Why would deflated footballs provide an advantage to the Patriots?

A deflated ball is easier to grip so a quarterback, theoretically, can throw it with more accuracy and ball carriers can hold onto the ball better. This, again theoretically, reduces the number of turnovers a team will have and gives them an advantage over opponents.

The Patriots have averaged far fewer fumbles per carry than other teams since they began using their own footballs, and Tom Brady is usually among the league leaders in fewest interceptions each season.

In fact, prior to 2007 Brady averaged 13 interceptions per season but since the Pats began providing their own game balls, Brady has averaged just over 9 interceptions per season.

This disparity would seem to indicate that Brady and the Pats have been cheating ever since the rules were changed.

Each team provides their own footballs for when their offense is on the field.

Deflating the ball makes it softer. That makes it easier to grip. That means the quarterback gets a better grip when he's throwing it, and the receivers get a better grip when they're catching it. If the ball is too hard it can bounce out of the receiver's hands more easily.

The issue is that it appears the Patriots deflated the balls they used on offense which gave them this advantage.

Actually, no. Teams play on offense with the balls they brought to the games so they are not playing with the same balls.

A deflated ball helps the QB throw it more accurately and helps the RBs hold onto the ball more easily.

The Pats** have been doing this for years; it's the reason why they never fumble the ball.

Both teams have to play with the same ball until 2006. "The official rules of the National Football League require footballs to be inflated to a gauge pressure between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch (psi, or 86 to 93 kPa)." Teams can choose what football they want. In fact, Aaron Rodgers uses a high psi football.

In my opinion, the Tom Brady's deflated football isn't cheating because the limits in place were to prevent a very deflated football or a football that is well overinflated.

Ask the patriots haters. They're just mad the sorry Seahawks lost. And the patriots are the greatest franchise in nfl. If you call them cheaters because of deflated footballs than you better not forget colts footballs wee also under inflated so who's the real cheater

They play with different footballs and it was easier to use a deflated one because you can grip them better

No because only the offense has the ball unless there is a INT or fumble.Each team has their own set

No, each team plays with different footballs.

ask Tom Brady,he knows.