By Marc Thaler
Managing Sports Editor

I’ve had more than a week to digest Adam Vinatieri’s defection to the archrival Indianapolis Colts.

While disappointed the Vinatieri Era ended on March 21, I’m not distraught.

It’s hardly surprising so many fans are upset with what transpired.

But it’s shocking the majority can’t make sense of the scenario.

This collective displeasure leaves me wondering if fans truly understand how Bill Belichick & Co. operate.

Gridiron gripe No. 1

How could the Pats allow an athlete who made several of the greatest clutch kicks in National Football League history to leave?

The fundamental flaw in this argument is the tense: It’s in the past, a place the Patriots don’t live.

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The braintrust’s sole concern is future performance. Management isn’t in the business of remembering The Good ’Ole Days, even when dealing with the guy who helped make those days so good.

In 2002, the Pats hung on a year too long to a host of contributors to the first championship team. New England paid the price, going 9-7 and missing the playoffs entirely.

It’s far better to cut the cord a year or two early than risk being saddled long-term with the contract of an aging athlete.

Gridiron gripe No. 2

Entering free agency, New England was $20 million below the salary cap. The Pats couldn’t pay – even overpay – No. 4?

Forget the total amount of spending money in the Pats’ checkbook. It’s irrelevant. The team places a price tag on each position.

Whether a player makes millions or the minimum, when he demands dollars exceeding the value the Pats set for that spot, it blows the team’s budget to bits.

Gridiron gripe No. 3

Why didn’t New England work out a deal with Vinatieri while he was under contract?

Vinatieri wanted a multi-year deal at his asking price. The Pats didn’t agree with his numbers, thus free agency. When a player enters free-agent waters, New England won’t set the market – i.e. establish a player’s worth.

The Pats prefer to see what teams around the league offer, then present a deal of their own. If a competitor provides coin that’s impossible to refuse – see David Givens and Tom Ashworth – so be it.

Gridiron gripe No. 4

Now that Vinatieri is a Colt, Indy has positioned itself ahead of the Pats as the top perennial Super Bowl contender.

Step away from the ledge. Since the Belichick Era began, the Pats have spent wisely. The Colts have done no such thing.

Indy spent big on Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Before Edgerrin James left for Arizona, Indy spent big money on him, too.

Now, the Colts showed Vinatieri a pile of cash. Indy will consistently be good. But the Colts’ system has yet to bring even one title to town.

Gridiron gripe No. 5

The Pats have to spend money at some point. Why not on Vinatieri?

The Pats remain dominant because they spend much of their money on (you’ve heard this before) “middle-class players,” instead of big stars.

When the injury-bug bites, the Pats march on. It’s a result of their superior middle-class talent, which provides great depth on the roster.

When other teams lose key guys, those squads sink; most of their money is invested in frontline talent.

Yes, I’m upset Adam Vinatieri is gone, too. But I’d be angrier if the Pats couldn’t compete for championships every year. And their system for doling out dollars is as much a part of the Pats’ success as the players.

I hear Belichick is offering a refresher course in the Patriots Way for fans who’ve forgotten as much.