Based on the votes in the first round of the Pats Madness tournament, here are the sweet 16 of the bracket’s Brown and Bruschi regions.
#1 vs #5 - Super 36 vs 2011 AFCCG vs Baltimore
I’ll admit, I’m a little biased here. Super Bowl 36 is my #1 overall seed. You may feel differently, but, for me, the reasoning is simple. Every time I hear Gil Santos’ call of Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning field goal, I get goosebumps. All these years and Super Bowls after, and this one still sticks with me. So it’s an easy call for me here. I do love the poetic nature here. Both games up for the decision ended because of a field goal, though. Of course only one of them went in, the other flew wide left.
Poll
1 vs 5 - Super Bowl 36 vs 11 vs Bal
#3 vs #2 - 2001 AFCCG at Pittsburgh vs 2018 AFCCG at Kansas City
Another matchup that I think will be rather one-sided. The Pittsburgh game was great, and the fact that Drew Bledsoe had to come in and win the game made it even better. But that game in January against the Chiefs was unbelievable. Combine the fact that it objectively is probably a better game with people’s recency bias, and this one could get ugly.
Poll
3 vs 2 - 01 @ Pitt vs 18 @ KC
#1 vs #5 - Super Bowl 38 vs 2007 at Baltimore
Normally, you would think a Super Bowl against a regular season game would be a no-brainer, and you’re probably correct. But that Ravens game in 2007 is one for the ages, so Super Bowl 38 may have some competition this round. I still think the game is just too good to fall this early, though.
Poll
1 vs 5 - Super Bowl 38 vs 07 @ Bal
#6 vs #2 - 2004 AFCCG at Pittsburgh vs Super Bowl 53
Our lone Cinderella is dancing into the Sweet 16, right into a really tough matchup with Super Bowl 53. Yes, the final was 13-3, but the performance of the defense, combined with it having yet another fourth quarter, game-winning drive by Tom Brady, and it being his sixth ring, makes this is a tough matchup for anyone. Hats off to the 2004 Pittsburgh game, it made it further than I thought it would, but I think that sound in the distance is clock striking midnight.
Poll
6 vs 2 - 04 @ Pitt vs Super Bowl 53
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true March Madness tournament without a bracket to print and fill out, and to follow along with as we go. Click here to download the updated printable .pdf document.
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