Gregg Easterbrook on Good vs. Evil (1 Viewer)

[eom]

omg classless manning running it up111

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

You guys realize this is just a game right?

Pipe down and hand me a torch.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

While I love the "smirking sybarite" phrase, that's really a cheap, uncalled for shot at Tom Brady and comparing him to **** Cheney's surely worse. Brady's done his share of charity work. Plus, how can scoring a lone second-half TD constitute running up the score? Even after being ripped by ESPN's own ombudsman for this kind of stuff Easterbrook just won't stop.

Thanks for the link to the ombudsman piece. It speaks volumes when ESPN's own ombudsman absolutely tears his into his spurious and fanciful leaps of faith....not to mention his irresponsible reporting. I've read Easterbrook often in the past. But he's so far gone with this Patriots thing that it almost has to be an epic or simply . His credibility has flown the coop.

 

[Truman]

i have no idea how the pats could be considered "evil".i've always been under the impression that they are the model franchise in professional sports. all their players are upstanding guys (that we know of). they take a bunch of no-name players and cast-offs and turn them into the ultimate "team". much of their all-time great team right now are miami dolphins cast-offs (welker, morris, evans, seau).no one on this team gets in trouble off the field or on.sure, they play hard for 60 min. no matter what the score and their coach isn't a fun interview.i don't know how that makes them evil.you know, it's similar to what happened to the san antonio spurs' public image during the playoffs last year. one hip check by robert horry and the spurs went from being a model, up-standing franchise doing things the right way to a dirty team.

- They cheated- They have the most fined player in NFL history and one of the league's biggest thugs (who just came back from HGH suspension, oh and is the 2-time reigning champ in the 'league's dirtiest player' poll)- They have players who like to headstomp in Meriweather and Seymour- Their fans are truly insufferable, especially their biggest one who has a national platform to bash their rivals. (The FU TD? Seriously? They got caught cheating and now they're angry? Should the league have let them keep cheating?)BTW, none of this makes that article any less ridiculous.

 

[porkins]

- They have players who like to headstomp in Meriweather and Seymour

Link?

 

[Muahahaha]

I know that my house will be rooting heavily for the Colts, largely for the sentiments Easterbrook has expressed, although not in quite those terms.

The fact is that Belicheck did cheat and has not expressed remorse. In this country, people will forgive and forget. All you have to do is come clean. He has yet to come clean. He is by far the best coach in the league, but is not somebody that I would ever say displays high moral fiber. If I were an NFL owner, I would hire him in a minute over Dungy, but I don't think that you can deny that Dungy has displayed better character.

As for Brady, my wife and sister-in-law are huge NFL fans who bet on games and play fantasy football. Ever since he walked away from his baby and Bridget Moynihan, they will have nothing to do with him. I myself don't consider this a real noble thing to have done.

The fact is Easterbrook's main message is spot on: the Colts basically do represent good in this battle. Don't think you can really deny that, even if Easterbrook kind of brought the message with way too much hyperbole.

 

[PMENFAN]

i have no idea how the pats could be considered "evil".i've always been under the impression that they are the model franchise in professional sports. all their players are upstanding guys (that we know of). they take a bunch of no-name players and cast-offs and turn them into the ultimate "team". much of their all-time great team right now are miami dolphins cast-offs (welker, morris, evans, seau).no one on this team gets in trouble off the field or on.sure, they play hard for 60 min. no matter what the score and their coach isn't a fun interview.i don't know how that makes them evil.you know, it's similar to what happened to the san antonio spurs' public image during the playoffs last year. one hip check by robert horry and the spurs went from being a model, up-standing franchise doing things the right way to a dirty team.

It was a feel good story that castoffs are turned to gold in NE.However, it's not such a pretty story when it turns out those castoffs are being so productive because they know the other team's plays. Gee- no wonder they play better in NE.

Yeah, because teams run the same plays year after year, never updating their playbook. And, NE is the ONLY team in the league signing free agents.

 

[GroveDiesel]

i have no idea how the pats could be considered "evil".

i've always been under the impression that they are the model franchise in professional sports. all their players are upstanding guys (that we know of). they take a bunch of no-name players and cast-offs and turn them into the ultimate "team". much of their all-time great team right now are miami dolphins cast-offs (welker, morris, evans, seau).

no one on this team gets in trouble off the field or on.

sure, they play hard for 60 min. no matter what the score and their coach isn't a fun interview.

i don't know how that makes them evil.

you know, it's similar to what happened to the san antonio spurs' public image during the playoffs last year. one hip check by robert horry and the spurs went from being a model, up-standing franchise doing things the right way to a dirty team.

Except for Rodney Harrison who got busted for taking illegal substances and has been known as one of the dirtiest players in football for a long time. And Randy Moss who ran over a meter maid, squirted a ref with a water bottle, etc. And Vince Wilfork who is quickly becoming known as one of the dirtiest players in the league and has been fined several times this season for dirty plays.That's not to say that Easterbrook isn't WAY over the edge on this one, because he is. His whole "the NFL is in jeapordy" bit a few weeks ago was flat out ridiculous, as is this.

But I certainly think that the Patriots should hardly be considered the model franchise of the NFL. Yes, they win a lot, but they're a pretty dirty franchise.

 

[PMENFAN]

More than Manning/Brady I think the real good vs. evil is Belichick vs. Dungy. No matter who you cheer for (I'm a Ravens homer) you have to admit that Belichick is a #### (and a genius) and Dungy is a genuinely nice guy.

Really. So you know them both well enough to make this judgement? on a personal level. I doubt you or Easterbrook can honestly make the statement. It's made by both based on nothing more than media reports.

People said LT was a great guy, full of character, when he was not winning and winning when he was supposed to. When they lost when they were supposed to win, we saw a different picture. Comments about football have nothing,absolutely nothing to do w/ the genuine personality of the guys. It's their job, and just like you the actions at work are different thant he actions in life. You manage the job for business reasons. You manage life for personal.

[Except for Rodney Harrison who Admitted to taking illegal substances and has been known as one of the Haredest hitting players in football for a long time. And Randy Moss who ran over a meter maid, squirted a ref with a water bottle, etc. And Vince Wilfork who is quickly becoming known as one of the best d-linemen in the league and has been fined several times this season for dirty plays.Wilfork is a monster. "According to the league, Wilfork hit Cowboys tight end Jason Witten late on a 3-yard rush by running back Marion Barber. Wilfork was not flagged on the play, but defensive end Ty Warren was.

It's the second fine this season for Wilfork. He was fined $12,500 by the league for striking the left knee of Buffalo quarterback J.P. Losman with his elbow in the Patriots' 38-7 win Sept. 23. Wilfork has appealed that fine. His appeal was heard Tuesday, but no decision has been reached. "http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/10/20/another_fine_day_for_wilfork/

That's not to say that Easterbrook isn't WAY over the edge on this one, because he is. His whole "the NFL is in jeapordy" bit a few weeks ago was flat out ridiculous, as is this. (at lease you dropped the hyperbole here)

But I certainly think that the Patriots should hardly be considered the model franchise of the NFL. Yes, they win a lot, but they're a pretty dirty franchise.

/quote]

So, you've got stuff on Moss, while he was in MN, and the Pats are dirty? You've got Eilfork who hit Losman on a play that was so bang bang he wasn't penalized w/ Buffalo, and a shoving match w/ Witten that went beyond the whistle, and he's a dirty player? Harrison is a hard hitter, and has taken some fines through the years. Yes, he ADMITTED he used HGH. He served his suspension. Here's a hint. HGH is WIDELY used in the NFL. Some people get caught and ay the panalties. If the NFL tryly wanted to stop 'roid use and HGH use, the first suspension would be a lifetime ban. As it is now, the fourth is. That's acceptance of the use, with a wrist slap for getting caught.

 

[GroveDiesel]

More than Manning/Brady I think the real good vs. evil is Belichick vs. Dungy. No matter who you cheer for (I'm a Ravens homer) you have to admit that Belichick is a #### (and a genius) and Dungy is a genuinely nice guy.

Really. So you know them both well enough to make this judgement? on a personal level. I doubt you or Easterbrook can honestly make the statement. It's made by both based on nothing more than media reports. People said LT was a great guy, full of character, when he was not winning and winning when he was supposed to. When they lost when they were supposed to win, we saw a different picture. Comments about football have nothing,absolutely nothing to do w/ the genuine personality of the guys. It's their job, and just like you the actions at work are different thant he actions in life. You manage the job for business reasons. You manage life for personal.

[Except for Rodney Harrison who Admitted to taking illegal substances and has been known as one of the Haredest hitting players in football for a long time. And Randy Moss who ran over a meter maid, squirted a ref with a water bottle, etc. And Vince Wilfork who is quickly becoming known as one of the best d-linemen in the league and has been fined several times this season for dirty plays.

Wilfork is a monster. "According to the league, Wilfork hit Cowboys tight end Jason Witten late on a 3-yard rush by running back Marion Barber. Wilfork was not flagged on the play, but defensive end Ty Warren was.

It's the second fine this season for Wilfork. He was fined $12,500 by the league for striking the left knee of Buffalo quarterback J.P. Losman with his elbow in the Patriots' 38-7 win Sept. 23. Wilfork has appealed that fine. His appeal was heard Tuesday, but no decision has been reached. "http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/10/20/another_fine_day_for_wilfork/

That's not to say that Easterbrook isn't WAY over the edge on this one, because he is. His whole "the NFL is in jeapordy" bit a few weeks ago was flat out ridiculous, as is this. (at lease you dropped the hyperbole here)

But I certainly think that the Patriots should hardly be considered the model franchise of the NFL. Yes, they win a lot, but they're a pretty dirty franchise.

So, you've got stuff on Moss, while he was in MN, and the Pats are dirty? You've got Eilfork who hit Losman on a play that was so bang bang he wasn't penalized w/ Buffalo, and a shoving match w/ Witten that went beyond the whistle, and he's a dirty player? Harrison is a hard hitter, and has taken some fines through the years. Yes, he ADMITTED he used HGH. He served his suspension. Here's a hint. HGH is WIDELY used in the NFL. Some people get caught and ay the panalties. If the NFL tryly wanted to stop 'roid use and HGH use, the first suspension would be a lifetime ban. As it is now, the fourth is. That's acceptance of the use, with a wrist slap for getting caught.

Give me a break. Even outside of football, Belichick is known to be reclusive and pretty much a jerk. Just ask the ex-husband of the woman that Belichick was having an affair with.

Harrison admitted to taking HGH only AFTER the NFL busted him for it. Then he announced that he was being suspended for taking it. Good for him for actually admitting it, unlike Merriman who continues to deny taking illegal substances. But the fact remains that he KNOWINGLY took it and only came clean once the NFL busted him. It wasn't like he got a guilty conscience and came forward to admit it.

And yes, Wilfork is one of the better DTs in the league. So is Albert Haynesworth. They're still both dirty players.

But I'm not going to continue to argue with you. You're clearly an extremely biased apologist for the Patriots. Everyone except the blinded Patriot fans agreed that Wilfork's hit on Losman was a dirty play. I believe he was also involved in a dirty play (that he also got fined for) against the Browns. There's quite a bit of talk throughout the league that he is a dirty player. And Harrison has been voted as the dirtiest player in the league by the players quite a few times.

Rationalize and make excuses all you want, the Patriots have a bunch of dirty players on the team and have started to accumulate some guys that are low character people.

 

[Truman]

- They have players who like to headstomp in Meriweather and Seymour

Link?

Several players from both sides appeared to throw punches. Meriweather was seen attempting to stomp on FIU players, while an injured Golden Panther swung a crutch menacingly at several Miami players.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2629429

New England Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour confirmed Sunday that he had been fined for stepping on the head of Indianapolis Colts tackle Tarik Glenn during a Nov. 5 game.

"I was fined," Seymour told the Boston Globe. "I don't try to go back and re-analyze a whole lot of things, but it was a mistake on my part and I own up to it. Even when I did it I said, 'Hey, I shouldn't have done that.' Sometimes the emotions, you don't want to let them get the best of you." http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2669179

 

[parrot]

49-1441-10 41- 9 51-24 I don't recall the Colts representing evil incarnate when they ran off this string of victories against some of the dregs of the league in 04.

Manning was vilified by many Patriot fans during that season as a guy only concerned with stats. A guy who would only throw once inside the 5. As for the 4 games you reference - the first game the Colts only scored 1 TD in the 4th quarter and that was on an interception return for a TD. In the 2nd, they didn't score in the 4th and Manning didn't play the quarter. They had 2 possessions, the first consisted of 12 straight running plays. The 2nd was 3 knee-downs by Sorgi. In the 3rd game, they didn't score in the 4th quarter and Manning was pulled in the 3rd. In 2 possessions, they had 4 straight runs and a 3rd down pass, on the second it was 3 straight runs. In the 4th game, Manning led a TD drive while up 17 with 13 minutes to go then sat out the remainder. The other FG was led by Sorgi with 4 straight runs and an incomplete pass on 3rd.You seriously don't see a difference?Manning had 7 TDs that year in the 4th quarter. 3 of those were in losses when the Colts still needed to score. 3 were to either tie the game or take the lead and then the 1 that I mentioned above. Meanwhile in 7 games, Brady has 5 4th quarter TDs. 2 came while they were up more than 20, 2 while up 10, and one while up 7. One came with 3 minutes to play.

I didn't analyze the play by play for either side. I just think it's stupid to apparently seriously characterize people as evil based on the score of football games.

 

[TD Ryan]

ESPN, Page 2, Easterbrook and Simmons: another example of the media molding your little minds in order to improve their ratings and revenue.

It's almost comical watching them fill your clay-heads with nonsense and then sending you to the internet in droves to spread their good words and champion their garbage as gospel.

here's a tip for you all:

Neither NE or IND is morally better or superior to any other NFL team.

Both NE and IND are playing football better than every other team right now.

Both NE and IND have front offices that are managing their teams better than all other NFL front offices right now.

that's it.

period.

You can pretend it's Lord of the Rings if you'd like.

I'd prefer to watch football.

Perhaps the Paladin's team slogan can be: “break that mother f- ing idiot kicker’s leg” or the shortened (no pun-tended) Flutie version: “break his legs”.

 

[Sulla]

Great op-ed article by Easterbrook. He certainly did his job -- getting y'all to talk about it.

I enjoyed it. I appreciate a good old-fashioned piece of public character assassination as much as the next person.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Argument for the Indianapolis Colts as paladins who carry the banner of that which is beneficent: Sportsmanship, honesty, modesty, devotion to community, embrace of traditional small-town life, belief in higher power, even love of laughter.

I'm speechless.

Seriously, "embrace of traditional small-town life"?!?

 

[twitch]

I love this article for one reason. Nothing is gonna piss the Patriots off more than some worthless knucklehead calling them "evil". and ESPN actually running the story. Oh, they'll be pissed. Even though they have already been preliminarily installed as a 4 1/2 pt favorite in that game in Vegas.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Even though they have already been preliminarily installed as a 4 1/2 pt favorite in that game in Vegas.

Link?

 

[eom]

I love this article for one reason. Nothing is gonna piss the Patriots off more than some worthless knucklehead calling them "evil". and ESPN actually running the story. Oh, they'll be pissed. Even though they have already been preliminarily installed as a 4 1/2 pt favorite in that game in Vegas.

can I ask where all this insight into their motivation comes from?the reason I ask is that today somebody just told me how the pats are playing w/a chip on their shoulder, and he's a pretty casual football fan.it seems like everybody hears this then turns around and repeats it, so I'm wondering what it's actually based on?player interviews?insider sources?because they're just better than every other team and score a lot of points?when I watch the pats beat up on some victim, it looks like a team who both wants and expects to win.period.they blow teams out because they can.of course, I realize I have no way of knowing what they're actually thinking or feeling.what I love most about the pats of this era is that all they give a #### about is winning.

 

[eom]

I'm bumping this because I'd seriously like an explanation from anybody who's made this observation.

I never even noticed, but I hear it everywhere --- what am I missing?

if anything, the d has been a little soft.

ok, after their bye last year (week 6) here's what they scored:

(week 7)28, 31, 20, 14, 35, 17, 28, 0 (ouch - vs cheaters), 40, 24, 40, 37 (playoffs), 24, 34

that's 8/14 games at 28+ points, with the average not far off 28 even w/the shutout where brady was crying about his g/f and playing against cheaters omg!

that is w/a receiving corps of jabar 'the hut' gaffney, reche 'loris monkey'caldwell, and doug 'I suck!' gabriel.

swap these guys out for welker, moss, and stallworth and the average has gone up a couple scores -- big surprise.

edit ps

and if you want to break it down even further, they finished the year scoring 34+ in 4 of their last 6 w/an average of only about a score below their first 7 this year.

who didn't think this year would be madden football?

 

[timschochet]

I'm bumping this because I'd seriously like an explanation from anybody who's made this observation.I never even noticed, but I hear it everywhere --- what am I missing?if anything, the d has been a little soft.ok, after their bye last year (week 6) here's what they scored:(week 7)28, 31, 20, 14, 35, 17, 28, 0 (ouch - vs cheaters), 40, 24, 40, 37 (playoffs), 24, 34that's 8/14 games at 28+ points, with the average not far off 28 even w/the shutout where brady was crying about his g/f and playing against cheaters omg!that is w/a receiving corps of jabar 'the hut' gaffney, reche 'loris monkey'caldwell, and doug 'I suck!' gabriel.swap these guys out for welker, moss, and stallworth and the average has gone up a couple scores -- big surprise.edit psand if you want to break it down even further, they finished the year scoring 34+ in 4 of their last 6 w/an average of only about a score below their first 7 this year.who didn't think this year would be madden football?None of this has anything to do with this article. The Patriots are a great, great team, and nobody denies it. The point of this article is that they have taken on the persona of the most hated team in the NFL, and you Pats fans can't dismiss it completely as jealousy. Sure that is part of it, but there's also the cheating, the dirty play on the field, the perception that they are running up the scores, etc. That is why most of America will be rooting for Indy next week and if (when ) they meet in the AFC championship game.

 

[twitch]

Even though they have already been preliminarily installed as a 4 1/2 pt favorite in that game in Vegas.

Link?

Sorry, Chase. Just saw this. I'll see if I can dig up a link, but I heard this on local ESPN radio from Phil Steele with Northcoast sports. Im sure youre familiar with him. He has a weekly publication which I dont subscribe to, but he makes a weekly appearance here locally and typically drops a few picks. Anyway, the host asked if an early Vegas spread had been determined for the game, and he didnt hesitate to say NE -4 1/2. I doubt I'll find anything, but I'll see what I can do.

 

[DropKick]

Does Manning's $600,00 pay-off on a sexual harassment suit qualify as good or evil? This stuff is just to complicated for me!

 

[eom]

courtesy link

looks like about 4 pts as of a couple days ago.

 

[twitch]

courtesy link

looks like about 4 pts as of a couple days ago.

Nice work, e. and Ill be checking that board out in the future. looks like a good find. the vote seems split on which way to go. Ill actually reserve opinion on NE being favored on the road against those guys til after the Skins game. The spread is bound to change a little one way or another.

 

[Kafka]

courtesy link

looks like about 4 pts as of a couple days ago.

Nice work, e. and Ill be checking that board out in the future. looks like a good find. the vote seems split on which way to go. Ill actually reserve opinion on NE being favored on the road against those guys til after the Skins game. The spread is bound to change a little one way or another.

Last time I checked, inane patriot fans, Indy beat you 3 srtaight times, 2 being at Foxboro.Bleed Blue and Believe in the Shoe.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Look, if all of this were so true, then you'd think that Karma would be out to get New England. So then why is New England undefeated and chasing down a historic season, while the Jets are absolutely one of the worst teams in the NFL, with their finger on the panic button and about to bench a QB that just led them to the playoffs just a year ago? Anyone out there still calling that guy "Man-Genius" by the way?? NE got busted for a slight that even today is allowed (so long as the friggin' camera has a 'roof' over top), and a practice that all but a handful of teams are probably still utilize. Theyve dealt with it like men, handled all the pressure that's come with the allegations, paid the price, and have now moved on to beating other professional teams like a drum. BB has never pretended to be anyone's buddy. But this idiot writer suggests that NE take Tom Brady out in the 3rd quarter???? Against another professional team? What kind of knucklehead is this? It reduces any other point he's making to below pointless.

Seriously, thats some of the worst logic of all time. Are you really saying that this can't be true because if it were then karma would not have let the Pats be 7-0?

 

[Assani Fisher]

i have no idea how the pats could be considered "evil".

i've always been under the impression that they are the model franchise in professional sports. all their players are upstanding guys (that we know of). they take a bunch of no-name players and cast-offs and turn them into the ultimate "team". much of their all-time great team right now are miami dolphins cast-offs (welker, morris, evans, seau).

no one on this team gets in trouble off the field or on.

sure, they play hard for 60 min. no matter what the score and their coach isn't a fun interview.

i don't know how that makes them evil.

you know, it's similar to what happened to the san antonio spurs' public image during the playoffs last year. one hip check by robert horry and the spurs went from being a model, up-standing franchise doing things the right way to a dirty team.

Bowen has always been thought of as a dirty player, Duncan has always been thought of as a big crybaby whenever a call goes against him, and Ginobli has always been accused of flopping. And on top of all that, they play just about the most boring brand of basketball possible!

People have hated that team for years.

Edited to add: Robert Horry also threw a towel in the face of his coach(Danny Ainge) during a game once.

Edited again: Found this funny though...."I don't hold anything against Robert," says Ainge, who had the towel framed. "He had a lot going on then."

 

[Assani Fisher]

49-1441-10 41- 9 51-24 I don't recall the Colts representing evil incarnate when they ran off this string of victories against some of the dregs of the league in 04.

Manning was vilified by many Patriot fans during that season as a guy only concerned with stats. A guy who would only throw once inside the 5. As for the 4 games you reference - the first game the Colts only scored 1 TD in the 4th quarter and that was on an interception return for a TD. In the 2nd, they didn't score in the 4th and Manning didn't play the quarter. They had 2 possessions, the first consisted of 12 straight running plays. The 2nd was 3 knee-downs by Sorgi. In the 3rd game, they didn't score in the 4th quarter and Manning was pulled in the 3rd. In 2 possessions, they had 4 straight runs and a 3rd down pass, on the second it was 3 straight runs. In the 4th game, Manning led a TD drive while up 17 with 13 minutes to go then sat out the remainder. The other FG was led by Sorgi with 4 straight runs and an incomplete pass on 3rd.You seriously don't see a difference?Manning had 7 TDs that year in the 4th quarter. 3 of those were in losses when the Colts still needed to score. 3 were to either tie the game or take the lead and then the 1 that I mentioned above. Meanwhile in 7 games, Brady has 5 4th quarter TDs. 2 came while they were up more than 20, 2 while up 10, and one while up 7. One came with 3 minutes to play.

Take a look at the play by play of the Houston game posted above. Is there really any difference between throwing in the 4th quarter or throwing late in the 3rd when you're up 25+?

 

[Assani Fisher]

So, you've got stuff on Moss, while he was in MN, and the Pats are dirty? You've got Eilfork who hit Losman on a play that was so bang bang he wasn't penalized w/ Buffalo, and a shoving match w/ Witten that went beyond the whistle, and he's a dirty player? Harrison is a hard hitter, and has taken some fines through the years. Yes, he ADMITTED he used HGH. He served his suspension. Here's a hint. HGH is WIDELY used in the NFL. Some people get caught and ay the panalties. If the NFL tryly wanted to stop 'roid use and HGH use, the first suspension would be a lifetime ban. As it is now, the fourth is. That's acceptance of the use, with a wrist slap for getting caught.

I find it funny that when the Pats get caught for doing something, the defense is always "but everyone is doing it" as if that makes it ok.

 

[Truman]

Does Manning's $600,00 pay-off on a sexual harassment suit qualify as good or evil? This stuff is just to complicated for me!

Because Peyton is inherently good, the evil woman who slandered his good name is obviously the devil spawn of Bill Belichick.

 

[Kyzersosik]

Keep it up boys, the Pats use this stuff like fuel for the fire!

 

[twitch]

Look, if all of this were so true, then you'd think that Karma would be out to get New England. So then why is New England undefeated and chasing down a historic season, while the Jets are absolutely one of the worst teams in the NFL, with their finger on the panic button and about to bench a QB that just led them to the playoffs just a year ago? Anyone out there still calling that guy "Man-Genius" by the way?? NE got busted for a slight that even today is allowed (so long as the friggin' camera has a 'roof' over top), and a practice that all but a handful of teams are probably still utilize. Theyve dealt with it like men, handled all the pressure that's come with the allegations, paid the price, and have now moved on to beating other professional teams like a drum. BB has never pretended to be anyone's buddy. But this idiot writer suggests that NE take Tom Brady out in the 3rd quarter???? Against another professional team? What kind of knucklehead is this? It reduces any other point he's making to below pointless.

Seriously, thats some of the worst logic of all time. Are you really saying that this can't be true because if it were then karma would not have let the Pats be 7-0?

Look, you dont have to believe in karma if you dont want. Its a matter of belief. But Im not going down this "worst logic" road with anyone who's defending some moronic writer after he calls a bunch of guys "EVIL", that are for the most part fathers, family men and good citizens. What Im saying that "cant be true" is that labeling an entire organization evil is cool, simply to meet the self-serving purposes of stirring the pot a little more. As if the hype machine needed any more help. Good vs Evil has always been a popular theme. But let's limit it to Sci-Fi films and murder mysteries. Dont drag it into my sports world. Ive never been a Yankees fan, so I have no idea how they feel about the whole 'Evil Empire' thing. But as a Pats fan Ive gotten a small taste of it, and Im taking exception to some knucklehead writer calling my squad evil.

 

[slckrsmitty]

NE got busted for a slight that even today is allowed (so long as the friggin' camera has a 'roof' over top), and a practice that all but a handful of teams are probably still utilize. Theyve dealt with it like men, handled all the pressure that's come with the allegations, paid the price, and have now moved on to beating other professional teams like a drum.

i agree that probably every team has done this exact same thing, but they were not the ones that were caught. and to say they dealt with it like men is laughable. they didn't deal with it at all. they just ignored it and ignored anyone that had questions about it until it just went away. dealing with it would have involved manning up to it and not just brushing it off as some sort of misunderstanding. obviously, the article is completely over the top and nothing more than a trip. BTW, if we as a people start referring to two teams playing a game on a football field as the fight between good and evil, then we're already screwed. i love this game of football, but damn let's have some priorities.

 

[eom]

So, you've got stuff on Moss, while he was in MN, and the Pats are dirty? You've got Eilfork who hit Losman on a play that was so bang bang he wasn't penalized w/ Buffalo, and a shoving match w/ Witten that went beyond the whistle, and he's a dirty player? Harrison is a hard hitter, and has taken some fines through the years. Yes, he ADMITTED he used HGH. He served his suspension. Here's a hint. HGH is WIDELY used in the NFL. Some people get caught and ay the panalties. If the NFL tryly wanted to stop 'roid use and HGH use, the first suspension would be a lifetime ban. As it is now, the fourth is. That's acceptance of the use, with a wrist slap for getting caught.

I find it funny that when the Pats get caught for doing something, the defense is always "but everyone is doing it" as if that makes it ok.

uh...yeah, it does make it ok, and it makes it self righteous hypocritical whinyassed bull#### to ##### about it when you're a fan of teams that do the same thing, and pats fans recognize this and point it out to you, since some fans of other teams seem a little too dense to pick this up on their own.just keep sweeping your bull#### under the rug and pointing fingers at your betters if it makes you feel more like a man.

 

[Pat Patriot]

i have no idea how the pats could be considered "evil".

i've always been under the impression that they are the model franchise in professional sports. all their players are upstanding guys (that we know of). they take a bunch of no-name players and cast-offs and turn them into the ultimate "team". much of their all-time great team right now are miami dolphins cast-offs (welker, morris, evans, seau).

no one on this team gets in trouble off the field or on.

sure, they play hard for 60 min. no matter what the score and their coach isn't a fun interview.

i don't know how that makes them evil.

you know, it's similar to what happened to the san antonio spurs' public image during the playoffs last year. one hip check by robert horry and the spurs went from being a model, up-standing franchise doing things the right way to a dirty team.

- They cheated- They have the most fined player in NFL history and one of the league's biggest thugs (who just came back from HGH suspension, oh and is the 2-time reigning champ in the 'league's dirtiest player' poll)

- They have players who like to headstomp in Meriweather and Seymour

- Their fans are truly insufferable, especially their biggest one who has a national platform to bash their rivals. (The FU TD? Seriously? They got caught cheating and now they're angry? Should the league have let them keep cheating?)

BTW, none of this makes that article any less ridiculous.

When did this happen?

 

[Pat Patriot]

I know that my house will be rooting heavily for the Colts, largely for the sentiments Easterbrook has expressed, although not in quite those terms.

The fact is that Belicheck did cheat and has not expressed remorse. In this country, people will forgive and forget. All you have to do is come clean. He has yet to come clean. He is by far the best coach in the league, but is not somebody that I would ever say displays high moral fiber. If I were an NFL owner, I would hire him in a minute over Dungy, but I don't think that you can deny that Dungy has displayed better character.

As for Brady, my wife and sister-in-law are huge NFL fans who bet on games and play fantasy football. Ever since he walked away from his baby and Bridget Moynihan, they will have nothing to do with him. I myself don't consider this a real noble thing to have done.

The fact is Easterbrook's main message is spot on: the Colts basically do represent good in this battle. Don't think you can really deny that, even if Easterbrook kind of brought the message with way too much hyperbole.

Easterbrook makes a nice comparison between Belichek and Vick. Belichek is scum because he refuses to explain himself (personally, I'd like to hear his explanation of his misinterpretation) but Vick shows DIGNITY because he admitted to what he did. Vick's buddies turned on him and he had no choice but to cut a deal. Cutting the deal was admitting his guilt so he had no choice. Not a lot of dignity there IMO.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I know that my house will be rooting heavily for the Colts, largely for the sentiments Easterbrook has expressed, although not in quite those terms.

The fact is that Belicheck did cheat and has not expressed remorse. In this country, people will forgive and forget. All you have to do is come clean. He has yet to come clean. He is by far the best coach in the league, but is not somebody that I would ever say displays high moral fiber. If I were an NFL owner, I would hire him in a minute over Dungy, but I don't think that you can deny that Dungy has displayed better character.

As for Brady, my wife and sister-in-law are huge NFL fans who bet on games and play fantasy football. Ever since he walked away from his baby and Bridget Moynihan, they will have nothing to do with him. I myself don't consider this a real noble thing to have done.

The fact is Easterbrook's main message is spot on: the Colts basically do represent good in this battle. Don't think you can really deny that, even if Easterbrook kind of brought the message with way too much hyperbole.

Are you OK?By all accounts, Brady broke off his relationship with Moynihan and then some time after she announced she was pregnant. He flew to California for the birth of his son and has accepted responsibility for the baby and is providing support and intends to be a part of the baby's life. Its not as if he ordered a DNA test and said, "Prove it" when she announced she was pregnant.

 

[Pat Patriot]

I know that my house will be rooting heavily for the Colts, largely for the sentiments Easterbrook has expressed, although not in quite those terms.

The fact is that Belicheck did cheat and has not expressed remorse. In this country, people will forgive and forget. All you have to do is come clean. He has yet to come clean. He is by far the best coach in the league, but is not somebody that I would ever say displays high moral fiber. If I were an NFL owner, I would hire him in a minute over Dungy, but I don't think that you can deny that Dungy has displayed better character.

As for Brady, my wife and sister-in-law are huge NFL fans who bet on games and play fantasy football. Ever since he walked away from his baby and Bridget Moynihan, they will have nothing to do with him. I myself don't consider this a real noble thing to have done.

The fact is Easterbrook's main message is spot on: the Colts basically do represent good in this battle. Don't think you can really deny that, even if Easterbrook kind of brought the message with way too much hyperbole.

Are you OK?By all accounts, Brady broke off his relationship with Moynihan and then some time after she announced she was pregnant. He flew to California for the birth of his son and has accepted responsibility for the baby and is providing support and intends to be a part of the baby's life. Its not as if he ordered a DNA test and said, "Prove it" when she announced she was pregnant.

 

[Warhound]

All I care is that Brady keeps throwing those TD bombs to Moss and Stallworth so I can keep winning. This good vs. evil #### is for the birds.

 

[destro]

The article is obviously really melodramatic and over the top, but the basic idea here is that, for a variety of really valid reasons, the Pats aren't likable and have a major ####### image... unless you're already a Pats fan.

The colts, on the other hand, have a pretty solid image and are fairly likable. Some of his points are legit, others are a stretch, but the overall message is there. Are they "evil"? No, they aren't. Do they kind of seem like a bunch of whiny jagoffs? Yes.

 

[Pat Patriot]

The article is obviously really melodramatic and over the top, but the basic idea here is that, for a variety of really valid reasons, the Pats aren't likable and have a major ####### image... unless you're already a Pats fan.

The colts, on the other hand, have a pretty solid image and are fairly likable. Some of his points are legit, others are a stretch, but the overall message is there. Are they "evil"? No, they aren't. Do they kind of seem like a bunch of whiny jagoffs? Yes.

I think the premise of the article was legit. The writer just didnt execute it very well. The image of the team starts from the top. Tony Dungy is a very religious, nice guy. Deemed too nice in TB to win a Title. Belichek is an #######. By most accounts always has been and always will be. As for Manning vs. Brady. Peyton Manning is a GREAT football player. However, their are stories about sexual harassment in college and multiple times where he apparently threw teammates under the bus after a playoff loss. Brady has no legal issues that I am aware of in his background and has ALWAYS been the consummate teammate. No #####ing about the defense or his WR's after last years loss to the Colts.

Harrison is viewed as a bad guy. Ditto for Moss. Merriweather had the issue with the brawl in college. I hadnt heard anything negative about Wilfork until the hit on Losman this year. The Pats had Corey Dillon before this year and we all know he was a bad guy, right? If you read the Philly papers, Donte Stallworth is a bad guy. Ellis Hobbs stomped on the Chargers logo last year so he should be suspended or banned from the league.

However, until the Pats coach went all Bob Saget on them, the Patriots were considered a class bunch of players. Troy Brown, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, their whole offensive line, Larry Izzo, Ben Watson, Tom Brady, Kevin Faulk, Junior Seau, Richard Seymour. The core of the Patriots is still the same. They have a good classy group of players. They have an ####### for a coach. Not much has changed in that regard.

 

[Truman]

i have no idea how the pats could be considered "evil".

i've always been under the impression that they are the model franchise in professional sports. all their players are upstanding guys (that we know of). they take a bunch of no-name players and cast-offs and turn them into the ultimate "team". much of their all-time great team right now are miami dolphins cast-offs (welker, morris, evans, seau).

no one on this team gets in trouble off the field or on.

sure, they play hard for 60 min. no matter what the score and their coach isn't a fun interview.

i don't know how that makes them evil.

you know, it's similar to what happened to the san antonio spurs' public image during the playoffs last year. one hip check by robert horry and the spurs went from being a model, up-standing franchise doing things the right way to a dirty team.

- They cheated- They have the most fined player in NFL history and one of the league's biggest thugs (who just came back from HGH suspension, oh and is the 2-time reigning champ in the 'league's dirtiest player' poll)

- They have players who like to headstomp in Meriweather and Seymour

- Their fans are truly insufferable, especially their biggest one who has a national platform to bash their rivals. (The FU TD? Seriously? They got caught cheating and now they're angry? Should the league have let them keep cheating?)

BTW, none of this makes that article any less ridiculous.

When did this happen?

Read the thread.

 

[Pat Patriot]

i have no idea how the pats could be considered "evil".

i've always been under the impression that they are the model franchise in professional sports. all their players are upstanding guys (that we know of). they take a bunch of no-name players and cast-offs and turn them into the ultimate "team". much of their all-time great team right now are miami dolphins cast-offs (welker, morris, evans, seau).

no one on this team gets in trouble off the field or on.

sure, they play hard for 60 min. no matter what the score and their coach isn't a fun interview.

i don't know how that makes them evil.

you know, it's similar to what happened to the san antonio spurs' public image during the playoffs last year. one hip check by robert horry and the spurs went from being a model, up-standing franchise doing things the right way to a dirty team.

- They cheated- They have the most fined player in NFL history and one of the league's biggest thugs (who just came back from HGH suspension, oh and is the 2-time reigning champ in the 'league's dirtiest player' poll)

- They have players who like to headstomp in Meriweather and Seymour

- Their fans are truly insufferable, especially their biggest one who has a national platform to bash their rivals. (The FU TD? Seriously? They got caught cheating and now they're angry? Should the league have let them keep cheating?)

BTW, none of this makes that article any less ridiculous.

When did this happen?

Read the thread.

I did. The answer was posted later in the thread. I saw the link. I'm surprised by it. I hadnt remembered it.

 

[bidiot]

While I love the "smirking sybarite" phrase, that's really a cheap, uncalled for shot at Tom Brady and comparing him to **** Cheney's surely worse. Brady's done his share of charity work. Plus, how can scoring a lone second-half TD constitute running up the score? Even after being ripped by ESPN's own ombudsman for this kind of stuff Easterbrook just won't stop.

Who the hell does this Omdusman Le Anne Schreiber think she is? She's comes off just like any other whiney tool Patriots fan!