PHOENIX -- Robert Kraft is one of the NFL's most influential owners. He is also the proud chairman and CEO of the New England Patriots.

Usually those two things mix well.

But when crisis strikes, as it has for the Patriots over the last week with the NFL's aggressive investigation into underinflated footballs, sometimes those two roles come into conflict.

That's what made Kraft's unexpected remarks Monday night to kick off the team's arrival at Super Bowl XLIX so significant. He showed a willingness to step away from league-wide interests to publicly defend Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the Patriots logo, while at the same time putting the NFL in his cross-hairs by requesting an apology should no decisive evidence be found.

If the Patriots felt like they had something to hide, it's hard to imagine Kraft would risk his reputation and standing in league circles by leaving himself no wiggle room. Belichick's news conference Saturday was equally as decisive.

Their remarks suggest that they feel they've been unfairly attacked, first by the NFL, and then by the tidal wave of media coverage that has been ferocious in the sense that it led national network newscasts last week.

Thus, they're fighting back with force.

In stunning fashion Monday, it was Kraft leading the charge.