poolman

apats,

we lost that 31st pick.

Don't you just love all the haters that are saying the Pats are unraveling, and the dynasty(*) is over.

I put the asterik there because that's what all the haters do... idiots.

Losing Samuel will hurt a little, but not much. Is he a great cover corner? Not in my opinion.

He does make great gambles, and when he does, it usually ends up in an interception.

I'm thinking they trade for a veteran cover corner in the draft if they can't bring Samuel back.

Myself, I wouldn't rely on a rookie CB to replace Samuel, no matter who it is. That being said, I'm not a follower of college football, so that's not to say there isn't somebody that can't come from the draft, and fill-in quite well for Samuel.

Even if we do keep Samuel (somehow), we still need another corner. Way too often, in my opinion, the Pats get exposed by their weakness to defend against the long-ball. Everytime an opponent throws the ball over 40 yards, I really don't want to look.

Harrison already says he'll be back. I believe Seau will be back. I'm not sure about Bruschi... sad to see him retire, if he does, but with going through what he's been through, it would come as no surprise.

And I think Troy Brown is all done. I'm dissapointed he couldn't contribute to the team this year. Brown was "the Man" in our first Superbowl season.

I'm looking forward to free-agency and the draft. You know, your a Pats fan... there is no smarter front-office than the Patriots. I am very confident they will put out a Superbowl contending team for many years to come. Not that it will make a huge impact, but I do hope they bring back Moss, if nothing else.

But needless to say, I'm looking forward to next year. And to all the people that don't give the Giants credit for winning the game, calling it luck, well... they just don't know a thing about football.

Take it easy.

Agree with everything you said!!! But the NFL also has to play the Super Bowl like every other game. None of this Tom Petty shit at half time and fireworks and t.v. timeouts!! Do you think had this been a first round playoff game the Giants woulda lasted til the fourth?? They woulda been on the sidelines eatin bananas and drinkin Gatorade. A 40 minute break in between halfs is not football. I'm sorry but why play games one way all year and then switch it up at the biggest time of the year??? The Giants took advantage of the NFL's greed and turned it into a championship. And as far as Assante Samuel being a "big hole", I'm happy ta see that Buckner go!!! If you cant knock down a ball in the end zone and can't catch a friggin pop up ta seal the deal, then move on, time ta bring in someone else!!! REDEMPTION!!! Next year!!! 2008 is the year of the REDEMPTION!!!!!!

Poolman, Apats

We need to learn how to lose.  Great season, great game.  No trash or whining afterwards.  Heads tall. Giants did play better.  Pats O Line looked confused all night.

We are very down because of the passion in this.

I want to see this team get up, lick its wounds, and show everyone what they are made of.  Gladiators baby!

(I actually love the drama this is building into, you know, the lost, tossed aside step child, elevated, heralded, abused, and trashed)

There will be big holes in the defense if Assante Samuel leaves, and the greybeards (Seau, Bruschi, and Harrison) retire.  I really hate to say this, but having two 1st round draft picks, #7 and #31, would look pretty darn good to me.  I can see two youn linebackers coming into the fold.

I have to say I am disappointed in the Super Bowl. The Giants played GREAT, and deserved to win... they were the etter prepared, more emotional and "alive" team.  Patriots players did not seem prepared, and came out flat.  The team did not adjust and there were several playcalling/clock management decisions that I disagreed with as well.  Enough beating up the Super Bowl... let's enjoy the Celts, look forward to pitchers and catchers reporting, and anticipate the draft-day moves, and hope that the Patriots come back next year with a vengeance... and win the BIG GAME.

apats