Patriots maintain focus on the biggest prize

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Reuters) - The New England Patriots were pleased to put the finishing touches on a perfect regular season against the determined New York Giants on Saturday but maintained their focus on the bigger prize.

The Patriots want nothing less than to turn their 16-0 season into a conquering 19-0 mark that would include a fourth Super Bowl title for the franchise since the 2001 season.

"It was kind of a tricky game because it really doesn't mean much, but it means a lot," said quarterback Tom Brady, whose two touchdown passes in the 38-35 victory gave him an NFL record 50 for the season.

"Any individual record for me is not as meaningful as what I've experienced with this team over the past seven years.

"Coach has kept us grounded. He is not concerned with records. He wants to make sure we put our best out there every week," added Brady, who was 32-for-42 passing for 356 yards.

The Patriots had already clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs but the game had historical significance for them as they became the first team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins (14-0) to finish undefeated.

The Giants, locked into their playoff berth as well, played with pride before a Giants Stadium crowd of 79,110.

TOUCHDOWN CATCHES

"The Giants came out with great intensity to start the game," Patriots star receiver Randy Moss told reporters. "It took us a while to match their intensity."

Defensive end Richard Seymour added: "We always got everyone's best shot. I think that is what makes it so special."

Moss came up with two touchdown catches, the last on a 65-yard bomb as he sprinted down the sideline that gave him an NFL record 23 TD receptions.

"We had a historical season but we can only enjoy it for 48 hours."

New England trailed the Giants 28-16 in the third quarter before rattling off 22 unanswered points to take charge.

"We always believe that we have a chance," said tight end Ben Watson, who had four catches for 38 yards. "We always believe that we are in the game. We always believe that we are going to win. Until we prove otherwise, this is how we think,"

Wide receiver Wes Welker, who had 11 catches for 122 yards, added: "It's been a special year. We have had some good games and have been able to fight back and win some."

New England routed numerous opponents but also squeaked out victories, taking back-to-back, three-point wins late in the season over the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens.

"We talked about playing winning football one game at a time and that is what we've done so far and that is what we need to continue to do," Welker said. "There is still a lot of work left to be done."

(Editing by John O'Brien)