Sport: A Sudden Flash of Patriotism

Berry and New England carry each other to the top

While emotions in Chicago have been gathering force all season, the elation in Boston and environs qualifies as a flash fever. Only a little more than a month ago, goodness had been confirmed, but greatness was still unsuspected by even the most exuberant of the Patriots' worn and wistful constituency. As recently as last year, this was a fifth-place team behind the Boston Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins and Fluties. At least a modern Super Bowl record must have collapsed when, in contrast to the Chicago lottery, the Patriots were able to accommodate every season-ticket holder (count them, 7,500) with two ducats...

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