Had a little bit of moment of clarity this morning, so I just want to release this as an official statement and move on.
The league has been a success thus far because of the rules and policies I've chosen. I've invested the time and energy to create a league for people who didn't have a competitive place to play. I've taken community feedback where appropriate, and I've been receptive to ideas from the other league on how to keep things fair (trade cap, trade committee, etc).
However, with the idea that this league is a "step below" the official league, there is an integrity that needs to be protected. Any team that proves to be unbeatable, compromises that integrity and makes the entire existence of the league moot. This policy was clearly stated from the very beginning. As such, both the Dolphins and Patriots will be respectfully asked to move on at the conclusion of this season. The reasons for this are as follows:
1. Their record in this league is exceptional. They are 18-0 and 15-1, respectively, in games against other league members.
2. They have proven that they are both more than capable of competing at a high level in the other league, vying for division titles and beating previous Super Bowl winners.
3. They both have very good records in online ranked play...a mode that features some of the most nefarious and unscrupulous gameplay tactics that exist. Demonstrating a consistent ability to stop these tactics illustrates a solid grasp of all facets of the game.
I honestly appreciate the effort both of these players have put in, as they have been very dedicated and easy to schedule games with. Their skill level is just too high in comparison to the rest of the players in the league. I wish them both the best of luck as they compete in a league more appropriate for their skill level.