matt's pats blog

Ever since Bill Belichick resigned as "HC from NYJ" and joined the New England Patriots, the franchise has transformed from the underdog to the dynasty to the lightning rod of the league. They were the improbable team who stopped the "Greatest Show on Turf" in Super Bowl XXXVI. They won back-to-back Super Bowls (XXXVIII and XXXIX), bringing their record to 3 of 4, during which they went on an NFL record 18 regular-season win streak (21 including playoffs). And during a re-building year, the team was several minutes away from a Super Bowl. So why do we only hear negative things about the Pats?

In their first Super Bowl, the Pats were praised by many for being such a classy organization. The team represented unity and teamwork during a time of turmoil in the United States. They wouldn't allow individual names to be called during their introduction and the entire team walked out as captains. They were marked the underdogs by a large margin, but prevailed by working as one.

Two years later, the Pats clinched their second Super Bowl, followed immediately by their third. Along the way, the team set a record for consecutive wins, held a record-setting Colts offense to 3 points, and put up 41 points on the league's best defense. The Patriots were, of course, getting on the nerves of rival fans, but were generally praised by the media for their consistent excellence.

Franchises around the league subscribed to the "Patriot Way" and installed Patriots players and coaches into their systems. The Pats effectively changed the landscape of the NFL – more emphasis was placed on coaching, smart cap maneuvers, and a team-first mentality. The 3-4 defensive alignment became popular again, and a top running back suddenly didn't seem as necessary as previously thought. The Patriots were a dynasty in a system designed to prevent such a feat.

From top to bottom, the Patriots were the definition of excellence in the NFL. No statistics mattered to the coaches, players, or anyone else in the organization. Victory was the one and only goal. Under Robert Kraft's ownership, the franchise has gone from "extremely unsuccessful" to the second most valuable franchise in the NFL. They brought in perceived malcontents (Corey Dillon, Rodney Harrison, Randy Moss), underachievers (Reche Caldwell, Heath Evans, Sammy Morris), and great veterans (Junior Seau, Adalius Thomas, Mike Vrabel). They've displayed dominance in their drafting ability (Tom Brady, Richard Seymour, Laurence Maroney, Ben Watson, Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs, Eugene Wilson, Logan Mankins, Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren). The team has also exploited inefficiencies in the trade market. They traded holdout wide receiver Deion Branch for a first round pick. They used that pick to trade for the 49ers 2007 4th round pick and their 2008 first round pick. They used the 49ers 4th round pick to trade for Randy Moss. Essentially, the Patriots traded Deion Branch for a first round pick (potentially in the top 5) and Randy Moss. Such masterful moves have seldom been seen in the NFL.

But today, the Patriots are not loved or admired by many. In fact, they are loathed by most. Why? The team was caught videotaping their opponents' defensive signals in the first quarter of the first game of the 2007 season. Since it was confiscated on the scene, the tape gave the Patriots absolutely no advantage during the game or any time during the season. The team paid a ridiculously steep penalty (a 1st round draft pick, and $750,000), and turned in all of their tape. Roger Goodell was satisfied, yet nobody else was.

The entire franchise was scrutinized from top to bottom. The media labeled the team as "cheaters," and several NFL players made unintelligent statements concerning the matter. For example, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb said "Maybe we can get our rings back," while his teammate Reno Mahe said "I think they should forfeit, man. We won the Super Bowl. I think we should get it."

Facing this scrutiny, the Patriots players banded together and put together an incredible 9-0 start to the season. The team entered what the Sports Guy dubbed "bleep you" mode. Tom Brady has performed at a level the NFL has never seen, throwing for at least 3 touchdowns in each of those 9 wins. Most spectators agree that the Patriots have a great chance of finishing the season undefeated, a feat which hasn't been accomplished since 1972.

Yet this success only fueled the dislike for the Pats. Fans began complaining about "running up the score" after a 52-7 victory over the Washington Redskins (I'm sorry I thought this was a professional sport). If you can't do your job and you're exposed, you can't complain – you just couldn't do your job.

Still, fans tried to diminish the Patriots' accomplishments. Nothing was off-limits, from personal lives to perceived morals. Several prominant NFL figures began calling for an asterisk next to the Patriots record this season – but only if they remain perfect. This is a slap in the face to everything the Patriots have accomplished and what the team stands for. Very few people have had the ability to take a step back and admire the organization. Their efficiency in all phases of the game, both on and off the field, is astounding. Still, the Patriots receive only negative attention.

My only explanation is jealousy – a dissatisfaction with self. Success breeds envy. Fans of any NFL team wish their franchise was operating as perfectly as the Patriots. Nobody can honestly deny that statement. Bill Belichick is the best coach in the NFL (one of the best in history), Tom Brady is on pace for the best season by a quarterback in NFL history, the defense is stacked with talent, and Randy Moss isn't as bad as everyone once thought. Who wouldn't want that franchise?

What everyone fails to see is that the hatred towards the Pats only makes them stronger. Every person in that locker room has an "us against the world" mentality, and they all truly believe it. It's funny, when it gets dark enough, you get to see the stars.

As a fan who has watched this team rise from the sewers of the NFL to greatness, I have to say that I love the hatred the Pats are receiving. They didn't get the respect they deserved until now. Everyone understands that the Pats are the only juggernaut in the NFL but they just can't understand how a team could be so dominant for so long. Fans and analysts are forced to attribute the success to cheating, but that doesn't change what the team has done. Regardless of what anyone says, the Patriots are putting on a show that few get to see in their lifetime, and opponents can only watch from behind.

But, as the old saying goes, "it just wouldn't be a picnic without the ants."