very poor clock management....

Totally right. A seven-step drop on 3rd and 1 (resulting in the fumble) was Martz-like in its arrogance. "Shoot, that's what we do.." IF you throw there, a big IF, it sure as heck can't be a 7 step drop.

But the later one was worse. From the Patriots' 22 they lose a yard on 1st and 10. So what. Run it twice more. They averaged 5.8 YPC in the game and even 3.9 YPC removing the long of 37. Set up the easy FG, make NE use it's timeouts and take your trophy and head home..... But no...