Patriots fans enjoyed a wild ride, as they exceeded expectations and won the AFC Championship, defeating the Broncos in a playoff game in Denver for the first time ever. Jubilant fans rejoiced as the Patriots regained the relevance experienced during the Belichick and Brady dynasty. New Head Coach Mike Vrabel and second-year quarterback Drake Maye seemed poised to begin a new Patriots dynasty by defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. Many fans, myself included, eagerly anticipated talking trash to the doubters and haters who claimed that the Patriots were a flawed team that didn’t deserve to be in the big game and only reached the Super Bowl through luck.
Alas, the doubters and haters are the ones who are crowing now. The Seahawks stomped the Patriots 29 to 13, forcing us to admit that there might be some truth to the theory that some of the Patriots’ success could be attributed to a historically easy regular-season schedule and a few crucial injuries to opposing players during the playoffs. Although it makes me sick to say it, I grudgingly concede that these factors were relevant to some degree. This doesn’t mean that the Patriots’ three playoff victories were worthless, but it might indicate that the team isn’t as good as we had hoped.
As we look ahead toward next season, we face concerns about our two recent high draft picks, quarterback Drake Maye and left tackle Will Campbell. Both performed well during the regular season, when they won 14 games. Maye was superb, finishing just one vote shy of winning the Most Valuable Player Award. Maye’s accomplishment was made possible by adequate protection from Campbell. Neither player performed as well during the playoffs. The superior talent of playoff teams, compared to their regular-season opponents, might explain this decline. Another possibility is that injuries affected their performance. After the game, we learned that Campbell previously tore a ligament in his knee, and Maye received a pain-killing injection in his throwing shoulder before the Super Bowl.
Both players are young and should heal well. I think that Maye will be a star performer for many years. Campbell’s future is less certain, as many people think that the team should move him to guard and acquire a more talented left tackle. Not so fast! Campbell performed well enough this season to prove what he can do when his knee is healthy.
Michael Hahn Band varies in size from a duo to a six-piece band, depending upon the size and budget of the venue. They love to make music for any occasion. For bookings call 802-754-8889.
Upcoming Gigs:

I will NOT be playing at the Iron Rail in Woodsville on Thursday, February 26, because the building will be closed for renovations.

Have a story?