The honest answer, the same reason the 49ers were hated in the 80's and the Cowboys hated in the 90's. Because they won a lot of Super Bowl. Everybody hates the #1 team, it is the reason for the Yankee hate.

People tend to pull for the underdog, especially one as massive as this which few gave a chance, but I think New England is particularly disliked because 1) they won 3 Superbowls in 5 years; 2) the spy-gate incident; 3) their coach is one of the biggest jerks in the industry.

Kinda feels like kerosene added to a already in flames Patriot team but I'll give one reply.

1. Belichek is disliked with how he handles the media and opposing coaches. Plus some think he's a cheat.
2. The Patriots have already won 3 superbowls this decade.
3. The whole Spy Gate affair.
4. The fact they were 18-0 going into the game and had beaten down most teams the first half of the season.
5. Tom Brady is pretty and has a model for a girlfriend.

sucks that there won't be a rematch between these 2 next year unless it's in the superbowl. Two best games of the year, no doubt.

I don't think that's necessarily true. Cowboys were regarded as the America's team, and a lot of people were pulling for them to win all the Superbowls, until the popular Jimmy Johnson was fired, Jerry Jones' ego took center stage, and their players started getting into frequent drug troubles. Also I'd argue Yankees were hated not merely because of how much they've been winning, but the way they win, simply buying players whenever needed with an unlimited pocket. The perceived financial competitive imbalance created the dislike. If a team is built with smart draft and other maneuvers, like how Cowboys was built initially in the early 90s and how Spurs are winning, people are fine with it.

I still am in shock over that escape and pass to Tyree by Manning. Unbelievable.

I'm eagerly awaiting the next podcast. He wrote an article yesterday predicting Patriots 42 Giants 17 and prematurely slobbering over the Pats historic once in a lifetime team. Oops.

(though he's still awesome)

who's bill simmons?

San Antonio as a city is too under the radar for the world to cheer against them. Boston is sportstown USA, and being like the big bully of the sports playground the last 7 years and particularly this last one, it was much more natural to hate them. Plus the Giants and Eli were the most unlikely thing and biggest underdog like, ever. To beat Dallas, then Green Bay, then the Pats? Unheard of. And likewise, being a New York team gave them more media boost than say, Carolina a few years ago.

ESPN's main/most colourful sports writer. Mostly around for comedy value and making fun of teams and stuff, but yeah, big Boston fan.

LOSER!!

As was asked above, I think the Pats aren't liked also because they are cocky and arrogant. On the game, I am wondering how hurt Brady really was but still the Giants defense won the game until Manning killed them in the 4th quarter with two great drives.

I never understood that perception. Most of them say and do the right things during and after games. I guess people think they are cocky and arrogant just cause they were going for a perfect 19-0 season and everyone was hyping them up beyond belief, though not themselves. Media opinion transference on the team itself.

I also think it's fitting that Patriots lost partly because Belichick was so arrogant that he believed the team had a better chance at completing a 4th-and-13 than making a 48-yard field goal.

I don't think the Patriots players are that disliked; it's really most about Belichick.

-Why did they go for it on 4th n 13 rather than kcik a field go?

-Why single cover plaxico IN THE RED ZONE?

-WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY

Hats off to the Giabtrs but the mvp wasnt Eli it was Matt light with his 2 drive destroying false starts; hell why not the whole offensie line?

Horrible pass pritection, oh my god horrendous run blocking maroney was getting swarmed before he crossed the line...

What to say...

this fucking sucks; were a joke and i could not be more dissappointed.

Brady leg was fine. the reason they lost was the pressure from that Giants D getting to him and causing him havoc most of the game. but it still wasn't enough cause he drove his team down for a td to take the lead.

then it was time for the Eli show.

[youtube2]http://youtube.com/watch?v=JTIe90xxipQ[/youtube2]

New York can thank Conan for this!

First look at that defensive player, Harrision, with all of the penalities including poking a player in the eye. Also I remember games in the first half when the kept their players in even though the game was won, trying to drive up the score. Anyway, I think the Pats coach wanted to give a big finger to the whole NFL by getting every record possible.

This is the worst I've felt in a VERY long time.

The reason I am so happy is because ESPN basically wants to have sex every day with Tom Brady, Bill, and the rest of the Patriots, and then well into the night.

Also the Patriots have over the last few years turned into a very Yankees-like team. They simply take in a lot of talent to form a super team, and much of their talent is anything but down-to-earth. It is the same reason everyone like he Manning bros, they are likeable fellows, very much down-to-earth, and don't strut around like they are better than everyone else. Plus Bill is the biggest asshole on the planet, and then after the whole spy fiasco, he has become the new Barry Bonds.

What the HELL are you talking about?

The Patriots have $10 mil in CAP ROOM! They don't go out and BUY players. They go out and get playmakers that become great on their team.

The ONLY person the Pats have actually gone out and got for a LOT of money is A.Thomas. And he played out of his mind.

The difference between the Yankees of the past and the Patriots of now is that they don't buy players. The majority of the new talent they brought in this year were via trade. Whether or not the deals were fair were not aren't the Patriots fault.

And when have the Patriots strutted around like they were better than everyone else? They barely talk in general and when they do, they show the upmost respect for the other team. I think a lot of people are misinterpreting that for some reason.

Notice I never said the word money. You made that part up Chip.