Spygate. Few words get a Steeler fan’s blood pressure up quicker than uttering the word. We know the details. The New England Patriots ignored a NFL directive not to use video cameras to tape opponents sideline signals, but did so anyway, and were caught in 2007. The response from the league was swift, a league record $500,000 fine was levied against head coach Bill Belicheck, and the Patriots were fined an additional $250,000, along with the loss of a first round pick.
Fans around the NFL had more questions, however. Reports and information from former Patriots staff said it was happening as early as 2001, which just happened to coincide with the Pats first of three Super Bowls in four years. Tapes acquired by league investigators seemed to only bolster the claims, suddenly fans openly questioned: How long was this going on? What games were impacted? How much of a difference did this make? Two of the games discussed here in Pittsburgh were the 01′ and 04′ AFC championship games. Were they on the up and up? Or, did the Patriots have an unfair advantage that made a critical difference?
With the tapes erased and critical evidence destroyed, many concluded that we would never get the answers we wanted or expected. The worldview outside of New England was the Patriots flat out cheated, benefitted greatly from it and that their achievements were tainted in many peoples eyes, especially in Pittsburgh.
Then came an interview on 93.7, the Fan Morning Show with Bill Cowher on Wednesday, and lets just say…all hell broke loose in “The City of Champions.”
An extremely candid Cowher, when asked about the role of Spygate in the 04 AFC championship game, not only denied it had an appreciable impact on the outcome of the game, but went on to state that “Stealing signals was a part of the game and everyone attempted to do that.” Cowher continued by saying that Steelers were essentially outplayed that game, and neither video cameras or stolen signals, was the difference on that frigid night.
Pandora’s Box officially opened as fans in Pittsburgh were suddenly calling Cowher Benedict Arnold. Fans in New England viewed these comments as cathartic, and felt that it once and for all cleared the Pats of any distinct advantages that lead to victories on the field.
Though I understand where Cowher is coming from, I don’t entirely agree with his sentiments. Yes, stealing signals is a part of the game. Heck, many savvy middle school football coaches have looked to steal signals during a game. There is a reason why many levels of football use “dummy signals” during games. Cowher making that statement is beyond obvious. Of course teams are going to look for advantages, but not all teams break league rules and directives.
To Cowher’s credit, he acknowledged that the Patriots broke the rules, but at the same time mitigated the role it played in winning and losing. With the Patriots able to “hypothetically” review signals in game or during halftime adjustments, its not a stretch to say it could be a definitive advantage. If I am playing poker, does the fact that I know you are holding three kings completely assure me of winning? Certainly not, but it certainly gives me information to hedge my bets accordingly. Therein lies the problem. The league said not to do it, and they did it anyway. Hubris? Certainly. Cheating? Seems like a fair thought.
As a part of not only the NFL coaching fraternity, but one of the all-time greats in the ranks, its not shocking to see Cowher show class and take accountability for his team’s failures, while giving Patriots credit. The reality is, that is what coaches do. Is he supposed to come out and say, “Oh yeah, the Patriots totally cheated and thats why we lost.” Maybe if you are Jim Harbaugh, but not Bill Cowher. This is man of class and integrity. Cowher respects the game too much to throw Belicheck, a man he clearly has great respect for, under the proverbial bus.
What does Cowher have to gain with sour grapes? He’s the centerpiece of the CBS pre-game coverage, he’s well respected in that role, so why would he go out of his way to disparage the Patriots or Belicheck? Even if he believes Spygate gave the Pats an advantage, over a decade later, what does it really mean? Cowher loses credibility and comes off looking petty and small. I give Cowher credit, he took the high road, and showed class. Do I believe Spygate was wrong and helped the Patriots? Yes. However, much like Cowher, in the end, I am not sure it was the difference between winning and losing.
