You Can't Win For Losing!

My mother had a favorite saying that I remember whenever I find myself in the position that the Jacksonville Jaguars found themselves in after the AFC championship game. They had an incredible season, and against all odds, they were leading the Patriots in the 4th quarter by double digits. Fans in Florida were already planning their Superbowl parties. 

However, things didn't go as planned. They lost. And now, much to the dismay of football fans everywhere, outside of New England, the Patriots will be going to the Superbowl... again.

After leading the team to another thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Brady will have the chance to win his sixth ring. He already has more rings than any other QB in NFL history. Another ring will just let him add to a lead that will probably never be broken. The Patriots will have the chance to tie the Pittsburg Steelers for the most SB wins in NFL history. It's even been suggested that they rename the Superbowl to the Patriots Bowl! 

OK... that's my idea... but it's a good one!

Apparently, the Patriots playing in another Superbowl isn't something anyone in the country wanted to see. I'm reading stories on many sports sites bemoaning the fact that the Patriots, by virtue of their incredible consistency, are somehow ruining their fun. Watching the Patriots go to another Superbowl is getting old. It's not good for the NFL, it's not good for the fans and it's definitely not good for the Jaguars. Ask anyone, they deserved to go to the big game.

The complaints can be summed up this way.

Shouldn't the Patriots lose so some other team can have their shot? Haven't they had more than their fair share? Come on! Obviously there is some kind of conspiracy going on. And there is no shortage of conspiracy theories to choose from

The most popular theories are that:

A) the Patriots are cheaters.

If so, then they are the greatest cheaters to ever play a sport. No one knows just how they cheat, but it must be true or why would everybody call them the Cheatriots?

B) The Patriots are paying off the refs.

Really? If true, they must have paid them millions over the last 16 years. That would explain why all the refs that work their games live in mansions and drive fancy cars.

Or

C) The NFL wants the Patriots in the Superbowl because it's great for their ratings.

Oh sure. That would explain them taking away draft choices, fining them millions, suspending Brady for four games over something that never happened and then somehow helping them comeback from a 28-3 hole against the Falcons.

They're all good theories. They sound even better when you're drunk with your friends at the bar trying to explain why they are so successful. But I have a theory of my own. I'll admit, it's pretty far out there and one that most haters won't even consider.

But think about it.

The only two guys left from the start of this dynasty in 2001 are Brady and Belichick. Yet, through all the years, with players coming and going, the Patriots are still on top. So it's pretty clear that it has nothing to do with having the same players from year to year.

It has nothing to do with cheating.

It has nothing to do with paying off the refs.

And it has nothing to do with the NFL office.

Maybe... just maybe... Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are the greatest QB/HC tandem to ever work together. And whether the fans or the NFL like it or not, the winning won't stop until they retire.

So, my reply to all those teams and fans who are bitching about how much the Patriots win and wondering why their team isn't going to the Superbowl is what my mother used to say when I didn't win.

You can't win for losing.

GO PATS!