Pats get the job done

It felt like the bottom of the eighth all over again. Following the spectacular tradition of New England sports, the Patriots held fans in suspense throughout last night's entire Super Bowl. All year, the Patriots seemed incapable of making it through a game without causing at least a few heart attacks.

But the curse of the Bambino didn't extend to football last night. To the relief of New England fans, Bill Belichick managed to do what Grady Little could not. Win when it counts. Still licking its wounds from the Red Sox's tragic fall, Boston needed this.

Whether it is nightlife, food, or sports, Beantown is a city that's always had a second-best label. Until Bill Belichick's Patriots, there was no reason to doubt the status. New England's 15 straight wins makes this season more than just a successful Super Bowl. It's a season for the history books. It's a season that brought life back into the city. It's a season that gave Bostonians something to be proud of again.

New England fans have known all season that the Patriots are the best team in football, period. This year, there were no doubts as to whether the Pats had earned their trip to the Super Bowl. There was no tuck rule, no AFC Championship Snow Bowl, and Tom Brady delivered a steady and solid performance all season.

Bruins, Celts, and Sox fans have all had their hearts broken believing that their team was the best in the league. Finally, someone stopped the bleeding.

Congratulations are deserved all around. Bill Belichick has orchestrated another phenomenal season, and the Carolina Panthers proved they were tougher than anyone believed. Both teams played to win until the final whistle. In the end, the Patriots deserve credit for executing their game plan, maintaining focus, and getting the win. Even for a team that clearly had the roster to get the job done, this is no small task. Just ask a Cubs or Red Sox fan.