No flags, but plenty of calls

The scene has become commonplace in NFL games -- the referee stopping play, talking with a coach who has challenged the call, then placing headphones over his ears and burying his head under a hood to review the call on instant replay.

Soon enough, the referee returns to the field, activates the microphone attached to his jersey, and begins his explanation by saying: "After further review . . ."

Today, the view under the hood includes every play and every move from the Patriots' 2006 season.

So, after further review . . .

Most valuable player

The call: Quarterback Tom Brady. Working with almost an entirely new receiving corps, he still completes almost 62 percent of his passes, totals 24 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and leads the team to a 12-4 regular-season record and berth in the AFC Championship game.

The challenge: Defensive end Ty Warren. Credited by coaches with 117 tackles, Warren helps control the line of scrimmage. Highlighting his value to the team is the fact that the one game he missed is a 17-14 loss to the Jets.

Result: The initial call stands. While Warren is immense, Brady does more with less.

Best play of the year

The call: Receiver Troy Brown stripping Chargers safety Marlon McCree after McCree intercepts a fourth-down pass that could seal a victory in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Patriots recover and post an improbable win.

The challenge: Nose tackle Vince Wilfork picking up a lateral from Jets quarterback Chad Pennington and racing 31 yards, providing the turning point in the team's 37-16 victory in an AFC wild-card game Jan. 7.

Result: The initial call stands. Brady calls it the best play he's ever seen.

Worst play of the year

The call: The season-opening strip sack of Brady by Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes, putting the Patriots in a 7-0 hole just 12 seconds into the year.

The challenge: An 83-yard touchdown reception by Javon Walker in Week 3 in a 17-7 loss to the Broncos.

Result: The initial call stands. The Patriots overcome an unpredictable start to the season.

Best veteran acquisition

The call: Receiver Reche Caldwell. He finishes with a team-high 61 catches for 760 yards.

The challenge: Linebacker Junior Seau. Plays 11 games and helps solidify the interior of the Patriots' defense before breaking his arm.

Result: Both calls are legit.

Worst veteran acquisition

The call: Receiver Doug Gabriel. Acquired for a fifth-round pick from the Raiders, he is waived Dec. 12.

The challenge: Defensive lineman Johnathan Sullivan. Acquired in a preseason deal for Bethel Johnson, he never plays a regular-season snap and is waived Oct. 9.

Result: The initial call stands. Gabriel showed signs of promise, while the move with Sullivan came with lower expectations.

Regrettable personnel decision

The call: Receiver Deion Branch. Placed into a position where they have little leverage in contract extension talks, the Patriots trade Branch to the Seahawks for a 2007 first-round draft choice after the first week of the season.

The challenge: Kicker Adam Vinatieri. The Patriots roll the dice as he explores the market and doesn't give the team a chance to counter the Colts' offer.

Result: The initial call stands. Although Vinatieri's loss helps a rival, the loss of Branch hurts more. Without Branch, the Patriots' passing game evolves over the course of the season, instead of in training camp. His departure also resonates through the locker room.

Best team victory

The call: The 24-21 road win over the Chargers in the divisional playoff game, as the team charges back from a 21-13 deficit midway through the fourth quarter.

The challenge: A 38-13 triumph over the host Bengals in Week 4, as the team comes off a devastating loss to the Broncos and is without starting defensive backs Eugene Wilson and Ellis Hobbs, forcing Troy Brown to play defense.

Result: The initial call stands. Just when it appears the season is about to end, the Patriots find their magic.

Worst team loss

The call: The Jets come into Gillette Stadium on a sloppy field and rainy day, handing the Patriots a 17-14 loss Nov. 12.

The challenge: Holding a 21-3 lead in the first half, the Patriots can't close the deal and lose to the Colts in the AFC Championship game, 38-34.

Result: Overturned. While losing to the Jets at home is uncharacteristic for a Patriots team that prides itself on preparation and situational football, the loss to the Colts probably stings the players more -- and may for a long time to come.

Most improved player

The call: Cornerback Asante Samuel. He enters the year playing right corner and finishes on the left side and tied for the NFL lead with 10 interceptions.

The challenge: Safety James Sanders. After hitting a low in the loss to the Broncos when he is mostly responsible for the touchdown pass to Walker, he bounces back nicely to fill in for Rodney Harrison late in the season.

Result: The initial call stands. Few could have projected that Samuel would emerge as one of the top cornerbacks scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency.

Best rookie performance

The call: Running back Laurence Maroney. He finishes with 745 yards on 175 carries (4.3-yard average) and six touchdowns, while adding 22 receptions.

The challenge: Kicker Stephen Gostkowski. He has a fine year on kickoffs, is consistent on field goals, and comes through in the clutch.

Result: The initial call stands. Despite tailing off at the end of the season, Maroney is the team's most dynamic playmaker on offense.

Most disappointing rookie performance

The call: Receiver Chad Jackson. The second-round pick finishes with 13 catches and two touchdowns, playing in 12 games.

The challenge: None.

Result: The call cannot be challenged. Jackson never gets on track after suffering an offseason injury and missing the bulk of training camp.

Unsung coaching performance

The call: Brad Seely. Special teams coach adapts to three punters, a rookie kicker, and season-ending injuries to key coverage players Tebucky Jones and Mel Mitchell in training camp.

The challenge: Brian Daboll. Fiery receivers coach loses his top two targets from 2005 and helps get the most out of Caldwell, Jabar Gaffney, and Co.

Result: The initial call stands. Seely's work on special teams is considered top-notch by several coaches around the league.

Best record-setting performance

The call: Brown passes Stanley Morgan to become the Patriots' all-time leading receiver Nov. 5, making his 535th career catch. Brown has now totaled 557 receptions with the Patriots.

The challenge: Kevin Faulk passes Tony Collins for most career receptions by a Patriots running back.

Result: The initial call stands. Yet another mark that adds to Brown's legend.