As we all know, it’s been a long time since the Patriots were the country’s football darlings. The team that went against John Madden’s advice and marched down the field against the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI has evolved into the NFL’s version of the New York Yankees. For the past 10 years, the Patriots have been merciless, methodical and successful. In pro sports, that’s a recipe that will get you hated by fans across the nation.
By 2008, when the Patriots hit Arizona looking for perfection, most of the country cheered for the Giants. People had had enough of Tom Brady’s good looks, Randy Moss’ touchdown celebrations and Bill Belichick’s stoicism.
Now, that stoicism is just what the football-loving nation craves. The fans of that nation, like all of us here in New England, have had more than enough of Ryan’s big mouth. They’re tired of his “it’s all about me and Bill Belichick” routine. Tired of his players cranking up the verbal hostility to the point where there are as many bleeps as there are words in an Antonio Cromartie sound bite.
There was a time when Ryan was funny, refreshing. A time when he was the perfect counterbalance to Belichick. He was Everyman (OK, Everyman-and-a-half), coaching an NFL team. Last year, he coached his underdog unit to a shocking run to the AFC Championship Game. Then came HBO’s Hard Knocks.
Then came Ines Sainz. Then came the “hot mature feet” of Michelle Ryan (or at least someone who looks an awful lot like her.)
Enough.
The Jets are no longer cute. They’re no longer lovable. They’ve become a group of crude, annoying loudmouths as they get set to take the field in Foxboro this Sunday afternoon.
Of course, that’s not how it’s being played in New York. Check out just about any NYC newspaper this week, and you’ll find at least one sports columnist writing about how Belichick needs to loosen up and be more like Ryan. About how it’s only football and the Pats need to stop acting like the game plan is a matter of national security.
There was a time when the rest of the country agreed. That opinion is changing. Go ahead and read the columns, blogs and posts around the country. Fans have had enough. It’s one thing to have a little fun, but it’s another to have your players calling the game’s best quarterback an a-hole (withouth the hyphen). In a period of our history where we are finally questioning the vitriol spewed in the public discourse, we can do without a bunch of overpaid players and coaches spewing a little more.
Meantime, the Pats continue to go about their business quietly and efficiently. It’s a pretty good model to follow, isn’t it?
Ryan has managed to do something we’ve never seen before. He’s making Belichick’s demeanor lovable. Now, it’s up to the Patriots coach to do something no one has ever done before.
Shut Ryan up.
