Patriot-gate

Besides filming the opposing team's signals, the incident in NY this past weekend also involved funny business with the teams' radio frequencies. What could that be about? PFT reports of "suspicions/rumors regarding efforts by the Pats to get a leg up as to opposing offenses. Specifically, we're told that it's believed that, during the 2006 season, the Patriots were putting microphones on defensive linemen in order to capture the offensive line calls and the quarterback audibles. Then, the audio and the video of the game would be matched up, and the defensive players would be given the code at halftime."

But here's where it gets really weird. You probably noticed the green dot/sticker on the back of the QB's helmet this weekend or during the preseason. The dot indicates to the ref that the helmet is outfitted with a radio receiver so the QB can receive the play from the sideline. Each team is only allowed one "green dot" helmet on the field at any one time. My friend explained that it was his understanding that some team (the Falcons?) did at least one trick play last year where they brought in Matt Schaub at QB and split Vick out wide or in the backfield and the Falcons gained some sort of advantage by having two players able to listen to the Offensive Coodinator prior to the play.

But this new green dot rule raises some interesting questions in light of the burgeoning Patriots scandal. Why did the league institute the "green dot" rule? Was it really for the incident/scenario mentioned above? Or did the league have an inkling that some team (did they suspect the Patriots) was monkeying around with the helmet radio receivers for a more pronounced/blatant advantage? If the ongoing NFL investigation uncovers evidence of the Patriots secretly violating the green dot rule, will that be cause to increase the punishment imposed by the league?

Stay tuned.