FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — As the New England Patriots burst out to a 21-0 lead in ESPN's "Game of the Year," the crowd at Gillette Stadium delighted in making sure Matt Schaub and Co. felt every bit of pain.
"Houston Sucks! Houston Sucks!" rang out for several moments in the packed house, with the chant stopping and starting again.
It began as soon as the three- touchdown cushion was secured, with the crowd essentially dismissing the Texans as dead and done with 39 minutes of game action remaining.
When you have Tom Brady throwing three touchdown passes in the first 19 minutes of the game, you can scream whatever you want. Tight end Aaron Hernandez (five catches and two touchdowns in the Patriots' first three possessions) and slot receiver Wes Welker — who Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips matched up Kareem Jackson on — dominated the first half, giving the crowd plenty of chances to mock.
Hey, no one ever waxes poetic about New England hospitality. Or focuses on the region's class.
Even retired Patriots left tackle Matt Light got into act during a halftime ceremony honoring his career. "Are we having fun tonight?!" Light screamed. "But listen, we've got another half to celebrate."
Moments later, he talked about starting his career with a game in New Orleans and barked, "I plan to be there again in a few months."
New Orleans is the site of this year's Super Bowl of course, a game the Texans believe they belong in. Of course, it's hard to argue that point when you're down 21-0.
