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Defying odds, Bill Belichick went for the wind – Sports – The Boston Globe

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Defying odds, Bill Belichick went for the wind – Sports – The Boston Globe

Let’s call this one Belichick’s Redemption. There’s something about Tom Brady-Peyton Manning matchups that turns Bill Belichick’s decision-making a little unconventional. In 2009, it was a fourth-and-2 call against the Colts that backfired in his face and led to weeks of criticism. Belichick decided to go for it from his 30, the play fell short, and Manning’s Colts promptly marched down the short field for the winning score. In Sunday night’s thriller, an unbelievable 34-31 comeback overtime win over the Broncos, Belichick again went against the grain with a major decision. The Patriots won the overtime coin toss, but instead of taking the kickoff, like 99.9 percent of NFL coaches do in that situation, Belichick took the wind.

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We’ve spent a lot of time ripping New England’s player-acquisition process in the last few years. The draft, free-agency, trades. But look at how many new players made plays to help this team win. Ebner, a 2012 sixth-rounder, recovers the decisive fumble. Allen, an undrafted free-agent this year, places the punt well. Duron Harmon and Jamie Collins, 2013 draft picks, with 21 tackles between then. Logan Ryan, the third-round corner, with the game’s only interception, a diving job. Aqib Talib, acquired in trade from Tampa Bay, playing huge against Manning all night. Free agent Dane Fletcher recovering a fumble, and 2013 seventh-rounder Michael Buchanan and street free agent Marquice Cole forcing key fumbles. New England beat a very good team Sunday night, and it wasn’t just Brady that did it. It took a village.

Tony Carter-Wes Welker muff a fitting ending for Broncos-Patriots | The MMQB with Peter King

https://www.patspropaganda.com/weve-spent-a-lot-of-time-ripping-new-englands/

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Belichick’s decision to take the wind was lauded by defensive back Devin McCourty, one of the captains responsible for notifying the referee of the decision to bypass the chance to receive. “Bill’s a genius,” McCourty said. “Even the captains were like, ‘Really? Defer?’ He wanted to take the wind. Obviously that was the best call.”

New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

https://www.patspropaganda.com/belichicks-decision-to-take-the-wind-was-lauded/

How exalted will tonight’s game be in the annals of the Brady-Belichick Patriots and in the ongoing saga of Brady vs. Manning, and how much of that will be deserved? I thought it was sloppy, though exciting.

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Yeah, that’s the rub. On one hand it was an amazing game with a great comeback, but there was plenty of sloppiness and if the Pats put themselves in that kind of hole in the playoffs I doubt they’re going to be able to dig themselves out.

Overall I think this will be one of the most memorable games in Brady-Manning history, at least of the non-playoff games. In a way it was the anti 4th-and-2 game and really put some of those demons to rest. 

I have a hard time remembering a win I felt better about in recent memory. Yes, there have been big wins, but not when the Pats were home underdogs and showed the kind of toughness and resiliency that few teams have.

Put this win in the context of the injuries the Pats have overcome and it’s even sweeter.

I’m just going to enjoy this one for a bit. I don’t know if the Pats have enough to win the Super Bowl this year, but enjoying wins like this is all we have short of a Lombardi title. 

For today, all the Brady-Manning, Welker, and Patriots problems talk is dead. Let’s just drink it in.