Pats In Bad Position

Posted by Mike Giardi November 30, 2008 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

Thanks v No Thanks

Posted by Adam Hart November 30, 2008 at 12:34 am

In this spin off of the wildly popular “Awesome vs. Not-Awesome” series, I reflect on the Thanksgiving holiday, which has given me new perspective on things for which I am thankful. Or reverse thankful. Read more

BC Proved Me Wrong

Posted by Adam Hart November 29, 2008 at 9:43 pm

The Eagles will play for the ACC Title, battling with hated VaTech. I still can’t believe they won a game they needed to win. And we have video evidence that it happened. Read more

Red Sox Acquire Littleton

Posted by Adam Hart November 29, 2008 at 11:46 am

Yeah, you can act like you’re not impressed. Read more

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