Super Bowl 2012: Patriots Blow Title Chance, but Brady Will Be Back

The New England Patriots were just four minutes away from winning Super Bowl XLVI. They had a 17-15 lead and the ball, were driving down the field and had the New York Giants on the ropes.

Then, a drive that started on their own eight-yard-line and moved to New York's 47 suddenly went terribly wrong. After BenJarvus Green-Ellis took a first down carry for a one-yard loss, quarterback Tom Brady dropped back and spotted Wes Welker wide open 20 yards downfield. He launched a pass in the direction of the veteran receiver and it seemed like the game would be all but clinched.

Brady's ball was a little behind Welker, but as the diminutive wideout went up for the ball, he got both hands on it. Yet somehow, he failed to reel in the catch.

On the next play, Brady couldn't connect with Deion Branch. New England was forced to punt the ball back to the Giants, who took advantage and drove down the field for the game-winning score.

The Patriots had the game in hand and a title within their grasp and lost it quickly. 

While the loss will sting for quite awhile, don't expect Brady and head coach Bill Belichick to just take it. Both men are going to work as hard as they ever have to get back and prove they can actually win that fourth title. 

After certain things are worked out—April's draft and the re-signing of receiver Wes Welker—the Patriots will turn their focus to improving next season. 

Judging by how Brady reacted after the game, and how hard he took the loss, I truly believe he won't let anything stand in his way next year. 

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots may have lost Sunday night. And it may have been devastating. But they will certainly be back.