See, this is why I don't like making predictions ...especially for a 162-game season. I know 40 games seems like a small sample size, but it is 25% of the schedule. Anyone who has watched the 2010 Red Sox play knows this team is toast. There simply is something missing. I can't quite put my finger on it. Outside of the glaring holes (offense, bullpen, inconsistent starting pitching, etc), this version of the Red Sox is not good. They are becoming unlikeable and unwatchable.
Last month, I predicted the Red Sox would win 93-96 games and win the AL East and go on to win the World Series. May I have a do over?? Lets review my comments shall we? "We must embrace the era of run prevention. The Red Sox are going to be there in the end. They're a 93-96 win type of team. They'll compete for the division title with the Yankees and the Rays. Their defense and pitching will be superior to majority of the league." Seriously Mike? Seriously?
Run prevention? More like run assistance. Teams are scoring at will on the Sox. They are last in the AL in runs allowed. That's borderline co-ed softball league material folks. For what we all thought was a strength (pitching), it sure looks like a weakness at the moment. The starters have been maddening. Josh Beckett, at last check, had an ERA over 7.00. 7!!! John Lackey has not put it all together yet. Daisuke ...gross. Lester struggled out of the gate ...again. Buchholz at least has been good. He's kept the team in every game he's pitched. The bullpen quite frankly sucks right now. Can the old Jonathan Papelbon please stand up? That performance in Yankee stadium last night was downright disgusting.
The Red Sox are going to be there in the end. No they won't. Not unless David Ortiz from 2004 shows up. Not unless Josh Beckett actually pitches like he's a $68M player. Not unless Adrian Beltre decides to play some defense (and hit a few homeruns). Not unless ...not unless ...not unless. See a pattern developing here?
They're a 93-96 win type of team. Good lord, more like a 83-86 win type of team. They need to get their act together or they'll be fighting with the Jays for third place come September.
They'll compete for the division title with the Yankees and the Rays. HA, wow Mike you nailed this one. The Yanks and Rays are so far superior to the Red Sox right now it's not even funny. The Rays are for real. They do EVERYTHING well. They pitch, they hit, the run, they play defense. Solid, solid team. I could easily see them winning rings come October. They are quite scary.
Their defense and pitching will be superior to majority of the league. This hurts. The Red Sox were built around pitching and defense. On the surface, not a bad idea. You win in October with these two key elements. Very rarely do teams slug their way to a title. The Sox pitching has been inconsistent and their defense has been terrible. Joe Maddon called Adrian Beltre the best 3rd basemen he has ever seen. He already has 7 errors and we haven't even made it to Memorial Day.
As a diehard Red Sox fan, I am usually the king of the rose colored glasses. I'm finding it harder and harder as we move along to root for this team. They appear to be a poorly assembled team loaded with a few costly and past their prime veterans. The Red Sox still have talent ...Youkilis, Pedroia, Ellsbury, Lester, Buchholz, etc etc. They must move quickly here or else they'll be out of the race before Memorial Day. Scary thought.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
NFL draft 2010
One of the best 2-day stretches (well now 3-day stretches) of the year ...the annual collegiate football draft. Millions of folks scour the internet weeks and months before the draft reading the thousands of mock drafts from the so called experts. I, like those millions, can't get enough. I love it ..I admit it, I am an NFL draft junkie. Mel Kiper and Todd McShay are two guys I'd love to grab a burger with.
If all falls according to plan, Sam Bradford will be a St. Louis Ram, Ndamukong Suh a Detroit Lion, and Gerald McCoy a Tampa Bay Buc. What happens starting with the Redskins at #4 overall is where the debate begins. For those Patriot fans out there, who is the best fit at #22? If Sergio Kindle and Dez Bryant are both on the board, what does Bill do? If I'm running the war room (and god knows I'd love to), I would be torn. 49% of me says grab Dez Bryant, wide receiver from Oklahoma State ...a new toy for Tom terrific - albeit one with question marks. 51% of me says go defensive with stud outside linebacker Sergio Kindle from Texas.
The Super Bowl years featured a dominant defense and an adequate offense. To get back to that level, Bill needs to continue his defensive rebuilding project. The offense needs work as well ..WR, RB, TE ...however these are positions that can be focused on in the later rounds. Kindle would provide much needed boost to the pass rush. He provides alot of what Willie McGinest used to feature during his golden days. Sergio Kindle is the safe pick. He ensures ultimate value for the Patriots. Dez Bryant will be tough to pass up and I'm glad, at the end of the day, I don't have to make the actual decision. It sure would be exciting ...the next Randy Moss for Tom Brady. One thing's for sure here ..this is an important draft for the New England Patriots. There must be alot of hits and very few misses.
If all falls according to plan, Sam Bradford will be a St. Louis Ram, Ndamukong Suh a Detroit Lion, and Gerald McCoy a Tampa Bay Buc. What happens starting with the Redskins at #4 overall is where the debate begins. For those Patriot fans out there, who is the best fit at #22? If Sergio Kindle and Dez Bryant are both on the board, what does Bill do? If I'm running the war room (and god knows I'd love to), I would be torn. 49% of me says grab Dez Bryant, wide receiver from Oklahoma State ...a new toy for Tom terrific - albeit one with question marks. 51% of me says go defensive with stud outside linebacker Sergio Kindle from Texas.
The Super Bowl years featured a dominant defense and an adequate offense. To get back to that level, Bill needs to continue his defensive rebuilding project. The offense needs work as well ..WR, RB, TE ...however these are positions that can be focused on in the later rounds. Kindle would provide much needed boost to the pass rush. He provides alot of what Willie McGinest used to feature during his golden days. Sergio Kindle is the safe pick. He ensures ultimate value for the Patriots. Dez Bryant will be tough to pass up and I'm glad, at the end of the day, I don't have to make the actual decision. It sure would be exciting ...the next Randy Moss for Tom Brady. One thing's for sure here ..this is an important draft for the New England Patriots. There must be alot of hits and very few misses.
Monday, April 5, 2010
2010 MLB predictions
I'm not much of a believer in predicting anything, nevermind a season that lasts from April through October. So, naturally, here are my non-biased predictions for the 2010 season.
AL East - New York Yankees (97-65)
AL Central - Chicago White Sox (92-70)
AL West - Anaheim Angels (90-72)
AL Wild Card - Boston Red Sox (95-67)
AL Champion - Boston Red Sox (defeating Yankees in ALCS)
AL MVP - Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay
AL Cy Young - Felix Hernandez, Seattle
NL East - Philadelphia Phillies (94-68)
NL Central - St. Louis Cardinals (93-69)
NL West - Colorado Rockies (92-70)
NL Wild Card - Atlanta Braves (91-71)
NL Champion - Philadelphia Phillies (defeating Cardinals in NLCS)
NL MVP - Albert Pujols, St. Louis
NL Cy Young - Roy Halladay, St. Louis
World Series Champion - Boston Red Sox
(defeating Phillies in 7 games)
AL East - New York Yankees (97-65)
AL Central - Chicago White Sox (92-70)
AL West - Anaheim Angels (90-72)
AL Wild Card - Boston Red Sox (95-67)
AL Champion - Boston Red Sox (defeating Yankees in ALCS)
AL MVP - Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay
AL Cy Young - Felix Hernandez, Seattle
NL East - Philadelphia Phillies (94-68)
NL Central - St. Louis Cardinals (93-69)
NL West - Colorado Rockies (92-70)
NL Wild Card - Atlanta Braves (91-71)
NL Champion - Philadelphia Phillies (defeating Cardinals in NLCS)
NL MVP - Albert Pujols, St. Louis
NL Cy Young - Roy Halladay, St. Louis
World Series Champion - Boston Red Sox
(defeating Phillies in 7 games)
Friday, April 2, 2010
Boston Red Sox 2010 Preview
The 2009 season for the Boston Red Sox ended with a thud - a 3-game sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ...a team they had previously owned in the postseason (winning 9 of last 10). The lasting image for Sox fans was Jonathan Papelbon hanging his head after giving up 3 runs in the 9th inning of game 3, highlighted by a run scoring single by Vladimir Guerrero.
Turning the page into 2010, the Red Sox and their fans have high expectations. Then again, don't we always? Two World Series titles after an 86-year drought will do that to a region. This past offseason Theo and gang put an emphasis on run prevention. The question is, "Is run prevention a planned theme or a necessary one?" Given the departure of Jason Bay combined with the declines of David Ortiz and Mike Lowell and the inability to sign or trade for a big bat (Adrian Gonzalez anyone?), were the Sox forced into this direction? Or perhaps they are still spinning from being spurned by Mark Teixeira last year? Regardless of the reasons, we must embrace the era of run prevention. The Red Sox are going to be there in the end. They're a 93-96 win type of team. They'll compete for the division title with the Yankees and the Rays. Their defense and pitching will be superior to majority of the league. The question is whether or not their lack of offensive depth will hurt them against the very best?
Here we are on the eve of opening day and the rival Yankees are in town. What a way to start the season. As we get into the grind that is the major leage season (remember, it's a marathon not a sprint), let's review the team and their prospects for 2010. Gone is Jason Bay and his 30+ HRs and 110+ RBIs. Arriving to Fenway are veterans John Lackey, Mike Cameron, Adrian Beltre and Marco Scutaro. Returning are team leaders Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Victor Martinez and JD Drew. The pitching staff is strong boasting one of the best (if not the best) rotations in the game and a deep bullpen. Highlighting the top of the staff are Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and the aforementioned John Lackey - 3 perennial all-stars and Cy Young candidates. Patrolling the bullpen is Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okijima, and young fireballer Daniel Bard.
Regardless of how the offense performs, their pitching will keep them in every game. Having 3 aces is a luxury not many teams can afford. Toss in Clay Buchholz and Tim Wakefield and the Sox starters (if healthy) have the chance to boast five 15 games winners. I believe the Sox offense will be very good against the bad teams. However, their offense as a whole may hinge on how good David Ortiz will be. He struggled mightily for 2 months last season. 2 months! He was able to bounce back and put up decent power numbers (28 HRs and 99 RBIs). Ortiz must get off to a better start to balance out the lineup. The Red Sox can not afford to give him as much latitude this season.
The Sox top 4 will be dynamic. Ellsbury is coming off a 70 steal season and poised for greatness. Can he get 90? Pedroia is a year removed from the AL MVP and will provide his typical .300 AVG/.400 OBP/gold glove caliber defense from the #2 hole. Victor Martinez is now the everyday catcher. He's also in a contract year, so should produce. You can pencil Martinez in for .300 AVG, 25 HRs, and 100 RBI. Kevin Youkilis is the cleanup hitter. He's the heart and soul of the offense providing consistency this team desparately needs night in and night out. At the end of they day, Youkilis will be among the top vote getters for the AL MVP. His versitility in the field will provide the Sox the luxury to move pieces around the infield. Come July, should the Sox go after Adrian Gonzelez, Youkilis could move to 3rd base for the 1st baseman's arrival. Overall the top 4 in this lineup have a chance to be special. They'll set the table for Ortiz, JD Drew, Adrian Beltre, Mike Cameron and Marco Scutaro. For all the talk of run prevention, the Sox very well may be (again) in the top 3-4 in runs scored. The opportunity is there for a productive lineup.
The 2010 Boston Red Sox feature many changes ...all having a chance to provide the Sox an American League East championship and perhaps more. Their pitching and defense will be very good. Can the offense, outside of the top 4, produce consistenty enough to keep up with the Yankees, Rays and the rest of the American League beasts. We'll know pretty soon. Bring on baseball!
Turning the page into 2010, the Red Sox and their fans have high expectations. Then again, don't we always? Two World Series titles after an 86-year drought will do that to a region. This past offseason Theo and gang put an emphasis on run prevention. The question is, "Is run prevention a planned theme or a necessary one?" Given the departure of Jason Bay combined with the declines of David Ortiz and Mike Lowell and the inability to sign or trade for a big bat (Adrian Gonzalez anyone?), were the Sox forced into this direction? Or perhaps they are still spinning from being spurned by Mark Teixeira last year? Regardless of the reasons, we must embrace the era of run prevention. The Red Sox are going to be there in the end. They're a 93-96 win type of team. They'll compete for the division title with the Yankees and the Rays. Their defense and pitching will be superior to majority of the league. The question is whether or not their lack of offensive depth will hurt them against the very best?
Here we are on the eve of opening day and the rival Yankees are in town. What a way to start the season. As we get into the grind that is the major leage season (remember, it's a marathon not a sprint), let's review the team and their prospects for 2010. Gone is Jason Bay and his 30+ HRs and 110+ RBIs. Arriving to Fenway are veterans John Lackey, Mike Cameron, Adrian Beltre and Marco Scutaro. Returning are team leaders Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Victor Martinez and JD Drew. The pitching staff is strong boasting one of the best (if not the best) rotations in the game and a deep bullpen. Highlighting the top of the staff are Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and the aforementioned John Lackey - 3 perennial all-stars and Cy Young candidates. Patrolling the bullpen is Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okijima, and young fireballer Daniel Bard.
Regardless of how the offense performs, their pitching will keep them in every game. Having 3 aces is a luxury not many teams can afford. Toss in Clay Buchholz and Tim Wakefield and the Sox starters (if healthy) have the chance to boast five 15 games winners. I believe the Sox offense will be very good against the bad teams. However, their offense as a whole may hinge on how good David Ortiz will be. He struggled mightily for 2 months last season. 2 months! He was able to bounce back and put up decent power numbers (28 HRs and 99 RBIs). Ortiz must get off to a better start to balance out the lineup. The Red Sox can not afford to give him as much latitude this season.
The Sox top 4 will be dynamic. Ellsbury is coming off a 70 steal season and poised for greatness. Can he get 90? Pedroia is a year removed from the AL MVP and will provide his typical .300 AVG/.400 OBP/gold glove caliber defense from the #2 hole. Victor Martinez is now the everyday catcher. He's also in a contract year, so should produce. You can pencil Martinez in for .300 AVG, 25 HRs, and 100 RBI. Kevin Youkilis is the cleanup hitter. He's the heart and soul of the offense providing consistency this team desparately needs night in and night out. At the end of they day, Youkilis will be among the top vote getters for the AL MVP. His versitility in the field will provide the Sox the luxury to move pieces around the infield. Come July, should the Sox go after Adrian Gonzelez, Youkilis could move to 3rd base for the 1st baseman's arrival. Overall the top 4 in this lineup have a chance to be special. They'll set the table for Ortiz, JD Drew, Adrian Beltre, Mike Cameron and Marco Scutaro. For all the talk of run prevention, the Sox very well may be (again) in the top 3-4 in runs scored. The opportunity is there for a productive lineup.
The 2010 Boston Red Sox feature many changes ...all having a chance to provide the Sox an American League East championship and perhaps more. Their pitching and defense will be very good. Can the offense, outside of the top 4, produce consistenty enough to keep up with the Yankees, Rays and the rest of the American League beasts. We'll know pretty soon. Bring on baseball!
Should the Pats draft Tim Tebow?
If I was the player personnel guru for the New England Patriots (sadly I'm not), I would not draft Tim Tebow (unless of course he's available in round 4 - which he won't be). The Patriots are in a precarious position heading into the 2010 season. They need another influx of young talent on a team that has some glaring holes to fill. Last year's draft was productive and a great start to the retooling process. With their top 4 picks (all within the top 60), the Belichickians selected strong safety Pat Chung, cornerback Darius Butler, defensive lineman Ron Brace, and gigantor offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer. All 4 of these guys made an impact on last year's season. Another year like last and the Pats are back in business.
Now fast forward to the NFL draft in a few weeks, the Pats are again in prime position with 4 picks in the top 53 (1-1st round pick (No. 22) and 3-2nd round picks (No. 44, No. 47, No. 53). This draft is also considered by many experts to be deep. With the uncertainty of the NFL labor discussions (possibility of no football in 2011), a large number of underclassmen have entered the draft. The talent pool is deep -- most believe 2 rounds worth of first round talent. The Pats so happen to have a few high priority needs - defensive end, outside linebacker, wide receiver, running back, and tight end. The chance of restocking this team for future success is high. Again, putting on my imaginary Patriots player personnel hat, I do NOT take Tim Tebow with 1 of my top 4 picks. Use the picks wisely - draft for the need, not the potential of what could be 4-5 years down the road.
Tim Tebow is a great story. He's the epitome of what a student-athlete should be. He is hard working, dedicated, coachable, tough, and smart. Essentially to sum him up in 4 words: He is a winner. He is a 2-time national champion and won 35 games as a starter over a 3-year span in college. I think some team in the NFL will give him a shot at quarterback and most likely take him in the first round. However, I hope it is not the Patriots.
Now fast forward to the NFL draft in a few weeks, the Pats are again in prime position with 4 picks in the top 53 (1-1st round pick (No. 22) and 3-2nd round picks (No. 44, No. 47, No. 53). This draft is also considered by many experts to be deep. With the uncertainty of the NFL labor discussions (possibility of no football in 2011), a large number of underclassmen have entered the draft. The talent pool is deep -- most believe 2 rounds worth of first round talent. The Pats so happen to have a few high priority needs - defensive end, outside linebacker, wide receiver, running back, and tight end. The chance of restocking this team for future success is high. Again, putting on my imaginary Patriots player personnel hat, I do NOT take Tim Tebow with 1 of my top 4 picks. Use the picks wisely - draft for the need, not the potential of what could be 4-5 years down the road.
Tim Tebow is a great story. He's the epitome of what a student-athlete should be. He is hard working, dedicated, coachable, tough, and smart. Essentially to sum him up in 4 words: He is a winner. He is a 2-time national champion and won 35 games as a starter over a 3-year span in college. I think some team in the NFL will give him a shot at quarterback and most likely take him in the first round. However, I hope it is not the Patriots.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Jets or Colts?
Is this God's cruel way of punishing Patriots fans for all the success of the past decade? How is one to root -- for the New York Jets or the Indianapolis Colts? To be honest, I am torn at the moment. Seeing as I can't count my vote to have the game cancelled and removed from our memories, I must sit here debating, who do I root for?
The easy answer is the Colts. They don't have any "bad" guys. Can you root against Peyton Manning? Reggie Wayne? Dwight Freeney? The one person I can say yes to is Bill Polian. However, big picture he has nothing to do with the on the field play day to day - he's not a player nor is he a coach. His complete and utter hatred of Bill Belichick and the Patriots has been clear for years. He is the main reason why the "chuck" rule came into effect. Defensive backs can no longer maul receivers outside of 5 yards from the line of scrimmage. Polian cried and moaned to get the rule change shortly after Ty Law and company manhandled the Colts yet again in Foxboro during the 2003-04 playoffs. Outside of Polian, I find it hard to root against a single person within that organization.
So I took a different approach. Lets look at this from the Patriots perspective. From 2001-2009, there has been no team as consistantly dominant as the Colts and the Pats. The Patriots have won 3 Super Bowls to the Colts 1. The Colts have won 115 regular season games to the Patriots 114. The Colts feature Peyton Manning, who has won 4 regular season MVP awards. The Patriots feature Tom Brady who has won 2 Super Bowl MVP trophies. The numbers go on and on. As a Patriot fan, this game comes down to ultimate decade supremecy. A Colt victory and eventual Super Bowl title could put the Patriots title of team of the decade in jeopardy. So do I root for the Colts?
Now we move on to the Jets. Lets face it, I'd rather watch paint dry while poking out my eyes than actually "root" for a team from New York ...and one coached by someone as arrogant and stupid as Rex Ryan. However, last week against the Chargers something strange occurred. I actually found myself rooting for the underdog Jets at the end of the game. I have no idea why. Something came over me. Something changed. I had been pulling for the Chargers. Perhaps it was their defense, led by all world cornerback Darrelle Revis or perhaps it was rookie Mark Sanchez. The embattled quarterback has been through your typical rookie season. He threw 20 interceptions and at times looked lost. However, just like the team he leads, he stayed focused and confident. Sanchez has made the plays the Jets needed at the right times. Now he finds himself in the AFC title game against Peyton Manning and the Colts.
I ask the question again, who do I root for? The Jets or the Colts? I'll go with the Colts, as much as I dispise Bill Polian and as much as I want the Patriots success to not be overshadowed. The Colts winning also sets up a more intriguing matchup in the Super Bowl with either the New Orleans Saints or the Minnesota Vikings. If my favorite team can't be involved, then I must root for the best chance at a great Super Bowl. I do give credit to the Jets for making it as far as they have. They were once 4-6 and left for dead. Since then they have won 7 of 8 and are 1 step from the ultimate goal ...a Super Bowl title.
The easy answer is the Colts. They don't have any "bad" guys. Can you root against Peyton Manning? Reggie Wayne? Dwight Freeney? The one person I can say yes to is Bill Polian. However, big picture he has nothing to do with the on the field play day to day - he's not a player nor is he a coach. His complete and utter hatred of Bill Belichick and the Patriots has been clear for years. He is the main reason why the "chuck" rule came into effect. Defensive backs can no longer maul receivers outside of 5 yards from the line of scrimmage. Polian cried and moaned to get the rule change shortly after Ty Law and company manhandled the Colts yet again in Foxboro during the 2003-04 playoffs. Outside of Polian, I find it hard to root against a single person within that organization.
So I took a different approach. Lets look at this from the Patriots perspective. From 2001-2009, there has been no team as consistantly dominant as the Colts and the Pats. The Patriots have won 3 Super Bowls to the Colts 1. The Colts have won 115 regular season games to the Patriots 114. The Colts feature Peyton Manning, who has won 4 regular season MVP awards. The Patriots feature Tom Brady who has won 2 Super Bowl MVP trophies. The numbers go on and on. As a Patriot fan, this game comes down to ultimate decade supremecy. A Colt victory and eventual Super Bowl title could put the Patriots title of team of the decade in jeopardy. So do I root for the Colts?
Now we move on to the Jets. Lets face it, I'd rather watch paint dry while poking out my eyes than actually "root" for a team from New York ...and one coached by someone as arrogant and stupid as Rex Ryan. However, last week against the Chargers something strange occurred. I actually found myself rooting for the underdog Jets at the end of the game. I have no idea why. Something came over me. Something changed. I had been pulling for the Chargers. Perhaps it was their defense, led by all world cornerback Darrelle Revis or perhaps it was rookie Mark Sanchez. The embattled quarterback has been through your typical rookie season. He threw 20 interceptions and at times looked lost. However, just like the team he leads, he stayed focused and confident. Sanchez has made the plays the Jets needed at the right times. Now he finds himself in the AFC title game against Peyton Manning and the Colts.
I ask the question again, who do I root for? The Jets or the Colts? I'll go with the Colts, as much as I dispise Bill Polian and as much as I want the Patriots success to not be overshadowed. The Colts winning also sets up a more intriguing matchup in the Super Bowl with either the New Orleans Saints or the Minnesota Vikings. If my favorite team can't be involved, then I must root for the best chance at a great Super Bowl. I do give credit to the Jets for making it as far as they have. They were once 4-6 and left for dead. Since then they have won 7 of 8 and are 1 step from the ultimate goal ...a Super Bowl title.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Breaking down the NFL playoffs
Finally, the real season begins. For 12 teams, all the hard work put in during offseason workouts, meetings, mini-camps and the regular season has come to fruition. They say once you get in, anything can happen ...just get in and see what you can do. This year there are teams that are riding the wave in and teams that are limping in. With the weekend wild card games slated to start off on Saturday with the Jets and Bengals, here is a quick breakdown of how I would rank all teams.
1. San Diego Chargers - winners of their last 11 games, no team is hotter than the Chargers. They are the most complete team in the playoffs. Philip Rivers has made huge strides this year and has again demonstrated he is amongst the elite quarterbacks. Did you know LT scored 12 TD's this year? The biggest question mark with San Diego is at head coach. Can enbattled Norv Turner make the jump from retread to Super Bowl winner?
2. Indianapolis Colts - the Colts will go as far as Peyton Manning takes them. He's the league MVP and key to everything they do. However, questions remain after Jim Caldwell took over the starters half way through their eventual loss to the New York Jets. Even with history staring him in the face, Caldwell pulled back. Now heading into the playoffs, the Colts will not played a real meaningful, competitive game of football in 3 weeks. Past history suggests that's not so good. However, need we all not forget, they do have the best player in the NFL - Peyton Manning.
3. Minnesota Vikings - For the first 11 weeks of the season, the Vikes appeared on the fast track for greatness this season. Then the Favre/Childress feud came into our living rooms and they lost 3 of 4. They appeared to right the ship a bit with the blowout win over the Giants to end the season. However, there are questions heading into the playoffs. How will the offensive line hold up? Will Brett Favre continue his magical season? What will the health of Percy Harvin be?
4. Dallas Cowboys - heading into December, I never would have picked the Cowboys as a favorite to win the Super Bowl. Their annual December swoom appeared on track with back to back tough losses where they scored a combined 14 points. But a huge win in New Orleans spearheaded their revival and have them playing outstanding football at the right time. Their defense is stout and the offense is finding their groove. Can Tony Romo take that next step and become the leader Jerry Jones wants?
5. New Orleans Saints - for all the talk about a perfect 16-0, record breaking season, the Saints sure did fizzle the past 3 weeks. Going as far back as their thrashing of the New England Patriots, they have not played up to their previously set capabilities. In losing 3 games to end the season, they may have caused irreperable damage to their confidence. 2 of the losses came to at home, to the Cowboys (a team they may see again) and the lowly Tampa Bucs. Did they peak too soon? I find it hard to believe with Drew Brees and all of the weapons on offense, along with their opportunistic defense that they won't make a deep run.
6. Green Bay Packers - Brett Favre who? Aaron Rodgers has made everyone forget the debate. He's a star and has a plethera of weapons at his disposal. Combined with their defense, the Packers are a dangerous team. They have a tough first-round matchup, having to travel to the Arizona to play the defending NFC champion Cardinals. Both teams can sling the ball around the field. The question will be who's defense will make the play in the end to win and move on?
7. New England Patriots - in Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, you can never count them out. However, one must wonder how they will overcome the huge loss of Wes Welker. He was their team MVP and sparkplug. The burden of filling his shoes lies on Julian Edelman. Remind you, he's a 7th round draft pick who was playing quarterback at Kent State last year. As much as he may mimic Welker, he is not the man. More pressure falls onto Brady and also Randy Moss. Can Moss shed his past playoff struggles and provide the big play capability the Pats need? Can the Pats defense step up and come of age a bit? More importantly, can they generate a pass rush?
8. Philadelphia Eagles - the Eagles come into the post-season as one of the hotter teams. Despite losing to Dallas 24-0 to end the year, falling from the #2 seed, and NFC East champs, down to the #6 seed and a wild card birth. The key will be Donovan McNabb. On paper he has one of the better offensive teams in football with young, fast, talented playmakers all around him - Desean Jackson, Jeremy Macklin, Brent Celek et al. Andy Reid, the Eagles head coach, has never lost a playoff opener - he is 7-0. Will the trend continue in Dallas? The Eagles have the tools to make a run.
9. Arizona Cardinals - the defending NFC champions are back in the playoffs for another run. Last season they were in the same position, #4 seed, and came within a few minutes of winning the Super Bowl. They are dangerous. Their offense can put up points in minutes and their defense can put pressure on opposing offenses. Will the injury to Anquin Boldin hurt their chances or will we see other wide receivers such as Steve Breasten and Earl Doucet step up? Pride is a big thing in football and the Cardinals may be in position to defend their NFC crown with another run.
10. New York Jets - of all the teams in the playoffs, the Jets may be the most dangerous for 2 reasons. They have the #1 rated defense and the #1 rated rush offense. Those are the 2 main ingredients for a successful playoff run. Rex Ryan has the Jets believing in themselves again. After falling to 4-6 in late November, the Jets have won 5 of 6 to get into the playoffs. However, they were benefited by the Colts and Bengals both resting players, clearing the path for the Jets. The biggest question mark lies at quarterback. Can rookie Mark Sanchez make the plays when needed and avoid the big mistakes that have littered his rookie season thus far?
11. Baltimore Ravens - the Ravens appear to have the formula for winning playoff football. They have two beast running backs in Ray Rice and Willis McGahee and they play solid defense. However, they have a lack of wide receiver star power and are wildly undisciplined. Costly penalties were abound all season, that in the end may kill their chances. But you can never count out the Ravens. They have proud, successful players such as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. The Patriots will have their hands full in round 1.
12. Cincinnati Bengals - statistically speaking, the Bengals have the biggest hill to climb should they want to make it to Miami. They are the least proficient in terms of scoring points. They do feature 1,200 yard rusher Cedric Bensen and pro-bowl caliber quarterback Caron Palmer. However, the Bengals have faced quite a few road blocks this season that would do in most every team in the NFL. Early in the season, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer lost his wife and a few weeks back they lost wide receiver Chris Henry, 26. Will the Bengals be able to overcome all the obsticles or will their season end quickly and sadly?
1. San Diego Chargers - winners of their last 11 games, no team is hotter than the Chargers. They are the most complete team in the playoffs. Philip Rivers has made huge strides this year and has again demonstrated he is amongst the elite quarterbacks. Did you know LT scored 12 TD's this year? The biggest question mark with San Diego is at head coach. Can enbattled Norv Turner make the jump from retread to Super Bowl winner?
2. Indianapolis Colts - the Colts will go as far as Peyton Manning takes them. He's the league MVP and key to everything they do. However, questions remain after Jim Caldwell took over the starters half way through their eventual loss to the New York Jets. Even with history staring him in the face, Caldwell pulled back. Now heading into the playoffs, the Colts will not played a real meaningful, competitive game of football in 3 weeks. Past history suggests that's not so good. However, need we all not forget, they do have the best player in the NFL - Peyton Manning.
3. Minnesota Vikings - For the first 11 weeks of the season, the Vikes appeared on the fast track for greatness this season. Then the Favre/Childress feud came into our living rooms and they lost 3 of 4. They appeared to right the ship a bit with the blowout win over the Giants to end the season. However, there are questions heading into the playoffs. How will the offensive line hold up? Will Brett Favre continue his magical season? What will the health of Percy Harvin be?
4. Dallas Cowboys - heading into December, I never would have picked the Cowboys as a favorite to win the Super Bowl. Their annual December swoom appeared on track with back to back tough losses where they scored a combined 14 points. But a huge win in New Orleans spearheaded their revival and have them playing outstanding football at the right time. Their defense is stout and the offense is finding their groove. Can Tony Romo take that next step and become the leader Jerry Jones wants?
5. New Orleans Saints - for all the talk about a perfect 16-0, record breaking season, the Saints sure did fizzle the past 3 weeks. Going as far back as their thrashing of the New England Patriots, they have not played up to their previously set capabilities. In losing 3 games to end the season, they may have caused irreperable damage to their confidence. 2 of the losses came to at home, to the Cowboys (a team they may see again) and the lowly Tampa Bucs. Did they peak too soon? I find it hard to believe with Drew Brees and all of the weapons on offense, along with their opportunistic defense that they won't make a deep run.
6. Green Bay Packers - Brett Favre who? Aaron Rodgers has made everyone forget the debate. He's a star and has a plethera of weapons at his disposal. Combined with their defense, the Packers are a dangerous team. They have a tough first-round matchup, having to travel to the Arizona to play the defending NFC champion Cardinals. Both teams can sling the ball around the field. The question will be who's defense will make the play in the end to win and move on?
7. New England Patriots - in Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, you can never count them out. However, one must wonder how they will overcome the huge loss of Wes Welker. He was their team MVP and sparkplug. The burden of filling his shoes lies on Julian Edelman. Remind you, he's a 7th round draft pick who was playing quarterback at Kent State last year. As much as he may mimic Welker, he is not the man. More pressure falls onto Brady and also Randy Moss. Can Moss shed his past playoff struggles and provide the big play capability the Pats need? Can the Pats defense step up and come of age a bit? More importantly, can they generate a pass rush?
8. Philadelphia Eagles - the Eagles come into the post-season as one of the hotter teams. Despite losing to Dallas 24-0 to end the year, falling from the #2 seed, and NFC East champs, down to the #6 seed and a wild card birth. The key will be Donovan McNabb. On paper he has one of the better offensive teams in football with young, fast, talented playmakers all around him - Desean Jackson, Jeremy Macklin, Brent Celek et al. Andy Reid, the Eagles head coach, has never lost a playoff opener - he is 7-0. Will the trend continue in Dallas? The Eagles have the tools to make a run.
9. Arizona Cardinals - the defending NFC champions are back in the playoffs for another run. Last season they were in the same position, #4 seed, and came within a few minutes of winning the Super Bowl. They are dangerous. Their offense can put up points in minutes and their defense can put pressure on opposing offenses. Will the injury to Anquin Boldin hurt their chances or will we see other wide receivers such as Steve Breasten and Earl Doucet step up? Pride is a big thing in football and the Cardinals may be in position to defend their NFC crown with another run.
10. New York Jets - of all the teams in the playoffs, the Jets may be the most dangerous for 2 reasons. They have the #1 rated defense and the #1 rated rush offense. Those are the 2 main ingredients for a successful playoff run. Rex Ryan has the Jets believing in themselves again. After falling to 4-6 in late November, the Jets have won 5 of 6 to get into the playoffs. However, they were benefited by the Colts and Bengals both resting players, clearing the path for the Jets. The biggest question mark lies at quarterback. Can rookie Mark Sanchez make the plays when needed and avoid the big mistakes that have littered his rookie season thus far?
11. Baltimore Ravens - the Ravens appear to have the formula for winning playoff football. They have two beast running backs in Ray Rice and Willis McGahee and they play solid defense. However, they have a lack of wide receiver star power and are wildly undisciplined. Costly penalties were abound all season, that in the end may kill their chances. But you can never count out the Ravens. They have proud, successful players such as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. The Patriots will have their hands full in round 1.
12. Cincinnati Bengals - statistically speaking, the Bengals have the biggest hill to climb should they want to make it to Miami. They are the least proficient in terms of scoring points. They do feature 1,200 yard rusher Cedric Bensen and pro-bowl caliber quarterback Caron Palmer. However, the Bengals have faced quite a few road blocks this season that would do in most every team in the NFL. Early in the season, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer lost his wife and a few weeks back they lost wide receiver Chris Henry, 26. Will the Bengals be able to overcome all the obsticles or will their season end quickly and sadly?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Top 5 teams of the decade
Looking back through the decade, from Y2K through 2005 and into the latter portion of 2009, there have been many great teams that have dominated the sporting world. Some stand out for that one perfect, triumphant season. While others show ultimate dominance - a decade worth of consistency.
To crack a list of "top 5 best teams", one must meet certain criteria. Most importantly, a championship trophy/ring/banner shall of been hoisted in some fashion during the decade. Multiples are even better. Secondly, there should be a clear pattern of consistent success every year. Consistency within an organization's management team down through the coaching staff and on to the field of play. These are the characteristics that generally make up successful franchises.
With these points in mind, here are my top five professional sports franchises for the decade that just was ...counting down ...
5. Indianapolis Colts - no team in the history of the National Football League has won more games (115) in a 10 year span than the Colts. They feature, some would argue, the games best quarterback who may someday break every passing record known to man. The Colts are the epitome of consistency - winning at least 12 games every year for the past seven and winning their division every year except 2008. Several years they have flirted with a perfect season, most recently 2009. To secure their place on this list, the Colts needed a Super Bowl title. In 2006, they got just that - beating the Chicago Bears.
4. New York Yankees - you want consistency? It's downright scary how consistent the team from the Bronx has been this decade. They won the American League's Eastern division in 8 of the 10 years, while making the playoffs every year except 2008. The Yankees have made 4 World Series, winning 2 of them - most recently in 2009 when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies. They were a few outs away from winning their 3rd in 2001, but lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks in heart breaking fashion. In 10 years, New York has compiled a .597 winning percentage - winning almost 1000 games during the span.
3. Los Angeles Lakers - despite 2 lean years in the middle of the decade, the Lakers still added three more championships to their trophy case, positioning them right behind the Boston Celtics for most in NBA history. Over the 10 years, the Lakers have averaged over 50 wins per year (that includes a year when they won 34 games). The Lakers are always in the middle of a best team of the decade discussion. They were led by Shaquille O'Neill during the earlier years, and now by Kobe Bryant who most recently in 2008-2009 led the Lakers to their 15th title.
2. New England Patriots - the quintissential definition of consistency. During the last 10 years, the Patriots have won 113 games, 7 AFC East titles and 3 super bowl championships. A fourth title was within their grasp in 2007, however 1 Eli Manning prayer pass completion to David Tyree's helmet later the Pats had lost. In the same season, the Patriots set multiple records. Featured among the list included a perfect 16-0 regular season, 50 touchdown passes by Tom Brady, 23 touchdown receptions by Randy Moss, and the highest single season point total. Many would argue that the Patriots are led by the games best quarterback and head coach. Both of which are guaranteed Hall of Famers someday.
1. San Antonio Spurs - they are the New England Patriots of the NBA. All the Spurs have done this decade is win, including 3 championships over a 5 year span from 2003 to 2007. They have averaged a mind boggling 58 wins per season and feature a 2-time league MVP, Tim Duncan. However, some would argue they are boring - they feature a bunch of guys who epitomize the team aspect. In a league full of chest bumping, self-promoting dominant superstars looking for their next highlight on ESPN, the Spurs throw out selfless, team players such as Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker. Together, the San Antonio Spurs have dominated the NBA on a consistent basis unlike any other team in professional sports.
To crack a list of "top 5 best teams", one must meet certain criteria. Most importantly, a championship trophy/ring/banner shall of been hoisted in some fashion during the decade. Multiples are even better. Secondly, there should be a clear pattern of consistent success every year. Consistency within an organization's management team down through the coaching staff and on to the field of play. These are the characteristics that generally make up successful franchises.
With these points in mind, here are my top five professional sports franchises for the decade that just was ...counting down ...
5. Indianapolis Colts - no team in the history of the National Football League has won more games (115) in a 10 year span than the Colts. They feature, some would argue, the games best quarterback who may someday break every passing record known to man. The Colts are the epitome of consistency - winning at least 12 games every year for the past seven and winning their division every year except 2008. Several years they have flirted with a perfect season, most recently 2009. To secure their place on this list, the Colts needed a Super Bowl title. In 2006, they got just that - beating the Chicago Bears.
4. New York Yankees - you want consistency? It's downright scary how consistent the team from the Bronx has been this decade. They won the American League's Eastern division in 8 of the 10 years, while making the playoffs every year except 2008. The Yankees have made 4 World Series, winning 2 of them - most recently in 2009 when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies. They were a few outs away from winning their 3rd in 2001, but lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks in heart breaking fashion. In 10 years, New York has compiled a .597 winning percentage - winning almost 1000 games during the span.
3. Los Angeles Lakers - despite 2 lean years in the middle of the decade, the Lakers still added three more championships to their trophy case, positioning them right behind the Boston Celtics for most in NBA history. Over the 10 years, the Lakers have averaged over 50 wins per year (that includes a year when they won 34 games). The Lakers are always in the middle of a best team of the decade discussion. They were led by Shaquille O'Neill during the earlier years, and now by Kobe Bryant who most recently in 2008-2009 led the Lakers to their 15th title.
2. New England Patriots - the quintissential definition of consistency. During the last 10 years, the Patriots have won 113 games, 7 AFC East titles and 3 super bowl championships. A fourth title was within their grasp in 2007, however 1 Eli Manning prayer pass completion to David Tyree's helmet later the Pats had lost. In the same season, the Patriots set multiple records. Featured among the list included a perfect 16-0 regular season, 50 touchdown passes by Tom Brady, 23 touchdown receptions by Randy Moss, and the highest single season point total. Many would argue that the Patriots are led by the games best quarterback and head coach. Both of which are guaranteed Hall of Famers someday.
1. San Antonio Spurs - they are the New England Patriots of the NBA. All the Spurs have done this decade is win, including 3 championships over a 5 year span from 2003 to 2007. They have averaged a mind boggling 58 wins per season and feature a 2-time league MVP, Tim Duncan. However, some would argue they are boring - they feature a bunch of guys who epitomize the team aspect. In a league full of chest bumping, self-promoting dominant superstars looking for their next highlight on ESPN, the Spurs throw out selfless, team players such as Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker. Together, the San Antonio Spurs have dominated the NBA on a consistent basis unlike any other team in professional sports.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Indianapolis Colts = Loser Mentality
You want to know why the Colts, although winning more games than anyone in the NFL over a 10 year span (115), have only won 1 Super Bowl during this time frame? Look no further than what just happened at Lucas Oil Stadium against the New York Jets. With a perfect season staring them square in the face, the Indianapolis Colts decide to mail it in. With a cushy 15-10 lead in the 3rd quarter, out comes Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and the rest of the Colts regulars. WITH A PERFECT SEASON IN REACH, THEY TAKE OUT THEIR BEST PLAYERS? FOR EXTRA REST? PLEASE!
Only 1 team in the history of the NFL has ever gone an entire season undefeated - the 1972 Miami Dolphins still stand the test of time. They went a perfect 17-0. Of course, that record almost fell in 2007 when the New England Patriots fell 2+ minutes short of 19-0. Add the Colts to the long list of teams who came close, but in the end fell short for various reasons.
In the case of the 2009 Colts, new head coach Jim Caldwell decided to put the "bigger picture" before all else. He thought it best, in the long term, for his players to receive the rest they need and he thought they deserved. Never mind the fact the Colts have wrapped up home field advantage and a first round bye. That's right - a bye week. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't coaches typically rest up guys during a bye week? I don't understand. The only "bigger picture" being painted in Indianapolis is "Welcome to Loserville".
I don't care what some of the so called experts say (perhaps they are Peyton loyalists), sitting out the Jets game showcased an utter loser mentality. Haven't the Colts learned their lesson? In two previous seasons, when they were faced with similar decisions (play or sit?), they decided to sit their guys. In the end, it came back to bite them in the form of a 1st round playoff loss and another wasted season.
With so much to play for - NFL history, personal pride and accomplishment, and the respect of your players - Jim Caldwell, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, took the loser approach. With one of the greatest quarterbacks in the prime of his career, why continue to waste successful seasons? Take a page out of the 2007 Patriots playbook - play for history and go for it all. You never know how many chances you'll have.
Only 1 team in the history of the NFL has ever gone an entire season undefeated - the 1972 Miami Dolphins still stand the test of time. They went a perfect 17-0. Of course, that record almost fell in 2007 when the New England Patriots fell 2+ minutes short of 19-0. Add the Colts to the long list of teams who came close, but in the end fell short for various reasons.
In the case of the 2009 Colts, new head coach Jim Caldwell decided to put the "bigger picture" before all else. He thought it best, in the long term, for his players to receive the rest they need and he thought they deserved. Never mind the fact the Colts have wrapped up home field advantage and a first round bye. That's right - a bye week. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't coaches typically rest up guys during a bye week? I don't understand. The only "bigger picture" being painted in Indianapolis is "Welcome to Loserville".
I don't care what some of the so called experts say (perhaps they are Peyton loyalists), sitting out the Jets game showcased an utter loser mentality. Haven't the Colts learned their lesson? In two previous seasons, when they were faced with similar decisions (play or sit?), they decided to sit their guys. In the end, it came back to bite them in the form of a 1st round playoff loss and another wasted season.
With so much to play for - NFL history, personal pride and accomplishment, and the respect of your players - Jim Caldwell, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, took the loser approach. With one of the greatest quarterbacks in the prime of his career, why continue to waste successful seasons? Take a page out of the 2007 Patriots playbook - play for history and go for it all. You never know how many chances you'll have.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
What about Jason Bay?
Am I missing something? Why are the Boston Red Sox against signing Jason Bay? What does the man have to do to get some love? Since coming over from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Manny Ramirez trading deadline deal back in 2008, he has been a steady force for the Red Sox. In his year and a half in Boston, Bay hit 45 home runs, drove in over 150 runs and scored more than 125 runs in approx 200 games.
In 2009, Jason Bay was only 1 of 19 major league ball players who hit at least 30 home runs and drove in over 100 runs and he was only 1 of 9 players who also scored more than 100 runs. That is elite company. Yet the Sox do not value him. In turn the Sox have, what appears to be, turned over the left field duty to 36 year old Mike Cameron - a great defensive outfielder, but let's face it, he's not Jason Bay at the plate. He's been a bit of a rally killer the past few years - striking out way to much for a guy with his speed.
I am puzzled at the lack of apparent interest in Bay and the decision to move on with Cameron and a bit of Jeremy Hermida on the side. The Sox came into the offseason clearly with a need to upgrade their offense. Priority number 1 was to resign Bay and then add a power hitter on top of him. Now they appear to have closed the door on Bay. Bay produced in the year and a half he was here and it was clear to a lot of Red Sox nation that he was capable of putting up his averages (30 HRs, 100 RBIs, 100 runs scored) over the next 4+ years. He would have solidified left field and the middle of the lineup. The Sox did not want to go there.
Maybe there is more to come (Adrian Gonzalez?) and the Cameron signing will make more sense. But as of now, I'm confused. I wish the Red Sox had signed Jason Bay for 2010 and beyond. Maybe they still will ...
In 2009, Jason Bay was only 1 of 19 major league ball players who hit at least 30 home runs and drove in over 100 runs and he was only 1 of 9 players who also scored more than 100 runs. That is elite company. Yet the Sox do not value him. In turn the Sox have, what appears to be, turned over the left field duty to 36 year old Mike Cameron - a great defensive outfielder, but let's face it, he's not Jason Bay at the plate. He's been a bit of a rally killer the past few years - striking out way to much for a guy with his speed.
I am puzzled at the lack of apparent interest in Bay and the decision to move on with Cameron and a bit of Jeremy Hermida on the side. The Sox came into the offseason clearly with a need to upgrade their offense. Priority number 1 was to resign Bay and then add a power hitter on top of him. Now they appear to have closed the door on Bay. Bay produced in the year and a half he was here and it was clear to a lot of Red Sox nation that he was capable of putting up his averages (30 HRs, 100 RBIs, 100 runs scored) over the next 4+ years. He would have solidified left field and the middle of the lineup. The Sox did not want to go there.
Maybe there is more to come (Adrian Gonzalez?) and the Cameron signing will make more sense. But as of now, I'm confused. I wish the Red Sox had signed Jason Bay for 2010 and beyond. Maybe they still will ...
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Patriots are at a cross road ...
It's December 13th and the Patriots find themselves at 7-5 and at a pivotal point in their season. They can go either way -- continue going south or right the ship and kick in a typical Patriot playoff push. This past week has not been an easy one. Four prominent players were late for an 8am team meeting - Adalius Thomas, Randy Moss, Gary Guyton, and Derrick Burgess - and immediately sent home by Bill Belichick. Was it a move to flex his power and prove a point or was it simply 4 players (out of 61) who were not willing to put in the extra time and effort as Belichick demanded to begin the week?
Regardless of the answer, the Patriot dynasty and reign of dominance is teetering on a cliff right now. They are 1-5 on the road, with their only win coming in London against the lowly Tampa Bay Bucs. Essentially they have yet to win on the road, whereas you compare that to their 3 super bowl teams road records ... 5-3, 6-2, and 6-2. The ability to win on the road in a hostile environment, especially during the playoffs is not only paramount, but it has been a Patriot staple since Belichick took over in 2000.
Something is not right at the moment with the Patriots. Off field issues with Adalius Thomas appeared to come to an ugly head this week. He publically mocked and riduculed Belichick's decision to send him home. If you are going to critize Bill in public to the media, you may as well pack your bags. For Adalius, his suitcase zipper appears to be closing quickly. He is inactive for today's key game against the Carolina Panthers - meaning he'll be a spectator like the rest of us. I would be shocked if he makes it to January, despite the monster contract he signed. It's safe to say, Adalius Thomas has been a bust. He was clearly a product of the players (Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, et al) and system of the Baltimore Ravens.
On the field, the Pats are all over the map. Problems with their secondary has been well documented - from their age to the poor performances. It's not humane, however, to expect a defensive back to closely guard an NFL receiver for the amount of time the Pats are allowing. Their is zero pass rush. QB stallworths like Chad Henne are able to stand in the packet and survey the field. Eventually a receiver will get open. When your best pass rusher is Tully Banta-Cain ...Houston, Err New England, we have a problem. Derrick Burgess? Hello?
On the flip side, the Patriots offense has become as predictable as it is boring. Needless to say, the days of Charlie Weis and Josh McDaniels clearly are no longer. Remember when 7 or 8 different Patriots would catch balls? Remember when the Patriots took what a defense gave them? Remember throwing the ball to the tight end? Look, they have 2 dynamic receivers in Moss and Welker, but clearly they miss that 3rd option. Jabar Gaffney was a perfect outlet for Brady. They thought they had that replacement when they signed Joey Galloway. Oops. Now, apparently it's Sam Aiken. Why every defensive coordinator does not simply take Randy out of the game is beyond me. When Moss is limited in production, the Patriots offense struggles. Or perhaps the key is to double Wes and try to make a clearly uninterested Randy Moss beat you. Did you ever think that day would come?
With all of their issues, I still believe the Patriots can make a run. However, it must start against Carolina. At 4pm today, we'll know for sure if the off field problems will be too much to handle. Perhaps they can't overcome the losses of key veterans such as Rodney Harrison, Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel. Or perhaps they just aren't as good this year. We'll know for sure at 4pm.
Regardless of the answer, the Patriot dynasty and reign of dominance is teetering on a cliff right now. They are 1-5 on the road, with their only win coming in London against the lowly Tampa Bay Bucs. Essentially they have yet to win on the road, whereas you compare that to their 3 super bowl teams road records ... 5-3, 6-2, and 6-2. The ability to win on the road in a hostile environment, especially during the playoffs is not only paramount, but it has been a Patriot staple since Belichick took over in 2000.
Something is not right at the moment with the Patriots. Off field issues with Adalius Thomas appeared to come to an ugly head this week. He publically mocked and riduculed Belichick's decision to send him home. If you are going to critize Bill in public to the media, you may as well pack your bags. For Adalius, his suitcase zipper appears to be closing quickly. He is inactive for today's key game against the Carolina Panthers - meaning he'll be a spectator like the rest of us. I would be shocked if he makes it to January, despite the monster contract he signed. It's safe to say, Adalius Thomas has been a bust. He was clearly a product of the players (Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, et al) and system of the Baltimore Ravens.
On the field, the Pats are all over the map. Problems with their secondary has been well documented - from their age to the poor performances. It's not humane, however, to expect a defensive back to closely guard an NFL receiver for the amount of time the Pats are allowing. Their is zero pass rush. QB stallworths like Chad Henne are able to stand in the packet and survey the field. Eventually a receiver will get open. When your best pass rusher is Tully Banta-Cain ...Houston, Err New England, we have a problem. Derrick Burgess? Hello?
On the flip side, the Patriots offense has become as predictable as it is boring. Needless to say, the days of Charlie Weis and Josh McDaniels clearly are no longer. Remember when 7 or 8 different Patriots would catch balls? Remember when the Patriots took what a defense gave them? Remember throwing the ball to the tight end? Look, they have 2 dynamic receivers in Moss and Welker, but clearly they miss that 3rd option. Jabar Gaffney was a perfect outlet for Brady. They thought they had that replacement when they signed Joey Galloway. Oops. Now, apparently it's Sam Aiken. Why every defensive coordinator does not simply take Randy out of the game is beyond me. When Moss is limited in production, the Patriots offense struggles. Or perhaps the key is to double Wes and try to make a clearly uninterested Randy Moss beat you. Did you ever think that day would come?
With all of their issues, I still believe the Patriots can make a run. However, it must start against Carolina. At 4pm today, we'll know for sure if the off field problems will be too much to handle. Perhaps they can't overcome the losses of key veterans such as Rodney Harrison, Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel. Or perhaps they just aren't as good this year. We'll know for sure at 4pm.
Yankees add Curtis Granderson
The New York Yankees, fresh off their first World Series title since 2000, show why they may be the team to beat in 2010. As a Red Sox fan it pains me to say this, but the Yankees are becoming an franchise that is run with brains and not just a wallet. Gone are the days of George Steinbrenner doing anything and everything to win the World Series. Barren farm systems and mismatched major league rosters appeared to be the case during this most recent title drought.
Don't get me wrong, the Yankees can flex their financial prowess like the giant Godzilla they are. Case in point, last offseason the Yankees outspent the ENTIRE American League for free agents by a whopping $265 million. But again, they now spend wisely on guys who make sense for their ballclub.
This past week, at the winter meetings in Indianapolis, the Yankees finalized a 3-team deal involving the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Detroit Tigers. The end result was 28-year old, All-star center fielder Curtis Granderson. The kicker, from my perspective, is that they Yankees did not touch their major league base. In order to obtain Granderson, they dealt Austin Jackson, their top outfield prospect; Phil Coke, a left handed relief pitcher; and Ian Kennedy, a once promising starting pitcher who is coming back from injuries. All of their major chips - Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Jesus Montero - are still in play should they wish to make another major move. Perhaps Roy Halladay?
Curtis Granderson will make the Yankees better, and frankly that's a bit scary. He hit 30 home runs at Comerica Park (not your typical hitter friendly ball park). It is not going over the top to assume he'll slug 40 at the launching pad known as new Yankee stadium. I'll add that only two other Yankee center fielders in their history have ever belted more than 35 home runs in a year -- Joe Dimaggio and Mickey Mantle. Yikes. Granderson brings alot to the table - he plays great defense, he is a tremendous base runner, and he's well liked in the clubhouse.
As a Red Sox fan, I am worried on two levels. First, the World Series champs (our biggest division rival) got even better. Second, on a larger scale, the Yankees appear to be matching the smarts with their George Costanza sized wallet. That's a scary, scary thought.
Don't get me wrong, the Yankees can flex their financial prowess like the giant Godzilla they are. Case in point, last offseason the Yankees outspent the ENTIRE American League for free agents by a whopping $265 million. But again, they now spend wisely on guys who make sense for their ballclub.
This past week, at the winter meetings in Indianapolis, the Yankees finalized a 3-team deal involving the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Detroit Tigers. The end result was 28-year old, All-star center fielder Curtis Granderson. The kicker, from my perspective, is that they Yankees did not touch their major league base. In order to obtain Granderson, they dealt Austin Jackson, their top outfield prospect; Phil Coke, a left handed relief pitcher; and Ian Kennedy, a once promising starting pitcher who is coming back from injuries. All of their major chips - Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Jesus Montero - are still in play should they wish to make another major move. Perhaps Roy Halladay?
Curtis Granderson will make the Yankees better, and frankly that's a bit scary. He hit 30 home runs at Comerica Park (not your typical hitter friendly ball park). It is not going over the top to assume he'll slug 40 at the launching pad known as new Yankee stadium. I'll add that only two other Yankee center fielders in their history have ever belted more than 35 home runs in a year -- Joe Dimaggio and Mickey Mantle. Yikes. Granderson brings alot to the table - he plays great defense, he is a tremendous base runner, and he's well liked in the clubhouse.
As a Red Sox fan, I am worried on two levels. First, the World Series champs (our biggest division rival) got even better. Second, on a larger scale, the Yankees appear to be matching the smarts with their George Costanza sized wallet. That's a scary, scary thought.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Red Sox sign SS Marco Scutaro
Another year, another shortstop. Ever since July of 2004 when Theo Epstein dealt away Nomar Garciaparra, the Red Sox have essentially had a revolving door at shortstop. We have seen the likes of Pokey Reese, Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Alex Gonzalez, Julio Lugo, Jed Lowrie and Nick Green come and go and not one has been able to stick. Lowrie is still around, but he has yet to prove he is both durable and dependable enough for an entire season. So Theo took another shot to hopefully end the revolving door for the next two or three years ...at least until their star shortstop prospect, 19-year old Jose Inglesias, is ready.
Enter Marco Scutaro. The 34-year old ex-Toronto Blue Jay and Oakland Athletic brings his game to Fenway in 2010. He is coming off a career year in 2009 where he batted .284 with 12 home runs and 60 RBIs along with career highs in on-base percentage (.379) and slugging percentage (.409). He is considered an above-average fielder, so his bat brings more value than does his glove.
I'm somewhat neutral on this signing - leaning a bit more towards the positive side of the spectrum. Scutaro has only been an everyday player the past 2 seasons, prior to which his career was primarily as a utility player for both the A's and Blue Jays. However, perhaps his case is one of late bloomer. I do believe he has the chance to very productive at Fenway. He has tremendous plate discipline and is able to hit the ball to all fields with a bit of pop at times. No doubt Theo fell in love with his plate discipline, as that's an almost prerequisite to get paid with the Sox. Take pitches at a high rate, make pitchers work, and you may have a job with the local 9.
You'll most likely see Terry Francona insert him near the bottom of the lineup - perhaps 8th or 9th. In Toronto, he was their leadoff guy, so the pressure to get on base was extreme. To me, this makes his year last year that much more impressive. I am confident in two things related to the Scutaro signing -- #1 he should make us all forget previous shortstop signings (see Julio Lugo and Edgar Renteria) and #2 he should be a perfect bridge to the future of Jose Inglesias.
Let's hope Theo finally has a shortstop signing he can call a success. Based on the fact Marco took less money to come here and win a championship bodes well for all parties included. Now if only Marco can make it past year one of his contract ...
Enter Marco Scutaro. The 34-year old ex-Toronto Blue Jay and Oakland Athletic brings his game to Fenway in 2010. He is coming off a career year in 2009 where he batted .284 with 12 home runs and 60 RBIs along with career highs in on-base percentage (.379) and slugging percentage (.409). He is considered an above-average fielder, so his bat brings more value than does his glove.
I'm somewhat neutral on this signing - leaning a bit more towards the positive side of the spectrum. Scutaro has only been an everyday player the past 2 seasons, prior to which his career was primarily as a utility player for both the A's and Blue Jays. However, perhaps his case is one of late bloomer. I do believe he has the chance to very productive at Fenway. He has tremendous plate discipline and is able to hit the ball to all fields with a bit of pop at times. No doubt Theo fell in love with his plate discipline, as that's an almost prerequisite to get paid with the Sox. Take pitches at a high rate, make pitchers work, and you may have a job with the local 9.
You'll most likely see Terry Francona insert him near the bottom of the lineup - perhaps 8th or 9th. In Toronto, he was their leadoff guy, so the pressure to get on base was extreme. To me, this makes his year last year that much more impressive. I am confident in two things related to the Scutaro signing -- #1 he should make us all forget previous shortstop signings (see Julio Lugo and Edgar Renteria) and #2 he should be a perfect bridge to the future of Jose Inglesias.
Let's hope Theo finally has a shortstop signing he can call a success. Based on the fact Marco took less money to come here and win a championship bodes well for all parties included. Now if only Marco can make it past year one of his contract ...
Monday, November 30, 2009
Pats/Saints
I sit here 30 minutes removed from a 38-17 debacle in New Orleans and I toss out a question that surely will be debated this week ..."Are the Saints really that good?" or "Is the Pats defense really that bad?"? I lean heavily towards the former as opposed to the latter. Ladies and Gentlemen - The New Orleans Saints are good.
The Saints have weapons galore - Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Jeremy Shockey, Robert Meachem, etc. To think they were missing key members of their air attack - Reggie Bush and Lance Moore. One thing America should realize now (if they had not yet already) is that Drew Brees is an elite quarterback. The guy is deadly accurate, extremely smart, and possesses the competitiveness and fire you love to see in your field general. Whenever someone discusses top tier NFL quarterbacks, Drew Brees must be included along with Brady and Manning.
On the flip side, however, the New England Patriots defense was terrible tonight. I can't remember a Pats defense giving up so many huge plays. They simply had no answer for the Saints offense led by Brees and Sean Payton. Their inexperience and youth in the secondary was on display, specificially on the 75-yard TD to Devery Henderson in the second quarter where there was a clear miscommunication.
Is the Pats defense really that bad? No, of course not. They were just made to look terrible by an excellent football team. The Patriots are still a very good team. Don't be surprised if we see a rematch of this game in a little over 2 months down in Miami. If there is, I guarantee the performance will be different.
The Saints have weapons galore - Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Jeremy Shockey, Robert Meachem, etc. To think they were missing key members of their air attack - Reggie Bush and Lance Moore. One thing America should realize now (if they had not yet already) is that Drew Brees is an elite quarterback. The guy is deadly accurate, extremely smart, and possesses the competitiveness and fire you love to see in your field general. Whenever someone discusses top tier NFL quarterbacks, Drew Brees must be included along with Brady and Manning.
On the flip side, however, the New England Patriots defense was terrible tonight. I can't remember a Pats defense giving up so many huge plays. They simply had no answer for the Saints offense led by Brees and Sean Payton. Their inexperience and youth in the secondary was on display, specificially on the 75-yard TD to Devery Henderson in the second quarter where there was a clear miscommunication.
Is the Pats defense really that bad? No, of course not. They were just made to look terrible by an excellent football team. The Patriots are still a very good team. Don't be surprised if we see a rematch of this game in a little over 2 months down in Miami. If there is, I guarantee the performance will be different.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Post Thanksgiving Tidbits
As I sit here waiting for my tryptophan daze to wear off, here are some post turkey day tidbits that are bouncing around in my brain ...
- Congrats to the Billerica High football team. As a former town resident (first 24 years of my existence), I am happy to see them make the Eastern Mass playoffs. Good luck against Everett on December 1st and hopefully beyond.
- It's time to stop trotting out the Lions every Thanksgiving day. How about we play 4 games on Thanksgiving with 8 new teams every year and rotate 'em! That would allow every team to play on turkey day every 4 years.
- Tiger Woods ...seriously? You crash just outside your house ...and your wife uses one of your clubs to get you out? SERIOUSLY?
- It's the calm before the proverbial storm in baseball free agency. Still waiting for that first big trade and/or free agent signing ...ZZZZZZZZ ....
- Speaking of MLB free agency - if Scott Boras was never born, do you think a top tier free agent would actually sign before Christmas! Stop the dog and pony and lets get things rolling ...
- I hope the Red Sox do NOT trade for Miguel Cabrera. He's the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in a baseball uniform waiting to happen. Granted he's a great hitter, but he's due to bust out (of his pants).
- If the Red Sox trade Clay Buchholz and/or Daniel Bard this offseason, it had better be for either Felix Hernandez or Roy Halladay. Pitching, pitching, pitching!!
- Did the Yankees really win the World Series?
- Tuukka Rask!! Remind me again why he does not play every day?
- Oh yes, that's right ...Tim Thomas. Was there a worse deal than the one the Bruins gave Tim Thomas? 4 years at the age of 36 with a budding 22 year old stud ready to take the pipes away? Sounds like a move Harry Sinden would have made ...
- Vince Young - where you been?
- Is it just me or the fact the Celtics starting point guard, Rajon Rondo, can't hit a free throw if his life depended on it is an absolute joke?
- Rasheed Wallace - love the signing, but don't love the bombs away mentality thus far.
- As of 11/27, my projected AFC playoff seedings: 1) Colts 2) Pats 3) Chargers 4) Steelers 5) Bengals 6) Broncos
- As of 11/27, my projected NFC playoff seedings: 1) Vikings 2) Saints 3) Cardinals 4) Cowboys 5) Eagles 6) Falcons
- Jason Bay or Matt Holiday? I say go with Bay ...
- Why do radio stations start playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving? Are stations being taken over by the same early planners who put out Christmas paraphenalia prior to Halloween?
- Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood - wow, wow, all I can say is wow.
- I hope the Laurence Maroney from the last 2 weeks (Colts and Jets) is the real Laurence Maroney and not the stiff from the past 3 years who continuously ran right into his offensive lineman's asses and fell down.
- I am secure enough in my manhood to say that I love Wes Welker.
- Ditto Tom Brady.
- If someone offered the Red Sox a dozen clean baseballs, do you think they would exchange David Ortiz? Where have you gone Big Papi?
Thanksgiving 2009 is now officially over. Hope you had a great one! Bring on the Christmas season ....
- Congrats to the Billerica High football team. As a former town resident (first 24 years of my existence), I am happy to see them make the Eastern Mass playoffs. Good luck against Everett on December 1st and hopefully beyond.
- It's time to stop trotting out the Lions every Thanksgiving day. How about we play 4 games on Thanksgiving with 8 new teams every year and rotate 'em! That would allow every team to play on turkey day every 4 years.
- Tiger Woods ...seriously? You crash just outside your house ...and your wife uses one of your clubs to get you out? SERIOUSLY?
- It's the calm before the proverbial storm in baseball free agency. Still waiting for that first big trade and/or free agent signing ...ZZZZZZZZ ....
- Speaking of MLB free agency - if Scott Boras was never born, do you think a top tier free agent would actually sign before Christmas! Stop the dog and pony and lets get things rolling ...
- I hope the Red Sox do NOT trade for Miguel Cabrera. He's the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in a baseball uniform waiting to happen. Granted he's a great hitter, but he's due to bust out (of his pants).
- If the Red Sox trade Clay Buchholz and/or Daniel Bard this offseason, it had better be for either Felix Hernandez or Roy Halladay. Pitching, pitching, pitching!!
- Did the Yankees really win the World Series?
- Tuukka Rask!! Remind me again why he does not play every day?
- Oh yes, that's right ...Tim Thomas. Was there a worse deal than the one the Bruins gave Tim Thomas? 4 years at the age of 36 with a budding 22 year old stud ready to take the pipes away? Sounds like a move Harry Sinden would have made ...
- Vince Young - where you been?
- Is it just me or the fact the Celtics starting point guard, Rajon Rondo, can't hit a free throw if his life depended on it is an absolute joke?
- Rasheed Wallace - love the signing, but don't love the bombs away mentality thus far.
- As of 11/27, my projected AFC playoff seedings: 1) Colts 2) Pats 3) Chargers 4) Steelers 5) Bengals 6) Broncos
- As of 11/27, my projected NFC playoff seedings: 1) Vikings 2) Saints 3) Cardinals 4) Cowboys 5) Eagles 6) Falcons
- Jason Bay or Matt Holiday? I say go with Bay ...
- Why do radio stations start playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving? Are stations being taken over by the same early planners who put out Christmas paraphenalia prior to Halloween?
- Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood - wow, wow, all I can say is wow.
- I hope the Laurence Maroney from the last 2 weeks (Colts and Jets) is the real Laurence Maroney and not the stiff from the past 3 years who continuously ran right into his offensive lineman's asses and fell down.
- I am secure enough in my manhood to say that I love Wes Welker.
- Ditto Tom Brady.
- If someone offered the Red Sox a dozen clean baseballs, do you think they would exchange David Ortiz? Where have you gone Big Papi?
Thanksgiving 2009 is now officially over. Hope you had a great one! Bring on the Christmas season ....
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving ...
As a Boston sports fan, let's face the facts - we have it good! There is alot to be thankful for ....here are my top 5 ...
1) Bill Belichick - he's the modern day Vince Lombardi. As a coach, he has 3 rings, 4 conference titles, 9 division titles, a .620 winning percentage (.708 with the Pats), and a playoff winning percentage of .789 (.824 with the Pats). What else is there to say? Perhaps that he's the best dressed coach of all-time.
2) Tom Brady - remember Joe Montana? He's alive and well in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Brady has 3 Super Bowl rings (should be 4, if not for a few members of the Pats defense ...another story for another day). He has 2 Super Bowl MVPs. He's the leader of the greatest football franchise of this decade. His intangibles are off the charts - his toughness, his smarts, etc. He has it all. Need I say more.
3) Theo Epstein - once considered Boy Wonder when he first took over the GM duties from Dan Duquette. He has led the Red Sox to 2 World Series Titles and the playoffs 6 of the last 7 years. He has rebuilt a farm system that has produced the likes of Jonathan Papelbon, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz, and Daniel Bard. The pipeline to the big leagues has become a turnstile with some great arms and athletes down in the minors. In a few years, you'll be hearing Casey Kelly, Lars Anderson, and Ryan Westmoreland to name a few.
4) Wes Welker/Randy Moss - best tandem of receivers in the NFL. I'm sure they are top of Brady's Christmas list each year. Welker has caught a staggering 7.5 passes a game since coming here for a 2nd and 7th round picks to start 2007. Moss set an NFL record with 23 TD catches in 2007 and if he sticks around with Brady he's likely to give the TD record of Jerry Rice a chase (Rice has 208 total/197 receiving while Moss had 140/136 coming into 2009).
5) Danny Ainge/Kevin Garnett - lets face it, the Celtics had been irrelevant up until Ainge made the bold move of trading for Kevin Garnett (as well as Ray Allen). This single-handlely transformed the dormat Celts into title contenders. EVERYTHING changed. Garnett's passion and desire led the Celtics to their first world championship since 1986. I give Danny Ainge the credit for orchestrating the moves necessary to make this all happen.
*Honorable mention - I'll sneak the Bruins in here to show the full Boston love (for all you soccer fans, sorry I'm not putting the Revolution here - I just can't do it). I give a gobble-gobble thanks today out to Peter Chiarelli, the GM of the Bruins. He has put together a young, exciting, hard-working team that has hockey fans around here with championship hopes and dream. Milan Lucic, Tuukka Rask, Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci et al are a few of the young players that will lead this team in years to come. Now if they could only get rid of Montgomery Burns who sits on his mountain of cash up in his Buffalo office.
On this Thanksgiving, 2009, I sit back and think about just how good I have it as a sports fan. There is no better place to live than Boston. We have successful, hard-working teams that are passionate about bringing nothing but championships to the fans of New England. It could be worse ... imagine being a Cubs fan or a simply a fan of any middle of the road team who you know has ZERO chance of winning before they even drop the first puck or throw the first pitch. Boston fans - be thankful! I know I am. Happy Thanksgiving!
1) Bill Belichick - he's the modern day Vince Lombardi. As a coach, he has 3 rings, 4 conference titles, 9 division titles, a .620 winning percentage (.708 with the Pats), and a playoff winning percentage of .789 (.824 with the Pats). What else is there to say? Perhaps that he's the best dressed coach of all-time.
2) Tom Brady - remember Joe Montana? He's alive and well in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Brady has 3 Super Bowl rings (should be 4, if not for a few members of the Pats defense ...another story for another day). He has 2 Super Bowl MVPs. He's the leader of the greatest football franchise of this decade. His intangibles are off the charts - his toughness, his smarts, etc. He has it all. Need I say more.
3) Theo Epstein - once considered Boy Wonder when he first took over the GM duties from Dan Duquette. He has led the Red Sox to 2 World Series Titles and the playoffs 6 of the last 7 years. He has rebuilt a farm system that has produced the likes of Jonathan Papelbon, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Clay Buchholz, and Daniel Bard. The pipeline to the big leagues has become a turnstile with some great arms and athletes down in the minors. In a few years, you'll be hearing Casey Kelly, Lars Anderson, and Ryan Westmoreland to name a few.
4) Wes Welker/Randy Moss - best tandem of receivers in the NFL. I'm sure they are top of Brady's Christmas list each year. Welker has caught a staggering 7.5 passes a game since coming here for a 2nd and 7th round picks to start 2007. Moss set an NFL record with 23 TD catches in 2007 and if he sticks around with Brady he's likely to give the TD record of Jerry Rice a chase (Rice has 208 total/197 receiving while Moss had 140/136 coming into 2009).
5) Danny Ainge/Kevin Garnett - lets face it, the Celtics had been irrelevant up until Ainge made the bold move of trading for Kevin Garnett (as well as Ray Allen). This single-handlely transformed the dormat Celts into title contenders. EVERYTHING changed. Garnett's passion and desire led the Celtics to their first world championship since 1986. I give Danny Ainge the credit for orchestrating the moves necessary to make this all happen.
*Honorable mention - I'll sneak the Bruins in here to show the full Boston love (for all you soccer fans, sorry I'm not putting the Revolution here - I just can't do it). I give a gobble-gobble thanks today out to Peter Chiarelli, the GM of the Bruins. He has put together a young, exciting, hard-working team that has hockey fans around here with championship hopes and dream. Milan Lucic, Tuukka Rask, Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci et al are a few of the young players that will lead this team in years to come. Now if they could only get rid of Montgomery Burns who sits on his mountain of cash up in his Buffalo office.
On this Thanksgiving, 2009, I sit back and think about just how good I have it as a sports fan. There is no better place to live than Boston. We have successful, hard-working teams that are passionate about bringing nothing but championships to the fans of New England. It could be worse ... imagine being a Cubs fan or a simply a fan of any middle of the road team who you know has ZERO chance of winning before they even drop the first puck or throw the first pitch. Boston fans - be thankful! I know I am. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
4th and 2 ...
This topic has been chewed up and spit out amongst everyone from national sportswriters to local newscasters to neighborhood friends. I, for one, have had enough of the second guessing that has come easy for those who appear eager to jump all over Bill Belichick. My how quickly we forget the successes of Patriots past. I guess we really do live in a "what have you done for me lately" sports world. 4th and 2 has apparantly jumped into the same negative context as (GULP) Bill Buckner and Bucky "Bleapin" Dent.
Let me state this as clear as I can - I loved the call. I know I am in the minority. This goes well beyond the standard "In Bill We Trust" mantra - and trust me, I'm a card carrying member of that club. As an avid sports fan, you tend to see patterns and trends developing in front of your eyes. On Sunday night, there were two things developing -- first, the Pats defense appeared to be gased (remember they were already without Ty Warren on the D-Line and also had lost Tully Banta-Cain during the game) and second, Peyton Manning appeared to be in a rhythm. Not a good combination ...and Bill knew it. Don't you remember the last time a Tom Brady led team went into Indianapolis and held a big league?? He could see it happening all over again.
So we come to the decision and why I love the call. You have the games best QB. You have the games best WR tandem. You have an offense that can pick up 2 yards in their sleep. You have a defense that is gased. Most importantly, you have an opposing QB who was going to take the ball down the field no matter where you gave him the ball -- whether it be at the Pats 28 or the Colts 28. So the decision was made to win the game right then and there.
Lets forget the pundits who state "he disrespected his defense" ..."if I were a member of the defense, I'd feel a lack of respect". PLEASE! If anyone out there does not believe Bill puts his team in the best position to win every week, then you clearly are insane (perhaps you just do in fact have it in for him). He makes all these decisions weeks, if not months, in advance. He's the most prepared coach in the league. I can guarantee you that this specific instance was talked about and prepared for prior to the game. If this same situation comes up again down the road, I believe he would not hesitate to make the same call.
I'll state it again - I loved the call. If that makes me a pom-pom waving, card carrying member of all-things Patriots fan club, then I'll wave away. I have trust in the coach and have trust in his team to execute. Sometimes, just because they make an aggressive call it does not mean you have to find the nearest bridge to jump off of! In Bill I Trust ...he does whatever is necessary to allow his team the best chance at winning week in and week out. Would you rather have Bob Kraft fire Bill and re-hire Rod Rust? I'm sure he's available ...
Let me state this as clear as I can - I loved the call. I know I am in the minority. This goes well beyond the standard "In Bill We Trust" mantra - and trust me, I'm a card carrying member of that club. As an avid sports fan, you tend to see patterns and trends developing in front of your eyes. On Sunday night, there were two things developing -- first, the Pats defense appeared to be gased (remember they were already without Ty Warren on the D-Line and also had lost Tully Banta-Cain during the game) and second, Peyton Manning appeared to be in a rhythm. Not a good combination ...and Bill knew it. Don't you remember the last time a Tom Brady led team went into Indianapolis and held a big league?? He could see it happening all over again.
So we come to the decision and why I love the call. You have the games best QB. You have the games best WR tandem. You have an offense that can pick up 2 yards in their sleep. You have a defense that is gased. Most importantly, you have an opposing QB who was going to take the ball down the field no matter where you gave him the ball -- whether it be at the Pats 28 or the Colts 28. So the decision was made to win the game right then and there.
Lets forget the pundits who state "he disrespected his defense" ..."if I were a member of the defense, I'd feel a lack of respect". PLEASE! If anyone out there does not believe Bill puts his team in the best position to win every week, then you clearly are insane (perhaps you just do in fact have it in for him). He makes all these decisions weeks, if not months, in advance. He's the most prepared coach in the league. I can guarantee you that this specific instance was talked about and prepared for prior to the game. If this same situation comes up again down the road, I believe he would not hesitate to make the same call.
I'll state it again - I loved the call. If that makes me a pom-pom waving, card carrying member of all-things Patriots fan club, then I'll wave away. I have trust in the coach and have trust in his team to execute. Sometimes, just because they make an aggressive call it does not mean you have to find the nearest bridge to jump off of! In Bill I Trust ...he does whatever is necessary to allow his team the best chance at winning week in and week out. Would you rather have Bob Kraft fire Bill and re-hire Rod Rust? I'm sure he's available ...
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