December 28, 2008 - New England Patriots 2008 Season Ends

New England Sports

2008-2009 Season

(so far)

A rough season for the Patriots.  Imagine:

• Losing your starting quarterback - last year's NFL MVP - seven minutes into the season
• Losing your starting running back
• Losing your #2 and #3 running backs for significant portions of the season
• Losing your best linebacker
• Losing your starting safety and defensive leader
• Losing your starting insider linebacker
• Losing several key backups and special team players
• Sending 14 players to Injured reserve
• Being forced to use 43 different starters

and still going 11-5?

Yet, after that surprising effort, the Patriots are the first team in over 30 years to win 11 games and not make the playoffs.  Oh well. 

Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe says of the Pats: "They're the Best Team Ever To Miss The Playoffs".

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2008/12/29/not_enough____but_they_gave_plenty/

A terrific season by Matt Cassell, and a good season by the team.  Unfortunately, not quite good enough, given the high standards in New England.  Next year...