BSMW assessment of how the Pats are covered by the press..

[DarrylS]

BSMW has always been a favorite, but this AM have a great analysis of how the Pats are being covered, not anything most of us do not know, but good stuff nonetheless. It also delves into why Belichick is so PO'ed at Mangini and Broges fascination with Drew.

http://www.bostonsportsmedia.com/

It may not seem possible, but this season has seen new lows in the already contentious coverage of Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. For years we've put up with snide comments and shots from the likes of Ron Borges, even in the two year span when the Patriots were going 34-4 with two Super Bowl titles. Now that the Patriots have in the eyes of many, taken a step back from that level, it seems that some members of the media can hardly wait to kick them on their way down.

In general, the coverage just feels more negative and nasty. Part of that is course the recent struggles of the club, which has emboldened some of the pundits to come out of the closet and feel more bold in criticizing the coach and organization. Some of the criticism of course could be warranted. The team's offseason moves, or lack thereof were highly publicized. The playcalling in certain games has been curious. These have led to a more combative media in some respects. The personal life of coach Bill Belichick has been fodder for the gossip columnists, whether warranted or not. The general feeling has not been that of the media "blowing sunshine" regarding the Patriots. (I don't think "Patriots Monday" should count as real media coverage.) In many ways, I think the coverage has gone downhill. Here's a few examples that have riled me up:

The Obsession with the Belichick/Mangini Relationship

During the weeks leading up to the two Patriots/Jets matchups this season, and for a good portion of the following week, we had endless speculation about about the relationship between Bill Belichick and his former assistant coach Eric Mangini, who left the Patriots after just a single season as a defensive coordinator to become head coach of the Jets. Hours of airtime and thousands of trees were wasted as the media analyzed their words, their handshakes after the games and following the second game, a Jets victory, many seemed to gloat over Belichick being beaten by his former "muted underling". There was endless speculation over the possible causes of the strained relationship, but very few arguments that made sense. Members of the media, as some are wont to do around here, became little more than gossip mongers. It was embarrassing. We had Tony Massarotti and Gerry Callahan each basically saying that Belichick's grudge cost the Patriots the game. All the endless comments and speculation never touched on the fact of whether Belichick actually had a valid reason for having a grudge against Mangini.

Then Tom E Curran reported on his NBCSports.com blog during the week of the second Jets/Patriots game the following item:

Speculation initially had Belichick peeved at Mangini for taking a job against Belichick's advice. But there have since been whispers that Mangini was courting Patriots employees to go with him to New York while he was still on the Pats payroll.

 

[Willie55]

This is probably the most shameful example. The formerly respectable Michael Felger has largely turned into a buffoon in his effort to be the next Glenn Ordway on the radio waves.

This statement is so spot on. The guy is a f'in tool now.

 

[Pats726]

He also mentions Felger...BINGO!!!1 The guy started out so much better and then hit the sewer...this whole Corey Dillon thing is ridiculous..he's trying to be controversial..and..he's just showing what a buffoon he is...

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Spot on.
Gotta luv BSMW.
Glad to see Patriots hater Cafardo gone from Pats coverage.

 

[marty]

Great article! Confirms what most of us Pats fans feels about the Boston media. Clearly low caliber reporting for one of the most highly touted franchises in New England.

 

[Hoodie]

I'm so glad you posted this. Bruce Allen is right on with his analysis. It's almost as if the Boston media has decided it's time to knock the Pats off their pedestal. I've said before I'm beginning to believe the Herald has a vendetta against BB.

Felger is very disappointing because he's needed to balance EEI which continues to focus on the Red Sox. We need someone who talks football but Felger chooses to focus on pretend controversies that even he admits are a crock.