Much has been made about sticking Gronk back there. It reminds me of the Duke vs UK in which Laettner hit the game winner in a play immortalized on ESPN. In UK land, Rick Pitino was incessantly grilled about why he did not guard the inbound through, even today.
Fact is, great coaches are human. They make many mistakes throughout a game. Most are inconsequential. But they are judged in one or two moments forever.
They will make mistakes, but it is how that mistake is exploited that matters.
Had Stills not had the awareness to not force the pitch, this is a non-story.
Had Ted Larsen not hustled down field this is a non-story. Even Mr All Guy No Quit Amendola was out of position to make a block
Had Gronk not tripped, this is a non-story.
Fact is those things did happen and it happened for us against them.
That is sports. And this time we came out on top.
But to judge a man in one call because we hate the level of dominance he has achieved is a little far reaching. I'd trade his rings for any number of miracle plays.
Enjoy the moment.
