Pats Didn't Run it Up!

I am stunned at the overwhelming amount of talk from local and national media alike describing the Patriots fourth quarter play against the Redskins as an obvious example of "running up the score". It was also described by many to be "disrespectful" to Joe Gibbs and because of that, unforgivable. In my opinion, they DID NOT run up the score. Running up the score means different things to different people but for me.....it requires unnecessary offensive-oriented plays and unnecessary timeouts to be construed as "running it up". For example, a timeout late in the game to allow a field goal attempt or a long throw into the end zone in the final two minutes would be utterly unnecessary and could be construed as "running it up". A fourth quarter flea flicker would serve as another example. The Patriots had four offensive drives/opportunities in the fourth quarter--the last of which was a kneel-down, the next-to-last three runs and a punt. Neither one of those drives was evidence of "running it up". Let's search the other two 4th quarter drives for the "running it up" evidence. The Pats' first drive of the final quarter was a continuation of a drive that started in the 3rd quarter. Leading 38-0 and facing a 4th and 1 at the Redskins' 7 with 11:02 left in the game...they went for it and made it on a Tom Brady sneak. Two plays later they scored on a Brady to Welker TD pass with 9:09 left in the game to make it 45-0. I don't believe that the 4th and 1 decision was a reflective of a Bill Belichik conscious decision to run it up. I just think that with 11:02 left in the game, he wanted his team to continue to "play" the game. Translation, no "running it up" on their first drive of the fourth quarter. Their 2nd drive of the quarter included back-up QB Matt Cassel under center. ON 4th and 2 at the Skins 37 with 7:16 to go, Cassel completed a pass to Gaffney for 21 yards to the Skins' 16. In my opinion, this is the only play in the game that could be construed as "running it up". The "sportsmanship" option was to punt. The other option, chosen by the Pats, was to give the back-up QB some work in the event that Brady gets hurt somewhere down the road. They chose the latter. They scored a few plays later to make it 52-zip. I don't believe that this was a conscious decision to "run it up" and if it was, it wasn't the way you'd choose to do it if you're trying to send a message. If they had run a flea-flicker on that play, if they had kicked a field goal....then the "running it up" gripe would have been more valid. Bottom line---the Pats are really good, and as far as last week's win over the Skins, they won a game that deserves respect with no ill-will.