Unabashed

Mercury Morris just stated (whined) in an interview on ESPNEWS that the Patriots are “Really close to equaling what we did in 1972,” meaning accomplishing an undefeated season in the NFL. But actually, Mr. Morris, if the Patriots win tonight they will effectively surpass what you did in 1972. This is exactly why I hope the Patriots do win tonight; because I really want the ‘72 undefeated Dolphins team-especially Coach Don Shula–to shut up already. Right now they’re whining that winning 19 consecutive games in the NFL is no more difficult than winning 17 consecutive games. An absolutely preposterous statement which simply proves their snobbish elitism.

Morris even goes so far as to point out that “He knows what it means to be undefeated, but you don’t.” He’s speaking to the interviewer, of course, but you get the feeling that he’s talking to all of us, the entire nation, and telling us all that he is better than we are. All the Patriots are on the cusp of doing, according to him, is learning what it means to have a 1.000% winning percentage.  

I know one thing–the best way to galvanize this nation of fans against you is to keep mouthing off about how great you are, or in this case, were. If the Patriots do finish undefeated, and humbly accept their trophy and thank the fans, then they will quickly be given the key to the number one spot in history of the NFL and the ‘72 Dolphins team will be subjected to the royal back seat. They won’t even have an argument any more, because this nation of fans will give them their assignment. Sure, they can still pop their champagne corks every year in celebration of themselves, but the fans will pop their corks in honor of someone else. Quite possibly the New England Patriots. In reality, the ‘72 Dolphins have never really been embraced as one of the greatest teams of all time, despite being undefeated. They’ve even been called “a team without superstars.” Yes, they did manage to win 17 straight games, but they didn’t win 19, and get ready boys, because if the Patriots win tonight, you’re going to hear that for the rest of your lives.

But I’ll make one accede one point: if the Patriots lose tonight, there’ll still only be one undefeated team in NFL history, and the Dolphins will still be able to pop their corks every year as the only ones to accomplish the feat. But if the Pats win, move over Miami, because you will have been bested.

It’s a good thing it’s the Dolphins who are doing all this complaining (whining). Being in South Florida they won’t have to go very far to find an equally disgruntled group of elderly folks. Then they can all combine forces and grumble about whatever unfairness they like. 

written by Matt Mitchell