Bill and Tom. Two names synonymous with winning in the NFL. From afar they look like the typical football dynasty, a hall of fame QB, a ruthless coach who takes no bs and basically full reigns of the team. Most franchises search long and hard for individuals like Belichick and Brady, the sad reality is few ever reach that goal. Although calls for their heads have begun following the so called “DeflateGate”, a controversy involving the Patriots being accused of using under inflated footballs in the Conference finals. True talent can’t be denied.
From the start of the Patriots franchise until Belichick’s arrival in 2000, New England failed to make any sort of impact in the NFL. Making the postseason in consecutive years just two times, they experienced very little success. Since that winter day back in January ’00, the team has created a dynasty. Spearheaded by an evil two headed monster. Historic records include most SuperBowl appearances with 8(tied with Steelers and Cowboys) most consecutive wins in the regular season, most wins in a decade and numerous other statistical feats. One can not expect the coach to be the main reason for this much success. He had help along the way, Tom Brady.
A future first ballot Hall of Famer, Brady has defied all odds throughout his illustrious career. After being selected late in the draft at #199, little predicted this lanky uninspired looking QB would be this elite and relevant at this stage of his life. Little has changed since that day Drew Bledsoe went down and Tom took over. No spring chicken, Tom is 37 years old and now vying for his 4th Super Bowl ring. The chemistry him and his symbolic football father have is unmatched. Not since the glory days of the Cowboys in the 70’s and early 90’s have we witnessed such greatness between coach and QB. Notching a staggering 21 postseason wins and now on their 6th attempt at the Lombardi trophy, Bill and Tom have built more than a dynasty in New England. They’ve created a lifestyle. A way of living for players and fans alike.
Marred by many accusations, most believe they have built all of this on a web of lies and foundation of cheating. Yes, the dreaded SpyGate of the early 00’s was exposed and they have yet to win a Super Bowl since than. In reality, if David Tyree doesn’t make the catch of the century New England wins in 2007 and caps off a perfect season that year. 2014 is no different. This theory that Belichick and Co. somehow snuck into the locker room and secretly deflated game balls is absolutely ridiculous. If the pigskin was that much of a problem for Andrew Luck to toss around, the problem would have been addressed during the game. Yet there we were, less than a day removed from the bludgeoning of the Colts and already waving our pitchforks calling for an execution. Relax people, The Patriots would have won regardless of this conspiracy.
When a team wins a conference championship by more than 35 points, it says a ton about that squad. It wasn’t a pathetic Jaguars or Raiders club than Brady and his guys demolished, it was the mighty colts. Led by General Luck, they dismantled the Broncos Offense just 7 days prior, and seemed lost and lethargic versus the top dog Patriots.
I view this as the enjoyment of loving to hate the best of the best in sports. As New England fans glory has begun less than 20 years ago, it’s safe to say that the hatred will continue for a very long time. Inside our hearts we love to watch sports teams reign supreme every year, the loyalty to our own teams keep us blinded from the raw excitement that made us fall in love with football from the beginning. Social media has us addicted to being different and not liking the “norm”, which is why most people choose to call out Tom and Bill. Attack their personalities especially Brady, acting as if he isn’t the best QB to ever play the game. Numbers don’t lie.
So instead of exuding doubt and denial about the Patriots and their elite QB/Coach duo, accept it and enjoy it for the great football we get to watch. This all coming from a diehard Ravens fan whom absolutely despises Brady and crew…… When we play them. Use your football knowledge, appreciate the game and the great players in it. It’s much more entertaining.
I will always hold Spygate and the tuck rule against Brady and Belicheck. They haven’t won a ship since.. they don’t take care of their players is the main reason I have a distain for them. They let go franchise staples at a drop of a dime which his good business but not cool for the player who lays it on the line week in and week out. .
can’t hate on winning but don’t hold them in the same regard as others.
I can’t accept the tuck rule, they had that rule in place before that happened to Brady. The SpyGate is tough cuz I find it hard to believe that there isn’t more teams doing the same thing just not being caught. As for the release of franchise staples I can’t complain, if it makes the team better why not release them. I know some of their decisions were low blows but at the end of the day whatever benefits my team im all for. Fortunately my Ravens haven’t really done that, they let the players decide. But I feel like the way the NFL is, players should expect to be traded/cut at any moment. I have a strong disdain for the pats too, just despise ppl acting like they cheated to get every win, record etc. They went 18-0 in 2007, after SpyGate so they still a great team but honestly I can see where you are coming from
Good post Wes, I see your points also.. that’s what its all about man!!