Pats power - The Fans Speak Out

Football Digest, June, 2002

As the New England Patriots were introduced as a team before Super Bowl 36, any lingering doubts about their credibility vanished. These guys won the ultimate team prize by being just that. As professional athletes from all sports drive away fans with their "me, myself, and I" antics, absurd salary demands, and on-field theatrics (think Keyshawn Johnson), this year produced a breath of fresh air in the form of the Patriots. A team concept and chemistry can produce surprising results. Ask the Pittsburgh Steelers or the St. Louis Rams, both of whom were guilty of running their collective mouths and looking past this group.

Steve Barbieri Milton, Vt.

I was deeply disappointed by the behavior of two people whom I previously had considered to be ambassadors of excellence in the NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher and St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk.

Cowher's complacency prior to the AFC Championship Game has been well documented and need not be repeated here. The fact that he still refused to acknowledge the skill of a cohesive, more disciplined New England Patriots team after his loss stands as an even more shocking testament to his lack of vision. Following the Super Bowl, Faulk claimed that all year "the only team that could beat us was ourselves." Ask Kurt Warner if he willingly tossed an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter, or if a disciplined and well-coached defense forced that turnover.

The 2001 Patriots, the world champions, showed us that a team is victorious by acting as a team--from the introductions to the understanding and accepting of roles to the execution on the field to the humble acceptance of success. I am as proud of the demeanor and behavior of the Patriots as I am of their play. In the face of dismissal, as well as a lack of respect from their peers, the Patriots showed us how to play this game.

Darren MacIntosh Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Canada