Is Joe Bryant among the Growing Legion of Patriot Haters? (1 Viewer)

[joelib77]

I usually enjoy Random Shots. But after reading yesterday, couldn't help but feel annoyed by yet ANOTHER member in the growing nation of Patriot haters and had to voice my opinion. It's bad enough the Monday Night Football broadcast was dedicated to rooting against the Patriots (wheeling Mercury Morris out of the asylum and Don Shula out of the home for the evening, voodoo dolls in hand), but now Footballguys own Joe Bryant seems to have joined in the hystrical masses, pitchfork and burning torch in hand, to decry my team. It seems that there is no intellect applied anymore when criticizing the Patriots, it's all emotional.

It started out somewhere in Week 3 when he asserted that the Patriots would not go undefeated (still feeling confident about that prediction Joe?) and has snowballed slowly into this week's acerbic not so random shots at the Pats. Here are some highlights:

Few games live up to expectations but the Washington - Buffalo game was as dramatic as everyone thought it would be following the death of Redskins safety Sean Taylor.

In one of the cooler things I've seen on a football field in a while, Washington opened the game on defense with just 10 players for the first play as a way to pay tribute to Taylor. Pretty moving.

I'm just glad they weren't playing New England as the fake kneel down - throw long to Randy Moss play probably wouldn't have gone over well there.

Okay, first of all, and this is a bit of a non-sequitur, but in my opinion, starting the game out with 10 guys on the field was incredibly stupid. These are professionals being paid tons of money in a sport in which each game and each play has signficance. But that's neither here nor there, was it really necessary to take a shot at the Patriots here? I get it, they are heartless, soulless heathens who would dance on the grave of their fellow man. Got it.

Here's another one:

New England only failed to cover by 16 points this week. That's better than last week...

So what's your point here Joe? What are you saying? Is this humor? Is this insightful in some way? No. Is it Patriot hating? Yes.

But wait...there's more!

The reality is that New England was busted for cheating this year. They were hit with unprecedented fines in addition to losing a first round draft selection next year. It was a very serious punishment for a very serious offense. Acknowledged cheating threatens the very thing the league holds most dear - the integrity of the game...

First of all, just wanted to say But, it's highly debatable how serious an offense this was or how much it actually benefitted the Patriots when A) every team changes their defensive hand signals every week to prevent "espionage." and b) Every team in the league is bending the rules to gain an advantage.

Sure, Goodell had to appease the other team owners in the wake of this highly publicized violation and hit the Patriots with a meaningless fine and take away one of two first round draft picks, but in reality, the penalty really doesn't hurt the franchise.

It just brings me back to the point that this board has become infested with such irrational Patriot hating that I can't even read these opinions any more, and now, Footballguy #1 is contributing to the cacophony. It is a shame that human reaction to the success of others is usually envy/anger. And I'm tired of seeing it.

I'm from Boston and have had plenty of opportunities to be around the organization at corporate and charitable events and games. The Patriots are an organization that does things the right way. From the executive level management, to the players, to the administrative staff at Gillette. They are incredible contributors to the community, genuinely down to Earth and humble people that are extremely good to the fans. Moreover, they are a football team that stresses an unparalleled commitment to winning, personal sacrifice and teamwork.

If you can't at least appreciate the Patriots, you're just confused. In consideration of the above, after five years, I have unsubscribed from Random Shots and will not renew my membership to Footballguys.

 

[wadegarrett]

What do you care what other people write? Your team is still undefeated guy. Get over it.

 

[BassNBrew]

I usually enjoy Random Shots. But after reading yesterday, couldn't help but feel annoyed by yet ANOTHER member in the growing nation of Patriot haters and had to voice my opinion. It's bad enough the Monday Night Football broadcast was dedicated to rooting against the Patriots (wheeling Mercury Morris out of the asylum and Don Shula out of the home for the evening, voodoo dolls in hand), but now Footballguys own Joe Bryant seems to have joined in the hystrical masses, pitchfork and burning torch in hand, to decry my team. It seems that there is no intellect applied anymore when criticizing the Patriots, it's all emotional.

It started out somewhere in Week 3 when he asserted that the Patriots would not go undefeated (still feeling confident about that prediction Joe?) and has snowballed slowly into this week's acerbic not so random shots at the Pats. Here are some highlights:

Few games live up to expectations but the Washington - Buffalo game was as dramatic as everyone thought it would be following the death of Redskins safety Sean Taylor.

In one of the cooler things I've seen on a football field in a while, Washington opened the game on defense with just 10 players for the first play as a way to pay tribute to Taylor. Pretty moving.

I'm just glad they weren't playing New England as the fake kneel down - throw long to Randy Moss play probably wouldn't have gone over well there.

Okay, first of all, and this is a bit of a non-sequitur, but in my opinion, starting the game out with 10 guys on the field was incredibly stupid. These are professionals being paid tons of money in a sport in which each game and each play has signficance. But that's neither here nor there, was it really necessary to take a shot at the Patriots here? I get it, they are heartless, soulless heathens who would dance on the grave of their fellow man. Got it.

Here's another one:

New England only failed to cover by 16 points this week. That's better than last week...

So what's your point here Joe? What are you saying? Is this humor? Is this insightful in some way? No. Is it Patriot hating? Yes.

But wait...there's more!

The reality is that New England was busted for cheating this year. They were hit with unprecedented fines in addition to losing a first round draft selection next year. It was a very serious punishment for a very serious offense. Acknowledged cheating threatens the very thing the league holds most dear - the integrity of the game...

First of all, just wanted to say But, it's highly debatable how serious an offense this was or how much it actually benefitted the Patriots when A) every team changes their defensive hand signals every week to prevent "espionage." and b) Every team in the league is bending the rules to gain an advantage.

Sure, Goodell had to appease the other team owners in the wake of this highly publicized violation and hit the Patriots with a meaningless fine and take away one of two first round draft picks, but in reality, the penalty really doesn't hurt the franchise.

It just brings me back to the point that this board has become infested with such irrational Patriot hating that I can't even read these opinions any more, and now, Footballguy #1 is contributing to the cacophony. It is a shame that human reaction to the success of others is usually envy/anger. And I'm tired of seeing it.

I'm from Boston and have had plenty of opportunities to be around the organization at corporate and charitable events and games. The Patriots are an organization that does things the right way. From the executive level management, to the players, to the administrative staff at Gillette. They are incredible contributors to the community, genuinely down to Earth and humble people that are extremely good to the fans. Moreover, they are a football team that stresses an unparalleled commitment to winning, personal sacrifice and teamwork.

If you can't at least appreciate the Patriots, you're just confused. In consideration of the above, after five years, I have unsubscribed from Random Shots and will not renew my membership to Footballguys.

bryant@footballguys.comIf you ask for a refund you might even get that too. Geez...you NE fans act like Randy Moss going across the middle to catch a pass.

 

[thesurfshop19]

In my opinion, Joe has always enjoyed pushing the buttons of Patriots fans because the results are always entertaining.

A segment of that fanbase (not interested in arguing how big that segment is) is just so hardcore and takes everything so seriously and personally -- more so than similar segments in other fanbases.

 

[JohnnyU]

Why are some Patriots fans so sensitive? Why do you care whether someone hates your team? Hell, if Cowboy fans felt this way, they would have jumped from the ledge in the 70s.

 

[Yitbos69]

In my opinion, Joe has always enjoyed pushing the buttons of Patriots fans because the results are always entertaining.A segment of that fanbase (not interested in arguing how big that segment is) is just so hardcore and takes everything so seriously and personally -- more so than similar segments in other fanbases.

 

[benm3218]

You stink! And I hate the patriots with passion like nothing I have felt before. Break a leg Tom Brady.

 

[B-Deep]

Good riddance you thin skinned whiner. I say anytime Random shots says anything unflattering about a player or team someone likes they should come in here and cry. Maybe we will get our way and random shots will end up just being a list of box scores so as not to offend anyone.

I hope you leave the board too.

 

[Bossman]

Do you have no sense of humor?

I'm a Patriot fan and I laughed at each of those comments.

The whole point of Random Shots is to be humorus and entertaining.... and it was / still is.

Keep up the good work Joe.

 

[B-Deep]

Do you have no sense of humor?I'm a Patriot fan and I laughed at each of those comments. The whole point of Random Shots is to be humorus and entertaining.... and it was / still is.Keep up the good work Joe.

I am adding you to the list I keep, the list is all of the " growing nation of Patriot haters".be careful buddy, the list is not someplace you want to be

 

[Colin Dowling]

I'd like to know what part of Joe's comments can be disputed? Yes, there is some speculation in there, but I tend to think it's all based in fact.

Example 1 - The Patriots have kept their foot on the gas against every team for the entire game. One of the most visible Pats fans in the media, Bill Simmons, acknowledges this gleefully, saying it's the trademark of the team to want to beat people til the final whistle. BB WOULD HAVE thrown deep on that play if the previous 13 games are any indication. Care to dispute that?

Example 2 - Statement of fact.

Example 3 - Statement of fact.

 

[LILB811]

Your team is undefeated and someone else wishes their team was. Let's throw a tantrum. I don't think he ever said the Patriots should be tarred and feathered because they got caught cheating or have run the score up on teams. They're people and I'm sure they are good guys at heart and do positive things in the community. That doesn't mean everyone outside of New England shouldn't want them to lose.

 

[Reaper]

What does Joe call them again?

 

[joelib77]

I guess I'm not so easily amused as you are. Nothing that was said was remotely funny.

 

[fatness]

 

[B-Deep]

I'd like to know what part of Joe's comments can be disputed? Yes, there is some speculation in there, but I tend to think it's all based in fact. Example 1 - The Patriots have kept their foot on the gas against every team for the entire game. One of the most visible Pats fans in the media, Bill Simmons, acknowledges this gleefully, saying it's the trademark of the team to want to beat people til the final whistle. BB WOULD HAVE thrown deep on that play if the previous 13 games are any indication. Care to dispute that?Example 2 - Statement of fact.Example 3 - Statement of fact.

that's it, you are on the list guy1) Eric Mangini2) every member of the 72 dolphins3) all jets and dolphins fans4) everyone involved in monday night football6) The Ravens7) Joe Bryant8) Bossman9) Colin dowling

 

[BassNBrew]

I'd like to know what part of Joe's comments can be disputed? Yes, there is some speculation in there, but I tend to think it's all based in fact. Example 1 - The Patriots have kept their foot on the gas against every team for the entire game. One of the most visible Pats fans in the media, Bill Simmons, acknowledges this gleefully, saying it's the trademark of the team to want to beat people til the final whistle. BB WOULD HAVE thrown deep on that play if the previous 13 games are any indication. Care to dispute that?Example 2 - Statement of fact.Example 3 - Statement of fact.

Hater!

 

[benm3218]

I guess I'm not so easily amused as you are. Nothing that was said was remotely funny.

Your a baby and whiny loser. I think I'll go out to the frontpage and create a thread about you and how I don't like your posts... Oh wait, that would be DUMB!

 

[Banger]

LOL, how dare anyone say anything about the Pats other than how super duper awesome they are. Enjoy it Pats fans, you're in the midst of one of the best seasons ever. Stop whining over every little slight, insult. You're following your coach.

 

[Colin Dowling]

I'd like to know what part of Joe's comments can be disputed? Yes, there is some speculation in there, but I tend to think it's all based in fact. Example 1 - The Patriots have kept their foot on the gas against every team for the entire game. One of the most visible Pats fans in the media, Bill Simmons, acknowledges this gleefully, saying it's the trademark of the team to want to beat people til the final whistle. BB WOULD HAVE thrown deep on that play if the previous 13 games are any indication. Care to dispute that?Example 2 - Statement of fact.Example 3 - Statement of fact.

that's it, you are on the list guy1) Eric Mangini2) every member of the 72 dolphins3) all jets and dolphins fans4) everyone involved in monday night football6) The Ravens7) Joe Bryant8) Bossman9) Colin dowling

I think if you ask around on these boards, especially for the people that were here after the Pats beat Carolina, you'll find that I'm one of NE's biggest supporters here.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Why are some Patriots fans so sensitive? Why do you care whether someone hates your team? Hell, if Cowboy fans felt this way, they would have jumped from the ledge in the 70s.

 

[phthalatemagic]

I guess I'm not so easily amused as you are. Nothing that was said was remotely funny.

 

[JohnnyU]

Oh the hypocrisy. The same Patriot fans that gave endless, unrelenting criticism of Peyton Manning, are crying foul when we don't like your team. Give me a break.

 

[B-Deep]

LOL, how dare anyone say anything about the Pats other than how super duper awesome they are. Enjoy it Pats fans, you're in the midst of one of the best seasons ever. Stop whining over every little slight, insult. You're following your coach.

this is treacherously close to being list worthy

 

[TxBuckeye]

If you can't at least appreciate the Patriots, you're just confused. In consideration of the above, after five years, I have unsubscribed from Random Shots and will not renew my membership to Footballguys.

Quick, someone PM Joe and make sure he's allright!Wow, I never knew how whiny Pats fans were till this year. You'd think having a winning team would make them happy...

 

[Yitbos69]

LOL, how dare anyone say anything about the Pats other than how super duper awesome they are. Enjoy it Pats fans, you're in the midst of one of the best seasons ever. Stop whining over every little slight, insult. You're following your coach.

this is treacherously close to being list worthy

Please put me on the listTIA

 

[brobe4]

I usually enjoy Random Shots. But after reading yesterday, couldn't help but feel annoyed by yet ANOTHER member in the growing nation of Patriot haters and had to voice my opinion. It's bad enough the Monday Night Football broadcast was dedicated to rooting against the Patriots (wheeling Mercury Morris out of the asylum and Don Shula out of the home for the evening, voodoo dolls in hand), but now Footballguys own Joe Bryant seems to have joined in the hystrical masses, pitchfork and burning torch in hand, to decry my team. It seems that there is no intellect applied anymore when criticizing the Patriots, it's all emotional.

It started out somewhere in Week 3 when he asserted that the Patriots would not go undefeated (still feeling confident about that prediction Joe?) and has snowballed slowly into this week's acerbic not so random shots at the Pats. Here are some highlights:

Few games live up to expectations but the Washington - Buffalo game was as dramatic as everyone thought it would be following the death of Redskins safety Sean Taylor.

In one of the cooler things I've seen on a football field in a while, Washington opened the game on defense with just 10 players for the first play as a way to pay tribute to Taylor. Pretty moving.

I'm just glad they weren't playing New England as the fake kneel down - throw long to Randy Moss play probably wouldn't have gone over well there.

Okay, first of all, and this is a bit of a non-sequitur, but in my opinion, starting the game out with 10 guys on the field was incredibly stupid. These are professionals being paid tons of money in a sport in which each game and each play has signficance. But that's neither here nor there, was it really necessary to take a shot at the Patriots here? I get it, they are heartless, soulless heathens who would dance on the grave of their fellow man. Got it.

Here's another one:

New England only failed to cover by 16 points this week. That's better than last week...

So what's your point here Joe? What are you saying? Is this humor? Is this insightful in some way? No. Is it Patriot hating? Yes.

But wait...there's more!

The reality is that New England was busted for cheating this year. They were hit with unprecedented fines in addition to losing a first round draft selection next year. It was a very serious punishment for a very serious offense. Acknowledged cheating threatens the very thing the league holds most dear - the integrity of the game...

First of all, just wanted to say But, it's highly debatable how serious an offense this was or how much it actually benefitted the Patriots when A) every team changes their defensive hand signals every week to prevent "espionage." and b) Every team in the league is bending the rules to gain an advantage.

Sure, Goodell had to appease the other team owners in the wake of this highly publicized violation and hit the Patriots with a meaningless fine and take away one of two first round draft picks, but in reality, the penalty really doesn't hurt the franchise.

It just brings me back to the point that this board has become infested with such irrational Patriot hating that I can't even read these opinions any more, and now, Footballguy #1 is contributing to the cacophony. It is a shame that human reaction to the success of others is usually envy/anger. And I'm tired of seeing it.

I'm from Boston and have had plenty of opportunities to be around the organization at corporate and charitable events and games. The Patriots are an organization that does things the right way. From the executive level management, to the players, to the administrative staff at Gillette. They are incredible contributors to the community, genuinely down to Earth and humble people that are extremely good to the fans. Moreover, they are a football team that stresses an unparalleled commitment to winning, personal sacrifice and teamwork.

If you can't at least appreciate the Patriots, you're just confused. In consideration of the above, after five years, I have unsubscribed from Random Shots and will not renew my membership to Footballguys.

Dude its football your team has won three superbowls chill out and enjoy it.

 

[munchkin]

Geez...you NE fans act like Randy Moss going across the middle to catch a pass.

Gee, I thought the diatribe was off base not taken for a TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!

 

[B-Deep]

LOL, how dare anyone say anything about the Pats other than how super duper awesome they are. Enjoy it Pats fans, you're in the midst of one of the best seasons ever. Stop whining over every little slight, insult. You're following your coach.

this is treacherously close to being list worthy

Please put me on the listTIA

i fear people are not taking the list seriously enoughif too many names get on that list, the terrorists win

 

[AB in DC]

This can't end well.

 

[Gravedigger]

Rather than trade insults, I'll just say that I always enjoyed the disciplined, perfectionist way the Pats have played in the past. The play-calling has always been amazing and the versatility and intelligence of the players is worthy of respect.

But, add me to the list as well. If you are worried about the Growing Legion, you'd be better served sending an email to BB telling him to stop being such a dork. I've always been impressed with them, but this year, that whole organization has turned me into a hater as well. From the owners handling of spygate, to BB's disgusting revenge based play and poor sportsmanship, to the fact that they are showing themselves to be some of the poorest winners I've ever seen.

Don't care if Joe's a hater or not. But if you want to stem the tide of haters, perhaps looking at the source rather than the symptoms would be a good start.

They're a great team. They also happen to be spoiled children that I have no respect for. I can respect one and be disgusted by the other without a conflict of interest.

 

[benm3218]

Ever say something and immediately regret it? I think this has got to be one of those moments for joelib77.

This is probably similar to how Belicheat felt when he said, "Yeah lets tape them and study it later. It's cheating but we'll never get caught." OOOOPS!

 

[Reaper]

I usually enjoy Random Shots.

 

[Eric]

I guess I'm not so easily amused as you are. Nothing that was said was remotely funny.

Way to be a representative for Pats fans, you tool. I'm a huge Vikings fan, but I've been rooting for the Pats because they're fun to watch and I love Boston. All you're doing is making it easier for people to hate the team and their fans. Use your brain, shut up, and enjoy the ride for crying out loud.

 

[SayWhat?]

Wow, to get your panties in a bunch over the comments you bolded is about as weak minded as I've ever seen. Maybe it was your tipping point, but gimme a break.

 

[massraider]

Oh the hypocrisy. The same Patriot fans that gave endless, unrelenting criticism of Peyton Manning, are crying foul when we don't like your team. Give me a break.

First thing I thought of.Anytime a team gets good for an extended period of time, obnoxious fans and bandwagoners turn up. 49ers, Cowboys, Packers. None of their fans were this bad. They just weren't. You can label me a hater if you like. My advice is to bask in the hate. It's a lot cooler than playing watchdog for possible bias in a meaningless blog.Original poster.....................Man, do you know how that post makes you sound? <_<

 

[SuperJohn96]

If you can't at least appreciate the Patriots, you're just confused. In consideration of the above, after five years, I have unsubscribed from Random Shots and will not renew my membership to Footballguys.

Quick, someone PM Joe and make sure he's allright!Wow, I never knew how whiny Pats fans were till this year. You'd think having a winning team would make them happy...

Now if only we could get them all to leave the message board too.

 

[B-Deep]

OK

my list is getting too large, and it locked up my computer. Although, it may not be the list, it could be a virus placed by the NFL once i started making the list to try and keep me from the truth.

I assure you I am looking into all of this and will file a report when I have more information.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Wow. I didn't know Cupcake Farms had a Boston Division. Tell the boss I say "Hi".

 

[joelib77]

Wow, to get your panties in a bunch over the comments you bolded is about as weak minded as I've ever seen. Maybe it was your tipping point, but gimme a break.

You're all right. I am totally wrong and none of you are annoying losers. It was the emoticons that really made me see the error of my ways.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

This can't end well.

It didn't start well.

 

[twitch]

Joe pokes the needle every once in a while, but imo its a good thing. Ive felt the sting on a few occasions, but his general integrity and objectivity imo is exceptional and for the most part unquestioned. He runs a clean show, a tight ship, and is rightfully respected. We Pats fans need to respect his opinions about New England, whether shining or dull. New England's run right now is fueling interest in football to a peak not often seen. Its bringing out passionate, fascinating, compelling and rare conversation . Questions about many things ranging from the ethics involved in scoring and running it on teams, to an aggressive 'quest' to gain competitive advantages and how far that envelope should be pushed, to firing away for records seemingly out of reach. To the relevant pursuit of PERFECTION. And numerous others. And thats also a good thing. Joe represents a stable, honest, confident, trusted opinion on anything about New England, imo. He's not a fan. I am. Our opinions on the subject matter will no doubt collide and repel. But when differing viewpoints meet, and there is a willingness to accept honest counters to one's own beliefs, and accept criticism, the results are typically positive. Gotta be willing to accept and handle criticism, even it is seems sometimes mistimed. Everything Joe says about the Patriots from a non-fan perspective I appreciate. So, just take it on the chin big guy. Its only a light jab. Not a knockout punch. If we havent been knocked out by now, we never will be. So, rock on Pats! And thanks for the great site, Joe.

 

[benm3218]

Good to see you admit it.

<_<

 

[phthalatemagic]

Wow, to get your panties in a bunch over the comments you bolded is about as weak minded as I've ever seen. Maybe it was your tipping point, but gimme a break.

You're all right. I am totally wrong and none of you are annoying losers. It was the emoticons that really made me see the error of my ways.

<_<

 

[B-Deep]

Wow, to get your panties in a bunch over the comments you bolded is about as weak minded as I've ever seen. Maybe it was your tipping point, but gimme a break.

You're all right. I am totally wrong and none of you are annoying losers. It was the emoticons that really made me see the error of my ways.

didn't you retire in disgust or something?by the way, my friend is a packer's fan and he found that picture of Favre very insulting....

 

[joelib77]

Joe pokes the needle every once in a while, but imo its a good thing. Ive felt the sting on a few occasions, but his general integrity and objectivity imo is exceptional and for the most part unquestioned. He runs a clean show, a tight ship, and is rightfully respected. We Pats fans need to respect his opinions about New England, whether shining or dull. New England's run right now is fueling interest in football to a peak not often seen. Its bringing out passionate, fascinating, compelling and rare conversation . Questions about many things ranging from the ethics involved in scoring and running it on teams, to an aggressive 'quest' to gain competitive advantages and how far that envelope should be pushed, to firing away for records seemingly out of reach. To the relevant pursuit of PERFECTION. And numerous others. And thats also a good thing. Joe represents a stable, honest, confident, trusted opinion on anything about New England, imo. He's not a fan. I am. Our opinions on the subject matter will no doubt collide and repel. But when differing viewpoints meet, and there is a willingness to accept honest counters to one's own beliefs, and accept criticism, the results are typically positive. Gotta be willing to accept and handle criticism, even it is seems sometimes mistimed. Everything Joe says about the Patriots from a non-fan perspective I appreciate. So, just take it on the chin big guy. Its only a light jab. Not a knockout punch. If we havent been knocked out by now, we never will be. So, rock on Pats! And thanks for the great site, Joe.

As a Patriots fan, how can you not find all of these people incredibly annoying and pittiful? Seriously. Everyone's attention has turned away from enjoying their own team and towards hating the Patriots. It's really incredibly obnoxious.

 

[Slingblade]

 

[Eric]

Joe pokes the needle every once in a while, but imo its a good thing. Ive felt the sting on a few occasions, but his general integrity and objectivity imo is exceptional and for the most part unquestioned. He runs a clean show, a tight ship, and is rightfully respected. We Pats fans need to respect his opinions about New England, whether shining or dull. New England's run right now is fueling interest in football to a peak not often seen. Its bringing out passionate, fascinating, compelling and rare conversation . Questions about many things ranging from the ethics involved in scoring and running it on teams, to an aggressive 'quest' to gain competitive advantages and how far that envelope should be pushed, to firing away for records seemingly out of reach. To the relevant pursuit of PERFECTION. And numerous others. And thats also a good thing. Joe represents a stable, honest, confident, trusted opinion on anything about New England, imo. He's not a fan. I am. Our opinions on the subject matter will no doubt collide and repel. But when differing viewpoints meet, and there is a willingness to accept honest counters to one's own beliefs, and accept criticism, the results are typically positive. Gotta be willing to accept and handle criticism, even it is seems sometimes mistimed. Everything Joe says about the Patriots from a non-fan perspective I appreciate. So, just take it on the chin big guy. Its only a light jab. Not a knockout punch. If we havent been knocked out by now, we never will be. So, rock on Pats! And thanks for the great site, Joe.

As a Patriots fan, how can you not find all of these people incredibly annoying and pittiful? Seriously. Everyone's attention has turned away from enjoying their own team and towards hating the Patriots. It's really incredibly obnoxious.

Oh my god, man. Please, just shut up before you destroy the reputation of Pats fans even further. While you're at it, read what you just wrote and look in a mirror. TIA.

 

[benm3218]

Joe pokes the needle every once in a while, but imo its a good thing. Ive felt the sting on a few occasions, but his general integrity and objectivity imo is exceptional and for the most part unquestioned. He runs a clean show, a tight ship, and is rightfully respected. We Pats fans need to respect his opinions about New England, whether shining or dull. New England's run right now is fueling interest in football to a peak not often seen. Its bringing out passionate, fascinating, compelling and rare conversation . Questions about many things ranging from the ethics involved in scoring and running it on teams, to an aggressive 'quest' to gain competitive advantages and how far that envelope should be pushed, to firing away for records seemingly out of reach. To the relevant pursuit of PERFECTION. And numerous others. And thats also a good thing. Joe represents a stable, honest, confident, trusted opinion on anything about New England, imo. He's not a fan. I am. Our opinions on the subject matter will no doubt collide and repel. But when differing viewpoints meet, and there is a willingness to accept honest counters to one's own beliefs, and accept criticism, the results are typically positive. Gotta be willing to accept and handle criticism, even it is seems sometimes mistimed. Everything Joe says about the Patriots from a non-fan perspective I appreciate. So, just take it on the chin big guy. Its only a light jab. Not a knockout punch. If we havent been knocked out by now, we never will be. So, rock on Pats! And thanks for the great site, Joe.

As a Patriots fan, how can you not find all of these people incredibly annoying and pittiful? Seriously. Everyone's attention has turned away from enjoying their own team and towards hating the Patriots. It's really incredibly obnoxious.

Are you a girl or a boy? You sound like my wife in one of the arguments we have where I can't win no matter what...I am glad I annoy you though. Somehow as I sit in my boring grey cubicle and sip my lukewarm coffee while contemplating the 3 hours I have till lunch break.... It makes me supremely happy to know that I have the power to annoy you. Brady is a girly man.

 

[remote controller]

I usually enjoy Random Shots. But after reading yesterday, couldn't help but feel annoyed by yet ANOTHER member in the growing nation of Patriot haters and had to voice my opinion. It's bad enough the Monday Night Football broadcast was dedicated to rooting against the Patriots (wheeling Mercury Morris out of the asylum and Don Shula out of the home for the evening, voodoo dolls in hand), but now Footballguys own Joe Bryant seems to have joined in the hystrical masses, pitchfork and burning torch in hand, to decry my team. It seems that there is no intellect applied anymore when criticizing the Patriots, it's all emotional.

It started out somewhere in Week 3 when he asserted that the Patriots would not go undefeated (still feeling confident about that prediction Joe?) and has snowballed slowly into this week's acerbic not so random shots at the Pats. Here are some highlights:

Few games live up to expectations but the Washington - Buffalo game was as dramatic as everyone thought it would be following the death of Redskins safety Sean Taylor.

In one of the cooler things I've seen on a football field in a while, Washington opened the game on defense with just 10 players for the first play as a way to pay tribute to Taylor. Pretty moving.

I'm just glad they weren't playing New England as the fake kneel down - throw long to Randy Moss play probably wouldn't have gone over well there.

Okay, first of all, and this is a bit of a non-sequitur, but in my opinion, starting the game out with 10 guys on the field was incredibly stupid. These are professionals being paid tons of money in a sport in which each game and each play has signficance. But that's neither here nor there, was it really necessary to take a shot at the Patriots here? I get it, they are heartless, soulless heathens who would dance on the grave of their fellow man. Got it.

Here's another one:

New England only failed to cover by 16 points this week. That's better than last week...

So what's your point here Joe? What are you saying? Is this humor? Is this insightful in some way? No. Is it Patriot hating? Yes.

But wait...there's more!

The reality is that New England was busted for cheating this year. They were hit with unprecedented fines in addition to losing a first round draft selection next year. It was a very serious punishment for a very serious offense. Acknowledged cheating threatens the very thing the league holds most dear - the integrity of the game...

First of all, just wanted to say But, it's highly debatable how serious an offense this was or how much it actually benefitted the Patriots when A) every team changes their defensive hand signals every week to prevent "espionage." and b) Every team in the league is bending the rules to gain an advantage.

Sure, Goodell had to appease the other team owners in the wake of this highly publicized violation and hit the Patriots with a meaningless fine and take away one of two first round draft picks, but in reality, the penalty really doesn't hurt the franchise.

It just brings me back to the point that this board has become infested with such irrational Patriot hating that I can't even read these opinions any more, and now, Footballguy #1 is contributing to the cacophony. It is a shame that human reaction to the success of others is usually envy/anger. And I'm tired of seeing it.

I'm from Boston and have had plenty of opportunities to be around the organization at corporate and charitable events and games. The Patriots are an organization that does things the right way. From the executive level management, to the players, to the administrative staff at Gillette. They are incredible contributors to the community, genuinely down to Earth and humble people that are extremely good to the fans. Moreover, they are a football team that stresses an unparalleled commitment to winning, personal sacrifice and teamwork.

If you can't at least appreciate the Patriots, you're just confused. In consideration of the above, after five years, I have unsubscribed from Random Shots and will not renew my membership to Footballguys.

antywaste: