Finally, someone has topped the idiocy of the 'good vs. evil = Colts vs. Pats' column from 2007.
Apparently, Randy Moss didn't put any effort into Sunday's game.
Really? Because he looked pretty good to me. Made a few good plays, caught a few necessary balls, at no time put his feet out of the end zone, thus nullifying the play.
I feel like the reporter, Mike Freeman, meant to write 'Joey Galloway,' then erred.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Chad Pennington out for the season
Chad Pennington is out for the season after a shoulder injury in Sunday's game. This poor guy. At least he had a good season last year when he showed his former team right up in the last game of the season. Even though that win cost the Patriots their shot at the playoffs, the way that the Jets got rid of him was pretty bad, so I'm pleased that he got his payback. The situation doesn't look great right now, but here's hoping that he turns out okay.
Incidentally, the Dolphins signed Tyler Thigpen from the KC Chiefs to replace him. Apparently, they are still grooming Chad Henne, their new QB, and the league was out of QBs named Chad.
Incidentally, the Dolphins signed Tyler Thigpen from the KC Chiefs to replace him. Apparently, they are still grooming Chad Henne, their new QB, and the league was out of QBs named Chad.
Belichick of the Week
This week's Belichick of the Week goes to the man himself. When asked why he decided to go for it on 4th and 1 on his own 24 yard line (at the time, I said that was crazy), his answer was, "I thought we could get a yard."
Nobody does it better than the master.
Nobody does it better than the master.
Monday, September 28, 2009
About that 'back-up QB' thing...
The 'career back-up QB' for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just got an upgrade.
He is now the starting quarterback after the Bucs suffered through an incredibly bad effort yesterday. They got their first down with five minutes to go in the third quarter and had a total of 86 yards. Fifteen of those came from Johnson (the back-up QB) when he ran on a play. That is a bad, bad day.
Interesting fact: Florida teams, right now, are 1-8 combined.
He is now the starting quarterback after the Bucs suffered through an incredibly bad effort yesterday. They got their first down with five minutes to go in the third quarter and had a total of 86 yards. Fifteen of those came from Johnson (the back-up QB) when he ran on a play. That is a bad, bad day.
Interesting fact: Florida teams, right now, are 1-8 combined.
By the numbers
Pats are still third in passing yards after yesterday.
We are also first in field goals. Not so great. But red zone offense is clearly an area that needs work, so that's stating the obvious. Anyway, it could be worse...the Giants missed some 20-yarder or something. I believe that Gostkowski has only missed one so far this season in the first game against Buffalo.
We are also first in field goals. Not so great. But red zone offense is clearly an area that needs work, so that's stating the obvious. Anyway, it could be worse...the Giants missed some 20-yarder or something. I believe that Gostkowski has only missed one so far this season in the first game against Buffalo.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Congratulations, Detroit Lions
It's time to retire the 'Winless Detroit Lions' tag. Congratulations to them. They won their first game since the 2007 season today. And they tried to blow it, they really did at the end, allowing the Redskins the opportunity to come back. But they held on and won the game.
So congratulations, and here is the last use of that tag.
You can place bets on which team will be next to earn it, though (*cough* *cough* Bucs *cough*).
So congratulations, and here is the last use of that tag.
You can place bets on which team will be next to earn it, though (*cough* *cough* Bucs *cough*).
Dramatic ending for Vikes and a what if?
The Vikings won today on an extremely dramatic pass to the end zone from Favre. It was a long one. It was one of those ones you assume will get intercepted when you see Favre throwing it. Yet it wasn't, and Greg Lewis came up with it (if that name sounds familiar, the reason will be clear soon enough), barely managing to keep his feet in bounds and winning the game for the Vikings. It was exciting. Trust me. Rusty Old Man looked like he was going to need a nap immediately following.
Meanwhile, over in Foxborough, the Patriots came up with a great drive in the first quarter only to get it to the end zone, then have the touchdown nullified because Joey Galloway couldn't keep his feet in bounds on what seemed like a pretty routine play.
Greg Lewis is the WR the Patriots cut prior to the start of the season in favor of Galloway.
I shall say no more on this matter. Although I think that Galloway pretty much lost Tom Brady's trust today with some genuinely bad plays on what should have been easy completions. Tom seemed kind of upset (especially with a classic moment, shown in slow motion, where he yelled 'HOW F–––ING HARD IS THAT?!?' right at him after a particularly frustrating play).
Meanwhile, over in Foxborough, the Patriots came up with a great drive in the first quarter only to get it to the end zone, then have the touchdown nullified because Joey Galloway couldn't keep his feet in bounds on what seemed like a pretty routine play.
Greg Lewis is the WR the Patriots cut prior to the start of the season in favor of Galloway.
I shall say no more on this matter. Although I think that Galloway pretty much lost Tom Brady's trust today with some genuinely bad plays on what should have been easy completions. Tom seemed kind of upset (especially with a classic moment, shown in slow motion, where he yelled 'HOW F–––ING HARD IS THAT?!?' right at him after a particularly frustrating play).
Much, much better
The Pats looked like the Pats again today. Although sadly they carried some traces of the 2008 Pats, in that their red zone conversion was not great. But much was good:
1) If that's Randy Moss with a back injury, then everything is going to be o-k. He played a great game, running for over 100 yards and coming up with the big plays when he needed to.
2) Tom's precision is coming back. Sure, there were some plays where he was off. But overall he kept things together.
3) The running game -- while not spectacular -- was still pretty good. Fred Taylor came through with some key plays, picking up big yards (105 total).
4) Overall, I thought the defense played very well, allowing only 10 points. This was without Wilhite, Mayo, and Wilfork, who went out during the game. Now I would prefer not to have to play the rest of the season without these guys, but considering who was left, I thought that they did a great job. Also, Gonzalez was allowed no big plays and our corners played like corners. Yay!
5) I believe we were penalized twice for 5 yards. Much better than the past two weeks and more in line with what we expect from the Belichick-run Patriots.
There is one player who I still have issues with, but I will save that for a separate post. Followers of this blog can probably take a wild stab as to who that is.
As usual, though, the sky has not fallen and all was not over last week. I wonder too if part of the problem was that last week, we had expected Welker to play and designed routes involving him. This week, his absence was less noticeable. Edelman, while no Wes Welker, came up with a few nice plays, one of which was rather Welkeresque.
1) If that's Randy Moss with a back injury, then everything is going to be o-k. He played a great game, running for over 100 yards and coming up with the big plays when he needed to.
2) Tom's precision is coming back. Sure, there were some plays where he was off. But overall he kept things together.
3) The running game -- while not spectacular -- was still pretty good. Fred Taylor came through with some key plays, picking up big yards (105 total).
4) Overall, I thought the defense played very well, allowing only 10 points. This was without Wilhite, Mayo, and Wilfork, who went out during the game. Now I would prefer not to have to play the rest of the season without these guys, but considering who was left, I thought that they did a great job. Also, Gonzalez was allowed no big plays and our corners played like corners. Yay!
5) I believe we were penalized twice for 5 yards. Much better than the past two weeks and more in line with what we expect from the Belichick-run Patriots.
There is one player who I still have issues with, but I will save that for a separate post. Followers of this blog can probably take a wild stab as to who that is.
As usual, though, the sky has not fallen and all was not over last week. I wonder too if part of the problem was that last week, we had expected Welker to play and designed routes involving him. This week, his absence was less noticeable. Edelman, while no Wes Welker, came up with a few nice plays, one of which was rather Welkeresque.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Contusion!
It's just a big bruise (or contusion).
Phew.
Could be much worse.
(Obviously I'm talking about Jon Lester).
Phew.
Could be much worse.
(Obviously I'm talking about Jon Lester).
Oh no
Lester went on the cart.
That cannot be good.
They keep a cart back there, apparently. He is about to get x-rayed.
That cannot be good.
They keep a cart back there, apparently. He is about to get x-rayed.
Or maybe we should go into 'panic mode'
Jon Lester just got hit on the knee by a sharp hit straight back to him.
Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad.
Yankees are up 4-0. Also bad. But the Lester situation could potentially be much worse.
PS - Thank you Yankee fans for clapping out of respect. Bet you at Tropicana they would boo and ring cowbells.
PPS - He's walking off the field but then again, no one ever takes the damned cart.
PPPS - Papi went in with him. Best Red Sox ever.
Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad.
Yankees are up 4-0. Also bad. But the Lester situation could potentially be much worse.
PS - Thank you Yankee fans for clapping out of respect. Bet you at Tropicana they would boo and ring cowbells.
PPS - He's walking off the field but then again, no one ever takes the damned cart.
PPPS - Papi went in with him. Best Red Sox ever.
I don't want to go into 'panic mode' or anything, but...
Apparently both Welker and Moss are listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Now, don't get me wrong. I'd much rather see them sit now than not have them in a couple of months. But I'd rather have those two playing with Brady than pretty much anyone else in the entire universe!
Rusty old man retires (no, not that one), plans to drive for NASCAR (no, not that one)
Patrice Brisebois, aka Rusty Old Man of the Canadiens' defense, has retired. He even thanked Jacques Demers (or something) for coaching him to his only Stanley Cup in 1993. Remember back then? That seems like so long ago when you write the numbers '1993' out. And I guess it was long ago (although clearly not as long as, say, to pick a year at random, 1967).
I remember in 1995 when Demers was fired. I was living in Montreal and every single newspaper had this as the front page story. Those were good days, we thought, because Les Canadiens were not playing very well. In came Mario Tremblay and Les Canadiens started well under him. Then Tremblay left Roy in for too long in a game and poof. He was off to Colorado the next day after vowing never to play for Les Canadiens again. Quel désastre! I remember it as if it were yesterday. Although the tragedy of that incident has since been supplanted by other moments in sports, such as the 2003 ACLS ending and leading the pack, Tom Brady on the ground, clutching his knee.
Random fact: Mario Tremblay's nickname during his hockey-playing career was 'le bleuet bionique,' which translates to 'the bionic blueberry.' Trust me, I'm trying to find the origin for that and so far turning up nil.
Back to Brisebois: he plans to drive for NASCAR Canada. I didn't even know that there was a NASCAR Canada. What's more, I think that we need to rethink classifying something as a 'sport' if you can retire as a rusty old man from one professional league, then go compete in another.
I remember in 1995 when Demers was fired. I was living in Montreal and every single newspaper had this as the front page story. Those were good days, we thought, because Les Canadiens were not playing very well. In came Mario Tremblay and Les Canadiens started well under him. Then Tremblay left Roy in for too long in a game and poof. He was off to Colorado the next day after vowing never to play for Les Canadiens again. Quel désastre! I remember it as if it were yesterday. Although the tragedy of that incident has since been supplanted by other moments in sports, such as the 2003 ACLS ending and leading the pack, Tom Brady on the ground, clutching his knee.
Random fact: Mario Tremblay's nickname during his hockey-playing career was 'le bleuet bionique,' which translates to 'the bionic blueberry.' Trust me, I'm trying to find the origin for that and so far turning up nil.
Back to Brisebois: he plans to drive for NASCAR Canada. I didn't even know that there was a NASCAR Canada. What's more, I think that we need to rethink classifying something as a 'sport' if you can retire as a rusty old man from one professional league, then go compete in another.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Fabulously structured sentence
Reiss no longer writing for the Boston Globe (he's with ESPN Boston where he maintains a Patriots blog), so this is from 'Extra Points,' which is the Globe replacement. This quote comes from an article today about Tom Brady addressing the media. The way this sentence is structured cleverly reveals the writer's point of view:
'Brady didn't throw Galloway, who has been targeted 14 times in two games and only had five receptions, under the bus.'
Ha ha ha ha. Not quite as good as Mr. Cowboy Hater earlier this week. But still good.
'Brady didn't throw Galloway, who has been targeted 14 times in two games and only had five receptions, under the bus.'
Ha ha ha ha. Not quite as good as Mr. Cowboy Hater earlier this week. But still good.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tazawa done for the year
Tazawa has been put on the 60-day DL for a groin injury. The speculation is that this is maybe not so much of a 'groin injury' that it couldn't be played through. But because they needed to free up roster space and (I am hoping) because we must have reliable starting pitching without him, he is done for the year.
So it would look like our starters are as follows:
1) Beckett (I'm nervous because he's been sketchy as of late)
2) Dice-K (seems fine so far)
3) Lester (I'm good with that)
4) Buchholz (He's been picking it up as of late)
5) Wakefield (As long as he stays healthy. And doesn't pitch like he did last night).
6) Byrd? That's my question mark. You've seen it. It's official.
So it would look like our starters are as follows:
1) Beckett (I'm nervous because he's been sketchy as of late)
2) Dice-K (seems fine so far)
3) Lester (I'm good with that)
4) Buchholz (He's been picking it up as of late)
5) Wakefield (As long as he stays healthy. And doesn't pitch like he did last night).
6) Byrd? That's my question mark. You've seen it. It's official.
Ask and ye shall be informed
Here's a summary of what has happened to Delcarmen.
Apparently his technique is off but they have identified the problem. Actually fixing the problem is another question.
And his ERA as of late? 21.60. Yikes.
Apparently his technique is off but they have identified the problem. Actually fixing the problem is another question.
And his ERA as of late? 21.60. Yikes.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Delcarmen, what happened?
Manny just gave up another four runs tonight. That effectively blew the lead, although Bard was useful in finishing that off. The Red Sox had a 6-0 lead after the top of the third. They are now in the 7th, and the Royals are ahead 11-9.
I'm still not convinced that Bard is ready for prime time.
And Manny, I was on your side before! What happened?
PS - To ESPN: a big old EW for that Peyton Manning montage I just had to watch.
I'm still not convinced that Bard is ready for prime time.
And Manny, I was on your side before! What happened?
PS - To ESPN: a big old EW for that Peyton Manning montage I just had to watch.
I have another crazy theory
What about this?
Maybe the Jets meant to wait on using Sanchez yesterday? They could have waited, seen how the running game went, then changed strategies in the second half. By then, the Patriots would have already settled into their game strategy, then in the second half, the Jets could come out and BOO-YAH.
Much as they did.
Just another crazy theory.
Maybe the Jets meant to wait on using Sanchez yesterday? They could have waited, seen how the running game went, then changed strategies in the second half. By then, the Patriots would have already settled into their game strategy, then in the second half, the Jets could come out and BOO-YAH.
Much as they did.
Just another crazy theory.
Heh
I don't want to get all cocky here or anything, but I am loving seeing the Colts getting owned by the Dolphins. Especially on the Wildcat. Did no one get tape from last year to study this play?
From what I recall, the Pats may have sucked the first time, but after the opportunity to study some tape, basically shut them down.
Heh.
Knowing the Colts, though, they will find a way to come back on some ridiculous play and barely win. Just to spite us all.
5 minutes later: Yeah, I knew it, Colts just scored a TD. Still about a quarter of play remaining.
From what I recall, the Pats may have sucked the first time, but after the opportunity to study some tape, basically shut them down.
Heh.
Knowing the Colts, though, they will find a way to come back on some ridiculous play and barely win. Just to spite us all.
5 minutes later: Yeah, I knew it, Colts just scored a TD. Still about a quarter of play remaining.
Some happier stats
This is the info from this morning:
I would prefer, obviously, that we were higher in offense. But for those of you who doubt Tom, consider that this number reflects the games where he has been 'rusty.' Not to mention one game against what appears to be a power defensive team in the Jets. Then you can rethink that claim.
| Offense (Rank) | |||||
| Yards: | 740 (9) | ||||
| Passing Yards: | 584 (3) | ||||
I would prefer, obviously, that we were higher in offense. But for those of you who doubt Tom, consider that this number reflects the games where he has been 'rusty.' Not to mention one game against what appears to be a power defensive team in the Jets. Then you can rethink that claim.
Someone does not like the Cowboys
This is the headline that came up for the story of the Cowboys' loss last night:
'105,121 watch Cowboys lose on final play'
However, I need to point out that the actual story had a different headline, so apparently some editor decided to dehate it.
'105,121 watch Cowboys lose on final play'
However, I need to point out that the actual story had a different headline, so apparently some editor decided to dehate it.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Teams I wasn't expecting to go 0-2
Tennessee Titans
Carolina Panthers
Oh, and I'm not at all surprised that Detroit is 0-2, but I am saddened. They had the lead today into the third quarter. That is a bummer.
Carolina Panthers
Oh, and I'm not at all surprised that Detroit is 0-2, but I am saddened. They had the lead today into the third quarter. That is a bummer.
Was Greg Lewis really that bad?
I'm wondering now about just how bad Greg Lewis was, the guy we got from the Eagles who was cut during training camp. He was a WR. What is he up to these days? Would he like to come back? Was he really that bad?
I am so annoyed with Galloway right now!
I am so annoyed with Galloway right now!
Loss to the Jets
Okay, but at least we can feel slightly better that we did not lose to Mangini's Jets on the same play that they had been running all game (which is how we lost to them last year).
This year, they put up a good battle and eventually won it. The final score was 16-9, so we were within a TD. I'm concerned that, like last year, we're having problems completing once we get into the red zone. If we had scored three TDs instead of three FGs...well, speculation gets us nowhere, really.
I feel like in a way, there is positive here. We saw our weaknesses. That is good. I'd rather see them in Week 2 than in Week 10, when we can't change much. The defense was very good in the first half (mind you, the Jets got smarter in the second half and decided maybe they should, you know, try letting their QB throw). We'll be better in our next match-up because there will be tape of this Jets team that our coaches can study. Things are still a bit rusty, but I feel like we have potential. It would be great if we started living up to that soon.
Wes Welker was out with a knee injury, BOO! I thought that his replacement, Edelman, did pretty well. Not Wes Welker well, but let's be reasonable.
PS - Dear Joey Galloway, PLEASE CATCH THE DAMNED BALL!!!
This year, they put up a good battle and eventually won it. The final score was 16-9, so we were within a TD. I'm concerned that, like last year, we're having problems completing once we get into the red zone. If we had scored three TDs instead of three FGs...well, speculation gets us nowhere, really.
I feel like in a way, there is positive here. We saw our weaknesses. That is good. I'd rather see them in Week 2 than in Week 10, when we can't change much. The defense was very good in the first half (mind you, the Jets got smarter in the second half and decided maybe they should, you know, try letting their QB throw). We'll be better in our next match-up because there will be tape of this Jets team that our coaches can study. Things are still a bit rusty, but I feel like we have potential. It would be great if we started living up to that soon.
Wes Welker was out with a knee injury, BOO! I thought that his replacement, Edelman, did pretty well. Not Wes Welker well, but let's be reasonable.
PS - Dear Joey Galloway, PLEASE CATCH THE DAMNED BALL!!!
An Open Letter to Joey Galloway
Dear Joey Galloway,
Please hold onto the ball.
(Dropping easy passes...maybe you could get away with that in Tampa Bay because the games didn't matter but you're on the Patriots now...have a fun season because it's going to be your last at this rate).
PS - Galloway is #13.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
That's some good coaching there, Bucs
I'm not seeing great things for the Bucs this year. The coach, Raheem Morris, informed his second QB that is he a 'career back-up.' 'Way to foster that young man's hopes:
""I've talked about him being my Jason Garrett, that career backup," Morris said after Sunday's game. "You might as well force him into his role right now. We've talked about Freeman being the franchise around here. That's going to happen in time. That will happen when it happens.
""I've talked about him being my Jason Garrett, that career backup," Morris said after Sunday's game. "You might as well force him into his role right now. We've talked about Freeman being the franchise around here. That's going to happen in time. That will happen when it happens.
"You talk about preparing a guy you think can be your career backup, you think he can be long-term backup, you hope you can sign him in free agency when that stuff comes up. You want to put him in his role right now.""
What's even sadder is that the young man in question, Josh Johnston, initially thought reporters were kidding when they told him what his coach said:
"When Johnson, Tampa Bay's fifth-round pick in 2008, was asked about Morris' desire for him to be a career backup, he exploded into laughter, mostly because it was the first time he heard it. Once Johnson realized the reporter's question was serious, he took the high road.
"I have no reaction to it. I don't know," Johnson said. "I really can't speak for the future. I can only worry about right now, and as of right now, I am the backup to Byron (Leftwich) and helping Josh, who is being groomed to do what he's going to do in the future. I don't even worry about it.
"If Coach says that, that's fine. We'll see what happens down the road, but as of right now, I am a backup for this team and that's my job.""
Hey kid, you were taken in the fifth round. That's one ahead of Tom Brady. So just think about your potential compared to his and don't listen to Morris!
PS - Bets are now on...when does Morris get fired? I mean, if they got rid of Gruden just because of the meltdown at the end of last season, I don't see good things here. Incidentally, Tampa Bay was another team that recently fired its offensive coordinator. Those are some good managerial skills I'm seeing too.
PPS - Looks like the Bucs QB problems are destined to continue with this kind of attitude.
Mayo not out for season
Rumor has it that he will be out for a few weeks with a sprained MCL in his knee. At least that is the rumor. Belichick, being his usual, talkative self, let no information go at the press conference today.
This could be worse, although I'd be much happier if he were healthy. Let's hope that everyone else can adjust.
This could be worse, although I'd be much happier if he were healthy. Let's hope that everyone else can adjust.
Patriots coaches = maybe not the only ones who 'cheat'
And the irony is palpable...Mangini is being investigating for failing to declare Favre's injury last year:
"The NFL is investigating Mangini’s role in the Jets’ failure to list quarterback Brett Favre’s arm problem on injury reports last season. Mangini coached the Jets during Favre’s one season in New York before he was fired after the team collapsed down the stretch."
"The NFL is investigating Mangini’s role in the Jets’ failure to list quarterback Brett Favre’s arm problem on injury reports last season. Mangini coached the Jets during Favre’s one season in New York before he was fired after the team collapsed down the stretch."
Is there not a 'Rusty Old Man' declaration you have to make?
Here, Mangini clearly failed to learn from Belichick. Always put 'shoulder, probable.' No problems later.
Patriots fans = maybe not the biggest jerks in the world
Someone vandalized the yard of McKelvin, the guy on the Bills who dropped the ball after the last kick:
"Bills players are concerned with their privacy and safety after the front lawn of a home belonging to cornerback Leodis McKelvin was vandalized following Buffalo’s season-opening loss to New England.
"Bills players are concerned with their privacy and safety after the front lawn of a home belonging to cornerback Leodis McKelvin was vandalized following Buffalo’s season-opening loss to New England.
Hamburg police on Tuesday confirmed the home of a Bills player was vandalized, but declined to release details of their investigation after an obscenity and the score of Monday night’s game—a 25-24 loss to the Patriots— were painted in white on the player’s lawn in suburban Buffalo."
First, it wasn't his fault, he was right to run. Second, the ball was forced out by Merriweather on a phenomenal play from our special teams. Third, you just shouldn't vandalize peoples' houses.
Yeah, clearly Patriots fans are the jerks in the NFL.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Here's a crazy statistic
'Still, these are the Patriots, who have not lost a regular-season game with Brady at quarterback since Dec. 10, 2006.' -- from the AP article on tonight's game.
That was a long time ago!
If you guessed the Dolphins, you are correct. We lose to them once in even-numbered years. Think of it as our gimmick.
That was a long time ago!
If you guessed the Dolphins, you are correct. We lose to them once in even-numbered years. Think of it as our gimmick.
Insanity for the win!
Pats beat the Bills, 25-24. Yes. Really. Craziness ensued left, right, and center. There was even an attempt at multiple laterals to end the game. Yes. Really. Multiple laterals.
However, I have to say, even though it was closer than we probably thought it would be, there was ever so much that I loved about the Pats tonight. Sure, they started kind of slow and passes were not connecting at first. But that drive in the 4th to score the Ben Watson TD, my LORD that was like good old days. Only slightly cooler. Who am I kidding? It was a drive of beauty.
A few observations:
1) We do not need Mayo injured! I hope that whatever happened to him is not serious. He was walking on the sideline afterward, but then again, Tom Brady didn't take the damn cart last year and he needed season-ending knee surgery. It would be really helpful if, when players get seriously injured, they would take the cart. That way, we would know.
2) Tully Banta-Cain brought it. And then some. Welcome back, cool name dude.
3) Gruden is a moron when sportscasting.
4) WE HAVE CORNERS. I could have kissed Leigh Bodden for breaking up a play. I think that he has already broken up more than our corners combined last year.
5) Were we great tonight? No. We definitely have improvements to make. But I have to say that even with all of the defensive gaps, I think that there is some real potential here and that is fantastic. One thing that you cannot say about the defense: it was not sluggish. Compare that to the past two seasons. There is something just sad about how Junior Seau can come out of retirement and make a serious contribution. That was the sign last year that changes needed to be made, and In Bill I Trust. <-- of course, this is nothing against Junior, who is a freaking warrior.
6) I cannot say enough about those hurry-up drives. They were fab! Fab! Fab!
More to come, I am sure. Yay NFL!
However, I have to say, even though it was closer than we probably thought it would be, there was ever so much that I loved about the Pats tonight. Sure, they started kind of slow and passes were not connecting at first. But that drive in the 4th to score the Ben Watson TD, my LORD that was like good old days. Only slightly cooler. Who am I kidding? It was a drive of beauty.
A few observations:
1) We do not need Mayo injured! I hope that whatever happened to him is not serious. He was walking on the sideline afterward, but then again, Tom Brady didn't take the damn cart last year and he needed season-ending knee surgery. It would be really helpful if, when players get seriously injured, they would take the cart. That way, we would know.
2) Tully Banta-Cain brought it. And then some. Welcome back, cool name dude.
3) Gruden is a moron when sportscasting.
4) WE HAVE CORNERS. I could have kissed Leigh Bodden for breaking up a play. I think that he has already broken up more than our corners combined last year.
5) Were we great tonight? No. We definitely have improvements to make. But I have to say that even with all of the defensive gaps, I think that there is some real potential here and that is fantastic. One thing that you cannot say about the defense: it was not sluggish. Compare that to the past two seasons. There is something just sad about how Junior Seau can come out of retirement and make a serious contribution. That was the sign last year that changes needed to be made, and In Bill I Trust. <-- of course, this is nothing against Junior, who is a freaking warrior.
6) I cannot say enough about those hurry-up drives. They were fab! Fab! Fab!
More to come, I am sure. Yay NFL!
Belichick of the Week
Congratulations to Vince Wilfork, this week's winner of the Belichick of the Week comment, talking about the match-up tonight against Buffalo:
Friday, September 11, 2009
Rodney Harrison opens mouth, spews truth
This is his take on the Seymour trade:
So as of today, Seymour still hasn't reported. I'm having a kind of cruddy day and continue to remind myself that it could be worse. I was not traded to the Raiders. That is a pretty low bar to set, I know, but who would want to go?
"He's not thrilled," said Harrison, now an analyst for NBC's Football Night in America. "Who would be thrilled to go to the Oakland Raiders? Maybe somebody who's happy to just get a chance but not a guy like Richard Seymour, a five-time Pro Bowler. For a veteran player to go to Oakland at this juncture it's just difficult.
"Put yourself in his position," Harrison added. "He's going from a first-class organization to one of the worst in the NFL. You have the head coach fighting the assistant coaches, the owner involved in the day-to-day operations, guys who don't believe in the quarterback. . . . Tom Brady to JaMarcus Russell? Come on. Is that something to look forward to? Why would he be excited?"
Asked if Seymour would report to the Raiders, Harrison said, "I don't know that. Only Richard knows that. But I wouldn't go to Oakland. There's no way in the world I would go to Oakland. The only way I would report is if they promised they wouldn't franchise me after this year."
So as of today, Seymour still hasn't reported. I'm having a kind of cruddy day and continue to remind myself that it could be worse. I was not traded to the Raiders. That is a pretty low bar to set, I know, but who would want to go?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Et tu, Manny?
Our pitching is completely unpredictable as of late!
Manny Delcarmen just walked in the tying run in the game against Baltimore. What is going on here? Settle in, people, it's September and not May!
Manny Delcarmen just walked in the tying run in the game against Baltimore. What is going on here? Settle in, people, it's September and not May!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
I have to record this for posterity
From the Red Sox broadcast on Friday night (they were playing the White Sox and had wrapped up a series against the Rays the night before at Tropicana Field):
Dave O'Brien: I'm still hearing cowbells.
Joe Castiglione: You won't come October.
Dave O'Brien: I'm still hearing cowbells.
Joe Castiglione: You won't come October.
'Streaky'
It described the Habs post-all star break, and now, I'm afraid, it is the moniker I have to apply to the Red Sox.
Having looked just fine prior to the current series against the White Sox, I was almost ready to leave PANIC MODE. But no. Then Byrd had a dreadful start (allowing 7 runs in Friday's game) and then Wakefield did not play the way he has been all season yesterday, leading to a 5-1 loss. Again, inconsistent is the best term for our pitching right now.
What's not helping is that suddenly the bats have been silenced as well. The Red Sox (as of the 3rd inning in today's game) have scored 2 runs in the series so far against the White Sox. Pedroia is hitting nothing this week and everyone else seems to be following his lead -- except J.D. Drew who just always has to be contrary.
The Red Sox still have a 2-game lead in the wild card race, but they need to start playing like it's September because in case they don't own calendars, IT'S SEPTEMBER, PEOPLE!
Having looked just fine prior to the current series against the White Sox, I was almost ready to leave PANIC MODE. But no. Then Byrd had a dreadful start (allowing 7 runs in Friday's game) and then Wakefield did not play the way he has been all season yesterday, leading to a 5-1 loss. Again, inconsistent is the best term for our pitching right now.
What's not helping is that suddenly the bats have been silenced as well. The Red Sox (as of the 3rd inning in today's game) have scored 2 runs in the series so far against the White Sox. Pedroia is hitting nothing this week and everyone else seems to be following his lead -- except J.D. Drew who just always has to be contrary.
The Red Sox still have a 2-game lead in the wild card race, but they need to start playing like it's September because in case they don't own calendars, IT'S SEPTEMBER, PEOPLE!
Richard Seymour traded
Whoa. As in, 'Lois, that is not my Batman glass' whoa.
Richard Seymour was traded today, meaning that basically no one is coming back on the Patriots' D. I think that's what it means. I'm hard pressed to name anyone beyond Mayo. At the same time, many of us have noted in previous years that our defense was getting old and sloppy, so maybe it is time to change it up. At least we have corners now...I hope!
We got a 1st round draft pick out of it for 2011. Which isn't bad. Unless the Raiders suddenly get it together, which seems unlikely, what with their coaching staff physically attacking each other and such.
Also, whenever you are having a bad day, you can just feel better that you didn't learn you were traded to the Oakland Raiders. Because I'm having a moderately annoying day and that thought is basically keeping me going.
Richard Seymour was traded today, meaning that basically no one is coming back on the Patriots' D. I think that's what it means. I'm hard pressed to name anyone beyond Mayo. At the same time, many of us have noted in previous years that our defense was getting old and sloppy, so maybe it is time to change it up. At least we have corners now...I hope!
We got a 1st round draft pick out of it for 2011. Which isn't bad. Unless the Raiders suddenly get it together, which seems unlikely, what with their coaching staff physically attacking each other and such.
Also, whenever you are having a bad day, you can just feel better that you didn't learn you were traded to the Oakland Raiders. Because I'm having a moderately annoying day and that thought is basically keeping me going.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A post that doesn't mention a NE QB -- past or present -- at all
There are some things in life you think you can rely on. Then there is Josh Beckett. With the Red Sox on a tear and everything apparently coming together, Josh Beckett has now become unreliable. Take last night's performance against the Rays. He allowed 5 runs in the first three innings. Sure, we caught up, only to be heartily decimated by Evan Longoria (yes, again, what is it with that guy?!?). But still, it would help if we weren't in a 5-run deficit in the first place!
Beckett got better as the game went on, which makes me think that maybe he should just pitch one or two 'practice' innings before the game actually starts. Either way. I'm not back to PANIC MODE yet, but we need him strong in September!
Beckett got better as the game went on, which makes me think that maybe he should just pitch one or two 'practice' innings before the game actually starts. Either way. I'm not back to PANIC MODE yet, but we need him strong in September!
My new favorite piece about Belichick
This blog post is simply awesome. I can't describe it any other way. Belichick is the Beatles of the NFL. *The Beatles*. The man is single-handedly the Fab Four. What superb hyperbole!
Obviously you need everyone in the organization if it's going to be the Beatles. I mean Kraft, Kraft should be a Beatle. He's like George: you don't see a lot of him, but you know he's there, and you know we need him. Then there's the guy you really never hear about whose running things (his name may be Ernie Adams. I may have an inside source on that one). He's Ringo, propping things underneath it all and keeping it together.
I can't decide if Tom Brady is Paul or John. Meh. He's Tom. That's iconic enough.
Obviously you need everyone in the organization if it's going to be the Beatles. I mean Kraft, Kraft should be a Beatle. He's like George: you don't see a lot of him, but you know he's there, and you know we need him. Then there's the guy you really never hear about whose running things (his name may be Ernie Adams. I may have an inside source on that one). He's Ringo, propping things underneath it all and keeping it together.
I can't decide if Tom Brady is Paul or John. Meh. He's Tom. That's iconic enough.
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I could have sworn there were only four preseason games. But he absolutely nailed it with the 'each week they've gotten better and better.' Truly inspired.