The Patriots destroyed the Redskins 52-7 today, and as you might expect with a final score like that, there are some folks saying the Patriots ran up the score.
One of those folks is Redskins linebacker Randall Godfrey. According to Tom Curran of NBC Sports, Godfrey expressed extreme displeasure to Patriots coach Bill Belichick after the game.
In my view, the reason Belichick should have called off the dogs earlier has less to do with sportsmanship than with long-term strategy. Is it really worth risking an injury to key players to keep them on the field when leading by more than 30 points? I shudder to think of the outcry if Tom Brady tears an Achilles dropping back to pass with the Patriots up big late in a game, but that's always a possibility."I said something to (Belichick) after the game," Godfrey said to NBCSports.com. "I told him, 'You need to show some respect for the game.' You just don't do that. I don't care how bad it is. You're up 35 points and you're still throwing deep? That's no respect....
"You look at all the great head coaches ... I'm just disappointed," he said. "You gotta show some class, show some respect. Joe Gibbs? We wouldn't have done that. Bill Walsh? You wouldn't see those types of guys doing that stuff. I've never seen nothing like that. Most teams, you get up like that you sit on the ball and try to run the time out. They're up 30-some points and they're throwing deep. That was blatant disrespect. I hope we can see them again, definitely. You don't see Joe Gibbs doing that. You can't even imagine that kind of stuff coming from him. Joe Gibbs. Bill Walsh. Bill Parcells. This isn't like college going for power rankings. This is the pros you show some respect, show some class."
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 81)
1. Cassel, Eckel, and Guitierrez all saw action late in the game. The defense also put in backups. And as far as throwing the ball, your primary goal is to run out the clock. If by some strange stroke of fate, your 4th string running back is unable to gain a first down, then you throw the ball to get the first down and keep the chains moving, keep the clock running. If the Skins defense, which was supposed to be the best one New England faced all season, couldn't stop our lowest backups, then what? Are we supposed to just turn the ball over so they don't feel bad?
Posted at 11:11PM on Oct 28th 2007 by OD
2. RANDALL GODFREY go cry someplace else. Its football not ping pong. Sour grapes!!!!
Posted at 11:13PM on Oct 28th 2007 by George
3. As a fan I appreciate the Pats not "sitting on the ball and trying to run the time out". Who the hell (other than the friends and family of Redskins players) wants to watch that? There were up by 35 with almost half the game left.
I hate when I hear players whine like this at the professional level. In my opinion it shows more disrespect to the opposition if you decide to start going easy on them.
Is it really less embarrassing to have the other team stop trying to make big plays out of pity than it is to be blown out?
- CR
Posted at 11:17PM on Oct 28th 2007 by Colonial
4. RANDALL GODFREY, forget the Pats showing class, if you are unhappy that the Pats are running up the score, why don't you try and stop them ...
whining about class & respect is only for losers ..
and btw, i don't understand the usage of the term "respect" here .. you are down 38-0, what respect should i have for you .. when you are down 45-0, it means you got the stuffing & respect beaten out of you ...
as far as class goes, Bellichick has long abondoned that (when he decided that he was going to make the 31 other teams pay hell as price for spy-gate!)
Posted at 11:39PM on Oct 28th 2007 by Kalyan
5. Beating the Redskins is classless! Fire Bill Belichick!
I am here to express extreme displeasure with the way the Redskins defense (and offense and special teams and water support staff) played today, including Mr. Godfrey.
Posted at 11:58PM on Oct 28th 2007 by Skin Patrol
6. I can't wait until someone sees Tom Brady is in too late in the game and decides to go in low and late on every play. We will see how long Brady stays in at that point.
It shows equal class on both sidelines.
Posted at 12:01AM on Oct 29th 2007 by Tdhedrick
7. I agree and disagree with the comments that were made here. If you want some respect, then earn it. Play hard defense like you have been all season, and make some stops. Considering the Redskins didn't do this, this comment is out of place. However, even if I'm not a Patriots fan, I do feel like they did run up the score. Look at the Indianpolis Colts, they were up 31-7 in the fourth quarter. They took Peyton Manning out of the game and put in Jim Sorgi. They ran the ball for the rest of their time of posession and punted it back to the Panthers with less than 3 minutes left. I know the Patriots switched quarterbacks, but still, run the ball. What are you trying to prove? You've already put up 40+ points, who are you trying to impress honestly?
Posted at 12:03AM on Oct 29th 2007 by skepticslie
8. Randall Godfrey would you please shut the hell up? Don't get mad get even next your team plays the Patriots return the favor. You atheles get lots of money to entertain us nickel and dime suckers not listen to your crying over spilled milk.
Posted at 12:03AM on Oct 29th 2007 by George B Vieto
9. Kalyan said: "whining about class & respect is only for losers .."
I agree completely.
"I think we've been probably disrespected more than any team in the league this year," Brady told reporters this week. "I think we've been given up on by a lot of media people, a lot of fans -- our own fans -- other people around the league. And if there's one team that feels like they're disrespected, it's us." -- Tom Brady, January 2006.
"I think it's just a statement of fact," Belichick said Wednesday, when asked about Brady's sentiments. "I agree with it. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. Nobody is holding any grudges on it. But I think that opinion has been expressed far and wide." -- Bill Belichick.
"The league doesn't want us to threepeat," says safety Rodney Harrison. -- September 2005
"[The league] wants parity," adds linebacker Mike Vrabel, with a snicker. "We got the memo on that one. I think Paul Tagliabue delivered it himself." -- September 2005.
"I might have overdone it when I first got there. I was just trying to make a statement. I wanted them to respect me." -- Rodney Harrison, February 2005.
"I didn't really take what Freddie Mitchell said personally," Harrison said. "But I was very disappointed in the lack of respect he showed our other guys. They help me out every single day. Without them, I can't be Rodney Harrison." -- still Rodney Harrison, February 2005.
Posted at 12:33AM on Oct 29th 2007 by Matt
10. I think the part that I found rather bothersome is being up 38-0 in the fourth quarter ... and going for it on 4th down on the Redskins 7-yd line. Kick the damn field goal, Bill.
Posted at 12:45AM on Oct 29th 2007 by Sportz Assassin
11. I'm starting to think we should just cancel all the games so that no one else's feelings get hurt. After all, football players have feelings too!
Seriously, though, I felt bad for the Redskins...
Posted at 1:12AM on Oct 29th 2007 by Dom
12. As a 47 year Pats fan it's clear Belichick and the Pats are making a ruthless statement to the NFL, and I understand it based on what's transpired earlier this year.
Belichick's passion is coaching. There's nothing besides his family he cares more about. Being the best coach ever is his unstated goal. His quest is for perfection, although never achieved.
When videotape gate surfaced from Mangini several coaches, players, analysts, bloggers, and other coaches stated he "stained the game" and his past accomplishments now "tainted" or "questioned." Hate to say it, but the NFL is going to pay for this indignity. Only coach coming to his defense at all was Billick calling out Mangini in their game for "cheating."
Dungy and Tomlin in particular were outspoken in criticism. I have to state I honestly understand why and that Belichick is pissed and is quietly getting even his way--by beating the pulp out of teams. Gibbs took off today after the game--Belichick couldn't find him at mid field. It's like he's burning bridges with those in the coaching fraternity not caring what they think.
You take away or question his and his players' accomplishments and you put an enormous chip on his shoulder and this year they're good enough to make everyone pay.
I understand and applaud him.
Bill
Posted at 1:28AM on Oct 29th 2007 by Bill
13. More news stories, with some quotes woven in for good measure.
Boston Globe, January 2005:
"What's the matter," shouted linebacker Willie McGinest, catching a glimpse of some solemn faces in the crowd. "Why so sad? Didn't think we could do it?"
Funny, but it seemed to be a common theme with the defending Super Bowl champions, with even safety Rodney Harrison taking the media to task afterward, saying that no one had given the Patriots respect.
-----
New York Times, February 2002:
They are still, one week, two victories and one impressive trophy later, seething over what they thought was the Pittsburgh Steelers' disrespect of them.
If that wasn't bad enough, the New England Patriots' cornerbacks had spent all last week hearing about the incredible receivers the St. Louis Rams spit out as if on an assembly line. It irked the Patriots' cornerbacks, the suggestion that there was no way they could stay with has been called ''the greatest show on turf.''
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Posted at 1:41AM on Oct 29th 2007 by Matt
14. Bill -- You applaud this guy for beating up on inferior opponents and running up the score? That says enough about you as a person that I don't need to hear anything else, but I would be to curious to know how you'll feel about it in 10 years or so when the Patriots are back on the bottom. Nothing lasts.
As for Belichick caring more about his family than he cares about coaching, which aspect of his affairs with secretaries and his divorce leads you to that conclusion?
Yes, the indignity of it all. How dare the NFL catch him at breaking the rules and then enforce those rules. How dare Mangini rat Belichick out when all Belichick was doing was cheating against Mangini's team. I tell you, the Patriots get no respect! Whining about resepect is only for losers -- unless the Patriots do it, in which case it is awesome!
Posted at 1:47AM on Oct 29th 2007 by Matt
15. IT'S BEYOND CLASSLESS AND DISRESPECTFUL -- BUT WHAT WOULD YOU EXPECT FROM BELI-CHEAT.
AND FOR THE MORONS IN HERE SUGGESTING THAT NE KEPT THROWING BECAUSE THE RUNNING GAME WAS INEFECTIVE IS ABSURD. NEW ENGLAND HAD A 38 PT LEAD; THEY DID NOT NEED ANY FIRST DOWNS. ALL THEY NEED TO DO IS RUN THE CLOCK EVEN WITH 3 IN OUTS, THERE'S NO WAY THE REDSKINS COULD MAKE A COMEBACK.
NOT TO MENTION THAT THEY ARE RISKING INJURY TO KEY PLAYERS. WHAT IF THE REDSKINS PLAYERS DECIDED TO GET EVEN BY TAKING A CHEAP SHOT ON BRADY
NEW ENGLAND REALLY COME OFF AS A TEAM GREEDY FOR STATS. IN AN EFFORT THAT NUMBERS WILL VALIDATE THEM AS THE GREATEST TEAM EVER.
WE'LL SEE IF IT WAS WORTH IT AT THE END OF THE SEASON.
Posted at 1:49AM on Oct 29th 2007 by Devin
16. Did the Patriots run up the score beating Washington 52-7, you bet they did. Did they enjoy embarrasing Joe Gibbs, you bet they did. Did they show respect to the game and the NFL, you bet they didnt. I understand this is football and you must play hard to win. But when your beating a team by 40 plus points, its time to rest your good players and show some respect to the other team. This isnt whining. Sure you want to win, but the price is heavy when you start doing things like this. The Patriots will lose to the Colts next week. Tom Brady will be sacked at least 3 times, and intersepted 2 times for Colt scores. Its pay back time now....Go Colts
Posted at 2:19AM on Oct 29th 2007 by Chuck
17. You know as we sat watching the first half of this game I told my old man Belichick has no respect for the game, the fans or his team. It had NOTHING to do with running up the score, and that is a non issue for me I think if you can score big & fat like that you should this is the NFL after all not some little kids playing & trying not to hurt anyone's feelings. What has always botherd me about Belichick is that damn sweatshirt with the cut off sleeves. To me, when he dresses like he is going out to do yard chores when he is at work shows great disrespect. The coaches are all casual these days, but he seems like he just dosn't care how he presents himself at WORK. If he worked at McDonalds they woulld make him wear the required uniform. I'm not suggesting that any coach be made to dress a certain way, but of all the head coaches he looks like a cocky jock (Yes I realize he probably is) who is too cool to show the respect he should for the game, his fellow coaches, his team etc...
But that is just my oppinion.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!!!!!!
Posted at 2:30AM on Oct 29th 2007 by SteelerBunnie
18. Ok, first let me say that i'm not a Patriots fan. I'm a Steelers fan! From reading some of the post above i agree with some and not of course, and though i have my opinion.
I agree with Bill, though sometimes Bill and i go at it at times i have to agree here with him. Belichick has some personal vendetta going on here, - no doubt! And though he might be burning bridges with every coach/team in the league, he doesn't care. Why should he? He's not coaching to make friends, he's trying to win games and a super bowl! This guy is PISSED and he has the weapons to destroy you, not just beat you but DESTROY you! Call him what you will but he has assembled prob. the best team ever, whether you like it or not! - This guy will not rest or let-up until there is nothing left of you!
As for the respect and blah blah blah crying going on here.... i think it's more demoralizing to take pity on a team and just sit on the ball. - What does this prove? - Back during the times of ancient warfare and battles such as samuri fights, the olympics, and ect. it would be disrespectful to let-up or show mercy to your opponent. That was the honor in it! If you were going to lose the fight/battle you would lose with pride and dignity knowing you lost to the better opponent, and if death was the outcome then so be it. you would die with honor! - Yeah i know, it's football and you're suppose to have respect for the game and ect.. but i believe Belichick does and for him to just quit fighting just because the other team is getting crush would be disrespectful to the nature of the game! - In other words, LOSE WITH HONOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think our country has become, excuse my language here but pussified! - Everyone wants pity on something here! Even with the war in Iraq, we have to be Humanitarians... you can't be both! You either fight to win or you lose! - Bottom line! Take no prisoners! - And this is what Belichick is doing! I hope he doesn't slow down because of what people are saying! I want the Patriots to play with all their might and never let up! Do you really want to play a team and win knowing they didn't play as hard as they could?... well some people would but for me that would be horrible knowing yeah you beat a team but you didn't beat their best! - Maybe other teams should take note?
And to the one person who commented on about applauding him for beating up inferior teams.... well, maybe their coaching staff and organization should build a better team? Plus, NE has a few more real challenges left so it's not over yet!
Posted at 3:02AM on Oct 29th 2007 by Jason
19. If they won't let me cheat, then when get the opportunity to run up the score I will. If that baby Brady gets hurt and can't play its his fault. After all nothing is my fault but I like to take all the credit. Moss was nobody until he played for me, Junior a bum before I showed him how, I could go on and on but everyone is just too ignorant to understand my greatness. You see I don't love the game or the plays just myself.
A legend in his own mind....little billy c.
Posted at 3:38AM on Oct 29th 2007 by GreatR
20. And to all of you that are demonizing Belicchick, you should all be ashamed of yourself's. More then once I've heard someone write that if Brady where to get hit low and hurt real bad that would be his fault because he runs up the score. Where in hell is the honer in delibritly hurting another player just because he's beating the shit out of your team. Then why are all quarterbacks trying there hardest to score as many points as possible ? Huh. And where was the class with Joe Gibb running away from Belichick on the field just not to shack his hand in defeat. Maybe if the N.F.L. Would show some respect for the New England Patriot's then maybe the choch would be mor like you want him to be. Now for the rest of the leauge and choches that don't like what the Pats are doing ,,,, Well Eat your heart out, because if the shoe were on the other foot you would do the same thing.
Posted at 5:33AM on Oct 29th 2007 by Hugger