Unimpressed with Patriots

All of the hullabaloo surrounding the New England Patriots’ 16-0 regular season record has caused many writers, fans, sportscasters and analysts to overlook some of the details of this “magical” season. Examining these details more closely reveals the true nature of the Patriots’ accomplishments this year. Obviously, the Patriots went undefeated in the regular season. To match the 1972 Dolphins’ record, the Pats must win the Super Bowl, so they haven’t accomplished anything yet.\nThe Patriots cheated. It was proven that they did, so it can’t be argued. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell didn’t have the cojones to lay down the only sufficient punishment, which would’ve been a forfeited victory against the Jets in September. Also, the legitimacy of each subsequent “victory” should be in question. As they say, “once a cheater, always a cheater.”\nTom Brady’s “record” 50 touchdowns was set in 16 games. Peyton Manning threw 49 touchdowns in the first 14 games of the 2004 season, then played only the first series of the last two games before letting Jim Sorgi take over. Brady threw only 48 touchdowns through 15 games, compared to Manning‘s 49 in 14 games. Sorry pretty-boy Tom, no record in my book. Randy Moss set the “record” for touchdown receptions in a season, with 23. Jerry Rice had 22 touchdowns in a 12-game, strike-shortened season. Plus Jerry Rice didn’t push off of his defenders (otherwise referred to as “offensive pass interference”) on every play, like Moss does. Look at the film. It’s there every time. Until someone can score 23 touchdowns in 12 games without throwing defenders to the ground to get open, it’s still Rice’s record. Sorry, Randy. No record for you either, and no, you didn’t shut this fan up.\nNo matter the outcome of this season, hopefully people will realize how tarnished the Patriots’ season has been. Perhaps Bill Belichick should announce that the Patriots are going to do the right thing and drop out of the playoffs since they are cheaters. If so, I might have some respect for him. However, it still wouldn’t keep me from giving him the finger on the street.