2014 NFL thread: The Final Battle

[Kelly]

It is against the rules, it is cheating. But there is a level to cheating. This would be on a very lower scale. It's not like the game was rigged or the refs were conspiring against another team. It was a one half of the ball being deflated a little. It's being blown out of proportion. If this happened to Peyton Manning no one would be throwing a *****fit (reference to other players and the media, not anyone on here). It's just really not a big deal and since they can't prove that this has happened before, it needs to be dropped so we can focus on, hopefully, a good Superbowl.

EDIT: Just saw a clip of Mark Brunell holding back tears saying Brady was lying. My lord has this been blown out of proportion.

Well, those things aren't just cheating, they are against the law.

I think Brady was lying, I do not see how a QB could not realize the difference in the balls. However, I don't think that he knew it was done on purpose, he probably just simply felt the difference, and went on with the game. IMO, he could have simply stated that and went on. Also, the whole..."What do you want me to say" comment to the press, usually signifies that they are not getting 100% of the truth. That is probably why they kept pushing. If he realized the difference, and went on playing its not like he has a built in weight system that can automatically tell him what the ball weighs, and probably thought well the refs ok'd them so...I guess they are ok and moved on, because he seemed very uncomfortable saying that he didn't know anything at all and ask the coach. I think the press saw that...

With all of that said, cheating is cheating, and something should be done since this isn't their first time. They lost a draft pick the first time, so possibly something similar, major fine....and let them know that their 3rd time is a strike out and HEAVY sanctions will be put in place, and then move on.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

They should be forced to forfeit the superbowl to the Seahawks.

 

[W/ Great Power]

Is this really what journalism has come to?

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Well, those things aren't just cheating, they are against the law.

I think Brady was lying, I do not see how a QB could not realize the difference in the balls. However, I don't think that he knew it was done on purpose, he probably just simply felt the difference, and went on with the game. IMO, he could have simply stated that and went on. Also, the whole..."What do you want me to say" comment to the press, usually signifies that they are not getting 100% of the truth. That is probably why they kept pushing. If he realized the difference, and went on playing its not like he has a built in weight system that can automatically tell him what the ball weighs, and probably thought well the refs ok'd them so...I guess they are ok and moved on, because he seemed very uncomfortable saying that he didn't know anything at all and ask the coach. I think the press saw that...

With all of that said, cheating is cheating, and something should be done since this isn't their first time. They lost a draft pick the first time, so possibly something similar, major fine....and let them know that their 3rd time is a strike out and HEAVY sanctions will be put in place, and then move on.

Brady and the Emperor shouldn't be in the Super Bowl. It really is that simple. This is not the first time. They already got their slap on the wrist. But it won't happen.

 

[Spider-Fan]

This whole story is really dumb to me. Spygate is a legit blackmark on the Pats record, but here, this is about air pressure on a ball. Not video taping practices or actively trying to hurt people, but air in a ball. Something many QBs are saying they outright try to control, so obviously this indicates to me from people that play the game that they're not the only team to do this.

Like someone else said, was a rule broken? Yes, but on the list of things that could be done for a game, this is REALLY low for me. If the Pats had beaten my Browns, and this story came out, I still wouldn't care. Wake me up when we have something more interesting to talk about than air pressure in a ball.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

If it doesn't matter, then why did they look spooked today? Why not admit it?

 

[HBKfan28]

It does help the grip on the ball. Its not the reason why they're a winning team, but it might help in a game or two. I mean, if they did it against the Ravens where they won by 4 points it would raise questions (though we won't know when/if they have done this before). And if it didn't help at all they wouldn't do it.

Apparently the Patriots have an abnormally low rate of fumbles since 2007, ironically 1 year after this rule of teams handling the balls began in 2006. Maybe its coincidence or maybe there are other variables, but the next team isn't even close. Here's a link: http://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/blog/ (It sometimes crashes from the traffic) Its interesting to look at and see the rest of the NFL hovers around the same area, yet the Pats are waaay off in the distance.

Maybe they have players who are outstanding at holding onto the ball, but I think the Bengals might disagree...

 

[runawayboulder]

Is this really what journalism has come to?

In NY, yes. The Post and NY Daily News are complete dogs**t papers now.

 

[Pink Ranger]

I know who's loving this right now: Dunkin' Donuts and Gillette.

 

[The Apocalypse]

If it doesn't matter, then why did they look spooked today? Why not admit it?

I wouldn't admit it if I were him. Deflated ball or not he's a top 5 QB of all time. They destroyed the Colts. They couldn't even put up 10 points on the Pat's. There's no evidence as to how many times this did even happen, so everyone can speculate all they want.

 

[W/ Great Power]

In NY, yes. The Post and NY Daily News are complete dogs**t papers now.

Goodness...

I know those papers are meant to stir things up quite a bit, but I didn't know it had gotten this bad.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

I wouldn't admit it if I were him. Deflated ball or not he's a top 5 QB of all time. They destroyed the Colts. They couldn't even put up 10 points on the Pat's. There's no evidence as to how many times this did even happen, so everyone can speculate all they want.

If it doesn't matter, why act like it does? See, you can't have it both ways.

 

[Warhammer]

I'm sure it goes against the assumptions.

Which are:

A mandated air pressure is "fair" and an "even playing field".
Being outside that mandate is "unfair" and an "uneven playing field".

The more I hear various QB's talk about it, the more the opposite seems true.

So if each QB performs at his best at different air pressures, how is mandating that all of them use the same pressure "fair"? I'm sure any QB who prefers his pressure within that range will gladly call it "fair"...but how about the guys who prefer it outside that range? A mandated pressure is going to help some QB's and hurt others. How is that "fair"?

And how is it fair to the fans? Don't we want to see every QB at his best? How is that a bad thing? Or are fans ok with it as long as it is not a disadvantage to the QB of their team?

We've already heard from Aaron Rodgers and how more air pressure is a benefit to him. (And there shouldn't be a rule against you getting a benefit, eh Aaron?)

Steve Young also likes more air pressure:


http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...teve-young-nfl-deflategate-patriots/22130249/


http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer...e-find-doctoring-nfl-footballs-is-nothing-new

I mean....air pressure? Really? This is bordering on comical. The bounty thing and the spy camera thing I get....but frigging air pressure in the ball?

I must admit, I agree with every single thing in this post.

...and I'm a Pittsburgh guy. Trust me, my coach can cheat really well.

It does help the grip on the ball. Its not the reason why they're a winning team, but it might help in a game or two. I mean, if they did it against the Ravens where they won by 4 points it would raise questions (though we won't know when/if they have done this before). And if it didn't help at all they wouldn't do it.

Apparently the Patriots have an abnormally low rate of fumbles since 2007, ironically 1 year after this rule of teams handling the balls began in 2006. Maybe its coincidence or maybe there are other variables, but the next team isn't even close. Here's a link: http://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/blog/ (It sometimes crashes from the traffic) Its interesting to look at and see the rest of the NFL hovers around the same area, yet the Pats are waaay off in the distance.

Maybe they have players who are outstanding at holding onto the ball, but I think the Bengals might disagree...

 

[Warhammer]

It is against the rules, it is cheating. But there is a level to cheating. This would be on a very lower scale. It's not like the game was rigged or the refs were conspiring against another team. It was a one half of the ball being deflated a little. It's being blown out of proportion. If this happened to Peyton Manning no one would be throwing a *****fit (reference to other players and the media, not anyone on here). It's just really not a big deal and since they can't prove that this has happened before, it needs to be dropped so we can focus on, hopefully, a good Superbowl.

The worst part about Deflategate/Ballghazi is that there is a good chunk of people out there who don't even know the specifics. You might as well tell people that Brady was throwing fake footballs. It's the same group that thinks that Spygate was just about the Patriots taping signals. It's the same group who think that after Spygate, New England all of a sudden started to falter even though the next season, they went 16-0 and only barely lost in their next two Super Bowls (while also discrediting the New York Giants for being the better team).

I don't even know why am I defending New England.

EDIT: Just saw a clip of Mark Brunell holding back tears saying Brady was lying. My lord has this been blown out of proportion.

What a total puss. He is 44 years old.

 

[HBKfan28]

I just feel its not some massively big deal, but its an NFL rule for a reason. And they did it for a reason, or they wouldn't have wasted their time in the first place. And the reason is they feel it helps, even if its a small amount. Why are they so opposed to saying what went on if it "isn't a big deal"? And it really doesn't seem like a big deal, and it is overblown, but that's really because they are acting clueless. Unless it really is just a coincidence and nobody in the Pats organization had anything to do with it.

It made no difference in the Colts game. But it can in the closer games, where you just assume they've probably done it. They're known for being sneaky and secretive, of course people will assume.

Why don't they just say what went on so this can just end? Unless the head coach of an NFL team is truly clueless to what went on...Guess its possible, though highly doubtful.

 

[Hush]

This whole thing is dumb, fact if the matter is the colts couldn't score that game, defense suffocated them. We are taking about PSI, his dumb. I believe Brady, he is just a good solider and does what he is told. He has reason to lie but I don't feel he did, the balls won't be this way for the SB so why does this matter?

 

[DarthSkywalker]

If it doesn't matter why is there a rule and why did they break it? It is cute to mention it doesn't matter. I agree they would have most likely won no matter what. But if it doesn't matter, why did they do it?

 

[Hush]

If it doesn't matter why is there a rule and why did they break it? It is cute to mention it doesn't matter. I agree they would have most likely won no matter what. But if it doesn't matter, why did they do it?

I honestly don't think that it was done intentionally. I think the fact that reportedly 11-12 were so exactly off just shows that there was a simple mess up. Couldn't it all be that simple? I mean come on, this is so silly. The other damn QBs say they doctor them all the time. Couldn't the equipment guy just ****ed up? I don't know, maybe. If didn't affect the game, this is the first report of this happening I have heard of and it seems to just be too much attention.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

I honestly don't think that it was done intentionally. I think the fact that reportedly 11-12 were so exactly off just shows that there was a simple mess up. Couldn't it all be that simple? I mean come on, this is so silly. The other damn QBs say they doctor them all the time. Couldn't the equipment guy just ****ed up? I don't know, maybe. If didn't affect the game, this is the first report of this happening I have heard of and it seems to just be too much attention.

And I call bull. 2 pounds is way, way too much to think it is a simple mistake. Especially considering this was brought to their attention before the game and then again at HT. The balls were checked 2 hours before the game, and then they "changed".

And if it doesn't affect the game, why is there a rule?

 

[TheBat812]

Honestly, I believe Brady at this point. I'm sure once you get on the field, the last thing you're worrying is about the football, he's focused on their scheme, the defense's scheme, etc. The media is really searching on this one, imo. But what do I know, the other pro's seem to think Brady is full of it. Either way, the ball pressure clearly didn't matter much between Brady in the first half and the second half.

 

[Hound55]

Brady is completely and utterly full of s***.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Honestly, I believe Brady at this point. I'm sure once you get on the field, the last thing you're worrying is about the football, he's focused on their scheme, the defense's scheme, etc. The media is really searching on this one, imo. But what do I know, the other pro's seem to think Brady is full of it. Either way, the ball pressure clearly didn't matter much between Brady in the first half and the second half.

Using Brady's own words, he is clearly lying. He knows how he likes the ball, he knows how it feels. So how did he not notice they were noticeably different? IT doesn't help that he was laughing on Monday and now looks like someone has threatened to break his legs. Jesus...

Brady is completely and utterly full of s***.

Clearly.

 

[TheBat812]

Using Brady's own words, he is clearly lying. He knows how he likes the ball, he knows how it feels. So how did he not notice they were noticeably different? IT doesn't help that he was laughing on Monday and now looks like someone has threatened to break his legs. Jesus...


Clearly.

Disagree. He checks what the ball is like PRIOR to play, but once he gets on the field, his mind is on other things. It's like any job - if the tool's getting the job done effectively when it matters (in the game), there's no problem to worry about.

To me, his initial reaction HELPS him, when his guard was off, he did not think this was anything to be worried about. He definitely looked off during the press conference, but I would be too if I knew I were about to be attacked for the next half hour.

Has anybody entertained the idea that someone from the Colts tampered with them prior to the game? Knowing that they had set a precedent for the issue earlier in the year? I'm not saying that's necessarily what happened, I just don't the Patriots would risk having their success tarnished again like with Spygate, when clearly the amount of pressure in the ball had 0 effect on Brady's performance. If anything it was aided by being at what he claims to be his regular level.


Anyways, this might not get resolved, it's going to be tough narrow down the cause. Hopefully it doesn't affect the Patriots mindset in a negative way and lead to a ****** Super Bowl. Another Seattle blowout would be godawful.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Disagree. He checks what the ball is like PRIOR to play, but once he gets on the field, his mind is on other things. It's like any job - if the tool's getting the job done effectively when it matters (in the game), there's no problem to worry about.

To me, his initial reaction HELPS him, when his guard was off, he did not think this was anything to be worried about. He definitely looked off during the press conference, but I would be too if I knew I were about to be attacked for the next half hour.

Has anybody entertained the idea that someone from the Colts tampered with them prior to the game? Knowing that they had set a precedent for the issue earlier in the year? I'm not saying that's necessarily what happened, I just don't the Patriots would risk having their success tarnished again like with Spygate, when clearly the amount of pressure in the ball had 0 effect on Brady's performance. If anything it was aided by being at what he claims to be his regular level.


Anyways, this might not get resolved, it's going to be tough narrow down the cause. Hopefully it doesn't affect the Patriots mindset in a negative way and lead to a ****** Super Bowl. Another Seattle blowout would be godawful.

So every current and former football player who has spoken on this is lying? Because everyone I have seen speak has said you would know.

And are you joking about the Colts thing? Because the first question would be how did they get the Pats footballs.

 

[HaplessHenchman]

You gotta love the desperate Patriot defenders:

- "It doesn't matter!!"
- "Everyone does it!!"
- "We would have won anyway!!"
- "The refs screwed up by not catching us. Blame them!!!"

Now we have TheBat812 with this gem:

- "The Colts could have done it!!! Has anyone investigated that?!!!"

Then to top it off, you have Brady and Belicheat looking like this guy: