Brady, the losing, the criticism, the response

[BTTA]

Yesterday and today, the media is full of articles that infer, or directly state, that the energy and determination that Brady (and to some extent the team) summoned for the Cinci game was in response to the external criticism.

I'm finding this a bit hard to believe, and certainly a bit self-congratulatory if not downright narcissistic (surprise!). So much has been written about the Patriots' hard work at not letting the external environment into the locker room, into their heads, so they can focus on what they need to focus on rather on what the media and others would have them focus on.

On the other hand, there seems to be some acknowledgement coming from players that the external criticism was in fact felt and heard, and a factor. I don't follow enough media to be able to sort out how much of this is real and how much of it is interpretation from that same media that would like to believe that the players are paying attention to them.

So what do you think? How much do the players pay attention? How much did it matter this time?

And if it did matter, does that make the energy and determination a bit less dependable?

 

[Galeb]

There are a ton of factors that affect how every member of the team feels. No matter what the players feel, they have to go out and execute. The same goes for coaches.

 

[RelocatedPatFan]

Listening to past Patriots greats (Bruschi, Harrison, ...), they obviously hear media reports and have a good sense of what is being reported. the trick is using that for further motivation rather than self-defeat and to make sure they don't feed into the media frenzy (with either comments that can motivate opposing team members or calling people out publicly as it just wastes energy that can be used for getting game-time ready).

As for this particular game, I doubt they needed any other motivation for getting it going. They all had plenty of reasons to stand up and show the world how a professional football team is suppose to play.

 

[RhodyPatriot]

After winning the 5th game of the season.......

http://nesn.com/2014/10/tom-brady-posts-goofy-photo-celebrating-win-over-bengals-on-facebook/

 

[Joker]

nice...more scumbag undercover Jet fan garbage from the Haterade Brigade.