From there, quarterback Tom Brady went to work, completing 10 of 10 passes, the final one to Danny Woodhead for the Patriots’ first touchdown and a 10-9 lead heading into halftime.
The 96-yard scoring drive (starting from the original line of scrimmage) tied for the longest drive in Super Bowl history. There were three other times when a team had gone 96 yards for a touchdown.
Coming out of the locker room, New England moved the ball with ease; Brady found Chad Ochocinco for a 21-yard gain, then BenJarvus Green-Ellis picked up 25 total yards on back-to-back plays. Five snaps later, on second-and-short, Brady hit Aaron Hernandez, who ran into the end zone from 12 yards.
Waters needs time
Guard Brian Waters, the best offseason acquisition the Patriots made, played in the first Super Bowl of his 12-year career.
Though he signed a two-year contract, Waters said after the loss he hasn’t decided on whether he’d be returning.
“I’ll take two to three weeks to figure it out, talk it over with my family,’’ he said. “I feel good [physically].
“It would have been [great] to win a championship, but you won’t get any complaints from me.’’
Vollmer back in
Right tackle Sebastian Vollmer returned after missing seven games because of foot/ankle and back injuries.
Though he missed a lot time, Vollmer said he felt pretty good.
“It was great to get a chance to play in the Super Bowl,’’ the third-year player said. “I’m thankful I had the opportunity. I’m disappointed though; I wish we could have won.’’
Coach Bill Belichick said earlier in the week that the team did not put Vollmer on injured reserve because the German-born lineman is so talented and could help if healthy.
Clean cut
Linebacker Rob Ninkovich spoke to reporters freshly shaven: the veteran had been growing his beard for more than 10 weeks - since the last time the Patriots lost a game.
But in the locker room last night, he took off the beard.
“It was a win-streak beard,’’ he said. “We didn’t win.’’
