Luck remains the most overlooked factor in what decides a champion.
Giants G.M. Jerry Reese had a great quote this week that spoke to how things outside of a team’s control can often make all the difference in deciding public perception. Or even a season.
“Last year we win 10 games and we don’t qualify for the tournament and you’re not that smart,” Reese said. “This time, we win nine games, win a division, less games, and now it seems I’m pretty smart again. It just comes with the territory and that’s just part of it. It just is what it is.”
This happened to be a year that nine wins was enough for the Giants to get in the playoffs. That wouldn’t work most year.
This happened to be a year in the AFC where the vulnerable Patriots secondary didn’t have to face a great quarterback to make the Super Bowl.
That’s just how it goes. You need to be very good to make the Super Bowl, and you usually need to be a little lucky.