Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

Final Score
Patriots 24
Jaguars 21

Teddy’s Take: Hail to the Champs!

The Patriots clinched their 5th AFC East crown in the last 6-years with a hard-fought win over a very tough Jaguars squad. To me, this is the most impressive win of the season. Remember, the Jaguars had beaten the Cowboys, Steelers, Jets, Giants and Colts on their home field. For New England to go down there and come away with a “W� is quite a feat.

If you heard Bill Belichick in the post-game, you heard a coach very well aware of what his team accomplished on this day. It was also quite humorous to see him wearing an AFC East Champions hat. I don’t ever recall seeing Belichick wear such a hat. Usually, he has bigger fish to fry than just a division title. But I think it really points to the fact this has in many ways been a rebuilding year, and to win a division during such a year is another great accomplishment.

One more thing; the Patriots own the Tuck Rule. No ifs, ands or buts about it. When I saw the replay of that last minute Garrard fumble, I immediately said that’s the Tuck Rule if I’ve ever seen it. The call still went New England’s way. If a playoff game comes down to a borderline call like that, I’m feeling pretty confident…LOL!

Shining Stars: Tom Brady did whatever was necessary to win, including taking a vicious spear that knocked him out of the game for one play (where was the personal foul flag in that one?) so he could get a first down. A career high 10-rushes for 31-yards and 28-39 passing for 243-yards is reason enough for Tom Terrific to add another gold star to a very crowded forehead.

David Thomas also gets a sticker for a team high 5-receptions and 83 yards. The rookie Tight End also made his first career touchdown a memorable one on a fantastic diving catch...While we’re at it, let’s acknowledge an offensive line that did a very good job protecting the QB and helping the Pats to a sizable advantage in time of possession (37:13-22:47).

On the other side of the ball, a strong team effort was highlighted by Ty Warren’s solid play, including a stop of Maurice Jones-Drew on a key 3rd down. Also, fumble or no fumble, Jarvis Green made the key play getting to Garrard at the end of the game.

Quality Quote: “I’m proud of what our players did. They’ve overcome a lot this year, to have the record we have. I’m proud of what they did today. It’s a tough place to play, a tough team to beat down here. I’m happy we came down here to do it.�—Bill Belichick on why he wore the AFC East Champion hat

What did you think? Biggest win of the year? What about the disputed call at the end of the game? How about the play of Brady? How does this guy do it time after time?