I find two things interesting in this discussion:
1) While many people here may not fall into the category, I think it's good to note that while the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys had huge legions of fans in their respective heydays, the Pats fandom is almost entirely nested in the Northeast, whereas the make-up of dynasties like Dallas and San Fran were not so regionally-centered. Strange. Is this a case of most people not liking N.E. teams?
2) I think it's possible to say - though I'm sure the point will be argued - that the Patriots of the last five years are the best exmaple of a team that any professional sport in America has seen in a long time. And yet, it still has its critics. This to me is interesting, as well.
I admit, I come from New Hampshire, so I am a bit biased. But I've always liked teams that played as such. Years and years ago, when George Carl coached a Seattle Supersonics team that played like one at least half the time, I rooted for them. I rooted for the L.A. Lakers when I was tiny, in every game they didn't play against the Celtics, because I thought that Magic's Lakers were as good a team as Larry's Celts. It goes without saying that I rooted for the BoSox since I've been old enough to read the letters on the TV, but for the past two years they have been as good an all-around team in baseball as has been in years. Thus, regardless of from where I come, I think the Patriots would have my loyalty now. Rooting for a team that truly is not dominated by overpaid, primadonna Pro-Bowlers is as good a reason as any to hope they win, and show how having gel in a unit is more important that hunting for the best receivers in the off-season...
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I'll be the one to protect you from your enemies and all your demons.
I'll be the one to protect you from a will to survive and voice of reason.
I'll be the one to protect you from your enemies and your choices, son.
They're one and the same I must isolate you, isolate and save you from yourself."
- A Perfect Circle
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