I am not sure if I understand the NFL anymore
 

What I hate about this is the pats could not beat the giants but could beat Seattle. Eli was not deserving more than Brady in 11. But now the fact that a immature "live it up" like Gronk is the gold standard to winning a sb is just sad. There will never be someone like this on the saints because Payton and Brees do not want that kind of character. And it sucks if this is what it takes to win now.

Re: I am not sure if I understand the NFL anymore
 

Not sure if I understand you. But patriots deserved this win. They deserved it the first time against Eli as well, but the giants got on a roll at the right time. Plus that lucky catch also helped the giants win that game.

Brady and belichek's Patriots have been the epitome of consistency.

Re: I am not sure if I understand the NFL anymore
 

I do think the Pats have benefitted over the Brady era by being in the AFC East and the AFC in general. The east has sucked for years with only the Jets giving any fight for the majority of the time. The AFC put up a fight but kill each other hopes of home field by having a dog fight for the title each year. Look at most years in the AFC and you'll have 2-4 teams fighting it out. The NFC has so much more depth

Re: I am not sure if I understand the NFL anymore
 

It helps when you bend the rules as much as possible. ..

Depending on the investigation they should have the title stripped. .. it will never happen because Goodell is in Krafts back pocket.

I really can't look at the patriots as champs now...

Re: I am not sure if I understand the NFL anymore
 

Excellent point! I've often wondered the same thing, not just with New England but with many an AFC Champion, at how they would rate if they played in the NFC ... IDK if it goes back to the NFL/AFL days, but it just seems as if the NFC side of things has always been the more "smashmouth" league ... other than maybe those Pittsburgh teams of the '70s and maybe a couple of those Ravens teams ... ouch! :).

Re: I am not sure if I understand the NFL anymore
 

pats superbowl record

Super Bowl championships (4)
2001 (XXXVI), 2003 (XXXVIII), 2004 (XXXIX), 2014 (XLIX)

Conference championships (8)

AFC: 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014

Sorry says it all. say what you want 4-2 in the Bill and Brady era against the best the NFC has to offer. ok give credit were credit is due.



They are not done yet either

Tom says he will be back for more.

Re: I am not sure if I understand the NFL anymore
 

Oh yeah, just those first three SB's gave 'em 'dynasty' status for that decade, IMO ... and yeah, scary thought, but Brady'll certainly be back for more, :neutral:. Him & that offense ... I couldn't believe how they controlled the ball on the Seahawks, especially in the beginning of the game.

Re: I am not sure if I understand the NFL anymore
 

WTH?!? Gronk plays hurt and still gives it his all - and he BLOCKS!!!

Love that the Pats took out the Seahawks...

I may not like the Pats owner Kraft, nor Belichick and the way he has been two-faced with some of his veterans in contract negotiations...

But the Pats win with a Team Mantra, and even Brady gave credit where credit was due at the Victory dias and said a rookie free agent cornerback stepped up and won the game...

What more could you ask as a football fan?!?

And they beat a no class team like Seattle who added another chapter to their classlessness with that fight at the end of the game...

It wasn't the Saints nor Peyton Manning riding off into the sunset, but I'll take it...

Re: I am not sure if I understand the NFL anymore
 

truly Gronk is a beast. Jimmy is just not built like him. He tries but he is just not there. heck of a boobie prize still.


Two faced? players know they will not see the mega deals in NE and they refuse to be held captive by large long term contracts like the saints. They will let you walk or trade you away as soon as they make the move to replace you.

they save their cash for solid short term contracts to players they know will make a difference. Draft is all about throwing as many darts at the board as you can.

unlike the saints they do not over rewards players for a flash in the pan season or a super bowl victory. you have to produce year in and year at accept the team is about winning and if you want that you will not try to hold the team hostage. they will gladly let you walk and chace your money else where.

Your backup should be ready. If not draft a replacement and sign two solid mid level FA to replace you. one of the three will probably work out as long as the scouting is done correctly. if not you save cap and improved a position depth. need to be creative with play calling and player rotation thats all. then in a year or two you can sign that mega short term deal to plug the holes with a proven player (ie Reeves Moss ect.) to put you back on top.

I admire the attitude. Even Brady said his contracts are the Patriots way of doing business and he could go else where and make more money but he knows if he wants a chance to win every year his best bet is to stay in new england.

saints front office could learn a thing or two from them. been saying it for years but they always prove it falls on deaf ears.

Re: I am not sure if I understand the NFL anymore
 

Where there's smoke...

You've had more than one player that left New England embittered toward Belichick...

Shrewed sports management? Sure...

But leading guys on to risk future health "for the team"?!?

That's not right and there are a few bodies laying around to suggest Belichick's motivational tactics are less than scrupulous...