Running up the score part of Patriots plan (1 Viewer)

[BustedKnuckles]

Running up the score part of Patriots plan

By PFW staff

Oct. 29, 2007

There appears to be no stopping this Patriots offense. Apparently, not even an avalanche of points satisfies their urge to keep piling it on. Even with the game well in hand at numerous points in the second half of Sunday’s 52-7 dismantling of the Redskins, head coach Bill Belichick refused to call off the dogs. He opted to keep firing passes from QB Tom Brady to his starting receivers even after building an insurmountable lead. He didn’t pull Brady until after the Pats led 45-0 at the 9:06 mark in the fourth quarter, courtesy of a two-yard scoring strike to WR Wes Welker.

The PFW spin

After the game, Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs refused to acknowledge that he thought the Patriots were purposely running up the score. If he really meant that, Gibbs must have been the only person watching the game that felt that way. Simply put, there’s no way Belichick could’ve possibly thought his team was in danger of letting its lead slip when leading 31-0, then 38-0. The Pats were operating at such a ridiculously proficient level both offensively and defensively, that a regression big enough to put the outcome in jeopardy was out of the realm of possibility.

Whether or not you believe running up the score is unsportsmanlike is a completely personal choice; There’s no golden rule that governs it. However, there are three certainties you can take away from not only this contest, but prior Patriots romps as well:

1) The Patriots are, in fact, running up the score.

2) They are trying to embarrass every team along the way.

3) They’re doing a darn fine job of it.

According to Patriots insiders, the team is so furious over the negative publicity it garnered in the wake of “Spygate” that it wants to leave an iron-clad legacy that it is the greatest team in the history of the game. No lead is large enough. No opponent is demoralized enough. No record is out of reach. Essentially, the Patriots have deemed risking injury to their star players and drawing the ire of opposing teams a risk worth taking in search of achieving a level of excellence never seen before on the gridiron.

While only its coach was deemed guilty of videotaping signals of the opposition, the entire team has forged a sense of solidarity in a quest for perfection. And in a way, it makes sense. After all, Belichick’s unsavory actions gave a black eye to the entire organization, not just the coaching staff.

The Patriots have their biggest game of the season, and possibly the most anticipated regular-season game in NFL history, coming up this Sunday at Indianapolis. And while it may seem incredulous to think New England can destroy an opponent as formidable as the Colts, it’s even more incredulous to think they’ll put on the brakes if able to mount a towering lead.

Our fantasy take

Because the Patriots are keeping their offensive stars in the game late, fantasy owners of Brady and WRs Randy Moss, Donté Stallworth and Wes Welker have reason to be especially giddy. While most teams in the Patriots’ situation would choose to run the ball the majority of the second half with backups, New England keeps pouring it on with their front-line playmakers. In the process, Brady is on pace to shatter the single-season record for TD passes, Moss is on pace to equal the single-season TD reception record and the Patriots are on pace to shatter the single-season scoring record. The Colts boast the league’s second-ranked pass defense, but the Pats are playing too well, and “recklessly,” to keep Brady or any of their three elite wideouts out of your lineup.

 

[The Shizzle]

This is getting tremendously annoying. Can we just have one huge "Bash the Patriots" thread?

TIA

 

[BustedKnuckles]

This is getting tremendously annoying. Can we just have one huge "Bash the Patriots" thread?TIA

I did`nt read anything that would be considered ''bashing'' in this story I just thought it confirmed that the pats are pissed about spygate and are playing like it.

 

[wiffle_3]

Indeed.... The Pats ARE running up the score... admit it Pat fans and move on. No one is saying that the Pats aren't a great team.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

This is getting tremendously annoying. Can we just have one huge "Bash the Patriots" thread?TIA

Set one up. But be sure to create the following threads too or else the homers will stalk the other thread- -Brady is God although he wears a Yankees cap. -No matter his history of tanking and disinterestedness, Moss is God. -Welker is God although till this season he was a journeyman that made a mark nowhere. -There is no such thing as running up the score. -Belichick doesn't cheat. See, he doesn't need to!-Patriots fans are classy. Your teams just suck.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Indeed.... The Pats ARE running up the score... admit it Pat fans and move on. No one is saying that the Pats aren't a great team.

1) The Patriots are, in fact, running up the score.2) They are trying to embarrass every team along the way.3) They’re doing a darn fine job of it.I'll be happy to admit to 1 and 3, but not 2.

 

[wiffle_3]

Indeed.... The Pats ARE running up the score... admit it Pat fans and move on. No one is saying that the Pats aren't a great team.

1) The Patriots are, in fact, running up the score.2) They are trying to embarrass every team along the way.3) They’re doing a darn fine job of it.I'll be happy to admit to 1 and 3, but not 2.

True.... point 2 should read... They ARE embarrassing every team along the way.....

 

[timschochet]

Do you think the Miami Dolphins are running up the score?

 

[The Man Who Met Andy Griffith]

Indeed.... The Pats ARE running up the score... admit it Pat fans and move on. No one is saying that the Pats aren't a great team.

1) The Patriots are, in fact, running up the score.2) They are trying to embarrass every team along the way.3) They’re doing a darn fine job of it.I'll be happy to admit to 1 and 3, but not 2.

It's not embarrassing if it happens to everybody.

 

[mad sweeney]

This is getting tremendously annoying. Can we just have one huge "Bash the Patriots" thread?TIA

Please highlight the bashing in the article, I missed it.TIAETA I don't see any reason why this article needs it's own thread though, it would fit nicely in any of the other running up the score threads. You know, the ones that already deal with this topic.

 

[mad sweeney]

This is getting tremendously annoying. Can we just have one huge "Bash the Patriots" thread?

TIA

I did`nt read anything that would be considered ''bashing'' in this story

I just thought it confirmed that the pats are pissed about spygate and are playing like it.

This is still an opinion piece and doesn't "confirm" anything. Citing Patriot's "insiders" isn't exactly confirmation. All it really does is say the same thing that everyone outside of New England has been saying all week.

 

[twitch]

This is getting tremendously annoying. Can we just have one huge "Bash the Patriots" thread?TIA

I did`nt read anything that would be considered ''bashing'' in this story I just thought it confirmed that the pats are pissed about spygate and are playing like it.

Its not your fault, BK. Its just the simple fact that there's about a 98% chance that ANY Patriots thread, even if its about them building houses for the homeless, will ultimately turn into a Patriots bash party.

 

[i_didnt]

i own brady and i am worried that someone will take him out. granted, i do like them running up the score b/c it is more points for me, but in the long run it might not be that good of an idea

 

[Yitbos69]

Again This is just nothing new here!

 

[mad sweeney]

i own brady and i am worried that someone will take him out. granted, i do like them running up the score b/c it is more points for me, but in the long run it might not be that good of an idea

Exhibit A for why this doesn't need it's own thread since about 800 people have expressed this sentiment in the other threads.

 

[twitch]

i own brady and i am worried that someone will take him out. granted, i do like them running up the score b/c it is more points for me, but in the long run it might not be that good of an idea

I wouldnt worry about Brady so much. Defenses cant get to him as it is. And he's smart. He'll look out for himself. The guy Id worry the most about would be either Welker or Maroney. They touch the ball the most of anyone on that O, and they get hit the most. Welker is not a big guy. And Maroney is not exactly durable. But with the history of RBs and WRs going down with knees and other injuries, Im sweating those guys a little. You take out both of those guys, and youre really hurting NE. Brady's played in over 100 straight games and with that face, youve gotta know there have been plenty of players that have wanted to tattoo him.

 

[ceo3west]

Mods - what ever happened to merging threads?

 

[jagerbomb]

I wish the guys complaining about how threads should be organized and which posts belong in which threads would start their own thread and discuss it there.

 

[Koya]

If indeed they continue to embarass all of their opponents, in the end, the Patriots themselves should be, and will be, most embarrased. There is no need to bash. Their actions will speak for themselves and they will have to live with others losing respect for how they play the game.

Of course, this assumes that no upcoming cheap shot works, and Brady ends up watching the end of the season.

 

[mad sweeney]

i own brady and i am worried that someone will take him out. granted, i do like them running up the score b/c it is more points for me, but in the long run it might not be that good of an idea

I wouldnt worry about Brady so much. Defenses cant get to him as it is. And he's smart. He'll look out for himself. The guy Id worry the most about would be either Welker or Maroney. They touch the ball the most of anyone on that O, and they get hit the most. Welker is not a big guy. And Maroney is not exactly durable. But with the history of RBs and WRs going down with knees and other injuries, Im sweating those guys a little. You take out both of those guys, and youre really hurting NE. Brady's played in over 100 straight games and with that face, youve gotta know there have been plenty of players that have wanted to tattoo him.

It's stupid of me to post in a thread that shouldn't even be, but to the post above I'd be worried about an OL or two, not just skill players. Brady not getting touched will change if a guard or center goes down to a frustration shot.

 

[twitch]

i own brady and i am worried that someone will take him out. granted, i do like them running up the score b/c it is more points for me, but in the long run it might not be that good of an idea

I wouldnt worry about Brady so much. Defenses cant get to him as it is. And he's smart. He'll look out for himself. The guy Id worry the most about would be either Welker or Maroney. They touch the ball the most of anyone on that O, and they get hit the most. Welker is not a big guy. And Maroney is not exactly durable. But with the history of RBs and WRs going down with knees and other injuries, Im sweating those guys a little. You take out both of those guys, and youre really hurting NE. Brady's played in over 100 straight games and with that face, youve gotta know there have been plenty of players that have wanted to tattoo him.

It's stupid of me to post in a thread that shouldn't even be, but to the post above I'd be worried about an OL or two, not just skill players. Brady not getting touched will change if a guard or center goes down to a frustration shot.

Those guys are good, dont get me wrong. But how many of those names are you famililar with? Not a bunch of household names in that group. And I dont say that to knock them. Because they deserve more praise. But theyve got guys backing them up that are ready to step in and get the job done. Just another thing to hate about the Patriots. Even the backups are good.

 

[jonessed]

Why are they mad at the NFL because their coach cheated? If anything he NFL let them off lightly.

Is somehow showing poor sportsmanship going to untarnish their name of poor sportsmanship?

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Q : How many people crying about

the Patriots running up the score are FF Brady owners ?

A : zero

 

[mad sweeney]

i own brady and i am worried that someone will take him out. granted, i do like them running up the score b/c it is more points for me, but in the long run it might not be that good of an idea

I wouldnt worry about Brady so much. Defenses cant get to him as it is. And he's smart. He'll look out for himself. The guy Id worry the most about would be either Welker or Maroney. They touch the ball the most of anyone on that O, and they get hit the most. Welker is not a big guy. And Maroney is not exactly durable. But with the history of RBs and WRs going down with knees and other injuries, Im sweating those guys a little. You take out both of those guys, and youre really hurting NE. Brady's played in over 100 straight games and with that face, youve gotta know there have been plenty of players that have wanted to tattoo him.

It's stupid of me to post in a thread that shouldn't even be, but to the post above I'd be worried about an OL or two, not just skill players. Brady not getting touched will change if a guard or center goes down to a frustration shot.

Those guys are good, dont get me wrong. But how many of those names are you famililar with? Not a bunch of household names in that group. And I dont say that to knock them. Because they deserve more praise. But theyve got guys backing them up that are ready to step in and get the job done. Just another thing to hate about the Patriots. Even the backups are good.

None except Fraud Protection and we grabbed him over here in Seattle where he's only proven to live up to the first half of his name, certainly not the second. But Brady has all day to throw and is almost never touched after a pass. I'm sure they have good backups but no way they can give the same protection as the starting 5. And we;ve seen all year long that it just takes one slip up in protection to get a shot on the QB and roll an ankle, separate a shoulder, tear an oblique etc...

 

[Finless]

I needed this thread. I'm flying into Indy on Friday and I'm taking out my rage on unsuspecting Colts fans.

 

[wiffle_3]

Q : How many people crying aboutthe Patriots running up the score are FF Brady owners ?A : zero

Um one... me. I'm not complaining so much, just stating the obvious fact that they are running up the score and I don't think they should be doing that, because IMO, it's not good sportsmanship, and thus cheapens my enjoyment of being a Pats' fan.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Why are they mad at the NFL because their coach cheated? If anything he NFL let them off lightly.Is somehow showing poor sportsmanship going to untarnish their name of poor sportsmanship?

They are`nt mad because the coach got caught spying , they are mad that people are saying that they have been cheating all along thus tarnishing the 3 SB wins...IMO.

 

[jonessed]

Why are they mad at the NFL because their coach cheated? If anything he NFL let them off lightly.Is somehow showing poor sportsmanship going to untarnish their name of poor sportsmanship?

They are`nt mad because the coach got caught spying , they are mad that people are saying that they have been cheating all along thus tarnishing the 3 SB wins...IMO.

This season has nothing to do with any of those other seasons. It's not the same players.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Welcome to the reality creation thread. Quote unnamed sources explaining the inner workings of an enterprise and you have license to create reality.

Or not.

 

[twitch]

i own brady and i am worried that someone will take him out. granted, i do like them running up the score b/c it is more points for me, but in the long run it might not be that good of an idea

I wouldnt worry about Brady so much. Defenses cant get to him as it is. And he's smart. He'll look out for himself. The guy Id worry the most about would be either Welker or Maroney. They touch the ball the most of anyone on that O, and they get hit the most. Welker is not a big guy. And Maroney is not exactly durable. But with the history of RBs and WRs going down with knees and other injuries, Im sweating those guys a little. You take out both of those guys, and youre really hurting NE. Brady's played in over 100 straight games and with that face, youve gotta know there have been plenty of players that have wanted to tattoo him.

It's stupid of me to post in a thread that shouldn't even be, but to the post above I'd be worried about an OL or two, not just skill players. Brady not getting touched will change if a guard or center goes down to a frustration shot.

Those guys are good, dont get me wrong. But how many of those names are you famililar with? Not a bunch of household names in that group. And I dont say that to knock them. Because they deserve more praise. But theyve got guys backing them up that are ready to step in and get the job done. Just another thing to hate about the Patriots. Even the backups are good.

None except Fraud Protection and we grabbed him over here in Seattle where he's only proven to live up to the first half of his name, certainly not the second. But Brady has all day to throw and is almost never touched after a pass. I'm sure they have good backups but no way they can give the same protection as the starting 5. And we;ve seen all year long that it just takes one slip up in protection to get a shot on the QB and roll an ankle, separate a shoulder, tear an oblique etc...

True, no doubt. Things happen. I find it almost comical though that we are actually contemplating which Pats players are going to get picked off by cheap shots. I mean, its just funny. Of course it wouldnt be if a true cheap shot happens and someone valuable goes down. And guys are bound to get hurt anyway. The NFL season is just too vicious for any team to escape injury. But if Brady can survive a Roy Williams shot to his knees on the 2nd offensive play of the game, and not get sacked or hit by Sean Taylor, then I have faith that for the most part, NFL players will continue to just play hard and clean. its easy for outsiders or media types to call for an expected cheap shot. its a different thing actually going out there and pulling the trigger. I think the degree to which these 'blowout' run-ups have occured is greatly exaggerated. The 'Skins game is the only real obvious case. I mean, look at the Dolphins game. They scored 42 in the 1st half and 7 in the 2nd. That wasnt an accident. And the Cowboys game was nothing at all like the Washington game. They were just putting that team away. I think this last game was probably the one real ugly blowout win they may have. But I can see them dropping 35 or 40 in the 1st half of another game or 2. I think they'll just play it smarter when the time comes.

 

[simey]

I agree with what Steve Young said when he said the way winners act when they are on top, says a lot about their character, and the Patriots are acting like bullies.

 

[twitch]

I agree with what Steve Young said when he said the way winners act when they are on top, says a lot about their character, and the Patriots are acting like bullies.

Theyre not on top. Theyre trying to get there. Does that make it any better?

 

[jonessed]

I agree with what Steve Young said when he said the way winners act when they are on top, says a lot about their character, and the Patriots are acting like bullies.

Theyre not on top. Theyre trying to get there. Does that make it any better?

I swear the Pats organization could conspire to blow up a school bus and you would try to find a way to justify it

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Why are they mad at the NFL because their coach cheated? If anything he NFL let them off lightly.Is somehow showing poor sportsmanship going to untarnish their name of poor sportsmanship?

They are`nt mad because the coach got caught spying , they are mad that people are saying that they have been cheating all along thus tarnishing the 3 SB wins...IMO.

This season has nothing to do with any of those other seasons. It's not the same players.

Same coach , same QB and other guys i`m sure...same owner also.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

I agree with what Steve Young said when he said the way winners act when they are on top, says a lot about their character, and the Patriots are acting like bullies.

Theyre not on top. Theyre trying to get there. Does that make it any better?

I swear the Pats organization could conspire to blow up a school bus and you would try to find a way to justify it

I swear the Pats organization could chew bubble gum in public and you would find a way to cane them

 

[simey]

I agree with what Steve Young said when he said the way winners act when they are on top, says a lot about their character, and the Patriots are acting like bullies.

Theyre not on top. Theyre trying to get there. Does that make it any better?

Does it have to be dumbed down for you to comprehend?

 

[twitch]

You guys are absolutely remarkable. Who are the reigning world champs? Hint- not the Pats. Who won the world title the year prior to last??? Hint - Not the Pats. Do you knuckleheads honestly think a team with 8 wins at mid-season of a meaningless statistical run, many of who's members have several rings and have actually reached the pinnacle , consider themselves ON TOP right now?? If so, then you clearly know nothing about this team. Carry on.

 

[bostonfred]

Does anyone remember the 2004 Superbowl when McNabb was throwing up because he was tired? Can someone explain why it's good coaching to take your starters out the moment that the other team's feelings are getting hurt?

 

[meanjoegreen]

You guys are absolutely remarkable. Who are the reigning world champs? Hint- not the Pats. Who won the world title the year prior to last??? Hint - Not the Pats. Do you knuckleheads honestly think a team with 8 wins at mid-season of a meaningless statistical run, many of who's members have several rings and have actually reached the pinnacle , consider themselves ON TOP right now?? If so, then you clearly know nothing about this team. Carry on.

It looks like she does need to dumb it down for you.

 

[meanjoegreen]

Does anyone remember the 2004 Superbowl when McNabb was throwing up because he was tired? Can someone explain why it's good coaching to take your starters out the moment that the other team's feelings are getting hurt?

The moment the other team starts getting their feelings hurt? I think when it's the 4th quarter and you are up by a lot of points, and you are still playing your starters, and they make another touchdown, and spike the ball in enjoyment in front of the opposing team, that is bad sportsmanship.

 

[twitch]

No, its called BIGGER picture. The stinkin' NYJets were 'on top' for one game this year. What did we learn about them? That theyre a bunch of class acts because they won that one game the right way? How are their prospects looking long term? Noone in the NFL cares what Steve Young has to say. And I love the guy's knowledge and his passion, but his Ghandi attitude over this situation, this ONE GAME situation, because that's what it is, is a little overblown.

 

[Chunky Soup]

I love how the guy says it's a personal opinion whether running up the score is right or wrong, and then says "2) They are trying to embarrass every team along the way."

Uh, opinion?

 

[twitch]

Does anyone remember the 2004 Superbowl when McNabb was throwing up because he was tired? Can someone explain why it's good coaching to take your starters out the moment that the other team's feelings are getting hurt?

The moment the other team starts getting their feelings hurt? I think when it's the 4th quarter and you are up by a lot of points, and you are still playing your starters, and they make another touchdown, and spike the ball in enjoyment in front of the opposing team, that is bad sportsmanship.

First of all, the drive actually started in the 3rd quarter. 2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Brady finished the drive. Should they have brought in the 'closer' to seal the deal on that drive? It took 14 plays, went over 80yds and lasted 8 minutes. Now, I didnt like the pass. I would have preferred to seen them run twice more and kick a FG. But that's just me. But do you know hard Wes Welker was getting drilled by that secondary and those LBs the other day? Do you think he was spiking that ball to show up the other team? I personally dont. I think it was because he was hammered all day going across the middle by a nasty secondary and some hard hitting LBs, and he couldnt control himself after he scored. Is that criminal? Borderline poor sportsmanship? Ill go there with you. But intentionally trying to show anyone up? Not a chance. he was an emotional football player doing what players often do. Now, when he jumps into the stands, grabs a sharpie, reaches for the pom poms, or goes to the sideline, kisses a cheerleader, puts on his HOF jacket, and then grabs his cell phone from behind the goalpost and calls his agent to demand an extension, I'll be pissed.

 

[mad sweeney]

No, its called BIGGER picture. The stinkin' NYJets were 'on top' for one game this year. What did we learn about them? That theyre a bunch of class acts because they won that one game the right way? How are their prospects looking long term? Noone in the NFL cares what Steve Young has to say. And I love the guy's knowledge and his passion, but his Ghandi attitude over this situation, this ONE GAME situation, because that's what it is, is a little overblown.

C'mon, comparing a 1-0 team with an 8-0 team that's shattering records and is the favorite to beat the defending champs at their house? And there were shades of it during the Miami game as well, when Cassell put the game in jeopardy by "allowing" the hapless Dolphins to get within 21 points. It's not a one game situation and they are clearly on top of the season. And what do you expect about his attitude, he's a hardcore Mormon and direct descendant of one of the foinding fathers of the religion. Of course he's going to have a conservative moral viewpoint on things. The thing that Young said that I thought was most poignant was the fact that while this team is so obviously great, most of the talk by everyone, not just Pat haters, but everyone is talking about the negatives.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Weve got several of these already.

J