Keller @ Large: What We Learned From The Patriots Super Bowl Win
BOSTON (CBS) - So what did we learn from the stirring Patriots win?
First of all, we saw what a fine line it is between winning and losing. It came down to who made the last big play, and it easily could have gone the other way.
Photo Gallery: Super Bowl XLIX
Come to think of it, that has been the script of all six Patriots' Super Bowl appearances in the Belichick-Brady era. To win it all, you've got to be lucky enough to avoid crippling injuries. But the fact that they've won four of the six demonstrates that something more than luck is involved.
By all accounts, no one works harder at their profession than Belichick and Brady, or brings more intelligence to bear on what they do. So there's lesson #1 – work ethic and brains count for something.
Lesson #2 is, don't let the critics get you down.
Only the most bitter, jealous losers among us will continue to talk about Deflategate and Spygate after what we just witnessed, not just the Super Bowl win, but the entire season, including the painstaking reconstruction of the team over the last couple of years.
Photo Gallery: Patriots Celebrate
Instead of hating on Bill Belichick, the haters ought to try to learn something from him about management, planning and strategy. Instead of envying Tom Brady, they ought to try copying his composure and discipline.
And a final lesson from last night – in the end, it wasn't just about the star quarterback and the big-name coach, but also the no-name defender, Malcolm Butler, who made the big interception.
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What's that old cliché? There's no "I" in team.
Richard Sherman, take notes.
Listen to Jon's commentary:
You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.
