I know, I know, hate is a strong word. Maybe I should say strongly dislike? However, I’m not sure that would be totally honest.

The Patriots play their rival the Jets today in an AFC divisional playoff game. The winner plays in the AFC title game and will be just one more win away from the Super Bowl; in other words, a HUGE game.

During this season’s back and forth trash talk between the two teams, it became more evident why I hate the Patriots. Antonio Cromartie hit it on the head with his comments this week, and I agree with him. Summarizing his comments, basically he said the Patriots talk trash too but they don’t get chastised for their comments. The Patriots get the “squeaky clean”, “professional” billing from everyone in the media.

I’ll admit, some of my disdain for New England is perpetuated by the east coast media which dominates sports coverage. ESPN, Boston, and New York coverage is always biased towards New England and Tom Brady.

The Patriots have been running their mouths plenty, but they seem to get a pass. Remember those battles with the Chargers a few years ago? Yep, the “lights out” dance after a win…classy. This year, Brady “hates” the Jets; again, classy, professional move. Wes Welker’s press conference? Hilarious, but c’mon clearly intentional trash talk. But, hey, it’s the classy, professional Patriots.  Obviously, these aren’t all the instances, but illustrates the point that they do talk and have done so for quite awhile.

Another annoying issue of mine…Brady love.  Hell, the media has been anointing Brady the next Joe Montana since his second Super Bowl; only after a few seasons as a starter! Seriously, Brady was an innocent bystander for the first Super Bowl. He was the caretaker of the offense, not a playmaker, didn’t even play until Bledsoe got hurt! Also, let’s not forget how much Mike Martz’s playcalling helped keep New England in that game.

My biggest problem with the Brady love? Tell me a signature play from Brady to win a big game in the playoffs for the Patriots. The big moments I remember? Viniateri field goals, defensive touchdowns, kickoff returns, and a tuck rule play.

A tuck rule play shouldn’t be the most defining moment of the postseason career for a big-time QB. Montana had so many fourth quarter comebacks and big game wins, it was legendary. Elway’s helicopter run, Roethlisberger’s pass to Holmes, Young lighting up the Chargers, and the list goes on. Brady’s defining plays (besides tuck rule) are a few slants/screens for thirty yards, after a big kickoff return, to setup a game winning field goal; not exactly the stuff of legends.

I do like Belichick and think his plug and play system is very effective. Another indictment of Brady’s over inflated value is Belichick’s system. For example, Matt Cassell led the Patriots to a winning record and just missed the playoffs in the year without Brady. Low risk short passing game, great defense, and special teams are the recipe for victory with Belichick.

I could go on about this stuff forever, but I really wanted to get this out there to explain my constant Patriot bashing. Funny part is, I kinda want the Patriots to win today, then lose to Pittsburgh next week. I don’t care for the Jets much either, so today’s game is a push for me.