Why is everyone crowing about disrespect?
UPDATED: 11/17/2009

NFL players make me laugh sometimes. They always say they don't get enough respect.

Are they just looking for motivation? Are they trying to fabricate thing?

It's a bit absurd to me that in the aftermath of Bill Belichick's decision to try to put the game away at Indianapolis, everyone is talking about the respect factor of the decision.

Observers say Belichick didn't respect his decision. Colts defenders were aghast that he had the onions to go for it.

Um, what?

I read quotes from Colts defenders such as Clint Session ("Total disrespect") and Robert Mathis ("A lot of disrespect") and just shook my head. The idea that they were so motivated by Belichick's daring move that they played better is absurd to me. It would bother me as a coach if my players only were moved to perform better when someone else thinks they can't.

That's college stuff. I am sorry, but these are professionals. They shouldn't need this kind of soul-stirring.

Belichick tried to win the game. He took a big risk and lost. It's the way it goes.

Everyone is asking what the fallout might be from the game, whether the Patriots' young, impressionable defenders are going to have the confidence to go on from here knowing that their coach didn't want them deciding the game.

Are you kidding me?

If anything, that should serve as your motivation. Those young players should realize that had they been more prepared or equipped to stop Peyton Manning, they would have gotten the chance. They just might in the playoffs, and their motivation should start right there: We need to be better the next time we see this guy.

Let's end this silly respect card. It's just a dumb way of looking at things



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