Is it better for the NFL if the Patriots lose?

[PatsFan24]

Do you think the NFL wants the Chargers or Colts in the SB insted of the Patriots, because they have not been there and they both have exciting high power offenses? Does the NFL want a team with more sex appeal than the Patriots?

 

[DagoTom]

I may be off-base on this just because I'm biased, but I get the feeling that Chargers vs. Saints would be the NFL's dream matchup this year. They'd have about a million storylines to talk about during media-week...LT as the MVP, hurricane Katrina, the Brees ex-Charger connection, it would be Marty's chance to finally win a SB, and two cities that have never won a Lombardi. I saw a couple articles during the season where some national pundits made reference to that as the "dream matchup" for the NFL.

 

[PatsFan24]

yeah that would be a heck of a game and full of storylines

 

[SoonerPatriot]

I agree with DagoTom about New Orleans. I think there's a real hope among those at NFL headquarters that the Saints make the Super Bowl.

As for the Chargers, I don't think those same people care as much.

I definately think the lion's share of the media, the Stuart Scotts, Deion Sanders,Shannon Sharpes and Pete Priscos of the world, definately want the Chargers to win. They've got LT who is obvioulsy an exciting player to watch, they've got the sad sack coach everyone seems to like but who always chokes it off when it matters most, and one of the most dynamic defensive players in the league. The Chargers are a lot more "sexy" than the Pats and most of these guys have resented the Patriots success since Day 1 of this recent run so it's not surprising.

THe only problem with the hype I really have is with Merriman. He's a cheater who felt like he was above the rules, and by extension, above the game itself. He's basically been given a pass for what happened.

 

[DagoTom]

The thing I hope to not see is any questionable officiating down the stretch here. Every once in awhile there's a call in postseason that just makes you scratch your chin and say, "hmm." If the Bolts win I don't ever want to have any nagging doubts about whether it was bequeathed to them by the powers that be. Even if a questionable call is legit, it would just be nice to get through an entire postseason without the refs causing any controversy.

 

[TomBrady'sGoat]

The thing I hope to not see is any questionable officiating down the stretch here. Every once in awhile there's a call in postseason that just makes you scratch your chin and say, "hmm." If the Bolts win I don't ever want to have any nagging doubts about whether it was bequeathed to them by the powers that be. Even if a questionable call is legit, it would just be nice to get through an entire postseason without the refs causing any controversy.

bad calls are going to happen. your only real hope is to either win 3 titles and laugh while people try to tell you all 3 were handed to you by the refs or to win the afc championship game in spite of every call going in favor of the Colts.

 

[italian pat patriot]

The thing I hope to not see is any questionable officiating down the stretch here. Every once in awhile there's a call in postseason that just makes you scratch your chin and say, "hmm." If the Bolts win I don't ever want to have any nagging doubts about whether it was bequeathed to them by the powers that be. Even if a questionable call is legit, it would just be nice to get through an entire postseason without the refs causing any controversy.

very well said - i agree 100% with you

 

[milwaukeebeers44]

Of course it would be better for the NFL. I hear so many football fans in general saying "anyone BUT the Patriots."

I think the NFL is banking on the Saints making it now, but as for the AFC, I still think they want the Colts there, too.

 

[sbcpats70]

I agree with DagoTom about New Orleans. I think there's a real hope among those at NFL headquarters that the Saints make the Super Bowl.

As for the Chargers, I don't think those same people care as much.

I definately think the lion's share of the media, the Stuart Scotts, Deion Sanders,Shannon Sharpes and Pete Priscos of the world, definately want the Chargers to win. They've got LT who is obvioulsy an exciting player to watch, they've got the sad sack coach everyone seems to like but who always chokes it off when it matters most, and one of the most dynamic defensive players in the league. The Chargers are a lot more "sexy" than the Pats and most of these guys have resented the Patriots success since Day 1 of this recent run so it's not surprising.

THe only problem with the hype I really have is with Merriman. He's a cheater who felt like he was above the rules, and by extension, above the game itself. He's basically been given a pass for what happened.

Believe it or not, Prisco is picking the Pats

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/features/writers/expert/picks

 

[PrairiePat]

I think dynasties are good for sports leagues, it gives everyone a big target to shoot for. It means a lot more when someone beats the odds to win against teams like that - think of the 2001 Pats beating the 'dynasty' of the Rams, or the Sox beating the Yanks in 2004. Heck, when Detroit beat the Yankees in the -1st round- of the baseball playoffs this year, you'd think they had just won the World Series.

I also don't think the NFL is going to be crying too loudly having this generation's Joe Montana trying for his 4th Superbowl win

 

[PATSNUTme]

Believe it or not, Prisco is picking the Pats

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/features/writers/expert/picks

The trouble with those "Picks" is that you don't know if they are picking to win or beat the spead. For Example, Harmon has a Patriot logo for his pick, but he picked the Chargers to win by 3 in his own column. so it appears his just picking the Patriots to cover.

I think it is stupid for these guys to use the spread. Just tell us who you you pick to win. The Globe does the same thing every Friday.

 

[mtbykr]

The thing I hope to not see is any questionable officiating down the stretch here. Every once in awhile there's a call in postseason that just makes you scratch your chin and say, "hmm." If the Bolts win I don't ever want to have any nagging doubts about whether it was bequeathed to them by the powers that be. Even if a questionable call is legit, it would just be nice to get through an entire postseason without the refs causing any controversy.

Very well said!