Grapple Raven

The Patriots cheated in this game by using underinflated footballs, cheated when they didn't have to, to win a game against an opponent that they had already beaten multiple times.  Why?  I think to ensure their victory, so they could get back to the Super Bowl.  Back to the Super Bowl in Arizona, site of the game when they lost to the Giants, think about what that implies if you know your football history.  Back to a Super Bowl to win so they could wash the stain off their franchise for Spygate.  To rinse that stain off their tarnished legacy, the legacy of Kraft, Belicheck, of Brady.  An act of desperation perhaps?  All three aren't getting any younger, they aren't in their prime any longer, perhaps they saw this as a final chance.  Its the only thing that could explain the need to cheat with a good team on a team they knew they could beat because they had done so before.

I would probably say that the majority of the public doesn't believe that it would remove the stain from their legacy, but I do think this is what the Patriots were thinking.  Finally after years of rebuilding, they had the team they thought could win it all.  The team that could erase the stain.  But regardless of whether they win or not, it will still be just one more stain added on top of an already tarnished legacy. Why?  Because they used a cheap illegal tactic to give them an unfair advantage.  A tactic that gave their QB more grip allowing for better accuracy in a throw, a tactic that gave their receivers a softer ball to catch in pouring rain, a tactic that allowed a firmer grip by their backs that would aid in less fumbles.  The fact that they were so desperate to win against a team they knew they could beat. Win at all costs.

To those football purist like myself, that love the game for its simplicity...what its owner, its head coach, its quarterback, and this franchise have done to the game of football diminishes the sport, the integrity of the game, the principle of good sportsmanship, and the legacy of all that have played before them.  It is revolting, despicable, and most of all shameful.  Goodell better think long and hard because his career is teetering too. He has a chance to stand up and begin to right this deceit and underhanded culture that the Patriots have brought to this sport, and if he doesn't he is no better.

Found this interesting as well:  http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:12207276

Rut roh! lol

An interesting look at the Patriots fumble rates over the last few years (Hint: they have the highest––by far––of outdoors teams):

 

http://www.advancedfootballanalytics.com/index.php/home/research/general/224-the-patriots-have-great-ball-security?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter 

I read that two nights ago Crush, it was really interesting as the data, all though not completely conclusive, does seem to point to a direct correlation to their fumble rate with possible cheating as it relates to underinflated football usage.  The percentages were staggering.

Interesting take on it by Pereira:

Another interesting point of view from Jay Glazer referencing the opinions of the other Owners, GM's, Coaches regarding the punishment of the league towards the Patriots.

Plus from what Glazer says it was planned to check the balls at the half of the Colts-Patriots games due to the fact that the league had been put on notice (which I have read from other sources as well)...so maybe the Patriots didn't know the balls would be checked at the half! 

I also read from another source that it was confidentially planned to check those balls at the half and again at the end of the game.  Perhaps Belicheck was correct when he said he didn't know this until Monday.  

That would imply that the League had been tipped off and said nothing to see if they could catch the Patriots, and they did!  If true, I have to say that I love it! lol   If that is true, it is ironic the statements that Brady and Belicheck made today, both claiming that they knew nothing...what else could they say at this point? Deny, deny, deny, because they obviously didn't know the league was on to them, and they were caught with their pants down!  Ya gotta love it when a plan comes together don't ya?

Interesting viewpoint by Aikman:

This was just too good to pass over, no pun intended.

Warning:  This contains material that may be sensitive, view at your own discretion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd3D2gsPUR0&feature=youtu.be

Brady's car!

I would be very interested to find out when they could have been tampered with? It's not like anyone has access beforehand and there are cameras everywhere for a championship game.

Anytime from the time the footballs are released to the ball boys from the referees.  It would literally only take a few seconds with a pin/needle that is used to inflate the ball, to be placed into the air release valve, to deflate a ball. Probably wouldn't even be noticed..

I think our posters have been very logical and reasonable with their questions, comments, and inquiries regarding this issue and discussion.  I certainly can see, based on your franchise's past history why you would be so defensive, but there is no reason to troll and smack talk regarding it...believe me that doesn't help your cause.  This is Ravens website and you probably will not find a lot of sympathy here.  Might I suggest that you would be better inclined to enter in discussions with Seahawks fans at this point.

Thanks!

Maybe Brady squeezed it so hard some of the air squished out?

Or Gronk spiked enough air out of it? lmao   Unbelievable!

The weather report for that game was reported at ESPN via the Weather Channel as:

"From a temperature standpoint, it is mild Sunday for this time of year -- in the 40s. Rain is expected, and it could be heavy when it does arrive. The Gillette Stadium field, which is a FieldTurf surface, has been covered with a tarp."
 

I guess we know now why Brady grimaces and scowls so bad when he throws an interception, lol.

But seriously, I don't think anyone would argue that an underinflated ball would certainly be easier to grip for throwing and catching purposes, and a better grip would allow for better accuracy when throwing.  If true, it certainly would give the Patriots an advantage, especially in inclement weather conditions. 

Would it have made a difference in the outcome of THIS game...no.  But again it is just another example of the Patriots' willingness to bend the rules to get an advantage over their opponent.  At some point in time, something is going to have to be done with this franchise's blatant attempts to snub their noses at the NFL  AND  the rules of the game that for the most part all the other 31 current teams play by. 

Honestly, if I was an NFL player, working my butt off everyday in practice for 6 or 7 months, sacrificing my body and time with my family only to be done in by a team playing less than a clean game I would be pissed off.  That is a year of wear and tear on your body you will never get back. 

As a fan, what the Patriots have done and evidently still continue to do is an affront to the spirit of the game and the principles of good sportsmanship. Frankly from just a point of principle it disgusts me. 

Belicheck would be served to be reminded of a true patriot in Thomas Paine's words~ "Character is much easier kept than recovered".

Boy, would I love none other than to see Cory Redding back in our locker room, the fire and passion he could bring to this defense!  I'm still ticked off we let him go~ lol.

He has had more than one opportunity to get the "grow up" message, it clearly is falling on his arrogant, deaf ears.  He must be common sense imparied, lol

It isn't like Suh doesn't have a record of doing these kind of things in the past, his last incident before this one with Rogers was just this past Thanksgiving, and a couple before that.   He needs to be held accountable, there is no place for that kind of crap in this league.  At the professional level, you impress with your technique, skill, intellect, and fortitude, not dirty play.   His selfish stupidity will cost his team in the first round of the playoffs and ultimately might cost him his job with the Lions.

According to BR.com: " Rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel, who is on injured reserve,  also reportedly skipped practice."

I'll admit I was never a Manziel fan from the get-go, but boy oh boy, when they were lining to pass out "smarts" he must have skipped that line too, lol.

ECU has made things a game now

Unbelievable end to that game!  Heartbreaking!!!  But I am so proud of the way ECU fought back in that game.

Matt Miller just said he spoke with 2 sports physicans and both said they they believe Todd Gurley tore his ACL based on the video of the play.

We had one of Todd's H. S. coaches at the game tonight...Todd is getting x-rays currently, think he will be okay, thinking just a strain.

For those of you interested in Todd Gurley, got sent this today and thought some might be interested in an inside look, hearing from his high school coach, Jeff Craddock and his perspective on Todd:

http://www.stationcaster.com/player_skinned.php?s=87&c=9961&f=3585273

ECU qualifies for a bowl game after their win tonight. Justin Hardy is going to make a team that is need of a WR really happy at the next level one day! That kid is amazing!!!

Yeah they were really good in the game against VT. Hardy is a good looking WR as well

Hardy is going to get a lot of attention.  He is a excellent route runner and has great hands, will go up to get a ball and fight for it, and he isn't scared of contact at all.  Worthy is great too.

T. Williams is a D-lineman who has impressed me from what I have seen on ECU. More a NT prospect but he looks good there for whoever gets him

He is good!  So is Biggers.

How many of them are defenders? Looking at where the Ravens have (publicly) sent their scouts, DL and secondary seems to be the common thread.

They have some players on both sides of the ball that will get some attention.  Shane Carden,QB,  Worthy, Jones and especially Hardy at WR, a 6'5 250lb. TE that can block and catch and is very athletic (his name escapes me at the moment...I've watched 4 games today, lol, pardon me), and a couple of defensive linemen and DB's that are strong as well.  B. Allen is a good RB too, reminds me a lot of Forsett.

They have talent!  Vonta Leach came from ECU, lol.

ECU came back from a 7 - 17 deficit at the half to win the game 28 - 17 at Raymond James Stadium tonight!  Great game! ECU is loaded with talent, hope the Ravens scouts were watching, lol.  Hope they left the good juju there!

Crazy weekend for college football.   A lot of great games, not enough TV's. lol 

ECU was ballin' today and QB Shane Carden broke Garrad's all time passing record. So were the Dawgs...Gurley ran the ball, caught the ball, threw the ball(50 yds.) and hurdled a player... only thing Gurley hasn't done today is drive the bus. lol!

Oh, I think the "Flock" is strong in NC~ 

I honestly feel this is the best thing for the Ravens because I didn't think he was ready to return.  As for Rolando, I hope he gets his life back on track, because I still stand by what I said earlier in that I think he still has a long way to go to towards facing his demons and getting his head on straight.  His indecisiveness and lack of commitment is indicative of issues that still remain. It may mean nothing at all, but considering what most people mean when referring to "the other side"  the comment he put out today on his twitter is slightly disturbing:

Rolando McClain @RMcClain205 Follow

I hope he seeks professional help again, and sticks with it this time.