Belichick Proves a Point

I am a firm believer in the upholding of fair-play in all sports.  Any team that seeks out an unfair advantage over another isn't really playing the game, but simply scouting out illegitimate ways to score money.  It is for that reason that I didn't flinch much when the NFL commissioner dealt out penalties to the New England Patriots for their usage of videotapes during the first season victory against the New York Jets.  I personally didn't feel that this was cheating in the truest sense, as technology exists (and is often provided) for teams to take rapid snapshots of play formations and the like, and the videotape isn't too far away from that.  But rules are rules, so I accepted the ruling and carried on with my life.

Since then, we've seen the Patriots go undefeated in 9 consecutive games, improving their record to 10-0.  A good number of those games have been decided by margins of over 20 points.  I believe that head coach Bill Belichick is determined to prove to everyone that those videotapes meant little to nothing in how well this team plays.  

We now have teams like the Washington Redskins complaining of the Patriots ramping up huge score margins over them, saying that it's poor form.  It really goes to show just how much of a point they've proven this season.  I've never heard of a professional team actually complaining about being beaten so badly, as if it was the other team's fault!  I think that instead of asking for mercy, a team should perhaps prepare themselves better and earn a victory themselves.

Either way, I continue to watch the Patriots season with awe.