I added "a social commentary" to the title, because this isn't really about football. For anyone reading here who is in the unfortunate circumstance that everything in life doesn't come second to watching NFL football, the New England Patriots are a team that since 2002 have been in nine, that is, half of the Super Bowls, including the last three, and have won six of them. The coach, Bill Belichick, and Tom Brady, the quarterback, for the entire time, are the sole links that run the arc of their success. Each is considered the GOAT ("greatest of all time), at least of the modern era, by at least a plurality, if not a majority of present fans, and that includes many who absolutely despise them, and also professionals (you can google). As Brady ages, Belichick, whose job does not concern physical prowess, has lately been considered by many to be the more important of the two. Despite my admiration of Brady and belief that he deserves his moniker, which has led some of my less sensitive friends to deem me "Mrs. Brady," I tend to agree. Though Rodgers came into his own considerably too late to be considered for it, I think Peyton Manning, who slightly preceded Brady and Drew Brees, who came slightly afterward, could have filled the QB slot at New England with the same results (I think, but no way to know), but Belicek is probably not replaceable.
But, that's not what this post is about. I think there is a larger - non-football - aspect to the Pats which is worth mentioning. Hence, Why the Pats matter -
But, that's not what this post is about. I think there is a larger - non-football - aspect to the Pats which is worth mentioning. Hence, Why the Pats matter -
"No days off": Hard work matters - There are a number of things that epitomize the Pats' philosophy. One of them is hard work. It may be the predominant factor. After the Super Bowl victory against the Falcons, where the Patriots scored 25 unanswered points to win in the fourth quarter, they celebrated in the traditional parade. Belichick came up with the weirdest celebratory chant I ever heard, so off the charts, it made me laugh. "No days off." It was weird, but it was why they win. Many teammates have testified as to how hard Brady studies, even while everyone else is playing on a bus, for example. He says he has no hobbies. Just football. Belichick's work ethic, always looking for an edge, is also legendary. How many of the GOAT's, whether Brady or Manning, Larry Bird (I leave out Jordan to make a point), Mikaela Schiffrin (I just felt like mentioning the 23 year old phenom, even if most people never heard of her - probably the greatest skiier of all time), Wayne Gretzky, etc., are known for the phenomenal work ethic rather than their superior athleticism.
"Do your job" - "Do your job" was a Belichick slogan even before "No days off." Probably more popular as I've heard players on any number of teams echo it, not to mention the media and people in other fields. What does it mean? I think it means you are responsible for your team, but focus on doing what you are supposed to do and it will all turn out okay. Personal responsibility and focus. Hope parents are listening.
"Thinking matters" - Why are teams scared of the Pats even when they make it to the Super Bowl after not playing so well most of their season. Two big reasons. One, they know that, especially with the defense, game by game, Belichick and his coaching team are working on improving the game little by little. The Detroit Lions, the pitiful Detroit Lions, beat the tar out the Pats' defense early in the season, making them look sloooow. The really pitiful Jaguars scored 31 points against them. But, somehow bit by bit, especially in the playoffs, they improved to the point that they may have had the best defense in the league at that moment - and that includes Chicago and Baltimore - holding one of the most explosive teams in history to 3 points. 3 points! What do they do? One, they find a way to bend without breaking. They do it so often that it can't be an accident. They give up the whole field, but keep the team out of the end zone. It's also understood that they will find a way to take away your strength. And they do that over and over again. How do they do it? Belichick is really smart. And obviously, he can teach too. The NFL coaches all mimic one another. But, they can't seem to mimic him. He's not always right, of course, and there have been mistakes, but so often Belichick seems to out-think and out-coach his rivals, as in this year's Super Bowl, that even his most bitter critics acknowledge his supremacy.
People actually like it when you treat the press with contempt - How do you read Belichick's standoffishness with the press, if not contempt? The NFL makes him talk to them, but even the authoritarian-minded Goodell doesn't try to tell them how to talk to the press (to a point). Belichick knows he isn't going to be asked intelligent questions and often doesn't act like he is doing anything but biding time, unless he's being interviewed by a friend, like Willie Mcginest. This is especially true if they are making inquiries into what happened in past games. You might enjoy this compilation of his greatest press-conference hits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yRQnZWbl6k. My personal favorites were his pretty simple reaction when someone asked him if he was re-evaluating Tom Brady and when a reporter sort of inquired into his game plan with Kansas City. "We're onto Cincinnati" is classic too. When you see him with someone he likes or respects, he's a different guy entirely. Even during press talks, he can crack a joke. And, I imagine, if the press upped its game, he'd be a lot more forthcoming. But, most people seem to love the way he handles the press. I do.
Winning and decency beats hate - I'm not going to give another defense here of the INSANE rantings of those who hate the Pats or call them cheaters (like my otherwise intelligent friend, Don) or explain again why in the television age, rooting for the local team doesn't even make sense. The Pats answer the hate by chalking up victory after victory. It makes the haters sound like whiners. But, if I really did think the Pats were cheaters (they cheat less than most teams - in fact, year after year, they are at or very near the top of the least penalized teams in football going back way more than a decade - even in non-game fines they are in the middle). And Brady continues to be one of the most gracious players in football, preferring to give everyone else credit and never seeming to have a bad word for anyone, no matter how hard they criticize him. I don't know what he says privately (I hope he gets it off the chest, at least to his wife and his bearded boychik, Edelman), but, in public, haters gonna hate - the Pats just going to win and be charitable about it. Even Belichick is exceedingly charitable when asked about other teams and players (so long as you do not compare a defensive player to Lawrence Taylor).
Fundamentals - One thing that other commentators note is that the Pats seem to have a knack for taking castoffs or nobodies (e.g., Malcolm Butler, Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Edelman, Amendola, Dion Lewis, James White, the offensive and defensive line just about every year) and making them into stout players. I'm sure there are a number of reasons why this happens, but I think one of the main reasons is fundamentals. As I said, year after year, with very little exception, the Pats get fewer penalties than most (sometimes all) other teams. The same is true of fumbles. The same is true for throwing interceptions (Brady having the third lowest career TD/interception ratio and tied for second in lowest interception ratio - ironically with Kaepernick.) Want to guess which was the least sacked team this year (tied, with Colts, actually), the least fumbles and was tied for second for least penalties?
It's never too late. At least for the Pats - The Pats morph over time. They've been explosive. They've had Randy Moss snag 23 TDs in a season and early on Corey Dillon rushed for over 1600 one year, but the last few years, they beat you with a bend but don't break defense and grinding offense. All this year and for some years before, they were not particularly explosive over the course of a game. What is most amazing about this team is the longevity of their greatness with only Brady and Belichick for the entire time. But, the most amazing thing I've seen them do (other than beat teams in the Super Bowl that seem for the length of the season, better than them) was the victory over the Falcons when they were down by 18 points at the half and by 25 points in the third quarter. They went into the fourth quarter down 19 (which would both be SB records to come back from). Apparently, all over the country, Brady and Pat haters were still worried that they might win. Why? What team can come back from that far - score three tds and hold the other team to nothing with all the pressure the SB entails? Well, based on the people I watched the game with, it was because of Brady. Not that they liked him. Not that they could even stand him. But, they were sure he would find a way to come back (him - not the other players). And he did come back and tied it up to send it in overtime, where they scored a touchdown to win. He set several records in the game, including most completions, most yards, not to mention doing it as the oldest QB to play. Not that he did it alone. James White was particularly outstanding as a running back, especially as a receiver, setting a record for most catches.
It might be a good idea to take care of your body - Shortest section. Tom Brady. TB12. 41 years old. Other athletes are taking the hint.
It's not personal. It's football. One of the things I love about football is that it is a meritocracy. The Pats are not the only team who gets trade or release players once they can no longer contribute as much or they want to be paid according to their services. But, the Pats do it better than anyone else, and they usually seem to be right. Otherwise, players like Dion Lewis, Amendola and Butler would be eating up the league. How does Belichick know? He just does. Or maybe it's Spidey-Sense. I'm going to hate it if someday that's what happens with Brady. It might. It happened with Manning and Montana and they are up there.
Not being greedy can help. I hate greedy people. I remember saying around the time of the O.J. trial that I'd rather go to lunch with him than a greedy person. If I could just put out of my mind that he viciously slaughtered two innocent people (I don't think people know or remember that Nicole, his ex, was almost decapitated) I think I meant it. Kind of like when I say, if Hitler made really good pizza and it was cheap and convenient, I'd probably go there - I'm not sure if I really would. Probably not. No, I wouldn't. But, it is kind of funny to say. In any event, how much is the Pats' success due to the fact that Brady doesn't insist on getting paid like a top QB? I don't know, but it has to help free up a lot of money for other players. Another reason he's the GOAT.
What's so bad about sex trafficking? Okay, okay, I didn't say they were perfect or angels. Jumping the gun here and pre-judging guilt of Mr. Kraft, I'll apologize if it turns out to be a Bob Kraft look-alike. They say he visited twice in 24 hours. I have to admit, I'm impressed. But, the girls are oppressed. Sex trafficking is really bad and many Americans, sadly, are very complicit in it by using low-cost prostitutes, who are too often there without a choice. However, I will say that many people seem very ignorant of it. I generally don't think prostitutes or their customers should be made criminals. But, it's not something I'd recommend to anyone either. But, sex traffickers, or those who go to parlors where they know they girls have no choice - they can hang. If that includes Mr. Kraft, screw him too. Really, I don't like to curse on this blog (unlike my real life), but, going to make an exception for sex traffickers. Fuck you. Die, scumbags. Now, for the real question - why is a billionaire going to low-end prostitutes instead of having more than one girlfriend (he has a 39 year old gf, we are told) or going to very high-end call girls, rather than a brothel in a strip mall? I don't know that either. It's weird - like with Hugh Grant.
The big finale. The Pats are unique. They are great. Belichick and Brady are especially so. They matter a lot.
I know upon reading this, some of my friends - if they could easily comment - would just say - "They cheat," or "Cheaters." Why am I so nice to them anyway?
"Do your job" - "Do your job" was a Belichick slogan even before "No days off." Probably more popular as I've heard players on any number of teams echo it, not to mention the media and people in other fields. What does it mean? I think it means you are responsible for your team, but focus on doing what you are supposed to do and it will all turn out okay. Personal responsibility and focus. Hope parents are listening.
"Thinking matters" - Why are teams scared of the Pats even when they make it to the Super Bowl after not playing so well most of their season. Two big reasons. One, they know that, especially with the defense, game by game, Belichick and his coaching team are working on improving the game little by little. The Detroit Lions, the pitiful Detroit Lions, beat the tar out the Pats' defense early in the season, making them look sloooow. The really pitiful Jaguars scored 31 points against them. But, somehow bit by bit, especially in the playoffs, they improved to the point that they may have had the best defense in the league at that moment - and that includes Chicago and Baltimore - holding one of the most explosive teams in history to 3 points. 3 points! What do they do? One, they find a way to bend without breaking. They do it so often that it can't be an accident. They give up the whole field, but keep the team out of the end zone. It's also understood that they will find a way to take away your strength. And they do that over and over again. How do they do it? Belichick is really smart. And obviously, he can teach too. The NFL coaches all mimic one another. But, they can't seem to mimic him. He's not always right, of course, and there have been mistakes, but so often Belichick seems to out-think and out-coach his rivals, as in this year's Super Bowl, that even his most bitter critics acknowledge his supremacy.
People actually like it when you treat the press with contempt - How do you read Belichick's standoffishness with the press, if not contempt? The NFL makes him talk to them, but even the authoritarian-minded Goodell doesn't try to tell them how to talk to the press (to a point). Belichick knows he isn't going to be asked intelligent questions and often doesn't act like he is doing anything but biding time, unless he's being interviewed by a friend, like Willie Mcginest. This is especially true if they are making inquiries into what happened in past games. You might enjoy this compilation of his greatest press-conference hits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yRQnZWbl6k. My personal favorites were his pretty simple reaction when someone asked him if he was re-evaluating Tom Brady and when a reporter sort of inquired into his game plan with Kansas City. "We're onto Cincinnati" is classic too. When you see him with someone he likes or respects, he's a different guy entirely. Even during press talks, he can crack a joke. And, I imagine, if the press upped its game, he'd be a lot more forthcoming. But, most people seem to love the way he handles the press. I do.
Winning and decency beats hate - I'm not going to give another defense here of the INSANE rantings of those who hate the Pats or call them cheaters (like my otherwise intelligent friend, Don) or explain again why in the television age, rooting for the local team doesn't even make sense. The Pats answer the hate by chalking up victory after victory. It makes the haters sound like whiners. But, if I really did think the Pats were cheaters (they cheat less than most teams - in fact, year after year, they are at or very near the top of the least penalized teams in football going back way more than a decade - even in non-game fines they are in the middle). And Brady continues to be one of the most gracious players in football, preferring to give everyone else credit and never seeming to have a bad word for anyone, no matter how hard they criticize him. I don't know what he says privately (I hope he gets it off the chest, at least to his wife and his bearded boychik, Edelman), but, in public, haters gonna hate - the Pats just going to win and be charitable about it. Even Belichick is exceedingly charitable when asked about other teams and players (so long as you do not compare a defensive player to Lawrence Taylor).
Fundamentals - One thing that other commentators note is that the Pats seem to have a knack for taking castoffs or nobodies (e.g., Malcolm Butler, Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Edelman, Amendola, Dion Lewis, James White, the offensive and defensive line just about every year) and making them into stout players. I'm sure there are a number of reasons why this happens, but I think one of the main reasons is fundamentals. As I said, year after year, with very little exception, the Pats get fewer penalties than most (sometimes all) other teams. The same is true of fumbles. The same is true for throwing interceptions (Brady having the third lowest career TD/interception ratio and tied for second in lowest interception ratio - ironically with Kaepernick.) Want to guess which was the least sacked team this year (tied, with Colts, actually), the least fumbles and was tied for second for least penalties?
It's never too late. At least for the Pats - The Pats morph over time. They've been explosive. They've had Randy Moss snag 23 TDs in a season and early on Corey Dillon rushed for over 1600 one year, but the last few years, they beat you with a bend but don't break defense and grinding offense. All this year and for some years before, they were not particularly explosive over the course of a game. What is most amazing about this team is the longevity of their greatness with only Brady and Belichick for the entire time. But, the most amazing thing I've seen them do (other than beat teams in the Super Bowl that seem for the length of the season, better than them) was the victory over the Falcons when they were down by 18 points at the half and by 25 points in the third quarter. They went into the fourth quarter down 19 (which would both be SB records to come back from). Apparently, all over the country, Brady and Pat haters were still worried that they might win. Why? What team can come back from that far - score three tds and hold the other team to nothing with all the pressure the SB entails? Well, based on the people I watched the game with, it was because of Brady. Not that they liked him. Not that they could even stand him. But, they were sure he would find a way to come back (him - not the other players). And he did come back and tied it up to send it in overtime, where they scored a touchdown to win. He set several records in the game, including most completions, most yards, not to mention doing it as the oldest QB to play. Not that he did it alone. James White was particularly outstanding as a running back, especially as a receiver, setting a record for most catches.
It might be a good idea to take care of your body - Shortest section. Tom Brady. TB12. 41 years old. Other athletes are taking the hint.
It's not personal. It's football. One of the things I love about football is that it is a meritocracy. The Pats are not the only team who gets trade or release players once they can no longer contribute as much or they want to be paid according to their services. But, the Pats do it better than anyone else, and they usually seem to be right. Otherwise, players like Dion Lewis, Amendola and Butler would be eating up the league. How does Belichick know? He just does. Or maybe it's Spidey-Sense. I'm going to hate it if someday that's what happens with Brady. It might. It happened with Manning and Montana and they are up there.
Not being greedy can help. I hate greedy people. I remember saying around the time of the O.J. trial that I'd rather go to lunch with him than a greedy person. If I could just put out of my mind that he viciously slaughtered two innocent people (I don't think people know or remember that Nicole, his ex, was almost decapitated) I think I meant it. Kind of like when I say, if Hitler made really good pizza and it was cheap and convenient, I'd probably go there - I'm not sure if I really would. Probably not. No, I wouldn't. But, it is kind of funny to say. In any event, how much is the Pats' success due to the fact that Brady doesn't insist on getting paid like a top QB? I don't know, but it has to help free up a lot of money for other players. Another reason he's the GOAT.
What's so bad about sex trafficking? Okay, okay, I didn't say they were perfect or angels. Jumping the gun here and pre-judging guilt of Mr. Kraft, I'll apologize if it turns out to be a Bob Kraft look-alike. They say he visited twice in 24 hours. I have to admit, I'm impressed. But, the girls are oppressed. Sex trafficking is really bad and many Americans, sadly, are very complicit in it by using low-cost prostitutes, who are too often there without a choice. However, I will say that many people seem very ignorant of it. I generally don't think prostitutes or their customers should be made criminals. But, it's not something I'd recommend to anyone either. But, sex traffickers, or those who go to parlors where they know they girls have no choice - they can hang. If that includes Mr. Kraft, screw him too. Really, I don't like to curse on this blog (unlike my real life), but, going to make an exception for sex traffickers. Fuck you. Die, scumbags. Now, for the real question - why is a billionaire going to low-end prostitutes instead of having more than one girlfriend (he has a 39 year old gf, we are told) or going to very high-end call girls, rather than a brothel in a strip mall? I don't know that either. It's weird - like with Hugh Grant.
The big finale. The Pats are unique. They are great. Belichick and Brady are especially so. They matter a lot.
I know upon reading this, some of my friends - if they could easily comment - would just say - "They cheat," or "Cheaters." Why am I so nice to them anyway?
Why can't people comment anymore? I forget exactly. It may be that you can't do it anonymously or something like that. In any event, I received this email from Don in response to the post:
ReplyDelete"I'll engage further on your (almost) all valid points at another time.
But for now (as you predicted)
THEY CHEAT!!"
Don's a Jet fan, if you couldn't tell.
This from another Jet fan:
ReplyDelete"They are cheaters. And I'm proud to say I hate the Patriots. Bill Belichick is perhaps the greatest coach of all time in any sport. Tom Brady is a top 10 QB of all time but not top 5. And I still hate the Patriots."
Love is in the air.
High falutin' psychobabble, typical of a Pats suck up. How many ways are there to rationalize the cheating, immoral win at ANY cost mentality that pervades that organization. They are soulless zombies. Far worse than the evil empire days of the Yankees, or the current evil empire Red Sox. Some part of your brain has melted iifor you to overlook their basic corruption and just count end result.
ReplyDelete