New England Patriots: Suddenly Stuck With More Questions Than Answers

The question for the New England Patriots all week was whether they should rest their starters to let them stay healthy, or let them play to get momentum heading into the playoffs.

The Patriots took the gloomy snowfall in New England with them on Sunday when they played their starters, and lost not only the game, but one of, if not the key cog in their offense.

Wes Welker held his knee in a manner eerily similar to Tom Brady’s Week 1 injury of yesteryear.

Just like yesteryear, Welker stared up from the ground, writhing in pain.

Just like yesteryear, Welker was helped off the field by two trainers.

Only difference is, no one struck Welker.

He fell of his own accord, his tendons stretching like an accordion as his knee bent to the inside toward the turf.

He wept on the sidelines, as he watched an historic statistical season come to a screeching halt just a week before the postseason.

He may have wept harder if he were present to watch the Patriots choke up yet another 4th quarter lead.

Now, just like Wes Welker, the Patriots’ hopes for the postseason are in doubt.

Just like Welker’s knee, the Patriots confidence is severely injured.

The Houston Texans had their way with the Patriots on both sides of the ball in the fourth quarter, putting up 21 unanswered points on the Pats.

The Patriots’ defense aren’t the only ones to blame. Tom Brady seemed to fall out of rhythm late in the game. I’m sure it didn’t help not having Welker in the slot, ready to convert 3rd-and-whatever all day. 

Instead, Brady was sacked on 3rd-and-4 to force a three-and-out, and then threw a rare late-game interception which allowed the Texans to score the go-ahead touchdown.

So the question all week was “what”; what will Belichick do—rest his starters, or play them?

And now, the question has become “why?”

As pointed out by a fellow columnist , this game was nearly meaningless for New England. It doesn’t really matter what seed the Patriots have going into the playoffs, as the caliber team they’ll be facing will be virtually the same.

I could understand playing the starters if the game meant something (and not just on a seeding level ), but Belichick risked harm to his starters for “what” reason, to keep his team in rhythm?

Clearly, that didn’t work.

Now, with the Patriots’ star player injured, their star in the playoffs appears to be fading.

The Patriots, as they have done several times this season, looked great for the first three quarters of the game.

When they play like that, they look like they can beat anyone.

But a game of football isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. The first three quarters of a game don’t matter if you can’t hold a lead in the fourth quarter.

The season is a marathon, as well; and the Patriots appear to be fading coming down the homestretch.

It’s uncertain which Patriots team we’ll see in the postseason; the team that started the season 7-3, or the team that finished the season 3-3.

The team that dominates the first three quarters of the game, or the team that chokes up fourth quarter leads.

The Patriots playoff hopes have shriveled like an onion in an oven.

There are still so many questions, and Belichick and the Patriots have begun to run out of answers.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

New England Patriots: Suddenly Stuck With More Questions Than Answers

The question for the New England Patriots all week was whether they should rest their starters to let them stay healthy, or let them play to get momentum heading into the playoffs.

The Patriots took the gloomy snowfall in New England with them on Sunday when they played their starters, and lost not only the game, but one of, if not the key cog in their offense.

Wes Welker held his knee in a manner eerily similar to Tom Brady’s Week 1 injury of yesteryear.

Just like yesteryear, Welker stared up from the ground, writhing in pain.

Just like yesteryear, Welker was helped off the field by two trainers.

Only difference is, no one struck Welker.

He fell of his own accord, his tendons stretching like an accordion as his knee bent to the inside toward the turf.

He wept on the sidelines, as he watched an historic statistical season come to a screeching halt just a week before the postseason.

He may have wept harder if he were present to watch the Patriots choke up yet another 4th quarter lead.

Now, just like Wes Welker, the Patriots’ hopes for the postseason are in doubt.

Just like Welker’s knee, the Patriots confidence is severely injured.

The Houston Texans had their way with the Patriots on both sides of the ball in the fourth quarter, putting up 21 unanswered points on the Pats.

The Patriots’ defense aren’t the only ones to blame. Tom Brady seemed to fall out of rhythm late in the game. I’m sure it didn’t help not having Welker in the slot, ready to convert 3rd-and-whatever all day. 

Instead, Brady was sacked on 3rd-and-4 to force a three-and-out, and then threw a rare late-game interception which allowed the Texans to score the go-ahead touchdown.

So the question all week was “what”; what will Belichick do—rest his starters, or play them?

And now, the question has become “why?”

As pointed out by a fellow columnist , this game was nearly meaningless for New England. It doesn’t really matter what seed the Patriots have going into the playoffs, as the caliber team they’ll be facing will be virtually the same.

I could understand playing the starters if the game meant something (and not just on a seeding level ), but Belichick risked harm to his starters for “what” reason, to keep his team in rhythm?

Clearly, that didn’t work.

Now, with the Patriots’ star player injured, their star in the playoffs appears to be fading.

The Patriots, as they have done several times this season, looked great for the first three quarters of the game.

When they play like that, they look like they can beat anyone.

But a game of football isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. The first three quarters of a game don’t matter if you can’t hold a lead in the fourth quarter.

The season is a marathon, as well; and the Patriots appear to be fading coming down the homestretch.

It’s uncertain which Patriots team we’ll see in the postseason; the team that started the season 7-3, or the team that finished the season 3-3.

The team that dominates the first three quarters of the game, or the team that chokes up fourth quarter leads.

The Patriots playoff hopes have shriveled like an onion in an oven.

There are still so many questions, and Belichick and the Patriots have begun to run out of answers.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Four Ways the New York Giants Can Add Some Much-Needed Punch

Even the most ardent Big Lose critics must admit that the team severely underachieved.  Except at Defensive and Offensive Tackles, the Giants, in other words, do not lack talent at critical positions.  Instead, they are severely mismanaged. 

Consider three critical areas which merely require simple adjustments: 

First, the running game is most indicative of this core problem.  Brandon Jacobs is a battering ram with deceptive speed.  Amad Bradshaw is a scatback with deceptive power.  Each looks like how they’re supposed to be used. However, the Giants’ offensive coordinator Kevin (Killdrive) Gilbride has reversed their roles at times.

Second, the passing game is completely unimaginative.  Steve Smith, Mario Manningham (when he manages to hold onto the ball), and Hakeem Nicks are not Plaxico Burress. 

These wide receivers thrive on misdirection, crossing routes, etc.  Let Kevin Boss chip a DE, then run over the middle for a quick gain. Boss would thrive like Jason Witten of Dallas.  Do that a few times and then that’ll free up BOTH the running game and deep route over which Killdrive obsesses.

Third, the Giants “defense” is a blitzing team that doesn’t blitz.  They were built, at least from the top-down perspective, to pressure the quarterback first and foremost.  Any perceived weakness from the secondary possitions would be covered up.  Instead, time after time the defensive ends are dropping back into coverage. 

What must be done

1. Sign Buddy Ryan to a one-day contract.  No further explanation should be required.  

2. Fire Bill Sheridan.  Hire Dick Jauron as a replacement.  He has a proven track record as Defensive Coordinator.  Plus, Tom Coughlin worked with him in Jacksonville.  Jauron should also be hungry to make amends for Buffalo. 

3. Emulate Andy Reid.  Draft the best available offensive or defensive tackle.  Kareem McKenzie and Fred Robbins are finally showing their age. David Dehl is a guard who can no longer hold-up against speed rushers.

Chris Canty apparently needs a full year to thrive as a Giant. Jay Alford was lost for the year in camp. Rocky Bernard vindicated the Seahawks, who were starved for defensive help themselves, for letting him sign here.

4. Speaking of the draft, grant Osi Umenyora his wish (re: post-game interview week 16). Package him and either the first or second round pick next April for a chance to move up. 

They could use a linebacker or that DT out of Nebraska (although Suh would be a long-shot). Umenyora does not show up in big games. 

In fact—Knicks fans will appreciate this comparison—he’s the Zack Randolph of the Giants. He’ll get turnovers (some of them for touchdowns) and sacks against the dregs of the league. There are only so many times you can play the 49ers or against Winston Justice (re: 6-sack game against Philly in 2007). Plus, he can no longer play alongside Michael Strahan. 

Jerry Reece and company showed the players that it was perfectly all right to walk-out.  Namely, Uemenyora was allowed to do so during training camp.  The rest of the team clearly picked up on his cues after the New Orleans game; the entire defense, except for Tuck just gave up. Jettisoning the overrated crybaby (Umenyora) would restore much needed order (re: Harry Cason’s “pride” comments). 

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Four Ways the New York Giants Can Add Some Much-Needed Punch

Even the most ardent Big Lose critics must admit that the team severely underachieved.  Except at Defensive and Offensive Tackles, the Giants, in other words, do not lack talent at critical positions.  Instead, they are severely mismanaged. 

Consider three critical areas which merely require simple adjustments: 

First, the running game is most indicative of this core problem.  Brandon Jacobs is a battering ram with deceptive speed.  Amad Bradshaw is a scatback with deceptive power.  Each looks like how they’re supposed to be used. However, the Giants’ offensive coordinator Kevin (Killdrive) Gilbride has reversed their roles at times.

Second, the passing game is completely unimaginative.  Steve Smith, Mario Manningham (when he manages to hold onto the ball), and Hakeem Nicks are not Plaxico Burress. 

These wide receivers thrive on misdirection, crossing routes, etc.  Let Kevin Boss chip a DE, then run over the middle for a quick gain. Boss would thrive like Jason Witten of Dallas.  Do that a few times and then that’ll free up BOTH the running game and deep route over which Killdrive obsesses.

Third, the Giants “defense” is a blitzing team that doesn’t blitz.  They were built, at least from the top-down perspective, to pressure the quarterback first and foremost.  Any perceived weakness from the secondary possitions would be covered up.  Instead, time after time the defensive ends are dropping back into coverage. 

What must be done

1. Sign Buddy Ryan to a one-day contract.  No further explanation should be required.  

2. Fire Bill Sheridan.  Hire Dick Jauron as a replacement.  He has a proven track record as Defensive Coordinator.  Plus, Tom Coughlin worked with him in Jacksonville.  Jauron should also be hungry to make amends for Buffalo. 

3. Emulate Andy Reid.  Draft the best available offensive or defensive tackle.  Kareem McKenzie and Fred Robbins are finally showing their age. David Dehl is a guard who can no longer hold-up against speed rushers.

Chris Canty apparently needs a full year to thrive as a Giant. Jay Alford was lost for the year in camp. Rocky Bernard vindicated the Seahawks, who were starved for defensive help themselves, for letting him sign here.

4. Speaking of the draft, grant Osi Umenyora his wish (re: post-game interview week 16). Package him and either the first or second round pick next April for a chance to move up. 

They could use a linebacker or that DT out of Nebraska (although Suh would be a long-shot). Umenyora does not show up in big games. 

In fact—Knicks fans will appreciate this comparison—he’s the Zack Randolph of the Giants. He’ll get turnovers (some of them for touchdowns) and sacks against the dregs of the league. There are only so many times you can play the 49ers or against Winston Justice (re: 6-sack game against Philly in 2007). Plus, he can no longer play alongside Michael Strahan. 

Jerry Reece and company showed the players that it was perfectly all right to walk-out.  Namely, Uemenyora was allowed to do so during training camp.  The rest of the team clearly picked up on his cues after the New Orleans game; the entire defense, except for Tuck just gave up. Jettisoning the overrated crybaby (Umenyora) would restore much needed order (re: Harry Cason’s “pride” comments). 

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Cleveland Browns Year End Awards for the 2009 Season

Another year, another season of Cleveland Browns fans saying “There’s always next year.”

A saying all too familiar for Browns fans worldwide.

Now that the season has come to an end, there is a big and bright shiny light at teh end of the tunnel with a silhoutte of a figure standing in the light and that person is new President Mike Holmgren.

More change is going to occur in the offseason, but Holmgren has promised that he will be quickly with his decision making, but Browns fans hope he is not too quick and can make all decisions wisely.

Only time will tell if Holmgren is the cure for the aches and pains the Browns have experienced since 1999, but he definitely brings a ton of hope with his arrival.

Now, not to delay the end of the year awards for the Browns.

Begin Slideshow

Cleveland Browns Year End Awards for the 2009 Season

Another year, another season of Cleveland Browns fans saying “There’s always next year.”

A saying all too familiar for Browns fans worldwide.

Now that the season has come to an end, there is a big and bright shiny light at teh end of the tunnel with a silhoutte of a figure standing in the light and that person is new President Mike Holmgren.

More change is going to occur in the offseason, but Holmgren has promised that he will be quickly with his decision making, but Browns fans hope he is not too quick and can make all decisions wisely.

Only time will tell if Holmgren is the cure for the aches and pains the Browns have experienced since 1999, but he definitely brings a ton of hope with his arrival.

Now, not to delay the end of the year awards for the Browns.

Begin Slideshow

Get Off McDaniels’ Back, Brandon Marshall Quit On The Broncos

In the world of professional sports, fans tend to latch on to the players perceived as the stars of their sport. The concept of “team” often comes secondary. People fall in love with stats and flash, and don’t pay enough attention to the real reason their favorite team is winning or losing.

It’s not surprising at all to me that there are so many in the media calling for Josh McDaniels’ head for benching Brandon Marshall. The man who goes by the nickname “The Beast”, is just that on the football field. He’s a monster. He loves the camera, and the camera loves him. He’s a genuine Super Star, and the Broncos’ most talented offensive player by most accounts.

But how much should McDaniels tolerate before he says enough is enough? Should Brandon Marshall get a free pass from the coaching staff, simply because he’s a fan favorite, with gaudy stats?

My answer would be absolutely not. To win football games, you need to have 11 guys on the field that are committed to the guys lining up beside them. Are people truly naive enough to believe that Marshall’s teammates could watch him act like a punk towards their leader, coach McDaniels, and then commit to him on the football field?

They can’t possibly trust the guy. They can’t possibly trust his motives. Not when the whole world knows that Marshall is in a contract year, and that he wanted to ditch the team last summer. Not when they know that this guy doesn’t have their backs, as he’s decided that he couldn’t possibly take the field with them against the Chiefs, in what could be the final game of Denver’s season.

So why is it that Marshall gets the benefit of a doubt with the media and most fans? How is it that Brandon Marshall can pull a hamstring (with negative MRI results) just three days after getting 100 catches for a third straight year, and nobody raises and eyebrow?

Is it possible that “The Beast” is really in too much pain to be productive? Sure. But I’m not buying into it. I’m done sticking up for this guy. He got his stats. He got his pro bowl bid. Telling the coaching staff that he is too injured to help his team against the Chiefs in the season finale seems like a cop out by Marshall. It seems like Marshall felt that he had done enough earn a big contract offer this off-season, and he decided to call it a year, one game early.

That’s more than enough to tell McDaniels that he doesn’t want the guy around anymore. Would you trust Marshall? It all seems too convenient for him. 100 catchess? Check. Pro Bowl? Check. Big contact next year? Check. Okay, time for vacation.

I really do wish things could have been different, and I am going to miss the excitement of watching Brandon Marshall in a Broncos uniform.

The fact of the matter is that Marshall does not fit with the Broncos. People forget that Shanahan had every intention of cutting Marshall until he got fired, which is saying a lot, considering the lowly characters Shanahan has bent over backwards to bring to the Mile High City, such as Ted Washington and Dale Carter.

For every Larry Fitzgerald, their is a Randy Moss and a Terrell Owens.

Brandon Marshall is no Larry Fitzgerald.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Get Off McDaniels’ Back, Brandon Marshall Quit On The Broncos

In the world of professional sports, fans tend to latch on to the players perceived as the stars of their sport. The concept of “team” often comes secondary. People fall in love with stats and flash, and don’t pay enough attention to the real reason their favorite team is winning or losing.

It’s not surprising at all to me that there are so many in the media calling for Josh McDaniels’ head for benching Brandon Marshall. The man who goes by the nickname “The Beast”, is just that on the football field. He’s a monster. He loves the camera, and the camera loves him. He’s a genuine Super Star, and the Broncos’ most talented offensive player by most accounts.

But how much should McDaniels tolerate before he says enough is enough? Should Brandon Marshall get a free pass from the coaching staff, simply because he’s a fan favorite, with gaudy stats?

My answer would be absolutely not. To win football games, you need to have 11 guys on the field that are committed to the guys lining up beside them. Are people truly naive enough to believe that Marshall’s teammates could watch him act like a punk towards their leader, coach McDaniels, and then commit to him on the football field?

They can’t possibly trust the guy. They can’t possibly trust his motives. Not when the whole world knows that Marshall is in a contract year, and that he wanted to ditch the team last summer. Not when they know that this guy doesn’t have their backs, as he’s decided that he couldn’t possibly take the field with them against the Chiefs, in what could be the final game of Denver’s season.

So why is it that Marshall gets the benefit of a doubt with the media and most fans? How is it that Brandon Marshall can pull a hamstring (with negative MRI results) just three days after getting 100 catches for a third straight year, and nobody raises and eyebrow?

Is it possible that “The Beast” is really in too much pain to be productive? Sure. But I’m not buying into it. I’m done sticking up for this guy. He got his stats. He got his pro bowl bid. Telling the coaching staff that he is too injured to help his team against the Chiefs in the season finale seems like a cop out by Marshall. It seems like Marshall felt that he had done enough earn a big contract offer this off-season, and he decided to call it a year, one game early.

That’s more than enough to tell McDaniels that he doesn’t want the guy around anymore. Would you trust Marshall? It all seems too convenient for him. 100 catchess? Check. Pro Bowl? Check. Big contact next year? Check. Okay, time for vacation.

I really do wish things could have been different, and I am going to miss the excitement of watching Brandon Marshall in a Broncos uniform.

The fact of the matter is that Marshall does not fit with the Broncos. People forget that Shanahan had every intention of cutting Marshall until he got fired, which is saying a lot, considering the lowly characters Shanahan has bent over backwards to bring to the Mile High City, such as Ted Washington and Dale Carter.

For every Larry Fitzgerald, their is a Randy Moss and a Terrell Owens.

Brandon Marshall is no Larry Fitzgerald.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Let’s Not Play the Blame Game: Pat White May Have Just Ruined His Career

There is a reason that the quarterback slide was created.  Not every quarterback is like Ben Roethlisberger. 

Maybe I’m ranting because my team, down by two touchdowns at the end of the third quarter against a solid Steelers team, likely will not make the playoffs.  Maybe I’m ranting because my team’s starting quarterback is likely being shadowed by a coach’s decision to sit down for the second half. And the quarterback has to claim that he has an eye injury. 

Which likely negates any hope that any fan or player had for the playoffs.  That very well may be.  But there is one thing I cannot stand.  When a second-string rookie quarterback is given a shot to try to get his team closer to playoff contention, and in his only half to prove himself, he slides head-first into a pile of yellow and gold.  Very rarely is a cornerback bigger than a quarterback.  Ike Taylor happens to have five pounds and two inches on him. 

Maybe you could say that it is not a typical play, and Pat White was denying the possibility of the outcome.  But with all due respect, we see so many crazy quarterback concussions, broken bones and the like, that there is no need for any quarterback to put himself in more danger. 

Pat White did not have a first down.  Pat White did not have anything.  He very possibly may have ended his career, or at least may have shortened it drastically.  And very often sports fans do not take into consideration the fact that injuries affect a person’s life after football also. 

There is a life that every player has off the field; family, friends, and others that care about their well being.  It was extremely irresponsible for White to do this.  The NFL thought guys were throwing away their lives with off-field antics, but there is another skill that is not professed enough in the locker room.  It’s called protection. 

The NFLPA and other organizations who are trying to get medical aid to retired players, who are being punished by concussions suffered while playing, are having enough trouble trying to get aid for those that played the game as safe as an NFL game can be played.  There was no positive outcome that could have come out of this mindless play. 

I wish you a speedy recovery, but I hope you learn a valuable lesson.  Think before you slide. 

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Let’s Not Play the Blame Game: Pat White May Have Just Ruined His Career

There is a reason that the quarterback slide was created.  Not every quarterback is like Ben Roethlisberger. 

Maybe I’m ranting because my team, down by two touchdowns at the end of the third quarter against a solid Steelers team, likely will not make the playoffs.  Maybe I’m ranting because my team’s starting quarterback is likely being shadowed by a coach’s decision to sit down for the second half. And the quarterback has to claim that he has an eye injury. 

Which likely negates any hope that any fan or player had for the playoffs.  That very well may be.  But there is one thing I cannot stand.  When a second-string rookie quarterback is given a shot to try to get his team closer to playoff contention, and in his only half to prove himself, he slides head-first into a pile of yellow and gold.  Very rarely is a cornerback bigger than a quarterback.  Ike Taylor happens to have five pounds and two inches on him. 

Maybe you could say that it is not a typical play, and Pat White was denying the possibility of the outcome.  But with all due respect, we see so many crazy quarterback concussions, broken bones and the like, that there is no need for any quarterback to put himself in more danger. 

Pat White did not have a first down.  Pat White did not have anything.  He very possibly may have ended his career, or at least may have shortened it drastically.  And very often sports fans do not take into consideration the fact that injuries affect a person’s life after football also. 

There is a life that every player has off the field; family, friends, and others that care about their well being.  It was extremely irresponsible for White to do this.  The NFL thought guys were throwing away their lives with off-field antics, but there is another skill that is not professed enough in the locker room.  It’s called protection. 

The NFLPA and other organizations who are trying to get medical aid to retired players, who are being punished by concussions suffered while playing, are having enough trouble trying to get aid for those that played the game as safe as an NFL game can be played.  There was no positive outcome that could have come out of this mindless play. 

I wish you a speedy recovery, but I hope you learn a valuable lesson.  Think before you slide. 

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

« Previous Page — Next Page »

Sponsored Links

StubPass.com has tickets to all football games nationwide! Get your Dallas Cowboys Tickets, Chicago Bears Tickets, Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets, Green Bay Packers Tickets, Oakland Raiders Tickets, New England Patriots Tickets, Tennessee Titans Tickets, Washington Redskins Tickets, New York Giants Tickets, Philadelphia Eagles Tickets, Baltimore Ravens Tickets, Miami Dolphins Tickets, Buffalo Bills Tickets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tickets, Atlanta Falcons Tickets, Indianapolis Colts Tickets, Arizona Cardinals Tickets and many more at StubPass.com.

Visit StubPass.com for Wicked Tickets, Nickelback Tickets, Britney Spears Tickets, Elton John Tickets, Billy Joel Tickets, Kenny Chesney Tickets and thousands of other Concert Tickets and Sports Tickets.

Visit MiracleShopper Comparison Shopping for Digital Cameras, Laptop Computers, Cell Phones, LCD TVs and more!

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010