CNS recruited character guys and so has Belichick. Cheering against the Pat is just cheering against an icon and not cheering against the team. These guys on the Pats are pure football players. They aren't guys that have a ton of athletic talent. These are guys that know how to play the game the right way. You may not like the Pats as a "team" but there is no way you can dislike the players on the team. (minus Corey Dillon and Rodney Harrison)
To be honest, believe it or not, Harrison and Dillon are two of THE most adored players, 2nd to Tom Brady of course.
Other than the LSU guys, Dillon's far and away my favorite player on that team. I'm not sure many guys of his talent could have played in Cincy that long and NOT felt some bad effects. And MikeD, you're right on about cheering against the Pats. I really like most of their guys (much to my chagrin), but as I've said before, as a Fins fan, I fundamentally cannot and will not root for the Pats (unless they're playing the Bills.) I just hope the LSU guys perform great, and the Eagles win b/c of McNabb/TO/Trotter/Dawkins and some Brady turnovers! I know, that's about as likely as Ole Miss winning a championship, but a man can hope, right?
Sure they may be adored by Boston people but I would think the rest of the league's fans dislike them. Dillon was a malcontent in Cinci (although hard to blame him) and Harrison is a headhunting, cheap shotter.
Dillon was on a perenial losing team--he just couldn't handle losing. You take on Harrison is pretty much "dead on". But Harrison is such a team player, and a great "locker room guy" that he's the type of player, that if he's on your team--you LOVE him. If he's not--you HATE him.
I am living close to Philly right now. I swear, these people were ready to set the city on fire last night. I can't begin to describe how nuts it is up here. Unfortunetly, I HATE the eagles so I am banned from every bar in a 100mile radius. Guess, I will just have to watch LSU North at home on the big screen.
Other than the LSu guys my favorite Patriot is Tedy Bruschi (pronounced Brewsky) because he has a cool sounding name.
