While it will get most of the attention on Sunday, I remain skeptical (though not dismissive of the idea) that this is going to be Belichick's last in Foxboro. But I do think that this is likely Matthew Slater's final game in the NFL. With the possible exception of Mosi Tatupu (who played much more offense than Slater did), there isn't any special teams player that has meant as much to this franchise or come close to the job he's done. There are tons of examples of his stellar play, but I was fortunate enough to go to Super Bowl LIII and sat near the Rams' endzone. Midway through a tense third quarter where the Pats were clinging to a 3-0 lead, Brady threw an incomplete pass to Edelman on 3rd and 2 from our 49, leading to a punt. Ryan Allen put it deep, but the ball was bouncing toward the endzone until Slater positioned himself at the two-yard line to grab the ball and stood like a statue with it, pinning the Rams deep. My brother and I looked to see who caught it, then looked at each other and each said "Of course":
(Video: https://x.com/GooseOnBass/status/1094286313497481217)
There were a lot of "of course" moments in his career--I remember games against the Dolphins and Jets where punts that were sure to be touchbacks were tossed back into the field of play right before the goal line. And while it was luck, when Slater called heads in the overtime of Super Bowl LI and the Pats won the toss, you just knew they were gonna win the game. If this is it for Slater, he retires as a certain Patriots Hall of Famer, and may even have an argument for Canton.
Fair winds and following seas to an all-time great Patriot.
(Video: https://x.com/GooseOnBass/status/1094286313497481217)
There were a lot of "of course" moments in his career--I remember games against the Dolphins and Jets where punts that were sure to be touchbacks were tossed back into the field of play right before the goal line. And while it was luck, when Slater called heads in the overtime of Super Bowl LI and the Pats won the toss, you just knew they were gonna win the game. If this is it for Slater, he retires as a certain Patriots Hall of Famer, and may even have an argument for Canton.
Fair winds and following seas to an all-time great Patriot.
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