The Fine Line Between a Legendary Comeback and an Epic Collapse

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Whether you're a New England fanatic or a Patriot hater likely determined your mood this morning.

Those cheering on Brady and the boys will likely spend the entire day re-living the Pats' epic comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 51 last night. Down 28-3, New England scored 31 unanswered points from the 2-minute mark of the third quarter on to capture a 34-28 overtime victory.

The game was historic for a number of reasons, most notably that Tom Brady both broke the single-game Super Bowl passing record, and captured a record-setting fifth Super Bowl title and fourth Super Bowl MVP. It was also the first overtime game in Super Bowl history.

In the process, Brady bounced back from an opening three quarters of getting beaten and bruised (and let's be honest, looking frazzled while missing some WIDE OPEN receivers), to find his usual flawless form, and deliver pinpoint passes on the final five drives of the game.

But the moments Pats fans are likely re-living the most are Julian Edelman's ABSURD catch in traffic, and James White's game-winning touchdown run. Both plays will no doubt become a part of Super Bowl lore, next to recent moments like Tyree's helmet catch, Holmes' end zone snag and Butler's goal line interception.

OH MY GOD, JULIAN EDELMAN! #SB51 #Patriots https://t.co/YtvHwsaCbT

— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2017

Of course, the other side of that coin is the collapse of the Atlanta Falcons.

Bob Lobel: Is the Patriots Dynasty on the Brink?

By Bob Lobel (@boblobel)

Sometimes it just feels like you're on the brink… 

There is no real proof, but you know it's there. It is the same thing as the Under Toad in “The World According to Garp." Seemingly, something not so good is going to happen. Patriot fans, which now include most all of us since those dark days of Victor Kiam, have joined the happy place, aka the razor in Foxboro. 

The happy place is beginning to show some wear and tear. No doubt it’s the human condition. The approach of football middle age. It affects quarterbacks later than others, and it must affect coaches who have no real life away from the film room.

Prevent yourself from being surprised when it hits your team. 

Bob Lobel: Only Injuries Can Slow the Patriots

By Bob Lobel (@boblobel)

It is the sworn duty of those fans in New England to rise up as one and just ignore injuries. It's pretty thin out there on the field, as Patriots standouts are dropping left and right.

The king of the Golden Flashes, Mr. Julian Edleman, could be real a show stopper. What a combination he and Brady have become in a throw and catch league. It has to be policed because, these guys are defining the league. Thin ranks and working with healthy players is almost impossible at this time of year. 

Bob Lobel: The Silence of the Fans

 By Bob Lobel (@boblobel)

The whining and “we want Brady” chants have calmed down to a normal level. I mean, point out a franchise that doesn’t want Brady. 

You watch him every Sunday and ask yourself, “what is the magic here?” 

Bob Lobel: Born on Christmas Eve

By Bob Lobel (@boblobel)

I would not play in a meaningless game, and they don't come any more meaningless than Sunday in Buffalo.

I would not play Edelman, I would not play Gronk, and of course, I would not play Tom Brady. There are also maybe some other guys you know of that will take the day off. I don't think we have to have that argument about how much these guys are paid, they should take a rest on Sunday.

On another note, when you're born on Christmas Eve, like I was back when the world was flat, everybody thinks it's a disadvantage, but quite the opposite.