We’ve seen the Patriots enough over the years to know that they’re plenty motivated. And in 2007, with the NFL’s first 16-0 regular season already in the books, we know the Patriots don’t need any extra motivation. But the Jacksonville Jaguars appear more than willing to give it to them. On the Jags’ official website, the weekly power rankings include an asterisk next to the Patriots name, with an explanation below: “Cheated in one game.” Uh oh.
While I think the term “bulletin board material” is a bit played out, it’s never a good idea to give a team like New England even more motivation to kick some ass. We all remember what became of Steelers safety Anthony Smith after he guaranteed a victory: Smith was burnt all day and was the subject of taunts by everyone including Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. So here’s an idea, Vic. If you like your employee, take that damn asterisk off your article.
Let’s combine these power rankings with Paul Spicer’s rant about how the Patriots should be kicked out of the playoffs . What’s this all add up to? An angry Patriots team. Trust me, no team will need motivation during the NFL Playoffs. But at the same time, nobody prides themselves more on shutting people up than the Pats. Do we really need to keep tugging on Superman’s cape?
Update: It appears the Jaguars have removed the asterisk. Too bad we know the real truth.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
bingo
Cheaters. At least the dolphins can say they didn’t cheat to win 1 horrible game.
and they still won 16 games, vs. the Dolphins 14!
The dolphins did cheat, In hiring Don Shula actually. This move was probably more beneficial to the team than the tape in Game 1. The Dolphins also lost (gasp!) a first round pick in the ordeal.
The chip on the Patriots’ collective shoulder is already big enough. I don’t think adding this to the load really makes any difference one way or another, to be honest.
Having said that… go Jaguars!
I’d expect a few pats fans/writers to go off their block trying to find anything (and it sure seems like anything) to gain an extra bit of confidence going into Saturday’s game. With this and ESPN’s Mosley identifying a power ranking as additional motivational material for an undefeated team, it sure looks like it’s not the Pats that need more confidence, it’s their fans and Pats beatwriters. Any fool should do a little research first and realize that Vic Ketchman finds his own power rankings ridiculous and uses any angle he can get to spew out witty, sarcastic remarks. You seriously call this and ESPN’s drudging up interview of Paul Spicer’s spygate comments tugging at superman’s cape? Get over yourself.
He can get over himself but the fact Ketchman changed the page, removing the asterisk, says a lot.
This was never on the site to begine; nice Photoshop.
Yes, actually, it was on the site.