Quick Kicks: Patriots finally bid 2011 goodbye
Posted by escalavino on February 6, 2012 – 5:16 pm
There are few scenes in football more depressing than the day a team cleans out its lockers for the final time.
The Patriots experienced that Monday, some 18 hours after dropping a painful 21-17 decision to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI. New England’s immense travel party of players, coaches, team executives, staff, family, friends, and other invited guests was so large it had to come back in waves. The first charter flight left Indianapolis at 10 a.m., followed an hour later by a second. Still more were traveling back later or on their own.
The majority of the team, however, was back at Gillette Stadium by early afternoon, an unseasonably warm and cloudless day in New England, the same weather they experienced most of the past week in Indiana. A small, but spirited group of Patriots fans cued up to show their support as the convoy of buses crawled back into Foxborough – a much more subdued scene than the 25,000 ardent fans who sent the AFC Champs off in style eight days ago.
Immediately upon arrival, team owner Robert Kraft spent a few moments with whatever media were able to get back from Indy or show up on a moment’s notice. He thanked those in attendance and those still at a distance for their work in covering the team all season, and to the fans who showed up in Foxborough today to offer moral support.
Naturally, as he began the 2011 season following the death of his beloved wife, Myra, Kraft put a wrap on his team’s Super Bowl year by invoking her name once again.
“When we dedicated this season to my sweetheart, I met with the players and coaches and asked them to do everything they could do to make this season special in her honor. I must tell you that the strength of spirit that I saw with this team is unlike any other team I’ve seen in my 18 years in the NFL. I think that that sense of spirit was ignited by our fans – the way they supported our team and also the way they supported our family.”
As he said those words, Kraft placed his left hand gently on the MHK pin that has become the visual symbol of the Patriots’ 2011 season.
After a pause, he continued.
“That’s something I’m forever going to be grateful for because I think this was a memorable season and one that I won’t forget for a long time.”
Kraft went on to note that in his family’s 18 years of owning the Patriots, the team has endured just two losing seasons. That success, he said, has fostered a level of expectation that can often lead to such disappointment as losing a Super Bowl. However, getting to the NFL’s grandest stage is what competing in this league is all about, and Kraft expressed optimism about the team’s future, with a young core of players and another stockpile of picks in the upcoming draft.
“We’re not going to change the way we run things,” he promised. “Look, we’re all disappointed in what happened. The beauty of the NFL and the reason, I can say this as Chair of the Broadcast Committee, the reason that the networks pay us the large fees that they do is that no one knows what is going to happen in a game … no one knows. It’s two or three plays that make the difference; that makes the game so exciting.
“I’m very proud of this team and what they accomplished this year,” Kraft concluded. “I will forever remember the special effort that the fans have given and the support they have given to my family and to this team.”
Only a few players – sleep-deprived as they were – had the energy to stick around and clean house. Tight end Aaron Hernandez, who was targeted on the desperation Hail Mary pass on the final play of the Super Bowl, silently tossed unwanted items into a large trash bag and dragged it away, leaving his empty locker behind for the time being.
Cornerback Antwaun Molden and safety James Ihedigbo paused to reflect on this lockout-marred, yet unforgettable, season that has come to an end just as abruptly as it began.
“I’m definitely proud of my teammates,” began Molden, “to see where we’ve come from since August. It’s definitely a journey – we had our ups, we had our downs, but we pulled it together.”
“I’m not one for moral victories, but we had a very productive season,” proclaimed Ihedigbo. “We dedicated it in [Myra Kraft’s] honor and went out and played that way. It’s one of those games you want to finish the right way … but, things didn’t work out that way.”
The rest of the Patriots squad will likely be back at the stadium tomorrow to collect their luggage (which arrived separately), have final meetings, say their goodbyes to people they’ve worked so long and closely with these past several months, and go through the other necessary procedural tasks to put an official end to the 2011 campaign.
By no means will it be easy, though.
“It’s a tough pill to swallow,” conceded Ihedigbo, who also acknowledged that his “body’s hurting.”
“God willing, we can get back. It definitely gives us that hunger, that desire, to get back and bring that Lombardi [Trophy] back where it belongs.”
“Oh, man, there’s a taste in my mouth that’s still there, and it’s not going to go away anytime soon,” Molden added. “I’m definitely looking forward to next year. Last night was pretty tough, but today’s a new day, a brighter day.”
And day one of the 2012 offseason.
Posted in Super Bowl XLVI | 18 Comments »
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By Robbie Grady on Feb 6, 2012 | Reply
All the opportunities await — go get ‘em Patriots!
By MIKE D on Feb 6, 2012 | Reply
It wasn’t supposed to end this way, Erik. It just wasn’t.
We had to make it to the Super Bowl, and it had to be this particular season, and it had to be against that particular team. This was supposed to be a shot at redemption.
It hurts. It hurts really bad. But, as a fan, it’s never been about me. I’ve always wanted the best for the team. Every win that I enjoy as a fan, what makes it so enjoyable for me is that the team feels great. And what makes it hurt so much for me is knowing that the team is hurting, and there’s nothing we can do about it.
It’s such a whirlwind of emotions right now. But that’s just the way it goes sometimes. Man, I’m really hating Bernard Pollard right now. That guy is cursed.
Thanks for a great season of reporting, PFW!!! Looking forward to Coach BB’s Draft Day machinations
By jbo on Feb 6, 2012 | Reply
From Bronco land!!! Loved the game!
By Gabe on Feb 6, 2012 | Reply
I can not look at Wes Welker the same ever again. Same thing with brady, it was their mistakes that cost us the game!
By Lisa A on Feb 7, 2012 | Reply
As a Uk Pats fan I am so sad that they didnt beat the giants, I am not sad for me but for the team as they have worked so hard all season. I am hoping that they can comeback with lessons learned and a mission to make it to the superbowl again next year. So guys keep your chins up we wil see you again soon back to your best #PATSRULE
By D in FL on Feb 7, 2012 | Reply
Now that my day of mourning is over, I look back at what was really an exciting season….no one thought we could get it done and we did! Lots of young players on this team that should only get better!!! Can’t wait for the no lock-out season 2012 to begin!!!!
By Balazs on Feb 7, 2012 | Reply
You are right Gabe. And you can blame Brady and Welker driving the Pats to the SB.
I don’t understand people.
Go Pats! Forever!
By Scott M on Feb 7, 2012 | Reply
I watched this game not sure of exactly how it would end, two teams who i believed were so similar that it was nearly impossible to call. Of course my heart stayed true to my beloved Patriots, a team like no other sporting team in the world. The whole organisation worked so very hard in 2011, Robert Kraft working to get us a season, players working with little off season practice to provide us with our entertainment and of course the coaches working to find a balance when injuries constantly floored their best laid plans. This is why the conclusion to 2011 season hurts so much, all that hard work and no trophy. However we can all be so proud of the Pats, i cannot accept any views of people who lay blame at anyones door step for the loss on sunday after all it’s those same record breaking players who got us there in the first place! Now it’s onwards and upwards for the 2012 season and i honestly believe that we can go one further and be crowned world champions once again. On a plus for myself, i purchased my tickets yesterday for the Rams game at Wembley so i will get to see these true champions for the first time this October.
By Patsfancsco on Feb 7, 2012 | Reply
I hate “Fair Weather” fans…but most of all I HATE “Fair Weather” Pats “fans”. Do you people the word “fan” is short for “fanatic”. So what, we lost a game! Yeah, it was THE game, but just another game. No one gave us a shot (especially with the “horrible” defense we had) to even make it to the Super Bowl. Guess what, we did. And we can do it again! Now we need to focus on resigning the best slot receiver in the game and rebuilding our secondary and we will have a legitimate shot next year!! Go PATS!!!!
By brendon in Fla on Feb 7, 2012 | Reply
13-3 season is Nothing to be ashamed about….sucks we lost to of all teams the Giants, but you know what, I love this team and the entire NFL should be kissing Mr.Kraft’s [@$$], he saved football! Brady and Welker, Gronk will all be back….and a solid draft with maybe 2-3 free agent stand outs we’ll be back! We need, SECONDARY!! Moore,Molden,Jones played ok, but we need Pro Bowlers! Think if Ras-I Dowling didnt get hurt, same with Andre Carter, Carter might have stripped Manning? Never know. We should sign Carter for one more season,drop Ellis…..we need a deep threat wide out! Also with McDaniels back at OC our offense will be better,more of a scheme that Brady likes, hell he won 3 SB’s in it!
By brendon in Fla on Feb 7, 2012 | Reply
Thats right Robbie!!!!!
By David B White on Feb 7, 2012 | Reply
Very disappointed that the Patriot’s lost to the Giants. Pats had several chances to win the game but the ball bounced the Giants way on those two fumbles. Pats fought hard to the end but the Giants made enough plays to win. Time to get back to golf and forget about the NFL until next September. Thank you Patriot’s for giving us an exciting year that came down to the last play.
By Jane on Feb 7, 2012 | Reply
This team was amazing. 45 roster changes, coaching changes, undrafted players, injuries, Myra Kraft’s passing…..the list goes on & on yet these guys came back week after week and got better each week despite the odds. Brady and the offense carried the team until the d-line and secondary got their act together. I don’t look at this as a losing season. We went to the Super Bowl yet again – while the great Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees were at home! I’m incredibly proud of this team, no one expected them to go this far but because they didn’t win it all they’re being ostracized and villified. It came down to a lucky break for the Giants at the end of a mistake-ridden game for both sides. And if Gronk had been 100% I the score would’ve been 40-21 and no one would be bitching about Brady or Welker. Go Pats!!!!
By Darrell on Feb 7, 2012 | Reply
Thank you Patrots for a great season. I certainly hoped for a Super Bowl win but you can’t complain when 30 other teams finished their season weeks earlier. If you are a real fan, you love this team whether they win or lose. On to 2012!
By brendon in fl on Feb 8, 2012 | Reply
Thank you Jane, Darrell and all the rest of you bloggers like me. I’m proud of this team, they went through a lot of tough times this season but kept winning,and getting better. 25 more seconds and we’re champions.But, don’t fret people, this squad has the chance to be another “Dynasty” like 2001 to 2005 Really, Gronk, Hernandez, BJGE, lots of young talent and still have the draft to go! 2012 SB will be Patriots vs 49ers…..with which we play at Foxboro next season, only 6 months til tranning camp!!!! its funny, I’m 42 years old, been a fan since I was born, 1st game was in 1976 vs. the Raiders…Live and Die Patriots red, white and blue!!!
By selynn on Feb 8, 2012 | Reply
I also hate FAIR WEATHERED FANS! I am so proud of the Patriots they pulled us all the way to the Super Bowl, against all odds, and played a great game until the 4th quarter with a couple of mistaken calls and bad timing! Once again the Giants won by luck not skill. Even though depressed for Sunday night and most of Monday and I still wear all of my PATS gear and wear it proudly! We will have a great draft season and an even better 2012. NO ONE has the right to blame one or two people on this loss, they got there as a team and unfortunately loss as a team. But people need to realize we got to the big game when no one even gave a chance and we will get there again and this time we will bring the trophy home! #1 PATS FAN in Colorado! I love you guys can’t wait for next year
By Ricky D on Feb 8, 2012 | Reply
I love the New England Patriots so much; I follow them with my whole heart and soul. Bob Kraft, Coach Belichick, Tom Brady, Wes Welker, et al.; you have given us a banner year and a great super bowl run. I am disappointed with the outcome, but I am totally grateful for the great enjoyment that the Patriots have given me throughout the years. This is a great team and I know that you will be back in 2012-2013 for another run. Tom Brady: please don’t give up! You were great this year. Wes Welker: that was a difficult catch and you have made many before, but there is nothing wrong with missing one. Please come back next year and try again. Our team needs you. I love you Patriots, all of you, every last player and coach. I will be rooting for you again next year and every year after that!
By DD on Feb 8, 2012 | Reply
How can anyone blame any member of the team for the loss. One drop pass should not cloud the fact that Wes Welker and Tom Brady are super players. Pats fans are spoiled! I live in a city in which the home team won only 5 games. The patriots were not the team with the best players. They had 18 undrafted players, a great quarterback and superb coaching. They played superbly. I hope Mr. Kraft resigns Wes as he has heart and the desire to win. He is not the most physically talented but his play is super. Don’t be fair-weather fans. The Pats made it to the super bowl and gave us great entertainment. Only one team could win the Lombardi Trophy. I grew up in Mass and will always root for the Pats even though I live in another state with an NFL team.
Thank you Mr Kraft, Bill Belichek, Tom Brady and other players for a great season. Remember fans, this is a game!