[socalstanfan1]

[quote author=Boston Card link=topic=11574.msg111186#msg111186 date=1421703895]
I think the logic is that the Colts rely on their passing game more than the Patriots, so deflating the ball would have confered a larger benefit on the Patriots.  Plus, it is not like Bill Belichick doesn't have a history of playing fast and loose with the rules (remember Spygate?).  That being said, it would be pretty brazen for him to have tried to get away with that.

BC

What? First, each team has their own balls, so the benefit would only be conferred to the Patriots. Second, taking some pressure out helps the passing game (makes the ball easier to catch, apparently), so if your premise were true the conclusion would be backward.
[/quote]

Like you BC, I thought that under inflation would benefit the running team and hurt the passing team. The USA Today article says the opposite.  It does seem to me that under inflating the balls could especially hurt the deep passing game, but I'm really not sure of that. 

really, Stupac, each team is responsible for their own balls? What an odd system for the visiting team that has to cart their balls with them then, presumably inflate them once they land, given the way elevation would, I assume, mess with the pressure.

With all the money floating around the league I can't believe that they can't just hire an additional person for each officiating crew to just check equipment.

[socalstanfan1]

[quote author=Boston Card link=topic=11574.msg111186#msg111186 date=1421703895]
I think the logic is that the Colts rely on their passing game more than the Patriots, so deflating the ball would have confered a larger benefit on the Patriots.  Plus, it is not like Bill Belichick doesn't have a history of playing fast and loose with the rules (remember Spygate?).  That being said, it would be pretty brazen for him to have tried to get away with that.

BC

What? First, each team has their own balls, so the benefit would only be conferred to the Patriots. Second, taking some pressure out helps the passing game (makes the ball easier to catch, apparently), so if your premise were true the conclusion would be backward.
[/quote]

Like you BC, I thought that under inflation would benefit the running team and hurt the passing team. The USA Today article says the opposite.  It does seem to me that under inflating the balls could especially hurt the deep passing game, but I'm really not sure of that. 

really, Stupac, each team is responsible for their own balls? What an odd system for the visiting team that has to cart their balls with them then, presumably inflate them once they land, given the way elevation would, I assume, mess with the pressure.

With all the money floating around the league I can't believe that they can't just hire an additional person for each officiating crew to just check equipment.