Matt Stafford is the suckiest suck to ever suck

[LightninBoy]

I'll go to my grave thinking that Belichek and Brady threw their beleaguered former coach a bone that day.

Same. It is really the only logical explanation. Though I doubt Brady was involved. I wonder if its because Belicheck is worried about his legacy of not producing a coaching "family tree" like other HOF coaches. On the other hand, he seems to enjoy fucking over Quinn.

[TheLondonLion]

[Niffla]

Same. It is really the only logical explanation. Though I doubt Brady was involved. I wonder if its because Belicheck is worried about his legacy of not producing a coaching "family tree" like other HOF coaches.

You guys can't really believe that Bill Belichick, or any NFL head coach, would purposely throw a game simply to prop up a former assistant. There's just no way you can genuinely believe that.

[froot loops]

No need for bat shit crazy conspiracy theories, it was a fluke win.

[dpatnod]

Exactly, so it doesn't count as a win. Especially against a winning team.

[Niffla]

There's only 16 games in the regular season. Every game is huge.

You don't give NFL wins away just because you're cool with the other coach. Even just thinking about how that would play out in reality is just the most comical thing ever in my mind. So does Belichick go to the staff meetings that week and say "hey guys I like Matty P, let's get him a W". And then do you take your starters aside and tell them to half ass it and let the Lions win? Imagine telling Tom Brady that...lmao!!

[dpatnod]

Yeah but, it is well known that Beliceck doesn't much value winning a football game. Win, lose, whatever. That's why he's such an affable guy.

Excuse me while I adjust my tin foil hat.

[LightninBoy]

No need for bat shit crazy conspiracy theories, it was a fluke win.

It wasn't a fluke win. A fluke win is when you beat a superior team because of a couple weird plays, or a couple bounces go your way, etc. This was total domination of a team that would go on to win the Super Bowl.You would never again see the Patriots D look that vanilla, that out of position, or that slow.

I know its a crazy conspiracy theory. And I'm only half serious in suggesting it. But that means I'm only half joking. The likelihood of the Lions legitimately dominating in that fashion is not that much greater than Belichick throwing the game to save his apprentice's job.

[froot loops]

That Patriot D was abysmal in the Super Bowl prior when they lost to the Eagles. Sometimes fluke wins can be blowouts. It happens.

[Niffla]

I know its a crazy conspiracy theory. And I'm only half serious in suggesting it. But that means I'm only half joking. The likelihood of the Lions legitimately dominating in that fashion is not that much greater than Belichick throwing the game to save his apprentice's job.

His apprentice was a whole two games into his tenure as HC. Patricia's job wasn't on the line. And anyway, one single win during a regular season isn't going to save anyone's job. Even against the Patriots. Bill Belichick did not gift the Lions a win just because he likes Matt Patricia.

[Futureshock]

That Patriot D was abysmal in the Super Bowl prior when they lost to the Eagles. Sometimes fluke wins can be blowouts. It happens.

Yup. That D looks like our D now. Coincidence?

[TheLondonLion]

No pressure on the QB, no sacks, gives up 400 yards, contains pissed off playmakers - yeah, sounds familiar.

I liked their high pressure zero blitz looks from last year over the bend over and take it Patricia defense.

[chemiclord]

His apprentice was a whole two games into his tenure as HC. Patricia's job wasn't on the line. And anyway, one single win during a regular season isn't going to save anyone's job. Even against the Patriots. Bill Belichick did not gift the Lions a win just because he likes Matt Patricia.

On top of that, I don't think Belichick gives one tenth of one shit about having a "coaching tree." His legacy is going to be etched in Canton pretty much the moment he decides he's done, and it's going to be beyond reproach. Why should he care if he has disciples scattered around the league?

[Trickalicious]

On top of that, I don't think Belichick gives one tenth of one shit about having a "coaching tree." His legacy is going to be etched in Canton pretty much the moment he decides he's done, and it's going to be beyond reproach. Why should he care if he has disciples scattered around the league?

Upon further review, Belichick did not complete the process of the coaching tree and therefore, it is deemed a reproachable post. The result is no Canton. Timekeeper, please set the clock to 1957.

[chemiclord]

Upon further review, Belichick did not complete the process of the coaching tree and therefore, it is deemed a reproachable post. The result is no Canton. Timekeeper, please set the clock to 1957.

No no no, that rule only applies as a coach is falling to rock bottom. Belichick has total possession, has six feet down, and made several football moves. He may fumble by the end of the play, but the bust in Canton stands as originally called.

Overruled.

(And yes, it's perfectly okay for the Patriots to get a call like this even after review.)