Postgame Comment: New England 24, Colts 20

by tommasse on Nov 4, 2007 7:27 PM EST in News

Another RCA Dome Embarrassment
Patriots Beat Refs, Preserve Perfect Season

Cheaters never win. Winners never cheat.

Let that be a lesson to the Indianapolis Colts and the officials they've bought.

Against insurmountable odds of dozens of horrendous calls and non-calls, the New England Patriots proved Justice can reign supreme -- even if the good guys have to do all the work themselves.

Offensive pass interference on Randy Moss?

Ultimately, it didn't matter.

I'd say the officials missed a great game, but they didn't. This was pure, unadulterated embarrassment for the league.

I've never been so disgusted, and that includes January's AFC Championship. The officiating in this game was worse than any game I've seen Jeff Tripplette work, far worse than when Seattle got robbed in the Super Bowl against Pittsburgh.

Penalties:
Patriots: 10 for 146 yards
Colts: 4 for 25 yards

But it didn't matter. The best team in the league proved beyond the shadow of a doubt why they are the best. They showed what real character is. What it really means to be champions.

We have 2 weeks to talk about this game and the intact potential perfect season.

For now, enjoy the one. The Patriots have beaten the Evil Empire -- again. In their house. Against all odds.

Poll

Who was the Week 9 Loser of the Game at Indianapolis?

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Comments

Pats made Charlie Johnson their...

(word I can't say here)

With Ugoh that's a different game. Pressure from the left side all game.

by Shady Brady on Nov 4, 2007 7:47 PM EST 0 recs

O-lines

Neither O-line distinguished themselves particularly well. Matt Light might as well have given Dwight Freeney directions to the pocket. This game did show that both teams do have weaknesses, but ultimately they are both very good.

by 6thround on Nov 4, 2007 7:50 PM EST 0 recs

Well said

Tommasse, well said. I have never seen a more lopsidedly officiated game. Those referees were intentionally trying to lose the game for New England and they ALMOST succeeded. New England vs. Indianapolis + the Refs, and New England still wins because they ARE the greatest team of all times. Tom Brady is ice and Randy Moss is money. i cannot get all of the emotions and thoughts I just went through during that game. It was the most revolting display of favoritism in the world, but we won. Now, they have to come and play in our house in January. Welcome back to your own personal Hell, Peyton Manning. We call it New England winter. That being said, Peyton is still a great quarterback and doesn't bear any blame for what the refs/NFL decide to do.

ShadyBrady, I'm going to have to go ahead and disagree with you there. If the refs weren't 100% on the Colts side, it would have been a lot less close. They maintained a lot of the Colts' drives and allowed scoring opportunities. The refs were like additional members of your team today and kept NE's offense off the field and out of rhythm. Next time the team's meet it will likely be in New England. Look for the Colts to lose by a more decisive margin and for the rout to start a lot earlier in the game.

Now, Pats fans, ya know what else happened today? Tom Brady extended his 3+ TD passes per game to start a season. Who else is going nuts right now?!?!?

by PaulRevere on Nov 4, 2007 7:57 PM EST 0 recs

Gritty game

The zebras very poor. Good job to the Pats for rising above it.

I can't wait for the next game. Hopefully the refs will be impartial and the Colts will be a little healthier so that we may see a real game next time.

by Elementalxposure on Nov 4, 2007 8:11 PM EST 0 recs

typo

Correction: The zebras were very poor.

by Elementalxposure on Nov 4, 2007 8:12 PM EST up 0 recs

Summary

The Colts got some calls, for sure. The 1st PI was questionable, leaning to BS. The second was ridiculous and so was the one on Moss. The one on Faulk could've been PI but no way he gets the first down there if he catches it, better to not change the game with a first down. Really all I saw going for the Pats was a holding call that backed the Colts up late that I didn't see any holding.

"Jennings is very talented but short and raw, so I don't want him near Moss." -me
I don't question Dungy often but why would you put a 5'8" DB on RANDY MOSS for nearly the whole game.

Close game, obviously I'm disappointed but, with Marvin, Ugoh, Hagler, Keiaho and Gonzalez (missed the 2nd half) back heathy as well as more Jennings continuing to learn/improve, I think the Colts could take the Pats in the playoffs.

by Shady Brady on Nov 4, 2007 8:19 PM EST 0 recs

Ya think so...

First and foremost I see the Pats scheming to stop Addai, he won't run around the field like he did Sunday.

Second, I doubt you'll see the Keystone Cops tackling clinic (end of first half) on display aagain in Jan. (gift 7 pts for Indy).

Third, we have to assume that the officiating will not be as one-sided as it was at RCA (really, an embarassment to the league).

Fourth, no crowd noise & no McDaniels to Brady communication issues which will allow the Pats offense to run a hell of a lot smoother.

Fifth, the comfort level between Brady and these first year receivers will be even better than it is now... yikes!

Sixth, the Pats will be able to use their very effective two tight-end sets with Brady & Watson healthy, we'll contain the Indy pass rush much better out of these formations.

Finally, bring on all the Colts talent that was missing from the 11/4 game, the problem here is (with both clubs) injuries are a part of the game, who's to say that Indy won't have even more men missing by Jan. 20th. Ya gotta win with the talent on the field that day... just ask N.E.

The Colts had to have the game on Sunday if they hoped to get back to the Superbowl in '08. They lost and so they'll not repeat.

by TruePatsFan on Nov 6, 2007 1:48 PM EST up 0 recs

I agree with the Jennings comment

He's giving up half a foot to perhaps the most talented receiver in the league.

I'm a big believer that some coaches, while they don't believe in "sacrificing" a regular-season game, do like to keep a few tricks up their sleeves for future engagements. Dungy's decision to put Jennings on Moss just seems too bizarre to think he believed it was the best option. I'm not sure what other options he had, but I doubt you'll see the same matchup in January if the rematch occurs.

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by tommasse on Nov 6, 2007 2:04 PM EST up 0 recs

after thinking about it...

I wonder if anyone bet the 'under'?

by circusboy on Nov 4, 2007 8:32 PM EST 0 recs

not many

That's why sports betting exists. They are smarter than the average fan and can split the bets when they aren't.

by Shady Brady on Nov 4, 2007 8:35 PM EST up 0 recs

good game

congratulations. i know some of the calls were shaky but tomassee spare us the "colts paid the refs" crap.

you won, we'll see you in january.

by torontocoltsfan on Nov 4, 2007 8:41 PM EST 0 recs

true

True that the referees were one-sided, but I think his "paid the refs" thing was just rhetoric. The Colts are not responsible for the NFL being a bunch of <expletive deleteds>.

by PaulRevere on Nov 4, 2007 8:53 PM EST 0 recs

Great game

The Colts defense showed up, but who knew their offense wouldn't? Savor this one. I have a feeling we'll be seeing you guys again - probably in Foxboro.

by SteveW on Nov 4, 2007 9:21 PM EST 0 recs

John K

You are a Colts fan in a poor disguise.

by PaulRevere on Nov 4, 2007 10:02 PM EST 0 recs

That wasn't allowed on the Colts site

so please don't do it here.

by Shady Brady on Nov 5, 2007 7:52 AM EST up 0 recs

what wasn't allowed?

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by tommasse on Nov 5, 2007 9:08 AM EST up 0 recs

the concern troll BS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concern_troll#Varieties_of_troll

by Shady Brady on Nov 5, 2007 9:40 AM EST up 0 recs

Just to be clear:

Are you saying that "concern trolling" was not allowed on the Colts' site?

Or are you saying that baseless accusations of concern trolling were not allowed on the Colts' site? (Not that I have any idea about whether these accusations are baseless.)

Patriots and more at Borrowed Suits

by JohnHannahRules on Nov 5, 2007 11:54 AM EST up 0 recs

sorry

should have put it as a reply to the troll. A Bucs fan was doing that and generally being an idiot. He was called out as a Bucs fan and invited to post as a Bucs fans, but continued and got banned until after the game.

by Shady Brady on Nov 5, 2007 12:26 PM EST up 0 recs

There are at least 3 or 4 here

Hard to keep up with them all. They keep creating accounts. But they'll say there's nothing wrong with it because "it's satire."

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by tommasse on Nov 5, 2007 2:46 PM EST up 0 recs

good call...

"i just hope they are still riddled with injuries". LMAO
Classic-how high is that on bill simmons' unintentional comedy scale? That was such a poor disguise, that guy gives concern trolls a bad name

by mento on Nov 5, 2007 2:40 PM EST up 0 recs

This referee work was by far the

worst I have ever seen. The pass interference calls were so incorrect it is beyond ridiculous. Some of these refs should lose their jobs. Amazingly all the calls went against the Patriots. Even Simms and Nantz said the calls are wrong. That should tell you how obvious it was.

by scsatr on Nov 4, 2007 10:27 PM EST 0 recs

Clarification: Seymour deflected Vinatieri FG miss

The play-by-play in the official gamebook does credit Seymour with tipping Vinatieri's field goal attempt:

4-19-NE 32 (8:32) A.Vinatieri 50 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-J.Snow, Holder-H.Smith. NE - Seymour (93) deflected kick.

But the defensive stats show zeros under special teams blocks. Not sure if there's a typo in there, if Seymour gets unofficial credit for deflecting but not for a "block." I'll try to get some additional clarification.

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by tommasse on Nov 4, 2007 10:54 PM EST 0 recs

I saw that

The ball definitely moved/spun like it was tipped, but I couldn't really tell if someone tipped it from the replay.

by Shady Brady on Nov 5, 2007 7:51 AM EST up 0 recs

I'm glad you brought that up--

--the "mugging," that is. That was perfectly legal under the rule regime in place at the time. That's why there was no problem with it. Unless your name is Bill Polian. If your name was Bill Polian, and you saw your team get beat by someone following the rules, well, you'd just have to go and get those rules changes, wouldn't you?

The refs can stand some berating. There weren't just a couple of calls here or there yesterday. There were huge, clearly wrong and game changing calls made repeatedly yesterday. At least five I can rattle off from the top of my head without even looking at the tape.

I'm glad we won, etc. But it sure looked like the fix was in. I'm especially glad we won so that I can say the game was poorly called and not be shamed for whining. I'm not whining. I'm telling you what I saw, and what I saw was an officiating crew that needs to be investigated for competence.

Patriots and more at Borrowed Suits

by JohnHannahRules on Nov 5, 2007 9:37 AM EST 0 recs

Ok...

The rules were never changed, we just reminded the NFL that they could actually enforce the rules that were on the book. I don't know why everyone says that we had the rules changed. We just forced the NFL to play by their own rules.

That being said, the officiating didn't play into this game, injuries did. Yesterday, the Patriots outplayed the Colts. Congratulations, I hope you go undefeated. That will make the rematch in January all that much better.

Stay healthy, and see you soon.

by ppr314 on Nov 5, 2007 10:01 AM EST up 0 recs

You're way late to the party

We've proven, time and time again, with Bill Polian's own words, that the league "changed the way" rules were called specifically to benefit the Colts.

And even Colts fans commenting in blogs on this network noted how obviously bogus several calls were.

And in case you have no access to real information anywhere, the Patriots had injuries too.

And the Patriots going undefeated will make winning in January all that much better.

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by tommasse on Nov 5, 2007 10:49 AM EST up 0 recs

Ok.

Where did you prove it? What do you mean... "changed the way the rules were called." They actually had to call them, instead of ignoring them??? Show me the old rule versus the new rule Mr. Proof. I'd like to see specifically what was changed.

I was at the game, and I haven't watched the recording yet. I don't know if the calls were or weren't bogus because I haven't watched the tape. Read my post. I said they didn't affect the outcome of the game. The Pats won.

I didn't say the Pats weren't injured either. I said injuries were a factor. Your team beat our team. We were missing key starters, and apparently you were as well (although I can't think of any) And no, when I'm at the game I don't have access to real information except what I see on the field, and thats all that matters. Bogus or not bogus calls, missing personnel, none of that matters. We didn't get the job done.

Perhaps if you could have read my post without spouting off at the mouth, you would have understood what I was saying.

by ppr314 on Nov 5, 2007 2:06 PM EST up 0 recs

I've posted links to Polian's comments ..

.. and there have been multiple discussions here, even recently. Click that little "Search" link.

If you don't have access to real information, you don't really know what you're talking about then, do you?

I read your post. You said, "the officiating didn't play into this game," which it clearly did. You did not say that it did not affect the outcome.

You also said that injuries did play into the game, and you were ignorant to the fact that the other team had injuries. Your clear implication (excuse) is that the Colts lost because of injuries to their players. If that's not what you meant, then what does "injuries did [play into this game]"?

So you see, I did read you post. And insulting me probably wasn't the smartest thing you did here.

Thanks for playing.

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by tommasse on Nov 5, 2007 2:39 PM EST up 0 recs

It's semantics

The rules weren't enforced as they were written, Polian led the movement to get them enforced in the way they are written (which was better for the Colts and any team with elite WRs), so the way the rule was called changed because of Polian's efforts.

by Shady Brady on Nov 5, 2007 5:13 PM EST up 0 recs

SEE TOMMASSE, IT'S HARD NOT TO CUS...LOL

by SPOT on Nov 5, 2007 5:49 PM EST up 0 recs

The officiating crew

should also be investigated with the local bookies, their houses should be searched for Colts fan paraphernalia and they should be investigated for bribery.

by PaulRevere on Nov 5, 2007 1:49 PM EST up 0 recs

Unbelievable

After winning you are all still whining about officiating that might have had 1 or 2 questionable calls. Also, the colts arent the evil empire. Unless the whole state of massachusetts has homer blinders on, everyone hates the pats. FINALLY, Moss got called for the push offs that he has been famous for this year, be satisfied with a win

by biosBSOD on Nov 5, 2007 10:05 AM EST 0 recs

snivler

You got beat with homefield advantage, officiating advantage, pumped up crowd noise( cheating), and you come here sniveling, go watch another PAY A TON commercial.

by SPOT on Nov 5, 2007 10:08 AM EST up 0 recs

Even Colts fans

on blogs on this network, pointed out more than 1 or 2 calls. It was at least a half-dozen, and they led to most of the Colts points, and took Patriots points off the board.

It's not whining if it's the truth.

Now, about that audio pumped into the stadium ..

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by tommasse on Nov 5, 2007 10:51 AM EST up 0 recs

And the simulated snap count

Don't forget that particular bit of cheating by the Colts.

by RSNexile on Nov 5, 2007 2:59 PM EST up 0 recs

NEWSFLASH !!!!!!!

INDY fires sound system guy,lol

by SPOT on Nov 5, 2007 10:06 AM EST 0 recs

Pats made plays and Colts didn't

It's that simple. I was at the game and it was clear that New England made the plays when it counted. But please don't give me that the sound was pumped in, that heat was turned all the way, that water was from a hose not bottled, or anything else. The teams on the field decided the game. Injuries happen - even if Marvin played he wouldn't be covering Moss or Welker.

People want to complain about Refs that's fine it's their opinion much like the Refs in the AFC championship game in '03. And you can blame the Patriots for making it snow and sabotaging the field and all that other garbage. I attend those games as well and the better team one that game as well.

Maybe these two teams will meet again but it's only half way over and this was only a regular season game - it's the one's in January that count just see the hardware that Pats have on their hands.

by xwingstyle on Nov 5, 2007 10:46 AM EST 0 recs

Why shouldn't we say sound was pumped in?

"... blame the Patriots for making it snow"?

This is exactly the kind of rationality you get from many Colts fans. You're a joke.

Ninety percent of what you've written is false. Facts are fact, and Colts fans never have them.

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by tommasse on Nov 5, 2007 10:57 AM EST up 0 recs

I believe

he was making a joke in regards to saying "the patriots made it snow." Of course since I am a Colts fan, I never have any facts to back anything up so who knows. Anyway, nice win for you guys...hopefully see you in January.

by johnnyU on Nov 5, 2007 11:39 AM EST 0 recs

Injuries

Wow, it's like the Patriots have never had any injuries when facing the Colts...

by PPP on Nov 5, 2007 12:28 PM EST 0 recs

come on tommasse

seriously i would expect more from the lead blogger/writer of a SB Nation blog.

commiting 3 personal foul penalties doesn't help with the penalty stats.

and you cannot bring up cheating when your team was caught cheating. are you stupid or just plain dumb? i've talked to people who went to the game and they didn't notice any skipping. it could of been cbs broadcast because it's happened before during a pre-game show. don't go running your mouth before you know the facts.

by waynewaynewaynejr on Nov 5, 2007 1:35 PM EST 0 recs

Look in the mirror

Why can't we say something about another team cheating? That's the most ridiculous thing any Colts fans has written here. If one is cheating, one is cheating, and one deserves to be punished. Period.

"Skipping"? I didn't notice any skipping either. I don't even know what you're talking about. Did I say something about skipping?

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by tommasse on Nov 5, 2007 2:05 PM EST up 0 recs

Rules of debate

If you want to debate, please refrain from calling anyone stupid. But, I suspect you don't want to debate, you just want to feel better about your team losing.

by 6thround on Nov 5, 2007 2:29 PM EST up 0 recs

Do you realize how ironic and deranged...

your first sentence sounds considering the guy who runs the colts' sbnation blog is an absolute psychopath whose goal seems to be to demean and personally attck anyone who doesn't agree with him. The amount of bile and vitriol that he posts is unmatched by far anywhere on sbnation.

by mento on Nov 5, 2007 2:33 PM EST up 0 recs

Seems to be a lot of anger

from the fans of the team that won. I would be curious to see how it would be had the Pats lost...holy heck, the city of Boston would have exploded into full scale riots.

by johnnyU on Nov 5, 2007 2:39 PM EST 0 recs

Keep kicking a dog, it bites back

I guess you don't understand it either. Come Colts fans come here, make excuses, hurl insults, and then wonder why New Englanders with spines stand up for themselves.

The officiating was awful -- fans of other teams (not Colts fans) who hate the Patriots commented during the open thread that the officiating was some of the worst they'd ever seen. Why shouldn't we complain about it?

And why should we accept getting insulted by interlopers?

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by tommasse on Nov 5, 2007 2:43 PM EST up 0 recs

excuses like...

wahwahwahhhhh...players with the flu...wahhhhwahwah...bug-eyed Reche Caldwell...wahwahhhhwah....second-rate linebackers covering a slot tight end..wahwahwahhh

by Shady Brady on Nov 5, 2007 4:59 PM EST up 0 recs

Gonna defend yourself on that one

or just keep trying to hide you being proven a hypocrite.

by Shady Brady on Nov 6, 2007 1:17 PM EST up 0 recs

we're not the ones...

posting Nazi references about opponents. ANd not just a sentence ot two but an an entire allegorial display complete with images and extended metaphors.

by mento on Nov 5, 2007 2:45 PM EST up 0 recs

NOOOOOOOOO

Not the extended metaphors!

The BASTARDS!

by Zumone on Nov 5, 2007 5:53 PM EST up 0 recs

It may have escaped your attention...

...that there's an offensive, insulting context to the extended metaphor in question, one frequently used to belittle genocidal crimes. Some of us take that seriously and think such asinine metaphors have no place in football.

But hey, if you think it's appropriate to compare everyone you don't like to Nazis, you have every right to be a lousy excuse for a human being.

by RSNexile on Nov 5, 2007 5:57 PM EST up 0 recs

You're right

I was just honestly amused by the choice of phrase. Sorry to offend. Peace.

by Zumone on Nov 5, 2007 6:14 PM EST up 0 recs

I have not insulted anyone

that I know of. It seems that you are not enjoying your victory which was the basis of my post. I enjoy the good back and forth but the Pats have just as many uninformed individuals as the Colts or any other team. Basically, I thought we had you beat and you came back and snatched that victory away. Congratulations and hope to see you in January.

by johnnyU on Nov 5, 2007 2:49 PM EST 0 recs

No, you have not

But others have. You observed a lot of animosity. I explained it.

Thanks for the well-wishes. I think everyone (well, except the other potential opponents) wants to see an AFC Championship rematch. I don't think anything else would suffice.

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by tommasse on Nov 5, 2007 3:01 PM EST up 0 recs

We

finally agree on something ;)

by johnnyU on Nov 5, 2007 3:04 PM EST 0 recs

See? It's not so hard to find common ground! :)

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by tommasse on Nov 5, 2007 3:21 PM EST up 0 recs

I think the point is

not the average run of the mill penaltys for 5 or 10 yards that matter but the ones for huge yardage that change overall field position. If the refs are going to give a team 40 or 50 yards on a penalty, you would think it would be for a substantial and clear infraction. Maybe only a couple of calls were bad, but they were potentially game changing calls.

by mikemerc on Nov 6, 2007 2:30 AM EST 0 recs