The New England Patriots take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII on Sunday, February 4, 2018.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12), runs to the field to warmup before the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks across the NFL Super Bowl 52 logo before the football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and strong safety Patrick Chung (23), walk off the field before the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, right, talks to his son Steve Belichick, before the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. right, watches kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) kick before the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87), warms up before the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady walks off the field, before the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady warms up before the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Pink interpreta el himno nacional previo al partido del Super Bowl 52 de la NFL entre los Eagles de Filadelfia y los Patriots de Nueva Inglaterra el domingo 4 de febrero de 2018 en Minneapolis. (Foto AP/Matt York)
A formation of four planes, a P51 Mustang, two A-10 Thunderbolt II's and an F-16 Fighting Falcon, fly over U.S. Bank Stadium before the kickoff of the Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady, center, huddles with teammates during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt York)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) celebrates with his teammates after kicking a field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New England Patriots defensive lineman Trey Flowers (#98) celebrates a defensive play during the first quarter at Super Bowl LII between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 4, 2018. (Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA)Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (#9)(Sipa via AP Images)
New England Patriots' Chris Hogan (15) catches a pass during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is seen during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady signals during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots' Brandin Cooks, top, is stopped by Philadelphia Eagles' Rodney McLeod during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Philadelphia Eagles' Nick Foles (9) scrambles from New England Patriots' Trey Flowers during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80), throws to quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
New England Patriots' Danny Amendola, left, throws a pass to quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt York)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady can't catch a pass during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) runs the football from Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Corey Graham (24) during the NFL Super Bowl LII football game on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles running back LeGarrette Blount, left, scores past New England Patriots strong safety Duron Harmon during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles hands off to running back LeGarrette Blount during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New England Patriots' Duron Harmon, right, intercepts a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles' Alshon Jeffery, bottom, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) hauls in a catch next to Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jalen Mills (31) during the NFL Super Bowl LII football game on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) runs the football during the NFL Super Bowl LII football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates a touchdown run, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New England Patriots' James White celebrates his touchdown run during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt York)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates a touchdown run by James White during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots' Chris Hogan catches a touchdown pass during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots' Chris Hogan celebrates after catching a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots' Chris Hogan, right, catches a touchdown pass in front of Philadelphia Eagles' Rodney McLeod during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) celebrates a touchdown reception with fullback James Develin (46), during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at Super Bowl LII between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 4, 2018. (Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)
Justin Timberlake performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show at Super Bowl LII between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 4, 2018. (Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)
Players face off at the line of scrimmage during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after a touchdown during the NFL Super Bowl LII football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) spikes the football after scoring a touchdown during the NFL Super Bowl LII football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after scoring a touchdown during the NFL Super Bowl LII football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Corey Graham (24) during the NFL Super Bowl LII football game on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead, left, runs against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the NFL Super Bowl LII football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass during the NFL Super Bowl LII football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a touchdown reception against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby (41), during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrate a touchdown, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) dances as he celebrates a touchdown reception, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) dances as he celebrates a touchdown reception during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski celebrates his touchdown catch during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Esta noche los Patriots de New England no pudieron lograr su sexto campeonato tras caer derrotados 41-33 frente a los Eagles de Philadelphia.
Un partido reñido de principio a fin que prácticamente se decidió faltando poco más de 2 minutos cuando el balón sale del control de la mano de Tom Brady tras un stripped sack del DE Brandon Graham, jugada que sepultó las esperanzas de "comeback" de los Patriots.
Brady acabó su noche completando 28 de 48 pases para 505 yardas y 3 TD, el QB solo fue capturado en solo una ocasión.
Rob Gronkowski fue sin duda su mejor arma, particularmente en la segunda mitad. El TE atrapó 9 balones para 116 yardas y 2 TDs.
Amendola fue otro hombre importante con 8 recepciones y 152 yardas, lo mismo que Chris Hogan con 6 recepciones para 18 yardas y 1 TD.
Vale resaltar que el WR Brandin Cooks tuvo que abandonar temprano el partido después de recibir un fuerte golpe que lo mantuvo casi inconsciente, siendo retirado por los doctores del campo. Cooks solo logró una atrapada para 23 yardas.
Por su parte el juego de carrera de New England sumó 113 yardas en 22 acarreos.
Aunque la ofensiva de New England lograba avanzar el balón, una vez llegada a la zona roja, o cerca de esta, Brady no podía sumar de 7 puntos, teniendo que conformarse con goles de campo.
Gostkowski estuvo lejos de ser perfecto fallando un gol de campo y un punto extra, el K anotó 2 FG.
Defensivamente no fue una buena tarde para los Pats. El QB Nick Foles completó 28 de 43 pases para 373 yardas y 3 TDs, convirtiéndose en el MVP del partido.
En el juego de carrera, LeGarrette Blount hizo su parte para perjudicar a su ex equipo, acarreando 14 balones para 90 yardas, incluyendo un acarreo de 36 yardas.
Causó sorpresa la ausencia de Malcolm Butler, quien fue reemplazado por Eric Rowe desde el inicio. Butler había estado activo y de buen humor esta semana, por lo que la decisión de Belichick sorprendió a todos.
El juego de pass rushing no estuvo allí tampoco, el QB Nick Foles jugó con bastante comodidad y con la colaboración de sus receptores quienes lograron espectaculares atrapadas.
Finalizando
¿Se pudo haber hecho mejor? Seguro que sí. ¿Se perdieron oportunidades? Muchas. Pero reconozcamos que tuvimos un rival que jugó bien y que nos exigió al máximo.
Ya no es hora de lamentaciones, solo de sentirse orgulloso por las tantas cosas buenas realizadas a lo largo de la temporada y pensar que todavía contamos con jugadores con la capacidad y experiencia para hacernos regresar una vez más al escenario más importante del fútbol americano.
En eso creemos y en eso confiamos.
