For many Western New Yorkers, this weekend’s Super Bowl was not one to embrace. It came three weeks after the bitter loss to the Denver Broncos that included a questionable interception and borderline pass interference penalties.

That’s tough to get over.

But having to watch rival New England — with six titles — in the big game may have been worse. While the Patriots deserve lots of credit for their stunning turnaround — from four wins to 14 — not many in this region could stomach them winning another championship.

Seattle, with its dominant defense, ended the Cinderella run of the young AFC squad. From start to finish in the game, the Seahawks proved they were the league’s best.

Buffalo has a new coach in Joe Brady – and they are once again favorites next year to win the conference. Watching this year’s playoffs, however, brings a realization that it cannot just be about Josh Allen and the offense. Defense won Seattle’s championship. The Bills need to bolster that side of the ball.