Patriots accused of taping Rams before the 2002 Super Bowl

[Defensewins]

This thing is getting silly. So they taped them running a slant. Then a stop and go. Then a running play. You do not think they already have all the game film of them running these exact plays but in game conditions. NFL teams do not reinvent the wheel each time they take the field. Before a game you know every play each team runs and you even prepare for the plays they do not run.
The Woodward and Bernstein's need to take a deep breath. This does not raise to the level of taking away a SB crown away. I think this has more to do with the hate for the Patriots by certain fans and press. They can not stand seeing another team do well.

[70Chip]

Originally Posted by Defensewins

This thing is getting silly. So they taped them running a slant. Then a stop and go. Then a running play. You do not think they already have all the game film of them running these exact plays but in game conditions. NFL teams do not reinvent the wheel each time they take the field. Before a game you know every play each team runs and you even prepare for the plays they do not run.
The Woodward and Bernstein's need to take a deep breath. This does not raise to the level of taking away a SB crown away. I think this has more to do with the hate for the Patriots by certain fans and press. They can not stand seeing another team do well.

I think your wrong. If the tape was of no value, then why bother to go the trouble of acquiring it. It's like someone breaks into a house, steals a load of stuff and then says, "But this stuff isn't even worth that much!" Knowing what plays a team runs in a walkthrough and the order they run them in would be a huge advantage for someone calling a defense.

[Defensewins]

Originally Posted by 70Chip

I think your wrong. If the tape was of no value, then why bother to go the trouble of acquiring it. It's like someone breaks into a house, steals a load of stuff and then says, "But this stuff isn't even worth that much!" Knowing what plays a team runs in a walkthrough and the order they run them in would be a huge advantage for someone calling a defense.

The Fox article states, "It was not known whether the cameraman was told by the Patriots to film the practice or what he did with the tape, the Herald said."
So the Herald that made these allegations with unidentified sources and a lot of rumors goes even further and says 'it is not known what he did with the tape."
When you or any credible source has actual facts then punishment should be considered, until then it is premature.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by Defensewins

The Fox article states, "It was not known whether the cameraman was told by the Patriots to film the practice or what he did with the tape, the Herald said."
So the Herald that made these allegations with unidentified sources and a lot of rumors goes even further and says 'it is not known what he did with the tape."
When you or any credible source has actual facts then punishment should be considered, until then it is premature.

You stood up and defended the Pats and essentially said that, even if true, this is much to do about nothing. So, I'm not sure why we can't speculate about what should happen if the allegations prove true.

[70Chip]

Originally Posted by Defensewins

The Fox article states, "It was not known whether the cameraman was told by the Patriots to film the practice or what he did with the tape, the Herald said."
So the Herald that made these allegations with unidentified sources and a lot of rumors goes even further and says 'it is not known what he did with the tape."
When you or any credible source has actual facts then punishment should be considered, until then it is premature.

Before you were saying it was okay for them to look at the tape because it was of little value. Your new position is that they never looked at the tape at all. I would suggest that if the tape was made, then Belichik almost certainly watched it personally, made notes, and adjusted his gameplan accordingly.

[Defensewins]

Originally Posted by 70Chip

Before you were saying it was okay for them to look at the tape because it was of little value. Your new position is that they never looked at the tape at all. I would suggest that if the tape was made, then Belichik almost certainly watched it personally, made notes, and adjusted his gameplan accordingly.

It is not a new position.
They are two totally different subjects:

1) Did they get an advantage by watching practice tape?
2) Did this tape really exist and what was done with it after it was recorded? Can it be proved?

If you need more explanation let me know.
I never said they did or did not watch the tape. I was referring to what can be proved and how this so called revealing article is nothing but scuttlebutt. .

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by Defensewins

This thing is getting silly. So they taped them running a slant. Then a stop and go. Then a running play. You do not think they already have all the game film of them running these exact plays but in game conditions. NFL teams do not reinvent the wheel each time they take the field. Before a game you know every play each team runs and you even prepare for the plays they do not run.
The Woodward and Bernstein's need to take a deep breath. This does not raise to the level of taking away a SB crown away. I think this has more to do with the hate for the Patriots by certain fans and press. They can not stand seeing another team do well.

I know you're schtick is to defend Belichick and the Pats, but this kind of espionage (if it took place) definitely deserves condemnation and harsh sanctions. Filming a team's walkthroughs (i.e., the plays they will run the next day) gives a great competitive advantage. As someone else noted, why in the hell would Belichick risk getting hit with severe sanctions if it gave him no advantage? Either you think Belichick is a dumbass and risked a great deal for nothing, or you're not being totally honest with yourself.

Also, the notion that fans can't stand seeing another team doing well is unfounded. I had no problem with the Colts marching towards a perfect season and I wanted them to do it. Why? I have respect for Manning and Dungy. I and so many others have a serious problem with the Pats winning. Why? Maybe that's something you need to think about.