I don't see that. If they're trying to break up a pass -- particularly a pass like a hail mary that is lofted in -- having a 6'4 player with incredible leaping ability seems to give them better odds of making the play. Given it was the first half of a game, I don't see why they should go away from something that is clearly in their best interest at making the best play possible.
Seems to me that the people complaining about the people who whine about running up the score far outnumber the latter. I've barely heard anybody complain the Patriots run up the score. I like high scoring football games, so I could personally care less if the Pats go for it on a fourth down in the end of fourth while up by 100.
I LOVE how the Patriots rub it in everyone's face. "You take a draft pick? WE DON'T CARE!" However, the Patriots running up the score helps my fantasy team.
The problem is that players on opposing teams are complaining- so because it's in the media, it gets more attention. I live in Lubbock, so we have to hear all the time how big bad Mike Leach always "runs up the score" on opposing teams. Ridiculous. Like the other person said, they're paying good money and they deserve to see the best of both their team and the opponent.
Uh, the Bills had the ball with 0:04 to go in the half when Belichek called the timeout. It was the 2nd (and last) play after a kickoff. They were about 65 yards away from the New England goal line. Get it now? Even Madden and the other announcer gave pause. The Patriot teams have always been one thing: Whatever their coach tells them to be. Belichek is doing things he did not do in the past. It has zip to do with never giving up or being "professional". I'm not condemning his "In Your Face, NFL!" march to perfection because it will be a part of NFL lore for years to come and I am enjoying it while it happens. But it is what it is. Not just this game, but earlier ones also. Greatness, whether it's classy or jerky, is to be observed and enjoyed while it lasts.
I just can't seem to create much hate for the Patriots. I don't know why; usually, if it is a game where I have no attachments (i.e. Houston teams), I almost always root for the underdog. Which, of course, is everyone sho plays against the Patriots. Yet I just can't really hate on 'em. I find them interesting to watch, for some reason.
I think its because we all know deep inside we are seeing true greatness. I doubt we will ever see another team run through the league like this team in our lifetime.
It is because they appear to be the best team NFL team EVER. The way I look at it is that I feel thankful to be alive and witnessing this right now. This is a team you will hear about for generations.
The Dallas teams in the 90's are right there. As much as I dislike all things Dallas, I enjoyed watching those teams play (not rooting for them, mind you) just because they played such damn good football. Same with the Pats.
the funny thing is outside of brady and moss, this team isn't as talented as those forty niner teams and definitely not as talented as those dallas teams. but they sure as hell play well together. they are an absolute machine, and just like any coach will tell you, it starts with both lines. brady is good enough facing pressure, he looks like the best ever with time to throw.
exactly. i think the defenses match up well. and their offensive efficiency is every bit as good. it doesn't get much better than what they're doing right now.
I don't know why people are obsessed with the Patriots no mercy rule? If a team is so upset then they need to just go over to the ref and forfeit the game and head to lockers. This football and crazy thing have happened before were a 21 point lead can evaporate in minutes. Houstonians, do you remember "the comeback" in 1993? 28-3 lead over the Bills at half-time and then the subsequent total collapse in the 3rd quarter. No lead is safe unless it is unreachable like 40 points into the 4th quarter and that is exactly what the Patriots are doing. They are taking no chance and whipping everyone because they can and will do so. They dare you stop them or score on the their defense. Make a play if you are so upset, tackle someone, intercept a pass, do anything to stop from get destroyed.
nods, I don't recall seeing any team go for the jugular as much as the Pats have done this year. I don't enjoy watching it, but then again when teams like the Bills consistently lay down and don't show any pride, what can you do? The Pats ran the same lead play 4 times in a row last night with Evans and gained like 20 yards. The defense coordinators don't show any imagination (8, 9 man blitzes anyone???), and obviously the Bills players psyched themselves out already.
