Why Fans Should Root for the New England Patriots to Fail in 2011

When this era's New England Patriots came on to the scene, they were the lovable underdogs. They were a team with an upstart quarterback and a head coach that was better known for being an assistant. They became even more embraced by the public when they pulled off a monumental upset in topping the powerful St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.

Even the infamous "Tuck Rule" play during the AFC playoffs that year wasn't enough to turn against New England, considering that the victims of the controversy were the Oakland Raiders—a longtime NFL villain. 

Fast-forward six years, and the worm has certainly turned.

Events involving the Patriots in between that time included: Bill Belichick being surly and near silent in press conferences, Tom Brady becoming equal parts GQ and QB, two more rings for the franchise, the Spygate incident and a perfect 16-0 regular season record in 2007.

The zenith of Patriot-haters' vile came prior to Super Bowl XLII.

New England was on the brink of the first 19-0 season in NFL history. Not counting the obvious Patriot fans—die-hards and bandwagoners alike—most were rooting for the New York Giants, a team that stumbled into the playoffs but rose up to win three road postseason contests to reach the ultimate game.

The ending couldn't have been better for those cheering against the Pats, as New York's dramatic TD drive in the final minutes clinched a 17-14 upset.

Belichick's team hasn't been back to the Super Bowl since. And today, there have been a growing amount of reasons on why the dislike today isn't nearly as intense as intense.

Fans who relish Patriot pain got their pleasure last year when they fell to the New York Jets in the Divisional round after compiling the best record in the AFC at 14-2.

However, these New York Jets aren't exactly alter boys.

They are led by foul-mouthed head coach Rex Ryan, whose boasting quips are starting to become more stale than original.

This has given reason for some to alter their rooting interests when these two AFC East foes bang heads. In a battle of "who do you hate least," neutral fans may be leaning turn toward pulling more for the Pats than Gang Green.

The team from the Iron City has draw the ire of many pigskin purists in recent times.

From Ben Roethisberger's off-field actions to James Harrison's outlandish comments to—most recently—Hines Ward's DUI arrest, the Pittsburgh Steelers churn out consistent championship contenders but also possess players that we could do without seeing in late January and early February.

Even with all of that said, the fervor of New England Patriots hatred still burns significantly. And their management added fuel to the fire with their two big offseason acquisitions—the yapping wide receiver Chad Ochocinco and the rich and lazy defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

But the root of the despise is still ever present: the hooded head coach that doesn't seem like he's having any fun, the quarterback that scores in style both and and off the gridiron, and a fanbase that wasn't anywhere to be found when the franchise was in shambles 20 years ago.

Unless you are one of those who embrace dynasties and enjoy seeing greatness, the ideal scenario  would be for the Patriots to appear dominant and ready to win it all...only to fall flat on their face. The 2007 and 2010 seasons were exhibits A and B.

Witnessing one of the high-ranking kings of the NFL to be knocked down a peg this season would be humbling for New Englanders and joyous for everyone else.