New England 38, Washington 0.As I watched the Patriots run away from a seemingly-mediocre Redskins team, I started thinking about how unbelievable they've been this season—how many points they've scored, and how they've embarrassed every one of their opponents.
Stephen Gostkowski must be one happy man, kicking for this team.
After a fairly successful Redskins drive in the third quarter, the Patriots took over on downs—and Tom Brady came back into the game, along with Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and the rest of the first team.
"I guess Bill [Belichick] won't take Brady out until the Patriots score 40 points," said Troy Aikman.
Aikman was no doubt wondering what we were all thinking at home:
Why on Earth would the Patriots send the first team out with such a commanding lead?
Still, he didn't challenge Belichick or the Pats directly. After all, how could you even think about knocking them after all the success they've had this year?
The Patriots have been involved in their share of controversy in 2007, mostly stemming from VideoGate. But many people have overlooked the fact that New England has scored a ridiculous number of points against every opponent they've faced.
Washington was clearly not going to score 38 points in the fourth quarter. The way they looked today, even two touchdowns for the entire game would have been a stretch.
- B/R Ticket Guide
On a 4th-and-1 play, the Patriots sneaked the ball with Brady and got the first down. Two plays later, Brady fired his third touchdown pass of the day to Welker.
New England 45, Washington 0.
On their next drive, backup QB Matt Cassel came out passing on the first three downs, and completed a pass on first down to WR Jabar Gaffney. Cassel ultimately scrambled for another touchdown.
New England 52, Washington 0.
So what does all this mean?
Running up the score is a significant issue in every sport, especially professional sports. It's frowned upon more often than not, with prevailing opinion divided into two camps.
Opinion No. 1: If a team is good enough, they should have every right to run up the score if they decide to do so.
The Patriots are a dominant team on both sides of the ball. They have every right to express that dominance by scoring at will.
The Redskins made several mistakes and turnovers today, and their defense wasn't stopping anyone. The Patriots simply couldn't help but score.
In the bigger picture, there's no NFL rule against running up the score.
Opinion No. 2: A team should never run up the score, as it doesn't prove anything—other than the fact that the team doing the scoring is a model of poor sportsmanship.
After the Patriots scored an insurmountable number of points (38), they should have sent in the second team and done one of two things:
-Simply run out the game clock with RBs Kevin Faulk, Heath Evans, and Kyle Eckel.
-Gotten QB Matt Cassel quality pass attempts, intermixed with inside runs.
Though there's no formal NFL rule, the convention against running up the score is one of the most widely recognized.
Personally, I felt that after the Patriots scored 38 points, they shouldn't have attempted to pad their lead.
Going for it on fourth down not just once but twice was simply uncalled for—and was a prime example of poor sportsmanship.
What's more, why would you want to take the injury risk with your starters? It made absolutely no sense to me when they snuck with Brady, up the middle, in the fourth quarter.
One cheap shot on Brady (or any other starter for that matter), and the Pats' season could well be over.
Anyone ever heard of a thing called "karma?"
Bill Belichick, undoubtedly one of the best coaches of all time, embarrassed a future Hall-of-Fame coach in tonight's game.
I've always been a diehard Patriots fan, and I can see the appeal of high-scoring games. But a few more outcomes like this, and the team that many people are calling the greatest of all time could well become the most controversial of all time too.
All that said, look for them to rout the Colts next week.
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about 1 year ago
I've been a staunch supporter of the pats going for it late, but this time I can find no excuse. I have great admiration for Gibbs; I'm not sure what Belichick has against him. There's a fine line between keeping your 1st stringers on fire and being a jackass. Even if he wanted to say "f you" to the rest of the NFL, I think Belichick crossed the line today.
about 1 year ago
i think it goes back to last year when the colts came back and won in the playoffs, i do not think that the patriots want to ever let that happen again, also the skins were giving up yards every play so it was their own fault
about 1 year ago
How about the fact that Bellichick and the patriots became the fall guy for the spy gate incident. They are not the only team who has stolen signs and coaches have even come out to say it. But everyone suddenly started saying that their championships are tainted and questioned them at every turn.
How is the best way to shut everyone up and get a little payback to all the other coaches who either do the same thing, or criticized them, beat the living snot out of everyone every game. As well as break as many records along the way.
Everyone basically questioned the patriots organization and put the quote Asterick on them.
The go undefeated and squash everyone in the process what does it do? Piss everyone off and get even with all the crap that has been said about them.
I hope they beat Indy by 30 next week. Not likely but what will everyone say then if they do it?
The unwritten rule of running up the score may be broken by the patriots, but what about the coaches unwritten rule of sign stealing? Everyone does it and every team has strategies in place to try and fool the other team.
There is only one person you can thank for this . . . .Eric Mangini
You think it's bad now? Wait till the jets come to foxboro in a few weeks.
-Patriots Nation
from about 1 year ago
Well said,,I would like to call Dec.16th/2007 " Eric Mangini Day " and hope to beat hell it snows. I wonder just how many snowballs Mangini would take in his fat face .? He's the biggest " Snitch " ever in Pro Sports and that is the number one reason that he can't get his team to play for him. Like everyone else wouldn't like having the guy around the dressing room now because of what he did to Belichick and the best NFL Team in history. I would bet that he is fired soon or at the end of this year and won't get another job in football again.! Nobody can trust him anymore would you hire him ??
Patriots Nation Forever GO PATS GO
about 1 year ago
Hey fella's let me get you some kleenex, maybe you should have watched a chick flick with your wife.
THIS IS FOOTBALL , FOOTBALL DAMMIT, NOT TIDDLIEWINKS.
There is no crying in football, this is a bone jarring , bruising VIOLENT sport, stop crying about the score running up , and get ready for next week.
about 1 year ago
And what if the Pats took out the starters after scoring 38 and the second string allowed the Redskins to get back into the game? What if the final score was 38 to 36? The media would be saying negative things about the Pats just the same.
The Yankees provided baseball with exciting play and were considered arrogant but they added a lot to the game. People hated them but they were still admired.
Next week Forrest's last sentence may come true but at what point, playing a very good team like the Colts, does it become running up the score and driving a stake through the heart?
If the Pats do lose this year I hope the opposition runs up the score on them. I won't be crying or whining about sportsmanship.
Who was the true anti-sportsman? For Gibbs not to shake Belichick's hand, he gets the poor sportsmanship play of the game!
from about 1 year ago
Amen,,,,,,,The sports writers are saying that Gibbs did shake bills hand a few minutes later. After he realized he was making a fool of himself ??
Patriots Nation GO PATS GO
about 1 year ago
Pffft, honestly - big whoop. If you're dominant, you're dominant and the score will be indicative of such. The Patriots weren't taunting their opponents... they just continued to execute their flawless gameplan and why wouldn't they? It's good practice and builds momentum into next game. Should they have thrown balls away on purpose? What a commotion over nothing.
Also, I don't play football but I do play basketball and I know if my team was down big, I'd rather have the opposing team continue to play rather than play pity ball. But that's just me.
about 1 year ago
lol i just remembered one game when my team was up big, my coach kept the starters on but told us 'no more layups' ie. easy pts. So I was on a breakaway, dribbling all the way to the basket but ended up looping around in a circle to wait for the defenders instead. Now I thought that was a bigger slap to the face! But gotta listen to the coach ya know...
about 1 year ago
Joe Gibbs is already in the Hall of Fame and was already embarrassed because of the way his team played.
from about 1 year ago
I think you are missing something here. The teams that the Patriots have played have played good ! They are getting beat because the Pats are the best in the NFL and are far better than any other team.
Patriots Nation
about 1 year ago
Washington was throughly beaten by the time it was 38-0. There was no chance they were coming back so that is not even a possibility worth mentioning.
I can't think of one reason why it wouldn't have made sense for the Patriots to take the same approach the Colts took this afternoon. At the same point in the game where the Pats were up 38 with Brady in the game and doing everything they could to score more points the Colts were up 24 with Sorgi in running an 11 play drive that consisted of 10 runs. If someone has a reason, I'd love to hear it.
from about 1 year ago
God man ,,,I didn't know that many babies watched football. When I pay to go and watch an NFL game I want to see the starters and I mean all day. What you are saying is if they are beating the other team by 30 points that the starters should watch the secondary team the rest of the day or maybe you think they should let them score a few times like the Pats did with the Dolphins ? I pay to see Brady throw TD's to whoever he can ,,,all day,,,not just 30 minutes.
Patriots Nation Forever GO PATS GO
from about 1 year ago
Live PRACTICE for the big game this week.
about 1 year ago
Get him a copy of Ghost or Pretty Woman with that kleenex!
about 1 year ago
What is the matter with you people? Chamberlain shouldn't have scored 100? DiMaggio shouldn't have hit in 56 straight because that was rubbing it in to Wee Willie Keeler? And Dallas really should have let the Bills win just one of those Super Bowls, right? THIS IS PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL, not little league. These men are paid millions BY US to perform. And the coaches are paid millions to get their players to produce. Belichick does not have some vendetta against Gibbs. His team played very well, and the Redskins did not. Simple as that. I suppose Belichick made Matt Cassel have a 15 yard run for a TD, or, yes, of course, he somehow made the Redskins QB fumble 3 times! That was unfair of him. We should have given one of those fumbles back? Or Colvin should have taken a knee to not make it 38-0? Come on people. This is a very good football team that beat a mediocre team that played terribly today. It is not the first time a football game ended 52-7 and will certainly not be the last. I suppose the Red Sox should let the Rockies win the next two games to make it fair, and not hurt feelings out there? This is one of the most idiotic arguments I have ever heard about sports. Again, these are professional athletes. The difference between winning and losing is oh so slim, and losing has severed consequences (ask Joe Torre). No lead is safe- see Houston and Tennessee from last week as an example. So, when you actually hold the lead and not blow it, you are running up the score? Give me a break.
from about 1 year ago
Don't watch the game if you aren't man enough to lose . And losing is losing no matter what the score is and running up the score is how records are broken !
about 1 year ago
Clearly the Patriots beat the Redskins by a huge margin. The Patriots are clearly the superior team, but going for it on 4th and 1 when they were up by 38 points and could have easily made a field goal is in very bad taste. There is no reason for the Patriots to do that if not to humiliate their opponent. Nobody is crying over the loss, but the Pats showed that they have a very ugly side to them. If Joe Gibbs protested by not shaking belichick's hand, kudos for him.
from about 1 year ago
You are the same kind of asshole as he is if you think that way! ,,, By the way Gibbs did shake BB's hand. Loser.
about 1 year ago
I think alot of people miss the point. Professional sports implies alot more than just your "take it on the chin" type attitude. It requires sportsmanship and honor.... something that today the Pat's didn't display when it was 45-0. C'mon guys -- if you are leading 45-0 -- do you go on 4th down? Its obvious who the victor is... I don't disagree with the Pats going for the kill and stomping on their opponents... but this was synonymous to a Marine going beserk and shooting extra rounds into an already dead Insurgent... Just give it a rest -- save some bullets -- and be respectable about it. Sure, the Pats broke no rules -- but they certainly suffered in terms of class in my book. I guess I watch football for the entertainment value. I got none at that point...
If people are gonna defend the Pats -- defend them on something that is defendable... Behavior, class, national TV, entertainment -- it all plays into it. I certainly wouldn't want to say to my kids -- now thats how you play football -- go do that on your school team, at your playground, etc...etc.... Too deep for some of you guys? Maybe your taking football a little too seriously then...
about 1 year ago
What goes around, comes around. You run up a score and the day will come when because of injuries, trades, retirements, etc, you no longer have the talent and another team that you "whupped up on" has the talent and they proceed to embarass you, i.e., The Patriots.
As a team, The Patriots are the dominant team in the NFL as a football team, as far as "class" is concerned, they have very little. Belichek proved he has zero class.
from about 1 year ago
That's just plain stupid!! How many times did the Pats get tromped on in the last 30 years? This is a mans sport so if you don't want to watch the whole game maybe you should try tennis or ??
Speaking of " Class " how would you know ? You just showed that you have none by talking about someone else.!! I don't recall hearing Bill Belichick ever bad mouth anyone anywhere. The trouble with you is that for some unknown reason you are jealous of him and the team ???? Give your head a shake man.
Patriots Nation GO PATS GO
about 1 year ago
If the Pats had kicked the field goal instead of going for it on 4th down, you'd all STILL be arguing that they ran up the score simply because it was 48-0. Comparing a Patriots touchdown to pumping bullets into a dead insurgent is one of the most moronic comments I have ever heard and it gives me little faith in the future of this country and perhaps this entire species. Have some perspective you idiot.
from about 1 year ago
How could anyone compare a football game score to shooting a dead insurgent without being a complete NUT !?
I pay to see my team play football for 60 minutes and I mean the superstars ,, not the second string. Some people think that if the Pats are well ahead by the half that we shouldn't be able to see Brady , Moss , stalworth or Welker the rest of the day because they are so great?? Then why have these guys on our team? The Pats did what every team does and that is get the best players they can and now they have them and we arn't supposed to see them play a whole game ???? I also think that there are some people out there including coaches and managment that are pissed about the Pats getting these guys to play in NE. These guys are heading to NE because of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady and the likes of them on this team. They even take pay cuts just to belong to this team ! So,,if you want to play in this league you have to play against the Patriots and you might get beat bad,,,real bad,,,so is that the fault of The Pats for having and excellent team and coaches ? I say let them play and who cares what the score is just keep on playing and maybe in the last 5 minutes let the second string have some practice but they might score and then what ??
about 1 year ago
Belichick kept his A-team in to make them work hard - they can't go soft the week before Indy. They need to be sharp and remember what it feels like to play four full quarters. Also, by running up the score he was sending a message to Indy - The Pats can score at will, and the Colts had better be prepared for a full-on Pats assault.
about 1 year ago
Loved your column, Forrest. I hope more self-respecting Patriots fans start to question Belichick's attitude. This won't change until someone gets hurt, or the Pats fanbase revolts.
I believe there are two valid and sacred reasons for not continuing to throw the ball late in a ballgame that has already been decided: 1) By that point, everyone wants to go home. Both teams want to get off the field and not risk injury playing irrelevant minutes. The fans have lost the emotional hook that makes an NFL game exciting-- once the outcome is decided, all but the most maniacal fans are ready to move on to the next challenge. 2) Our children still learn their sportsmanship lessons from professional sports. If this had been a Pop Warner game, there would have been parents physically confronting coaches, and rightfully so.
The point of sport is to compete. Once the competition has been decided, run the ball to keep the clock moving and end the game sooner for all concerned. It's not just honourable-- it's smart football. Anything that keeps the clock running brings the team closer to victory. Fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter when ahead by 4 scores are disgusting displays of disrespect for the game of football, not just your current opponent. If Brady and Belichick are enjoying these moments late in the game when they seem to be trying to humiliate, not just defeat, then they are not sportsman by any definition.
from about 1 year ago
Thanks--it is refreshing to read a cizilized, grammatically correct arguement.
I agree completely--you made comments Forrest did not that are as equally valid as his, one of which is really more important: don't get your players hurt.
I promise you this: Brady gets hurt late into one of these games when the Patriots are up by 30 and guess what team is looking for a new coach?
about 1 year ago
When you' re getting smoked by an opponent you take out the opponent's best weapon. Washington should have blitzed and put a helmet on Brady's knee. The next time they got ahead of an opponent they might think twice about running up the score...
about 1 year ago
IF YOU WANT CLASS, GO TO SCHOOL, THELMA AND LOUISE WAS ON TODAY, ALL YOU PINK PANTY WEARING SISSIES SHOULD HAVE WATCHED THAT, IT SEEMS MORE YOUR STYLE.
WOULD YOU LIKE SOME CHEESE WITH YOUR WHINE.................YOU ALL HATE THE TRUE DYNASTY THAT HAS TAKEN PLACE THIS DECADE....................OH YEAH, GUESS THE RED SOX ARE UN SPORTSMANLIKE TOO BY OUTSCORING THEIR OPPONENTS BY LARGE MARGINS. ALL I CAN SAY IS GET USED TO IT.
from about 1 year ago
All I can say is did you go to school in the first place to learn that you don't need to use ALL CAPS to make your point? Or is your name really RICK like Andre' Woodson's name actually has an apostrophe at the end of it?
EXREEEEME! lol
about 1 year ago
Gee, let's see. If the Patriots went for the easy three points, that would have been less offensive than giving the defense a chance to stop them? Or maybe they should have just started taking a knee mid-way through the third quarter? Give me a break, folks. I'm not a Pats fan (go Jags!) but if you're looking for charity, take up bingo instead!
about 1 year ago
What planet are you from? "Both teams want to get off the field and not risk injury playing irrelevant minutes"? Is that why the 'Skins drove for a TD with five minutes left in the game? Running up the score would be kicking the sure FG instead of giving the 'Skins a chance to stop them.
Fanbase revolt? Are you on drugs? I'm sooooo sure Patriots fans would rather see their team winning by a FG!
about 1 year ago
"If this had been a Pop Warner game, there would have been parents physically confronting coaches, and rightfully so." Agreed. BUT IT WAS A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL GAME ON NATIONAL TELEVISION. Classless is paying $100 for a ticket and then having your team take a knee in the third because it isn't fair to score another touchdown.
from about 1 year ago
I don't believe anyone here is convinced that the Patriots should have begun taking a knee in the third quarter, but when (literally) all of your FRANCHISE players are on the field, you are not looking out for the best interest of your future team (since you brought money into it) by keeping them there.
Fans don't care about whether the first team is on or not when you are winning 52-0, by the way.
about 1 year ago
I can't believe that everyone is getting so worked up over this game and the season, i mean come on if the Cowboy beat the redskins i bet yall would have a different perception of the situation but they can't. I hope the Patriots beat every team they play by 40 or more points because quite frankly they deserve it, if you are that good who cares what everyone else thinks. Run up the scores who cares who likes you they can just hate when you put that fourth ring on your finger. I like the way Bill Belichick is going about things, if the NFL wants to pick on his team then he will pick on everyone he plays. And last if they don't want them to run up the score then stop them. Oh im sorry i forgot they can't.
about 1 year ago
Why is no one asking: "Hey, Joe Gibbs: Why did your team play so lousy today? You are a three-time championship coach, are you not? Your team is comprised of highly-paid professionals who are among an athletic elite, is it not? You did remember that you had a game today and who exactly you were up against, did you not? So why did you and your team play so lousy today?
At the level at which these teams play--in all professional sports--there's no excuse for turning in the kind of performance the Redskins displayed today. If being thoroughly out-played and out-maneuvered is the price they have to pay as professional athletes, then perhaps they'll start living up to the term "professional athletes" next time they take the field.
from about 1 year ago
I would love for one of those not-so-professional-athletes" (according to you, anyway) to tackle you. I would love to see the punter tackle you and see what would happen, let alone a defensive end. I'm sure Sean Taylor would love to have a talk with you about that.
The Cowboys played great against the Patriots and they lost by over 20...so maybe it has a little bit more to do with the Patriots offense and a little less to do with the Redskins (previously) top five ranked defense, wouldn't you say?
about 1 year ago
Leave the Pats alone. They are good end of story. So what they ran up a score, and??????
People pay to watch a good game. The Pats gave them one.
Joe Gibbs even said in a post game interview HE could find nothing wrong with the team. get that THE TEAM....I think the two coaches have a personal vendetta..maybe that is why there was no handshake anyone know about that?
about 1 year ago
great comment
about 1 year ago
I agree that the New England Patriots hurt the Redskins feelings and hurt the feelings of others watching the game by scoring a WHOLE LOT OF POINTS!
Therefore, I recommend that the NFL install a mercy rule. Whenever at least one fan watching a game feels that it hurts too much to watch a horrible team get traunced by a good team, the refs should kindly request that the winning team send in their 4th string - this ensures that 2nd or 3rd team doesn't score 'cause that would be even MORE painful to watch!!
PS - Joe Gibbs will move on and will always be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in history!
from about 1 year ago
Yes he will, now go play some tennis and leave us men to talk FOOTBALL,,,,you BABY !!
about 1 year ago
Why is actually playing for all four quarters "running up the score"? If the opposition plays pro football, they stop them and they don't score. This isn't high school, these are athletes paid millions to compete. Is there some big secret that they don't want to work too hard and the Patriots are showing what happens if you really play hard? For the money they make, they should all be playing hard.
about 1 year ago
WTF are you talking about? Crossed the line?
ALL of the other NFL teams, coaches, players, staff in the beginning of the Season who accused PATS of cheating "crossed the line." EVERY Team videotapes... it's been happening for YEARS!!! it happens in High-School, College and... surprise surprise, The Pros.
Now, all these teams are gonna Complain cuz they're Getting SCHOOLED, and SCORED ON? D Up Stupid Millionaire players!!!!
Pats are making every team, coach, players, and staff Pay for pretending the Pats were the only ones videotaping...
Play Like Pros... stop complaining like Little Leaguers...
52-7 baby!!! Kill em Pats!
about 1 year ago
in reply to post 1 who said "I've been a staunch supporter of the pats going for it late, but this time I can find no excuse. I have great admiration for Gibbs; I'm not sure what Belichick has against him. There's a fine line between keeping your 1st stringers on fire and being a jackass. Even if he wanted to say "f you" to the rest of the NFL, I think Belichick crossed the line today."
WTF are you talking about? Crossed the line?
ALL of the other NFL teams, coaches, players, staff in the beginning of the Season who accused PATS of cheating "crossed the line." EVERY Team videotapes... it's been happening for YEARS!!! it happens in High-School, College and... surprise surprise, The Pros.
Now, all these teams are gonna Complain cuz they're Getting SCHOOLED, and SCORED ON? D Up Stupid Millionaire players!!!!
Pats are making every team, coach, players, and staff Pay for pretending the Pats were the only ones videotaping...
Play Like Pros... stop complaining like Little Leaguers...
52-7 baby!!! Kill em Pats!
about 1 year ago
The Patriots rushed for 160 yards! The 'Skins just couldn't stop 'em, so do people expect the Pats to start taking a knee in the third quarter? All week I got to listen to all the wagging sports tongues talk about how Washington could test the Patriots, and now the Patriots are the bad guys for wihpping the Redskins. I respect Joe Gibbs, but the better team won today and that's that. Here's a question for everyone: if the Pats had only been winning games by about 3 points, would anyone still be upset about the score today? In about 3 weeks the Pats should have the division locked up; shuold they sit Brady then? If someone got their feelings hurt, they need to learn to live with it. That's life! We're trying to take the competitiveness out of sports and succeeding at the HS level - let's not hate on the pro's for winning games. What next? Take the trophy away from the Red Sox because they just won a couple of years ago?
about 1 year ago
Dear Forrest....
You're very neutral in your response... if you're a Pats fan, you wouldn't care if the Pats ATTACK every team by Points.
The PATS were attacked by every team in the start of the season with all the SpyGate ordeal.
This [scoring attack] is the PATS answer to those attacks to them, and as a Pats fan, you should support it wholeheartedly.
Now, it the Pats weren't attacked in the beginning of the season, and then happened to Run-Up the score.. .then anyone can say something. But thats not the case... they were accused and attacked... and now its PAYBACK!
about 1 year ago
Dear NFL Teams,
Payback's a *itch!!!
Quit whining, Play for the Whole Game!!!
We are......
- Love,
The Patriots
about 1 year ago
GUYS -- I was at the game... I can tell you -- people didn't care for the 4th quarter antics of our beloved Pats. I love the Pats -- but you know I have to agree -- it was unnecessary. Anyone who is militantly against my opinion should've been there. People chuckled -- shore. But just as many were like "lets get home -- its getting late." One dad said to his son, "There's nothing more to see here..." I think he got it right.
from about 1 year ago
That's an important point.
This isn't about being a Pats fan or a Redskins fans it's about being a football fan.
When you're up by 38 points in the fourth quarter, your starting quarterback should be out of the game. This is important not only in terms of not rubbing in the wound against the other team, but also to make sure your field general who has gotten you this far doesn't end up with a career ending injury for no good reason.
You play the game to win and the game had already been won. If the Redskins scored two touchdowns in a matter of minutes, Bellichick could have always put his stars back in the game.
I think a lot of this has to do with Spygate. I think Bellichick wants everyone to know that the Patriots are by far the best team in the league cheating or no cheating. That's surely the idea here: he doesn't want people to think the Patriots are anything less than the best team the world has ever seen. He doesn't want an inkling of doubt in people's minds about that fact. He wants opposing coaches to fear the Patriots and the people who say their success is only possible through cheating to shut up already.
The problem as I see it is that Bellichick is essentially letting his personal sentiments get in the way of what is right for both the Patriots and for the game of football. This isn't the BCS there is no reason you have to run up the score in order to succeed. Bellichick's actions yesterday left a bad taste in everyone's mouth and put Tom Brady's season on the line unnecessarily.
I mean: what if Brady had hurt his shoulder in the fourth quarter and hadn't been able to play this weekend against the Colts? Bellichick would have felt like a fool.
The man needs to put things in perspective. The goal of this team is to win the Super Bowl, not for Tom Brady to break the touchdown record (something he'll probably do even if he only plays three quarters a game) or for the Patriots to post an undefeated record.
Seems to me like Bellichick is a man on a mission. He's angry about the criticism the Pats took over the videotaping and wants to prove a point.
That said, I think the point has been proven. The Patriots are the most dominating team in the NFL without question. They don't just beat bad teams they demolish them.
After they beat Indy this weekend, I think Bellichick would be wise to get back to the generally accepted NFL protocol (when the game is out of reach, pull your starters) and not worry so much about how many points the Pats score each game, going undefeated, or Brady's touchdown record.
about 1 year ago
Y'know -- I'm not a Skins fan -- and I don't care about the Pats. But, I thought it was funny how Troy Aikman commented how he was the competitive type -- and so he understood what the Pats were doing... implying (as some have said already), if you can't take it -- you shouldn't be on the field.
I respect that. But, you know what -- no one knows what the Pats are gonna do. I bet if Gibbs knew that the Pats were gonna pound it on those two 4th downs (despite the score) -- I bet he'd just forfeit the game and save the Pats the trouble. At some point -- I think Beli-boy forgot how to be a sportsman...
BTW, I like the Insurgent analogy. I think it fits the Pats to a tee. ;)
from about 1 year ago
I forget the exact comment (CBSSportsline) but Troy Aikman also ask on TV why Bellicheck was sending Moss and Brady back on the at 38-0. Just a thought. When teh guy who won the Superbowls and is a competitor by words from his own mouth, you kinds have to wonder when he begins to question it as well.
about 1 year ago
So many people are just born whiners.
FYI - the NFL teams don't pull first stringers out of "mercy" for their opponents - pulling your first stringer IS disrespectful enough to your opponents, don't you whiners understand?
The first stringers were pulled ONLY to avoid injuries to them. If the pats are not so concerned about it, and decided to put on one scoring show after another, I say all the powers to them! They gave the ticket buyers their money's worth. At least they respect the opponents' ability to play football more than the Colts and other hypocrites.
Face it - the Pats are a group that appreciate and respect their opponents more than other teams, and they want to get the record to right the "tainted championship" nonsense. They have EVERY bit of rights to do what they did. You whiners should just shut up and enjoy the show.
from about 1 year ago
No one is doubting whether they have the "right" to do what they did. It's not as if anyone has suggested that Bellichick be fined for this.
But there's a big difference being doing what you can get away with and doing the right thing. For both the sake of the Pats' season and in the interest of being a sportsman, Brady and Moss should have been on the bench when they got the ball back up 38-0.
"The first stringers were pulled ONLY to avoid injuries to them. If the pats are not so concerned about it, and decided to put on one scoring show after another, I say all the powers to them!"
Even if one were to agree with your analysis here, how in the hell could the Pats not be "so concerned about it?" The season is only halfway over. They have the most potent offense anyone has seen in awhile. Who in their right mind would send their two stars back onto the field and risk them getting injured just to score a few more points?
Doesn't make any logical sense really. The only explanation is that Bellichick has a personal point to prove here. As I've said before, it would probably be best for the team, and the NFL at large, if he put these personal concerns aside and remembered that the mission at hand is to win a fourth Super Bowl championship.
about 1 year ago
Simply put, if you RESPECT your opponent, you keep your first stringer on field instead of taking them off. You play a good game from start to finish. NOW THAT IS SPORTSMANSHIP.
Nobody said that Tiger Woods should just win his championship by 1 stroke instead of embarrassing other golfers (come on, it's the last hole, who's gonna make a comback??); No one said that Federer should just let Andy Roddick win once in a while to show sportsmanship.
I can't believe how many people failed to realize that. These guys need to have their brains checked.
from about 1 year ago
Every sport has certain traditions that don't necessarily apply to other games. The idea of not running up the score is a tradition which has emerged in the NFL, for two reasons: 1) It helps the dominating team try out new talent and rest their star players, and 2) It prevents the losing team from being completely demoralized.
Individual sports like tennis and golf are different because of the fact that reason #1 simply does not and cannot exist. Roger Federer can't pull himself when he's up 6-0 6-0 on Andy Roddick and put in a substitute to formally finish him off. Federer and Federer alone has to finish the game.
There's also another difference with games like Tennis and Golf compared to the NFL: time. Football is different than these two games because there is limited clock time and thus we can all agree that certain things just aren't possible. It's possible to come back 38-0 at halftime hard as all hell, but possible. It's certainly not possible to do it in one quarter.
Even if Federer is up 6-0, 6-0, it's still possible that Roddick can make a comeback. All he has to do is play extremely well, and hope that Federer chokes. But no matter how well the Redskins played in that last quarter, they couldn't possibly have won the game.
I don't think anyone's saying that Bellichick should have purposely gone 3 and out with 10 minutes left in that game. But it does seem to make sense again, both for himself, his team, and for Gibbs and the other team to pull your star players and let your backup Quarterback get some experience once the fourth quarter begins and you're up by six scores.
about 1 year ago
Hey guys, I thought the Pats won the game on the field... (duh) Skins got whooped -- no doubt -- but I think we all saw that was clear in the 3rd quarter. But, I lost ALOT of respect for Coach B. Some of you crazies who defend the way the team ran up the score -- are on drugs. I say that because I think something should tug at everyone at some point (if they have any class) that y'know -- we've decisively destroyed this team -- lets continue to play like winners -- and just get through the game. I'm not opposed to the score being 177-0 if need be (so I thought that comment by a poster earlier about our country being soft was pretty lame too) -- but only within the confines of sensible sportsmanship (I'm a strong believer in honor and good sportsmanship). Those fourth down plays were totally unnecessary and YES -- they should've kicked a FG. What was the freakin point -- were the Skins threatening? Did the Pats miss a day of practice?? Did the fans shout for more? No. No. and uh... no.
I'm glad Gibb's didn't shake hands with Belicheck. And I hope Belicheck goes home tonight feeling a little empty in his over-enflated score (though I doubt it). On and I think we can safely say the Pats are the best team in the NFL -- if that means anything anymore.
about 1 year ago
I'm sure Pats would've taken knee if the Skins had taken a knee every time they got the ball after falling behind 38-0. Since the Skins couldn't have possibly come back anyway as you Pats haters say, what's the point of risking injury to your own players AND Pats' players? Is that good sportsmanship? You lost, so just give up. If you didn't, how could I just let it go? It's that simple.
about 1 year ago
While I agree that there is nothing to be in an uproar about with regards in keeping your 1st stringers in versus your 2nd and 3rd stringers... I do disagree with the play calling. BTW, do us all a favor and don't compare football (the best team sport out there) with some solo-snob-sport like tennis or golf. I agree that the Pats should play from start to finish... But if anyone has watched the NFL for years -- they know that the last quarter was an insult to everyone watching. Why go on fourth down when conventional wisdom indicates that there is no need. There is only one reason -- cuz the coach of the MIGHTY Pats is a jerk. He didn't have to do that... BUT HE DID.
Some of you said the Skins fans would complain even if they kicked a FG. I'm a Skins fan -- and while I hated to get trounced by the Pats -- I'd just take it like a man...the Skins defense was completely and comprehensively dismantled by Brady....period. But I think the fourth down calls were cheap and uncalled for... Doesn't take away from the fact that the Pats CRUSHED the Skins. But, I can say it did take away from the game's luster tonight...
Again, not taking anything away from the Pats beating the Skins. But, I'm glad I'm a Skins fan -- cuz I know our coach won't pull crap like that.
from about 1 year ago
One other thing worth mentioning is that it also takes away from how much credibility Tom Brady's presumed touchdown record will hold.
If all other coaches in NFL history followed a certain protocol which essentially meant that their star QBs didn't score numerous unnecessary touchdowns and it is widely recognized that Bill Bellichick did not follow that protocol this season then people will automatically discredit Brady's record.
I think it's bad for sports when you have records that people doubt the validity of (see the Bonds/McGwire asterisk). Brady can get that record without Bellchick running up the score and he's only screwing his star QB over in the minds of the fans by having him go for it on fourth and keeping him in the game so long.
from about 1 year ago
great comment
about 1 year ago
Fool Joe Gibbs is already in the hall of fame, know your facts or stop writing.
about 1 year ago
Nice piece... Even though I'm a Redskins fan. Looks like I need to just go back into the closet in that regard until Little Danny Snyder sells the team to someone who has a clue. God Bless Coach Gibbs.
about 1 year ago
Bill Belichick for Coach of the year and Tom Brady for MVP because those two know how to put points on the board and thats what wins football games. I'm not a patriots fan but damn i love watching the Patriots beat the shit out of everyone they play just so yall haters can have something to say. Go with what Joe Gibbs said, "I FEEL THE PATRIOTS DID NOTHING WRONG, THEY HAVE A GREAT COACH AND A GREAT TEAM." if the Coach doesn't care why should you because you can't stand the fact that they are so good. I love it. I think im going to get me a patriots cap tomorrow just to piss off some more people.
about 1 year ago
Wow - I read every post and was amazed at the contrasting opinions. I was more amazed though at the (logic) some folks used to justify similar opinions that New England should have been a babysitter for a team that was highly praised defensively hours before kickoff. I have been a Patriots (capitalized because it is a proper name) fan since the Steve Grogan (#14) era and I am always happy when the Patriots win, no matter the point spread.
I have difficulty understanding the negative (how I perceive them) comments, specifically those regarding "running up the score". The apparent logic is, at some point, NE should have altered their game plan to purposely prevent themselves from scoring. That is funny. If a team does not play their 2nd and 3rd string players when there is a point cushion, when should they when they are losing 52 - 7? That is funnier. Coach Belicheck was punishing Coach Gibbs? I fell out of my chair!
For all you little people, the Peace Corps is hiring.
I apologize in advance if the following borders on pontification, but I am just a high school graduate. I remember a game last year near the end of the season when NE led the Colts by almost thirty points and the Colts went on to win the game. The Colts subsequently went on to win the Superbowl. Could that not have happened today with Washington? Immediately after the coin toss, is not every team expected to win? If not, why do these teams play?
Since most of you posting 'negative' comments are obviously over qualified NFL coaches, my simpleton questions for you are;
1. if team A is really good, and team B really bad, should team A insult team B even more by purposely playing bad, or as some of you braniacs put it, "go for field goals on 4th and 1"?
2. Still following the evil genius logic, at what point spread should team A initiate a self imposed melt-down to ensure team B does not leave the stadium with boxes of Kleenex and wool blankets?
3. For the proclaimed NE fans, quintessential over qualified NFL coaches, and medical scientist all rolled into one, what papers have you published proving your super pill will make New England the perfect team you always wanted to be a fan of; the team that will win within a pre-set margin and be diplomatic about it?
4. Since your brains are significantly larger than the average human, how will you solve the planetary perils to ensure my children s children live long and fruitful lives on Earth?
5. What do you intellectual giants plan to do about the colony collapse among honey bees, especially since the majority of human food consumption relies on their pollination of crops?
What makes me laugh harder when I read your ludicrous please show them some mercy comments, is that going into this game, every sportscaster on television, every sports column in the newspapers, and on every sports Web site, the consensus was the same; New England's gaudy seven-game statistics -- the 39.9-point average, 432 yards per game, 41 touchdowns, etc. -- have come against five of the NFL's bottom six defenses...this weekend however, the unbeaten Patriots play the fifth rated defense in the Washington Redskins. This should be a good game.
You folks that cry about the Patriots running up the score on a lesser team are probably the same folks that cried decades ago when inmates were forced to perform manual labor such as picking up trash on the side of our roads. Since the United States prison population now lives better than most middle-class families I am positive you folks will succeed in your quest to get an upper score limit and sissy diplomacy policy instituted within the NFL.
about 1 year ago
By your post -- we can tell you are just a highschool graduate.
about 1 year ago
Does anyone remember Suberbowl XXII? Redskins 42 Broncos 10
Who was the coach? Joe Gibbs
Why do the Patriots go for it on 4th down? Because that's the way they play the game and they play all 60 minutes of it.
The Patriots never got any respect until they won their 3rd Superbowl and this year everyone puts an asterisk on those games. Make no mistake, the Patriots are on a mission this year and don't be surprised if they blow everyone away and show NO MERCY.
Don't feel sorry for the Redskins. Feel sorry for the Jets when they come to Foxborough on Dec 16.
from about 1 year ago
How true!,,,I just wish I could be in Foxborro for the Jets game. I can't wait to see " Mangini the Rat " when he steps out of the tunnel Dec.16th. Man I just pray for snow and real hard snowballs. I'd just love to shove a couple right down that " Fat RAt's " mouth but someone else will take care of it I'm sure!
Patriots Nation GO PATS GO
about 1 year ago
People forget the fact that the Pats lost to the Colts after taking a 21-3 lead. That should be a motivator to score as many points as possible til the final two minutes of a game. Plus, everytime a team gets the ball on offense, the primary goal is to score points, not punt the ball. Afterall this is professional football. Players are paid to play the game. If it was high school or college football, that's another story.
from about 1 year ago
21-3 at the half is not 38-0 in the fourth quarter...at least I don't think so anyway.
My bad.
about 1 year ago
I'm not a Pats fan and had no problem with the final score, considering all the TV/Media Analysts stated that the Skins had a very good defence and this would be a true test for the Pats. Looks like the Pats paased that test!!!
about 1 year ago
If I'm paying for a ticket or spending my time watching a game I want to see good football. In fact, the whole reason I started watching football was seeing the Patriots first superbowl victory (that was very good) and have been a Patriots fan ever since.
What I want to know is why aren't people getting upset over the teams that are losing by big numbers? Thanks to the draft, they have the same opportunity to get competitive players so I don't see why they should be getting stomped so bad by the Pats. It's not like the Pats are gods that have descended from heaven to play mortals in an unwinnable game of football; they just got their act together better with the same players any other team could have (some teams even have ex-pats). After these blistering defeats, I'm wondering if any of these other coaches are really worth their paycheck?
Now I understand where the complainers are coming from. They want to see chivalry on the field. However there is no stopping the game just because you feel like you've already won or can't win. The clock ticks for 60 minutes and that's how long you have to play for, good or bad. Could you imagine what kind of stadium riot would happen if a losing team decided to forfeit in the third because they didn't feel they could win? The paying customers would be furious. (Ever been to a concert where the band performs one song then calls it quits?) Then why should a winning team stop playing hard because they already feel they have won?
And so what if they play hard till the end of the game with first stringers? I want my money's worth and I thank them for it. So what if people think Belichick is extracting revenge for "spygate"? Paying a $500,000 fine, I'm sure he wants HIS moneys worth too.
Thanks, ~R
about 1 year ago
Forrest I can't tell you how refreshing and honest your article was. The fact that it came from a Pats fan is even more impressive and I have the highest respect for you as a classy sportsfan. I have some friends in town that are Pats fans and they can't defend it either after yesterday. Kudos to you for your honesty and objectivity. Fans like you make this team a little bearable and make me feel somewhat bad that I wish Belichick so much ill will. Excellent commentary and brave at that. I look forward to reading future articles.
Re: this weekend, Pats are 4 1/2 pt favorites at Indy. I'm taking Indy in this. I'm not sure whether just to cover or win straight up but the Colts as dogs at home is crazy and will no doubt anger that team. Should be the game of the year until they meet again in the Super Bowl errr AFC Champ. Game.
about 1 year ago
"By your post -- we can tell you are just a highschool graduate." I like that; a brief to-the-point rhetorical statement.
Some advice before you fail another SAT; "highschool" is two words - "high" and "school".
I watched some videos and read some postings this morning, mostly from the likes of ESPN and NFL.com, and it appears most are not concerned about yesterdays score. And, as a few post before mine have stated, we (ticket holders and cable and satellite television subscribers) pay to see a football game, not a bunch of bed wetters running around the field with towels hanging from their wrists asking each other, "can I get you some cheese to go with your wine?"
Historically until the final whistle blows, anything goes and the game is not over. The philosophy of every game (football or otherwise) is to score as much as possible, prevent the other team from doing the same, and advance to the next level.
from about 1 year ago
PS Do you know what the founder of the OLYMPIC games once said?
"The most important thing is the Olympic games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
The application to this current situation is this: second and third stringers should be playing in order to avoid injuries and to give the team more depth, thus making the TEAM BETTER.
I would love to hear what you would have to say about Bill B. if Brady got his leg smashed in by a defensive lineman in the fourth quarter. Hm?
about 1 year ago
What an idiot.... highschool and high school are BOTH legitimate. Go get your dictionary, kid...
about 1 year ago
What's with all of the Pats fans hard-ons and their "That's what Mangini and the rest of y'all haters get for calling the Pats cheatrs!!!!" revenge rants? Who the hell cares about that? The Jets suck and everyone already knew the Pats and Colts were the top 2 team in the league - no different than now - before the season started. No one is shocked.
Also, anyine who talked up the Redskins before the game was either an idiot or promoting a game that was nationally televised and a sure blowout. The spread was 17 points (come on now) and that's what the consensus from anyone who knows anything about sports was - money goes where your mind is not your heart is. I took the over. Anyone who didn't, well, they lost their money and deserved to. I would have taken a spread of 21.
Not necessary to group everyone equally who thinks the game is lame after the score is 38-0. There is no entertainment value at that point unless you are worried about fantsy football points or whatever else. Everyone who doesn't agree 100% isn't necessarily a pitiful whiner as you'd like them to be. I could care less what the actual score was. I knew all I had to know when it was 24-0 nothing at half. I turned on the Bucs-Jags game and actually watched a good competitive game. Watching the 2nd half of the Pats game would have been a waste of 1.5 hours.
Everyone knows that the Pats are awesome and historically awesome. I can't remember seeing an entire team so solid as the Patriots are this year. What are all of the Pats hard ons getting out of their posts? Let the media say what they want - they always need a story. If Belichick's prioritizes point totals and record books over injury possibilities, go for it. If Brady were to somehow get hurt you would probably be writing about how big of a jagoff the guy is.
from about 1 year ago
Truer words were never spoken. You rock dude.
about 1 year ago
I read through the entire list of responses and nobody mentioned how Belichick has tunnel vision on record books. He wants he and his team to take every record ever assembled. It is unbelievable how many TD passes Brady has from a few yards away and even his rushing TDs. Tell me there was another reason that Brady threw a TD pass to Welker to give the Pats a 45-0 lead in the 4th quarter other than the 3+ TD record BS? It's not like they couldn't have run the ball in the endzone with ease. Yeah, I get it, that's their game plan and you can't stop it....etc. That comes to an end after a while when you get pass TD to rush TD ratios like they are when the team has so many TDs. It's no longer a coincidence, and it's not like all of the pass TDs are from 20 yards away. I don't care about their agendas, but I don't need to hear about the passing attack when the run can accomplish the same thing. Same goes for Schottenheimer's campaign for L.T. last year. I'm not interested in L.T. or Brady statues getting erected because of coach's play-calling agendas. Brady's rushing TDs are just like L.T.'s passing TDs last year. Brady's pass to Welker is just the same as L.T. jumping the pile for TDs when they're up by 30 last year with a more than capable Michael Turner on the sideline. Whatever.
Everyone should take in what that person WHO WAS ACTUALLY AT THE GAME had to say, with people disintersted and all. I came to this story because I wanted to see what people outside of the media had to say. It seems all of these Pats hard-ons came here using this site as another outlet to voice their approval to the greatest moment of their lives - a Ptriots win. Chill out. You make me sick and remind me of Cubs fans. That's not good.
Lastly, I can do without Pats fans and media continuing to froth over Brady. Yeah, he's proven he's one of the top 2 passers in the league. Great. How about having the league's best receiving crew (throw Watson and Faulk in there is well), the best O-line, and probably the best defense?...the team is a machine and let's stop slapping our nuts over Brady 7 years running. I hear Montana used to have awesome protection like that and I saw what Aikman and E. Smith's dominant line did to opponents in the 90's, and we are seeing the same thing here. The drop and cozy pocket Brady gets on essentially every play is remarkable. With all of that talent running around waiting for pass to come their way, and with Brady's accuracy, it can't be stopped. Not just Brady.
about 1 year ago
I'm fed up with all you Pats who are sore winners. What do you have to be so resentful about when someone mentions that the Pats could've been classy in their play? No one is telling the Patriots to stop playing after its clear they are beating an opponent by 40 points. But, its obvious its hit a chord in this country on HOW they played with what the Pats did to the Skins, because every sports network has addressed it ad nauseum.
Bottom-line, people play the game differently and as long as its within the confines