I get a Washington TV station, and former player Trevor Matich called it "heinous" that Brady and the Pats did the fake spike play (for the Moss TD). His explanation: When the D-line "mushes" upon seeing a spike coming, rather than rushing hard, they are extending a "professional courtesy" to the other team --- and to the QB in particular (sparing him injury). By doing what they did and taking advantage, the Pats showed they cannot be trusted to return this professional courtesy. In future, whenever there's a spike situation, he says, defenses should try to dive through the Pats O-line at Brady's legs. Ditto for when the Pats go into the "victory formation" to take a knee at the end of a half or a game.
I see his point, but have always thought the fake spike was a clever play.
P.S. Matich also called Brady "the best quarterback ever to suit up," so I don't think he just has an axe to grind against the Patriots.
I see his point, but have always thought the fake spike was a clever play.
P.S. Matich also called Brady "the best quarterback ever to suit up," so I don't think he just has an axe to grind against the Patriots.