Signal-gate - New England Patriots Forums

PatsFanSince74 · 09-11-2007, 08:12 AM

I was tending towards writing "Signal-gate" off as a story of either sour Jets grapes or forgiveable Belichickian excess, a story that would just go away.

But, after reading what Ellis Hobbs had to say in this morning's Globe, I'm not so sure anymore: "We put too many hours in as individuals and as a team to have to go out there and cheat...We take pride in what we do. We know the rules of the game. By no single form have we ever tried to cheat or anything like that because we don't need to. I'm not saying that we're that good, but we take pride in what we do."

If this is the locker room sentiment and if the old adage about "where there's smoke there's fire" proves true in this case and if the national media keep the story alive (as they seem hell-bent on doing), then I think it's "Foxboro, we have a problem."

I've never even set foot on an NFL playing field during a game, but I suspect that there are players who would gouge out their opponents eyes at the bottom of a pile going after a fumble or who would grab a rusher's jersey if the umpire were looking the other way, who would draw the line at the actions of which the Patriots are accused. "That other stuff is part of the game. This is 'cheating.'" I don't think these prideful players would take well to signs in the stands at their next road game, accusing them, as a group, of cheating.

Belichick would then face a serious dilemma, he either does not address this in the lockerroom and allows bad feelings to fester or he addresses it and admits to the infraction in a way that would surely get to the press and, more importantly, the commissioner.

Also, if this is true, I am concerned that it could drive a large, but hopefully not fatal, wedge between BB and the Krafts.

Please tell me why I'm wrong.

***danny88*** · 09-11-2007, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatsFanSince74

I was tending towards writing "Signal-gate" off as a story of either sour Jets grapes or forgiveable Belichickian excess, a story that would just go away.

But, after reading what Ellis Hobbs had to say in this morning's Globe, I'm not so sure anymore: "We put too many hours in as individuals and as a team to have to go out there and cheat...We take pride in what we do. We know the rules of the game. By no single form have we ever tried to cheat or anything like that because we don't need to. I'm not saying that we're that good, but we take pride in what we do."

If this is the locker room sentiment and if the old adage about "where there's smoke there's fire" proves true in this case and if the national media keep the story alive (as they seem hell-bent on doing), then I think it's "Foxboro, we have a problem."

I've never even set foot on an NFL playing field during a game, but I suspect that there are players who would gouge out their opponents eyes at the bottom of a pile going after a fumble or who would grab a rusher's jersey if the umpire were looking the other way, who would draw the line at the actions of which the Patriots are accused. "That other stuff is part of the game. This is 'cheating.'" I don't think these prideful players would take well to signs in the stands at their next road game, accusing them, as a group, of cheating.

Belichick would then face a serious dilemma, he either does not address this in the lockerroom and allows bad feelings to fester or he addresses it and admits to the infraction in a way that would surely get to the press and, more importantly, the commissioner.

Also, if this is true, I am concerned that it could drive a large, but hopefully not fatal, wedge between BB and the Krafts.

Please tell me why I'm wrong.

You are wrong in speculating how the team and or Kraft would feel. We have no idea what is going on. Just because the media says something does not mean it is true. Didnt you hear, Moss is being traded!

PatsFanSince74 · 09-11-2007, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danny88

You are wrong in speculating how the team and or Kraft would feel. We have no idea what is going on. Just because the media says something does not mean it is true. Didnt you hear, Moss is being traded!

That's not going to fly in this case. This is a real, not imagined, problem and the Patriots have to face it head-on before the story gets away from them.

Patriot_in_NY · 09-11-2007, 08:22 AM

You know what I was just thinking to myself ----------------

"SELF, you know what we need this morning? Another thread about "signal-gate/camera-gate/idiotic-non-story-gate"

An "poof", another one bursts forth....... Outstanding

PatsFanSince74 · 09-11-2007, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patriot_in_NY

You know was just thinking to myself ----------------

"SELF, you know what we need this morning? Another thread about "signal-gate/camera-gate/idiotic-non-story-gate"

An "poof", another one bursts forth....... Outstanding

I guess we disagree. My view is that those of us who are long-time and loyal fans of this franchise can't afford to keep our heads in the sand when this story is taking on a life of its own all over the country. The Patriots have to get ahead of it aggressively and quickly.

khayos · 09-11-2007, 08:27 AM

You're right, so add your comments to another thread rather than dilluting the discussion with your own "hey look at MY opinion" thread.

rsd · 09-11-2007, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatsFanSince74

I guess we disagree. My view is that those of us who are long-time and loyal fans of this franchise can't afford to keep our heads in the sand when this story is taking on a life of its own all over the country. The Patriots have to get ahead of it aggressively and quickly.

What does being a long-time fan have anything to do with how upfront or aggressive the Patriots FO should be?

First, you know whatever they do they will do it discretely and outside of the media. They will not provide any more kindling to this "fire".

Second, I would take all of this with a grain of salt until it's fully investigated, as we've seen the media trying to make the stories as opposed to reporting the stories (see: Cutting Moss, "Handshake Gate", etc etc).

So basically (and no offense intended), but I don't see the points of the fans getting worked up over this nor a need for another thread on this subject. It's out of our control and it will play itself out.

***danny88*** · 09-11-2007, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatsFanSince74

That's not going to fly in this case. This is a real, not imagined, problem and the Patriots have to face it head-on before the story gets away from them.

Whats not going to fly? What if Bill and co are not found guilty of any wrong doing. Are you saying Kraft and co should make a move BEFORE the NFL lets them know if they are even in hot water or not?

Your opinion is flawed imo.

FirstAndGoal · 09-11-2007, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatsFanSince74

I guess we disagree. My view is that those of us who are long-time and loyal fans of this franchise can't afford to keep our heads in the sand when this story is taking on a life of its own all over the country. The Patriots have to get ahead of it aggressively and quickly.

Why not? If you're really a long time fan, you've been through a lot worse than this. Why all of the concern now?

PatsFanSince74 · 09-11-2007, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khayos

You're right, so add your comments to another thread rather than dilluting the discussion with your own "hey look at MY opinion" thread.

if a moderator wants to merge this with another thread, fine with me. however, i hadn't seen Ellis Hobbs comments picked up anywhere else.

thanks for the personal attack, tho, it really moves the dialogue forward.