At the end of the day, the rematch was no match. The Master humbled the green Grasshopper, enabling ever-sated Patriots fans to pour onto Route 1, dreaming of a possible chance for a fourth Super Bowl title in six years.
In order to make it to Miami for Ubergame XLI, the Patriots must win two road playoff contests, including a conference semifinal against the top-seeded San Diego Chargers (14-2) Sunday in southern California. Oddsmakers already have made the Chargers 5-point favorites, but it would be a mistake to dismiss the Patriots after their impressive demonstration against the Jets.
"I think we're playing our best football now, no question," said Brady, who worked out of the no-huddle offense much of the day and improved his career playoff mark to 11-1, completing 22 of 34 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns. "We've got a bunch of players prepared for moments like this."
Indeed. The Patriots still are anchored by a playoff-seasoned defensive corps of Tedy Bruschi, Rosevelt Colvin, Richard Seymour, and Mike Vrabel, and New England's fabled front line rarely cracked in a difficult and uneven 12-4 regular season. New England's offense, meanwhile, suffered significant attrition in the offseason, but it's clear the Bradymen are finding their rhythm and stride when it matters most. Very Patriot-like.
"It is very rewarding when it pays off," said Brady. "It is very rewarding when you lose to a team at home, really get outplayed, and then you come back and beat them by 21 points."
Belichick clearly drew extra satisfaction from decisively beating his fellow Wesleyan alum and longtime colleague, who defected from his staff last year. This time there was no sophomoric diss when the game ended. Belichick made a bull rush across the field, shucking a few camera-carriers along the way, and gave Mangini a man-hug.
