Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff
I’ve spent the last few days (actually, the last 7-years) trying to chill out many Patriots fans “offended” about Plaxico Burress’ prediction or the black “funeral” suits the Giants wore to Arizona. They’re almost as riled about this as they were back in 2002 when the Steelers packed their suitcases for New Orleans before playing New England in the AFC Championship.
Well, guess what; the Patriots are just as guilty of being confident. (I’m quite sure the Pats traveling secretary had been making New Orleans arrangements in 2002 as well). They may not publicly predict victory, but behind the scenes, the wheels are in motion for a championship celebration and financial windfall.
No, I’m not talking about Mayor Menino’s plans for a Super Bowl parade. (Did you really think cities wait till after the game to plan these things?) I’m talking about a New York Post report that the Patriots have already applied for trademarks on “19-0” and “19-0 The Perfect Season.” Similar to Pat Riley copywriting “Three-peat” or Michael Buffer declaring “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” as his own, be prepared for an onslaught of team sponsored memorabilia featuring those themes.
Might the gesture give the Giants a little added motivational boost? Maybe. Many will have you believe the Patriots draw inspiration from “overconfident” opponents doing silly little things like daring to think they can win. Me? I tend to listed to what Bill Belichick says on the topic; the game will be (and always has been) decided by which team plays best ON the field.
So lighten up on the poor Giants. Even if deep down inside they know they’re going to get beat, they’re at least confident enough in their team to believe they have a chance to win. Forgive them their verbal trespasses, because as the “trademark” story show, the Patriots commit the sin of overconfidence, or smart business practices, as much as any team.
What do you make of all this "bulletin board" nonsense? Does any of it really matter come gametime? Are you surprised that the Patriots front office would do something like this when Bill Belichick works so hard to keep his players from doing anything to rile the opposition?
Comments (6)
This is the most level headed post you have ever made. I am glad someone has come out and tried to calm down the Pats fans. They have to realize now, they aren't the underdogs anymore, everyone respects them, and fears them. People like to cheer for the underdog, and unfortunately this time, the Pats ain't it.
Posted by Ken Goyette | February 1, 2008 10:32 PM
Posted on February 1, 2008 22:32
All my posts are level headed. You're the one reading them with a tilted noggin'....LOL!
Posted by Teddy P. | February 2, 2008 2:32 PM
Posted on February 2, 2008 14:32
Oh well- hope that they get some use out of the "19-0" thing some day. Maybe they should trademark "18-1" or "Almost Perfect" since they could use those...
Gee, Plax's predicition was pretty much right-on. Maybe you can get him to pick games for you next season.
Posted by dboisver | February 3, 2008 10:26 PM
Posted on February 3, 2008 22:26
DB, I'm speechless. Never saw this coming. I'll have more to say in my column later on, but for now, use this spot to rub it in or get your frustrations out.
I'm speechless!
Posted by Teddy P. | February 4, 2008 6:36 AM
Posted on February 4, 2008 06:36
Not gonna rub it in any more than I already have as, you imagine, I had a similar feeling back at the end of SB 39. The above was simply a shot at whatever genius decided to trademark 19-0. I'll guarantee you that NY will be full of "18-1 (*)" T-shirts. Needed to get in on the ground floor on that one...
Ultimately though last night was FANTASTIC for the NFL, football, and sports in general despite the fact that the Pats fans are not loving it... A huge upset like that, one of the most exciting, closest superbowls ever, and the whole NY/NE rivalry angle has to have the suits in the NFL offices (and the bookies in Vegas) smiling from ear to ear.
The Pats did not choke or fall apart or anything- the Giants simply beat them in all phases of the game and, at the end of it, Eli out-Brady'ed Brady plain and simple. I'm just shocked that an ex-Eagles LB coach (and the Eagles had some of the worst LBs in football the past few years) came out with such a great defensive game plan.
Posted by dboisver | February 4, 2008 9:21 AM
Posted on February 4, 2008 09:21
Awwwwwwwww... poor patriots fans. I told you, I told you people a long time ago tht the PAts would lose in the Super Bowl. I said it. Check the archives. I knew it. I knew this was gonna happen. Remember? I predicted a Pats loss, i just thought it would be to the packers. But never the less i told you guys. I was right. I knew it all along. The patriots were outclassed. Brady was exposed for the fraud that he is. Oh where's the loser who was telling me what a great O line the Pats have. huh? Where are you now you loser? All you pats fans are a bunch of losers. Ha Ha Ha. Losers. You're all pathetic.
Posted by JB | February 4, 2008 1:00 PM
Posted on February 4, 2008 13:00