Quote:I agree.  I think Brady and Belichick were on the same page here.  Brady wanted softer balls to throw, Belichick knew the softer ball would reduce fumbles, and Brady's lobbying efforts to the NFL brought the rule change where teams provide their own game balls.  It appears the deflation would normally occur in the officials' locker room after the officials went onto the field.  McNally usually had 10-15 minutes between the officials leaving and the kickoff.

I think if anyone watches the 2009 Patriots/Titans game, they'll notice something is really odd. Seriously, it's as lopsided as a Harlem Globetrotter game against the Washington Generals. The Titans are fumbling all over the place while the Cheats don't fumble. Brady's taking snaps from shotgun, doing flea flickers, and has record setting day while Collins, taking snap under center, had 2-12 pass attempt. 

 
Here are the game's highlights:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highl...9-Titans-0
 
This game also indicates to me that the coaching knows very well about the ball being deflated. Calling for a gimmick plays in game conditions like that??? C'mon...
 
The 2010 Patriots/Bears games is nearly as bad. The Bears are fumbling and really can't get anything going while the Patriots are easily moving the ball. The Bears are no stranger to snow and the Patriots offense are making one of the best defenses in the league look like a high school JV team. Is Brady and the rest of the Patriots immune to the snow or is something else going on?
 
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highl...highlights
 
I believe ball deflation is why the Shady and the Cheats always play better late in the year when it starts getting colder and snowing. Playing with a deflated ball becomes an even bigger advantage then. When an ENTIRE offense has an advantage like that, yes, it can make an average QB look great.

---