCEPTION is that NE is a smart team that is coached-up to gain every advantage. The Mcree INT *MAY* be a perfect example of how the bigger, faster team can so often lose to NE's craftiness.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Marlon McCree's fumble. Knock it down

yup.it was being discussed on the local Boston radio today:"Would the NE DB's have knocked it down?"It's a question we'll never know the answer to, but the PERCEPTION is that NE is a smart team that is coached-up to gain every advantage. The Mcree INT *MAY* be a perfect example of how the bigger, faster team can so often lose to NE's craftiness.

Actually, they might not have knocked it down, but I bet you a $1 that they would have fallen to the ground immediately. This is what McCree should have done. it's instict to try and catch the ball.

 

[InTheLoo]

Havent we asked this question in just about every NE playoff win in the past 6 years? I've never seen a consistent championship caliber team that at the end of every game you say "how the hell did they win!?!?" I look forward to another close Super Bowl the Pats somehow plod through and win by a field goal. At least its always interesting.

 

[PatsWillWin]

8. That 2 point conversion direct snap play call was SICK.

 

[Godsbrother]

Marlon McCree's fumble. Knock it down

Lots of mistakes but this was the game. It may be a natural reaction to catch the ball and run but you MUST know the down/distance at all times. It was 4th down. Knock down the pass, you get the ball and in probably better field position than you would if you catch it and try a return. Play stupid and this what happens sometimes...

 

[17seconds]

SD made a number of critical mistakes and NE did their thing in the clutch. I wouldn't call that lucky.

That said, SD was the better team. When NE played the Jets they were just too strong for them. When they played SD, they were able to take advantage of bad play.

 

[TD Ryan]

Actually, they might not have knocked it down, but I bet you a $1 that they would have fallen to the ground immediately. This is what McCree should have done. it's instict to try and catch the ball.

you might be right.and I'm sure it didn't hurt that Troy Brown is a 2-way player who's sees more time doing "strip-drills" than the average WR.so yeah, EVERYTHING was in NE's favor on that play from smarts, to skill, to luck... how does a 4th and long int turn into a good thing for Brady and NE? Skill, luck, smarts, and... will? as in the idea of not giving up on the play?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Havent we asked this question in just about every NE playoff win in the past 6 years? I've never seen a consistent championship caliber team that at the end of every game you say "how the hell did they win!?!?" I look forward to another close Super Bowl the Pats somehow plod through and win by a field goal. At least its always interesting.

yep the Pats are not a dominate dynasty like the Steelers or SF or Dallas, They just win, by 3 points, every time.

 

[massraider]

Marlon McCree's fumble. Knock it down

yup.it was being discussed on the local Boston radio today:"Would the NE DB's have knocked it down?"It's a question we'll never know the answer to, but the PERCEPTION is that NE is a smart team that is coached-up to gain every advantage. The Mcree INT *MAY* be a perfect example of how the bigger, faster team can so often lose to NE's craftiness.

That's the kind of obnoxious stuff that makes me queasy.There aren't too many DB's that'll turn down a chance for an INT. And I'm not sure they should. The mistake, IMO, is once he caught it, he should have dropped to the ground. But I will always believe that that was more a stud play by Brown than a bonehead play by McCree.It never should have gotten that far. Between Florence, Parker, the brillant gameplan to only give LT the ball 9 times in the 2nd half, stupid challenges, there are plenty of reasons for the Chargers to thinkt hey threw this one away.

 

[PatsWillWin]

What's really ironic about the Florence/McCree blunders is that the ONE thing that everyone said around here (I mean in Boston) is the main area of weakness in the Chargers that you can exploit is their secondary...and I actually thought that, with the exception of these two players, their secondary played GREAT.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Another thing that has been overlooked, I think: the drive on which the McCree fumble occurred started on the New England's 38 yard line - probably their best start field position of the entire game, other than from turnovers. They started on the 38 because the Chargers had to kick from 15 yards back because of an unncessary roughness call on Shane Olivea on the extra point after the Chargers scored a TD.

FWIW. Another stupid penalty that helped lead to a Patriot score.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

What's really ironic about the Florence/McCree blunders is that the ONE thing that everyone said around here (I mean in Boston) is the main area of weakness in the Chargers that you can exploit is their secondary...and I actually thought that, with the exception of these two players, their secondary played GREAT.

and besides the head butt and fumble. they played good.Jammer stinks and usually gets burned once a game and get 1 pi penalty a game

 

[InTheLoo]

Havent we asked this question in just about every NE playoff win in the past 6 years? I've never seen a consistent championship caliber team that at the end of every game you say "how the hell did they win!?!?" I look forward to another close Super Bowl the Pats somehow plod through and win by a field goal. At least its always interesting.

yep the Pats are not a dominate dynasty like the Steelers or SF or Dallas, They just win, by 3 points, every time.

Pretty incredible. They've seldom came into these games as a heavy favorite - and many times as the Dog. They have a lot of role players that might not start on a lot of teams, and are typically outmatched at a lot of positions. The fact that this staff continues to get these kinds of results is amazing. They are never out thought or out hustled. They somehow hover around against "better" teams - the difference is they never seem to miss an opportunity. The Tom Brady factor cant be denied, either. I dont know how good he'd be on another team and God knows he doesnt look all that impressive, but he KILLS ya every time when he needs to. The guy is pure money in the clutch.Something else about NE. There doesnt seem to have ever been "dumb guy" in the past 6 seasons. We never talk about a mistake a Pats player makes, do we? There isnt a player on that team beyond Brady that I'd care to start a franchise with, but even the worst player on the field doesnt seem to make the BIG MISTAKE. They arent good enough to make big mistakes, and somehow they dont.

 

[Godsbrother]

Havent we asked this question in just about every NE playoff win in the past 6 years? I've never seen a consistent championship caliber team that at the end of every game you say "how the hell did they win!?!?" I look forward to another close Super Bowl the Pats somehow plod through and win by a field goal. At least its always interesting.

I wouldn't say every NE playoff game but certainly a good number of them. This was a game where the Chargers dominated but couldn't put the Patriots away. The Chargers scored 0 points off turnovers and everytime the Chargers made mistakes the Patriots made them pay for it.New England normally plays mistake-free but not yesterday. They should have lost but found a way to win -- the true mark of a great team.

 

[PatsWillWin]

What's really ironic about the Florence/McCree blunders is that the ONE thing that everyone said around here (I mean in Boston) is the main area of weakness in the Chargers that you can exploit is their secondary...and I actually thought that, with the exception of these two players, their secondary played GREAT.

and besides the head butt and fumble. they played good.Jammer stinks and usually gets burned once a game and get 1 pi penalty a game

Actually I meant to type: "With the exception of those two PLAYS", not "players". I thought the entire Chargers secondary played a great game other than the two mistakes.

 

[Wilbur Wood]

To me the outcome was more of a SD making more mistakes and making them at more inopportune times than NE and not really any Belicek genius.

BB did not come up with the masterful defensive scheme that would "contain" LT like some thought and the Chargers WRs/TEs making multiple errors (Parker drops, Gates inability to maintain possession at the goal line, a perfect TD bomb to Vincent Jackson on which he "long strides" it out of end zone).

Brady also did the usual delivering when he had to.

 

[InTheLoo]

And ya know what?

Somehow, the Pats will drill Indy by 30 next weekend.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

And ya know what?Somehow, the Pats will drill Indy by 3 next weekend.

fixed

 

[InTheLoo]

And ya know what?Somehow, the Pats will drill Indy by 3 next weekend.

fixed

And so continues the saga of the most boring dynasty in sports history.8 Super Bowl victories, with no losses, and one hall of famer.

 

[Banger]

To me the outcome was more of a SD making more mistakes and making them at more inopportune times than NE and not really any Belicek genius.BB did not come up with the masterful defensive scheme that would "contain" LT like some thought and the Chargers WRs/TEs making multiple errors (Parker drops, Gates inability to maintain possession at the goal line, a perfect TD bomb to Vincent Jackson on which he "long strides" it out of end zone).Brady also did the usual delivering when he had to.

that's it in a nutshell. BB wouldn't have been a genius if McCree doesn't fumble the 4th and 5 int. Brady is ridiculous and you can't keep GIVING him opportunity after opportunity. Costly penalties, dropped passes, muffed punt, dropped int's, fumbled int's....you can't do that against the most clutch QB in probably the history of the NFL.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

And ya know what?Somehow, the Pats will drill Indy by 3 next weekend.

fixed

And so continues the saga of the most boring dynasty in sports history.8 Super Bowl victories, with no losses, and one hall of famer.

two if you count the coach, maybe Vinateri gets in.

 

[zenzephyros]

I really think that San Deigo was clearly the better team, but they did everything they could possibly do to lose that game. Erik Parker almost single-handedly (with the exception of Florence's ridiculous penalty), lost this game for his team. At some points, he looked like he was purposely losing this game for SD... almost like he had someone on NE's side holding his family hostage at home.. threatening to off them if he didn't throw the game. Dropped passes are one thing (of which he had many in crucial moments), but the punt fumble was just laughable. If you bobble a punt and someone is within 5 feet of you and running full speed at you, do you get up and run with it? The camera showed that he saw the guy running at him, so what the is he doing??? I can't see how they would possibly bring him back after that performance. The guy should be taken out back and shot by his teamates. Florence should be forced to take A-H@les Anonymous classes, and if he doesn't improve... he should get Parker's fate.

I really feel bad for guys like Schottenheimer and L.T.

 

[Jayrok]

Colossal mistakes by the Chargers lost the game for them. They outplayed NE in the first half and didn't get points when they had good opportunity.

1. Dropped passes that would be first downs

2. Absolutely rediculous unnecessary roughness calls against SD

3. Hurting your team by trying to run back an INT when you should just knock it down on fourth down.

4. Brady keeping his team in it and taking advantages of SD mistakes and second opportunities.

I don't think NE coaching was all that good, but Schotty made two stupid mistakes IMO. (1)Why not let your pro bowl kicker kick the 47 yard FG in the first quarter. Instead they go for it on 4th and 5 and get sacked. Even if he misses the FG, they don't lose field position if they go for it and don't make it. (2) Why would you possibly burn a crucial time out by challenging a play that your booth can clearly see you have no case? McCree was not down by contact when he fumbled. So SD loses a timeout and in the last minute when they needed a TO, they didn't have one.

So Rivers has to rush everyone to the line and loses 20+ seconds before he spikes the ball. If you have a TO, you have time to run a play or two to get the kicker closer.

SD had more talent, NE was more experienced and savvy in a crucial game.

 

[InTheLoo]

And ya know what?Somehow, the Pats will drill Indy by 3 next weekend.

fixed

And so continues the saga of the most boring dynasty in sports history.8 Super Bowl victories, with no losses, and one hall of famer.

two if you count the coach, maybe Vinateri gets in.

NFL Films would love to put together a highlight reel of all 8 NE Super Bowl victories, but for the life of em they cant find any real highlights. "Ummm, they just won a lot. Nothing anyone wants to see - - bastards somehow just WON."

 

[lions327]

The key part of the game happened well before the SD penalties, stupid challenge, and McCree's fumble.

To me, the key part of the game was the Patriots driving for a TD in the last 2 minutes of the first half. Until then, the Chargers dominated the game, were up 14-3, and had complete control of the game. The Patriots scoring changed the momentum, confidence level, and the mentality of both teams for the rest of the game. The Chargers didn't do what winning teams do, they had a chance to bury the Patriots and didn't. They let them off the hook, and we all know what happens when a great team gets new life.

 

[ffjunk]

I think you have to give most of the blame to Schottenheimer or the OC, whoever calls the plays. One thing I couldn't understand was when the Pats tied it up, the Chargers got the ball back with 4 1/2 minutes to play. All they have to do is give it to LT, control the ball and get in FG range. They gave it to him on first down and he got 5 yds. They then threw 2 incomplete passes stopping the clock, only using 1 minute for those 3 downs, and giving the ball back to the Pats and Brady with 3 1/2 minutes to go. Big mistake IMO but a thankful Pats fan here.

 

[Jayrok]

The key part of the game happened well before the SD penalties, stupid challenge, and McCree's fumble. To me, the key part of the game was the Patriots driving for a TD in the last 2 minutes of the first half. Until then, the Chargers dominated the game, were up 14-3, and had complete control of the game. The Patriots scoring changed the momentum, confidence level, and the mentality of both teams for the rest of the game. The Chargers didn't do what winning teams do, they had a chance to bury the Patriots and didn't. They let them off the hook, and we all know what happens when a great team gets new life.

That drive at the end of the first half was prolonged because of one of those stupid personal fouls after a failed third down by the Pats. They would be punting to SD and they probably go in 14-3. As it were, some moron headbutts a Patriot, giving Brady 15 yards and a first down.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I think you have to give most of the blame to Schottenheimer or the OC, whoever calls the plays. One thing I couldn't understand was when the Pats tied it up, the Chargers got the ball back with 4 1/2 minutes to play. All they have to do is give it to LT, control the ball and get in FG range. They gave it to him on first down and he got 5 yds. They then threw 2 incomplete passes stopping the clock, only using 1 minute for those 3 downs, and giving the ball back to the Pats and Brady with 3 1/2 minutes to go. Big mistake IMO but a thankful Pats fan here.

well im partial but on that drive, on third down assanti absolutely mugged parker and didn't get called, per usual.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

To me the outcome was more of a SD making more mistakes and making them at more inopportune times than NE and not really any Belicek genius.BB did not come up with the masterful defensive scheme that would "contain" LT like some thought and the Chargers WRs/TEs making multiple errors (Parker drops, Gates inability to maintain possession at the goal line, a perfect TD bomb to Vincent Jackson on which he "long strides" it out of end zone).Brady also did the usual delivering when he had to.

One thing that deserves mentioning is the lack of a pass rush on Brady late in the game. The Pats o-line did a better job than expected keeping Brady upright - 53 attempts and only two sacks is pretty darn good when the Chargers knew the Pats were passing on every play. Add that to the Charger drops, stupid penalites, fumbled interception and you have a Charger loss. Kudos to Brady for getting it done in the clutch (again) with a collection of cast-offs. The guy is money, even on an off day. The city of San Diego will be sick over this defeat for a long time, and I'm sure it will cost Schottenheimer his job, though I can't really pin this one on him. And in my opinion, Rivers looked shaky (though the drops didn't help) - I couldn't help but wonder how SD might have fared with Brees at the helm.

 

[parrot]

The key part of the game happened well before the SD penalties, stupid challenge, and McCree's fumble. To me, the key part of the game was the Patriots driving for a TD in the last 2 minutes of the first half. Until then, the Chargers dominated the game, were up 14-3, and had complete control of the game. The Patriots scoring changed the momentum, confidence level, and the mentality of both teams for the rest of the game. The Chargers didn't do what winning teams do, they had a chance to bury the Patriots and didn't. They let them off the hook, and we all know what happens when a great team gets new life.

That drive at the end of the first half was prolonged because of one of those stupid personal fouls after a failed third down by the Pats. They would be punting to SD and they probably go in 14-3. As it were, some moron headbutts a Patriot, giving Brady 15 yards and a first down.

Nope.Kickoff Nate Kaeding kicks 67 yards from SD30 to NE3, Laurence Maroney returns to NE28 for 25 yards 1st-10-NE28 Two Minute Warning Two-Minute Warning 1st-10-NE28 Rush Kevin Faulk up the Middle to NE35 for 7 yards 2nd-3-NE35 Rush Kevin Faulk Off Right Tackle to NE42 for 7 yards 1st-10-NE42 Incomplete Pass Tom Brady Pass Incomplete to Kevin Faulk 2nd-10-NE42 Rush Kevin Faulk Off Right Guard to NE45 for 3 yards Penalty NE-Logan Mankins PENALIZED -10 yards for Holding 2nd-17-NE35 Time Out New England Patriots timeout. 2nd-17-NE35 Pass Tom Brady Pass to Jabar Gaffney to SD48 for 17 yards 1st-10-SD48 Pass Tom Brady Pass to Jabar Gaffney to SD32 for 16 yards 1st-10-SD32 Incomplete Pass Tom Brady Pass Incomplete to Troy Brown 2nd-10-SD32 Rush Kevin Faulk up the Middle to SD27 for 5 yards 3rd-5-SD27 Time Out New England Patriots timeout. 3rd-5-SD27 Pass Tom Brady Pass to Reche Caldwell to SD18 for 9 yards 1st-10-SD18 Time Out New England Patriots timeout. 1st-10-SD18 Pass Tom Brady Pass to Jabar Gaffney to SD11 for 7 yards 2nd-3-SD11 Penalty SD-Donnie Edwards PENALIZED 5 yards for Offside 1st-6-SD6 Pass Tom Brady Pass to Jabar Gaffney for 6 yards for a TOUCHDOWN Made Extra Point Stephen Gostkowski extra point is GOOD. Holder-Matt Cassel

 

[glvsav37]

8. That 2 point conversion direct snap play call was SICK.

saw on sports center this morning that they did the exact same play in one of their SB's

 

[Jayrok]

The key part of the game happened well before the SD penalties, stupid challenge, and McCree's fumble. To me, the key part of the game was the Patriots driving for a TD in the last 2 minutes of the first half. Until then, the Chargers dominated the game, were up 14-3, and had complete control of the game. The Patriots scoring changed the momentum, confidence level, and the mentality of both teams for the rest of the game. The Chargers didn't do what winning teams do, they had a chance to bury the Patriots and didn't. They let them off the hook, and we all know what happens when a great team gets new life.

That drive at the end of the first half was prolonged because of one of those stupid personal fouls after a failed third down by the Pats. They would be punting to SD and they probably go in 14-3. As it were, some moron headbutts a Patriot, giving Brady 15 yards and a first down.

Nope.Kickoff Nate Kaeding kicks 67 yards from SD30 to NE3, Laurence Maroney returns to NE28 for 25 yards 1st-10-NE28 Two Minute Warning Two-Minute Warning 1st-10-NE28 Rush Kevin Faulk up the Middle to NE35 for 7 yards 2nd-3-NE35 Rush Kevin Faulk Off Right Tackle to NE42 for 7 yards 1st-10-NE42 Incomplete Pass Tom Brady Pass Incomplete to Kevin Faulk 2nd-10-NE42 Rush Kevin Faulk Off Right Guard to NE45 for 3 yards Penalty NE-Logan Mankins PENALIZED -10 yards for Holding 2nd-17-NE35 Time Out New England Patriots timeout. 2nd-17-NE35 Pass Tom Brady Pass to Jabar Gaffney to SD48 for 17 yards 1st-10-SD48 Pass Tom Brady Pass to Jabar Gaffney to SD32 for 16 yards 1st-10-SD32 Incomplete Pass Tom Brady Pass Incomplete to Troy Brown 2nd-10-SD32 Rush Kevin Faulk up the Middle to SD27 for 5 yards 3rd-5-SD27 Time Out New England Patriots timeout. 3rd-5-SD27 Pass Tom Brady Pass to Reche Caldwell to SD18 for 9 yards 1st-10-SD18 Time Out New England Patriots timeout. 1st-10-SD18 Pass Tom Brady Pass to Jabar Gaffney to SD11 for 7 yards 2nd-3-SD11 Penalty SD-Donnie Edwards PENALIZED 5 yards for Offside 1st-6-SD6 Pass Tom Brady Pass to Jabar Gaffney for 6 yards for a TOUCHDOWN Made Extra Point Stephen Gostkowski extra point is GOOD. Holder-Matt Cassel

You're right.. My mistake. That penalty was in a third quarter drive that led to the FG making it 14-13. My apologies to lions327 for commenting on your post.

 

[Serenity Now]

The Pats defense saved the team's behind, pure and simple. SD had the advantage on field position all day long and came out with nothing to show for it time after time. I kept waiting for the dam to break, but it never did. SD moved the ball with ease...to a point. Sure, the mistakes cost them dearly, but how does a team of SD's apparent caliber not put up a ton more points with that kind of field position all day?

 

[dickey moe]

A crucial 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct by San Diego cost them the game IMO. Sure, there were mistakes on both sides of the ball, but that penalty is a mistake that could have been avoided.

That, and Troy Brown's incredible rip/forced fumble after Brady getting picked off.

 

[TD Ryan]

I kept waiting for the dam to break, but it never did.

that's EXACTLY how I felt.as a Pats fan, it was hopeless and frustrating.how NE didn't fold under that pressure is beyond me. To me, THAT is the mystique or magic or voodoo of NE... another team, defense, another punter, another coach, another QB... this game is easily 28-3 at the half.

 

[Mahoney]

I still can't believe the non call on the LT facemask. He clearly, with two hands, facemasked Colvin on his interception. The only reason he didn't actually grab the bars is because Colvin wears a shield, and he couldn't.

I actually was surprised that this wasn't a bigger deal. That's 15 yards the Pats should've gotten.

 

[PatsWillWin]

I still can't believe the non call on the LT facemask. He clearly, with two hands, facemasked Colvin on his interception. The only reason he didn't actually grab the bars is because Colvin wears a shield, and he couldn't. I actually was surprised that this wasn't a bigger deal. That's 15 yards the Pats should've gotten.

What's even more surprising is that it wasn't a NON call but it was a REVERSED call. They threw the flag and picked it up. Have to wonder what the hell they saw after throwing the flag that made them change their minds.Although - I'm not positive it would've been a 15 yarder. Could be wrong though.

 

[Serenity Now]

I still can't believe the non call on the LT facemask. He clearly, with two hands, facemasked Colvin on his interception. The only reason he didn't actually grab the bars is because Colvin wears a shield, and he couldn't. I actually was surprised that this wasn't a bigger deal. That's 15 yards the Pats should've gotten.

I thought at the time it was incidental, more like the 5 yard variety.

 

[Godsbrother]

Actually I thought it was a good non-call. According to wikipedia:

Face mask (5 or 15 yards). Grabbing an opponent's face mask is a 15 yard personal foul. Incidentally grabbing and releasing the face mask is a 5 yard penalty. Touching an opponent's face mask without grabbing it, such as a player using the stiff-arm technique, is not illegal.

LT's hand slid over the face mask/shield. He never grabbed the facemask.

 

[parrot]

I still can't believe the non call on the LT facemask. He clearly, with two hands, facemasked Colvin on his interception. The only reason he didn't actually grab the bars is because Colvin wears a shield, and he couldn't. I actually was surprised that this wasn't a bigger deal. That's 15 yards the Pats should've gotten.

I don't think his other hand was anywhere near the facemask. It was strange one though. In real-time I thought it was a horrible facemask, then I saw a replay and thought it was an incidental/borderline no-call. Then I saw another replay angle where he clearly had a hold of it.

 

[TD Ryan]

I too thought the LT facemask penalty should have stood.

and to be fair, had NE lost the game, that is one play many NE fans would have looked back on and been angry about. Winning cures many ills.

 

[cstu]

I really think that San Deigo was clearly the better team, but they did everything they could possibly do to lose that game. Erik Parker almost single-handedly (with the exception of Florence's ridiculous penalty), lost this game for his team. At some points, he looked like he was purposely losing this game for SD... almost like he had someone on NE's side holding his family hostage at home.. threatening to off them if he didn't throw the game. Dropped passes are one thing (of which he had many in crucial moments), but the punt fumble was just laughable. If you bobble a punt and someone is within 5 feet of you and running full speed at you, do you get up and run with it? The camera showed that he saw the guy running at him, so what the is he doing??? I can't see how they would possibly bring him back after that performance. The guy should be taken out back and shot by his teamates. Florence should be forced to take A-H@les Anonymous classes, and if he doesn't improve... he should get Parker's fate.

I really feel bad for guys like Schottenheimer and L.T.

The call should have been against NE since it was a NE player who shoved him in the throat.