New England - Ripping Us Off Since 2000...

"We have a right to have honest football games."
- Senator Arlen Specter

So yesterday - Arlen Specter, resident PA hotbrand, got his day with Roger Goodell to discuss the Patriots and their history of adhering to league rules violating established rules of reasonable competitiveness.

The result?

Well allegedly, Goodell confirmed to Specter that the Pats have had been taping opponents defensive signals since the year 2000 (cue Conan O'Brien segment), which included the 2004 AFC Championship and at least one other game (a 34-20 Pats loss, played during the 2004 regular season) against our Steelers.

So what do we make of all this?

Honestly, I don't really know. I mean what's done is done. BUT, it is a little disconcerting that the Pats have beat us five out of the last six times we've met, including the controversial aforementioned Championship game. And sure you could chalk this up to them just being the better team that day. But given the nature of all this new shit - I have significant doubt in my mind that it was pure skill that bore on those Pats "victories"...

Nevertheless, the league clearly isn't going to do anything about the Pats past indiscretions. So I guess all we can do is hope that they closely monitor all activities in Foxboro next season...not to mention bitch profusely about it, add asterisks to their names, poke fun via photoshop, call them the Cheatriots, and generally be a reminder that they are a bunch of assholes led by King Dick himself.

All this said, it still doesn't explain why the tapes were destroyed. Personally, I think they should've been archived as evidence for future reference. But hey, what the shit do I know, I just write a Steelers blog (and study law at night...but that's obviously irrelevant).

Anyways, in other news on this fine Thursday -- Now that Spielberg has dropped off the Beijing Olympics project, rumor has it that Bill Belichick will be calling to proposition him as director of the Patriots' 2008-2009 Spy tapes...Word to the wise (and Spielberg) - don't let him Jedi Mind Trick you. This, like using crack, would be a bad decision.

Also, for those of you who enjoy my humor lack of humor here at OFTOT - you'll be interested to know I have started a little side project along with a few friends, aptly titled "The Dude Abides." The plan is to feature as much completely unnecessary social commentary in as sarcastic a tone as possible, while centering around the premise of - a quote from The Big Lebowski a day keeps...you...sane? I don't know. The shit is funny. Just go read it. Comment it. Love it and embrace it. And if anyone is interested in becoming a contributor, I'm all ears. Disclaimer: Must have twisted sense of humor and lack delicate sensibilities (aka - like the movie, it employs a certain four letter expletive quite readily).

That's all I got at this time, friends! Anybody have any burning topics they want to discuss?

REFERENCE MATERIAL:
Specter: Belichick was Taping Since 2000 [Associated Press]
Patriots Taped Steelers Twice During 2004 Season [Fanhouse]
My Valentine for Roger Goodell [MJD]
Steelers Fans Will Not Be Amused by What Goodell Found [MJD]
Spielberg Drops Out As Director of Beijing Olympics [Deadspin]
Petition to Call All New England Fans "Nerd-Ass Idiot Dork-Jerks" [Petition Online]

So You Wanna Beat Tom Brady...

"I like when I don’t get touched."
- Tom Brady

I wish I could say I was about to tell you all the magic secret to stoping Tom Brady. But I'm not. I'm no expert, nor do I claim to be. And even if I could, it probably wouldn't even matter. Everyone says do this, do that. But here's the thing that sets the Patriots apart from many other teams that are just "good" -- they dictate to you how you're going to play. Defense AND Offense.

So the questions become things like - Who do the Giants key on? Will they be facing a 3-4 or a 4-3 New England scheme? How do you tackle Tom Brady with all that hair gel upstairs?

And the funny thing is - this isn't something that should exclusive to the Patriots (especially not the gelified QB...kidding). Teams that are able to do many things well, and consistently well at that, dictate how their opponents play them. They force you to plan for one or two of the most feared situations, when in reality you could be up against an infinite number of different looks (ok, maybe infinite is an exaggeration, but whatever).

The only thing I think I've ever admired about New England...or at least respected...is their ability to adapt. They have so many different looks, and they play the chess match that is an NFL game better than anyone else (right now). That's why they've been so successful. They keep you guessing. So even before you get to the game on Sunday, you have to wonder - how are we going to play them? Certainly weighs on your mindset during practice...or so I imagine.

Anyhow, there are certainly some sure fire ways to slow them down/possibly prevail. Namely, hit Tom Brady and the Patriots receivers as much and as forcefully as you possibly can. Then run the shit out of the ball, wear down their borderline geriatric linebackers, and take a few shots down the field when you've got them off guard. But who friggin' cares? Go Giants! The first and probably only time I'll ever say that...

PS - Favorite news item of the day =
Senator wants to know why NFL destroyed Patriots spy tapes

God bless you Arlen Specter.

Enjoy the Super Bowl friends! Drink a few 'Ahrns for me and pour a little out for the Steelers 2007-2008 season.

End communication.