There are four good playoff games this weekend. I thought I would take a moment to predict the winners. I never wager on professional sports. I really have no interest. With that in mind, I am picking who I feel will win the games, regardless of the point-spread and the over and under.
Arizona @ New Orleans - New Orleans
Baltimore @ Indianapolis - Baltimore
Dallas @ Minnesota - Minnesota
New York Jets @ San Diego - NYJ
I think the keys to all of these wins will be the defense. Let's see how right I am.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Did He Just Decide to Move On?
Dean Pees will be leaving the Pats after six seasons with the team, four as defensive coordinator. His contract expires at the end of January. He has indicated that he wanted to move on to a new challenge.
Is he being forced out because of the problems faced on the defensive side of the ball this season? Is he losing his job because of the retirements of Tedi Bruschi and Rodney Harrison and the trading of Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour? Is it because he is coaching a young defense with a lack of leaders? Was it that bad that they needed to sign 40 year old linebacker Junior Seau?
These are difficult questions to answer. As with anything with the Pats, the truth may never come out. It's always a good idea to leave on good terms and not burn your bridges on the way out the door. Pees indicated that he did not wish to renew his contract.
The fact is that Pees suffered from number of physical ailments this year including surgery for prostate cancer and later a resulting blood clot in his leg. He also was stricken during the Houston game with chest pains that were later diagnosed as bronchial asthma.
By leaving now, he is giving the Pats plenty of time to find a replacement before the annual shuffling of coaches around the league. This puts Pepper Johnson, the defensive line coach, in a prime position to assume the role of coordinator.
The Pats need to act quickly as Johnson has been contacted by the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants for the defensive coordinator position with their team.
Is he being forced out because of the problems faced on the defensive side of the ball this season? Is he losing his job because of the retirements of Tedi Bruschi and Rodney Harrison and the trading of Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour? Is it because he is coaching a young defense with a lack of leaders? Was it that bad that they needed to sign 40 year old linebacker Junior Seau?
These are difficult questions to answer. As with anything with the Pats, the truth may never come out. It's always a good idea to leave on good terms and not burn your bridges on the way out the door. Pees indicated that he did not wish to renew his contract.
The fact is that Pees suffered from number of physical ailments this year including surgery for prostate cancer and later a resulting blood clot in his leg. He also was stricken during the Houston game with chest pains that were later diagnosed as bronchial asthma.
By leaving now, he is giving the Pats plenty of time to find a replacement before the annual shuffling of coaches around the league. This puts Pepper Johnson, the defensive line coach, in a prime position to assume the role of coordinator.
The Pats need to act quickly as Johnson has been contacted by the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants for the defensive coordinator position with their team.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Two Different Sides of Bill
There was a great story in today's Boston Globe by Bob Ryan concerning the two sides of Coach Belichick's persona. He contrasted the coach we see immediately after the game and the one in the weekly press conferences. He had it exactly right.
Unfortunately for the coach, the NFL mandates that he address the media 10 minutes after the game. This allows for the press to meet tight deadlines. That is certainly understandable. However, there was criticism over the coach's recent post-game press conference which lasted a little over 5 minutes and contained many one word answers.
Maybe the coach could do a better job immediately after the game. I always watch these events. The coach is much different after a win than a loss. No doubt about that. However, he must often deal with some very stupid questions from the media.
After losing to the Ravens, the season was over. It's a bitter pill for everyone to swallow, but to ask the coach about next year is a bit premature.
Contrast him to his meeting the next day with the media and an appearance on WEEI and it's like two different people. When asked an intelligent question, the coach can give a very meaningful and insightful answer. He doesn't always get logical questions from the media. That is their choice, but I feel they need to do a better job in asking their questions.
I could probably ask a better question than a majority of the media who make their living doing what they do.
Unfortunately for the coach, the NFL mandates that he address the media 10 minutes after the game. This allows for the press to meet tight deadlines. That is certainly understandable. However, there was criticism over the coach's recent post-game press conference which lasted a little over 5 minutes and contained many one word answers.
Maybe the coach could do a better job immediately after the game. I always watch these events. The coach is much different after a win than a loss. No doubt about that. However, he must often deal with some very stupid questions from the media.
After losing to the Ravens, the season was over. It's a bitter pill for everyone to swallow, but to ask the coach about next year is a bit premature.
Contrast him to his meeting the next day with the media and an appearance on WEEI and it's like two different people. When asked an intelligent question, the coach can give a very meaningful and insightful answer. He doesn't always get logical questions from the media. That is their choice, but I feel they need to do a better job in asking their questions.
I could probably ask a better question than a majority of the media who make their living doing what they do.
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Day The Sky Fell
One of the good things about the regular season is that a team can play poorly and have a chance at a better game the next week. Unfortunately, this is not the scenario in the playoffs. One mistake can cost the season. A team's deficiencies are very apparent.
Maybe the Pats went further than they should have this season. They won the AFC East in spite of playing poorly in the second half of many games. As a fan, I thought they could turn things around in the post-season.
I was able to attend the game at Gillette Stadium. The tickets were pricey at $174 face value. I was at the playoff game against Jacksonville following the 2007 season and had a great time. I was looking forward to a well played game.
The day was sunny and very cold, but hey it's January! The Pats won the coin toss and elected to kick. They stopped the Ravens on the 13 yard line. Things looked good until the next play. Ray Rice took a hand-off and ran 87 yards for a TD. That seem to suck the life out of the crowd.
Brady proceeded to throw two interceptions and was strip-sacked. It was 21-0 in the first quarter. Nothing worked well after that. Although Joe Flaco passed for only 32 yards, the Ravens ran for 234.
Brady would throw another interception as well as connecting for two TD's with Julien Edeleman. The game was never close. The Ravens defense was devastating.
Nobody ever wants their team to lose. The way the Pats lost Super Bowl XLII to the Giants was heart breaking. However, this was a very frustrating loss. The team played so poorly. Their effort wasn't there. I was hoping for a competitive game, but it wasn't there.
In retrospect, I guess I saw history made yesterday. It was the absolute worst performance of Tom Brady's career. Hopefully, he will never top it.
Maybe the Pats went further than they should have this season. They won the AFC East in spite of playing poorly in the second half of many games. As a fan, I thought they could turn things around in the post-season.
I was able to attend the game at Gillette Stadium. The tickets were pricey at $174 face value. I was at the playoff game against Jacksonville following the 2007 season and had a great time. I was looking forward to a well played game.
The day was sunny and very cold, but hey it's January! The Pats won the coin toss and elected to kick. They stopped the Ravens on the 13 yard line. Things looked good until the next play. Ray Rice took a hand-off and ran 87 yards for a TD. That seem to suck the life out of the crowd.
Brady proceeded to throw two interceptions and was strip-sacked. It was 21-0 in the first quarter. Nothing worked well after that. Although Joe Flaco passed for only 32 yards, the Ravens ran for 234.
Brady would throw another interception as well as connecting for two TD's with Julien Edeleman. The game was never close. The Ravens defense was devastating.
Nobody ever wants their team to lose. The way the Pats lost Super Bowl XLII to the Giants was heart breaking. However, this was a very frustrating loss. The team played so poorly. Their effort wasn't there. I was hoping for a competitive game, but it wasn't there.
In retrospect, I guess I saw history made yesterday. It was the absolute worst performance of Tom Brady's career. Hopefully, he will never top it.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Greatest Catch
One Baltimore Raven who will be remembered forever in these parts is WR David Tyree. He made the iconic "helmet" catch while playing for the Giants against the Pats in the waning moments of super Bowl XLII. It was a crucial catch on 3rd and 5 and kept the winning drive alive. He made the catch with Rodney Harrison draped all over him.
The NFL considers it to be such a highlight that they use it in a promotional commercial for the NFL Network. It's often considered one of the all-time pass receptions.
Since that day, Tyree suffered a serious knee injury during his 2008 season with the Giants. He was released by them prior to the start of this season and was signed by the Ravens on October 13.
No Pats fan will ever forget that catch!
The NFL considers it to be such a highlight that they use it in a promotional commercial for the NFL Network. It's often considered one of the all-time pass receptions.
Since that day, Tyree suffered a serious knee injury during his 2008 season with the Giants. He was released by them prior to the start of this season and was signed by the Ravens on October 13.
No Pats fan will ever forget that catch!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Vinatieri at Crossroad?
The Indianapolis Colts announced that they will be going with Matt Stover as their kicker during the playoffs. He took over for Adam Vinatieri in October after the former Pats legend underwent knee surgery on his kicking leg.
Vinatieri returned to the active roster during week 16 for the game against the Jets. Coach Jim Caldwell indicated that the team was more comfortable going with Stover in spite of his feeling. He felt that Vinatieri was not 100%.
The team decided to keep Vinatieri on their 53 man roster leaving the door open for a possible return to action should the Colts advance deep into the playoffs.
The move could cloud the future for Vinatieri who has trouble hitting field goals from more than 45 yards. His inability to place the ball into the end zone was one of the primary reasons the Pats decided not to re-sign him after the 2005 season.
Vinatieri returned to the active roster during week 16 for the game against the Jets. Coach Jim Caldwell indicated that the team was more comfortable going with Stover in spite of his feeling. He felt that Vinatieri was not 100%.
The team decided to keep Vinatieri on their 53 man roster leaving the door open for a possible return to action should the Colts advance deep into the playoffs.
The move could cloud the future for Vinatieri who has trouble hitting field goals from more than 45 yards. His inability to place the ball into the end zone was one of the primary reasons the Pats decided not to re-sign him after the 2005 season.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Journey of Julien
Julien Edelman's journey through his rookie NFL season has been remarkable. As a 7th round pick, he fought his way onto the roster. What made it so remarkable was that he converted from being a quarterback to wide receiver and return specialist.
He has often been compared to Wes Welker. Both play the slot receiver. When Welker sat out the Jets game in week 2, Edeleman caught 8 balls for 83 yards. Not a bad way to start a career.
Both Welker and Edeleman came unheralded from college. Welker made his NFL debut as an undrafted free-agent and Edeleman as the 232nd pick.
Edelman had a stellar high school career at Woodside High in California. He lead his team to a 13-0 record with 2,237 yards passing, 29 passing TD's , 964 yards rushing and scoring 13 TD's with the ball.
In spite of these numbers, he had no scholarship offers from Division 1 colleges. He enrolled at San Mateo Community College located in the hometown of Tom Brady. He lead the team to an 8-3 record and a #9 national ranking for junior colleges.
He was scouted by a coach from Kent State and received a scholarship offer. He started for the next three seasons as a Tim Tebow clone. During that time, he threw 30 TD passes and ran for 22 TD's. His 1,370 yards of rushing as a senior placed him 15th in Division 1, although he was a QB.
He caught the attention of the Pats and other teams. The Pats lead the charge by sending several coaches to scout him and meet with him personally. As with Brady, he lasted until the 2nd day of the draft. Brady was chosen 199th overall while Edeleman lasted until the 232nd pick.
When he arrived at training camp, the transition to WR and return specialist began. Coach Belichick has often cited his running ability as the reason for the switch. In a dire situation, either WR Isiah Stanback or Edeleman would be the emergency 3rd QB.
Against the Ravens, he will have the opportunity to play in the biggest game of his career with the playoff fortunes for both teams on the line.
He has often been compared to Wes Welker. Both play the slot receiver. When Welker sat out the Jets game in week 2, Edeleman caught 8 balls for 83 yards. Not a bad way to start a career.
Both Welker and Edeleman came unheralded from college. Welker made his NFL debut as an undrafted free-agent and Edeleman as the 232nd pick.
Edelman had a stellar high school career at Woodside High in California. He lead his team to a 13-0 record with 2,237 yards passing, 29 passing TD's , 964 yards rushing and scoring 13 TD's with the ball.
In spite of these numbers, he had no scholarship offers from Division 1 colleges. He enrolled at San Mateo Community College located in the hometown of Tom Brady. He lead the team to an 8-3 record and a #9 national ranking for junior colleges.
He was scouted by a coach from Kent State and received a scholarship offer. He started for the next three seasons as a Tim Tebow clone. During that time, he threw 30 TD passes and ran for 22 TD's. His 1,370 yards of rushing as a senior placed him 15th in Division 1, although he was a QB.
He caught the attention of the Pats and other teams. The Pats lead the charge by sending several coaches to scout him and meet with him personally. As with Brady, he lasted until the 2nd day of the draft. Brady was chosen 199th overall while Edeleman lasted until the 232nd pick.
When he arrived at training camp, the transition to WR and return specialist began. Coach Belichick has often cited his running ability as the reason for the switch. In a dire situation, either WR Isiah Stanback or Edeleman would be the emergency 3rd QB.
Against the Ravens, he will have the opportunity to play in the biggest game of his career with the playoff fortunes for both teams on the line.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Boring People
I'm not sure where some of these talk shows callers come from. They never cease to amaze me. Today, there was discussion of the fact that some view Sunday's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens to be a "boring match up".
How can they feel that way? It's a one game season. Everything comes down to how the teams play on Sunday. Another game isn't guaranteed for either team. One mistake can end the season.
If that's a boring game, then they must be boring as people. If you can't get worked up for this game, then you really are not a fan.
How can they feel that way? It's a one game season. Everything comes down to how the teams play on Sunday. Another game isn't guaranteed for either team. One mistake can end the season.
If that's a boring game, then they must be boring as people. If you can't get worked up for this game, then you really are not a fan.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Bill Fires a Verbal Shot
Coach Bill Belichick has always been diplomatic when talking about players or opponents. He can be very evasive at times.
During his weekly Monday interview on WEEI, he was asked about the report by CBS analyst Charlie Casserly that Tom Brady has three broken ribs. Casserly broke the story last Sunday.
The coach has never been a fan of Casserly. He proceeded to say that nobody has been more wrong than Casserly over the years. He proceeded to rip him for his lack of credibility. He gave him credit for at least attaching his name to the story, but the coach was adamant that Brady doesn't have broken ribs.
Belichick's comments have been picked up by various websites. The normally diplomatic coach probably will not be a dinner guest of Casserly in the foreseeable future.
.
During his weekly Monday interview on WEEI, he was asked about the report by CBS analyst Charlie Casserly that Tom Brady has three broken ribs. Casserly broke the story last Sunday.
The coach has never been a fan of Casserly. He proceeded to say that nobody has been more wrong than Casserly over the years. He proceeded to rip him for his lack of credibility. He gave him credit for at least attaching his name to the story, but the coach was adamant that Brady doesn't have broken ribs.
Belichick's comments have been picked up by various websites. The normally diplomatic coach probably will not be a dinner guest of Casserly in the foreseeable future.
.
To Play Or Not To PLay
RB laurence Maroney was on the sidelines during Sunday's 34-27 loss to Houston. When asked about it, Coach Belichick gave one of his typical evasive answers by saying that he was trying to give certain players additional snaps. Benjarvis green-Ellis played in place of Maroney.
It's unknown whether Maroney has been benched or if was truly a "coach's decision". Since fumbling on the goal line in the first drive of the previous week's game against Jacksonville, Maroney has been banished to the sidelines.
He has four fumbles this season compared to two in his previous three seasons with the Pats. They have all come at crucial times. His non-playing has come at a time when it was disclosed that he has been meeting with Coach Belichick on a weekly basis for one on one discussion.
Has the coach given up on him? Will he play against the Ravens on Sunday? With the loss of WR Wes Welker, it looks like the team will go with four receivers for Sunday's game. Will they dress five backs or will Maroney or Green-Ellis sit the game out.
Maroney had been enjoying a fine season with 9 TD's and 757 Yards on 194 carries.
It's unknown whether Maroney has been benched or if was truly a "coach's decision". Since fumbling on the goal line in the first drive of the previous week's game against Jacksonville, Maroney has been banished to the sidelines.
He has four fumbles this season compared to two in his previous three seasons with the Pats. They have all come at crucial times. His non-playing has come at a time when it was disclosed that he has been meeting with Coach Belichick on a weekly basis for one on one discussion.
Has the coach given up on him? Will he play against the Ravens on Sunday? With the loss of WR Wes Welker, it looks like the team will go with four receivers for Sunday's game. Will they dress five backs or will Maroney or Green-Ellis sit the game out.
Maroney had been enjoying a fine season with 9 TD's and 757 Yards on 194 carries.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
More Second Guessing
The game is over, but here we go again with the second guessing of Coach Belichick to play key starters in what was a "meaningless "game for them. The only thing to play for was a third seed in the playoffs. Losing Wes Welker for the playoff run will be debated forever.
Welker was hurt when he was running with the ball, making a cut while avoiding a hit. The grass turf caused his knee to buckle. Considering how many violent hits Welker has taken, it was ironic that his season ended without direct contact with a defender.
If the Pats lose next week, the off-season will be filled with discussion whether Brady, Welker or Moss should have played. Moss was knocked of his feet in the first quarter. I'm surprised he hasn't been injured, considering this happens to him every week.
"Rest the starters" they say. Back-up receiver and special teams captain Sam Aiken appeared to hurt himself in the 4th quarter on a sideline play. Anyone can be hurt any time. It doesn't matter who it is.
I'll take a sample of the sports talk shows tomorrow, but I think they will be dwelling on it throughout the week. It could make for a short listening time for me unless talk is focused on the playoff game
Welker was hurt when he was running with the ball, making a cut while avoiding a hit. The grass turf caused his knee to buckle. Considering how many violent hits Welker has taken, it was ironic that his season ended without direct contact with a defender.
If the Pats lose next week, the off-season will be filled with discussion whether Brady, Welker or Moss should have played. Moss was knocked of his feet in the first quarter. I'm surprised he hasn't been injured, considering this happens to him every week.
"Rest the starters" they say. Back-up receiver and special teams captain Sam Aiken appeared to hurt himself in the 4th quarter on a sideline play. Anyone can be hurt any time. It doesn't matter who it is.
I'll take a sample of the sports talk shows tomorrow, but I think they will be dwelling on it throughout the week. It could make for a short listening time for me unless talk is focused on the playoff game
Saturday, January 2, 2010
A Difference Between Sports
What a difference between football and baseball players. With a playoff spot clinched and nothing to gain on Sunday, Pats QB Tom Brady was very adamant about wanting to play. He said that he had spoken to Coach Belichick and acknowledged that he will be on the field Sunday in spite of a sore finger, ribs, and shoulder.
Contrast that to the days of Manny Ramairez when he played for the Sox. Manny was adamant in wanting days off and often put manager Terry Francona in a precarious position. On more than one occasion, he refused to pinch-hit saying that he was on a day off.
The NFL is filled with players who play hurt every week. The injury list reads like a huge auto collision. Baseball players get a tight hamstring and they miss a week.
The weather conditions they play under are another story. The baseball commissioner took a lot of flack because they were playing the World Series in 40 degree temperatures. That would be ideal weather for football.
Contrast that to the days of Manny Ramairez when he played for the Sox. Manny was adamant in wanting days off and often put manager Terry Francona in a precarious position. On more than one occasion, he refused to pinch-hit saying that he was on a day off.
The NFL is filled with players who play hurt every week. The injury list reads like a huge auto collision. Baseball players get a tight hamstring and they miss a week.
The weather conditions they play under are another story. The baseball commissioner took a lot of flack because they were playing the World Series in 40 degree temperatures. That would be ideal weather for football.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
