Before I tell this story, you must learn something. The ‘experts’ who have become commentators on the sports channels do not actually watch most of the games. They rely on assistants to give them a synopsis of each NFL contest. So when you hear superlatives about an individual player or a team you must be aware that they are a subjective report by a subordinate.

The victory for the New England Patriots in Super Bowl Forty Nine was a combination of a bad call by Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, and a poor throw by quarterback Russell Wilson. The Patriots were not the best team, but fate gave them a victory.

The 2015 season has given the Patriots praise beyond their true ability. They have faced inadequate coaching. They are a two dimensional offense which no one apparently sees. First of all, history proves that Tom Brady cannot be effective if he is rushed. It is not necessary to ‘sack’ him every time, but he does not perform well when he is physically challenged. The second obscurity for NFL coaches is that his entire offense is based on two players; Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski.

I do not agree with the ‘experts.’ Brady is a very good quarterback, but if he played for anyone else that Bill Belichick his success would be far from spectacular. He has no mobility, and whines when he is hit by defensive players. In addition, those of us who actually watch the games have witnessed special treatment from the officials. This is because of the financially unique relationship between Commissioner Roger Goodell and Robert Kraft, the owner of the Patriots.

I have referred to Brady as ‘Saint Tom’ for his unique treatment by the officials for over a decade. In 2015 he is the beneficiary of a group of extremely poor coaching staffs. If he faced teams coached by those who actually knew the game of football and analyzed the needs of offense and defense, he would be no more than a quarterback with a record of three and two.

It may not happen until the playoffs, but the Patriots will fail. They will be forever remembered as the only team to achieve an 18-0 record and lose the Super Bowl.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of stallio