FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The game was long over. The midfield hug for the cameras and the news conference where Bill Belichick had to painfully sort out a loss – “you know, we had our chances” – were too. Belichick even had the time to change out of his rain-soaked hoodie.
The clock was striking midnight here, after an evening of anticipation and emotion and, for Belichick at least, disappointment.
Tom Brady had returned to his old home with his new team in front of his old fans wearing his old jersey but now rooting against him.