New England Patriots: The New York Yankees of the NFL?

The Patriots proved that they would utilize any tactic necessary in order to win when one of their video assistants was caught by NFL security filming the NY Jets’ defensive signals during their week one meeting. This act was in direct violation of league rules, and Belichick was fined a league-record $500,000, while the team was charged $250,000 and were forced to forfeit their 2008 first round pick (luckily for them, they have the rights to the 49ers first round pick, the 7th overall).

The Patriots’ guru insisted that it was simply a misunderstanding of the rule, and not a malicious attempt to gain an advantage over their opponent. In the NFL’s “Game Operations Manual”, on page 105 it states: “No video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches’ booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game”.

There is no question whether or not “spygate” was a violation of NFL rules, that much is clear. The question is whether this practice is common among many NFL teams, and Belichick just happened to get ratted out by his former protégé, Eric Mangini. Either way, Belichick and the Patriots proved that they will take any actions necessary in order to win, and their merciless strategy brought them a lot of negative feedback during their perfect season.

Dominance

Above all else, the Patriots are most similar to the Yankees in their level of dominance and unwavering obsession with victory. Like the Yanks, who have won 9 out of the past 11 AL East division titles, the Patriots have put together an impressive streak of their own by winning 5 straight, and 6 out of the past 7 AFC East crowns.

The Patriots, like the Yankees, have adopted an attitude that anything short of a world championship is considered a failed season. This type of success leads to envy and disgust from opposing teams’ fans, sentiments that the Yankees have often faced during their storied history.

 

Success is at an all-time high in Beantown, and the Patriots warrant perhaps the greatest boasting. But whether you like it or not, New England fans, your team is starting to resemble your most hated rival.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?