Alright, here's an idea. How about both teams get one guaranteed possession, but you can't kick FG's or extra points, so you have to go for 2 after every TD. Sudden death after 2 possessions if still tied and unlimited time (for the SB).

I guess I didn't mean to imply Rodgers was a poor leader, just not up to Brady's standard. I also don't see Rodgers as being a better pre-snap general. He is clearly better at extending plays, but he uses it as a crutch imo. If you are scrambling, its because the play you are running broke down. Brady physically can't…

Not really and that's the crazy part. They missed the extra point and then could only get a field goal on a long drive. They were still hopelessly out of it until that strip sack

So whats your criteria? The "eye test"? I mean, we are going to argue about who's the best regardless, so saying "Its not Brady! Marino looked better! But really who's to say between era's…." is kinda a cop out.

Yup. In some sick alternate reality I am a fan of some other Boston team not named the Patriots, who I would hate even more than every other team in the NFL

That is a good point, but you can't really do it that way in OT during the regular season, right? That much extra playing time is going to start affecting teams week to week, especially on short weeks, so is it fair to throw that wrinkle in just for the final game of the season? Then there are also broadcasting issues…

"I don't consider the team bad guys, but I can't get over Boston's "woe is us" complex when four of their sports team have loads of titles."

and they were ahead in the game for exactly zero seconds

I thought the Falcons got wrecked on that drive. Didn't the Pats get a play or two? I don't think Ryan's arm is quite that good

I honestly thought it was a really well officiated game, tbh. The refs generally let them play, only calling egregious stuff (those holds were pretty bad).

"You cannot make up rules as you go along like Goodell did."

Its not the suspension that hurt, its the draft picks. That first rounder hurts. A lot.

I actually felt really bad the camera kept pointing to them. I was an elated Patriots fan but felt kinda like they were getting kicked while they were down. Having been there myself I can't revel in the misery of other fans.

I noticed that too. A lot of them seemed a little lucky though, like they were underthrown a bit but his receiver had their DB whooped so bad it didn't matter. Historically he loves overthrowing it deep

This. It was almost more amazing that Manning escaped getting sacked 400 times in one play then basically hucks up a no-look prayer of a pass.

I can subscribe to this. Julio's catch was basically the "perfect" total receiver skill catch. Basically athletic perfection defined. You just marvel at the skill and ability. That Edelman catch was just insanity though. I can't decide if its more fun watching in slow motion, or bang-bang, because either way all I can…

To be fair, Connecticut is only like half-ish New England. Too many New York fans there to be pure Boston blooded

Falcons will be fine. Matt Ryan is the real deal. When that defense grows up a bit, they will be right back in it.

"success is a team statistic not an individual one. "

I'm ok with it because there isn't really a better way to do it. I mean, does anyone really think the Falcons were going to win if they won the coin toss? The Patriots were unstoppable by that point.