The bye week that being a Top 2 seed affords a team is coveted for many reasons.
It is a chance to get some rest and let some nagging injuries heal...it also is a time that players can work on sharpening their technique.
It is something that players also do on their scheduled bye week during the regular season, but always with an eye to their next opponant - a known quantity that can be somewhat of a distraction, like when being interupted during meditation or when completely focused on a task: You can get back to it, but not at the same level of consciousness.
So not knowing who their opponent is going to be in two weeks affords a solace that the players try so hard to earn, a chance to improve upon their form, which is already at it's regular season peak - a chance to take some lessons learned during the season, review some film and work individually with coaches to become truely excellent and focused - and when they learn who their opponenet will be in the divisional round, the focus will carry over.
The Patriots will practice on Wednesday and Thursday, working mostly on fundamentals, technique, staying focused before taking a long weekend to be with family and friends, another important aspect of the bye week schedules.
Tight end Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez have been banged up - hell, broken is more like it - for good chunks of the season, and just when Hernandez was set to return from a brutal ankle injury that had kept him out of action for several weeks, Gronkowski snapped his left forearm and had been out for 5 weeks prior to Sunday's season ending victory over the Dolphins.
In the season finale, Gronkowski caught two passes, one for a 23 yard touchdown, but looked very tentative in run blocking, clearly trying to keep his braced and wrapped left forearm out of the fray as if keeping a cast out of water - which is understandable, but looked awkward. The two weeks with treatment and rest and a proper amount of practice is key - but not just for those two.
The defense has suffered some debilitating injuries in the past few weeks, so when the Patriots take the field on Jan 13th at 4:30 PM against as as yet unnamed opponent, hopefully the two week break will be enough for starting corners Alfonzo Dennard and Aqib Talib to get over their issues, as well as starting defensive end Rob Ninkovich who, despite first appearances, may be able to return for the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Both Talib and Ninkovich have suffered hip injuries, Talib missing, essentially, the past two games while Ninkovich left Sunday's game in the second quarter. Dennard has a hammy and some knee issues. If they are able to return for the playoffs, converted safety Devin McCourty can return to the strong safety position, sliding Steve Gregory over to the free where he has shown some ball hawking ability...
...and enough of this for now. Throughout the next two weeks we will publish a series of scouting reports on the New England Patriots and their opponant, when we learn which team that will be - the first of which will be New Years Day, when we take a look at the state of the Patriots Defensive Line.
It also gives us the opportunity to scout the Patriots as if we were the opposition, which promises to be a boat load of fun
Monday, December 31, 2012
Peter King: Francis Defensive Player of the Week
Reading Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback is a pleasant part of my early week routine, as I never fail to find something to disagree with him on, and also never fail to find much to agree with him.
King writes for SI.com, and is well respected for his accurate and insightful reporting - and he always puts himself out there for good or ill, which this publication respects immensely...
...so when he names one of our Patriots as one of his weekly award winners, there is a rock-solid reason why - particularly when that Patriot is an undrafted rookie free agent.
In this morning's edition of MMQ, King writes:
Defensive Players of the Week
Justin Francis, DE, New England. In the Patriots' 28-0 shutout of Miami in Foxboro, New England got seven sacks, three from the undrafted rookie from Rutgers. Francis worked his way into the New England line rotation, and he may take on a bigger role in the playoffs, particularly if Rob Ninkovich, a huge piece to the pass-rush puzzle, has to miss time after leaving Sunday's game with a hip injury. "It's been a long journey,'' Francis said after the first three sacks of his career. It could get longer if the Patriots need production from him in the playoffs.
Francis also received a brief write up in our recap lat night, which can be seen here .
Also in this week's edition, he indicates that he is looking forward to a Manning vs. Brady AFC Championship game in the Rockies. King's article in its entirety can be read here .
I'm sure he'll get his wish...
...so when he names one of our Patriots as one of his weekly award winners, there is a rock-solid reason why - particularly when that Patriot is an undrafted rookie free agent.
In this morning's edition of MMQ, King writes:
Defensive Players of the Week
Justin Francis, DE, New England. In the Patriots' 28-0 shutout of Miami in Foxboro, New England got seven sacks, three from the undrafted rookie from Rutgers. Francis worked his way into the New England line rotation, and he may take on a bigger role in the playoffs, particularly if Rob Ninkovich, a huge piece to the pass-rush puzzle, has to miss time after leaving Sunday's game with a hip injury. "It's been a long journey,'' Francis said after the first three sacks of his career. It could get longer if the Patriots need production from him in the playoffs.
Francis also received a brief write up in our recap lat night, which can be seen here .
Also in this week's edition, he indicates that he is looking forward to a Manning vs. Brady AFC Championship game in the Rockies. King's article in its entirety can be read here .
I'm sure he'll get his wish...
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Patriots record seven sacks, blank Dolphins 28-0
Were the New England Patriots just that much better than the Miami Dolphins, or did the Dolphins not bother to bring their "A" game?
Either way, neither team will be playing next week as the NFL playoffs begin.
The Dolphins? Well, they have the next 6 months off. They knew that before the game even started and played like they had nothing to play for.
The Patriots are just taking a week off to get healthy before getting back after it.
Before the game even started, the Houston Texans opened the door for a 1st round bye for the Patriots by losing for the 3rd time in their last 4 games. New England sprinted right through the door and secured the #2 seed in the AFC with a solid 28-0 win over a less than inspired Dolphins squad.
Tom Brady was efficient, connecting on 22 of 36 passes for 284 yards and two scores, including a 23 yard strike to tight end Rob Gronkowski, who was seeing his first action since breaking his forearm against the Colts on November 18th.
Gronkowski, who was voted to his second Pro Bowl earlier in the week, caught two balls for 43 yards and his 11th score of the season. His fellow Pro Bowl receiver Wes Welker did the majority of the damage with Brady's throws, catching 8 balls for 94 yards and Brady's other scoring toss.
Aaron Hernandez came down with 5 catches as he continues to work his way back from an ankle injury that cost him the majority of his season.
Stevan Ridley ran for 75 yards on 20 touches, including two short scoring runs. Danny Woodhead was his usual electric self, running for 18 yards and catching 5 balls for 79.
But this game belonged to the Patriots' defense.
Ryan Tannehill was equally efficient as Brady, throwing 35 times, completing 20 for 235 yards, but with one Steve Gregory interception. Tannehill was under duress all game, being sacked seven times and hit just about every other time that he got the ball away.
New England held the normally potent Miami running game to 44 yards on 15 carries, reestablishing the line of scrimmage two yards deep into the Dolphins' backfield. With Miami unable to get their running game untracked, it set the stage for the pass rush to tee off on Tannehill.
And tee off they did.
The seven sacks were the most for the Patriots this season, rookie free agent defensive lineman Justin Francis accounting for 3 of them. The Patriots defense also recovered a fumble and recorded thir first shutout since the 2009 season.
The Patriots pass rush was just that much more impressive given the fact that their two starting corners, Alfonzo Dennard and Aqib Talib were inactive for the game, which meant that safety Devin McCourty switched back to corner for Talib and nickle corner Kyle Arrington took over for Dennard, both for the second week in a row.
With the win, the Patriots have the next week off as the #2 seed, while keeping an eye on the Wildcard round of the playoffs. They will host the highest remaining seed from a pool that includes the Texans who will host Cincinnati and the Indinapolis Colts, who will travel to Baltimore to face the struggling Ravens.
The Denver Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs and have secured the #1 seed in the AFC. They will host the lowest ramaining seed the week after next in the divisional round.
The regular season is now completed, and ow the tournament begins. The prize is there for the Patriots, all they have to do is take it away from everyone else.
Given that they led the NFL in takeaway differential by a wide margin, you have to like their chances.
Either way, neither team will be playing next week as the NFL playoffs begin.
The Dolphins? Well, they have the next 6 months off. They knew that before the game even started and played like they had nothing to play for.
The Patriots are just taking a week off to get healthy before getting back after it.
Before the game even started, the Houston Texans opened the door for a 1st round bye for the Patriots by losing for the 3rd time in their last 4 games. New England sprinted right through the door and secured the #2 seed in the AFC with a solid 28-0 win over a less than inspired Dolphins squad.
Tom Brady was efficient, connecting on 22 of 36 passes for 284 yards and two scores, including a 23 yard strike to tight end Rob Gronkowski, who was seeing his first action since breaking his forearm against the Colts on November 18th.
Gronkowski, who was voted to his second Pro Bowl earlier in the week, caught two balls for 43 yards and his 11th score of the season. His fellow Pro Bowl receiver Wes Welker did the majority of the damage with Brady's throws, catching 8 balls for 94 yards and Brady's other scoring toss.
Aaron Hernandez came down with 5 catches as he continues to work his way back from an ankle injury that cost him the majority of his season.
Stevan Ridley ran for 75 yards on 20 touches, including two short scoring runs. Danny Woodhead was his usual electric self, running for 18 yards and catching 5 balls for 79.
But this game belonged to the Patriots' defense.
Ryan Tannehill was equally efficient as Brady, throwing 35 times, completing 20 for 235 yards, but with one Steve Gregory interception. Tannehill was under duress all game, being sacked seven times and hit just about every other time that he got the ball away.
New England held the normally potent Miami running game to 44 yards on 15 carries, reestablishing the line of scrimmage two yards deep into the Dolphins' backfield. With Miami unable to get their running game untracked, it set the stage for the pass rush to tee off on Tannehill.
And tee off they did.
The seven sacks were the most for the Patriots this season, rookie free agent defensive lineman Justin Francis accounting for 3 of them. The Patriots defense also recovered a fumble and recorded thir first shutout since the 2009 season.
The Patriots pass rush was just that much more impressive given the fact that their two starting corners, Alfonzo Dennard and Aqib Talib were inactive for the game, which meant that safety Devin McCourty switched back to corner for Talib and nickle corner Kyle Arrington took over for Dennard, both for the second week in a row.
With the win, the Patriots have the next week off as the #2 seed, while keeping an eye on the Wildcard round of the playoffs. They will host the highest remaining seed from a pool that includes the Texans who will host Cincinnati and the Indinapolis Colts, who will travel to Baltimore to face the struggling Ravens.
The Denver Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs and have secured the #1 seed in the AFC. They will host the lowest ramaining seed the week after next in the divisional round.
The regular season is now completed, and ow the tournament begins. The prize is there for the Patriots, all they have to do is take it away from everyone else.
Given that they led the NFL in takeaway differential by a wide margin, you have to like their chances.
Sliding Texans lose again, open door for Patriots
The Houston Texans' collapse is almost complete.
Picked by many to be the AFC's represntative in this year's Super Bowl, the Texans took an 11-1 record into Gillette Stadium three weeks ago and limped out with their tails between their legs after a 42-14 thrashing at the hands of the New England Patriots.
Including that loss, the Texans are 1-3 down the stretch, not the kind of intestinal fortitude you would expect from a Super Bowl favorite.
This of course opens the door for the Patriots to claim a Top 2 seed if they can defeat the Miami Dolphins late this afternoon in Foxboro.
In addition, with a win and a Denver Broncos loss to Kansas City, the Patriots can claim the top seed in the conference, which would mean that the road to the Super Bowl would go right through Gillette Stadium.
The Baltimore Ravens also have lost, which means that New England can finish no worse than with the #3 seed in the conference.
More later as events warrant.
Picked by many to be the AFC's represntative in this year's Super Bowl, the Texans took an 11-1 record into Gillette Stadium three weeks ago and limped out with their tails between their legs after a 42-14 thrashing at the hands of the New England Patriots.
Including that loss, the Texans are 1-3 down the stretch, not the kind of intestinal fortitude you would expect from a Super Bowl favorite.
This of course opens the door for the Patriots to claim a Top 2 seed if they can defeat the Miami Dolphins late this afternoon in Foxboro.
In addition, with a win and a Denver Broncos loss to Kansas City, the Patriots can claim the top seed in the conference, which would mean that the road to the Super Bowl would go right through Gillette Stadium.
The Baltimore Ravens also have lost, which means that New England can finish no worse than with the #3 seed in the conference.
More later as events warrant.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Fighting for your playoff lives and...really?
Today was a bad day to be a fan of football.
Not that the scores really mattered, because they didn't. I am not a fan of the Giants, nor the Ravens, Buccaneers, Chargers and Bills - so I soul-searched for about 2.2 seconds to answer why their losses bothered me so much...
...and my conclusion is that I'm a fan of the game of football, and to see these teams disrespect their fans, the game and themselves was disturbing to me.
To see those teams come out as uninspired and seemingly disinterested as they looked is a stain on their fabric, and insult to their fans and, most of all, an insult to the game of football. I imagine that these teams have lost a great amount of respect - not just with their fans, but within the entire football world.
Perhaps these teams should set back and watch film of teams like the Saints, the Dolphins, Colts and Texans to see what taking pride in your job looks like...and on a day that we saw some bad football, the ultimate of insults is for us to look at the scoreboard and see that the Arizona Cardinals, with nothing to play for but pride, showed up and creamed the Lions, leaving the stadium pride intact.
The Ravens and Giants? Chargers and Bills? Not so much.
The scores of this afternoon's early games:
Indianapolis 27 Houston 29
Nice bounceback for the Texans. They showed the heart of a champion after last week's disappointment, and consequently became the AFC South Champion. Perhaps news of the Texans' demise were premature? The Colts suffered a setback, but are still in prime position for the post season if they come back and take care of business next week. We know enough about the Colts to assume that they will....
Jacksonville 3 Miami 24
I'm telling ya, this Dolphins team is going to be a team to be reckoned with next season. The team is playing hard and are never out of a game. I'm sure they'll be up for the Patriots on the last game of the season. The Jags? They get the Patriots next week - the way they mailed this one in, the Patriots get an extra week of practice...
Denver 34 Baltimore 17
To see the egg that the Baltimore Ravens laid this afternoon was appalling to me as a football fan - insulting even. I mean, I know that Denver is good, but to dominate a supposed elite conference foe in Baltimore? That was a flop job. No one is going to take this team seriously after that. Denver is steaming towards a high seed...
Minnesota 36 St. Louis 22
Minnesota kept their playoff hopes alive and Adrian Peterson took 200 steps toward a 2000 yard season and perhaps the League MVP. They might just have something for the Texans next week. Yup, they just might. The Rams are playing out the string, but they have fought hard all year and took San Francisco to the mat. Respect for Jeff Fischer and his staff for keeping this team playing hard.
Washington 38 Cleveland 21
That was an impressive performance by the Redskins. Cleveland are no pushovers and Washington went in and did what they needed to do. How can you have anything but respect for that? The Browns as well. They are playing hard for their staff, hopefully it's enough to be able to see them continue that work next season...I would think that next week's game with the Broncos might go a long ways to deciding that.
New York Giants 0 Atlanta 34
Really? You put up a goose egg on a day when you were fighting for your playoff lives? Now you are clinging to a wild card spot with the Vikings right on your back side. I think maybe the American Public is tired of your sandbagging act, where you hem and haw during the regular season, then turn into World Beaters in the playoffs...I know I am. The Falcons looked every bit the top seed in the NFC that they clinched today.
Tampa Bay 0 New Orleans 41
The Buccaneers? well, they are playing out the string, but to get hammered as they did by the Saints raises questions as to their heart. Their saving grace, however, is that one of the teams that did show up and fight on Sunday was the Saints, and to blow the Bucs right out of the Superdome as they did says much about their players and their hearts....New Orleans is going to be OK.
They won't be in the playoffs, their season derailed before it even started. But they showed the football world that they are no easy win, and that they will be back stronger next season.
Green Bay 21 Chicago 13
I guess the Bears are the pretenders that Bears fans are used to seeing. The defense is legit, but the offense is last year's...The Packers? Not impressive, but a win is a win. At least they showed up in the middle of a division race...and now have an inside track to the #2 seed should the 49ers fall to the Patriots tonight. After the start they had, a respectful "Well Done"!
Carolina 31 San Diego 7
The Panthers started the year horribly, but have pulled it together and are now looking like the team we expected to see...the Chargers? Jokes. The Ownership has stuck by the coach and GM to a fault, and now that the writing is on the wall for both, the team has gone on early vacation. Again, Jokes.
Seattle 50 Buffalo 17
The Bills were just overwhelmed by a superior team. Seattle, you may be in first place in the NFC west tomorrow morning. Buffalo? You need a Quarterback and a defense that plays up to it's capabilities.
Detroit 10 Arizona 38
Jim Schwartz, if you weren't gone before this game, you certainly are now. So much talent and you've misused it. Arizona is to be commended for putting together a nice effort - but both seasons are over - and probably both coaches tenures...
Oakland 15 Kansas City 0
Both teams are done, but at least both competed...two more coaching vacancies? There are going to be a lot of new head coaches next season...it's been a long time since we've seen an offense as incompetent as the Chiefs have...and they have Jamal Charles...
Pittsburgh 24 Dallas 24
Best game of the day between two evenly matched opponents mired in playoff races...and both came to play The Steelers never quit, and got a huge win over Baltimore last week...Mike Tomlin has that kind of respect from his players. But ultimately they fell to the Cowboys...nothing to be ashamed of, but the loss really hurts them in the playoff race. Dallas climbs right back into the hunt for the division crown.
Not that the scores really mattered, because they didn't. I am not a fan of the Giants, nor the Ravens, Buccaneers, Chargers and Bills - so I soul-searched for about 2.2 seconds to answer why their losses bothered me so much...
...and my conclusion is that I'm a fan of the game of football, and to see these teams disrespect their fans, the game and themselves was disturbing to me.
To see those teams come out as uninspired and seemingly disinterested as they looked is a stain on their fabric, and insult to their fans and, most of all, an insult to the game of football. I imagine that these teams have lost a great amount of respect - not just with their fans, but within the entire football world.
Perhaps these teams should set back and watch film of teams like the Saints, the Dolphins, Colts and Texans to see what taking pride in your job looks like...and on a day that we saw some bad football, the ultimate of insults is for us to look at the scoreboard and see that the Arizona Cardinals, with nothing to play for but pride, showed up and creamed the Lions, leaving the stadium pride intact.
The Ravens and Giants? Chargers and Bills? Not so much.
The scores of this afternoon's early games:
Indianapolis 27 Houston 29
Nice bounceback for the Texans. They showed the heart of a champion after last week's disappointment, and consequently became the AFC South Champion. Perhaps news of the Texans' demise were premature? The Colts suffered a setback, but are still in prime position for the post season if they come back and take care of business next week. We know enough about the Colts to assume that they will....
Jacksonville 3 Miami 24
I'm telling ya, this Dolphins team is going to be a team to be reckoned with next season. The team is playing hard and are never out of a game. I'm sure they'll be up for the Patriots on the last game of the season. The Jags? They get the Patriots next week - the way they mailed this one in, the Patriots get an extra week of practice...
Denver 34 Baltimore 17
To see the egg that the Baltimore Ravens laid this afternoon was appalling to me as a football fan - insulting even. I mean, I know that Denver is good, but to dominate a supposed elite conference foe in Baltimore? That was a flop job. No one is going to take this team seriously after that. Denver is steaming towards a high seed...
Minnesota 36 St. Louis 22
Minnesota kept their playoff hopes alive and Adrian Peterson took 200 steps toward a 2000 yard season and perhaps the League MVP. They might just have something for the Texans next week. Yup, they just might. The Rams are playing out the string, but they have fought hard all year and took San Francisco to the mat. Respect for Jeff Fischer and his staff for keeping this team playing hard.
Washington 38 Cleveland 21
That was an impressive performance by the Redskins. Cleveland are no pushovers and Washington went in and did what they needed to do. How can you have anything but respect for that? The Browns as well. They are playing hard for their staff, hopefully it's enough to be able to see them continue that work next season...I would think that next week's game with the Broncos might go a long ways to deciding that.
New York Giants 0 Atlanta 34
Really? You put up a goose egg on a day when you were fighting for your playoff lives? Now you are clinging to a wild card spot with the Vikings right on your back side. I think maybe the American Public is tired of your sandbagging act, where you hem and haw during the regular season, then turn into World Beaters in the playoffs...I know I am. The Falcons looked every bit the top seed in the NFC that they clinched today.
Tampa Bay 0 New Orleans 41
The Buccaneers? well, they are playing out the string, but to get hammered as they did by the Saints raises questions as to their heart. Their saving grace, however, is that one of the teams that did show up and fight on Sunday was the Saints, and to blow the Bucs right out of the Superdome as they did says much about their players and their hearts....New Orleans is going to be OK.
They won't be in the playoffs, their season derailed before it even started. But they showed the football world that they are no easy win, and that they will be back stronger next season.
Green Bay 21 Chicago 13
I guess the Bears are the pretenders that Bears fans are used to seeing. The defense is legit, but the offense is last year's...The Packers? Not impressive, but a win is a win. At least they showed up in the middle of a division race...and now have an inside track to the #2 seed should the 49ers fall to the Patriots tonight. After the start they had, a respectful "Well Done"!
Carolina 31 San Diego 7
The Panthers started the year horribly, but have pulled it together and are now looking like the team we expected to see...the Chargers? Jokes. The Ownership has stuck by the coach and GM to a fault, and now that the writing is on the wall for both, the team has gone on early vacation. Again, Jokes.
Seattle 50 Buffalo 17
The Bills were just overwhelmed by a superior team. Seattle, you may be in first place in the NFC west tomorrow morning. Buffalo? You need a Quarterback and a defense that plays up to it's capabilities.
Detroit 10 Arizona 38
Jim Schwartz, if you weren't gone before this game, you certainly are now. So much talent and you've misused it. Arizona is to be commended for putting together a nice effort - but both seasons are over - and probably both coaches tenures...
Oakland 15 Kansas City 0
Both teams are done, but at least both competed...two more coaching vacancies? There are going to be a lot of new head coaches next season...it's been a long time since we've seen an offense as incompetent as the Chiefs have...and they have Jamal Charles...
Pittsburgh 24 Dallas 24
Best game of the day between two evenly matched opponents mired in playoff races...and both came to play The Steelers never quit, and got a huge win over Baltimore last week...Mike Tomlin has that kind of respect from his players. But ultimately they fell to the Cowboys...nothing to be ashamed of, but the loss really hurts them in the playoff race. Dallas climbs right back into the hunt for the division crown.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Gronkowski practices, hopeful for Sunday night return?
New England Patriots' All Pro Tight End Rob Gronkowski participated in practice today, the first such occurance since breaking his forearm on November 18th.
Of course, his presense at practice could mean nothing more than gamesmanship on the part of Bill Belichick, or perhaps the first step on a long road back from a broken bone. With Bill Belichcik calling the shots, it's tough to know.
Because when it comes to the New England Patriots' and their disclosure of information, they are almost as vague as a blank sheet of paper. Regardless, we will know a great deal more about Gronkowski's status for this Sunday night's game when the league releases it's injury reports late Friday afternoon.
If Gronkowski does come back to play just shy of a month from the injury occurance, it would not be unprecedented. Patriots' fans will remember linebacker Mike Vrabel coming back froma similar injury after just 2 weeks...but the two positions require a different set of skills - and as Gronkowski would be running patterns and catching balls in addition to his blocking duties, protecting the break is a more difficult proposition.
The thought would be that Gronkowski would not be at the portion of practice that media members have access to were he not going to upgarded to Questionable, but, again, we will have to wait for this afternoon's injury report for confirmation of that.
Of course, his presense at practice could mean nothing more than gamesmanship on the part of Bill Belichick, or perhaps the first step on a long road back from a broken bone. With Bill Belichcik calling the shots, it's tough to know.
Because when it comes to the New England Patriots' and their disclosure of information, they are almost as vague as a blank sheet of paper. Regardless, we will know a great deal more about Gronkowski's status for this Sunday night's game when the league releases it's injury reports late Friday afternoon.
If Gronkowski does come back to play just shy of a month from the injury occurance, it would not be unprecedented. Patriots' fans will remember linebacker Mike Vrabel coming back froma similar injury after just 2 weeks...but the two positions require a different set of skills - and as Gronkowski would be running patterns and catching balls in addition to his blocking duties, protecting the break is a more difficult proposition.
The thought would be that Gronkowski would not be at the portion of practice that media members have access to were he not going to upgarded to Questionable, but, again, we will have to wait for this afternoon's injury report for confirmation of that.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Patriots sign rookie free agent Punt Returner
Number 13 on your program is Tony Logan.
The New England Patriots on Tuesday signed rookie free agent wide reciever and punt/kick returner Tony Logan. Terms of the deal were not made available.
Injuries have depleted the depth at wide reciever, and with only Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd and the newly resigned Deion Branch on the roster, depth at the position was a priority.
He has initially been placed on the practice squad for the time being.
If he is signed to the active roster, he gives the Patriots a speedy and instinctive punt returner that averaged 18.1 yards per return last season at the University of Maryland, ranking him #3 in the nation. He also returned 15 punts for a 21 yard average and started 3 games at wide reciever for the Terrapins.
Not invited to the Combine, the 5' 10", 193 pound Logan ran a 4.51 40 yard dash at his pro day, despite being slowed by a hamstring injury.
The New England Patriots on Tuesday signed rookie free agent wide reciever and punt/kick returner Tony Logan. Terms of the deal were not made available.
Injuries have depleted the depth at wide reciever, and with only Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd and the newly resigned Deion Branch on the roster, depth at the position was a priority.
He has initially been placed on the practice squad for the time being.
If he is signed to the active roster, he gives the Patriots a speedy and instinctive punt returner that averaged 18.1 yards per return last season at the University of Maryland, ranking him #3 in the nation. He also returned 15 punts for a 21 yard average and started 3 games at wide reciever for the Terrapins.
Not invited to the Combine, the 5' 10", 193 pound Logan ran a 4.51 40 yard dash at his pro day, despite being slowed by a hamstring injury.
Patriots, Snowstorm to greet 49ers Sunday night
The National Weather Service is forecasting a snowstorm for Foxboro on Sunday night.
Though too early for projections as to timing and accumulation totals, the agency is confident that the weather system will have an impact on Sunday night's matchup between the New England Patriots and the visiting San Francisco 49ers.
The game starts at 8:20pm at Gillette Stadium.
Hourly projections forecast a mix of rain and snow throughout the day, with the chance for accumulations increasing after sundown.
With San Francisco prepared to start 2nd year quarterback Colin Kaepernick, and inclimate weather could have a big impact on the 49ers Read Option offense as footing could be at a premium.
Stay tuned for updates and any watches or warnings issued as we approach Sunday.
Though too early for projections as to timing and accumulation totals, the agency is confident that the weather system will have an impact on Sunday night's matchup between the New England Patriots and the visiting San Francisco 49ers.
The game starts at 8:20pm at Gillette Stadium.
Hourly projections forecast a mix of rain and snow throughout the day, with the chance for accumulations increasing after sundown.
With San Francisco prepared to start 2nd year quarterback Colin Kaepernick, and inclimate weather could have a big impact on the 49ers Read Option offense as footing could be at a premium.
Stay tuned for updates and any watches or warnings issued as we approach Sunday.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
The Rise of the Street Thug Defense
If you've never been in the middle of a scrap between the offensive and defensive lines, the only way to describe it is that it's an organized street fight.
Only you dont neccesarily hate the guy you're locked up with, and you don't really want to hurt him - you just want to dominate him.
The mentality can't be ignored. drive him backward, pancake him. Once he's on the ground, maybe lay across his body, making sure to take your time to get up.
Fists, forearms, elbows...You will get hit so many times in a game that you feel like you've just went 15 with George Foreman. Post Grill. When he was so big that he just stuck out his glove and if he happened to connect, you were done...
The longest yard? Probably a pretty decent example
Only you dont neccesarily hate the guy you're locked up with, and you don't really want to hurt him - you just want to dominate him.
The mentality can't be ignored. drive him backward, pancake him. Once he's on the ground, maybe lay across his body, making sure to take your time to get up.
Fists, forearms, elbows...You will get hit so many times in a game that you feel like you've just went 15 with George Foreman. Post Grill. When he was so big that he just stuck out his glove and if he happened to connect, you were done...
The longest yard? Probably a pretty decent example
Patriots place Stallworth on IR, release two
Dante Stallworth's 2012 season with the New England Patriots began and, unfortunately, ended with the Patriots' 42-14 dismantling of the Houston Texans Monday night.
The team announced this afternoon that Stalworth had been placed on the Injured Reserved list with an ankle injury.
Also, the team announced that Tight End Visanthe Shiancoe has been released and Offensive lineman Tommie Draheim has been released from the practice squad.
In his Patriots debut and finale, the 32 year old Stallworth caught one pass, but it was a biggie, scoring on a 67 yard catch and run that illustrated why New England brought him back. He caught the ball on his fingertips, then pulled it into his body, making a couple of nice cuts before lowering his shoulder and bullying his way into the end zone.
His injury left the team thin at the reciever position, right where they were when they signed Stallworth last week. There has been no word on what direction the Patriots may go to bulk up the depth, but naturally the names of the hamstrung Deion Branch and the suspended Jabar Gaffney will arise as possibilities.
The only thing surprising about Shiancoe's release is the timing. With the San Francisco 49ers on tap for this Sunday evening with their relentless pass rush and stout run defense, one would think that his services would be required.
Naturally, Shiancoe's release has already fueled speculative rumors that injured Tight End Rob Gronkowski has progressed to a point where he could be on the active roster this Sunday, though the two offer different skill sets.
The free agent pick up from the Minnesota Vikings had seen little action, but failed to impress in his few opportunities - the most diappointing issue in his tenure was that the lone Non- Season ending IR tag was used on him, showing how much the Patriots had counted on him being a big part of the offense.
The team announced this afternoon that Stalworth had been placed on the Injured Reserved list with an ankle injury.
Also, the team announced that Tight End Visanthe Shiancoe has been released and Offensive lineman Tommie Draheim has been released from the practice squad.
In his Patriots debut and finale, the 32 year old Stallworth caught one pass, but it was a biggie, scoring on a 67 yard catch and run that illustrated why New England brought him back. He caught the ball on his fingertips, then pulled it into his body, making a couple of nice cuts before lowering his shoulder and bullying his way into the end zone.
His injury left the team thin at the reciever position, right where they were when they signed Stallworth last week. There has been no word on what direction the Patriots may go to bulk up the depth, but naturally the names of the hamstrung Deion Branch and the suspended Jabar Gaffney will arise as possibilities.
The only thing surprising about Shiancoe's release is the timing. With the San Francisco 49ers on tap for this Sunday evening with their relentless pass rush and stout run defense, one would think that his services would be required.
Naturally, Shiancoe's release has already fueled speculative rumors that injured Tight End Rob Gronkowski has progressed to a point where he could be on the active roster this Sunday, though the two offer different skill sets.
The free agent pick up from the Minnesota Vikings had seen little action, but failed to impress in his few opportunities - the most diappointing issue in his tenure was that the lone Non- Season ending IR tag was used on him, showing how much the Patriots had counted on him being a big part of the offense.
Commentary: Patriots earned no trophies last night
When the opposition starts high-fiving Tom Brady, that's when you know things are out of control.
As Brady was celebrating the New England Patriots final score of the 42-14 thumping they gave the Houston Texans, Houston defensive back Kareem Jackson walked past him, raised his hand and offered a high five to Brady, a breif moment of respect to the man of the hour.
Some take that as a sign of doe-eyed admiration for which Jackson will recieve many metaphoric lashes for in the media, but those who know football also know that this was just Jackson saying 'You got us tonight, but we will see you sometime in January'...
The man-love for Brady on the field and in the media is predictable, given the can that he and the Patriots opened up on the Houston Texans last night. Jon Gruden started the geyser of adulations as he started spouting off the Brady for MVP talk midway through the first quarter - and every sportswriter and commentator in the country followed suit.
And with their jobs being to sensationalize what we see and hear, the Brady Bandwagon grew so large that by the time we woke up to find that we left the TV tuned to ESPN, his approval rating was higher than that of Santa Claus, breakfast sausage and fresh-brewed Chase & Sanborn coffee.
We've seen it before, so we already know that Brady doesn't get too high on himself - and if he did, he'd have Belichick waiting in the film room Malcolm McDowell, ready to do Clockwork Orange style session, strapped into the long-sleeves, his eyelids propped open with toothpicks and forcing him to watch film of his poorer performances to get his attitude straight...
...which is probably what Belichick's film sessions are like anyway, and that would explain why Brady's expression never changes, his voice never waivers - a baby-making cyborg that is almost as careful with the football as he is with his house full of little Tommy's and, now, a little Gisele.
But lost in all of this is that the Patriots' demolition of the Texans' last night was just one game.
The San Francisco 49ers are on their way to Foxboro, and there's little doubt that they come to town with a sense of determination, bordering on arrogance, with brains full of bad intentions and hearts full of hate.
Brady took a beating last night at the hands of J.J. Watt, and the Patriots have to get back to work on a scheme to keep him from taking those kind of shots from Aldon Smith and that truely fearsome 49ers pass rush - or last night's win means nothing.
So we can't allow ourselves to get all fired up about this one win. Celebrate it, yes. Post pics and superlatives all over Facebook and Twitter and be proud of your Patriots. Just don't get too high, because we've seen this before.
The only time that it's cool to get overly excited about one game is when you've just won the Super Bowl and Belichick gives you the thumbs up to celebrate...
...but even then it's back to the grind, getting next season's team put together.
It's all business in Foxboro, and as long as the Patriots keep taking care of their business and taking games one at a time, we can see them in New Orleans in February...but there were no trophies earned last night, so the goal remains the same.
And a goal is all it is right now.
As Brady was celebrating the New England Patriots final score of the 42-14 thumping they gave the Houston Texans, Houston defensive back Kareem Jackson walked past him, raised his hand and offered a high five to Brady, a breif moment of respect to the man of the hour.
Some take that as a sign of doe-eyed admiration for which Jackson will recieve many metaphoric lashes for in the media, but those who know football also know that this was just Jackson saying 'You got us tonight, but we will see you sometime in January'...
The man-love for Brady on the field and in the media is predictable, given the can that he and the Patriots opened up on the Houston Texans last night. Jon Gruden started the geyser of adulations as he started spouting off the Brady for MVP talk midway through the first quarter - and every sportswriter and commentator in the country followed suit.
And with their jobs being to sensationalize what we see and hear, the Brady Bandwagon grew so large that by the time we woke up to find that we left the TV tuned to ESPN, his approval rating was higher than that of Santa Claus, breakfast sausage and fresh-brewed Chase & Sanborn coffee.
We've seen it before, so we already know that Brady doesn't get too high on himself - and if he did, he'd have Belichick waiting in the film room Malcolm McDowell, ready to do Clockwork Orange style session, strapped into the long-sleeves, his eyelids propped open with toothpicks and forcing him to watch film of his poorer performances to get his attitude straight...
...which is probably what Belichick's film sessions are like anyway, and that would explain why Brady's expression never changes, his voice never waivers - a baby-making cyborg that is almost as careful with the football as he is with his house full of little Tommy's and, now, a little Gisele.
But lost in all of this is that the Patriots' demolition of the Texans' last night was just one game.
The San Francisco 49ers are on their way to Foxboro, and there's little doubt that they come to town with a sense of determination, bordering on arrogance, with brains full of bad intentions and hearts full of hate.
Brady took a beating last night at the hands of J.J. Watt, and the Patriots have to get back to work on a scheme to keep him from taking those kind of shots from Aldon Smith and that truely fearsome 49ers pass rush - or last night's win means nothing.
So we can't allow ourselves to get all fired up about this one win. Celebrate it, yes. Post pics and superlatives all over Facebook and Twitter and be proud of your Patriots. Just don't get too high, because we've seen this before.
The only time that it's cool to get overly excited about one game is when you've just won the Super Bowl and Belichick gives you the thumbs up to celebrate...
...but even then it's back to the grind, getting next season's team put together.
It's all business in Foxboro, and as long as the Patriots keep taking care of their business and taking games one at a time, we can see them in New Orleans in February...but there were no trophies earned last night, so the goal remains the same.
And a goal is all it is right now.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Patriots make statement, trample the Texans 42-14
Just a win wasn't enough.
Tom Brady threw four touchdown passes and the New England defense shut down the prolific weapons of the Texans as the Patriots dominated Houston 42-14.
Brady found tight end Aaron Hernandez on two short scoring passes, then long strikes to Brandon Lloyd and newly signed Dante Stallworth. Lloyd had a breakout game of sorts, catching 7 balls for 89 yards, including the 37 yard strike for a touchdown.
Lloyd also covered a Danny Woodhead fumble in the end zone for his second score of the evening and Stevan Ridley ripped off a 14 yard run right up the gut of the Texans' defense to finish the scoring for New England, now 10-3.
Both teams came in with chips on their shoulders.
The Texans were feeling unappreciated despite having the best record in the NFL, having to listen to talk about how they were fading - and they embarrassed themselves on national TV. The Patriots defense probably felt just as under appreciated, but took that chip off their shoulder and beat the Texans senseless with it.
The Texans had no continuity on offense as New England's run defense held star running back Arian Foster in check while Aqib Talib and Alfonzo Dennard limited Andre Johnson's effectiveness with superb man coverage. The Patriots pass rush harassed Houston quarterback Matt Schaub all night, sacking him twice and hitting him hard when he did ghet passes off.
Houston's fearsome pass rush delivered just as many shots on Brady, who still stood tall in the pocket and shredded the Texan's secondary, hitting on 21 of 35 passes for 298 yards and the four scores. Brady had one carry, an improvised six yard scramble that gained the Patriots a first down.
He rose from the turf and emphatically signaled first down. It also signaled the end of the night for the Texans.
Schaub went 19 for 32 for 232 yards, but didn't come close to throwing for a touchdown. When he did get into the red zone, Safety Devin McCourty stepped in front of his reciever and picked him off.
He got little help from his running game, as Foster was held to 36 yards on 15 carries. Johnson did catch eight balls for 95 yards, but other than a 25 yard catch and run, he was held to 70 transparent and ultimately meaningless yards.
New England's running game accounted for 130 yards, 72 by Stevan Ridley, and the efficiency of the running game established early in the game allowed Brady to run several stretch play action pass plays, that was effective to the point that Brady never was touched while having all day to find his recievers from the flat, including Lloyd on his touchdown catch.
The Patriots' offensive line seemed overmatched at times, but held the Texans' likely defensive player of the year J.J. Watt without a sack and to only two tackles, though Brady was hit hard several times by Watt after releasing the ball.
Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo were regular occupants in the Texans' backfield, Mayo hitting Schaub repeatedly on blitzes and Wilfork taking over the line, penetrating at will and even causing a Schaub fumble.
Both teams came in needing to make a statement. The Patriots made a legitimate claim to being the best team in the NFL. After the beating they took from New England, the only statement the Texans could make was a description of the tank that ran them over.
Tom Brady threw four touchdown passes and the New England defense shut down the prolific weapons of the Texans as the Patriots dominated Houston 42-14.
Brady found tight end Aaron Hernandez on two short scoring passes, then long strikes to Brandon Lloyd and newly signed Dante Stallworth. Lloyd had a breakout game of sorts, catching 7 balls for 89 yards, including the 37 yard strike for a touchdown.
Lloyd also covered a Danny Woodhead fumble in the end zone for his second score of the evening and Stevan Ridley ripped off a 14 yard run right up the gut of the Texans' defense to finish the scoring for New England, now 10-3.
Both teams came in with chips on their shoulders.
The Texans were feeling unappreciated despite having the best record in the NFL, having to listen to talk about how they were fading - and they embarrassed themselves on national TV. The Patriots defense probably felt just as under appreciated, but took that chip off their shoulder and beat the Texans senseless with it.
The Texans had no continuity on offense as New England's run defense held star running back Arian Foster in check while Aqib Talib and Alfonzo Dennard limited Andre Johnson's effectiveness with superb man coverage. The Patriots pass rush harassed Houston quarterback Matt Schaub all night, sacking him twice and hitting him hard when he did ghet passes off.
Houston's fearsome pass rush delivered just as many shots on Brady, who still stood tall in the pocket and shredded the Texan's secondary, hitting on 21 of 35 passes for 298 yards and the four scores. Brady had one carry, an improvised six yard scramble that gained the Patriots a first down.
He rose from the turf and emphatically signaled first down. It also signaled the end of the night for the Texans.
Schaub went 19 for 32 for 232 yards, but didn't come close to throwing for a touchdown. When he did get into the red zone, Safety Devin McCourty stepped in front of his reciever and picked him off.
He got little help from his running game, as Foster was held to 36 yards on 15 carries. Johnson did catch eight balls for 95 yards, but other than a 25 yard catch and run, he was held to 70 transparent and ultimately meaningless yards.
New England's running game accounted for 130 yards, 72 by Stevan Ridley, and the efficiency of the running game established early in the game allowed Brady to run several stretch play action pass plays, that was effective to the point that Brady never was touched while having all day to find his recievers from the flat, including Lloyd on his touchdown catch.
The Patriots' offensive line seemed overmatched at times, but held the Texans' likely defensive player of the year J.J. Watt without a sack and to only two tackles, though Brady was hit hard several times by Watt after releasing the ball.
Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo were regular occupants in the Texans' backfield, Mayo hitting Schaub repeatedly on blitzes and Wilfork taking over the line, penetrating at will and even causing a Schaub fumble.
Both teams came in needing to make a statement. The Patriots made a legitimate claim to being the best team in the NFL. After the beating they took from New England, the only statement the Texans could make was a description of the tank that ran them over.
New England Patriots Gameday: Jacob's Ladder
Gathering all morning and into the afternoon, the steadily darkening clouds signal the passing cold front, preparing to dump plenty of snow and freezing rain on Lewiston, making me certain that Foxboro, some 160 miles to the south, is already experiencing the weather - setting an appropriate visual for this December early afternoon.
Seasonably cool with a breeze, ever so slight, makes the difference between shirt sleeves and a winter jacket. I am quite comfortable in my Belichickian-style Hoodie, complete with faded mustard stains and sleeves appropriately chopped mid-forearm.
"The clouds prepare for battle
In the dark and brooding silence..."
Fittingly, the Rush tune Jacob's Ladder eminates from the speakers of my car as I drive to the market, filling my ears with the congruously somber story telling from the power trio, syncronizing my hearing with my other senses as I traverse the slushy streets. filling my day as I wait with baited breath the football game this evening - my beloved Patriots mere hours away from tangling with the team with the best record in the NFL.
This weather - could it be just one more advantage that the Patriots have over the Texans? Not much of this blustery stuff in Houston, at least not the snow and freezing rain, though they have their share of inclimate weather, particularly during the Hurricane season...but they can always close the roof to their field...
"Bruised and sullen stormclouds
Have the light of day obscured..."
The market is packed. The threat of rain combined with the late primetime start for the Patriots finds a curious cross section of this dirty little central Maine town in the aisles...a snow day meant no school today, so the normally quiet and mellow store is alive with packs of moping teenagers, penny-counting tweeners and wailing toddlers accompanying their tired-looking mothers...
The approaching game is much on my mind as I negotiate the clogged aisles. My shopping list a game plan, I find myself making adjustments, tweaking the gametime menu as I discover that Nathan's Red Hot Dogs are on sale. I sweep past the rows, quickly glancing down each as I seek daylight to run towards - the booze ailse suddenly opens up and I make a sharp cut to the left, passing by the cold beer and trendy flavored vodka...almost to the coffee creamer...
The hole closes quickly as old men stoop to the bottom shelf for the cheap house-brand whiskey and Coffee Brandy. Deftly, I am able to slide past them for my first score, but I can't take time to celebrate because I still need mayonaisse for my potato salad, so I'll have to brave the condiment aisle, where the yards come tough - the old blue-haired french women await, pretending to hunt for bargains but keeping an eye on your midsection, not willing to let you slip past them...
"Looming low and ominous
In twilight premature
Thunderheads are rumbling
In a distant overture... "
And then Alex Leifson breaks into a proper guitar solo, as I slide once again behind the wheel of my bright red Grand Am - Rush's Permanent Waves in the CD player, perfect music for a day that, to weather lovers like me, bring comfort like being wrapped in a warm blanket. I have several more stops as I attempt to fill my day while waiting for my Patriots to take the field...
Soon, the masterful sounds of Rush will be replaced by the cool grey call of Mike Tirico and the objective wisdom of John Gruden, the lights of Gillette Stadium causing a slight glare on the wet field turf - bringing back vile memories of the Jets' Joe Washington returning the overtime kickoff in a late fall deluge, also on a Monday night in Foxboro...
"All at once, the clouds are parted.
Light streams down in bright unbroken beams..."
...but that was Foxboro Stadium in an era that time forgot, it's bones covered like ancient fossils by the heavy asphalt of Gillette's parking lot , it's ghost roaming the broad corridors of Patriot Place and standing guard to The Hall, an eerie sentry to a troubled past now buried, it's casket covered by three banners, it's final resting place marked by three shining Lobardi Trophies, hopefully to remain entombed by success forever.
Dynasties die easy unlike the eras of failure and disappointment, which never really die at all. They are always on our minds as we obssess in our pregame routines, causing us to doubt - for the pain of those days can still be felt 13 years after first ascending to the title of Patriots' Dynasty...and it's not over, and will not be until our hooded leader says it is by his conspicuous absence.
Until then, we will continue to live the dream - hopefully to remember them always, and to appriciate being able to witness it as it happened...
"Follow men's eyes as they look to the skies.
The shifting shafts of shining weave the fabric of their dreams..."
Jacob's Ladder
Seasonably cool with a breeze, ever so slight, makes the difference between shirt sleeves and a winter jacket. I am quite comfortable in my Belichickian-style Hoodie, complete with faded mustard stains and sleeves appropriately chopped mid-forearm.
"The clouds prepare for battle
In the dark and brooding silence..."
Fittingly, the Rush tune Jacob's Ladder eminates from the speakers of my car as I drive to the market, filling my ears with the congruously somber story telling from the power trio, syncronizing my hearing with my other senses as I traverse the slushy streets. filling my day as I wait with baited breath the football game this evening - my beloved Patriots mere hours away from tangling with the team with the best record in the NFL.
This weather - could it be just one more advantage that the Patriots have over the Texans? Not much of this blustery stuff in Houston, at least not the snow and freezing rain, though they have their share of inclimate weather, particularly during the Hurricane season...but they can always close the roof to their field...
"Bruised and sullen stormclouds
Have the light of day obscured..."
The market is packed. The threat of rain combined with the late primetime start for the Patriots finds a curious cross section of this dirty little central Maine town in the aisles...a snow day meant no school today, so the normally quiet and mellow store is alive with packs of moping teenagers, penny-counting tweeners and wailing toddlers accompanying their tired-looking mothers...
The approaching game is much on my mind as I negotiate the clogged aisles. My shopping list a game plan, I find myself making adjustments, tweaking the gametime menu as I discover that Nathan's Red Hot Dogs are on sale. I sweep past the rows, quickly glancing down each as I seek daylight to run towards - the booze ailse suddenly opens up and I make a sharp cut to the left, passing by the cold beer and trendy flavored vodka...almost to the coffee creamer...
The hole closes quickly as old men stoop to the bottom shelf for the cheap house-brand whiskey and Coffee Brandy. Deftly, I am able to slide past them for my first score, but I can't take time to celebrate because I still need mayonaisse for my potato salad, so I'll have to brave the condiment aisle, where the yards come tough - the old blue-haired french women await, pretending to hunt for bargains but keeping an eye on your midsection, not willing to let you slip past them...
"Looming low and ominous
In twilight premature
Thunderheads are rumbling
In a distant overture... "
And then Alex Leifson breaks into a proper guitar solo, as I slide once again behind the wheel of my bright red Grand Am - Rush's Permanent Waves in the CD player, perfect music for a day that, to weather lovers like me, bring comfort like being wrapped in a warm blanket. I have several more stops as I attempt to fill my day while waiting for my Patriots to take the field...
Soon, the masterful sounds of Rush will be replaced by the cool grey call of Mike Tirico and the objective wisdom of John Gruden, the lights of Gillette Stadium causing a slight glare on the wet field turf - bringing back vile memories of the Jets' Joe Washington returning the overtime kickoff in a late fall deluge, also on a Monday night in Foxboro...
"All at once, the clouds are parted.
Light streams down in bright unbroken beams..."
...but that was Foxboro Stadium in an era that time forgot, it's bones covered like ancient fossils by the heavy asphalt of Gillette's parking lot , it's ghost roaming the broad corridors of Patriot Place and standing guard to The Hall, an eerie sentry to a troubled past now buried, it's casket covered by three banners, it's final resting place marked by three shining Lobardi Trophies, hopefully to remain entombed by success forever.
Dynasties die easy unlike the eras of failure and disappointment, which never really die at all. They are always on our minds as we obssess in our pregame routines, causing us to doubt - for the pain of those days can still be felt 13 years after first ascending to the title of Patriots' Dynasty...and it's not over, and will not be until our hooded leader says it is by his conspicuous absence.
Until then, we will continue to live the dream - hopefully to remember them always, and to appriciate being able to witness it as it happened...
"Follow men's eyes as they look to the skies.
The shifting shafts of shining weave the fabric of their dreams..."
Jacob's Ladder
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Ravens lose again, Patriots eye a top seed
There's really nothing quite like football in December.
The hitting gets harder, the intensity is raised higher than the light stanchions - and every play is significant in the quest to make "The Tournament".
The New England Patriots entered Sunday with a 9-3 record, which will stay intact since they don't square off against the 11-1 Houston Texans until tomorrow night - but that doesn't mean that the games played today do not impact the Patriots, quite the opposite in fact.
Though the Baltimore Ravens game at Washington was the only game with direct impact on New England, there were several games for which the outcome could come into play depending on the results of tomorrow night's game.
And the events of today make tomorrow night's game just that much more compelling
Of course, if the Patriots just take care of their own business and win out against Houston, San Francisco , Jacksonville and Miami, they will have earned a top 2 finish and a first round bye. If not, these games played today become impactful down the stretch:
Cleveland 30 Kansas City 7: The Browns are 5-3 in the last 8 games and have won three straight. There is nothing they are really doing exceptionally other than just playing hard. Nothing comes easy for the Browns, but lately nothing is coming easy for their opponents, either. So what looked like a cakewalk for the Broncos at midseason, their meeting with Cleveland in Denver has the look of a tougher game than the Broncos would want for the second to last game of the season...
Minnesota 21 Chicago 14: Right, we understand that the Vikings are in the NFC, but they are a potential bump in the road to the AFC leading Houston Texans when the two meet up two weeks from today in Houston. Today's win gives the Vikings a 7-6 record and keeps them right in the thick of the wildcard race in the NFC - which makes them very motivated.
Indianapolis 27 Tennessee 23: The Colts are never out of a game lately, and they may be the scariest team that no one is really talking about in regard to playoff seeding - but it's time to include them. At 9-4 and with a ton of momentum, the Houston Texans should be plenty concerned about the Colts, particularly if they can't go into Foxboro tomorrow night and beat the Patriots - and that makes Monday night's game all the more compelling for them.
Should the Texans lose to New England, they are staring down a finishing schedule of Indianapolis next week, a motivated Vikings squad the following week and a closing day showdown with the Colts in Indianapolis - so the Colts still have a small window of opportunity for the division crown and a 1st round bye...very small, but a chance nonetheless.
Washington 31 Baltimore 28: Baltimore falls to 9-4, having lost consecutive games, and fall a full game behind the Denver Broncos and a half a game behind the Patriots going into tomorrow night...and they've got the Broncos on deck in Baltimore next Sunday, which is a must win for the Ravens if they expect to have a Top 2 seed and a 1st round bye.
A loss to Denver would eliminate them from any possibility of a top 2 seed - and then they have the Giants coming to town the next week, then go to Cincinnati for the season finale...to repeat, a win next week against the Broncos is a must.
Should the Patriots win tomorrow night, the playoff picture would look thus:
1. Houston 11-2
2. New England 10-3
3. Denver 10-3
4. Baltimore 9-4
5. Indianapolis 9-4
6. Pittsburgh 7-6
Should the Patriots lose:
1. Houston 12-1
2. Denver 10-3
3. New England 9-4
4. Baltimore 9-4
5. Indianapolis 9-4
6. Pittsburgh 7-6
There is no question that the Texans / Patriots matchup tomorrow night is a huge game for both teams, but what else would you expect for December football in the NFL?
The hitting gets harder, the intensity is raised higher than the light stanchions - and every play is significant in the quest to make "The Tournament".
The New England Patriots entered Sunday with a 9-3 record, which will stay intact since they don't square off against the 11-1 Houston Texans until tomorrow night - but that doesn't mean that the games played today do not impact the Patriots, quite the opposite in fact.
Though the Baltimore Ravens game at Washington was the only game with direct impact on New England, there were several games for which the outcome could come into play depending on the results of tomorrow night's game.
And the events of today make tomorrow night's game just that much more compelling
Of course, if the Patriots just take care of their own business and win out against Houston, San Francisco , Jacksonville and Miami, they will have earned a top 2 finish and a first round bye. If not, these games played today become impactful down the stretch:
Cleveland 30 Kansas City 7: The Browns are 5-3 in the last 8 games and have won three straight. There is nothing they are really doing exceptionally other than just playing hard. Nothing comes easy for the Browns, but lately nothing is coming easy for their opponents, either. So what looked like a cakewalk for the Broncos at midseason, their meeting with Cleveland in Denver has the look of a tougher game than the Broncos would want for the second to last game of the season...
Minnesota 21 Chicago 14: Right, we understand that the Vikings are in the NFC, but they are a potential bump in the road to the AFC leading Houston Texans when the two meet up two weeks from today in Houston. Today's win gives the Vikings a 7-6 record and keeps them right in the thick of the wildcard race in the NFC - which makes them very motivated.
Indianapolis 27 Tennessee 23: The Colts are never out of a game lately, and they may be the scariest team that no one is really talking about in regard to playoff seeding - but it's time to include them. At 9-4 and with a ton of momentum, the Houston Texans should be plenty concerned about the Colts, particularly if they can't go into Foxboro tomorrow night and beat the Patriots - and that makes Monday night's game all the more compelling for them.
Should the Texans lose to New England, they are staring down a finishing schedule of Indianapolis next week, a motivated Vikings squad the following week and a closing day showdown with the Colts in Indianapolis - so the Colts still have a small window of opportunity for the division crown and a 1st round bye...very small, but a chance nonetheless.
Washington 31 Baltimore 28: Baltimore falls to 9-4, having lost consecutive games, and fall a full game behind the Denver Broncos and a half a game behind the Patriots going into tomorrow night...and they've got the Broncos on deck in Baltimore next Sunday, which is a must win for the Ravens if they expect to have a Top 2 seed and a 1st round bye.
A loss to Denver would eliminate them from any possibility of a top 2 seed - and then they have the Giants coming to town the next week, then go to Cincinnati for the season finale...to repeat, a win next week against the Broncos is a must.
Should the Patriots win tomorrow night, the playoff picture would look thus:
1. Houston 11-2
2. New England 10-3
3. Denver 10-3
4. Baltimore 9-4
5. Indianapolis 9-4
6. Pittsburgh 7-6
Should the Patriots lose:
1. Houston 12-1
2. Denver 10-3
3. New England 9-4
4. Baltimore 9-4
5. Indianapolis 9-4
6. Pittsburgh 7-6
There is no question that the Texans / Patriots matchup tomorrow night is a huge game for both teams, but what else would you expect for December football in the NFL?
Saturday, December 8, 2012
New England Patriots Gameday: Wearing the patch
Being a Patriots' Junkie is tough.
Patriots' fans live a structured life...at least on Sundays, when mornings are flurry of domestic responsibility in preraration for the game, followed by all manner of mind altering consumption and general excess.
Our moods and motivations are all tied to the outcome of the game, so our significant others and offspring become hopeful of a Patriots' victory so that the planned celebratory trip to Micky D's doesn't become a homemade feast of water logged hot dogs and undercooked macaroni and cheese...
So being a Patriots' football junkie is something that you might want to mention to - say, for instance - any person whom you may want to marry someday, because it can be ugly under the wrong circumstances. On the few occasions that they lose a game, my wife treats me very gently and my kids hug me - not that they care, they just don't want the hot dog/ mac& cheese thing to happen.
But what happens when New England plays on Monday night and Sunday suddenly has a huge void right in the middle of it?
You can't just hang around the living room / Man cave because around 1:00pm you will start DT-ing, and by the time halftime rolls around in the early game you're wandering aimlessly through the house in various stages of dress, stopping only to obssess over things like the fact that there is less than half a bottle of dish soap left.
So it is of utmost importance that you have a plan to aleviate the anticipatory anxiety and congruent detox symptoms - and we here at Chowder & Champions are here to help, offering the following checklist to help get you through the bulk of your day, or at least until it's time to get the kids settled down and then hunker down for the Sunday night game...
...which is a kind of a snoozer when compared to the following night's blockbuster but, hey, football...right?
When the Patriots play on Monday night, Sunday becomes a day of therapy - occupational or replacement, take your pick - and it's a family effort:
1. Sleep in as long as possible: Many fans have taken the initiative to get up and get started early, adding some positive momentum to their day. This is wrong. You'll have everything done by 11:30, then you'll have lunch and pass out in a food coma on the couch.
Which isn't the worst thing that could happen on a Sunday afternoon, so if you choose this avenue in which to take up your Sunday, you are single and most of the rest of this checklist will seem absurd and pointless to you, so go back to sleep...
But for the rest of us, the idea is to butt-fumble out of bed after recieving a pile driver from your kid or a nasty elbow from the wife, not so subtly urging you to go see what that crash was all about - and to make some coffee since you're already up.
2. Hygiene is key: Get the kids some Doritos and Pepsi, then go get a shower. Don't shave. Rather, leave your beard bordering on standard wino trim. It ilicitis sympathy from the checkout people at the places that you have to go, and helps other addicts recognize you at Walmart, because you know you're gonna have to go there at some point.
3. Coffee helps: It really does.
4. Appropriate nutrition is essential: After becoming showered and properly groomed and clothed - Patriots' gear is fine - it is time to properly address brunch, which should always be done in excess. This particular Sunday I am building my world famous Breakfast Club Sandwiches, which are illegal in some jurisdictions, due to both their addictive qualities and artery clogging properties...
...they also make a hell of a mess - on you, your victims and the kitchen so build a little cleaning time into your schedule.
5. Wear the Football patch: Watching football games not involving the Patriots is like wearing a nicotine patch. it replaces the addictive substance, but it's not quite the same. But it's football. And it's December football, which means that there's always the chance that one of the Patriots' rivals will see their post-season hopes squashed like grapes.
And suddenly remembering that this is a sports website, I have incorporated the watching of football games into this checklist - stuff that will help enhance your viewing pleasure as well as divert your attention away from the spider-heavy halllucinations:
6. MVP Race: Truthfully, anyone that still has designs on the league MVP trophy either played on Thursday night or will be playing Monday night, with the exception of Adrian Peterson. A big day could land him right in the thick of the race.
7. Kevlar Ben: The Steelers will trot Ben Roethlisberger back out as their starting quarterback, complete with Kevlar-lined padding to protect his injured ribs and shoulder. But now we couldn't care less...Charlie Batch got the win over Baltimore that benefited us in playoff positioning, so whatever, Steelers.
7a. Playing out the string in San Diego: The Chargers head into Sunday’s game riding a four-game losing streak and they’ve never won in Pittsburgh, posting an 0-14 mark all-time. Norv Turner is a lame duck coach with a team that quit on him a long time ago. So, again, whatever.
7b. The collapse of the Ravens: The only reason that Pittsburgh has the heavily armored Roethlisberger playing right now is that the Ravens are in a tail spin and face a difficult final stretch. The Ravens can keep losing so far as I am concerned, and the fact that they are facing an RGIII lead Redskins team fighting for a playoff spot gives me optimism.
8. Disrespecting the Dolphins: Some of the Miami Dolphins are upset because the Patriots found some success running the ball off left guard, running the same play repeatedly. Well...yeah. Isn't that what you're supposed to do, expose a weakness in the opposition's run defense and capitalize on it six times in a row?
I watched the tape a couple of times, and never really thought of leveling any sort of indictment against towards 7th year backup defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, a 6' 7", 305 pound product of the University of Tennessee for getting mauled and pushed around by the Patriots' offensive line - that is until he told a newspaper reporter that he felt that the Patriots disrespected he and his teammates by running right at him, repeatedly.
I wonder if Jim Harbaugh read that column? Now that the entire free world knows why you are a backup defensive tackle rather than a starting defensive tackle, I wonder if Frank Gore and his line and his offensive coordinator and every 49ers fan in the world wants to find out how badly you feel disrespected once your game against San Francisco has concluded?
That alone makes this game must see TV...
9. Adrian Peterson chasing Eric Dickerson: Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson needs to average 165 yards in the next 4 games to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing mark of 2,105 yards. Why not? By all accounts, Peterson is a genuinely nice guy and the Vikings don't have the Patriots on their schedule so try to tune in and watch this guy run. He's coming off knee surgery and is the very definition of comeback player of the year, if not Most Valuable Player.
His Vikings face the Houston Texans the second to last game of the season, and it would be a shame if Peterson didn't run all over them...and a win against the Bears on Sunday would give the Vikings hope to continue a run to the playoffs. A motivated Vikings team playing the Texans is much better than one playing out the string...Skol!!!!
10. Sanchez' final stand?: The Jets are done, but there is always some kind of dysfunctional intrigue happening with them - and 2012 is a perfect example of that. It started with the team bringing in Tim Tebow to compete with Sanchez in training camp and 4 months later, it's still the talk of the team. It never went away. But you can be sure that the Jets' GM and perhaps it's Head Coach will be going away for badly mishandling this past offseason - and the fallout.
Tebow won't be playing Sunday but some kid named McElroy will be ready and waiting if Sanchez "bumbles" to Jacksonville.
11. Colts feelgood story: No matter how long you've been a Colts' hater, it's tough to root against this season's edition. Gone is Peyton Manning and his smug greatness, replaced by a guy that may end up being even better. The Colts mantra last season was to "Suck for Luck", meaning that the team should lose games in order to land the 1st overall pick in the draft and the rights to Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
The Colts still played to win and were competitive towards the end of the season - and now that Luck is blossoming into everything a quarterback should be, well, even if they are just playing the Titans you just can't help but to want to see him play...
...Unless you happen to play for the Houston Texans, who get Luck and Indianapolis twice in the final three games of the season. The Colts are in line for a wild card spot, but need to keep winning to secure the spot. With any luck at all - pardon the pun - the Texans will "Suck for Luck" and drop at least one of the two games.
12. Watch kickoff returns while you can: It's looking more and more as if the most violent play in all of sport is about to be a thing of the past, to be replaced by a one play, 4th & 15 from the scoring team's 30 yard line - from which they can either punt the football or elect to go for it to keep possession. So instead of a kick off, we would have a punt from the 30, a far less dangerous prospect. Instead of an onside kick, we have a 4th and 15 from the 30 - make the 1st down and you keep the ball....intriguing, other than one third of the "foot" from the word football is about to be eliminated.
13. Suddenly it's 7:30pm: You have successfully wasted an entire Sunday...now you have about 40 minutes to get the kids fed, bathed and jammie'd-up before the Sunday Night game...or maybe you don't watch the game - instead, perhaps spend the evening having an involved discussion with the wife, a video game with the kids...show them how much you appriciate them helping you through this most difficult of days...
...because Monday night you're gonna get your fix of Patriots' football, and the crisis will be over. It starts late enough that the Micky D's visit will have to be in anticipation of another great New England victory - so no matter how the game turns out, there will be no chance of water-logged hot dogs...
...which is the true beauty of Monday Night football games...
Patriots' fans live a structured life...at least on Sundays, when mornings are flurry of domestic responsibility in preraration for the game, followed by all manner of mind altering consumption and general excess.
Our moods and motivations are all tied to the outcome of the game, so our significant others and offspring become hopeful of a Patriots' victory so that the planned celebratory trip to Micky D's doesn't become a homemade feast of water logged hot dogs and undercooked macaroni and cheese...
So being a Patriots' football junkie is something that you might want to mention to - say, for instance - any person whom you may want to marry someday, because it can be ugly under the wrong circumstances. On the few occasions that they lose a game, my wife treats me very gently and my kids hug me - not that they care, they just don't want the hot dog/ mac& cheese thing to happen.
But what happens when New England plays on Monday night and Sunday suddenly has a huge void right in the middle of it?
You can't just hang around the living room / Man cave because around 1:00pm you will start DT-ing, and by the time halftime rolls around in the early game you're wandering aimlessly through the house in various stages of dress, stopping only to obssess over things like the fact that there is less than half a bottle of dish soap left.
So it is of utmost importance that you have a plan to aleviate the anticipatory anxiety and congruent detox symptoms - and we here at Chowder & Champions are here to help, offering the following checklist to help get you through the bulk of your day, or at least until it's time to get the kids settled down and then hunker down for the Sunday night game...
...which is a kind of a snoozer when compared to the following night's blockbuster but, hey, football...right?
When the Patriots play on Monday night, Sunday becomes a day of therapy - occupational or replacement, take your pick - and it's a family effort:
1. Sleep in as long as possible: Many fans have taken the initiative to get up and get started early, adding some positive momentum to their day. This is wrong. You'll have everything done by 11:30, then you'll have lunch and pass out in a food coma on the couch.
Which isn't the worst thing that could happen on a Sunday afternoon, so if you choose this avenue in which to take up your Sunday, you are single and most of the rest of this checklist will seem absurd and pointless to you, so go back to sleep...
But for the rest of us, the idea is to butt-fumble out of bed after recieving a pile driver from your kid or a nasty elbow from the wife, not so subtly urging you to go see what that crash was all about - and to make some coffee since you're already up.
2. Hygiene is key: Get the kids some Doritos and Pepsi, then go get a shower. Don't shave. Rather, leave your beard bordering on standard wino trim. It ilicitis sympathy from the checkout people at the places that you have to go, and helps other addicts recognize you at Walmart, because you know you're gonna have to go there at some point.
3. Coffee helps: It really does.
4. Appropriate nutrition is essential: After becoming showered and properly groomed and clothed - Patriots' gear is fine - it is time to properly address brunch, which should always be done in excess. This particular Sunday I am building my world famous Breakfast Club Sandwiches, which are illegal in some jurisdictions, due to both their addictive qualities and artery clogging properties...
...they also make a hell of a mess - on you, your victims and the kitchen so build a little cleaning time into your schedule.
5. Wear the Football patch: Watching football games not involving the Patriots is like wearing a nicotine patch. it replaces the addictive substance, but it's not quite the same. But it's football. And it's December football, which means that there's always the chance that one of the Patriots' rivals will see their post-season hopes squashed like grapes.
And suddenly remembering that this is a sports website, I have incorporated the watching of football games into this checklist - stuff that will help enhance your viewing pleasure as well as divert your attention away from the spider-heavy halllucinations:
6. MVP Race: Truthfully, anyone that still has designs on the league MVP trophy either played on Thursday night or will be playing Monday night, with the exception of Adrian Peterson. A big day could land him right in the thick of the race.
7. Kevlar Ben: The Steelers will trot Ben Roethlisberger back out as their starting quarterback, complete with Kevlar-lined padding to protect his injured ribs and shoulder. But now we couldn't care less...Charlie Batch got the win over Baltimore that benefited us in playoff positioning, so whatever, Steelers.
7a. Playing out the string in San Diego: The Chargers head into Sunday’s game riding a four-game losing streak and they’ve never won in Pittsburgh, posting an 0-14 mark all-time. Norv Turner is a lame duck coach with a team that quit on him a long time ago. So, again, whatever.
7b. The collapse of the Ravens: The only reason that Pittsburgh has the heavily armored Roethlisberger playing right now is that the Ravens are in a tail spin and face a difficult final stretch. The Ravens can keep losing so far as I am concerned, and the fact that they are facing an RGIII lead Redskins team fighting for a playoff spot gives me optimism.
8. Disrespecting the Dolphins: Some of the Miami Dolphins are upset because the Patriots found some success running the ball off left guard, running the same play repeatedly. Well...yeah. Isn't that what you're supposed to do, expose a weakness in the opposition's run defense and capitalize on it six times in a row?
I watched the tape a couple of times, and never really thought of leveling any sort of indictment against towards 7th year backup defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, a 6' 7", 305 pound product of the University of Tennessee for getting mauled and pushed around by the Patriots' offensive line - that is until he told a newspaper reporter that he felt that the Patriots disrespected he and his teammates by running right at him, repeatedly.
I wonder if Jim Harbaugh read that column? Now that the entire free world knows why you are a backup defensive tackle rather than a starting defensive tackle, I wonder if Frank Gore and his line and his offensive coordinator and every 49ers fan in the world wants to find out how badly you feel disrespected once your game against San Francisco has concluded?
That alone makes this game must see TV...
9. Adrian Peterson chasing Eric Dickerson: Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson needs to average 165 yards in the next 4 games to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing mark of 2,105 yards. Why not? By all accounts, Peterson is a genuinely nice guy and the Vikings don't have the Patriots on their schedule so try to tune in and watch this guy run. He's coming off knee surgery and is the very definition of comeback player of the year, if not Most Valuable Player.
His Vikings face the Houston Texans the second to last game of the season, and it would be a shame if Peterson didn't run all over them...and a win against the Bears on Sunday would give the Vikings hope to continue a run to the playoffs. A motivated Vikings team playing the Texans is much better than one playing out the string...Skol!!!!
10. Sanchez' final stand?: The Jets are done, but there is always some kind of dysfunctional intrigue happening with them - and 2012 is a perfect example of that. It started with the team bringing in Tim Tebow to compete with Sanchez in training camp and 4 months later, it's still the talk of the team. It never went away. But you can be sure that the Jets' GM and perhaps it's Head Coach will be going away for badly mishandling this past offseason - and the fallout.
Tebow won't be playing Sunday but some kid named McElroy will be ready and waiting if Sanchez "bumbles" to Jacksonville.
11. Colts feelgood story: No matter how long you've been a Colts' hater, it's tough to root against this season's edition. Gone is Peyton Manning and his smug greatness, replaced by a guy that may end up being even better. The Colts mantra last season was to "Suck for Luck", meaning that the team should lose games in order to land the 1st overall pick in the draft and the rights to Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
The Colts still played to win and were competitive towards the end of the season - and now that Luck is blossoming into everything a quarterback should be, well, even if they are just playing the Titans you just can't help but to want to see him play...
...Unless you happen to play for the Houston Texans, who get Luck and Indianapolis twice in the final three games of the season. The Colts are in line for a wild card spot, but need to keep winning to secure the spot. With any luck at all - pardon the pun - the Texans will "Suck for Luck" and drop at least one of the two games.
12. Watch kickoff returns while you can: It's looking more and more as if the most violent play in all of sport is about to be a thing of the past, to be replaced by a one play, 4th & 15 from the scoring team's 30 yard line - from which they can either punt the football or elect to go for it to keep possession. So instead of a kick off, we would have a punt from the 30, a far less dangerous prospect. Instead of an onside kick, we have a 4th and 15 from the 30 - make the 1st down and you keep the ball....intriguing, other than one third of the "foot" from the word football is about to be eliminated.
13. Suddenly it's 7:30pm: You have successfully wasted an entire Sunday...now you have about 40 minutes to get the kids fed, bathed and jammie'd-up before the Sunday Night game...or maybe you don't watch the game - instead, perhaps spend the evening having an involved discussion with the wife, a video game with the kids...show them how much you appriciate them helping you through this most difficult of days...
...because Monday night you're gonna get your fix of Patriots' football, and the crisis will be over. It starts late enough that the Micky D's visit will have to be in anticipation of another great New England victory - so no matter how the game turns out, there will be no chance of water-logged hot dogs...
...which is the true beauty of Monday Night football games...
Thursday, December 6, 2012
New England Patriots Midseason Forum, Part 6: Offensive Line
"Football is brutal only from a distance. In the middle of it there's a calm, a tranquility. The players accept pain. There's a sense of order even at the end of a running play with bodies strewn everywhere. When the systems interlock, there's a satisfaction to the game that can't be duplicated. There's a harmony."
Not many written words demonstrate the province of an offensive line more eloquently than that little gem from author and playrite Don DiLillo. And if we believe his tome to be a truism, then the following statement must also be true:
The New England Patriots offensive line is the best in the NFL.
How do we know? How could someone make such a pretentious statement? It's simple: The operation of an offense begins with the line play - and the more they function in anonimity, the greater the positive effect it has on the offense.
It goes far beyond the simplicity of statistics, and DiLillo captures it. The brutality, the violence, the nastiness - all are a given to be successful in the trenches. But to dominate - to be the best - there must be focus, to drown out all stimulus that detracts from the task at hand, to put aside individuality and to work in tandem within the system - to become one.
There's a harmony. There's a calm, a tranquility.
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