Dealing With It

I’m not sure how to feel about pieces like Mike Freeman’s “Deflategate Fallout Looms Large” on BleacherReport.com. So, other people get that Tom Brady didn’t cheat, science exists and the Patriots deserve to have their draft picks and straight cash money returned.

Huh.

And Tom Brady is suspended for four games, anyway.

Because Roger Goodell has a tiny, tiny penis.

Well that’s what I heard!

I continue to refine my list of rationalizations for Brady’s 4-game suspension being a good thing.

I’ve already mentioned Belichick’s opportunity to coach the hell out of the Patriots; to motivate, to preach, to threaten, to re-enact the scene in Gregory Peck’s “Moby Dick” when Ahab asks the crew to “give enough blood to temper the steel.” Blood? Yes. Your immortal soul? If that’s what it costs. Only winning can set things right.

I’ve mentioned keeping Brady fresh for the playoffs. Four less games of damage to Brady’s arm, his ribs, his head, his legs; any body part nearing the end of its original factory warranty.

And payback. Brady will make whoever is in front of him pay for having missed those four games. I’m actually afraid Goodell will reduce Brady’s suspension. I keep telling myself he can’t. Not after the things he’s said about Brady, not after the millions of dollars in legal fees, not after all of the bluster about the integrity of the game. Brady’s been painted with too heinous a brush for Goodell to but four games to two. Or one. That can’t happen, can it?

I sort of mentioned Jimmy G being ready for his close up. Hey, I projected a 4-0-0 start! Garoppolo would have to play better than okay for that to happen. Two years in the system. Josh McDaniels in his ear. Garoppolo just looks like he’s got it, whatever it is. I think he’ll be better than okay. More mistakes than Brady would make but that simply is what it is. There aren’t many quarterbacks who make fewer mistakes than TB12. But I think Jimmy G will make up for the mistakes with big plays. Big boy throws, throws into small windows, throws for scores to his big tight ends, Gronk and Bennett. He’ll make Chris Hogan his new best friend forever. And give the haters one more reason.

Here’s a new one: Dante Scarnecchia challenges his embattled charges on the offensive line to step and carry New England until Brady can return and they rise to the occasion. When the books close on Week 4, LeGarrette Blount is leading the league in rushing, averaging an astounding 180 yards a game at nearly 5 yards per carry. And they keep Garoppolo clean

It’s not that crazy. Tre Jackson and Shaq Mason both had their moments last year as did David Andrews. Jonathan Cooper was a 1st round pick just a few years ago. Nate Solder had his best years playing for Scarnecchia. Sebastian Vollmer is... old. I’m pretty sure Scarnecchia can’t do anything about that but maybe he can find something in Marcus Cannon, Cameron Fleming or LaAdrian Waddle when Vollmer inevitably breaks down. Still, I could see a return to dominant form for the O-Line under Scarnecchia.

Finally, the defense should see an opportunity to carry the team, to prove they’re a championship caliber defense, to show they can win football games. It’s hard to win football games when Tom Brady keeps doing it first. How about a game-winning goal-line interception.

It’s happened before.