Do people naturally root for the underdog?

[War Wagon]

Ordinarily, I wouldn't think this question needed to be asked due to the answer being self-evident. At least that's what I thought.

But while watching the game last night with my daughter (who absolutely despises the Pats) I made that comment in an offhand way and she shot back that no, most people without a vested interest in either team do not pull for the underdog.

I was going to argue with her, but then I thought of NFL Paul and his penchant over the years for swinging from the sack of every front-running team.

Maybe it's not "normal" in wanting to see the big dog bite the dust. Maybe there's more people out there like Patriot Paul shudder than like me.

[Bobby42]

We all admire winners and the tradition of winning they bring with them. Look at any dynasty and tell me you never admired the team chemistry, precision, execution and all the other things they did to make it work for them. Often, however, the champion’s swagger turns into arrogance and their remaining time on the throne is marked with contempt.

Enter the Underdog: the inferior team who takes advantage of the champion’s preoccupation. While we once admired the winner, we love the underdogs for knocking them off their lofty perch.

[War Wagon]

Often, however, the champion’s swagger turns into arrogance and their remaining time on the throne is marked with contempt.

Exactly.

Nicely put.

[trev]

I admit to having a vested interest in rooting against the pats because of last year. And Tom Brady not acknowledging one of his kids disgusts me. At this point, I'm done hating the Pats. If they win out I'll give them props. If my team doesn't make it to the title game, I will hope for a good game and probably whoever is playing the Pats to win.

[RevLimiter]

I was going to argue with her, but then I thought of NFL Paul and his penchant over the years for swinging from the sack of every front-running team.

Maybe it's not "normal" in wanting to see the big dog bite the dust. Maybe there's more people out there like Patriot Paul shudder than like me.

Get over yourself Whitey....I explained CLEARLY why I wanted the Patriots to run the table, and that's to make the 72 Dolphins go away for good. That's it, no other reason. I DO NOT "swing from the sack of every front-running team" as you say. That's retarded and you know it.