Your 2014 World Champions: THE New England Patriots

Where to even begin. This season was an incredible one. This Super Bowl win meant more than others, because this season was a little different than others. Losing our season opener, falling to last place in our division...a place we're not used to being...getting blown out on Monday night in Kansas City, falling to 2-2...nonstop remarks from 'experts' about how the dynasty was over and the Patriots were "simply not good anymore"...all of which sparked a seven game win streak, the Pats claiming first place in the AFC, home field advantage throughout the playoffs, and ultimately, a Super Bowl championship. 

Needless to say, it was a bumpy ride at times. But all in all, I think, no I know, that the downs, the doubts, the hate, the 4 losses, they motivated this team and only made their will to win stronger. One thing about this Patriots team that makes them so resilient, is how they stick together no matter what. I honestly do not know if I've ever seen a group of guys that define the word "team" better than the 2014 New England Patriots. And that my friends, is one of the biggest reasons that the Patriots are Champions. Teamwork and brotherhood was the story all season long. 

I woke up feeling pretty good, pretty confident on Sunday. But my nerves started getting to me by about...11am. I had a feeling that whichever team scored first would win, but I can't lie, when Brady threw those 2 interceptions, I wasn't sure we were going to be able to overcome them. And after Kearse's incredible catch that put seattle in the red zone, with under a minute left to play, I just did not have a good feeling. I won't say that I gave up, but I will say that I have never prayed so hard over a football game. I, like everyone else, just knew that Seattle was handing it off to Lynch and he was probably getting into the end zone. I just knew it. Because how in the world do you NOT give it to arguably the best, most powerful back in the league when you're on the 1 yard line?! No idea but I'm glad they didn't. Malcolm Butler, the undrafted rookie, saved the day. Just like he'd been doing almost every snap he played Sunday night. That moment, the interception, didn't feel real. It was crazy. I don't cry over many things, in fact it's usually just football games, but I won't deny the fact that I got a little emotional. I actually don't know that there was a single Patriots fan that didn't...

Best moments:

• Richard Sherman's face when Butler intercepted Wilson, and sealed the win. Especially since he was mocking Revis for allowing a touchdown several minutes earlier. Ehem, karma. 
• The fact that Gronk was practically unfazed by the Legion of Boom the entire game. And this is why you don't talk bad about Gronk ever, much less the week leading up to the biggest game of the season.
• Vereen doing work. A Patriots team without Shane Vereen just sounds scary at this point. He honestly doesn't get enough credit. Without him the past couple seasons, I don't know that we even make a deep run in the playoffs, much less back-to-back AFCCG appearances, and the Super Bowl win this season. He's had some critical drops but when it counts most, he's stepped up and been a security blanket for Brady. Definitely Kevin Faulk 2.0.
• Amendola. First, I think we should applaud Danny for making it through an entire game against one of the most physical defenses in the league, without getting hurt. Like honestly, I can't be the only one who had him getting concussed by the end of the 3rd quarter. No, but really, Amendola continues to prove his importance to the team. He steps up and makes plays, big or small, when needed most. So glad Amendola is a Patriot. 
• Ninkovich. For a little stretch of the game, Nink and Butler (of all people) seemed to be the only defensive players who showed up and had their heads in the game. I could make a strong case for Nink deserving the MVP award. 
• Josh McDaniels and his game plan. Of course, as with any game where McDaniels is the OC, there were some questionable plays called and several times where we all just kind of scratched our heads. But, again, when it counted the most, McDaniels proved why he still has a job in the NFL. He got it done. He got a little creative, got a little gutsy, and most of all, told Brady to just go win. 
• SO thankful that there wasn't a ridiculous Manningham or Tyree catch that lost us the game. Because even Brady had doubts after Kearse made that catch...

Still can't get over this win. I haven't stopped smiling since. I mean, who had Malcolm Butler as the Patriots' Super Bowl hero?! 

It's hard to look at all this organization has accomplished since 2000 and not consider this the greatest dynasty of all time. Finally ending our Super Bowl drought and winning the big one in Arizona feels pretty good. This team has earned it and deserved to win. 

Brady got his 4th ring, so where does that put him in terms of all-time great? Post coming later this week! 

So proud of this team. Job: done, mission: accomplished.

As always, Go Patriots.