You knew this was going to happen. You just knew it. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports reports that members of the Baltimore Ravens believe the Patriots used underinflated balls in the Divisional Round two weeks ago. The Pats of course went on to win that game 35-31.
Baltimore’s kicking and punting units were not getting their normal depth and distance, and some believed the balls they were using may have been deflated.
Sour grapes? Maybe. Given the recent deflategate allegations and the Pats history of cheating, can you blame them?
Moreover, this was always the biggest concern with deflategate. The Colts were beaten and they were beaten bad in the championship game. An underinflated ball doesn’t change the blowout victory. But team’s going up against the Pats are always going to wonder “what did they do against us?” What are they doing to get an edge? It doesn’t stop with balls or cameras or “eligible” receivers with Bill Belichick, there’s always something else.
And unless the NFL comes down hard on him, nothing will change that perception.
*UPDATE: As others have noted, kicking balls are regulated by the NFL, sent directly from the manufacturer. So the Ravens’ accusations are (like we said) sour grapes.
