Hope Clicks Eternal – The Five-Time Super Bowl Losing New England Patriots

I know it’s been a few days, but there’s still plenty of Patriots schadenfreude to absorb.

Let’s just drink it all in, shall we?

Of course, folks thought the League had it in for the Eagles right from the start.

They have ref shirts under "Patriot Team Apparel". I am weak. pic.twitter.com/HwyCjaWJ1d

— Subpoena Williams 🇭🇳 (@pennyroo_) February 4, 2018

But as the game unfolded it wasn’t to be, although some people were lulled into a false sense of security at halftime,

I understand the need to make the Super Bowl more dramatic, but enough is enough. Stop goofing off now, boys.

— The Strong Are Silent (@MayBelle6104) February 5, 2018

and some began to question the commitment.

The levels of desperation climbed. First, when they were behind in the fourth quarter:

22-yard TD pass from Foles to Clement.

Eagles lead 29-19.

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 5, 2018

And just like a broken clock is right twice a day, I discovered the rare introspective Pats fan

Then they were ahead, and NOTHING WAS WRONG?!!1?1!

#Patriots take the lead. #GoPats pic.twitter.com/LOJWVmeom6

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 5, 2018

Awesome job, Patriots…..see… I knew my tweets are definitely helping you all…. I think you all are gonna get a big win!!!! Keep getting those touchdowns!!! Good job…way to take the lead!!!🏈🏈🏈☺️☺️☺️☺️👍👍👍🙌

— Kayla Rayton (@kayla_rayton) February 5, 2018

But then,

11-yard pass from Foles to Ertz; two-point attempt is no good.

Eagles lead 38-33 with 2:21 remaining.

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 5, 2018

and then,

Eagles kick a 46-yard field goal.

Eagles 41, #Patriots 33 with 1:05 remaining.

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 5, 2018

and after they were beaten –

Final score. pic.twitter.com/cLP2AZKOOi

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 5, 2018

Oh, the glory. On Twitter,

and on Facebook

Of course, people had to go looking for “causes”. Gene Steratore chuckled at calling Gronk for procedure,

which just opened the door to the conspiracy nuts.

This ref is so unprofessional. He's always laughing for no reason when calling a penalty. Always wants to be part of the show. Smh

— Anthony (@AntTheSportsGuy) February 5, 2018

and then the other conspiracy nuts.

Of course, it’s not a good conspiracy unless it’s both about “they’re for them” and “they’re against us”,

or they’ve been brought down FROM WITHIN! BY ONE OF THEIR OWN!!

Unlike most games, because the Patriots lost, the HATERS had to come out & show their glee. Among the ‘best’:

There really is nowhere to go from here.

Ladies & Gentlemen, your Patriots schadenfreude.

This brings an end to “Hope Clicks” for the season. I’ll likely bring it back for the draft, but otherwise do what I plan to do and avoid all NFL social media. It’s a cesspool.