The problem wih this thread is, by grouping all of the complaints about the Patriots in one thread, you're giving them all equal weight, which actually means very little wieght, and by doing so you're basically agreeing with the Patriot homers who argue that all of this is envy, anyhow.Let's break down the complaints against the Patriots:1. They are cheaters.Since the league penalized them, I don't think there is any doubt. To those who argue, "So what, others did it," I would answer: if others did it, they are wrong. I want my children to learn that cheating is unnacceptable. The Patriots are a poor example for kids, and this will not change no matter whaqt happens this season.2. Becasue they are cheaters, an asterisk should be added to this season.No. Had I been Commissioner, I would have punished them a little more, but it is what it is. Let the punishment stand, and separate it from this season.3. The Patriots run up the score.The fact that this is sitll even argues amazes me. Not to repeat it endlessly, it is NOT running up the score by continuing to play hard. You do NOT need to take a knee, and you can keep your starters in well into the 4th quarter, if you want. But going for it on 4th and 2 when you're up 35-7 or 42-7 is proof that you're running up the score. Throwing deep on 1st down when you're up by 28 or more points is also proof, though admittedly more arguable.4. Running up the score is classless.this is a separate argument from running up the score. I happen to think it IS classless, and that there is no justification for this. But there are decent arguments I have heard for the other side, the best one being that the Patriots want to intimidate future opponents by creating a sense of invunerability. I reject this argument because 35-7 to me represents the same dominance as 56-7. 5. The Patriots are jerks.I personally dislike two guys on that team, Bellichick and Moss, for lots of reasons well described elsewhere. I like Brady, really like Seau, and am indifferent to the rest of the team. The head coach however, does give the whole team an image which creates a distaste in my mind, I have to admit.6. The Patriots' fans are jerks.Many of the homers that contribute to this site offer very intelligent analysis and spirited defense of their team, Twitch being the best example (although his recent attempts to turn me into a Niner fan are rather annoying!) There are other posters, like eom, who are downright obnoxious. Most Patriot fans are arrogant, but wouldn't you be if they were your team?7. All of these complaints stem from jealousy of what New England is doing.I have to admit, this is partly true. If the jets had been the team caught cheating early in the year, we wouldn't be talking about it now. If the Eagles, in their 5 or so victories, had run up the score, the only discussion would be about how inconsistent they've been. It is the combination of the Patriot victories, and the way they are winning, that generates all of this discussion.As for me personally, as I have stated elsewhere, I AM jealous. I do wish my Steelers were that good a team, or at least good enough to have beaten NE in 01 or 04. So I root against NE and always will. But I don't think my envy colors my judgment about what is and what is not worthy of criticism.8. Somebody ought to punish NE by taking a cheap shot at Brady.Comments like these are more classless than anything the Patriots are doing. I do understand that there is a difference between predicting this may happen and actually wanting it to happen, but to me even discussion of it gives weight to those who dismiss all criticism about the Patriots as "whining". And that is my main objection to this thread, because to tie all of these complaints together DOES make the whole thing seem like a big whine, and dismisses what legitimate criticism should be levelled at New England.
Nice....let's make the Pats the center of attention again. 
Oh my God. Thank you Joe from the bottom of my heart. I was thinking about asking for a thread like this but I didn't think anyone would take it seriously. This is like someone uncovering my eyes outside and finding a new Lexus with a huge bow on it in my driveway. If I could deliver Bette Middler to your office singing "Hero" I would but I need to save some $ for Christmas. This Thanksgiving I am going to stand at the head of the table and give thanks for this thread.
Maybe we can automate this whole process and save everyone a lot of hassle.
