Photo courtesy of Matt Stone/Boston Herald

Game Rewind: The Patriots lost Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles 41-33. Tom Brady and the offense played well, particularly in the second half but the defense let them down in what was a terrible overall performance.

Here are five thoughts on the game.

1. Brady Throws for 505 Yards! Tom Brady topped his epic performance from Super Bowl LI by going 28/48 for 505 yards and three touchdown passes. Some will try to pin this loss on Brady because of the strip sack fumble late in the game but Brady did not lose this game for the Patriots, the defense did! It really that simple.

2. Butler Benching: I don’t understand how a starting cornerback is benched in the Super Bowl and the only explanation we got after the game was that he wasn’t in certain packages. There’s more than meets the eye here. We won’t truly find out until after the dust settles. This was more than likely Malcolm Butler’s last game as a Patriot. It is a sad ending for a guy who has been a great story and epitomizes this recent Patriots run of Super Bowl success.

3. Defensive Was Pathetic: Pathetic is putting it mildly!! I haven’t seen a defensive performance this bad in a Super Bowl in a long time. As usual, the Patriots couldn’t generate a pass rush and couldn’t get off the field on third down. The worst part is, they got out coached and out adjusted. It was a horrible performance for a unit that was great the past twelve weeks. Last night’s performance was not the way Matt Patricia wants to be remembered on the way out.

4. Pederson Outcoached Belichick: I hate saying this because it sounds so cliche but it is true. The Eagles offensive staff put together a terrific plan that focused on Nick Foles strengths. Foles is terrific on RPO’s and outside the pocket and the Eagles built their game plan around those two concepts. The Eagles made terrific adjustments and had answers for every Patriots adjustment. Sure, New England stuffed the Eagles running game in the second half, but in the end, the Eagles were aggressive and were able to convert key third and fourth downs and that won them the game.

5. Gronk Talks Potential Retirement: I think the concussion that Gronkowski suffered two weeks ago scared the hell out of him and his family. I don’t think he is contemplating his future because he is upset after the loss or because he is trying to get more money out of the Patriots. I think he is legitimately contemplating his future. He should. Gronkowski is 28 and has had back, knee and shoulder issues. He is thinking about his future and his physical well being long term.  You cannot fault him for that. Gronkowski has made plenty of money and is a cash cow off the field. He has won two Super Bowl rings. Why not walk away while you can.