Pats vs Titans (10/18)

[Redz]

It's amazing how many times over the years I've seen a team crumble at the sight of snow.

Not saying the Pats wouldn't have won in sunny weather, but the Titans wanted no part of being there today,

[crownsy]

Did anyone notice which Patriot got the taunting call? I hope Bill benches him for at least one game ... that was as classless as the decision to keep throwing the ball in the second half ... and playing Brady after the break was pretty foolish, too. This was such a great win, but those things left a bad taste in my mouth. Too bad.

I'm right with you on the guy getting benched. I think it was leach or someone, #38...think he's a backup.

As to brady....come on now. he played 4 minutes into the second half. he was pulled along with the rest of the starters after the opening drive.

This thread is acting like we scored 35 points in the second half. We scored on the opening drive, then the backups scored on one drive which included 2 long runs on third down where the titans forgot how to tackle and allowed huge gashers up the middle. 14 whole points.

[CelticG1]

Well I mean what about when the Celts beat the Knicks by like 50 a couple years ago?  You put the backups in but they still run their offense.  How is it any different?  

Because he doesn't like bill and buys into the "your not allowed to play anymore once it would hurt the other teams feelings" argument.

Every time i see that i ask:

as rondo pointed out, why is it acceptable to put your bench in and have them try to score when your up 20+ with under 4 to go? if they simply took 24 second violations and played defense, it's mathematically imposable to come back.

If a team is bombing shots early in the shot clock with 4 minutes left in a 50 point lead, that's pretty classless, too.  Or, if a team is going out of its way to dunk or shoot threes with less than 24 seconds left in a game that's over, that's pretty classless, too.

Basically, you guys are creating a false comparison. 

So you admit that the celtics in the championship season were pretty classless then?

Because i can remember, and had no problem with, at least 5 to 6 games where we were up huge with under 3 to go and the bench was running plays and burying open shots. Eddie house is particularity fun to watch in those situations.  

Why, under your attempted dismissal of the comparison, was that ok? shouldn't they have been taking 24 second violations and getting back on defense?

The game was out of reach, their was no point to scoring other than "running up the score". The game was over, all they have to do is take the violation. IT even limits potential fast breaks, which as a half court defensive team would be even better for us.

Last game of the finals is a perfect example. 

TP, thats an excellent one. I loved every single soul crushing meaningless point of that beat down, but why under the previous definition of classless garbage time play was that acceptable again?

Besides it being the lakers of course 

TP's to both you and Rondo for making great points. Everyone remembers the tony allen reverse alley-oop in the last 2 min of that game right? haha.....I completely agree with both of you on your points i nthis thread. I think it's absolutely ridiculous and pathetic to call the Patriots or BB classless cause of a game like this. When the Celtics were taking beat downs from other teams a couple years ago I wasn't worried about the other teams destroying us, I was p---ed at my team for playing like crap. It's pretty funny to me if there are Titan fans out there that are p---ed at the pats for "running up the score" when they should be p---ed about their own players, coaches, organization etc. As you said earlier these players are making millions of dollars what are we protecting them from getting their feelings hurt? Or are we trying not to hurt their fans feelings? I'm really confused by this. Also who wants to watch a game where no one is even trying? People want to see an absolutely boring second half just so we don't hurt someone's (i don't know who's) feelings??

[Spilling Green Dye]

I have to disagree with Roy and others.. I don't think it's classless at all.

The Titans probably put in their secondary defensive players too, so it's good to run through the motions.  Also, the pats starters coming out to start the beginning of the 3rd quarter is a smart coaching move.  You need to see your team be able to have continuity between halves.  

I have no issue with what the Pats did. If anything, someone should have an issue with the how many atrocious teams there are in the league this year.

[Donoghus]

I really had no problem with what the Pats did in the 2nd half, either.

Its really one of those cases of "[dang]ed if you do, [dang]ed if you don't".

They went for it on 4th down multiple times instead of kicking the field goals.  For the most part, they kept it on the ground and when they did take it to the air, it was underneath stuff. 

After seeing what happened last year with losing Brady in the first game of the season, its more glaring then ever that the team has to have a competent backup in case of disaster.  Having Hoyer work the offense for nearly the entire second half was a good thing.  I have no problem with him throwing some passes.  I can't really expect the Pats to go one-dimensional and run for the rest of the game when they're not even halfway through the 3rd quarter.  Good to get the kid some work.  They pulled Moss and got Aiken some looks.  You're kinda limited with the active roster on any gameday so you can't go completely 2nd string there, hence, seeing Welker out there. 

Also, fault has to be found with the Titans here too.  That defense was atrocious and wasn't stopping anything.  The Pats were still gashing that offense with the run.  This a professional football team that we're talking about.  They should be expected to play some competent defense.  They have to make some stops.  It should also be noted that the Titans were turning the ball over in their own territory over & over, giving the Pats excellent field position which helped lead to scores.

[Rondo_is_better]

Did anyone notice which Patriot got the taunting call? I hope Bill benches him for at least one game ... that was as classless as the decision to keep throwing the ball in the second half ... and playing Brady after the break was pretty foolish, too. This was such a great win, but those things left a bad taste in my mouth. Too bad.

I agree the taunter should be benched,  but its pretty standard MO to keep the starting QB in for the first drive during a blowout. I have no problem with that. And as far as still throwing during the 2nd half-its not our job to stop ourselves. We put in an undrafted rookie FA at QB and let him throw in the snow-its on the Titans to not suck so much.

The only things that left a bad taste in my mouth were the taunting and the fact that watching that game was like watching a polar bear club a baby seal-which was, again, not our fault, because when something is your PROFESSION you handle it PROFESSIONALLY. This applies to both teams: For the Pats, it was their obligation to take care of business and proceed forward in a mechanical fashion regardless of extenuating circumstances. For the Titans, it was their obligation to come in ready to play an NFL football game.

I LOVE the metaphor, lol! (TP) And I know what you're saying about the Titans having responsibility, but there is also a responsibility for our coach to show some class and good sense, and while I like Uncle Bill, he comes up a bit short on class from time-to-time.

You're definitely right--class is not one of his strong points, but when I think about that, I think about disrespecting other coaches, and REALLY running the score up. There's a difference between running up the score and having a coincidentally high scoring game. Here's an example to illustrate my point:

 It was like when you pick up a box that looks heavy, but is actually very light: you jerk upward and, much to your surprise, the box bolts off the ground and it actually catches you off guard. I think that's what happened today, and I don't blame the guy who thought the box was heavy--he was just trying to lift it properly, which means being cautious and treating every box like its potentially heavy/dangerous.

[nickagneta]

It's professional football. This isn't Pop Warner. If the Titans don't want to be embarrassed then they need to stop the Pats from scoring. Part of that is having a working offense that doesn't turn the ball over FIVE times.

The Pats on offense get paid to perform and so does the Titans defense. One showed up to play and the other didn't. If the Titans don't want to be embarrassed then they need to not play embarrassingly bad. It really is that simple.

Why is it that football is the only sport that this running it up stuff is brought up in. When the Hornets lost by 50 something points in the playoffs I didn't hear anything about scores being run up. I think in baseball I heard the run it up thing once and that was by Tampa when the Sox killed them once and even that was decried around the league.

I don't get it they are all pros. They get paid. There's no such thing as running up scores in that environment.

[Bahku]

Did anyone notice which Patriot got the taunting call? I hope Bill benches him for at least one game ... that was as classless as the decision to keep throwing the ball in the second half ... and playing Brady after the break was pretty foolish, too. This was such a great win, but those things left a bad taste in my mouth. Too bad.

I agree the taunter should be benched,  but its pretty standard MO to keep the starting QB in for the first drive during a blowout. I have no problem with that. And as far as still throwing during the 2nd half-its not our job to stop ourselves. We put in an undrafted rookie FA at QB and let him throw in the snow-its on the Titans to not suck so much.

The only things that left a bad taste in my mouth were the taunting and the fact that watching that game was like watching a polar bear club a baby seal-which was, again, not our fault, because when something is your PROFESSION you handle it PROFESSIONALLY. This applies to both teams: For the Pats, it was their obligation to take care of business and proceed forward in a mechanical fashion regardless of extenuating circumstances. For the Titans, it was their obligation to come in ready to play an NFL football game.

I LOVE the metaphor, lol! (TP) And I know what you're saying about the Titans having responsibility, but there is also a responsibility for our coach to show some class and good sense, and while I like Uncle Bill, he comes up a bit short on class from time-to-time.

You're definitely right--class is not one of his strong points, but when I think about that, I think about disrespecting other coaches, and REALLY running the score up. There's a difference between running up the score and having a coincidentally high scoring game. Here's an example to illustrate my point:

 It was like when you pick up a box that looks heavy, but is actually very light: you jerk upward and, much to your surprise, the box bolts off the ground and it actually catches you off guard. I think that's what happened today, and I don't blame the guy who thought the box was heavy--he was just trying to lift it properly, which means being cautious and treating every box like its potentially heavy/dangerous.

I was actually hoping they'd get to 60+ ... and do it with some running.

[nickagneta]

Did anyone notice which Patriot got the taunting call? I hope Bill benches him for at least one game ... that was as classless as the decision to keep throwing the ball in the second half ... and playing Brady after the break was pretty foolish, too. This was such a great win, but those things left a bad taste in my mouth. Too bad.

I agree the taunter should be benched,  but its pretty standard MO to keep the starting QB in for the first drive during a blowout. I have no problem with that. And as far as still throwing during the 2nd half-its not our job to stop ourselves. We put in an undrafted rookie FA at QB and let him throw in the snow-its on the Titans to not suck so much.

The only things that left a bad taste in my mouth were the taunting and the fact that watching that game was like watching a polar bear club a baby seal-which was, again, not our fault, because when something is your PROFESSION you handle it PROFESSIONALLY. This applies to both teams: For the Pats, it was their obligation to take care of business and proceed forward in a mechanical fashion regardless of extenuating circumstances. For the Titans, it was their obligation to come in ready to play an NFL football game.

I LOVE the metaphor, lol! (TP) And I know what you're saying about the Titans having responsibility, but there is also a responsibility for our coach to show some class and good sense, and while I like Uncle Bill, he comes up a bit short on class from time-to-time.

You're definitely right--class is not one of his strong points, but when I think about that, I think about disrespecting other coaches, and REALLY running the score up. There's a difference between running up the score and having a coincidentally high scoring game. Here's an example to illustrate my point:

 It was like when you pick up a box that looks heavy, but is actually very light: you jerk upward and, much to your surprise, the box bolts off the ground and it actually catches you off guard. I think that's what happened today, and I don't blame the guy who thought the box was heavy--he was just trying to lift it properly, which means being cautious and treating every box like its potentially heavy/dangerous.

I was actually hoping they'd get to 60+ ... and do it with some running.

It should have been 60+ but Belichick showed class by not challenging the forward motion call at the two yard line that was clearly, an embarrassingly bad non-call of a safety. Personally I think the ref called it wrong on purpose to save some face for the Titans knowing no coach in his right mind would challenge the call given the circumstances. If Belichick challenged I don't think there is any question that would have been called a safety.

[Bahku]

Did anyone notice which Patriot got the taunting call? I hope Bill benches him for at least one game ... that was as classless as the decision to keep throwing the ball in the second half ... and playing Brady after the break was pretty foolish, too. This was such a great win, but those things left a bad taste in my mouth. Too bad.

I agree the taunter should be benched,  but its pretty standard MO to keep the starting QB in for the first drive during a blowout. I have no problem with that. And as far as still throwing during the 2nd half-its not our job to stop ourselves. We put in an undrafted rookie FA at QB and let him throw in the snow-its on the Titans to not suck so much.

The only things that left a bad taste in my mouth were the taunting and the fact that watching that game was like watching a polar bear club a baby seal-which was, again, not our fault, because when something is your PROFESSION you handle it PROFESSIONALLY. This applies to both teams: For the Pats, it was their obligation to take care of business and proceed forward in a mechanical fashion regardless of extenuating circumstances. For the Titans, it was their obligation to come in ready to play an NFL football game.

I LOVE the metaphor, lol! (TP) And I know what you're saying about the Titans having responsibility, but there is also a responsibility for our coach to show some class and good sense, and while I like Uncle Bill, he comes up a bit short on class from time-to-time.

You're definitely right--class is not one of his strong points, but when I think about that, I think about disrespecting other coaches, and REALLY running the score up. There's a difference between running up the score and having a coincidentally high scoring game. Here's an example to illustrate my point:

 It was like when you pick up a box that looks heavy, but is actually very light: you jerk upward and, much to your surprise, the box bolts off the ground and it actually catches you off guard. I think that's what happened today, and I don't blame the guy who thought the box was heavy--he was just trying to lift it properly, which means being cautious and treating every box like its potentially heavy/dangerous.

I was actually hoping they'd get to 60+ ... and do it with some running.

It should have been 60+ but Belichick showed class by not challenging the forward motion call at the two yard line that was clearly, an embarrassingly bad non-call of a safety. Personally I think the ref called it wrong on purpose to save some face for the Titans knowing no coach in his right mind would challenge the call given the circumstances. If Belichick challenged I don't think there is any question that would have been called a safety.

Yeah ... absolutely, it was an obvious safety, no question ... and Bill would have challenged it under normal conditions.

[Truck Lewis]

It's professional football. This isn't Pop Warner. If the Titans don't want to be embarrassed then they need to stop the Pats from scoring. Part of that is having a working offense that doesn't turn the ball over FIVE times.

The Pats on offense get paid to perform and so does the Titans defense. One showed up to play and the other didn't. If the Titans don't want to be embarrassed then they need to not play embarrassingly bad. It really is that simple.

Why is it that football is the only sport that this running it up stuff is brought up in. When the Hornets lost by 50 something points in the playoffs I didn't hear anything about scores being run up. I think in baseball I heard the run it up thing once and that was by Tampa when the Sox killed them once and even that was decried around the league.

I don't get it they are all pros. They get paid. There's no such thing as running up scores in that environment.

amen....tp

[Rondo2287]

How bout the Helmet to Helmet roughing the passer at the begining of the third quarter.  Talk about classless. 

[Fan from VT]

In professional sports, i generally agree that there's no problem with "running up the score." Some reasons:

1) I hate the fact that everyone whines about running up the score, but loves a ridiculous 24-point 4th quarter blowout and loves criticizing the team that allowed it to happen. Can't have it both ways, and with a shaky D like the patriots have, scoring points is just improbable comeback protection.

2) If a team doesn't like getting blown out, they can forfeit. I would actually love to see some fourth quarter forfeits; i think it is often the smart choice in terms of avoiding wear and tear and injuries. But football is the most conservatively coached sport, so a statistically smart play like that, which is un traditional, has zero chance of occurring.

3) injuries. Injuries are incredibly more likely to occur when players are taking plays off and not trying their hardest. Thus your players should be trying 100% on every play, simply as injury prevention.

[the_Bird]

Had Belichick kept Brady out there for more than that first series in Q3 (gotta see how the Titans respond after halftime), or had they challenged that play that should have been a safety, it would have been distasteful.

As it stood, he put in the undrafted rookie QB into what was essentially a glorified practice.  You've got to let him run the offense, see what he can do, let him get some experience, build up some confidence.  No problem with letting the kid throw a couple passes. 

[Schupac]

You know what would have been classless?  Not trying.  Because that's what the Titans did, and they got hammered.  The Patriots did try.  Sorry if they were so much better.

You ever play a game against someone where they obviously "pull punches" with you?  I find it infuriating.  Don't insult me.  Kick my butt, beat me black and blue but don't you insult me by taking it easy.  I entered the game with you because I wanted to compete.  You take it easy in scrimmages, not in games.



OSU and Michigan football have a huge rivalry (as bad or worse than Celtics Lakers) with tons of history.  One of OSU's all time famous coaches, Woody Hayes was coaching OSU to a blowout 36 point victory over Michigan when he went for a 2 point conversion after a touch down.  When asked why he went for 2, Woody replied "Because I couldn't go for 3."

In context, that's one of my favorite quotes.

Y'know what?  I might have to change my signature right now.