Patriots Appreciation Thread (1 Viewer)

[pollardsvision]

(note: i am a jaguars fan. i just have a huge appreciation for what the patriots are doing, bordering on a man-crush)

there are more than enough threads complaining about the patriots.

the patriots somehow, have become the most hated team in sports. i'm somewhat baffled by this b/c i think the patriots have made this season 1000 times more enjoyable.

so, this thread is just people who appreciate the what these patriots are doing. (whining can take place on one of the other 1000 patriots threads).

here are a few reasons i love these patriots, and i'm not even a fan.

1-when randy's right, the world is right.

who can't appreciate the return to glory of this man who'd probably rather be fishing in his little retirement village in florida?

for all of the people who have ever ripped on this man for pretty innocuos things, it's nice to see randy get his.

2-fittingly, the patriots represent america at it's finest.

i love presumptous, so i think the fact that this team is not named for a city or even a state, but rather an entire REGION; is great. to add to that, they are named the freaking patriots. i find it fitting that these patriots are attempting to dominate the entire world at the same time the NFL is invading Europe.

it's our competitve spirit and quest for domination that has made america great (and of course, what has made america hated).

these patriots are as american as apple pie.

america is better than any country in the world and not afraid to flaunt it. the pats are simply doing the same thing.

most people that hate america either do live here or would if they could.

most people that hate the patriots love if their team could do this.

3-in case anyone's forgotten the NFL does have a salary cap.

i know it doesn't look like it, but the patriots don't get a higher salary cap than other teams. this isn't the yankees.

every player on their roster could've been had by every other team. brady was a 6th round picks. moss/welker/morris were acquired for peanuts. junior freaking seau probably might've been cut by most teams in the league.

remember when the pats were applauded for being smarter than other teams, making better draft picks, and taking undervalued players and turning them into a a collection of productive players to form an ultimate team?

that hasn't changed and i still applaud them.

4-belichick's demeanor

most people hate it, but i love it.

if you want coaches that make great husbands, fathers, and grandfathers, the NFL isn't the league for you. and it hasn't been since at least the salary cap era.

there's plenty of room in college football for that.

belichick is just a football coach. he doesn't care about you or if you like him.

that's the kind of man i want coaching my team (as a fan or a player).

there are plenty more and feel free to post them.

this thread is intended to be a haven from this world of patriot whining.

 

[timschochet]

I'll say this for the Pats. If they do go 16-0, they will at least shut up those old fools from Miami that open up a bottle of champagne to celebrate every year. How classless it is to be cheering every year for teams to lose? And no, it's not an urban legend becasue I've seen Nick Bunocotti talking about it proudly on TV. That 72 Dolphin team would get blown out by any SB champion post 1985, and this Patriot team would probably beat them 90-0.

So I'll be happy if that happens. It's almost enough to make me root for NE; I said almost.

 

[Tong Po]

Good grief Charlie Brown.

 

[twitch]

I for one appreciate the effort, PV. This thread will fade into obvlivion because there are 12 other NE topics to compete with, but thank you for the support as a non-Pats fan. good piece. and good luck to your boys the rest of the way.

 

[ChromeWeasel]

(note: i am a jaguars fan. i just have a huge appreciation for what the patriots are doing, bordering on a man-crush)there are more than enough threads complaining about the patriots.the patriots somehow, have become the most hated team in sports. i'm somewhat baffled by this b/c i think the patriots have made this season 1000 times more enjoyable.so, this thread is just people who appreciate the what these patriots are doing. (whining can take place on one of the other 1000 patriots threads).here are a few reasons i love these patriots, and i'm not even a fan.1-when randy's right, the world is right.who can't appreciate the return to glory of this man who'd probably rather be fishing in his little retirement village in florida?for all of the people who have ever ripped on this man for pretty innocuos things, it's nice to see randy get his.2-fittingly, the patriots represent america at it's finest.i love presumptous, so i think the fact that this team is not named for a city or even a state, but rather an entire REGION; is great. to add to that, they are named the freaking patriots. i find it fitting that these patriots are attempting to dominate the entire world at the same time the NFL is invading Europe.it's our competitve spirit and quest for domination that has made america great (and of course, what has made america hated).these patriots are as american as apple pie. america is better than any country in the world and not afraid to flaunt it. the pats are simply doing the same thing.most people that hate america either do live here or would if they could.most people that hate the patriots love if their team could do this.3-in case anyone's forgotten the NFL does have a salary cap.i know it doesn't look like it, but the patriots don't get a higher salary cap than other teams. this isn't the yankees.every player on their roster could've been had by every other team. brady was a 6th round picks. moss/welker/morris were acquired for peanuts. junior freaking seau probably might've been cut by most teams in the league.remember when the pats were applauded for being smarter than other teams, making better draft picks, and taking undervalued players and turning them into a a collection of productive players to form an ultimate team?that hasn't changed and i still applaud them.4-belichick's demeanormost people hate it, but i love it.if you want coaches that make great husbands, fathers, and grandfathers, the NFL isn't the league for you. and it hasn't been since at least the salary cap era.there's plenty of room in college football for that.belichick is just a football coach. he doesn't care about you or if you like him. that's the kind of man i want coaching my team (as a fan or a player).there are plenty more and feel free to post them.this thread is intended to be a haven from this world of patriot whining.

Nice post. We may be watching history unfold right now. Might as well appreciate it.

 

[biggyd]

(note: i am a jaguars fan. i just have a huge appreciation for what the patriots are doing, bordering on a man-crush)there are more than enough threads complaining about the patriots.the patriots somehow, have become the most hated team in sports. i'm somewhat baffled by this b/c i think the patriots have made this season 1000 times more enjoyable.so, this thread is just people who appreciate the what these patriots are doing. (whining can take place on one of the other 1000 patriots threads).here are a few reasons i love these patriots, and i'm not even a fan.1-when randy's right, the world is right.who can't appreciate the return to glory of this man who'd probably rather be fishing in his little retirement village in florida?for all of the people who have ever ripped on this man for pretty innocuos things, it's nice to see randy get his.2-fittingly, the patriots represent america at it's finest.i love presumptous, so i think the fact that this team is not named for a city or even a state, but rather an entire REGION; is great. to add to that, they are named the freaking patriots. i find it fitting that these patriots are attempting to dominate the entire world at the same time the NFL is invading Europe.it's our competitve spirit and quest for domination that has made america great (and of course, what has made america hated).these patriots are as american as apple pie. america is better than any country in the world and not afraid to flaunt it. the pats are simply doing the same thing.most people that hate america either do live here or would if they could.most people that hate the patriots love if their team could do this.3-in case anyone's forgotten the NFL does have a salary cap.i know it doesn't look like it, but the patriots don't get a higher salary cap than other teams. this isn't the yankees.every player on their roster could've been had by every other team. brady was a 6th round picks. moss/welker/morris were acquired for peanuts. junior freaking seau probably might've been cut by most teams in the league.remember when the pats were applauded for being smarter than other teams, making better draft picks, and taking undervalued players and turning them into a a collection of productive players to form an ultimate team?that hasn't changed and i still applaud them.4-belichick's demeanormost people hate it, but i love it.if you want coaches that make great husbands, fathers, and grandfathers, the NFL isn't the league for you. and it hasn't been since at least the salary cap era.there's plenty of room in college football for that.belichick is just a football coach. he doesn't care about you or if you like him. that's the kind of man i want coaching my team (as a fan or a player).there are plenty more and feel free to post them.this thread is intended to be a haven from this world of patriot whining.

Nice Post..liked the part about Randy living in the retirement community.

 

[B-Deep]

At least they are not running up scores like a college team or anything.

I mean, up 38-0 in the fourth quarter, the other team is only 4 touchdowns away from being within 2 scores, so the smart move on 4th and 1 from the 7 is to call a QB sneak for your franchise QB to make sure you can have a chance for a TD and stretch the score to 45-0

Only a real strategic genius would realize that particular call's brilliance.

 

[TD Ryan]

the key word is history...

we are seeing it unfold here and for the fans of this team, it's a great thing to watch.

So far, during this decade, there have been legitimate discussions about where and even if this NE team and their players belong mentioned along side the Legends of the game.

Are they a dynasty on par with the great Steeler, Cowboy, 49er, and Packer dynasties?

Is Brady really a dominant QB or just a system QB with a nice surrounding cast?

Is Belichick really among the greatest coaches ever? a football "genius?

And make no mistake, Peyton Manning belongs in this discussion too and will forever be entangled in anything historical this NE team does... there can be no Bird without Magic, no Russell without Chamberlain, no Montana without Marino, and certainly no Brady without Manning.

yes, I expect my NE Patriots to convincingly beat the undefeated SuperBowl Colts this weekend.

But I can't hate Manning and the Colts, I can only respect them for helping to make this such a fantastic time for both Colt and Pat fans (and any other true fans of the NFL). And I will watch this game this weekend knowing full well that someday, I will tell my grandkids about the great era of the NFL when Brady and Manning would face off.

 

[Picklepete]

Just what we need !

As if those Red sux / Pats fans are not bad enough !

Although I like Tom Brady, the fans I can do without.

 

[NoFBinLA]

As a Jets fan, I should hate these guys far more than I do. I mean, sure they bug me, but you can't help but marvel at the ability of this team.

I don't like stuff liek the Brady sneak yesterday - that isn't classy. But honestly, just on pure ability I can't get over how good the team is. And this despite the fact that they lack a traditionally powerful run game.

People still can't stop their pass attack - I've never seen anything like it. I don't think even the Greatest Show on Turf could chew yardage up the way these guys do.

I dunno if it's history - I dunno if they are 'the best ever' - but I do know they are something incredible to watch right now.

Which just makes me much more bitter that the Jets blow goats right now. On the other hand - at least the Jets aren't having THEIR greatest season ever, only to be overshadowed by the Pats season.

Yeah... right....

 

[timschochet]

Besides the Miami losers, there are for me, three other reasons to smile at the Patriots (I can't even believe I'm writing this):

1. The anti-Patriots threads are now suggesting someone attempt to injure Tom Brady in retaliation for BB leaving him in the game too long. I am offended by this, and don't want to be associated with it in any way. Patriot fans, please do not lump all of us that root against NE together; these threads are appalling to me.

2. If NE does win it all this year, then one of my favorite players in the history of the NFL will finally get a ring: Junior Seau. He is and had always been a poster boy for how defensive players should have a running motor at all times. Junior is also a classy individual who has done much work, both publicized and unpublicized for his community. He is an all around great guy and I would be happy to see him finally get rewarded for all of the years of great effort.

3. Finally, the Pats of 2007 could very well turn out to be the greatest team in the history of football at any level, much as it pains me to say it. One of the main reasons to watch sports in the first place is to enjoy superlative human ability. The issues that I am bitter about will most likely fade away in 40 years time (would the fans of the 27 Yankees have driven me crazy? Were the 60's Boston Celtics teams classless in behavior at the end of games? Who knows? Who remembers?) but what the team is doing will not. In the end, this team's achievements will trump the behavior of any individuals I might dislike, even the HC. They are truly a thing of beauty to behold, and no football fan, whoever they are cheering for, can deny watching the Patriots without a great amount of aesthetic appreciation.

 

[ChromeWeasel]

Just what we need !As if those Red sux / Pats fans are not bad enough !Although I like Tom Brady, the fans I can do without.

You've had enough of the pats fans, so you'll troll an appreciation thread to instigate trouble. That's brilliant.

 

[NoCheese]

(note: i am a jaguars fan. i just have a huge appreciation for what the patriots are doing, bordering on a man-crush)

there are more than enough threads complaining about the patriots.

the patriots somehow, have become the most hated team in sports. i'm somewhat baffled by this b/c i think the patriots have made this season 1000 times more enjoyable.

so, this thread is just people who appreciate the what these patriots are doing. (whining can take place on one of the other 1000 patriots threads).

here are a few reasons i love these patriots, and i'm not even a fan.

1-when randy's right, the world is right.

who can't appreciate the return to glory of this man who'd probably rather be fishing in his little retirement village in florida?

for all of the people who have ever ripped on this man for pretty innocuos things, it's nice to see randy get his.

2-fittingly, the patriots represent america at it's finest.

i love presumptous, so i think the fact that this team is not named for a city or even a state, but rather an entire REGION; is great. to add to that, they are named the freaking patriots. i find it fitting that these patriots are attempting to dominate the entire world at the same time the NFL is invading Europe.

it's our competitve spirit and quest for domination that has made america great (and of course, what has made america hated).

these patriots are as american as apple pie.

america is better than any country in the world and not afraid to flaunt it. the pats are simply doing the same thing.

most people that hate america either do live here or would if they could.

most people that hate the patriots love if their team could do this.

3-in case anyone's forgotten the NFL does have a salary cap.

i know it doesn't look like it, but the patriots don't get a higher salary cap than other teams. this isn't the yankees.

every player on their roster could've been had by every other team. brady was a 6th round picks. moss/welker/morris were acquired for peanuts. junior freaking seau probably might've been cut by most teams in the league.

remember when the pats were applauded for being smarter than other teams, making better draft picks, and taking undervalued players and turning them into a a collection of productive players to form an ultimate team?

that hasn't changed and i still applaud them.

4-belichick's demeanor

most people hate it, but i love it.

if you want coaches that make great husbands, fathers, and grandfathers, the NFL isn't the league for you. and it hasn't been since at least the salary cap era.

there's plenty of room in college football for that.

belichick is just a football coach. he doesn't care about you or if you like him.

that's the kind of man i want coaching my team (as a fan or a player).

there are plenty more and feel free to post them.

this thread is intended to be a haven from this world of patriot whining.

I disagree w/ this line of reasoning. Being a class act and a successful coach are not mutually exclusive. Wouldn't you, as a fan, want a coach who both exudes class and is a winner? Is there some competitive advantage I'm not aware of that makes Belichek superior to a Dungy because of his arrogance? Or can you be considered classy without having to cave in to popular opinion yet still maintaining your integrity and success?

 

[Col. Mustard]

 

[PatsWillWin]

I disagree w/ this line of reasoning. Being a class act and a successful coach are not mutually exclusive. Wouldn't you, as a fan, want a coach who both exudes class and is a winner? Is there some competitive advantage I'm not aware of that makes Belichek superior to a Dungy because of his arrogance? Or can you be considered classy without having to cave in to popular opinion yet still maintaining your integrity and success?

I want a coach who does what's best for the team* and doesn't give a damn if he's "considered classless" by other teams' fans or the talking heads.* - I don't think keeping Brady in when up by over 35 points is what's best for the team. I think it's unnecessarily risky, but I could care less if it's considered "classy" or not.

 

[barista]

Actually this scoring-bonanza strategy might just make sense rather than have a team get complacent and lose that one game... everyone gets up for the weekly shellacking!

 

[Bossman]

Actually this scoring-bonanza strategy might just make sense rather than have a team get complacent and lose that one game... everyone gets up for the weekly shellacking!

or does the rediculous scoring give the next opponent a big dose of "doubt"?Can you imagine the opposing players at practice, watching film of the Pats... putting up TD after TD... and knowing you have to find a way to stop it?That has to be disheartening.Plant that seed of doubt in your opponent and then score on your opening drive to remove any hope.I love what the Pats are doing and I don't blame fans for rooting against them. Most will want to see a David slay a Goliath.

 

[Joe Bryant]

2-fittingly, the patriots represent america at it's finest.i love presumptous, so i think the fact that this team is not named for a city or even a state, but rather an entire REGION; is great. to add to that, they are named the freaking patriots. i find it fitting that these patriots are attempting to dominate the entire world at the same time the NFL is invading Europe.it's our competitve spirit and quest for domination that has made america great (and of course, what has made america hated).these patriots are as american as apple pie. america is better than any country in the world and not afraid to flaunt it. the pats are simply doing the same thing.most people that hate america either do live here or would if they could.most people that hate the patriots love if their team could do this.

Please tell me at least this part was fishing. Couple of points with one thing relating to the Patriots and the others that aren't Patriot things.This team and head coach was handed down some of the stiffest fines in league history for cheating. Are you saying cheating is an American "virtue"?Or that "presumptuous" is a good thing? Of course they played a game in London but with the failure of NFL Europe, do you really think the league is "invading" Europe?And do you really think a "competitive spirit" makes people hated?J

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Are you saying cheating is an American "virtue"?

It sure does appear so.

 

[tombonneau]

It's highly amusing that the same anti-Patriots trolls feel compelled to post in a thread specifically directed towards people wanting to talk positively about the Patriots. At least it helps me ID most of you and put you on ignore.

Anyway, I actually encountered a real life troll at the sports bar yesterday. Towards the end of the Pats game, I'm in the bathroom with my Brady jersey on, and some big loudmouth Bucs fan comes in there. He starts off making a comment about how it smelled in there, and commented “Oh, a Boston fan, that’s why.”

I just ignore him and go about my business.

But in troll-like fashion, he can’t resist. So he just starts running him mouth to some other random guy in there, talking about how Boston fans are unbearable, they can’t handle success. They’re worse than New York fans. I’m washing my hands and tell him politely that I disagree, I think I handle my team’s success pretty well.

But he won’t be denied and just keeps going on about no I’m wrong, they call think their teams are the best, and talk about how great they are and how much better they are than everyone else. They don’t’ shut up.

I then had to stop him to point out that, Hey, you’re the one running your mouth. I haven’t said anything; I’m minding my business just trying to take a piss.

I think he finally realized he was being an antagonistic ######## and apologize and said good win.

But yeah, that sums it up in a nutshell. There are a large percentage of Pats fans who just want to go about enjoying their team’s success but the vocal anti-Pats contingent just can’t have it. They must be heard!

Just thought you’d all be glad to know it’s not contained to the Internet, the real life trolls are out there, too.

 

[Joe Bryant]

They must be heard!Just thought you’d all be glad to know it’s not contained to the Internet, the real life trolls are out there, too.

Hi tom,Agree for sure. The guy you describe is a tool.I haven't seen anything remotely like that on this board. Have you?As for the other, people have been talking about and debating sports and wanting to be heard as long as there have been sports. I hope that's always how it is.J

 

[tombonneau]

They must be heard!Just thought you’d all be glad to know it’s not contained to the Internet, the real life trolls are out there, too.

Hi tom,Agree for sure. The guy you describe is a tool.I haven't seen anything remotely like that on this board. Have you?As for the other, people have been talking about and debating sports and wanting to be heard as long as there have been sports. I hope that's always how it is.J

Maybe not as in-your-face as my encounter yesterday, but I'm forced to interact with folks very similar on a daily basis on this board. Just look in the this thread.

At least they are not running up scores like a college team or anything.I mean, up 38-0 in the fourth quarter, the other team is only 4 touchdowns away from being within 2 scores, so the smart move on 4th and 1 from the 7 is to call a QB sneak for your franchise QB to make sure you can have a chance for a TD and stretch the score to 45-0Only a real strategic genius would realize that particular call's brilliance.

Just what we need !As if those Red sux / Pats fans are not bad enough !Although I like Tom Brady, the fans I can do without.

And I'm sure timschocet had something unbiased to say but I have no idea what it was as I've been forced to set him to ignore.I mean, this is a Patriots Appreciation Thread yet a large percentage the posts in here are from the same people who routinely bash the Patriots at any possible opportunity.It's flat out staggering.I hate very few teams, and hardly any in the NFL. I'd say the Broncos are the closest I have to a team I truly hate. Yet not once have I ever felt the urge to insert myself into a discussion amongst it's fans for the sole purposes of antagonizing them. This is a daily occurrence for any Pat's fan who deigns to show allegiance to his team in the Shark Pool. Or even for a fan of the Jags who merely wants to recognize what he believes is NFL history unfolding.To each their own I suppose ...

 

[Horses Mouth]

I detest the Pats (MIA homer) but I can't ignore the precision, play calling, confidence, and ability to adapt to any situation on both sides of the ball. They are the best right now. Just go 15-1 and I'll be ok with it.

 

[timschochet]

They must be heard!Just thought you’d all be glad to know it’s not contained to the Internet, the real life trolls are out there, too.

Hi tom,Agree for sure. The guy you describe is a tool.I haven't seen anything remotely like that on this board. Have you?As for the other, people have been talking about and debating sports and wanting to be heard as long as there have been sports. I hope that's always how it is.J

Maybe not as in-your-face as my encounter yesterday, but I'm forced to interact with folks very similar on a daily basis on this board. Just look in the this thread.

At least they are not running up scores like a college team or anything.I mean, up 38-0 in the fourth quarter, the other team is only 4 touchdowns away from being within 2 scores, so the smart move on 4th and 1 from the 7 is to call a QB sneak for your franchise QB to make sure you can have a chance for a TD and stretch the score to 45-0Only a real strategic genius would realize that particular call's brilliance.

Just what we need !As if those Red sux / Pats fans are not bad enough !Although I like Tom Brady, the fans I can do without.

And I'm sure timschocet had something unbiased to say but I have no idea what it was as I've been forced to set him to ignore.I mean, this is a Patriots Appreciation Thread yet a large percentage the posts in here are from the same people who routinely bash the Patriots at any possible opportunity.It's flat out staggering.I hate very few teams, and hardly any in the NFL. I'd say the Broncos are the closest I have to a team I truly hate. Yet not once have I ever felt the urge to insert myself into a discussion amongst it's fans for the sole purposes of antagonizing them. This is a daily occurrence for any Pat's fan who deigns to show allegiance to his team in the Shark Pool. Or even for a fan of the Jags who merely wants to recognize what he believes is NFL history unfolding.To each their own I suppose ...

My messages on this thread have been only positive- please read above...

 

[Joe Bryant]

They must be heard!Just thought you’d all be glad to know it’s not contained to the Internet, the real life trolls are out there, too.

Hi tom,Agree for sure. The guy you describe is a tool.I haven't seen anything remotely like that on this board. Have you?As for the other, people have been talking about and debating sports and wanting to be heard as long as there have been sports. I hope that's always how it is.J

Maybe not as in-your-face as my encounter yesterday, but I'm forced to interact with folks very similar on a daily basis on this board. Just look in the this thread.

At least they are not running up scores like a college team or anything.I mean, up 38-0 in the fourth quarter, the other team is only 4 touchdowns away from being within 2 scores, so the smart move on 4th and 1 from the 7 is to call a QB sneak for your franchise QB to make sure you can have a chance for a TD and stretch the score to 45-0Only a real strategic genius would realize that particular call's brilliance.

Just what we need !As if those Red sux / Pats fans are not bad enough !Although I like Tom Brady, the fans I can do without.

And I'm sure timschocet had something unbiased to say but I have no idea what it was as I've been forced to set him to ignore.I mean, this is a Patriots Appreciation Thread yet a large percentage the posts in here are from the same people who routinely bash the Patriots at any possible opportunity.It's flat out staggering.I hate very few teams, and hardly any in the NFL. I'd say the Broncos are the closest I have to a team I truly hate. Yet not once have I ever felt the urge to insert myself into a discussion amongst it's fans for the sole purposes of antagonizing them. This is a daily occurrence for any Pat's fan who deigns to show allegiance to his team in the Shark Pool. Or even for a fan of the Jags who merely wants to recognize what he believes is NFL history unfolding.To each their own I suppose ...

You really think that's remotely close to physically confronting a stranger minding his own business unprovoked and telling him he's the source of what smells in the rest room? OK.J

 

[Joe Bryant]

They must be heard!Just thought you’d all be glad to know it’s not contained to the Internet, the real life trolls are out there, too.

Hi tom,Agree for sure. The guy you describe is a tool.I haven't seen anything remotely like that on this board. Have you?As for the other, people have been talking about and debating sports and wanting to be heard as long as there have been sports. I hope that's always how it is.J

Maybe not as in-your-face as my encounter yesterday, but I'm forced to interact with folks very similar on a daily basis on this board. Just look in the this thread.

At least they are not running up scores like a college team or anything.I mean, up 38-0 in the fourth quarter, the other team is only 4 touchdowns away from being within 2 scores, so the smart move on 4th and 1 from the 7 is to call a QB sneak for your franchise QB to make sure you can have a chance for a TD and stretch the score to 45-0Only a real strategic genius would realize that particular call's brilliance.

Just what we need !As if those Red sux / Pats fans are not bad enough !Although I like Tom Brady, the fans I can do without.

And I'm sure timschocet had something unbiased to say but I have no idea what it was as I've been forced to set him to ignore.I mean, this is a Patriots Appreciation Thread yet a large percentage the posts in here are from the same people who routinely bash the Patriots at any possible opportunity.It's flat out staggering.I hate very few teams, and hardly any in the NFL. I'd say the Broncos are the closest I have to a team I truly hate. Yet not once have I ever felt the urge to insert myself into a discussion amongst it's fans for the sole purposes of antagonizing them. This is a daily occurrence for any Pat's fan who deigns to show allegiance to his team in the Shark Pool. Or even for a fan of the Jags who merely wants to recognize what he believes is NFL history unfolding.To each their own I suppose ...

My messages on this thread have been only positive- please read above...

Thank you.J

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I haven't seen anything remotely like that on this board. Have you?

Realistically, the combination of cameragate, BB's lack of people skills, and NE's dominance create an environment which could lead to trolling, but by and large it doesn't exist, thanks mostly to the excellent impartial monitoring provided by mods. There are noteable exceptions, however, and I'm disappointed that you don't see it that way. By my way of thinking, the following ARE "remotely like that on this board".1. Posting nothing but an asterisk in multiple active threads.2. Posting a high volume of "anti" threads directed at someone else's team in a short period of time.3. Bearing a sig which has nothing to do with your team, for example pointing to a youtube video about Broncos salary cap manipulation.Recently, I received a one week ban for drawing a parallel between not being offended with personal attacks against the Patriots and not being offended with personal attacks against that poster's Mother. The banning was understandible in hindsight, but I think there is a lack of sensitivity towards the relationship that fans have for their teams. Why is it OK for me to personally attack someone on "your team" but it is not OK for you to personally attack a family member? BTW, I expect to be mocked for asking this rhetorical question (not by you, of course).Clearly there are different perspectives in place regarding what's OK and what's off limits. When I read commentary here consistently talking about BB's lack of character, I avoid posting about other coaches sons' committing suicide or drug busts, but the thought crosses my mind. "We" hate BB because he's easy to hate, but are his personality disorders sufficient justification for the clear fact that a handful of posters here completely buy in to the Easterbrook view?Anyway, I felt compelled to give you my opinion, fwiw...

 

[timschochet]

Here's what I wrote in both posts above- you decide if it is suitable for this thread:

I'll say this for the Pats. If they do go 16-0, they will at least shut up those old fools from Miami that open up a bottle of champagne to celebrate every year. How classless it is to be cheering every year for teams to lose? And no, it's not an urban legend becasue I've seen Nick Bunocotti talking about it proudly on TV. That 72 Dolphin team would get blown out by any SB champion post 1985, and this Patriot team would probably beat them 90-0.

So I'll be happy if that happens. It's almost enough to make me root for NE; I said almost.

Besides the Miami losers, there are for me, three other reasons to smile at the Patriots (I can't even believe I'm writing this):

1. The anti-Patriots threads are now suggesting someone attempt to injure Tom Brady in retaliation for BB leaving him in the game too long. I am offended by this, and don't want to be associated with it in any way. Patriot fans, please do not lump all of us that root against NE together; these threads are appalling to me.

2. If NE does win it all this year, then one of my favorite players in the history of the NFL will finally get a ring: Junior Seau. He is and had always been a poster boy for how defensive players should have a running motor at all times. Junior is also a classy individual who has done much work, both publicized and unpublicized for his community. He is an all around great guy and I would be happy to see him finally get rewarded for all of the years of great effort.

3. Finally, the Pats of 2007 could very well turn out to be the greatest team in the history of football at any level, much as it pains me to say it. One of the main reasons to watch sports in the first place is to enjoy superlative human ability. The issues that I am bitter about will most likely fade away in 40 years time (would the fans of the 27 Yankees have driven me crazy? Were the 60's Boston Celtics teams classless in behavior at the end of games? Who knows? Who remembers?) but what the team is doing will not. In the end, this team's achievements will trump the behavior of any individuals I might dislike, even the HC. They are truly a thing of beauty to behold, and no football fan, whoever they are cheering for, can deny watching the Patriots without a great amount of aesthetic appreciation.

 

[DawnBTVS]

As a Pats fan I'm marveling at...

#1: The ability for players to put the betterment of the team and the chance to win a Super Bowl over making a staggering amount of money to play for a team that may/may not make the playoffs. I love that players are willing to take paycuts(!) just to play for the Patriots and get a chance at glory. I wish more teams had that aura about them.

#2: The ability of the offense to dink/dunk it's way to big gains and drive down the field 60-80 yards seemingly at will. I'm reminded of the mid 90's 49ers where it was all about "timing" and Steve Young's mastery of it. The Patriots definitely employ that same timing mentality and I've seen countless throws from Brady that just leaving me going, "He couldn't have thrown that any better."

#3: Dean Pees and Josh McDaniels. Hats off to two great coordinators that are almost unknown outside of Patriots fans.

#4: The ability to force turnovers. The Patriots have a +11 turnover differential and have 22 sacks as opposed to 8 by their opponents. Junior Seau has 3 INT and Samuel is once again going strong with 3 INT as well.

#5: Stephen Gostkowski has been extremely solid after replacing a legend in Vinatieri last season. He's 10/11 this year including a perfect 9/9 inside 40 yards.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I haven't seen anything remotely like that on this board. Have you?

Realistically, the combination of cameragate, BB's lack of people skills, and NE's dominance create an environment which could lead to trolling, but by and large it doesn't exist, thanks mostly to the excellent impartial monitoring provided by mods. There are noteable exceptions, however, and I'm disappointed that you don't see it that way. By my way of thinking, the following ARE "remotely like that on this board".1. Posting nothing but an asterisk in multiple active threads.2. Posting a high volume of "anti" threads directed at someone else's team in a short period of time.3. Bearing a sig which has nothing to do with your team, for example pointing to a youtube video about Broncos salary cap manipulation.Recently, I received a one week ban for drawing a parallel between not being offended with personal attacks against the Patriots and not being offended with personal attacks against that poster's Mother. The banning was understandible in hindsight, but I think there is a lack of sensitivity towards the relationship that fans have for their teams. Why is it OK for me to personally attack someone on "your team" but it is not OK for you to personally attack a family member? BTW, I expect to be mocked for asking this rhetorical question (not by you, of course).Clearly there are different perspectives in place regarding what's OK and what's off limits. When I read commentary here consistently talking about BB's lack of character, I avoid posting about other coaches sons' committing suicide or drug busts, but the thought crosses my mind. "We" hate BB because he's easy to hate, but are his personality disorders sufficient justification for the clear fact that a handful of posters here completely buy in to the Easterbrook view?Anyway, I felt compelled to give you my opinion, fwiw...

Thanks Senior,Looks like you got in trouble for saying

Don't get upset with me when I'm suggesting all women should be as loose as your Mom.

I'm really not seeing the connection between that and New England. But I do agree teams have a very close connection with some / many of their fans. I'm totally understanding there and am thankful for that. It's what makes a site like this work. Someone would get the same suspension for making the same comment about Belichick's mother. I hear you on the connection thing but I guess I do draw the line with a family member being different than a football coach when it comes to how much we'll allow. I'm not sure if that's right or wrong, but that's just what feels right to me.J

 

[PatsWillWin]

lol

 

[Joe Bryant]

As a Pats fan I'm marveling at...#1: The ability for players to put the betterment of the team and the chance to win a Super Bowl over making a staggering amount of money to play for a team that may/may not make the playoffs. I love that players are willing to take paycuts(!) just to play for the Patriots and get a chance at glory. I wish more teams had that aura about them.#2: The ability of the offense to dink/dunk it's way to big gains and drive down the field 60-80 yards seemingly at will. I'm reminded of the mid 90's 49ers where it was all about "timing" and Steve Young's mastery of it. The Patriots definitely employ that same timing mentality and I've seen countless throws from Brady that just leaving me going, "He couldn't have thrown that any better."#3: Dean Pees and Josh McDaniels. Hats off to two great coordinators that are almost unknown outside of Patriots fans.#4: The ability to force turnovers. The Patriots have a +11 turnover differential and have 22 sacks as opposed to 8 by their opponents. Junior Seau has 3 and Samuel is once again going strong with 3 as well.#5: Stephen Gostkowski has been extremely solid after replacing a legend in Vinatieri last season. He's 10/11 this year including a perfect 9/9 inside 40 yards.

I totally agree with all those. Good insights into some of the (many) reasons why they're playing so well.J

 

[Sulla]

As a Dolfins fan, I can only say this could be a season for the ages - the Patriots might go 16-0 and the Dolphin 0-16 in the same season!

Patriots fans: your team is the best out there right now (sorry Colts - you aren't dominating your opponents like the Pats are). Enjoy it. Why do you care what other people think?

 

[Statorama]

1. The anti-Patriots threads are now suggesting someone attempt to injure Tom Brady in retaliation for BB leaving him in the game too long. I am offended by this, and don't want to be associated with it in any way. Patriot fans, please do not lump all of us that root against NE together; these threads are appalling to me.

I didn't read them that way. I took them to suggest that if Belichick keeps running up the score, someone is going to go Ray Lewis all over him. They're not saying they WISH for that to happen, only that there's a good chance it COULD happen.

 

[tombonneau]

They must be heard!Just thought you’d all be glad to know it’s not contained to the Internet, the real life trolls are out there, too.

Hi tom,Agree for sure. The guy you describe is a tool.I haven't seen anything remotely like that on this board. Have you?As for the other, people have been talking about and debating sports and wanting to be heard as long as there have been sports. I hope that's always how it is.J

Maybe not as in-your-face as my encounter yesterday, but I'm forced to interact with folks very similar on a daily basis on this board. Just look in the this thread.

At least they are not running up scores like a college team or anything.I mean, up 38-0 in the fourth quarter, the other team is only 4 touchdowns away from being within 2 scores, so the smart move on 4th and 1 from the 7 is to call a QB sneak for your franchise QB to make sure you can have a chance for a TD and stretch the score to 45-0Only a real strategic genius would realize that particular call's brilliance.

Just what we need !As if those Red sux / Pats fans are not bad enough !Although I like Tom Brady, the fans I can do without.

And I'm sure timschocet had something unbiased to say but I have no idea what it was as I've been forced to set him to ignore.I mean, this is a Patriots Appreciation Thread yet a large percentage the posts in here are from the same people who routinely bash the Patriots at any possible opportunity.It's flat out staggering.I hate very few teams, and hardly any in the NFL. I'd say the Broncos are the closest I have to a team I truly hate. Yet not once have I ever felt the urge to insert myself into a discussion amongst it's fans for the sole purposes of antagonizing them. This is a daily occurrence for any Pat's fan who deigns to show allegiance to his team in the Shark Pool. Or even for a fan of the Jags who merely wants to recognize what he believes is NFL history unfolding.To each their own I suppose ...

You really think that's remotely close to physically confronting a stranger minding his own business unprovoked and telling him he's the source of what smells in the rest room? OK.J

I was only physically confronted in the sense that I was in the same room as the person. But the rationale behind the conversation is very similar to a lot of posters' mentalities on this board, yes. I'd say I've ready many similar descriptions about Boston fans on this board in not so many words.But at the end of the day, it's sports, and more often than not everyone hates a winner.

 

[Statorama]

I'm not on the Patriots bandwagon, because that's for the true fans of the team.

I am jogging behind it though.

 

[ChromeWeasel]

They must be heard!Just thought you’d all be glad to know it’s not contained to the Internet, the real life trolls are out there, too.

Hi tom,Agree for sure. The guy you describe is a tool.I haven't seen anything remotely like that on this board. Have you?As for the other, people have been talking about and debating sports and wanting to be heard as long as there have been sports. I hope that's always how it is.J

I've read a lot of Pats-bashing on the forums. As you say, this is just part of sports to some extent. But this forum is far more antagonistic towards Pats fans than any other ones I read. I read the FFToday and PigskinAddiction forums and there's no contest.I dont know if you're towing the line because it's your forum, and its good business to promote things in a positive manner. Or if you really dont see all the Pats bashing that goes on here. I notice it compared to other football forums and this place leaves a bad taste in my mouth some days.

 

[Joe Bryant]

They must be heard!Just thought you’d all be glad to know it’s not contained to the Internet, the real life trolls are out there, too.

Hi tom,Agree for sure. The guy you describe is a tool.I haven't seen anything remotely like that on this board. Have you?As for the other, people have been talking about and debating sports and wanting to be heard as long as there have been sports. I hope that's always how it is.J

Maybe not as in-your-face as my encounter yesterday, but I'm forced to interact with folks very similar on a daily basis on this board. Just look in the this thread.

At least they are not running up scores like a college team or anything.I mean, up 38-0 in the fourth quarter, the other team is only 4 touchdowns away from being within 2 scores, so the smart move on 4th and 1 from the 7 is to call a QB sneak for your franchise QB to make sure you can have a chance for a TD and stretch the score to 45-0Only a real strategic genius would realize that particular call's brilliance.

Just what we need !As if those Red sux / Pats fans are not bad enough !Although I like Tom Brady, the fans I can do without.

And I'm sure timschocet had something unbiased to say but I have no idea what it was as I've been forced to set him to ignore.I mean, this is a Patriots Appreciation Thread yet a large percentage the posts in here are from the same people who routinely bash the Patriots at any possible opportunity.It's flat out staggering.I hate very few teams, and hardly any in the NFL. I'd say the Broncos are the closest I have to a team I truly hate. Yet not once have I ever felt the urge to insert myself into a discussion amongst it's fans for the sole purposes of antagonizing them. This is a daily occurrence for any Pat's fan who deigns to show allegiance to his team in the Shark Pool. Or even for a fan of the Jags who merely wants to recognize what he believes is NFL history unfolding.To each their own I suppose ...

You really think that's remotely close to physically confronting a stranger minding his own business unprovoked and telling him he's the source of what smells in the rest room? OK.J

I was only physically confronted in the sense that I was in the same room as the person. But the rationale behind the conversation is very similar to a lot of posters' mentalities on this board, yes. I'd say I've ready many similar descriptions about Boston fans on this board in not so many words.But at the end of the day, it's sports, and more often than not everyone hates a winner.

Still don't agree that a guy physically confronting someone in the restroom unprovoked is remotely similar to anything here but if that's your thing, ok.And definitely don't agree it's the winning that makes people hate. Sure there is some amount of jealousy for the winners. But there are lots of teams in lots of sports where the winners take care of business with class and are definitely not hated by everyone. Lots of cases.J

 

[wiffle_3]

Besides the Miami losers, there are for me, three other reasons to smile at the Patriots (I can't even believe I'm writing this): 1. The anti-Patriots threads are now suggesting someone attempt to injure Tom Brady in retaliation for BB leaving him in the game too long. I am offended by this, and don't want to be associated with it in any way. Patriot fans, please do not lump all of us that root against NE together; these threads are appalling to me.No 1 is suggesting that some1 attempt to injure Brady...., they are suggesting that some1 WILL attempt to injure Brady because of Belliaches bad form.2. If NE does win it all this year, then one of my favorite players in the history of the NFL will finally get a ring: Junior Seau. He is and had always been a poster boy for how defensive players should have a running motor at all times. Junior is also a classy individual who has done much work, both publicized and unpublicized for his community. He is an all around great guy and I would be happy to see him finally get rewarded for all of the years of great effort.Agreed.... there are a lot of deserving players on NE. They have a GREAT GREAT team. It's such a shame that if and when they go 17-0, every1 will forget about Seau and the rest and just remember what an *ss Belliache is.3. Finally, the Pats of 2007 could very well turn out to be the greatest team in the history of football at any level, much as it pains me to say it. One of the main reasons to watch sports in the first place is to enjoy superlative human ability. The issues that I am bitter about will most likely fade away in 40 years time (would the fans of the 27 Yankees have driven me crazy? Were the 60's Boston Celtics teams classless in behavior at the end of games? Who knows? Who remembers?) but what the team is doing will not. In the end, this team's achievements will trump the behavior of any individuals I might dislike, even the HC. They are truly a thing of beauty to behold, and no football fan, whoever they are cheering for, can deny watching the Patriots without a great amount of aesthetic appreciation.Amen.... see above comments.

 

[analog_hiss]

I am a Steelers fan first, and an NFL fan second. I can't stand Belicheck.

However, as an NFL fan, I have to say we could be watching something historic in the Patriots.

 

[tombonneau]

And definitely don't agree it's the winning that makes people hate. Sure there is some amount of jealousy for the winners. But there are lots of teams in lots of sports where the winners take care of business with class and are definitely not hated by everyone. Lots of cases.J

We'll agree to disagree on this one. If you want to consider the Pats a "dynasty," about the only "dynasty" team that in my life I haven't noticed sports fans rooting for to lose is the Spurs and those 90s Niners teams. 90s Cowboys90s Bulls00s Lakers90/00s YankeesI'd say those are some of the most dominant franchises in recent memory and I know lots of people who simply hate(d) those teams.I think a lot of fans see this Pats team approaching that level and they are starting to hate them in a similar way.

 

[Sulla]

And definitely don't agree it's the winning that makes people hate. Sure there is some amount of jealousy for the winners. But there are lots of teams in lots of sports where the winners take care of business with class and are definitely not hated by everyone. Lots of cases.J

We'll agree to disagree on this one. If you want to consider the Pats a "dynasty," about the only "dynasty" team that in my life I haven't noticed sports fans rooting for to lose is the Spurs and those 90s Niners teams. 90s Cowboys90s Bulls00s Lakers90/00s YankeesI'd say those are some of the most dominant franchises in recent memory and I know lots of people who simply hate(d) those teams.I think a lot of fans see this Pats team approaching that level and they are starting to hate them in a similar way.

Does anyone hate the Boston Red Sox? How about the San Antonio Spurs?

 

[PatsWillWin]

And definitely don't agree it's the winning that makes people hate. Sure there is some amount of jealousy for the winners. But there are lots of teams in lots of sports where the winners take care of business with class and are definitely not hated by everyone. Lots of cases.J

We'll agree to disagree on this one. If you want to consider the Pats a "dynasty," about the only "dynasty" team that in my life I haven't noticed sports fans rooting for to lose is the Spurs and those 90s Niners teams. 90s Cowboys90s Bulls00s Lakers90/00s YankeesI'd say those are some of the most dominant franchises in recent memory and I know lots of people who simply hate(d) those teams.I think a lot of fans see this Pats team approaching that level and they are starting to hate them in a similar way.

Does anyone hate the Boston Red Sox? How about the San Antonio Spurs?

You think the Sox are in the discussion with those dynasties? Wow.

 

[Joe Bryant]

And definitely don't agree it's the winning that makes people hate. Sure there is some amount of jealousy for the winners. But there are lots of teams in lots of sports where the winners take care of business with class and are definitely not hated by everyone. Lots of cases.J

We'll agree to disagree on this one. If you want to consider the Pats a "dynasty," about the only "dynasty" team that in my life I haven't noticed sports fans rooting for to lose is the Spurs and those 90s Niners teams. 90s Cowboys90s Bulls00s Lakers90/00s YankeesI'd say those are some of the most dominant franchises in recent memory and I know lots of people who simply hate(d) those teams.I think a lot of fans see this Pats team approaching that level and they are starting to hate them in a similar way.

Does anyone hate the Boston Red Sox? How about the San Antonio Spurs?

You think the Sox are in the discussion with those dynasties? Wow.

But we're not even talking about dynasty. The statement was "Everyone hates a winner". I disagree.There are lots of champions over the years that are FAR from hated by everyone. Far from it.Just in our sport - Rams, Bucs, Steelers, Colts for example. Sure there are people that don't like them but I would never say that everyone hates those teams or hated them the year after they won it all.J

 

[PatsWillWin]

And definitely don't agree it's the winning that makes people hate. Sure there is some amount of jealousy for the winners. But there are lots of teams in lots of sports where the winners take care of business with class and are definitely not hated by everyone. Lots of cases.J

We'll agree to disagree on this one. If you want to consider the Pats a "dynasty," about the only "dynasty" team that in my life I haven't noticed sports fans rooting for to lose is the Spurs and those 90s Niners teams. 90s Cowboys90s Bulls00s Lakers90/00s YankeesI'd say those are some of the most dominant franchises in recent memory and I know lots of people who simply hate(d) those teams.I think a lot of fans see this Pats team approaching that level and they are starting to hate them in a similar way.

Does anyone hate the Boston Red Sox? How about the San Antonio Spurs?

You think the Sox are in the discussion with those dynasties? Wow.

But we're not even talking about dynasty. The statement was "Everyone hates a winner". I disagree.There are lots of champions over the years that are FAR from hated by everyone. Far from it.Just in our sport - Rams, Bucs, Steelers, Colts for example. Sure there are people that don't like them but I would never say that everyone hates those teams. J

Surely it's not difficult to understand that "Everyone hates a winner" does not mean "Everyone hates the team that wins the championship each year." It was speaking to the Patriots, and the Patriots are a dynasty. Nobody hated the Patriots after the fairy tale 2001 season either.

 

[tombonneau]

And definitely don't agree it's the winning that makes people hate. Sure there is some amount of jealousy for the winners. But there are lots of teams in lots of sports where the winners take care of business with class and are definitely not hated by everyone. Lots of cases.J

We'll agree to disagree on this one. If you want to consider the Pats a "dynasty," about the only "dynasty" team that in my life I haven't noticed sports fans rooting for to lose is the Spurs and those 90s Niners teams. 90s Cowboys90s Bulls00s Lakers90/00s YankeesI'd say those are some of the most dominant franchises in recent memory and I know lots of people who simply hate(d) those teams.I think a lot of fans see this Pats team approaching that level and they are starting to hate them in a similar way.

Does anyone hate the Boston Red Sox? How about the San Antonio Spurs?

You think the Sox are in the discussion with those dynasties? Wow.

But we're not even talking about dynasty. The statement was "Everyone hates a winner". I disagree.There are lots of champions over the years that are FAR from hated by everyone. Far from it.Just in our sport - Rams, Bucs, Steelers, Colts for example. Sure there are people that don't like them but I would never say that everyone hates those teams. J

Surely it's not difficult to understand that "Everyone hates a winner" does not mean "Everyone hates the team that wins the championship each year." It was speaking to the Patriots, and the Patriots are a dynasty. Nobody hated the Patriots after the fairy tale 2001 season either.

Yes, I thought in my last post I was making it clear that I was more referring to "repeated winners", but that doesn't really roll off the tongue. I was merely trying to use a common expression to succinctly make a point. To the poster who said people don't hate the Spurs, please read my post. I listed them as one of the few exceptions to the "everyone hates a (repeated) winner" rule.

 

[NinerK]

You can add the SF Niners to the list of people who appreciate NE. Heck, we appreciate y'all so much we'd like to send a Top 5 pick in the upcoming 2008 draft!

ETA count me as one of the NFL fans who don't like the "way" they are playing; but sheesh, they are throwing down. I bet the locker room/ride home/after party is awesome. Moss, Welker,Stallworth, Adalius Thomas; they all gotta be sayin' "fools be knowin'; we gonna rock this thing till the wheels fall off"

It's like the Niners and Cowboys or the 85 Bears in their heydey(s)....they take the field and they've already won. They know it, the opposition knows it, the fans know it.

Nobody is required to "like it"; but you have to appreciate the greatness.

 

[Joe Bryant]

And definitely don't agree it's the winning that makes people hate. Sure there is some amount of jealousy for the winners. But there are lots of teams in lots of sports where the winners take care of business with class and are definitely not hated by everyone. Lots of cases.J

We'll agree to disagree on this one. If you want to consider the Pats a "dynasty," about the only "dynasty" team that in my life I haven't noticed sports fans rooting for to lose is the Spurs and those 90s Niners teams. 90s Cowboys90s Bulls00s Lakers90/00s YankeesI'd say those are some of the most dominant franchises in recent memory and I know lots of people who simply hate(d) those teams.I think a lot of fans see this Pats team approaching that level and they are starting to hate them in a similar way.

Does anyone hate the Boston Red Sox? How about the San Antonio Spurs?

You think the Sox are in the discussion with those dynasties? Wow.

But we're not even talking about dynasty. The statement was "Everyone hates a winner". I disagree.There are lots of champions over the years that are FAR from hated by everyone. Far from it.Just in our sport - Rams, Bucs, Steelers, Colts for example. Sure there are people that don't like them but I would never say that everyone hates those teams. J

Surely it's not difficult to understand that "Everyone hates a winner" does not mean "Everyone hates the team that wins the championship each year." It was speaking to the Patriots, and the Patriots are a dynasty. Nobody hated the Patriots after the fairy tale 2001 season either.

Is it that hard to use the right word? If you mean Everyone hates a dynasty, it's not that difficult to say it.But the idea that everyone hates a winner is just flat wrong. Sorry.J

 

[Sulla]

And definitely don't agree it's the winning that makes people hate. Sure there is some amount of jealousy for the winners. But there are lots of teams in lots of sports where the winners take care of business with class and are definitely not hated by everyone. Lots of cases.J

We'll agree to disagree on this one. If you want to consider the Pats a "dynasty," about the only "dynasty" team that in my life I haven't noticed sports fans rooting for to lose is the Spurs and those 90s Niners teams. 90s Cowboys90s Bulls00s Lakers90/00s YankeesI'd say those are some of the most dominant franchises in recent memory and I know lots of people who simply hate(d) those teams.I think a lot of fans see this Pats team approaching that level and they are starting to hate them in a similar way.

Does anyone hate the Boston Red Sox? How about the San Antonio Spurs?

You think the Sox are in the discussion with those dynasties? Wow.

But we're not even talking about dynasty. The statement was "Everyone hates a winner". I disagree.There are lots of champions over the years that are FAR from hated by everyone. Far from it.Just in our sport - Rams, Bucs, Steelers, Colts for example. Sure there are people that don't like them but I would never say that everyone hates those teams. J

Surely it's not difficult to understand that "Everyone hates a winner" does not mean "Everyone hates the team that wins the championship each year." It was speaking to the Patriots, and the Patriots are a dynasty. Nobody hated the Patriots after the fairy tale 2001 season either.

Is it that hard to use the right word? If you mean Everyone hates a dynasty, it's not that difficult to say it.But the idea that everyone hates a winner is just flat wrong. Sorry.J

P.S. To the original poster -- I missed your point about the Spurs. Sorry. Having said that, I think some Pat fans are getting a little paranoid. Instead of worrying so much about people not liking the Pats, why not bask in the glory of your team(s)? Let them be envious.

 

[tombonneau]

And definitely don't agree it's the winning that makes people hate. Sure there is some amount of jealousy for the winners. But there are lots of teams in lots of sports where the winners take care of business with class and are definitely not hated by everyone. Lots of cases.J

We'll agree to disagree on this one. If you want to consider the Pats a "dynasty," about the only "dynasty" team that in my life I haven't noticed sports fans rooting for to lose is the Spurs and those 90s Niners teams. 90s Cowboys90s Bulls00s Lakers90/00s YankeesI'd say those are some of the most dominant franchises in recent memory and I know lots of people who simply hate(d) those teams.I think a lot of fans see this Pats team approaching that level and they are starting to hate them in a similar way.

Does anyone hate the Boston Red Sox? How about the San Antonio Spurs?

You think the Sox are in the discussion with those dynasties? Wow.

But we're not even talking about dynasty. The statement was "Everyone hates a winner". I disagree.There are lots of champions over the years that are FAR from hated by everyone. Far from it.Just in our sport - Rams, Bucs, Steelers, Colts for example. Sure there are people that don't like them but I would never say that everyone hates those teams. J

Surely it's not difficult to understand that "Everyone hates a winner" does not mean "Everyone hates the team that wins the championship each year." It was speaking to the Patriots, and the Patriots are a dynasty. Nobody hated the Patriots after the fairy tale 2001 season either.

Is it that hard to use the right word? If you mean Everyone hates a dynasty, it's not that difficult to say it.But the idea that everyone hates a winner is just flat wrong. Sorry.J

I'm trying to remember who it was, I think it was you or Clayton who semantically argued to death the concept of "playing not to lose" and how it was technically impossible. This isn't on par, but definitely reminds me of that debate. Anyway, even though it's not a catchy cliche, everyone hates a dynasty.