Pats Win Streak the Wrong Mark of Greatness
Written by Ape on October 11, 2004
As a loyal Pats fan, I'm personally sick of hearing about this 'streak'. Since it isn't an official streak by NFL standards, it really isn't much to brag about. It is amazing, but more along the lines of a stretch of amazing play (like Johan Santana's 2nd half numbers for the Twins) than the pursuit of an iconic mark. It seems more pumped up by media-types looking for an angle on the game than by fans. We're happy and spoiled that our team wins so much, but all of us in New England care much more about winning titles. I haven't met a New England fan that would rather go 16-0 and lose in the Super Bowl or before, than go 10-6 and win the big one.
The worst thing about all this talk is that it seems like people use the topic of the streak as an opportunity to point out what the Pats can't do and don't have on their team. They talk about how the games are close and the Pats don't dominate. One column points out that their talent doesn't compare. I agree that it doesn't compare, but I doubt it's for the same reasons. If today's Pats got on the field with the '72 Dolphins who would win? Would Richard Seymour have trouble splitting 2 260 lb. lineman and brining down Larry Czonka? No, of course not. It isn't really worth bringing up. It's the Bonds/Ruth argument or the Shaq/Bill Russell argument. It's interesting, but you can't prove anything by it.
The Pats need to win more Super Bowls to be a truly great team. It is the only measure of greatness that transcends eras. Pundits really need to spare us on comparing teams that aren't even operating in the same paradigm as far as financial/physical parameters are concerned.
Appreciate what the Pats bring. Appreciate their depth and intelligence. Appreciate that Brady is the only proven winner at QB in the NFL today and that the 'more talented' QBs are just going to have to win one before they can be considered better. If the Pats aren't all that talented, it shouldn't be that hard for an uber-talented team to beat them.
Um, yeah, isn't everyone picking the Pats again this year? And are you really complaining about how people are comparing your team to the '72 Dolphins? You are a bubblebutt.
Posted by: Father Time at October 12, 2004 02:34 PM