Tom Brady Deflategate: New England Patriots Positive Going Into NFL Season Despite Scandals

By Armon Sadler (intern@musictimesco.com) | Aug 13, 2015 01:51 PM EDT

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The New England Patriots have arguably been the best team in football since the start of the 2000s. With four Super Bowl wins, 12 AFC East division titles, and an undefeated 2007-2008 regular season, it's very hard to argue that point—even with Deflategate floating overhead. Head Coach Bill Belichick and future first ballot Hall of Fame Quarterback Tom Brady have created a dynasty in Foxboro, and though many stars have come and gone, the Pats have remained atop that division due to keeping these two around. So it's no surprise the Patriots are confidently going into the 2015-2016 season.

Of course, to non-avid NFL watchers, it should be as the team may be without their star. They have been tied up in two of the biggest sports scandals of the 2000s: Spygate and Deflategate. Both of these scandals involved the powerhouse team employing some unconventional methods to gain an advantage over other teams, only to be caught and punished.

Spygate came about in 2007 when the Patriots were fined $750,000 and had a first round pick confiscated for recording the New York Jets' defensive coaches' signals in the middle of their Sept. 9, 2007 game. The Patriots didn't take too kindly to league's reaction, and other coaches', so they put the league on notice that they did not need to cheat by going undefeated in the regular season, outscoring opponents 589 to 274.

 Rainy day at practice yesterday. #JobStartsNow

A photo posted by New England Patriots (@patriots) on Aug 12, 2015 at 7:14am PDT

Deflategate became the talk of the nation after reports of the Patriots staff having deflated game balls came about, with Brady being aware of this, during the 2015 AFC Championship versus the Indianapolis Colts on January 18, 2015.

The multiple time Pro-Bowler was initially dealt a 4-game suspension, bringing a lot of drama to the NFL and its leadership, who've made questionable decisions regarding players and their misbehaviors these past few seasons. Brady obviously appealed the ruling and, after an investigation revealed the superstar knowingly destroyed his cell phone prior to being questioned but was in fact in contact with the Patriots staff, the suspension was upheld.

This decision came as a shock to many who feel the Patriots oftentimes get a pass from Roger Goodell, citing Brady being the face of the NFL. Many still believe Brady will be on the field come Week 1.

Eight years ago, the Patriots were in a similar predicament, but took to the football field to express their anger. They won nearly every single game that season, only losing in the Super Bowl to the New York Giants. Now, coming off of their Super Bowl win last season, they're looking poised to not only repeat their domination of the 2007-2008 season, but finish the job and win the Super Bowl.

The only difference is, as of now, Brady will be gone for the first 4 games. And with the Patriots facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, improved division rival Buffalo Bills, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and reigning NFC East champions, the Dallas Cowboys, all before Brady's return during Week 6 when they coincidentally face the Indianapolis Colts, the start to the season could be a bit rocky for the reigning champs.

But if teams can't beat the Patriots on the field, and getting them into trouble with the league for cheating can't stop them, what can?

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