Game Rewind: The Patriots overcame an 11 point deficit and beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20 to advance to their NFL record 10th Super Bowl. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will be going to their eighth Super Bowl together. That is twice as many Super Bowl appearances as any other coach, quarterback combination.
Here are my five thoughts on the game.
1. Young Jags Came to Play: Give the Jacksonville Jaguars credit. They came to play. Not that we didn’t they would but we thought that the moment might be a little big for them.
After falling behind 3-0 early, Jacksonville took the game over in the first half scoring two unanswered touchdowns and taking a 14-10 lead into the half. Unfortunately for Jacksonville, they couldn’t put the game away in the second half.
Kudos to Doug Marrone, offensive coordinator Nate Hackett and defensive coordinator Todd Wash. They got their team ready to play.
2. Slow Start for the Patriots Offense: For the second straight week, the Patriots got off to a slow start offensively. I didn’t particularly care for the game plan this week. The Patriots had a good opening drive but then got pass happy and predictable. Obviously Josh McDaniels and the offensive staff made good adjustments at the half but what the hell was McDaniels doing during the week? Making phone calls to line up assistant coaches? The Patriots need to get off to a better start against the Eagles.
3. Gronk Left Woozy: Rob Gronkowski left the game in the second quarter with a concussion after getting lit up by Jaguars safety Barry Church. The hit draw a 15 yard penalty but it was deemed dirty by some Patriots fans and pundits alike.
Look, I don’t think the hit was dirty by Church but he clearly hit Gronk high. What was he supposed to do? Go low? If he shredded Gronkowski’s ACL, would that haven been better? Losing Gronk hurt but the Patriots overcame it. Let’s hope he’s back for the Super Bowl.
4. Danny Playoffs: Danny Amendola stepped up big time and filled the void left by Gronk’s injury. Amendola caught 7 passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns including the game winning score with three minutes left. Say what you will about Amendola’s performance during the regular season but when it comes to the playoffs, he is money and once again came up big when the Patriots needed him.
Danny Amendola catches the game winning touchdown pass against the Jaguars.
5. Jacksonville Got Brady’D: I thought I coined the term getting Brady’d but apparently Jaguars outside linebacker Myles Jack used the term in a post game interview last night.
Jacksonville did indeed get Brady’d. You knew when the Patriots made the game 20-17 that they were going to win it. Thanks to great adjustments, Danny Amendola stepping up and the Jags letting it run down their leg a little, the Patriots came from behind and won the game. Bottom line. Jacksonville got Brady’d!