Sports of Boston

Friday Rambling: Peyton, A-Rod, and LeBron…What’s My Problem with the Best?

Josh Segal — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:46:48 +0000

With Peyton Manning announcing that he has been cleared to play next season, there has been no shortage of coverage on the topic. And it’s not without justification–an NFL with Big Manning is probably a more exciting NFL. Good for him. What is curious, however, is the fact that the news was announced just days before the Super Bowl in which both his rival, Tom Brady, and little brother, Eli Manning, will be duking it out. Shouldn’t the focus be on that?

This type of stunt isn’t new to anyone. In fact, two other names come to mind: Alex Rodriguez and LeBron James. What else do Manning, Rodriguez, and James each have in common? At some point in the past five years or so, each have been considered the best player in their respective league. You know what else they have in common? I don’t particularly like any of them and use opportunities like these to defend my opinion. I don’t think I’m alone in this sentiment, but in situations like these, I always seem to wonder if I’m spinning possibly meaningless situations to feed into irrational dislike. Is there another reason I always find myself rooting against the best?

Cries for Attention

The Peyton Manning story is fresh in everyone’s mind. Instead of debating whether Brady or Eli is the superior quarterback or wondering if the Patriot’s defense can manage another half decent performance, it becomes the Peyton show. Will the Colts trade him or cut him? If so, who would be interested in him and what would they give up? Will the Colts draft Andrew Luck regardless?

In 2007, A-Rod tried to grab the spotlight on the World Series stage. While the Red Sox and Rockies were battling it out, Ken Rosenthal decides to report mid-game that Rodriguez had opted out of his contract to become a new free agent. Yay? What happened next? Despite the fact that Rodriguez had failed to help his team to succeed, this was much more important than the event to decide the MLB champions. The fact that this was about the Red Sox? A non factor. The biggest moment to date in Rockies history? Irreleveant.

For old times’ sake let’s review what happened next. The Red Sox won it all, third base counterpart and World Series MVP Mike Lowell took a team friendly contract, and no one showed much interest in Rodriguez. The Yankees eventually signed him to a ridiculous contract and still have him under contract for like 20 more seasons. Have fun with that, guys.

Then there’s LeBron. The whole 2009-2010 season was a subplot compared to the buzz about James’ impending free agency. The man was on a quest for a ring. Too bad he had meltdown (Thanks, Delonte) and the mean, old Celtics had other plans in mind. Nevertheless, the classic Celtics-Lakers matchup was second fiddle to everyone awaiting “the decision”. Of course, LeBron became a national villain, so I guess everything worked out in the end.

All of these scenarios can be argued one way or another, but the fact of the matter doesn’t change. They are all selfish cries for attention, but can you blame them? At the time of these incidents, the media fawned over every little thing these players did. All of these situations just make Manning, Rodriguez, and James look like poor sports (But somehow they’re still good role models for the kids). If these guys wanted the attention so badly, I say this: If you want the spotlight during the championships, how about you play well enough to get your team there?

Boston Bias

Of course there are other reasons people can point to: the awful Peyton Manning commercials, LeBron’s televised slap in the face to Cleveland or even the steroid accusations. I can twist them to appear arrogant, jealous, and self centered, but all of that is just further fuel for the possibly irrational fire. Being as objective as possible, I can think of only one reason:

Each of these players have come in direct conflict with Boston teams one way or another.

With Peyton it is always the great quarterback debate. I think Patriots’ fans have had enough of it. Brady is going to his fifth Super Bowl while Manning still has a below .500 playoff record. Does anything else matter? I’m sick of hearing about it.

Alex Rodriguez was supposed to come to Boston so maybe my 12 year old self is just bitter about that. Throw in the sissy slap and the lip gloss and what else do we have to say? However, with injuries and steroid accusations, Rodriguez has fortunately seemed to have fallen out of public favor. Nevertheless, I just can’t help but imagining Rodriguez eventually making the Hall of Fame because he’s a “good” guy, while Manny won’t because he’s a “bad” guy. But I’ve been known to make false predictions before.

Then LeBron. With the exception of last year, the Celtic’s have thrown James like a rag doll in the playoffs. But what really put me over the edge was when he refused to watch the Celtic’s raise their championship banner to start the 2008-2009 season after the Celtic’s humiliated him. That was classless. Throw in the fact that the Celtics’ preach Ubuntu, while the media hones in on LeBron (and LeBron only) and his quest for a ring. The Big Three during their prime and LeBron could not be more different.

It’s that simple. I like Boston teams winning championships. If someone gets in the way, I’m going to do what I do best to stop them–Complain really loudly, even though it has no effect whatsoever. In a city as dominant as Boston has been, it’s not that surprising that the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots find themselves at odds with the best athletes of the MLB, NBA, and NFL.

The Pujols Exception

Curiously enough, Albert Pujols, arguably the best player in today’s MLB, doesn’t seem to fire me up. He keeps his mouth shut, won two World Series, and didn’t seem to bask in the free agency spotlight. Of course he was in the National League, so how often did the Red Sox have to deal with him? But the Angels play the Red Sox a lot more than the Cardinals.

Memo to Albert: You’re 0-1 in playoff series against the Red Sox. The Angels haven’t done much better. Play your cards right and you’re well on your way to joining the club.

What Sports of Boston Would Do to Get Dwight Howard

Matt Goisman — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:28:49 +0000

When Orlando uber-center Dwight Howard recently said that he’s at least open to coming to the Celtics, bells went off at Sports of Boston headquarters. Or at least they would have, if a) we had a headquarters, and b) it bells in it.

Getting Howard would meet many of the team’s most glaring needs. He’s a true center, terrific at rebounding, scoring and blocking. He’s young, veteran enough to know how to succeed in the NBA. And he’s perfectly suited for who the Celtics will have left – Rajon Rondo, E’Twaun Moore, Avery Bradley and Jeff Green – once the Big 3 leave after this season.

Of course, the Magic will ask quite a price to trade for Howard, and he’ll ask quite a bit himself if he reaches free agency. But how much is too much? Should the Celtics trade now or try to get Howard on the open market? Our writers weighed in:

“Offer 2 unprotected 1st-round picks, Avery Bradley, and a pair of expiring contracts (Allen? Pierce?).” – Taylor Avery

“Boston is better off hoping Howard stays with Orlando for the season and letting Danny Ainge do his magic (pun intended) in the off season. If he can then bring back Garnett and Allen in reduced roles (for a reduced cost), I think I’ll like what I see.” – Josh Segal

“Let the contracts for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett expire. Then, maybe they can convince KG and Ray to return at a much cheaper rate. Then, if that happens, they can convince Dwight Howard that they will build around him, Rajon Rondo, a returning Jeff Green, Paul Pierce, and others. That team would likely compete for a conference title every year.

If you want to get creative…the Celtics could find a way to deal Paul Pierce for a younger talent that probably wont stay with his current team (maybe Eric Gordon or DeMarcus Cousins?). Then, they could let Ray and KG expire and build around Rondo, Gordon, and Howard.” – K.C. Downey

“My gut says the Dwight Howard sweepstakes will end in free-agency. … Small market teams generally don’t trade superstars in the hope that they can convince them to stay long-term, a la Tim Duncan. Houston, Brooklyn and Boston are the only teams with cap space this summer that Howard would play for. If Howard makes it to free-agency, the Celtics are in an excellent position.” – Nathan Hodge

“I would give anything people wanted. But realistically Rondo plus draft picks are their only commodities. I think if I were Orlando I would look heavy at the Howard for [Knicks' Tyson] Chandler and [Knick's Amare] Stoudemire.” – George Cain

“I’d be willing to give up Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O’Neal, both 2012 draft picks, Chad Ochocinco, and John Maine. I’d force them to take John Maine.” – Aryeh Rosenfeld

“I would do just about anything to land Dwight Howard (short of trading Rondo, that is – someone has to throw Howard alley-oops). But since the Celtics don’t have any trade chips to offer Orlando, I feel it’s up to me to persuade Mr. Howard to dress in green this offseason.

First, I would forswear any knowledge of Shaq’s (at least I think that’s what he was called) stint in Boston, permanently erasing him from the Celtics record books. To complete Howard’s instatement as the only Superman in franchise history, I would then burn the $10 T-shirt I bought from Rite-Aid bearing O’Neal’s #36 as part of a gory, fiery ritualistic sacrifice of Greg Stiemsma to the basketball gods. Speaking of deities, the final method of persuasion to complete my offering to Dwight Howard would be to make him my personal Tim Tebow to whom I would pray every night (especially before a big game). I would prove my sincerity and earnestness by tattooing his Clark Kent persona on my upper left chest and his caped appearance on the reverse shoulder blade, so that whenever I turned around he would undergo his phone booth transformation and deliver the Celtics and me from evil (namely losing to the Heat).” – Nick Bohlen

As for me, I’d give up Greg Stiemsma and Jajuan Johnson without hesitation, plus a first rounder in 2012 and a second rounder in 2013. While we’re at it, have Sasha Pavlovic. And since Howard’s coming from Orlando, they get to choose: for either every day for three months or every week for a year, I will favorably mention both Disney World and Waffle House on Facebook.

Connelly’s Top Ten: We Are Spoiled…Again

Michael — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:47 +0000

1. Thoughts on Sunday’s Game

* I wish Michael Strahan was dressed so Logan Mankins could crack back on him
* Bob Kraft looking like the head of a crime family on cover of SI
* Bill Belichick has promised not to wear red hoodie
* I loved Gronk in Rocky IV
* What is the over-under for showing Bob Kraft once game starts – I say within first two minutes of second quarter
* How about 85% hurry up?
* If the Patriots don’t give up any plays over 25 yards they win
* Deion Branch needs to make one huge play
* Defense needs one take away
* Enjoy every second

2. Best wins over New York

* 2004 Red Sox over Yankees – 4 games to 3 in playoffs
* 1972 Bruins over Rangers – 4 games to 2 in Stanley Cup Finals – Bobby Orr unveils the 360 move
* 2006 Patriots beat Jets in Wild Card – 37-16
* 1985 Patriots beat Jets in Wild Card – 26-14
* 1929 Bruins beat Rangers 2-0 to win Stanley Cup

3. Some Tom Brady stats and other stuff

* Stats in game after QB rating was under 60%: 8-3 / 292-462 (63%) / avg yards 239 / 26 TD to 7 Int
* Vs. the NY Giants…………………………………..2-2 / 99-154 (64%) / avg yards 264 / 5 TD to 2 InT
* In Super Bowls……………………………………….3-1 / 100-150 (67%) / avg yards 250 / 5 TD to 1 Int
* In Indy………………………………………………….2-2 / 87 – 128 (68%) / avg yards 266 / 10 TD to 4 Int

4. Bruins are now 8-6-1 over their last 15

5. Best winning streaks with Tom Brady

* 21 Games in 2003 all the way to the Super Bowl six games into 2004
* 18 Games in 2007 lose in Super Bowl
* 12 Games in 2001 all the way to the Super Bowl three games into 2002
* 8 games in 2010 lost to Jets in playoffs
* 10 Games in 2011 up to Super Bowl (hope it continues)

6. This is the time of the year that former Patriots wonder why they ever left Foxboro for money

* Deion Branch (he’s lucky he was invited back)
* Damion Woody
* Randy Moss (shot his way out of town)
* Jabaar Gaffney
* David Givens
* Asante Samuel
* Ty Law
* Terry Glenn
* Larry Izzo
* Matt Chatham

PS – players that chose other programs over the Patriots – Derek Mason, Anquan Boldin

7. Amazing Stats – A Tom Brady video to get you fired up for Sunday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59BJJJdL-Z0

8. Old School – How about great Super Bowl moments

* Jim McMahon flipped upside down early in 1986
* Adam Vinatieri clutch field goals
* Rodney Harrison making a tackle with a broken arm against Carolina
* John Madden suggesting the Patriots take a knee
* Catch by Troy Brown in 2002 and getting out of bounds
* Rodney Harrison interception and Eagle flapping the arms like Freddy Mitchell

9. Just a Little Bit Outside

*Joe Greene commercial over-rated – he gives a shirt that he didn’t pay for to a kid and steals the kids Coke that he paid for?

10. Randomocity

* Chicken Wings can me too much work / Calzones under-rated / a cheese stick is a cheese stick
*At Charlie’s Cafe – he makes a great cocktail meatball with vodka sauce from Trader Joe’s
* Madonna was in Vision Quest
* Could Popeyes be catering Josh Beckett’s Super Bowl party?
* Is Rohan Davey ready to take over yet?
* Brian Cashman goes Steve Phillips?
* Did you see the kid on Mini One-On-One score this week – goalie should have met him between the face-off circles and laid him out
* Could Ken Walter win Punt, Pass and Kick?
* Where are Ty Warren, Ba-randon Meriweather and Albert Haynesworth watching the game
* Bosses get ready to see your voice mail on when you arrive at work Monday – Sick-call-palooza!
* Cherish Sunday – Cherish Tom Brady being our Quarterback – Cherish Bill Belichick being our Coach

Ward’s Shutout Gives Hurricanes First Season Sweep Over Bruins

Matt Goisman — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:15:21 +0000

The Boston Bruins did just about everything they could against the Carolina Hurricanes Thursday night at the TD Garden. They won over 70 percent of their face-offs. They hit hard and often. And they ripped shot after shot after shot at goalie Cam Ward.

They just couldn’t score.

Ward saved all 47 shots against him Wednesday, and the Hurricanes scored in each period to beat the Bruins, 3-0. With the win, the Hurricanes completed their first season-sweep of the Bruins in franchise history.

Ward Unflappable in Goal

The Bruins put Ward to work almost instantly Wednesday night. David Krejci won the opening faceoff – one of 38 faceoff victories – and the Bruins went on the attack. Tyler Seguin and Chris Kelly both fired at Ward within the first two minutes of the game, but Ward turned them both aside.

The Bruins kept this attack up throughout the period, hammering but never fooling Ward. They couldn’t even score when Brad Marchand stole a puck in the Hurricanes’ zone and found Patrice Bergeron wide open in the slot.

Ward’s defense backed him up by rarely allowing loose pucks to bounce the Bruins’ way. The Bruins had plenty of scoring chances, but they had very few second or third chances. That meant Ward could get back into position after every shot, never getting caught out of the goal or turned the wrong way.

Unable to score despite 22 first-period shots, the Bruins came out of the first intermission clearly dejected. They took just five shots in the second, unable to muster the same ferocity with which they played the first. That dejection turned into frustration in the third, when the Bruins took 20 more shots.

Ward turned aside all 20 shots, and the Bruins finally lost their composure. Given two third-period power plays that could have helped the Bruins get back into the game, they shortened both with penalties of their own. They killed their second play just eight seconds in, when Marchand slashed defenseman Bryan Allen.

Defensive Miscues Cost Bruins

The Hurricanes scored all three goals through aggressive fore-checking that led to defensive mistakes by the Bruins. When center Tuomo Ruutu jammed Johnny Boychuk at the goal line, bending Boychuk’s arm awkwardly into the boards and temporarily sending him off the ice, Jiri Tlusty swooped in grabbed the puck. Tlusty sent the puck through the crease to Eric Staal, who one-timed it past Tuukka Rask for the 1-0 lead at 11:51.

Aggressive offense paid off again in the second, when Anthony Stewart sent a moon shot over the blue line. The puck bounced in between Andrew Ference and Adam McQuaid, but neither took control, staring at each other as the puck stayed in no man’s land.

Rather than give up on the play, Brandon Sutter burst through the two defenders, firing off a shot that forced Rask to sprawl to deflect the pass. Ruuttu grabbed the rebound, spinning and backhanding the puck into the open net for a 2-0 lead with just over three minutes left in the second.

Sutter earned his second point of the night early in the third period, when Rask skated behind the goal, corralling a loose puck and slinging it away along the boards. Andreas Nodl jumped in front of the pass, grabbing the puck by the right circle and quickly getting it to a nearby Sutter.

Sutter immediately fired off a wristshot from just outside the slot, catching Rask slightly off-guard and putting the Hurricanes ahead 3-0. The goal silenced the TD Garden crowd and killed any lingering hopes that the Bruins might at least tie the game.

Poor Start to Second Half

The Bruins have not played well in two games following the All-Star Break, giving up six goals on defense and lacking balance between the lines on offense. For the Bruins to re-take the top spot in the Eastern Conference, they’ll need to fix both of these problems. They can’t continue to play lackadaisically on defense, allowing aggressive but untalented teams like the Hurricanes to dictate what happens once the puck crosses the blue line. And they can’t settle for one good shift, followed by a couple of bad ones.

The Marchand-Bergeron-Seguin line (which has three of the top five goal- and point-scorers on the team) can’t continue to do it all. Another line must step up to share the responsibility.

If the Playoffs Started Today – NHL Week 17

John — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:03 +0000

Now that we’re into February, time is beginning to become a factor for teams that need to make up ground; teams have anywhere from 29 to 34 games remaining before the playoffs begin, and while it’s not yet time for desperation to set in, concern is starting to creep up. With teams like Detroit and the Rangers pretty secure, teams like Ottawa and Minnesota are getting knocked around at the wrong time. With everyone getting ready for the home stretch, let’s look at what would happen if the playoffs started as of Thursday, February 2, before the day’s games:

West

#1 Detroit Red Wings vs #8 Minnesota Wild

With Minnesota stumbling like they are, they really can’t do much of anything against Detroit‘s might.

#2 Vancouver Canucks vs #7 Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles has a good defense, but Vancouver‘s offense has them cruising. L.A. will have a difficult time keeping up with Vancouver’s onslaught.

#3 San Jose Sharks vs #6 Chicago Blackhawks

This one could get pretty interesting. Chicago has three more points, but San Jose has three games in hand. The Sharks have a goal differential 10 better than Chicago, but neither team will be able to readily pick off a game on the road. It’ll be difficult for both sides, but San Jose has the slightest of edges.

#4 Nashville Predators vs #5 St. Louis Blues

Nashville has won five in a row, 10 of 11 and 13 of 15. But St. Louis is one of the most dominant home teams in the league. However, their road record leaves something to be desired, and with just two road games in the past month, they haven’t had much practice. The Blues are one point behind, but they do have two games in hand. However, Nashville has the advantage for now.

East

#1 New York Rangers vs #8 New Jersey Devils

The Rangers are finally the last team to allow 100 goals on the season. And their offense is a little better than New Jersey’s. Don’t expect things to end well for the Devils.

#2 Boston Bruins vs #7 Toronto Maple Leafs

Boston may be having some defensive issues lately, but they’re still much better than Toronto, and have the season series to prove it.

#3 Florida Panthers vs #6 Ottawa Senators

This is the only series where both teams have a negative goal differential. While Florida isn’t exactly the best, Ottawa has lost four straight. In a match-up where defending is an issue all around, the best scoring team has an odd advantage, and Ottawa’s offense is in the top quintile in the NHL.

#4 Philadelphia Flyers vs #6 Pittsburgh Penguins

Both teams are quite good; in fact, Pittsburgh just had their eight-game winning streak snapped. However, they’re under a lot of extra pressure without Sidney Crosby in the lineup. Philadelphia can be just as deadly, and at 18-7-2, they’re the best road team in the league. If Philadelphia can stop a few extra shots and keep their offense going, they should come out on top against their division rivals.

What Might Change Next Week:

Behind a home game against Minnesota, look for Dallas to take over #8 in the West.
With New Jersey’s difficult schedule, look for Washington to take over their spot, and while the Caps are at it, the Southeast Division from Florida.

Basketball AP Top 25 (Week 13): Murray State Continues to Impress

Dan Spritz — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:47:44 +0000

1. Kentucky (63)
Last week was another easy walk through the SEC for the Wildcats. This is the time of the season when malaise sets in though, so watch out for the upset.

2. Syracuse (2)
The Orange won both of their games last week, but the absence of Fab Melo was evident. Unresolved academic issues have not allowed him to play since Jan. 16, but it looks like he will be able to return on Saturday. If it turns out that that is not the case and he can’t return this season, you can write Syracuse off as a contender for the national championship.

3. Ohio State
While the Big Ten has been very good this year, the Buckeyes have still only been tested a couple times. With home-and-homes remaining against #9 Michigan State and No. 19 Wisconsin, they have a lot of work to do. As it is now though, they are far and away the class of the league.

4. Missouri
With the home game against No. 8 Kansas this week, the Tigers get to show how good they are. They won’t win the game at Allen Fieldhouse down the road, but they can win at home. Despite the flaws they’ve shown, most glaringly their inability to slow down the tempo, winning this game would say a lot.

5. North Carolina
The Tar Heels have been lingering here for a while and seem to have been energized since the thrashing at Florida State. Watch for them to really come on as February begins.

6. Baylor
7. Duke
8. Kansas
9. Michigan State
10. Murray State
The Racers! In the top ten! With a Bracke tBusters game against No. 18 Saint Mary’s! I almost can’t contain my excitement at an OVC school being undefeated and ranked this highly. Moreover, I’m glad they will be able to break up the monotony of playing schools with abbreviations like SEMO, SIUE, and EIU. They are without a doubt the best team in Kentucky. Take that Louisville!

11. UNLV
12. Florida
13. Creighton
14. Georgetown
15. Marquette
Given Florida’s past tournament history and the fact that this year’s Gators are on the fringe of the contenders, I think they are the perfect dark horse pick to go to the Final Four.

16. Virginia
17. San Diego State
18. Saint Mary’s
19. Wisconsin
20. Indiana
Did you know that Virginia’s three losses this season are by a combined seven points? They don’t often blow teams out, but they stifle them defensively. They held Georgia Tech to 38 points a couple weeks ago. Because of that, they are going to give Duke and UNC a run for their money (er, scholarships?) in the ACC race. They may not be as talented, but they’re such a tough out that they will give both teams problems.

21. Florida State
22. Mississippi State
23. Michigan
24. Gonzaga
25. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt was launched into the rankings after a victory over Sun Belt-leading Middle Tennessee. That’s an awfully strange non-conference game to have at this point in the season, but it fits them.

Pierce, Celtics Stomp Raptors to Post First Winning Record in A While

Nathan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:33:46 +0000

Paul Pierce had 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the Boston Celtics en route to a 100-64 thrashing of the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night. The Celtics improved to 11-10 with the victory and now post their first winning record since starting 4-3. Jared Bayless scored 14 off the bench for the Raptors who scored less than 70 points for the third time this season.

Ray Allen had 12 points and 5 assists, and Brandon Bass added 12 points and 9 rebounds for the hot shooting Celtics. The Celtics shot 52 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3.

Kevin Garnett hit a 3 to end the first half and push the Celtics lead to 22. The Celtics led the Raptors by at least 20 points the rest of the way. Allen connected from beyond the arc with 3 minutes remaining in the third quarter to push the lead to 30.

While the Celtics shot exceptionally, they also played stellar defense. The Celtics held the Raptors to just 32 percent shooting from the field. The Celtics allowed the Raptors to score no more than 19 points in a quarter. Boston also out-rebounded Toronto 46-39

Wins like Wednesday’s against will certainly help the Celtics weather the condensed season. Kevin Garnett played just 17 minutes and Jermaine O’Neal barely played a full quarter with 14 minutes. No Celtics’ starter played more than 26 minutes.

The Celtics’ bench not only chipped in minutes, but also had it’s best outing of the season. Boston’s bench combined for a season high 47 points. Chris Wilcox was the only active Celtic not to score. Rookie JaJuan Johnson had his best game of his young career as he scored 11 points and didn’t miss a single one of his 5 shot attempts.

Ed Davis had 10 points and 15 rebounds and was the only Raptor beside Bayless to score in double figures.

The Celtics hit the court again Friday when they clash with the reeling New York Knicks in a nationally televised game. Rajon Rondo missed his eighth straight game with a sprained wrist. Doc Rivers said before the game that Rondo may give it a go on Friday.

Robert Kraft Lands on Sports Illustrated Cover

KC Downey — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:50:54 +0000

Do you believe in the SI cover curse? Does it apply to team owners?

Despite whatever you may believe, Patriots owner Robert Kraft made the cover of Sports Illustrated this week for the first time. What took so long?

Photo after the jump…

(SI Cover)

Super Bowl Media Day: Lies, Brady Bashing and Rich Cimini is an Idiot

gcain — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:42:18 +0000

Before I get to Media Day, I want to discuss a couple of topics that took place on Monday. I previously wrote Bob Ryan had lost his fastball. Well, Bob stayed consistent when making a guest appearance on Mike Francesa’s radio show on Monday. When asked why Brady had struggled in recent playoff appearances, Bob stated that in his opinion, Brady’s arm strength had declined.

OK Bob, let me just ask what proof do you have to back up that claim? Brady threw for 5,000+ yards this year. It was one of the best seasons of his career. I don’t see a correlation between struggling against the league’s best defense and declining arm strength. It seems Bob is howling at the moon again, with no facts and no data to back up his claims.

Then, there was Monday night.

Borges Has Outdone Himself Again

When I posted my column earlier in the night, I had made the foolish assumption that all the Spygate talk was done for the night. But anytime you get Michael Felger and Ron Borges together for a Belichick legacy question, there’s a 99% chance of Spygate coming up. Now, it’s nothing new to fans in this market that Ron Borges is one of the biggest Belichick haters in the media. We also are aware that Borges was suspended from the Boston Globe for plagiarism; he would later “retire” from the Globe. I wish he would retire from making guest appearances.

It seems Ron’s new passion is to make up lies or unsubstantiated claims about the Patriots organization. The first lie came about a month ago when he claimed out of the blue that Nick Caserio might not have declined the Colts GM interview. That in fact, Belichick might not have allowed Caserio to interview for the role. When pressed by Tom Curran, Borges had no answer or facts to back up that allegation. Felger just sat there smiling.

Monday night, Borges said that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell believed the Patriots had cheated in 2001. He then said that Goodell called Belichick a liar. So let’s be clear, Goodell said that Belichick had lied to him when he said he would apologize for the Spygate incident. But, Goodell never said that the Patriots cheated in 2001. He said this: “We were able to verify that there was no Rams walkthrough tape. No one asked him to tape the walkthrough. He’s not aware of anybody else who may have taped the walkthrough. He had not seen such a tape. He does not know of anybody who says there is a tape.” At that point Goodell ended the Spygate investigation. I can’t read Roger Goodell’s mind, but he never SAID the Patriots cheated in 2001.

So what was Borges talking about? Well he was letting his agenda get in the way of the facts. In other words, he lied. Gary Tanguay and Felger didn’t even try to dispute the lie. Either they were too ignorant to know it was a lie or were encouraging the controversy. Either way, is that journalism?

Media Day

Moving on…Dennis and Callahan started the day off painting a bleak picture for the Patriots on Sunday. It was actually a nice change of pace from their usually over-confident stance on the team. Heath Evans was a great interview, especially when he gave detailed information about how the Patriots in Super Bowl 42 moved hotels the night before the game, and had extra practice in pads leading up to the big game. He also hinted that the Patriots might have come into the game a little too tight.

I didn’t listen to significant portions of the Toucher and Rich show, but I did see a lot of tweets from fans and listened to some sound bites myself later in the day. They seemed to spend a lot of time on their Media Day experience and had some very funny bits with Rob Gronkowski. The foolishness of Media Day really accentuates the comedic abilities of T&R and this week, they have been crushing it. It has been an excellent change of pace for listeners who don’t want to rehash the same topics all week.

There is also the interesting dynamic with WEEI and the Sports Hub being together at their first Media Day. There were constants jabs at WEEI from T&R and later Gresh and Zo on the air and through Twitter. This is a definite role reversal for WEEI, who is used to playing the role of bully on the playground with other local radio challengers.

Tony Massarotti started the “Felger and Mazz” show off with a conspiracy theory. They average about one conspiracy a show. Tuesday, it was that the Patriots were purposely broadcasting that Gronkowski was out of the walking boot. Mazz believes that this is all a rouse and that in fact Gronk is MORE hurt than the Patriots are letting on. Either way it doesn’t matter, the Giants are going to prepare as if he’s healthy as most teams do with injured players. We can all speculate on Gronk but we won’t know how hurt he is until 6:30 PM Sunday.

Rich Cimini

Rich Cimini, writing for ESPN New York, had a column speculating that Tom Brady was overrated. The title of the column was “the Brady Myth.” Wow, where to start. I have a couple of comments on this article. First, there is nothing wrong with questioning Tom Brady’s recent playoff history. He’s had a few clunkers.

Cimini, though, might not be the most objective person to write this column. He’s basically a Jet fanboy; picture Fred Smerlas writing for ESPN New York. He’s a constant basher of the Patriots, so his opinion on Tom Brady really loses credibility. Lately when people want to bash Brady, they bring up Montana. That’s fine, but really you should measure Brady against his peers. He’s playing in his 5th Super Bowl Sunday. That’s two more Super Bowls than Big Ben, three more than Peyton, four more than Brees.

There were also numerous foolish assertions by Cimini. Cimini listed out a bunch of uneven performances Brady had in his last 11 playoff games. He remarked that in two of those games (San Diego in 2006 and last week against Baltimore), that Brady was a fumble and dropped past from being 4-7 in his last 11 games instead of 6-5. Alright, Rich we’ll play you’re dumb game.

You realize in that San Diego game Brady had no running game, average tight ends, and Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell at wide receiver. The Chargers were also 14-2 that year and the most talented team in the NFL. Brady did throw three interceptions, but late in the game he hit Caldwell down the sideline to set up the winning score. Cimini also brought up an interception he threw against the Colts the next week. Well, the Patriots got the ball back at their own 21, trailing by four with under a minute to go. Brady’s interception was more a desperation throw with twenty seconds on the clock than anything else. It’s a ludicrous example.

See, its morons like Cimini that make journalists look ignorant and biased. You can’t play the “if this doesn’t happen then blank” game. If Bengals defensive back Lewis Billups doesn’t drop that Montana pass in Super Bowl 23, the 49ers lose that game. If Norwood doesn’t miss that field goal, the Giants don’t beat the Bills and if David Tyree doesn’t catch the luckiest throw in NFL Super Bowl history, Tom Brady is 4-0 in Super Bowls, and the Patriots are the only team to go 19-0. So what the heck is Cimini talking about? You are what your record says you are. Brady is 6-5 in his last 11 playoff games and he’s the best quarterback of his era. Cimini doesn’t make a credible case as a journalist or a sports fan.

Peyton Manning

Finally, I thought it was great that Peyton Manning did what every little brother enjoys, and that is when their older brother overshadows their biggest moments. Manning in an interview with ESPN said he expected to play in 2012. This was right up there with A-Rod announcing he was opting out of his contract during the World Series.

Peyton, let your little brother have his moment. I know its killing you that he’s going for his second Super Bowl in your stadium, but don’t be a Marsha Brady. Let Eli have his moment and then you can have the media write stories about how you’re the most sought after free agent ever.

Lot of ridiculousness going around Indy and tomorrow is only Wednesday.

Bruins Start 2nd Half With Win Against Ottawa 4-3

Bobby Doherty — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:55:38 +0000

The Bruins started the second half of the season at home against Ottawa with a win 4-3. The Senators played the Bruins tough, which is not a surprise with a huge improvement from last season for them. With goals from Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg, Milan Lucic, and Brad Marchand along with 30 saves from Tim Thomas Boston took home the two points. Nathan Horton was not in the line up tonight, still out with concussion problems.

Power Play Paves the Way for B’s

The Bruins had the worst power play for most of last season. This season, it has been better, but is still up and down. Tuesday was a good night though, as the B’s scored two power play goals on four man-advantages for the Bruins.

The first power play goal came from the captain, who let go a bomb from the point that found net. The power play goal was the 8th of the season for Zdeno Chara. With Chara on the point for the power play, this unit should score goals.

Brad Marchand added his 18th goal of the season on the power play early on in the third period. If Marchand could have avoided some suspensions this season, he very well could have been an All-Star.

Dennis Seidenberg, meanwhile, scored from roughly center ice, as he has done in past seasons. He baited the goalie into playing the dump in and beat him with the long slapper.

Has Tim Thomas come back to Earth ?

Tim Thomas made 30 saves on 33 shots, which was just enough to win; nothing more, nothing less. Thomas had been playing so well at the beginning of the season and now he is leveling off. His last shutout came on December 17th, but the recent fantastic play of Tuukka Rask could push Thomas to bring it to another level.

The Bruins are one of the few teams in the NHL who don’t need their number one goalie to play like one every game. With Tuukka as an alternate and a strong offensive attack, the Bruins can win a lot of games even with Thomas letting three goals in.