Author Archives: @jeffjardine3

About @jeffjardine3

Living as a PhC in Eastern Canada but living a dream as a Boston Sports Writer. Have been a fan since early 80s so have seen this dynasty develop and flourish. Enjoy my funny yet serious take on the Pats and Red Sox

What Does McAvoy’s SVT Diagnosis Mean to the Bruins?

Leave a reply

Well life has a funny way of putting things into perspective for us sometimes. Imagine being Charlie McAvoy of the Bruins and recently being diagnosed with a heart condition called SVT. McAvoy is young, in great shape, and playing defense for one of the storied franchises in the NHL. Then pow.

In this article, I will tell fans of Bruin Nation what exactly is SVT. Also, I will tell you all about how it is treated and what is the prognosis for McAvoy and his hockey career.

(Via www.thehockeynews.com)

What Exactly is SVT?

The heart condition SVT, or supraventricular tachycardia, is where a person’s normal heart rate is accelerated and maintained at this level. An average person has a resting heart rate of about eighty beats per minute, whereas a person with SVT would have a resting rate of over one hundred. In many cases this is not a condition that can be easily detected. The signs and symptoms for it are pretty average for just not feeling well. Typically, a person suffering from SVT would experience: light-headedness, dizziness, fatigue, and general malaise. I believe in the case of the Bruins’ McAvoy, he was just a really lucky soul to find this when he did.

In more severe cases, it is possible for a person’s heart to stop beating temporarily and cause something called syncope. With the case of syncope a person would basically pass out and when they awake they would be quite disoriented. This would be a little bit like the case of the Stars’ Rich Peverley years ago, which turned out to be a little more serious.

SVT can be caused by a number of issues that are both in and out of the person’s control. Things such as heart disease, thyroid disorders, blood clots, and hardening of the arteries are some of the more serious causes of SVT. There are other causes such as drug abuse, caffeine intake, and smoking that can be controlled by the person.

How is it Detected?

As with most heart conditions, the person is usually given an ECG (electrocardiogram) to detect what the issue may be. In the case of SVT, the heart rate would be generally normal heart rhythm.  For short periods of time during the testing, the person’s heart rate would spike to the SVT level even without any change in activity. The amount of times that the SVT is detected and the severity of the spike can figure in the treatment.

Other methods of detection of SVT can include: an ultrasound, a stress test, and dye tests as well. It just depends on the doctors and there is no test that is superior but the ECG is definitely the most commonly used.

Treatment of SVT

Once the SVT is actually detected in a person like McAvoy, it is key to figure out if there has been damage suffered. Fortunately in the case of the Bruins’ D man, he has many factors working in his favour. McAvoy is young, in great shape, and had no previous history of any heart related issues. All of these things are nothing but bonuses for the young Bruins’ D man and his long-term future.

The main treatment after verifying the diagnosis of SVT is to make sure that the condition does not flare up. As serious as this condition can be in some people, I expect McAvoy to live a long healthy life. Detection in the early stages and not requiring any cardiac operative procedures will mean that McAvoy will be just fine.

The Bruins’ young defenseman will likely just have to take a couple of medications to control this condition. Most patients would take a medication called a beta-blocker to control heart rate and another to manage heart rhythm. All things considered, things will be just fine for the Bruins’ (and possibly the NHL’s) rookie of the year. Let’s bring that Cup home to where it belongs.

 

Cover image courtesy of ESPN.

How Do You Beat Brady and The Hoodie ?

Leave a reply

I think it is time to ask the question again that many NFL teams have been asking themselves for years.  The pressing question is “How do you beat Brady and the Hoodie?”  The answer is really not complicated, but it is the execution that’s so difficult.  In this article I will elaborate a little further to show you why Brady and the Hoodie make such a formidable tandem.

 

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

The Real Answer is Quite Simple

If you really want to beat Tom Brady and Bill Belichick then you just need to out- work them.  See what I mean, it is not a complicated answer so why does it not happen more?  The reason why it is hard to out-work TB12 and Coach B is that they constantly work and try to improve.  Their sheer dedication and desire to  to win and improve makes them just so damn good.

Think about how dedicated you would have to be to win and improve if you were Tom Brady.  He has already won more then almost anyone else that has ever played in the NFL, so why the desire?  That is the intangible that makes Brady better then anyone that has ever played the QB position in the league’s history.  The very same thing can be said about Bill Belichick when it comes to wanting to win and improve.  Both of these men still have as much desire as they have did when they joined the league.

You Just Have To Out Work Them

As I have been saying, the way to beat Brady and the Hoodie is to just out-work them.  That is such a simple but impossible thing to actually accomplish though.  It is your off day as an NFL player, and you decide that you are going to hang out with some buddies.  This is where you have already lost. Tom Brady is at home with his clicker in hand watching video of your team.  Tom has looked at every defensive scheme your team can use against him.  Not only that, but already figuring out how to beat them as well.  That is why Tom Brady is a winner and your team comes close but does not win.

Coach Belichick is a man that constantly studies football.  Coach does not spend any time using all that social media like Snapface, because he has better things to do.  There is not a scenario that Coach B and his other coaches are not prepared for when playing the game.  The best team in the NFL at making adjustments at all points of the game is Belichick’s Patriots.  BB is always the next move ahead of you, which makes beating him very difficult to anticipate.  It is evident to anyone watching that Brady and Belichick are playing chess and the others are playing checkers.

 

Do You Have The Dedication To Beat Them?

The biggest question that opposing players and coaches have to ask themselves is “are we dedicated enough?”.  Unless you are not willing to put in more work than ever then you cannot expect to win.  The tandem of Brady and Belichick are just willing to out work anyone and everyone in their path.  You would have to expect to lose unless you can match their dedication and work.  Both of these men have forgotten more then most players and coaches will ever remember about football, period.  Unless you have the dedication to give your blood, sweat, and tears to the sport then you will just come close but not win as much as you think.

 

 

James Harrison: The Savior of The Pats’ Defense

Leave a reply

There are lots of cliches that could be used in this article, but “if you can’t beat them, then join them” could top the list.  It’s just a small part of the story which brought James Harrison to the Patriots.  The clown show that runs the Steelers thought that Harrison was done.  Pittsburgh thought his best days were long gone, but as we saw Sunday, wrong again Steelers.  Let me tell you why I feel that Harrison could become the savior of the beaten up Pats’ defense.

Via The Big Lead

Some Players Just Want To Win

The fact that James Harrison was cut by the Steelers seemed like a strange development to me.  Harrison terrified me when the Patriots played the Steelers.  The Steelers told the media that Harrison would not contribute much and they didn’t plan to play him.  Unless they live under a rock, they would see that Harrison is a workout monster.  His workouts include a game of volleyball using medicine balls.   Just picture that for a minute.  The Steelers also declared Harrison as too old and did not fit their schemes anymore. As you can see in the photo above, age does not matter if you are great.  Harrison evidently has a sense of humor as well. The picture above on his Instagram was followed with “finally a teammate older then me.”

Harrison wants to win and wants to play where he can contribute.  Watching Harrison on Sunday, he wants to win and hasn’t lost too many steps at all.  In limited playing time Sunday against the Jets, Harrison recorded five tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.  Does that sound like a player that has lost anything or does not want to play anymore?  Imagine when Harrison  learns the defense and his teammates better.  Be afraid, be very afraid.

 

Harrison  — The Piece The Pats D Has Lacked

Every team in the NFL has injuries.  Not exactly a newsflash there.  The Patriots have certainly had their fair share, if not more then a few other teams.  Already missing some key defensive players like Hightower made the Pats’ D vulnerable. James Harrison will give us a solid and sustained pass rush which has been an issue for the Pats.  Other then Trey Flowers and blitzing occasionally, the Pats have not posed a threat to the opposition’s QB.  Sunday could mark the turning point for this dilemma the D has faced all season.  James Harrison, inserted after minimal practice,  looks like the scary monster of the past.  He looks like the defensive savior we have needed this season.

The opponents of the Patriots now have consider potential pass rushes from both sides.  Flowers on one side and Harrison on the other is not an easy puzzle for any team to solve.  I think James Harrison may have just saved the Patriots in the one true area of vulnerability.  Our pass rush issues did not seem like much of a problem on Sunday.  Granted, we played the the Jets, but I do not think it would have mattered a great deal who it would have been.

 

Could Harrison Be ‘The Guy’?

It is a lot to ask for one player, but in his own way he joins the roster in the nick of time.  Isn’t it the Patriot Way to take players with something to prove and give them a platform to do it?  Harrison joins the likes of Randy Moss, Rodney Harrison and others players that have found a new home in Foxboro.  It is hard to believe after watching Sunday that Harrison will do anything but get better.

I would like to formally thank the Pittsburgh Steelers for allowing us to have James Harrison.  Once the Steelers find their way to winter vacations before the Super Bowl, they will realize that this was a stupid move on their part.  James, we are so glad to have you and look forward to you looking Goodell in the eyes in February.  I am sure that Goodell will just love handing you the Lombardi trophy and we will love seeing you hoist it as our savior.

Why Brady Is Better Than Eli — Period

Leave a reply

I don’t know about you, but I am sick and tired of all the talk about Eli Manning this week. His team is playing like a bunch of pylons and Coach McAdoo decides to bench Eli Manning. Personally, that’s like firing the engine room guy when it’s the coach steering the ship. Also, with this benching there has been a lot of talk from Giants’ fans how Eli is better than Tom Brady. Well, other than the two Super Bowl victories over the Patriots, there is not really anything for a comparison.

Bitter Giants’ fans are trying to use the two Super Bowl victories over Brady to make this ridiculous statement. I think there is no way you can even attempt to make a statement like that. You first need to compare their careers overall and not just two games. That is why I will show you once and for all that Brady is the GOAT and Eli is just a sad sheep.

 

IT’S LIKE COMPARING APPLES AND ORANGES

The best analogy I can think of when comparing Eli Manning to Tom Brady is that it’s like comparing apples to oranges. Yes, both of these players are quarterbacks who have won Super Bowls and have had long careers. Manning is entering his 14th NFL season and has had a very solid career. Eli Manning has won two Super Bowls (both over the Brady-led Patriots), and has put up some impressive career stats. He has passed for more than 50,000 yards in his career and also for 334 touchdowns, which are both impressive milestones. Manning has also been the reigning NFL iron man for quarterbacks, with 212 straight starts since his career began. All in all, I would give Eli a career grade of B+, or maybe even an A-.

Now Giants’ fans are trying to say that Eli is better than Tom. This is why it’s not true. Brady has won five Super Bowls, more than the entire Manning family, including their father Archie.  That should be enough to win all comparisons all by itself but I have much more. Tom is playing in his 18th season in the NFL and plays better now then he likely ever has. Eli can’t say the same thing in that regard.

Before all of you Giants’ fans and Brady haters go even more nuts, think of this. Tom has dealt with as many injured players and issues if not more than Eli ever did. Tom and the Patriots played most of last season without Gronk and won the Super Bowl. Brady played most of last week’s game with a third-string player on his offensive line and threw for four touchdowns. Eli is without Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall this season, and that is tough for sure. Brady is without Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, and the list goes on. That excuse is just that; a sad reason to explain why Eli is declining or at least slowing down.

There are a couple of other stats that make this whole foolish comparison a moot point as well. The biggest stat that leaves no doubt that Brady is so much better than Eli is the number of respective wins. Brady has the most wins in NFL history by any quarterback, including the post season. Brady’s 217 regular-season wins and 25 post-season wins are just marks that may not ever be matched. How can you even think that Eli is in that class, let alone ahead of Brady? Manning has 118 wins, so just digest that stat for a minute. Brady is ahead of him by almost 100 wins, the equivalent of winning out including playoffs for five straight years.

Another stat that Eli is far behind Brady in would be their career TD/INT ratios. Eli has thrown an impressive 334 TD passes over his career but has amassed 222 INTs also. Tom Brady has thrown a jaw dropping 482 career TD passes and only 155 INTs over his playing time. Brady has significantly more TD passes, and not just because he has played longer. The fact that Brady has played quite a bit longer with only  he only 155 INTs, almost 70 less than Manning, is amazing.

(Mexico City 11/19/17) New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady congratulates wide receiver Brandin Cooks’s touchdown during the third quarter of the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Azteca Stadium on Sunday, November 19, 2017. Staff Photo by Matt Stone

NOT A FAIR FIGHT

Besides the number of Super Bowl appearances and wins versus Manning, there is another reason why Brady is just plain better. You will never see Tom Brady complain to the media or anyone that he does not have the tools to do his job. I honestly think that Brady could have a great season with only using other teams’ players that they released from their rosters. There is no way you could ever say the same thing about Eli Manning.

Tom Brady also realised that he must stay in fantastic shape to be able to play at age 40.  And Brady is not just playing at age 40, he’s excelling. He remains one of the front-runners for the league MVP this season. He has adapted his playing style to bounce around in the pocket to allow his receivers to get open. Eli Manning has the agility of a refrigerator and is just a sitting duck in the pocket.

Before all of you Giants’ fans and haters go off on a tangent of saying that Brady plays in the weak AFC East, just hang on a minute. Brady also plays in the AFC, which has been the stronger conference in the NFL for some time. The AFC contains teams like the Steelers, Ravens, Chiefs, Raiders, Bengals, who have been consistently solid for many years during Brady’s career. The NFC usually has the Packers, Seahawks, Saints and maybe one team for the NFC East be solid every season. It is just not a fair fight to say that where you play makes that much difference.

The NFL schedule is also weighted, where the better you finish the previous season gives you a harder time next year. The Patriots won the Super Bowl last year and are at a record of 9-2 at this point of their schedule. It has not been a cake walk and the team and the Patriots are dealing with a boat load of injuries and not missing a beat. Can Eli Manning and the Giants say anything like that? I didn’t think so, but thanks for trying.

Before Giants’ fans or Brady haters start spreading fertilizer all over social media, they should check their facts. The only thing that matters is the W and Tom continues to put those up regardless. You do not see him whining about things other players or his coaches are doing. You certainly wouldn’t see him crying in the locker room about it to the media. Get used to it people, you hate us cuz you ain’t us and that’s about it.

 

 

Jardine’s Means : How We Will Beat the Bills

Leave a reply

Fresh off a lovely victory over the very sad, chippy Miami Dolphins and we are “on to the Bills”. I have a question for everyone: how is Suh still allowed to play in the NFL? Sorry I digress, and back to the matter at hand. The Patriots play this coming Sunday against the Buffalo Bills and their multiple personalities. Will the Patriots be facing the scrappy Bills team that just defeated the Chiefs? Or will they be facing the squad that looked like a bad high school team and were passing out interceptions like Santa passes out presents? Either way, it will require a solid game plan to take this Bills team down. Let me tell you what I feel are the keys to defeating the Bills and keeping our winning streak alive.

AS USUAL IT STARTS WITH BRADY

The key for the Patriots to beat any team is to rely on Tom Brady. That is not exacting rocket science to come up with that little tidbit. Basically the Patriots will be as good as Brady is, which is stellar most days. Tom Brady’s success may also be predicated on the running game being efficient. Against the chippy Dolphins, RB Dion Lewis ran for 112 yards and opened up the passing game. By controlling the ball with the run, the passing game and the play action will shred the Bills.

Once the run is established, expect the Patriots to pick apart the Bills with their passing game. The Bills tend to play a huge amount of basic zone coverages such as Cover 2, and Cover 3 in their defense. This defense is key if the Bills are able to get some pressure on Brady. If the Bills are not able to put pressure on Brady then this game will be an air show and the Bills will get whooped.

KEEP THE BILLS’ D LINE IN CHECK

The Bills are going to try desperately to get to Tom Brady and disrupt his rhythm. This also sounds like a broken record, but it is the key to the Bills’ defensive success. Being a little vulnerable in the defensive secondary, the Bills need to get pressure on Brady.  The Bills also need to stack the box and stay close to the line to control any running game.

It goes without saying, Brady and friends should be well prepared for the Bills and what they may bring. Brady has more weapons on offence then some nations have in their armouries to defend a country. Picking just the right weapon to go to is what Brady does so well and has for about a hundred years.

If Brady is getting a lot of pressure then expect to see a lot of screen passes and a lot of short crossing patterns. This allows Brady to get rid of the ball quickly and gain positive yards. Having the blocking of our O-line on point, then expect some of these Bills’ line rushes to be met with gashing running plays. Having Brady keep the Buffalo’s D line off-balance should allow for another Patriots’ victory.

For the Patriots want to wear out an opponent’s D line, then there is only one answer. All that would be required to wear out the Buffalo defense is up tempo no huddle. This mantra of mine seems to wear out defenses, limit substitutions, and allow the Pats to get the lead.  Let’s hope the Pats just do this and do not require me screaming at my TV.

STOPPING MCCOY AND CONTAINING TAYLOR

When drawing up a game plan to face an opponent, the Patriots’ staff tend to focus on one or two players to stop. The theory is that it would be harder for the other players to beat them then it would be for the stars. In the case of Buffalo, the Patriots will have to stop Shady McCoy and all of the aspects that he brings to the Bills’ offence. McCoy is a great runner and also one of the better backs in the NFL at pass catching. I would expect McCoy to be the personal assignment of Patrick Chung who will try to disrupt McCoy’s day. I also expect that McCoy will see a lot of Devin McCourty as well depending on the play.

The Bills’ starting QB Tyrod Taylor can be a dangerous weapon for their offence. If Taylor is allowed to scramble around and keep the Patriots’ defense off-balance then he will be quite effective.  Lessening Taylor’s impact on the game is key. Taylor must be forced to be a passer first. Also by keeping contain on Taylor, the Patriots limit the damage he can do with his legs. Taylor is better passer then he was when he first started in the league, but it is still his weakest aspect.

CLOSING WITH A VICTORY

If the Patriots’ coaching staff prepares their team like they always do then I like their chances. Taking what the defense gives you and executing is the key to Brady’s game. Controlling the tempo of the game with the up tempo, no huddle should allow the Pats to come away this Sunday with another victory. I guess we will all just have to tune in and find out for sure, but I like our chances.

 

 

 

Is This the End of the Legion of Boom?

Leave a reply

If you have been an NFL fan for a number of years, you likely have witnessed some great team defenses. Going back a few years, there was the Steel Curtain of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 70’s and more recently the Ravens with Ray Lewis and Co. In more recent times, one of the most feared defensive units has been the Seattle Seahawks’ Legion of Boom.

This once feared unit has taken quite a hit this season and could be nearing it’s end. With season-ending injuries to Richard Sherman (achilles) and more recently Kam Chancellor (neck, back, spine), they have been greatly depleted. These two perennial All-Pro players might just be a portion of this unit, but they are a vital part. Personally, I feel like these injuries will be the beginning of the end.

 

Once a Blueprint for Any Defense

For the better part of the last five or six seasons, the Seattle Seahawks’ defense has been very formidable. Over this time they have developed the nickname of the Legion of Boom, and for good reason. This unit has been near the top in fewest yards allowed, points allowed, and punishing hits given out for quite some time. With great players like Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, Cliff Avril, and Michael Bennett, this unit was deep and dangerous. This same unit added Sheldon Richardson from the Jets this season and looked like they might be invincible. As it turns out, this is definitely not the case. As a matter of fact, not even this great unit is immune to the injury bug.

Injuries That Really Hurt

The Seattle Seahawks’ defense had been pretty good this season but not really up to their standards of the past. Things changed drastically recently with the season ending achilles injury to CB Richard Sherman. Taking away any team’s shut down corner can hurt a defense, but an All-Pro is an even bigger hit. This injury suffered by Sherman will keep him out till at least training camp of next season. That is a big blow for the Seahawks’ defense but a bigger blow was to come soon after.

Within the last week it turns out that SS Kam Chancellor will likely miss the rest of the season as well with a severe neck injury. Chancellor, the heart and soul of the Legion of Boom, had been reporting “neck stingers” initially. Stingers are just that a stinging, burning, throbbing sensation felt when there has been pressure applied to the nerves in the injured area. Normally this sensation goes away after anywhere from a few minutes to a few days at the most. This injury turns out that it is much more then just a “stinger” as formerly reported. The closest injury to this in recent times is the injury that was suffered by Peyton Manning. Peyton required neck surgery which kept him out for an entire season with the Colts.

The way that Chancellor plays is probably the biggest reason that he sustained this kind of injury. This Legion member played the position like a linebacker because he was bigger then most safeties. When Chancellor hit you, you were the bug and Chancellor was the windshield. He hit you with the intention of making sure you remember. An opposing player might think twice before coming his way again. This thunderous wear and tear is the thing that likely caused his injury he is suffering with now. In my opinion, he is going to require surgery to repair this issue he is having.  If things go well he should fully recover. An injury like the one that Chancellor has suffered could easily be career threatening, and in this case I think it may just be.

 

Can They Come Back the Same as They Were?

Both of these players are phenomenal athletes, but they have sustained some serious injuries. Can they possibly come back the same as they always were as players? I would never say never, but I don’t think I would bet on it happening in this case. Both of these players are going to be 30 years old next season, and that is not young in the NFL. Playing the positions that they do, and facing the long stretches of rehab ahead of them it will be very tough to come back the same.

Do not be surprised if one or both of these players seriously considers retirement from the NFL. Sherman is a very smart, Stanford educated man and could easily end up in another safer career. Chancellor would have to give retirement a serious thought as well. His injury is quite scary for him to try and resume playing the position that he does. I really do think this is the beginning of the end of the Legion of Boom. I guess only time will tell for certain if this is true.

What Bennett’s Rotator Cuff Injury Means for the Patriots

Leave a reply

If you are an NFL fan then you likely have heard that Martellus Bennett is back in New England. The big, fun loving tight end was picked up by the Patriots on November 9th after being released by the Packers. The reason why Bennett was released is that he has a confirmed torn rotator cuff. Before you all say “oh great another broken player”, let’s look at this for what it is. I will tell you how I feel that Bennett will play through this injury and help the Patriots win.

in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

WHAT CAN MARTY GIVE THE PATRIOTS ?

I sincerely do feel that Martellus Bennett, who could be called one of the world’s largest cheerleaders, is going to play through his rotator cuff injury. The reason why I feel that Marty can do this is fairly simple. The tear that Bennett is experiencing is located where the tendon that holds the muscles of your shoulder stable. Does this sound sore? Oh yes it does and speaking from experience it is. He can play through this injury because of the fact that he does not have to throw. The rotator cuff is more for stability of the shoulder muscles when using a throwing motion.

Now that the Patriots have two QBs I do not think Bennett will be needed. Also, the Patriots have Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, and Jacob Hollister which could easily allow Bennett to manage his snaps. Bennett would not have to do a huge amount of blocking and could be used only as desired by the offense.

A few of the movements that Bennett would be using will be painful. Catching passes over his head and lifting his arms out to full extension will be painful but definitely not anything he could not play through. I do believe that blocking would be the roughest as the muscles would be pushed hard and not be as stable as usual. This would be something that Bennett would be able to manage and handle I believe.

IF THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A MANAGEABLE INJURY, THIS IS IT.

The rotator cuff injury, as I have said, is somewhat manageable so I say that he plays. If the Patriots and Bennett manage his snaps and allow him to play in the “safest” situation possible, then he can play. The other positive about this, if there is such a thing with an injury, is that Bennett should not be able to hurt this any worse by playing. As long as he gets the proper attention before, during, and after games then I think the “Imagination Agency” is back open for business in New England.

Bringing a player into the fold at this point of the season is normally very difficult. In this situation, you are bringing back a player who was there just last year. Picking up the plays won’t be that hard for Bennett. Definitely one of the hardest parts will be finding out how good Bennett’s snaps can be managed. Bennett’s pain tolerance is also going to be tested as well. Like I said before, I had this injury and played varsity rugby for an entire season. Yes it was painful, but so is the game in general.

Bennett will likely receive a dose of “Dr. Feelgood” before games to help him manage the pain. The whole concoction is not as sinister as it sounds. Players can often receive a pregame injection of a drug called Toradol (ketorolac) mixed with lidocaine. Ketorolac is the strongest non-narcotic pain reliever available, and also legal. Toradol can often be mixed with lidocaine which is a local anesthetic in the same family as Novocaine (that your dentist uses) to deaden pain also. This injection works almost immediately and should last for the entire game.

WHY WE REALLY NEED BENNETT BACK !!

The main reason the Patriots could use Bennett back is to help with our red-zone TD conversions. The Patriots have been settling for too many field goals and keeping games closer then they should be. The Patriots need another tall big target in the red-zone will also take pressure off of Gronk and should also help open up some other plays.

Bennett is also a helluva lot of fun to have around. He is not a dull player to have on your roster and can bring a refreshing air of lighthearted fun. Patriot fans have seen that Bennett can be a very serious player but also can be a “riot” depending on what is needed. Let us just hope that the second semester of the “Imagination Academy” ends as good as the first one did.

How Injuries and Actions May Really Hurt the NFL Longterm

Leave a reply

If you are even a marginal NFL fan, you are aware that injuries are a part of the game.  It is a contact sport and injuries are to be expected. During this season in particular, some of the NFL’s biggest stars have suffered season-ending injuries. These injuries have not only hurt those teams, but the NFL itself.  Let me tell you how I feel the NFL will hurt as a league because of these injuries.

 

MANY STARS HAVE FALLEN

This season alone so many of the NFL’s most marketable stars have gotten injured. The list is very long, including Aaron Rodgers, Julian Edelman, Odell Beckham Jr, Deshawn Watson, JJ Watt, and Carson Palmer being some of the most notable. As a fan you might think that this sucks for the player and also for the team as well.  What you might not be aware of is that these injuries to these star players has hurt the NFL.

By taking these players out for the season, it appears that networks have taken notice. Many of the networks that show NFL games such as CBS, ESPN, and NBC have tried to maximize their viewership. They have done this by trying to show games that they feel people will watch. The injuries to star players has made this an incredible challenge. Teams such as Houston, Green Bay, and the Giants have really had a hard time with these key injuries. Just note their records since these injuries occurred if you don’t believe me.

What this is going to do to the NFL in the long run is soon to be noticed. With declining viewership, declining sponsor dollars, and market constraints, the networks will negotiate tough on the next TV deals. The big cash cow that the NFL used to count on will not be as lucrative. This is likely going to cause friction in the next CBA negotiations. I believe this item will be the issue that the owners will try and get the most mileage from. The owners are those very rich men and women that sit in those ritzy boxes and watch games with binoculars. They are more than a little out of touch in my opinion. Just remember Bob McNair’s “can’t have the inmates running the prison” statement if you’re unsure of this.

WHAT WILL IT MEAN FOR THE FANS?

The NFL fan experience will be quite different in the next few years I believe. Some of the league’s most marketable players are getting up there in years. Players such as Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Carson Palmer (who may retire from his current injury), Larry Fitzgerald, etc., are only going to be playing a few more years. Many of these players are some fans’ only link to the NFL.  Once they depart, are the players of today like Cam Newton going to be able to fill the void? If how Newton handles press conferences is any indication, then I would say maybe.

Some of the younger players of today are much more brash and in your face then in years past. Players like Odell Beckham Jr. going on a boat trip right before a playoff game, and the whole Ezekiel Elliott mess are just a couple of examples. Are these players setting examples that you want other players to follow? Are they acting in the best interest of their team, ownership, and fans?  I believe the answer you are looking for is a resounding “HELL NO”.

Many of these players have turned off fans by their actions, and many have cost even themselves (ie. Cam Newton’s comments in a recent press conference cost him sponsorships). Not exactly a role model you want your kids to look up to is it? Their actions are costing themselves now and in the long run with lower viewership.

WOULD YOU BLAME FANS FOR NOT WATCHING?

Some of the actions by a few notable players have hurt the league in the last few years. The actions are one thing, but how the league has handled these actions has turned a lot of people off.  The whole Ray Rice disaster was really the start of things in my opinion. The Greg Hardy issues are also ones that stand out in my mind as poorly handled by the NFL.

If you want people to watch your product and respect your league then handle things like these properly. What is the proper way to handle these things you ask? I believe a small group of middle school students could have made better judgement calls then Commissioner Goodell (aka Peckerhead).

If there is not a better outlook by some of the players and owners then the NFL is going down the crapper. The injuries that have happened this year are unfortunate but they will heal. Let’s hope that the league gets a decent commissioner soon and looks after their affairs in a much more effective and fair manner. If this happens then hopefully we will get to continue to enjoy this great game.

 

 

 

How Diverticulitis Could Slow Down Bruins

Leave a reply

Many people probably had to look up the word diverticulitis when they heard that David Backes of the Bruins had it.  As a health professional, I will give you an idea of what diverticulitis is, and will try and help explain the treatment. When we can expect the big rugged Bruin back on the ice?

 

 

DIVERTICULITIS IS AN INFECTION:

I have been telling everyone I know that what David Backes has is a very curable infection. I am quick to do this is because the infection is misunderstood.  Many people believe that what the Bruin forward has is a form of Crohn’s or Colitis, and that is not true.

Diverticulitis is an infection of an area of your lower digestive system near your bowel called the diverticulum.  The area itself is shaped like a small inlet and often can get infected to a lesser degree.  When the area becomes more intensely infected you get some very serious symptoms.  It often presents with pain upon eating anything, bowel difficulties(mainly diarrhea), and a great deal of pain.  This is why it is often mistaken for the chronic disease Crohn’s, as the symptoms are somewhat similar.  This infection can be picked up more easily by some people then another.  The big thing is how well your system clears it away before it intensifies.  In severe cases, it requires an operation, but fortunately not very often.

The way to differentiate is a stool test. This looks for infection, and is often how a diagnosis is made.  I am unsure what the exact antibiotic regimen Backes would be taking, but it will be standard.  It is treated with a cocktail of two antibiotics (often ciprofloxacin and metronidazole), and a low dose course of steroids. This would aid in getting rid of the infection and lessening the discomfort.  You must be careful to not use too many pain relievers because they can alter bowel function as well.

The kicker with this infection is that the patient would not be able to eat much until the treatment is into the fourth or fifth day. This is why the rugged Bruins forward is expected to be out 3-4 weeks.  The normal treatment is usually 14 days of straight antibiotics, and starting soft and non solid foods as tolerated.  It’s hard to keep your strength up until resume a normal diet.

 

GETTING BACK INTO GAME SHAPE:

Once being able to resume a normal diet, he will need to return to his usual game form.  A professional athlete cannot be deprived of food for that period of time, then expect to feel ready to go.  Once he can comfortably skate and train again, it will likely take 7-10 days for Backes to get back into limited game action.

Providing that all of the steps of his recovery goes well, we should see the Bruin forward back on the ice in a couple of weeks. It is a nasty infection, but should not be a recurring problem.  Once cleared from his system, Backes should be able to get back to his old cranky self.  He will have to be monitored for recurrence, but should not be a problem.

 

Here’s to wishing the big Bruin a speedy recovery, and seeing him back on the ice soon! Better now than at playoff time, when his loss would be huge.

 

Check out more articles by our great writers at BostonSportsExtra.com

 

 

Patriots’ Player Profile : Stephon Gilmore

Leave a reply

Hello everyone, I am embarking on a new feature for BostonSportsExtra and PatriotsExtra.  We will have a weekly profile of a Patriots’ player so you can get to know more about the individuals on the team.  This week features one of the newest Patriots, cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

 

INTRODUCTION

Stephon Stiles Gilmore was born on September 19, 1990 in Rock Hill, South Carolina.  Gilmore went on to play high school and college football in his home state.  Gilmore was voted third team all-American in 2011 and first team SEC 2010-2011.  The Buffalo Bills drafted him in the first round (tenth overall) in 2012.

Gilmore went signed one of the richer free-agent contracts in Patriots’ history this past off season.  Gilmore signed a five-year, $65M dea,l making him one of the highest paid defensive players on the team.  This is coming off his last season with the Bills where Gilmore was voted to his first Pro Bowl.  Gilmore also gained notoriety this season in mini camp for his feisty play. Both he and Julian Edelman were thrown out of practice for fighting on August 1st.

Gilmore has teamed up this season with Malcolm Butler to form one of the more formidable CB tandems in the league.  Before you crucify me or them, it is only the first month of the season.  Time should show that this signing was a very good one for both the short and long term of the defense.  Gilmore, a great tackler, has averaged three interceptions a season, which I expect to go up this year.

PERSONAL DETAILS

Stephon Gilmore married his college sweetheart, Gabrielle Glenn, who he met at the University of South Carolina.  She was a member of the track team as a sprinter.  They currently plan to spend their off season time in South Carolina as well.

OFF THE FIELD

Gilmore has a reputation for his feisty behavior on the field, but it turns out Gilmore can be feisty off as well.  Gilmore quickly dissed his former team (the Bills–who doesn’t) after signing this off season.  “My friends and family will actually see me play on TV” highlighted one of his first quotes to the media.  Gilmore can trash talk with the best of them,  and has quick wit on and off of the field.

Otherwise, Gilmore tries to maintain a low profile and hangs out with his new defensive-back mates at least once a week.  They get together as a group and have dinner or do something at one of their houses.  They all say that this brings them closer together and helps with team bonding.

Hope you guys enjoyed my first ever Patriots’ player profile. Check out BostonSportsExtra.com and PatriotsExtra.com for a new profile each week.  Thanks again and Go Patriots.