Author Archives: @carolynsistrand

Remembering Nick Buoniconti

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On July 30, the football world lost Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti. He was 78.

Buoniconti grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, a city better known for its basketball roots. He played for the now-closed Cathedral High School. Following high school, Buoniconti was a standout for The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

At Notre Dame, Buoniconti was a leader in tackles and in the locker room. In his 1961 season, he served as co-captain and was the only All-American.

Buoniconti’s first shot at professional football brought him home. The Boston Patriots drafted him in 1962. He spent his first seven seasons with the American Football League team.

Buoniconti played another seven seasons, but with a different team. He won two Super Bowl rings while finishing out his career with the Dolphins.

In 2001, Buoniconti joined an elite Hall of Fame class that included Mike Munchak and Jackie Slater. He was also honored in the Patriots Hall of Fame, Miami Dolphins honor roll, and AFL All-Time team.

There was more to Buoniconti than football. He had a law degree and was a sports agent for some time. His greatest post-football pursuit, however, was the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

Playing football for the Citadel in 1985, Buoniconti’s son, Marc, became paralyzed. He attempted to make a tackle and suffered a spinal cord injury.

After the tragedy, Buoniconti decided to start the Miami Project. This project leads research into paralysis and finding a cure for injuries like Marc’s. Due to Buoniconti’s devotion and advocacy, the Miami Project at The University of Miami is one of the world’s top neurological research centers.

Buoniconti openly talked about his own neurological health post-football. He, like many other NFL players, struggled with neurological issues that they knew stemmed from too much physical contact to the head. That’s why, in 2017, decided that he would posthumously donate his brain to CTE research at Boston University.

While the world may have lost a legend, the work Nick Buoniconti leaves behind is a legacy greater than football.

Nick Buoniconti became the face of change, seeking out more research and advances for those who suffer from neurological injuries. His pursuit spoke for the many families who have dealt with similar situations. Most importantly, however, he fought for his son.

Buoniconti brought awareness to the affects of too much head contact in football and the damage it does to the human brain. He even advocated for an age limit on tackle football. His opinion wasn’t the popular thing to do, but it was the right thing to do.

To learn more about Nick Buoniconti, his career, and his life work, check out HBO’s “The Many Lives of Nick Buoniconti.”

Featured Image via Sportsnaut

Could The Trent Williams Holdout End In New England?

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As Trent Williams holdout with Washington continues, speculation amps up around where he will go. The Jets, Browns, and Texans are all teams whose names are in the conversations, alongside The New England Patriots.

Tom Brady, who recently celebrated his 42 birthday, recently signed a two year, $41-million contract extension. This new deal saved over $5 million in cap space, putting the Patriots somewhere in the $12-13 million range in total cap space available.

With some money in the bank and room for improvements, Williams may not be far out of reach.

The Patriots could take a shot at the veretan offensive tackle for a few reasons. Currently, the tackle depth for New England is very young. Isaiah Wynn, the projected started at left tackle, is heading into his second season.

Wynn is around the same weight and just three inches shorter than Williams. He was drafted out of Georgia to the Patriots in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In 2018 he was injured in training camp and began his first regular season on the bench.

Dan Skipper is another young guy and sitting second on the left tackle depth chart. He has only one year on his resume and has seen time on four different practice squads. Dallas signed him as a rookie free agent in May of 2017.

Cedrick Lang isn’t a guy to get your hopes up about either. In his two years in the league, he has seen more time on the practice squad than on a regular-season roster. Similar to Skipper, they both sit second and third, respectively, at the left tackle and right tackle positions.

The most experience comes from Marcus Cannon, the starting right tackle. He was drafted by New England in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

In his nine-year career, Cannon has seen 42 regular-season starts. Most of these starts were at right tackles, with only a handful at left guard and left tackle. While Cannon secures the right tackle position, it’s evident that the Patriots currently lack longevity at the left tackle spot.

Williams’ experience could be beneficial for a young roster. Plus, if Wynn ever goes out injured again, Williams is a more reliable guy there to lean on.

Some of the concern surrounding Williams is his health and previous injuries. He has come back from several injuries, but apparently the issues for him lie with whom he sees fit to rehab him. Due to this mistrust, Williams has stated that one of the main reasons he wants to leave Washington is because of the medical staff.

For a guy like Williams, and really any athlete, it is imperative to surround yourself with a medical team you can trust. Meanwhile, New England’s medical team has done a good job of getting guys back into shape, like an injury-plagued now-retire tight end.

If New England is looking for a long-term addition to the tackle depth, the answer isn’t a 31-year-old guy. In this case, grabbing the veteran linemen would be a short-term fix. The future of the organization, however, will rest in the laps of the young guys.

Belichick and Carroll: What The Coaching Gap Looks Like

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Six-time Super Bowl Champion. Sixteen division titles. A 225 win record and 19 seasons in New England. Put it all together and you get Bill Belichick.

The facts don’t lie. Belichick is one of the most successful coaches in the NFL ever. Heading into his 20th season, the next best coach in the league has a tough task trying to match up.

So who falls number two behind BB in the standings? According to NFL.com analyst Elliot Harrison, it belongs to Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.

Carroll’s head coaching career began in 1994 with the New York Jets, three years after Belichick took his first head coaching gig in Cleveland. His first shot was short-lived, however, and Carroll was off to San Francisco the following two seasons as a defensive coordinator.

In 1997, Carroll replaced Bill Parcells as the head coach of the New England Patriots. That first season resulted in an AFC Divisional Game appearance. In his next two season, the Patriots would finish fourth in the AFC East.

After the 1999 season, Patriots owner Robert Kraft had a decision to make. Should he stay with Carroll or take a chance on another guy? The decision was to fire Carroll and hire Belichick and, well, the rest has made history.

Next, Carroll took the head job at USC. He spent nine seasons with the Trojans. They won four of five Rose Bowl appearances, among other Bowl games.

So what separates Carroll from Belichick? Well, numbers don’t lie.

In six NFC Divisional Games, Carroll has lost four. He has only one Super Bowl ring. The Seahawks made two consecutive Super Bowls, losing in their second appearance in 2014 to, you guessed it, Bill Belichick.

On the positive end, what makes Carroll number two is his production each season.

Throughout his nine seasons in Seattle, Carroll’s Seahawks have finished first in the NFC West four times. They have only missed the playoffs twice in his tenure.

The “Legion of Boom” era made the Seahawks the team to beat at one point but, like any team, they’ve dealt with injuries to key players. Russell Wilson struggled with an ankle injury to start the 2016 season. To end that same season, Richard Sherman revealed he had been playing on an MCL injury. Carroll was still able to lead his team to first in the NFC West and make the Divisional Game for the sixth time.

The gap between Belichick and Carroll is large, but that is due to taking different paths. Belichick remained in the NFL throughout his entire coaching career, while Carroll spent some time in the college game.

By the time Carroll returned to the NFL in 2010, Belichick and Brady had been on a 10-year run. Carroll was starting from scratch, trying to build a dynasty that the Patriots had long-established by then.

It’s hard to say that if Carroll spent those nine years at USC in the NFL that the coaching gap would be closer. One can assume, however, that it would be the case.

As he closes in on a decade with the Seattle organization, many expect Carroll to only add accolades to his resume. Surely he will give Belichick a run for his money whenever he gets that next opportunity.

Can New England Find Success In Another QB-Receiver Transition With Etling?

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The Patriots are at it again and developing within. Last year’s seventh round draft pick out of LSU, Danny Etling, is making the transition from quarterback to wide receiver. 

There has been success in similar transitions before. Julian Edelman was a quarterback-turned-wide receiver. Edelman, however, made the transition before the draft, not into his professional career. 

So what can be expected from Etling as receiver? Well, for starters, his speed and size is promising.

At 6 foot 3, Etling posted a 4.76 40-time at the combine in 2018. He was in the top five for quarterbacks at the combine, coming in at number four.

His height also give him the slight advantage over a 5 foot 10 Edelman and Phillip Dorsett. However, rookie receiver N’Keal Harry stands at a slightly taller 6 foot 4.

Working alongside the likes of Harry and Edelman will be to Etling’s advantage in this situation. You have a once quarterback-turned-receiver in Edelman who will understand the ins and outs of the process. This will likely offer the most valuable guidance. Not to mention, Edelman is a top receiver in the league and reining Super Bowl MVP.

The best advice for Etling heading into this new avenue will be to stick by Edelman’s side as much as possible. There may not be a better teacher for the kid. 

Harry will be another man Etling will want to learn from if he is to ever get on the receiver rotation. This rookie’s film is impressive itself, but getting the chance to watch him work will be worthwhile for Etling’s transition.

With one year already in the New England system, Etling has another advantage in knowing how this offense operates. Understanding the playbook from a quarterbacks perspective has to give him a slight mental edge. Now, it is a matter of his feet and hands catching up to the challenge.

New England sees the benefits in successfully transitioning Etling to receiver. They can develop a guy that already has some good qualities, like speed and size, and make him a player taylor-made for their system. If successful, this could add good depth to the receiver rotation.

Chances are Etling will not see the field this year as a receiver. As the season goes on and he continues to develop, next year may be his time to get some regular season reps. Right now, Etling should focus on putting his nose to the grindstone and impressing in practice.

The Patriots have a pretty solid duo in Edelman and Harry, a tandem that seems to be a solid bet for the next few years. Dorsett sits at number three, and if Etling impresses in the next year or so he could be competing to take that third slot. But really, any spot on that rotation will be a move in the right direction for him.

It is going to be a hard transition without a doubt, but not impossible. Certainly, it will be interesting to see if Etling can live up to the challenge and find himself on the roster as a receiver.

Patriots Players To Consider Heading Into Fantasy Season

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As football season fast approaches, so does fantasy season. For the Patriots, their fantasy options seem a little more scattered than everyone is used to. The departure of Gronkowski and suspension of Watson leaves a gap in the position. Injuries also bring with them questions on who will be ready to go by the team’s first game. When it comes to picking up a Patriot for your fantasy roster, great consideration must be taken. 

Best picks

Julian Edelman

Heading into this season, Edelman will surely be the receiver with the most catches and fantasy points for the Patriots. Currently he is out with a thumb injury and is expected to miss most of camp. Edelman being out is not much of a concern when it comes to him being on the field week one. Expect him to not only be back, but back to solidify his Super Bowl 53 MVP title.

In both PPR and Standard fantasy leagues, Edleman is a solid choice and will contribute great numbers each week. Chances are he will remain available through the entirety of the first round and second, but if you’re trying to establish a strong wide receiver duo, plan accordingly.

James White

The Patriots did a good job of utilizing White and Michel in the back field last season. White will be participating in camp and with the possibility of Michel’s injury impacting the start of his season, White will obviously share more of the RB responsibility. 

While there are other running backs that will be snatched before White, he is a great second back to keep in mind. Last season he had 87 receptions for 751 yards, and 94 rush attempts for 425 yards. He maintains solid numbers that will surely contribute to any good RB duo.

Tom Brady 

There is not much to be explained here. Brady is consistent, and that is why he has six Super Bowl rings. The man’s numbers are not always top of the fantasy leaderboard, but he is reliable in almost any game and for many rosters this season, that is enough. 

Mid-Round

N’Keal Harry

Grabbing a rookie early is (almost) always a nerve-racking move. Harry’s film doesn’t lie, the kid is bound for great things in New England. However, given that this is the former Sun Devil’s first year in the league, fantasy-wise, you should not put all your eggs in this basket.

Drafting Harry as your second WR or someone to rotate in is the better choice. Being behind Edelman, he is surely not going to be Brady’s favorite target from the jump. Give the kid some time to adjust to the league, and the points may start to reel their way in. 

Sony Michel

Most know by now that Michel is out on PUP for what looks like most of training camp, if not more. Michel had a breakout rookie season rotating in with White, which makes him a quality second back. If he comes back from injury in top shape, he could be a good guy to have on your team.

What might be the threat to Michel’s RB-2 status in fantasy and on the Patriots roster may not be an injury, however, it may be the guy up next.

Damien Harris

The Patriots third-round 2019 draft pick is a solid back from Alabama. Harris is undoubtedly using Michel’s injury as an opportunity to try and snag that RB-2 spot. Michel missing from camp might be the chance for Harris to show Belichick and McDaniels what he can do.

This also creates an opportunity for Harris to show fantasy drafters what he can do. It seems unlikely at the moment that Harris is going to replace Michel under any circumstance, but then again, anything is possible in the NFL. Harris is a kid to keep your eye on this training camp because he might just surprise you.

Other guys to keep in mind

Benjamin Watson

With the departure of Gronkowski, the tight end spot blew wide open. Veteran Ben Watson came out of his brief retirement to sign with a team newly in need of some big-man help. The pros of a veteran tight end is the experience, but the cons is the wear and tear on the body.

Watson is a risky take because he will be serving a four game suspension to start the season for a substance violation. It seems likely that he will be utilized when he is back, but the question becomes how much and how often?

Phillip Dorsett

A reliable guy, but by no means Brady’s favorite target, Dorsett might be a late round guy to think about. Dorsett has come up clutch in many situations and proven a solid man in the WR-3 spot. If you’re looking for a receiver to keep around on your bench, he might be a good choice. 

Matt LaCosse

With Watson’s suspension to start the season, tight end Matt LaCosse might slip into the first spot on the roster. He’s 26, played on a few different teams, but has not seen the results that Patriots fans would hope for in a starting guy.

The upside to LaCosse is that he is joining one of the most solidified offenses in the game. If he can learn the system well, connect with Brady but be the big man up front when needed, he might find his place in New England. He is not a guy to fight for, just someone to think about in the later rounds of your draft.

The Men Behind Some Of Tom Brady’s Firsts

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It is easy to talk about the Tom Brady that everyone knows now. The records have all been set and more remain within reach, but at one time, Brady was not a record holder. Brady was not arguably the greatest in the world. 

In 2001, Brady stepped into the starting quarterback spot for the Patriots after Drew Bledsoe was injured during a week two matchup against the Jets. The young quarterback was just given an opportunity to make a name for himself in the league. 

Most know the story of Brady’s rise to football stardom, but many do not some of the people that were first to contribute or try to get in the way of it.

First Touchdown Pass: Terry Glenn, Wide Receiver

Week 5, 2001

Tom Brady and Terry Glenn, coming from opposing Big Ten schools, came together to help lift the Patriots out of a 1-3 start to the season. The pair had an unusual beginning to their season before that play. Glenn came off the bench from a four-game substance-abuse suspension. And Brady, well, everyone knows how that story goes. In this game, Glenn caught a 21-yard pass to record Brady’s first touchdown pass.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Gleen played at home for The Ohio State Buckeyes. The walk-on received the Biletnikoff Award for being one of the top college receivers. He was the Patriots seventh pick in the first round of the 1996 draft. Once in the league, he played 11 seasons for the Patriots, Packers, and Cowboys. 

The wide receiver had a troubled personal life outside of football. He often found himself in trouble with the law, issues spawning from domestic violence to public intoxication and auto theft. Glenn’s life came to a tragic end in 2017 at age 43 in a rollover car accident. He left behind children and a fiance, who was injured in the accident. 

First Sack: Brad Scioli, Defensive End

Week 6, 2001

Another first, another former Big Ten player. Scioli was in his third season with the Colts. The defensive end was up against a young, seemingly unknown quarterback who just stepped into the position. And when it was time to make a big play, it was Scioli that got that first sack. 

Originally from Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, Scioli stayed in-state to play at the college level, playing for a tough Penn State program headed by Joe Paterno. He finished his degree in hotel, restaurant, and institutional management and was then drafted in the fifth round by the Colts in 1999. His NFL career was spent in Indianapolis before injuries forced his retirement in 2004. 

Following his exit from the league, Scioli went into teaching. He received a teaching certification from West Chester University and received a master’s from Wilkes University. Eventually, Scioli moved back home and is now working for the Upper Merion Area School District. 

First Interception: Denard Walker, Safety 

Week 6, 2001

This 2001 Patriots team was on the edge of turning their season around, and up next on their to-do list was Denver. While the Patriots maintained a lead to start the game, the Broncos won it in a strong second-half effort. Many big plays helped the mile-high team secure their comeback, including the play made by Walker, causing Brady’s first interception of his career. 

Denard Walker was born in Dallas Texas and attended LSU. He was drafted in the third round of the 1997 NFL draft to the Tennessee Oilers and was with the team as they became the Tennessee Titans. Walker bounced from the Titans to the Broncos, next to the Vikings and ended his career with the Raiders in 2005.

Gronk-Brady Workout Amps Up Return Rumors

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Patriots fans thought they got what they have been wishing for this week. Now-retired Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski had a private throwing session at UCLA on Monday with his favorite quarterback, Tom Brady.  The Patriots remain one of the favorites to win Super Bowl LIV even without Gronkowski. If your’e thinking of placing a bet on the Patriots, be sure to check out these sportsbook reviews.

In the Los Angeles area for a charity basketball game, Gronkowski told TMZ Sports that Brady needed someone to throw to and, of course, “[Brady] calls Mr. Reliable Robbie G the one and only!”

Gronkowski, 30, announced his retirement in March after weeks of speculation following Super Bowl 53. The Gronk-Brady reunion on the field has Pats fans praying for a possible return. 

There are many factors that would go into a return for Gronkowski. The number one concern is his health. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound phenom has experienced a multitude of injuries dating back before his professional career. 

Gronkowski missed his junior season at Arizona in 2009 due to back surgery. During his nine seasons in the NFL Gronkowski has suffered various injuries to his ankle, left arm, right knee, hamstring, groin and once again to his back. Being The Man and a constant target, however, helped to sustain these injuries.

Gronk often received double coverage in order for teams to cover a man of his height and size. Toward the end of his career, the tight end was utilized more as a blocker. Going up against 250-plus pound men surely increased the toll taken to his body.

With no rush to get back on the field, Gronkowski can spend time caring for his body. Gronkowski MIGHT want another go at the game if his body can feel better than it did when he left the league. 

While the evaluation of his injury history seems bleak, all hope for Gronk’s return isn’t lost. According to Gronkowski’s girlfriend, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model Camille Kostek, with Rob anything is possible.

“He is someone who likes to mess around,” Kostek told Extra back in May. “I think he is messing with everybody, then again he stumps me all the time so who knows? He could be pulling this out of the woodwork at some time. I would love to see him out there, but I am also respecting him taking this time for himself, healing up his body, and enjoying the time off.”

Right now, Gronk remains retired and it doesn’t seem like it is going to change before the season begins. But maybe, just maybe, hanging out with Tom Brady will give the 30-year-old some beneficial tips on how to beat father time.