For an "informed" community, there's a whole lot of misinformation flying around here. [View all]

[MANative]

Re: Deflategate

1. Reports by Chris Mortenson that the footballs were underinflated by 2 lbs PSI have not been confirmed by the NFL or by the NE Patriots. That they were underinflated is not in dispute. The degree to which they were and how they came to be that way are not known.

2. Each team supplies their own footballs for offensive play. Usually a dozen, but as many as three dozen are prepared for game day, the number typically dependent on weather conditions. Worse weather = more footballs available. Wet weather, especially, plays havoc with the surface texture of the ball, something over which the vast majority of quarterbacks would be concerned. Most quarterbacks seem to have a greater concern over the surface and texture feel of the ball than the inflation of it, though that, too, is important, based on the interviews I've seen and from the four amateur (college) QBs whom I know personally.

3. There's a VERY simple explanation for why the Colts' footballs did not deflate to under the required 12.5 lbs PSI while the Patriots' did. It's the STARTING POINT of the inflation. The Patriots regularly use the lower end of the scale at 12.5 for their start point. The Colts' quarterback prefers the football to be at the upper range, thus they start at the 13.5 level. If both sets of balls lost some air pressure, the Colts' balls may have - and probably did - deflate some, but not to under the 12.5 level.

4. For all of you who hate the Patriots so much, I ask you to watch ALL of Bill Belichick's Saturday press conference. Yes, I fully acknowledge that I've been a Pats fan all my life. I lived in Foxboro for four years in the late '80s, two miles from the stadium. No apologies for my fan status. I've watched more BB press conferences than I can count, and I've never seen him more emotional, adamant and passionate than he was yesterday. The information he imparted was enlightening, even addressing the "Spygate" element of this fiasco. BB is hated by many for his abrasive personality, and by more for his success.

5. Harbaugh was humiliated that he was out-coached in the Divisional round. He was out for revenge in the one spot that he knew the Patriots and Belichick would be forever vulnerable. He dropped the dime and Pagano was all too happy to take advantage.

6. Haters are free to comment. I won't be engaging in arguments. In fact, I'll be walking away from this discussion entirely. I've already put at least three people on Ignore over their over-the-top hysterics; no compunctions about adding a few more. Have at it.