Fascinating week, if nothing else it is very entertaining. Obviously, this is a tough situation for Pats fans, wanted to offer a different perspective.
There seem to be several "camps", each leading to some questions.
- Camp 1 is the "even if they did it, it couldn't help them camp". I have no idea how or if it did help them, but it begs the question...why do it if it didn't add value?
- Camp 2 is the "everyone does it, we just got caught" camp. If everyone does it, why have so many coaches been vocal about suspecting the Pats in the past? I mean, raising your voice against this and then doing it anyway is kind of a Rafael Palmero type of thing..they risk looking ridiculous if they got caught.
- Camp 3 is "Mangini will suffer the consequences" camp. BB has few friends among coaches. He hates his long time boss (Parcells), has had run ins with several other coaches. I struggle with the idea that Mangini will be castigated by other teams or coaches for pointing out a clearly illegal activity.
- Camp 4 the "I am embarrassed" camp. I don't think you can chalk 3 superbowl rings up to stealing signals. While it certainly throws a shadow of doubt over past success, ultimately the joy a Pats fan felt at winning can't be taken away. And while some may want otherwise, my bet is you'll get to keep those trophies.
- Finally, I think there is a big difference between stealing signs with the naked eye and using video equipment in a real time fashion. That the Pats were warned and suspected previously yet continued to do it shows an arrogance that is, I think, the root of so much of the anti-pats sentiment that seems to be coming out.
So you'll lose a few picks and BB will be suspended a game or two. Meanwhile, you are still 1-0 with a lot of talent. Live through the mess and enjoy the rest of the season.
There seem to be several "camps", each leading to some questions.
- Camp 1 is the "even if they did it, it couldn't help them camp". I have no idea how or if it did help them, but it begs the question...why do it if it didn't add value?
- Camp 2 is the "everyone does it, we just got caught" camp. If everyone does it, why have so many coaches been vocal about suspecting the Pats in the past? I mean, raising your voice against this and then doing it anyway is kind of a Rafael Palmero type of thing..they risk looking ridiculous if they got caught.
- Camp 3 is "Mangini will suffer the consequences" camp. BB has few friends among coaches. He hates his long time boss (Parcells), has had run ins with several other coaches. I struggle with the idea that Mangini will be castigated by other teams or coaches for pointing out a clearly illegal activity.
- Camp 4 the "I am embarrassed" camp. I don't think you can chalk 3 superbowl rings up to stealing signals. While it certainly throws a shadow of doubt over past success, ultimately the joy a Pats fan felt at winning can't be taken away. And while some may want otherwise, my bet is you'll get to keep those trophies.
- Finally, I think there is a big difference between stealing signs with the naked eye and using video equipment in a real time fashion. That the Pats were warned and suspected previously yet continued to do it shows an arrogance that is, I think, the root of so much of the anti-pats sentiment that seems to be coming out.
So you'll lose a few picks and BB will be suspended a game or two. Meanwhile, you are still 1-0 with a lot of talent. Live through the mess and enjoy the rest of the season.