The NFL Thread

[Carrotdude]

Random delayed double post

 

[Toon Wolf]

It's easier to catch a ball in cold conditions that is slightly deflated. Gives the ball 'play'. Technically it is easier to hold on a run and more difficult to knock out of a players hand too, but this is generally not considered.

Whilst Toon is, predictably, OTT in his criticism I think he's right re Belichik, this is twice now in important games he needs a years ban and Kraft needs removing from the officials panel. Their first draft pick needs to be removed but the whole lot is too far.

You may think it is OTT, but this is a Franchise that has built its success on systematic cheating. They illegally spied on teams, they have a history of putting players on injured reserve in healthy players jerseys to give them extra rest, they consistently play fast and loose with grey areas of the rules such as the substitutions in the Ravens playoff game and the pick or rub plays they run with their receivers and now this. It is not OTT to say that everything they have achieved is tarnished because these are just the things that have come to light, who knows what else they have done. There were definitely reports around Spygate time that there were mysterious communicatiobs failures and tamperings with the QB headsets, including allegations (denied of course) that Brady was getting communications into his helmet LONG after they were supposedly shut down before a play. This info is out there, it is not fabricated. They have cheated on a consistent basis, and it is why when all the great dynasties have fallen on hard times within 6-7 years the Patriots have been at the top for 15 years. 15! It is unheard of before this organisation, and I simply cannot put it down to just being that good. They are cheats and they are frauds, end of story.

 

[Toon Wolf]

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/01/patriots-deflate-ball-super-bowl-disqualified-penalties-sanctions

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

That is damning stuff. And possibly the most telling point is that the officials would have been placing the ball after every single Patriots play. Surely they should have noticed unless some or all of them were in on it?

 

[Carrotdude]

Would the difference they made to the balls be noticeable if you were just picking it up and placing it back though? Also how were they deflating them without being noticed?

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Easy. Stick a pump end into the valve without a pump attached (only an inch long so relatively easy to hide) and gently squeeze for a few seconds.

 

[Alan]

There's roughly 2.5 hours between final inspection of the footballs and the beginning of the game. Plenty of time for ill deeds to occur.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I think we can guarantee a quarantine of match balls in future as a result of this incident.

 

[Alan]

They'll likely be supplied by the league from now on rather than 12 from each team.

 

[PuntsWolf]

Why do they have separate balls for each team? That's just silly

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Seems sensible Alan. Of course you could still deflate a ball on the touchline I guess but if spotted, the officials could eject the perpetrators from the game and I would imagine heavy sanctions would rain down.

I am amazed that the Pats have done this. They do seem to have quite the record of skullduggery over their period of dominance. Like Toon says above, the whole draft system should avoid periods of utter dominance that last more than a few years. The Patriots record is dramatically longer than that.

 

[Alan]

Seems sensible Alan. Of course you could still deflate a ball on the touchline I guess but if spotted, the officials could eject the perpetrators from the game and I would imagine heavy sanctions would rain down.

I am amazed that the Pats have done this. They do seem to have quite the record of skullduggery over their period of dominance. Like Toon says above, the whole draft system should avoid periods of utter dominance that last more than a few years. The Patriots record is dramatically longer than that.

Even in the case of the Patriots I chalk that up to good ownership, good coaching, and effective manipulation of player salary rather than cheating.

That said, it is certainly eyebrow raising.

Why do they have separate balls for each team? That's just silly

Just an antiquated rule from days gone by that never really needed to be challenged until now. Like the law in Alabama about not walking a giraffe on a leash. Still on the books because, hey, why waste time on something so ridiculous?

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Player salary is an interesting point. Pats get to "effectively manipulate" it, but Redskins and Cowboys lost a chunk of salary cap according to the USA article that Toon put up. Can you remember what those cases were about as it was news to me and might explain to me why the Skins went from pretty decent to utter garbage.

 

[Alan]

Player salary is an interesting point. Pats get to "effectively manipulate" it, but Redskins and Cowboys lost a chunk of salary cap according to the USA article that Toon put up. Can you remember what those cases were about as it was news to me and might explain to me why the Skins went from pretty decent to utter garbage.

Well for one, Dan Snyder is utter moron and the signings the Redskins have made throughout the years really range from bad to catastrophic with not many better than that.

As for the Dallas/Washington collusion, find more here: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7...s-washington-redskins-lose-millions-cap-space

^That was truly a bizarre episode as the alleged wrongdoing (going over the salary cap) occurred in an uncapped year.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

RGIII should be a good signing but obviously Luck is now way ahead after Griffin's injury holding him back a bit. I think he will come good. Otherwise they really haven't got much right. I looked at your post and first I saw the words "Dee Snyder". Frankly if the Twisted Sister front man had been in charge of recruitment, then I reckon the Skins would have been a more successful side lately!

I hate the Redskins being rubbish. I loved watching them with Riggins and Theismann, and still think Art Monk is one of the best receivers ever.

 

[Alan]

I meant free-agent signings specifically but personally I think Griffin is a bust of the highest caliber. And I can't stand his personality, he's a total twat. Fits right in with that organization.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Why a bust particularly? His college stats were right up there with Luck, and that draft they were obviously the two main men. First season at Washington he was excellent and drove the team to a pretty successful season.

 

[Alan]

Ah, I'm just going Deutsch on him. Don't mind me, he won't ever be successful in my eyes.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Well of course he won't - he is with the Skins.

I sort of understand where Tampa and New Orleans fans were coming from going to games with bags on their heads back in the day

 

[Alan]

We were the 'Aints for so long. Those were dark times.