Last night was awesome, it really was. I'll throw some extra words out there like, 'killer', 'exciting' or even 'priceless'. Tom Brady is great, I get it. But so is almost everyone linked to the whole Patriots' organization. I mean, if you can't succeed on that team, you shouldn't be playing professional football. Brady has one of the best coaches in the game, he throws behind one of the best O-lines and is given all the weapons he needs. And with exception to last night's contest, the defense is usually stingy.
The main issue that has been bothering me all preseason and this week is, the servitude and obedience that the sports media has for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Like I mentioned, I get that Brady and crew are a force in the league and should never be counted out. At the same time, I thought it was rather unfair to treat the #2 seed(Chiefs) of the AFC from last season, like they had no chance to win last night, let alone compete, while virtually pleasuring Tom Brady in the pregame show. The football press likes to gush about how the Pats might actually be 'better' than last season and that Brady might have a career year due the addition of Brandin Cooks, the new deep threat. They very well could be better, but they still have to go out and play a seasons' worth of games in my eyes.
What I found both sad and amusing in Thursday night's game, was that NBC sportscaster, Cris Collinsworth, practically wanted to give Brady and the Patriots the Lombardy trophy for the new season, based on what he saw on paper. Then, by the end of the 3rd quarter when it was becoming obvious the Chiefs had the game in hand, he kept breaking into why he thought Kansas City was so good this year and how they were going to be a force to be reckoned with. Collinsworth even mentioned that their playoff loss to the Steelers from last season was only by 2 points, and that the defense didn't surrender a touchdown. He quickly, cleanly and seamlessly jumped from one bandwagon to another, trying to save as much face in the sports journalism world as he could.
Does the media over-pleasure Brady because he's very good? Because he's on a great team? He plays for 'Merica's Patriots, the face of the NFL? Or, maybe because he's a handsome man? Maybe it' a combination of the above, obviously knowing a big part of the professional sports media counts on a regular paycheck. I don't know because I don't have issues with celebrity worship and/or putting people on pedestals due to being starstruck. But all the 'over-the-top' Tom Brady loving has become, especially from sports writing professionals, 'sickening'. I understand if your wife or the woman in your office fantasy league thinks Brady is the NFL's Superman, that's how the NFL and media has packaged him. In my mind, I know he's very good. But, I also realize he is 40 and in the twilight of his career. I've never been a fan of his deep ball and judging by last night, he won't be developing one soon... that's why they got Cooks to bail him out on the accuracy. I've never written this much about Tom Brady at once before... now I feel dirty. In conclusion, I think a bunch of writers and sportscasters have been sounding like cheap prostitutes trying to talk up a product already designed to get you off. So the Chiefs' win over the Patriots on opening night was a welcome relief from the Tom Brady and sports media orgy that usually ensues. Hopefully we start seeing more articles NOT about you-know-who in the coming season.
