Which is it, New England?

  Carolyn's Corner

Para leer este artículo en español, da clic aquí.

(Disclaimer: No, I am not picking on the New England Patriots-- even though Bill Belichick was last week's topic! Please read on to see...)

It is common wisdom that when someone is on top, those who are not always try to take him down. Often by whatever—fair or unfair-- means possible.

In addition, it is also a popular notion that reputations, positive or negative, are earned. 

Moreover, it is conventional wisdom that there are those who will try to win by whatever means necessary. In other words, cheating is fair play.

And finally, perhaps the most common wisdom of all: hard work, focus, and determination lead to success and the realization of dreams.

So just what is the case with the New England Patriots?

courtesy of Robb Carr/Getty Images

Just a few hours ago, Steve Del Vecchio, who writes for Larry Brown Sports’ Yard Barker, opened this discussion in his latest article. He basically addressed how “out of control the suspicions [by other teams] against the Patriots have gotten,” giving as a “prime example" the fact that “the NFL reportedly swept the visiting locker room [where the New York Jet were] at Gillette Stadium for listening devices,” resurrecting yet again the black cloud of “Gates” that looms darkly over the Patriots. Or is it that the NFL paranoia is just an illusion that people hide behind, which serves to taint New England, in order to bring them down?  

That got me thinking...   

I would like to take it a step further and add several other elements to the mix. Here, too, I must admit that I am a rabid Bronco fan, but I am also wholly devoted to fair-play, so I thought this a good time to analyze my own potential bias against the New England Patriots—and give you the chance to do the same, if you like.  

So let’s begin by breaking down the points of conventional wisdom in the opening as it relates to the Patriots.

The Patriots have become a dynasty in the NFL over the last decades. They are a perennial favorite to win the Super Bowl. This season they are currently 7-0, one of the few teams that remains undefeated. In short, they are on top. Does this mean that the legendary rivalry (i.e., jealousy) of every NFL team with every other is determined to undermine the Patriots-- by innuendo, libel, slander,-or whatever else they can find-- to pull the Patriots off their pedestal? There are those who think so—most obviously, the New England fans themselves.  And it may not be without merit. For example, Del Vecchio asks if people really think that the Patriots would still be stupid enough to bug another team’s locker room after having been under so much scrutiny. True.  Score one for the traditional belief that no one really likes a winner.

However, it is also true that where there is smoke there is fire. Which brings us to reputations. Over the last several years we have witnessed “SpyGate,” “DeflateGate,” “DeceptionGate,” and even “SnowplowGate,” (from way back in 1982 against Don Shula and the Dolphins—look it up!). Fines were levied, suspensions almost enforced and a guilty verdict rendered in the court of public opinion. The Patriots reputation is undeniably tarnished. Is it really any wonder, then, that they are monitored and/or suspected at every turn? Many believe they have earned it. True, they have. Score one for that widespread belief.

The same “Gates” exemplify that it seems to be acceptable in the Patriot culture that “cheating is fair-play.”  It is exactly that, though--the cheap underhandedness--that many people despise. This becomes even more despicable because it seems so unnecessary, given all of the other formidable strengths they have. Should they really have to resort to such cheap tricks?  No—and they were caught. Score one for cheaters never prosper.

Finally, last week we looked at Bill Belichick and his philosophy of “outsmart, outwork and outlast.” This is what he has succeeded in infusing throughout the whole New England system. It is, without a doubt, admirable and enviable. As well as the stuff of legend. It has led, most pundits agree, to the Super Bowl wins, the acquisition of stellar players, and an unparalleled focus on one goal: winning. It is impossible to deny. It should be a model that other teams aspire to. In an ideal NFL world of no temptation, it would be. So can you legitimately take that away from the Patriots? No. Score one for hard work, focus and determination.

And this brings us to the end of our thought and analysis.To be honest, I now see more merit in the New England Patriots than I did before. That means I have moved forward at least a bit. I do think jealousy exists, many do try to tear them down, and their prodigious work ethic and many, many gifted players do lead to championships. Nevertheless, I still cannot get away from blaming them for falling into temptation. (Although in all fairness, I have to ask how many other teams have, too?)  

courtesy of hdpaperwall.com

Therefore...the case is not completely clarified for me as yet…but which "thinking" scores for you, fellow football fan? Any thoughts?

Categories: De todo un poco , NFL