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Is Belichick Breaking an Unwritten Rule?

Pats coach under fire for running up the score in blowout wins

By Lev Weinstein,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 31, 2007 1:40 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Following Sunday's 52-7 crushing of the Redskins, which included fourth down conversions when ahead 38-0 and 45-0 in the fourth, Pat's coach Bill Belichick is coming under fire for violating an unwritten code of conduct in his unwillingness to concede blowout games. The criticism comes as Belichick's Patriots are on pace to annihilate the NFL's single season points record. 

Though Washington coach Joe Gibbs said he had "no problem" with Belichick's tactics, his players were less forgiving. "It's a crappy way to go about things, but I don't want to get into trouble," said center Casey Rabach. Others disagree. Former coach Dan Reeves, who said plainly, "I don't think there are any unwritten rules," cites the NFL's use of scoring margin in its playoff formulas as a valid reason for running it up.

New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss, right, congratulates Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after Brady's first rushing touchdown of the day during first quarter action of their NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon, Oct. 28, 2007. Brady ran for two touchdowns and passed...
New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss, right, congratulates Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after Brady's first rushing touchdown of the day during first quarter action of their NFL football...   (Associated Press)
Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs reacts to his team's performance against the New England Patriots during the second quarter of their NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon, Oct. 28, 2007. The Patriots defeated the Redskins, 52-7. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs reacts to his team's performance against the New England Patriots during the second quarter of their NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon,...   (Associated Press)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick waits to congratulate quarterback Tom Brady after Brady ran for his second touchdown of the game during the third quarter of the Patriots 52-7 win over the Washington Redskins in a football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007....
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick waits to congratulate quarterback Tom Brady after Brady ran for his second touchdown of the game during the third quarter of the Patriots 52-7 win over the...   (Associated Press)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks into his headset on the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. The Patriots won 49-28 to remain unbeaten at 7-0. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks into his headset on the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. The Patriots won 49-28 to remain unbeaten...   (Associated Press)
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ESPN photo gallery of game in question
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NFL • New England Patriots • Washington Redskins • football • Bill Belichick

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