Ravens pressers on NFL Network as we speak...

[i82much]

The difference however is that one is relevant to the conversation while the other is not. Fans do have a tendency to over inflate many things. For instance I think the Ravens and their flags are still whining about a flag thrown three years ago. This isn't a perception either, as there is clear evidence by Raven's fans on this message board to support it. This habitual whining by the team makes it difficult for insiders to discern when the team is or isn't whining. That is my only point.

As for what other fans think of spygate...most people are idiots. I find the subject is a pretty good litmus test.

I would be careful about generalizations about a fan base, especially based on what you see on a message board. If nothing else, the moderators have a really big influence on who gets to post.

As far as the flags go, I would prefer to see the NFL be more hands-off about some of the calls. Things have gotten pretty out of hand. I think it has a lot to do with money. I understand, business is business, but sometimes the game I see on TV looks more like co-ed flag football than it does the NFL of the 50's-70's. It's not so much that the calls are incorrect in light of the rules, I just don't like the way the rules have changed. That is probably a theme you will hear a lot from fans of defensively-oriented football teams that like to run the ball and play kind of an old-school brand of football.

 

[randomk1]

I love it that Flacco has this pressure and critcism on his mind.

 

[BSR]

I would be careful about generalizations about a fan base, especially based on what you see on a message board. If nothing else, the moderators have a really big influence on who gets to post.

You're right. I should generalize the entire fan base.

As far as the flags go, I would prefer to see the NFL be more hands-off about some of the calls. Things have gotten pretty out of hand. I think it has a lot to do with money. I understand, business is business, but sometimes the game I see on TV looks more like co-ed flag football than it does the NFL of the 50's-70's. It's not so much that the calls are incorrect in light of the rules, I just don't like the way the rules have changed. That is probably a theme you will hear a lot from fans of defensively-oriented football teams that like to run the ball and play kind of an old-school brand of football.

I think this highlights the difference between the two teams. Some of the Ravens players complain about this and as such many fans probably pick up the cry. Don't forget however that many of the rules, primarily the illegal contact/pass interference emphasis, were changed as a result of the way the Patriots used to play defense. The team didn't complain to the media in press conferences however, they instead adapted or at least are trying to adapt. Although that change has yet to yield results. No matter how the game is called you'll never hear the Pats team complain (some of the pats fans will be a different story).

 

[BaltimoreFan(not trolling]

When you complain, multiple times, about how the media perceives you, then in my eyes that's whining. Your mileage may vary, of course. FWIW, it seems like he cares about this stuff to his own detriment. It would probably help him as a quarterback to realize that the only opinions that matter are those of his coaches and teammates.

He was asked if he thought his perception would change if he won a super bowl. That was the question. His answer was probably no. His answer was also that he didn't care as he would have a ring if he won a super bowl. You and your friend above make it sound like he just came out and said that the media won't give him credit BUT that was the question.

 

[i82much]

You're right. I should generalize the entire fan base.

Hey good job. Thanks for the reminder that your fan base has it's asshats just like the rest of us.

 

[Double TE]

Nah, the NE fan base is awesome

 

[TheBaronPatriot]

I would be careful about generalizations about a fan base, especially based on what you see on a message board. If nothing else, the moderators have a really big influence on who gets to post.

As far as the flags go, I would prefer to see the NFL be more hands-off about some of the calls. Things have gotten pretty out of hand. I think it has a lot to do with money. I understand, business is business, but sometimes the game I see on TV looks more like co-ed flag football than it does the NFL of the 50's-70's. It's not so much that the calls are incorrect in light of the rules, I just don't like the way the rules have changed. That is probably a theme you will hear a lot from fans of defensively-oriented football teams that like to run the ball and play kind of an old-school brand of football.

Do you recall why the rules were changed?
Once upon a time, the Pats too were a physical rough up wide receivers at the LOS team. That's how we won it all in 2001. But then came along Manning and Polian and the rules changed thanks to the competition committee. You could no longer touch a WR past 5 yards. Then the concussions which previously went undiagnosed came, and thus the rule changes to protect player safety. Think of the countless of millions Indy lost because Peyton was hurt.

My point is this, you have two options. Adapt or lose, and this what NFL teams that need to compete. The players don't make up the rules, they just need to do their best to follow them. And if it's interpreted by a ref that a player broke a rule the flags come out. Does it matter whether they agree with the call or not? No, they should focus on following the rules to their best of their abilities in order to prevent teams from getting free & cheap first downs.

 

[i82much]

Do you recall why the rules were changed?
Once upon a time, the Pats too were a physical rough up wide receivers at the LOS team. That's how we won it all in 2001. But then came along Manning and Polian and the rules changed thanks to the competition committee. You could no longer touch a WR past 5 yards. Then the concussions which previously went undiagnosed came, and thus the rule changes to protect player safety. Think of the countless of millions Indy lost because Peyton was hurt.

My point is this, you have two options. Adapt or lose, and this what NFL teams that need to compete. The players don't make up the rules, they just need to do their best to follow them. And if it's interpreted by a ref that a player broke a rule the flags come out. Does it matter whether they agree with the call or not? No, they should focus on following the rules to their best of their abilities in order to prevent teams from getting free & cheap first downs.

Ravens have adapted, look at our penalty numbers since Harbaugh arrived. But on a philosophical level, what football is all about, I think a lot of the rules are BS these days.

 

[BSR]

Hey good job. Thanks for the reminder that your fan base has it's asshats just like the rest of us.

Yikes, I read your response and was like wtf? Then I reread my post. I meant to write SHOULDN'T. My bad.

 

[Kontradiction]

You're ignoring the question that preceded that second quote. But that's ok, cut and paste quotes out of context. I'm not going to try and explain it to people as stubborn as you.

No I didn't. I'm pretty aware what the question was. As it stands, it's still irrelevant. His response was whiny.

 

[RelocatedPatFan]

Seems liek a good distraxxtion for the team and coaches. I approve of them (Ravens) blathering with the media. we can stay focused on football and get TB healthy.

I'm sure the media tried to get into Fort Foxborough, but BB will have nothing to do with it.

 

[Kontradiction]

Well ok, I mean I'll take your word for it. You realize that, outside of Patriots fans, the first thing people talk about when they mention the team is that they can't win a SB since they stopped cheating, right? Not trying to start trouble but just point out that there are negative perceptions about every team. Fans have a tendency to overinflate everything, no?

As far as Flacco goes, part of his problems stem from his own bad games but there is a LOT more going on than just his mistakes. He is being asked to play it safe quite a bit and the result is some fairly mediocre statistics. Have a look at the drive in Pittsburgh from this year. The guy is capable. Not great, but better than his reputation.

Filming signals is actually LEGAL in the NFL as long as you're doing it from the booth. Filming signals from the sidelines is a rules infraction for which we got unfairly punished for. But fans of other teams that can't get over that hump for whatever reason simply never bothered to read up on the actual rules and instead followed the beat to ESPN's drum, much like what you're doing.

 

[i82much]

Filming signals is actually LEGAL in the NFL as long as you're doing it from the booth. Filming signals from the sidelines is a rules infraction for which we got unfairly punished for. But fans of other teams that can't get over that hump for whatever reason simply never bothered to read up on the actual rules and instead followed the beat to ESPN's drum, much like what you're doing.

Read what I said. I offered no opinion on the incident.

 

[Kontradiction]

Read what I said. I offered no opinion on the incident.

I realize that wasn't your opinion in spite of the bad wording at the end. Just offering clarification since there are apparently still plenty of people that need it.

 

[strngplyr]

Well ok, I mean I'll take your word for it. You realize that, outside of Patriots fans, the first thing people talk about when they mention the team is that they can't win a SB since they stopped cheating, right? Not trying to start trouble but just point out that there are negative perceptions about every team. Fans have a tendency to overinflate everything, no?

As far as Flacco goes, part of his problems stem from his own bad games but there is a LOT more going on than just his mistakes. He is being asked to play it safe quite a bit and the result is some fairly mediocre statistics. Have a look at the drive in Pittsburgh from this year. The guy is capable. Not great, but better than his reputation.

New England is 64-16 in the regular season and 3-3 in the playoffs since spygate.

Either the tapes didn't do a whole lot or we're just better at hiding our camera men. People who say NE hasn't accomplished anything since then are just ridiculous, especially since all 3 playoff games were rematches and I don't think it is any secret that playing teams multiple times in a season is very difficulty.

By the way, the 'cheating' we did involved a location, not the video tapes themselves. Your team has just as many tapes as we do.

 

[i82much]

New England is 64-16 in the regular season and 3-3 in the playoffs since spygate.

Either the tapes didn't do a whole lot or we're just better at hiding our camera men. People who say NE hasn't accomplished anything since then are just ridiculous, especially since all 3 playoff games were rematches and I don't think it is any secret that playing teams multiple times in a season is very difficulty.

By the way, the 'cheating' we did involved a location, not the video tapes themselves. Your team has just as many tapes as we do.

Look. I was characterizing the Patriot's reputation as far as fans of other teams go, not offering any opinion of my own. There is a distinction. Ravens == murderers, Steelers == dirty, Patriots == cheaters. It is what it is.

 

[Double TE]

Look. I was characterizing the Patriot's reputation as far as fans of other teams go, not offering any opinion of my own. There is a distinction. Ravens == murderers, Steelers == dirty, Patriots == cheaters. It is what it is.

Ravens == brides maids

 

[i82much]

Ravens == brides maids

Not getting into it with you dude.

 

[Blizzzard]

I would be careful about generalizations about a fan base, especially based on what you see on a message board. If nothing else, the moderators have a really big influence on who gets to post.

As far as the flags go, I would prefer to see the NFL be more hands-off about some of the calls. Things have gotten pretty out of hand. I think it has a lot to do with money. I understand, business is business, but sometimes the game I see on TV looks more like co-ed flag football than it does the NFL of the 50's-70's. It's not so much that the calls are incorrect in light of the rules, I just don't like the way the rules have changed. That is probably a theme you will hear a lot from fans of defensively-oriented football teams that like to run the ball and play kind of an old-school brand of football.

The nanosecond your team finds a QB thats worth protecting... your stance wil change on this subject.