Butterfinger candy bar stunt tweaks Patriot fans, Welker

BOSTON (AP) - People aren't quite done piling on New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker for that dropped fourth-quarter pass that helped the New York Giants win the Super Bowl.

Senate candidate Craig James can't escape past sports scandals

AUSTIN, Texas - In the sports world, Craig James was a star football player for Southern Methodist University and the New England Patriots. He later became a household name in Texas as a television analyst for ESPN.

Patriots look to future

Draft, Welker deal among top priorities

By HOWARD ULMAN Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS - Less than an hour after losing the Super Bowl again, Tom Brady slowly slipped on his dark vest and suit jacket and walked to the postgame podium.

The next time he puts on his New England Patriots uniform, he hopes to start another, more successful, run toward the NFL championship.

Bill Belichick ordered defense to allow TD and preserve time

INDIANAPOLIS - Bill Belichick gave clear instructions to his defensive unit: Let the runner score.

Playing the odds and inviting critics, the calculating coach of the New England Patriots told his players to get out of the way, open a wide path for Ahmad Bradshaw and give Tom Brady a chance to win the Super Bowl in the final 57 seconds.

Unusual? Certainly.

Despite Bill Belichick's decision, Patriots eventually ran out of time

INDIANAPOLIS - Bill Belichick saw the New York Giants at the 6-yard line and a clock with only 64 seconds left on it.

Let the Giants score, and New England gets the ball back with enough time for a game-winning drive. Stop 'em, and the Giants were going to run the clock down before bringing Lawrence Tynes on for a game-winning field goal and the Lombardi Trophy.

Robert Kraft's team on wrong side of exciting Super Bowl

FOXBOROUGH - When New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft sits down with network executives to negotiate the NFL's television contracts, he knows what they're looking for.

On Sunday, he experienced the wrong side of it.

Josh McDaniels confirmed as Patriots offensive coordinator

FOXBOROUGH (AP) - New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has confirmed that Josh McDaniels will be the team's offensive coordinator next season.