Peter King, Red Sox fan, once again picks the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl
by BigBlueShoe on Sep 3, 2009 10:08 AM EDT
in Bad Journalism
32 comments
Peter King is a big, fat New England Patriots homer. The evidence to suggest so is pretty convincing. So, why doesn't he just come out an admit what the rest of us already know?
Peter King isn't a bad guy. He's a good writer who seems to have genuine integrity about reporting the facts of the game. I respect that, especially in the ESPN-driven media culture we work in, where inconvenient stories (like the Ben Roethlisberger rape case) are buried by major media news networks because they could adversely affect the network's relationship with certain players (like, say, ESPN's cozy relationship with Ben Roethlisberger).
However, what has always frustrated me about King's writing is his total lack of understanding for the game of football, despite decades covering the sports as a one-time beat writer and now a mega-columnist. King's merciless beatdown of Colts receiver Anthony Gonzalez in the latest Monday Morning QB article is a recent example. King bashed Gonzo in his recent column for dropping a sure TD in a pre-season game, saying:
I think the most significant single play of the weekend could well have been the right-in-his-hands drop by Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez late in the first half at Detroit. The Colts are trying to give Gonzalez one of two jobs -- Marvin Harrison's right wide-receiver spot, or the slot receiver job. But Peyton Manning and offensive coordinator Tom Moore are waiting for Gonzalez to raise his game and grab one of the jobs. After the Gonzalez drop, Manning threw six more passes, none to Gonzalez, and Dallas Clark was back in the slot, his comfort zone with Manning.
18to88 does a fine job tearing King's "analysis" apart by stating what all of us already know:
- Anthony Gonzalez was #2 in the NFL last season in catch percentage rate (72%). For you stupid people out there, that means 72% of the passes thrown to Gonzo were caught. For you even dumber morons out there, a 72% catch rate is awesome!
- Gonzo is not "competing" for a job. He is the starting WR on the right side. He is not the slot receiver. Austin Collie is. Go to any blog, or go to the Colts own website, and it's right there for you to see.
I agree with 18to88 that King's analysis on this particular topic is very poor. In fact, it's almost amateur. You really don't need to know much about the Colts to know that Gonzo has great hands and that he is locked in as the starting WR. Any way you look at it, it's just bad analysis from someone who should know better, and is paid to know better. Sadly, this is often the norm with PK. When he reports on events and happenings in the league, he is top notch. Probably THE best. When you ask him to comment on an event or a happening, or to offer his "expert" opinion, oy vey!
Get ready for something ignorant and stupid to fly off his keyboard.
The other mind-wrenching trait King can't seem to shake loose from is his seemingly uncontrollable homerism for the New England Patriots. Peter King was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and currently lives and works in Boston. He's a seemingly big Red Sox fan. And for four of the last five years, Peter King has picked the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl, and he's been wrong each and every year.
The one year King did not pick the Pats to win was 2007, which happened to be the year after the Colts won the Super Bowl. It also just happened to be the year the Patriots actually made it back to the big dance, only to choke in one of the biggest sports upsets in history. I guess if you're a Pats fan, Peter King picking your team to win is the "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" moment of the off-season. If you're a Steelers fan, you just went "YES!" to King passing over your team yet again, despite the fact they've won two Super Bowls in four years while the Patriots have won zero during that span.
2005: King picks Patriots over Vikings
2006: King picks Patriots over Cowboys
2007: King picks Colts over Saints
2008: King picks Patriots over Cowboys
2009: King picks Patriots over Bears
Again, Peter King seems like a great guy, but it is really hard to think of him as an objective analyst when one sees such unabashed Patriots love displayed in full force.
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This was god awful
I doubt the Bears even make the playoffs, much less the Super Bowl. There’s no way they take the division from the Packers (or maybe even the Vikings). I also like how Houston wins the AFC South with a 10-6 record and the Colts are right behind them with the same record. Does he dial in his predictions from his phone while hangin’ in the crapper in Starbucks? They have the feel of being drafted and completed in 5 minutes.
by tenyardfight on Sep 3, 2009 10:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I don’t get his Bears angle either. They’re going to finish third in that division.
The Patriot thing is pretty easy to understand though. They’re really good. They have the 2nd best QB, the best coach, Randy Moss, and solid play everywhere else. They’re head and shoulders above everyone else in their division, are clearly a top 5 team, and are therefore the safest bet. If you were wagering money and wanted to maximize your chance at a win, you’d take the Pats. That Pats vs. Field was won by Field four times is no big surprise. It happens.
I do like that he has such a bad record in his picks though, just in case jinxes are real…
by willyduer on Sep 3, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We get it.
Peter King likes the Patriots. Peter King probably doesn’t like the Colts. Move along, nothing to see here.
by burc on Sep 3, 2009 10:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah this seems a bit overblown
I think we all know that he leans towards the Pats but obviously as a national writer doesn’t feel right admitting it. And it’s not like he’s making ridiculous picks. The Patriots have been title contenders every time he picked them. It’s not like he’s a closeted Raiders fan picking them for the super bowl. Obviously I disagree with his choice but it’s not unreasonable.
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
by psvirsky on Sep 3, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I’m certainly no Peter King Apologist, but it seems like everyday I read this blog it’s “so and so is a jackass,” and “this journalist sucks.”
He was off base with the Gonzalez point, but his picks aren’t that crazy.
by burc on Sep 3, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus, the Pats are a good team, you know
And not a bad pick every year if one has to pick a single team. If one likes that team, so much the better.
The problem is possibly perception—like the clowns who predicted the Texans (or was it the Jags) to win the AFCS or the magazines that change their top colleges every year just to stir shit up. If the same schools were 1-5 every freakin year, nobody would buy the rag. Some authors feel they have to be controversial and NOT pick the favorite.
So while Peter’s choices are probably fine, they run counter to a pretty common thread of picking a dark horse to sell your publication.
And when did he move from NJ? Probably about when I stopped reading him. It was the only think I ever liked about him.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
by Bobman on Sep 3, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I’m admitting to still being a reader of King, but it was pretty recent. Maybe a few months ago?
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
by psvirsky on Sep 3, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you look at the entirety of his picks, it is just like every other national guy. He basically listens to the national media scene to get a pulse on what everyone else is talking about or which teams everyone else is buying into – and then he picks that team too.
Pats – media darlings every single year since 2001.
NFC – insert team that made some kind of offseason move in an attempt to be “the missing piece of the puzzle”
It’s kind of funny, really. I’m glad he doesn’t pick the Colts and if I was a Steelers fan I would feel the same way.
"Put him on the board. Houshmazilli....got it. CHAMPIONSHIP!"
by AceOfSpades on Sep 3, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
None of the teams in any of his SB predictions made the big game
He just gave the ickle Patsies the kiss of death. Mufufufufufufu.
Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever.
Napoleon Bonaparte
by LV Steelers Fan on Sep 3, 2009 11:01 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Oh, one more thing
YESSSSSSSS!
Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever.
Napoleon Bonaparte
by LV Steelers Fan on Sep 3, 2009 11:03 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if I can curse your team......
The Pittsburgh Steelers will repeat as Super Bowl Champions this year.
Did it work?
Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.
Man, I need a life...
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I don't want this guy to get anywhere near me.
by Cassieper on Sep 4, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Peter King is a fantasy player?
Maybe PK, like KUBIAK, is actually really high on Anthony Gonzalez this year and he has a draft coming up. By writing about the TD drop, he hopes he can get Gonzo a round later…
by Todd S. on Sep 3, 2009 12:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Interesting reading
but, I truly couldn’t care less what Peter King thinks or doesn’t think. He was born in Massachusetts, what do you expect? Just as I don’t care what the clueless people at ESPN think. I think Gonzales’ ability and play speaks for itself. In short, I’m very glad he’s a Colt. I remember Reggie Wayne dropping a critical pass which was perfectly floated down into his hands and would have won a critical game against the Patriots, but he dropped it. But likewise, I’m glad Wayne is a Colt. All of these guys are human. There’s going to be occasional mistakes, but overall, the Indy offense is deadly. I just hope Caldwell can finally whip the defense into something fairly decent.
by Ayrshire on Sep 3, 2009 12:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
OHHHH The Humanity!!!
This is what he thinks. Big deal. Maybe he thinks the moon is made of cheese too, does that really matter in the grand scheme of things? Yes, he is a nationally recognized, talented, and respected sports writer. Does this mean he can’t be a homer AND be among the many that think the Patriots have a shot at winning it every year.
Hell, I’m a Pats fan and I think the Colts have a shot at winning it every year.
Just another attempt to fan the flames. .
I know, I know , keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
by OneMore on Sep 3, 2009 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The issue
is that it seems like everyone always picks the Pats, no matter how many weaknesses they have. IMO the Steelers are a more intelligent pick than the Pats, because Pittsburgh is the best team in the AFC, IMO.
The issue is that we, as Colts fans, get tired of hearing how great the Pats are from national media while it seems like there are never good stories on the Colts out there.
by 2ndBlueGeneration on Sep 3, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure
but it comes off as a little childish sometimes.
"Put him on the board. Houshmazilli....got it. CHAMPIONSHIP!"
by AceOfSpades on Sep 3, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait a minute....
the moon isn’t made out of cheese?
"Put him on the board. Houshmazilli....got it. CHAMPIONSHIP!"
by AceOfSpades on Sep 3, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's Swiss cheese.
Mmmmmmmmmm……….
Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.
Man, I need a life...
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I don't want this guy to get anywhere near me.
by Cassieper on Sep 4, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Statistically speaking
The probability of winning a super competitive trophy like the SB by a single team is nearly impossible, given the parity (or supposed parity) in the NFL. Even in baseball the Yankees or the Red Sox don’t win it every year. I would expect sports writers to have at least half the knowledge that bookies have about the odds.
If you are a nationally read sports columnist, then you need to at least have the pretense of objectivity.
"Winning is not everything;the desire to win is" - Vince Lombardi
by rangerover76 on Sep 3, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
???
Statistically speaking The probability of winning a super competitive trophy like the SB by a single team is nearly impossible, given the parity (or supposed parity) in the NFL.
What does this mean?
"Flying blind on a rocket cycle?" -Vultan, from the movie "Flash Gordon", for no particular reason...
by peytonsurdaddy on Sep 3, 2009 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My mistake
Thanks! I read that and it should be corrected to “The probability of consecutive wins in the SB” is nearly impossible. The effect of writing at the end of a long day :-)
"Winning is not everything;the desire to win is" - Vince Lombardi
by rangerover76 on Sep 3, 2009 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
King's a huge homer
And I actually think most of the stuff he writes has become very bad, which is why I don’t read him anymore. He’s a good writer, but I feel like he is starting to just ramble about whatever is on his mind, football or not. He always picks the Pats because he is a Pats fan, just like most of the analysts on ESPN’s and NFL Network’s payroll. Nothing infuriating about that, it’s just an eye roller.
Prisco always seems to pick the Colts to win, and he gets heat for that. So every writer has their team. It’s just common to see the patriots and it gets really, REALLY, annoying, especially since they haven’t won in 5 years.
by npb1985 on Sep 3, 2009 2:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The answer to getting media love and total respect around the NFL is,
WE MUST START WINNING PLAYOFF GAMES AGAIN! And I believe the Colts can do it .
"You can't defend the perfect throw, what can I say?" Peyton quoting Marino
by Indy Lori on Sep 3, 2009 2:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Valid point
as much as I hate to admit it. You’re absolutely right.
The thing that amazes me is that any Colts’ fan finds this surprising – that PK or others will pick the Pats. I mean, sure, Brady’s been off for a year and had major reconstructive surgery and I’m sure he’ll be back in 2007 form (from what I’ve read) – puhleez, yeah, I buy it.
C’mon, guys, we go through this crap every stinking year. “Manning’s getting old”, “The Colts are going to start to decline.” etc, etc, etc.
I kinda already know PK is a dumba@@, my reaction is a solid “meh”
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Sep 3, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
All we gotta do is win in the Playoffs!
by shelbyjames on Sep 3, 2009 2:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
King blows
Bashing Gonzalez and saying that he’s competing for a WR job is incredibly stupid considering that Gonzo is supposedly one of Manning’s proteges. I remember when he made that TD against the Chargers in the 08 playoffs (the one hand on the field to stay inbounds after shrugging off a tackle), Madden (who states the obvious but is also good at analysis) said that Peyton took a shine to Gonzalez and taught him some of the finer points of offensive play. This is the same guy that King is bashing as “in the race for a WR job”. I wonder how King got the ESPN job in the first place.
"Winning is not everything;the desire to win is" - Vince Lombardi
by rangerover76 on Sep 3, 2009 4:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Peter King works for Sports Illustrated.
"Flying blind on a rocket cycle?" -Vultan, from the movie "Flash Gordon", for no particular reason...
by peytonsurdaddy on Sep 3, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
OK I’m really out of date.
"Winning is not everything;the desire to win is" - Vince Lombardi
by rangerover76 on Sep 3, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or...
OK.. Thanks for the tidbit. No million dollar prize for you though.
"Winning is not everything;the desire to win is" - Vince Lombardi
by rangerover76 on Sep 3, 2009 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can I have it instead?
Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.
Man, I need a life...
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I don't want this guy to get anywhere near me.
by Cassieper on Sep 4, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just wish Peter King, like Simmons, was honest
It is so obvious that he favors the Pats. If he was open about it, I wouldn’t care. Its hilarious that he has not gotten even one team in the Super Bowl right, and I’ll love to see that continue.
Also glad that you didn’t comment on the poll that named Tom the best QB in the NFL. PK would love Tommy even if he lit a bag of his own shit on fire on his doorstep.
EVH+DLR=BFFr........ God I Hope So!!
by dmstorm22 on Sep 3, 2009 4:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He seems cool and all but he’s totally a Boston/New England homer
Colts/Pacers/Irish/Hoosiers/Whitesox/Blackhawks/MMA thats it!!!!!
by irishjosh on Sep 4, 2009 11:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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