Belichick speaks on leaving the field
At my wife's request, I promise to stop writing so much about the Pats sooner than later. But wanted to point out the first comments from Bill Belichick since Sunday night, including why he left the field early.
"Basically, on that last play I wasn't really sure of the time. Everybody started on to the field and then I got over there and I wanted to congratulate Tom [Coughlin]. I've been in that situation before after the game. I wanted to get over there and congratulate him and congratulate him on the championship. There really wasn't much left at that point.”
Watching from the Pats side of the field, I knew that story was going to be played up. In fairness, the clock was at zero briefly, before a second was put back on. That's why both teams hit the field in the first place. This was a typically odd response by BB, but the whole controversy is also meaningless. I'd rather hear his responses about not carrying an extra tight end to help block or choosing to skip the field goal in the first half. But Belchick has already moved on and I will as well after this post.
When the Patriots took the lead late in the fourth quarter, I wondered for a second if a perfect season could change Bill Belichick. Maybe he'd show his human side more to the public after reaching the very top of the mountain. Its safe to say that's not happening now.
Comments
He's a cheater AND a poor sport. You don't leave till its over. If it means suffering through a meaningless play you take it like a man. You don't make an early exit and try to pretend to have not noticed. You really think BB, a NFL head coach, isn't cognizant of the time?
The Pats got what they deserved.
They are the biggest choke artists of this generation.
Posted by: Andres Rodriguez | February 5, 2008 06:33 PM
Remember, the Patriots defense had to take the field for that final play. Bill's team was still in the game and on the field with 1 second left. It's his job, professionally and in a display of proper sportsmanship, to still be on the sideline for that final play of the game. Leaving like that makes not only himself look bad but the Patriots organization, being that he represents them as head coach.
Posted by: John Williams | February 5, 2008 07:01 PM
Don't forget...true Dynasties don't lose Super Bowls.
Posted by: KY | February 5, 2008 07:24 PM
I agree that we are not psychic and don't know what exactly went through BB's mind at the time. But even if he misunderstood the situation he knew eventually that a play was going to be run and didn't come back on the field. And the reason why its a big deal is because others, like Randy Moss, have been heavily criticized for doing the same. Also, this part of the quote leaves me to believe my perceptions are true: "There really wasn't much left at that point". He his team lost and wanted to be off the field. Thats not something he would say due to just confusion.
I do think people are being harsh on the Pats in general but they set themselves up for it with all the hype and best team ever talk. They say the bigger you are the harder you fall. Better luck next time.
Posted by: Jacyln | February 5, 2008 08:50 PM
I am by no means a Pats fan... And I did think they ran the score up against the Redskins this year. But I find the venom spewed about them high comedy. Classic case of no one likes the king of the mountain.
ARod - if you ever care to be taken seriously, you might remember this... Whatever argument you may have had was reduced to nothing due to your obvious bias.
In the future, try making your points without the ridiculous statements. They make you come across as an 8th grader.
Posted by: Stephen | February 6, 2008 03:15 PM
Jacyln - good points.
One thing that should be kept straight however... Just remember the "hype and best team talk" never came from the Patriots. You have to blame the media for that.
Posted by: Stephen | February 6, 2008 03:22 PM
The Patriots may have never said outright they were the best team ever. But I seem to recall Tom Brady saying they didn't just want to beat teams, they wanted to destroy them. And I also remember Randy Moss proclaiming himself the best receiver of all time. And if they weren't trying to prove themselves the best ever, why play your starters through those last few regular season games? I think the arrogance clearly came from the Patriots and the media merely reflected that in their reporting.
Posted by: Dan | February 7, 2008 01:59 PM