Doc on His Way…

Posted by Adam Hart December 1, 2008 (4 days ago) at 5:49 pm

To another non-win in the Coach of the Year voting. Hey, I’m just going on past results, and all signs point to him playing the bridesmaid for a second straight year. Read more

London Calling

Posted by Morry Levine December 1, 2008 (4 days ago) at 2:50 pm

The NFL’s International Series of regular-season games will return to the United Kingdom in 2009 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the New England Patriots, the NFL announced today.

The game will be played on Sunday, October 25 at Wembley Stadium in London with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.

“Over the past two years, we have seen first-hand the excitement that exists for our sport in the UK,” said NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. “The games have helped us to deepen our connection with our UK fans as well as create new ones. We are looking forward to another outstanding game in 2009.”

The contest will mark the third consecutive year of an NFL regular-season game at London’s Wembley Stadium. On October 26, the New Orleans Saints defeated the San Diego Chargers 37-32 before a crowd of 83,226. The International Series began on October 28, 2007, when the New York Giants defeated the Miami Dolphins 13-10 en route to a victory in Super Bowl XLII.

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization is extremely excited and honored to be chosen to participate in the NFL International Series,” said Buccaneers Executive Vice President JOEL GLAZER. “We look forward to being part of the NFL’s global outreach and playing our great game in front of Buccaneers fans overseas.”

“We are proud to be selected by the NFL to be featured in next year’s international game,” said New England Patriots Chairman and CEO ROBERT KRAFT. “We have had a lot of memorable moments in recent years. I am sure our trip to the United Kingdom next year will prove to be an unforgettable experience for our players and coaches, as well as the many fans that will travel to the game. I think it is fitting that New England’s first game to be played outside of North America will be in England. I know that the UK is home to some of our most passionate Patriots fans and we look forward to the experience.”

Taking It Like Men

Posted by Adam Hart December 1, 2008 (4 days ago) at 12:04 am

Randy Moss may surprise you. Matt Cassel, not so much. But these gentlemen are handling the disappointing loss to the Steelers like… gentlemen — each putting the blame on his own shoulders. Read more

Pats In Bad Position

Posted by Mike Giardi November 30, 2008 (5 days ago) at 11:49 pm

Remember that Eddie Murphy skit in “Delirious,” when his aunt falls down the stairs, calling out to Jesus periodically on her way down? That’s what happened at Gillette Stadium today to the Patriots, especially in the second half. They kept falling, and no one could help them, not even Jesus. Trust me on this too, I think the Pats were asking. Either that, or they were hoping the game films wouldn’t catch the latest screwup.

How many mistakes did you count? I’ll start with the defensive backfield. They can’t cover on dry days or wet ones. I mean, how many times can you give receivers big cushions on third down? How many times can you try to jam that receiver and just whiff? Deltha O’Neal got cut by Cincinnati. We all thought it was because the Bengals were too cheap to pay him and a couple other vets. Turns out, they made a rare, wise personnel decision. O’Neal is what you would get if you left the turkey in the over since Thanksgiving. An overcooked bird.

On offense, five turnovers. five sacks and a slew of drops makes you wonder where the offense we’ve seen the last few weeks went? Matt Cassel will shoulder a chunk of the blame, and he deserves it. For as good as he was at Miami, or in the second half against the Jets, Cassel was that scattershot Sunday. No doubt the weather got to him. Well Matty, this is what its like here in November, December and - if you’re lucky - January. A clunker like that just won’t do.

Still, Cassel’s got his team even at 10, inside the Pittsburgh’s 10-yard line and a wide open Randy Moss in the back of the end zone just before the end of the first half. Easy six, right? Wrong bucko. Moss tried to body the ball and brace for a hit that wasn’t coming. Or at least that’s how I deciphered his body language. The ball bounced off him and harmlessly hit the turf. Forced to get 3 instead of 6, the Pats watched Mr. Reliable, Steve Gostkowski, miss a chippee. Just plain awful, and a critical momentum turn.

From there, it got worse. Matthew Slater fumbling a kickoff return (Ellis Hobbs was on the sidelines throwing up. Seriously), James Harrison using Matt Light as a turnstile, more drops and a couple of Cassel picks. All in all, a bad day at the office for a team that - as I’ve made the case - has (had?) a legitimate chance to make a run in this convoluted AFC. But faced with another team that’s harboring the same dreams, the Pats stuttered, stumbled and eventually lost their legs. Or maybe the Steelers took them. It doesn’t matter now. What matters is that the Pats are 7-5 and in a very unfamiliar spot as we trudge into December.

Running Blog: Pats v Steelers

Posted by Adam Hart November 30, 2008 (5 days ago) at 5:48 pm

Sure, I could have called out sick today and actually gone to the game. But I’m just that dedicated to my job. Save your applause. Read more

Would You Make This Deal?

Posted by Mike Giardi November 30, 2008 (5 days ago) at 4:06 pm

I put this out to you, members of Red Sox Nation. If you could acquire Dodgers catcher Russell Martin for Kevin Youkilis, straight up, would you do it? Keep in mind, Martin will be 25 years old in February,while Youk turns 30 in March. The Sox need a backstop, and LA could use a third baseman to replace free agent Casey Blake. Discuss…

Here Comes Tazawa

Posted by Adam Hart November 30, 2008 (5 days ago) at 12:48 pm

As December falls upon our fair city, so does another — Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa. Time to snatch up those Portland Sea Dogs tickets! Read more

Lesson Unlearned

Posted by Adam Hart November 30, 2008 (5 days ago) at 11:34 am

Last season, when the Patriots were marching on toward regular season perfection, Steelers safety Anthony Smith guaranteed a win for his team. I thought the guy got smart. Those findings were incorrect. Read more

NFL Picks, Week 13

Posted by Mike Giardi November 30, 2008 (5 days ago) at 9:45 am

Without further adieu, my selections for Week 13 in the National Football League. That is, right after I get the great Gretzky a fresh bowl of water. Bad job by the dog’s owner right there.

Pittsburgh at New England (-1) - If the Pats can put up points against this defense, then I suggest you start thinking about making travel plans for January. Of course, the only way you’ll be doing the same for February is if the Pats defense can stop anyone. Of that, I am dubious. Steelers, 20-17.

Denver at NY Jets (-7 1/2) - I was listening to WFAN out of New York the other day, and they’re talking about the possibility of a Jets/Giants Super Bowl. If that actually happens, one of our producers has threatened to disappear. So obviously I’m rooting for that now…Jets, 31-21.

San Francisco at Buffalo (-6 1/2) - Is there any shot Mike Singletary keeps the San Fran job at season’s end? Not unless he has pictures of executives pulling their pants down at the office Christmas party. Bills, 27-17.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay (-3 1/2) - Not enough people are talking about Tampa Bay. Coach Chucky his got those boys playing good ball. Sorry Breezy, I just can’t take you. I hope this doesn’t hamper our relationship. Bucs, 24-20.

Carolina at Green Bay (-3) - Two teams that laid stinky eggs last weekend meeting in Cheese country. I’m taking the Pack, but I wouldn’t bet my money on this game. Maybe yours, but not mine. Pack, 21-20.

NY Giants (-3 1/2) at Washington - Kids, let this be a lesson to you: don’t shoot yourself in the leg. Better yet, stay as far away from guns as possible. Or Plaxico Burress. Or both. Redskins, 24-21.

Miami (-9) at St. Louis - I think its time to consider contracting the Rams. Or at least trading them to the CFL. Dolphins, 38-0.

Baltimore (-7) at Cincinnati - Word is the Bengals are intent on keeping Chad Johnson around for another year. Reason #2,467 that that franchise is a disgrace. Ravens, 24-14.

Indianapolis (-5) at Cleveland - All those experts who were bad-mouthing the Colts, how do you feel now? Can I get a retraction? Yeah, didn’t think so. Colts, 31-17.

Atlanta at San Diego (-4 1/2) - I still don’t believe in the Falcons, even though they pretty much prove that theory wrong every single week. This is the concussions talking, not me. Chargers, 20-17.

Kansas City at Oakland (-3) - Someone asked Herm Edwards if he was interested in coaching San Diego State next year, and he said something to the effect of, “I’m already coaching a college team.” Funny, but not a comment that will make his team happy. Raiders, 21-17.

Chicago at Minnesota (-3) - We’ve been focused on the kind of pay day Matt Cassel’s going to get, but how about Kyle Orton? I wouldn’t do it, but someone will, and later live to regret it. Vikes, 27-21.

Jacksonville at Houston (-3) - Monday Night Football, its not watchable, is it? Only for football freaks like me…Texans, 28-24.

11-1-1

Posted by Adam Hart November 30, 2008 (5 days ago) at 1:10 am

Those numbers translate into “November” for the Boston Bruins. Yes, that’s the team’s record for the month. Call me when they don’t win. Read more

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