Author Archives: @stevea1127

About @stevea1127

I'm 25 from Taunton Ma and have a passion for sports especially Boston. My strong sports are MLB and the NFL. I'm hoping to get a job in sports writing someday.

Boston Sports Extra at the Bill Belichick Foundation Event

Leave a reply

Great event at the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center

Last night was a great event benefiting the Bill Belichick Foundation. The Foundation provides coaching, mentorship, and financial support to individuals, communities, and organizations. The Belichick Foundation also has scholarships, and grants to give college students who are excelling academically while participating in athletics.

This was the fifth year of the Hall of Fame Huddle event and it was a baseball theme. Major League Baseball Hall Of Famers Joe Torre, Tony La Russa, and Jim Thome were the guests. Bill Belichick and the Executive Director of the Bill Belichick Foundation Linda Holliday were the hosts. Scott Zolak kicked things off with a great introduction to Bill Belichick. Former Patriot Jerod Mayo auctioned lots of great items such as trips to the ALCS playoff packages.

It Was A Baseball-Themed Event

Tony La Russa was a three-time World Series Champion. Four times he won Manager of the Year and is a Hall of Famer. Joe Torre was a four-time World Series Champion and a Hall Of Famer. He was also a two-time Manager of the Year award winner. Finally, Jim Thome is a Hall Of Fame Inductee for the class of 2018. He was a five-time All-Star and finished with 612 career home runs. Watching Belichick talk baseball with three Major League Baseball Hall of Famers was something special.

I was very fortunate enough to cover that event last night for Boston Sports Extra. Having a baseball theme was pretty cool, too. It was perfect to have a baseball theme when the Red Sox are playing in the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros. President of Baseball Operations for the Red Sox Dave Dombrowski was there, as well. I wished him luck in the ALCS and congratulated him on a successful season.

Joe Torre wouldn’t pick a winner of the ALCS during the media portion of the event, however, he did say it would be a great series. Overall it’s a great foundation and last night was a great event. To find out more about the foundation head to https://billbelichickfoundation.org/.

 

Bill Belichick Knows the Chiefs Will Be Tough

Leave a reply

Big Game on Sunday Night Football

The Patriots host the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. This really is a big matchup for the Patriots as it could decide who is home or away in the playoffs. The Patriots defense might have a tough time with the Chiefs offense. Belichick said on Monday Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes could throw a pass out of the stadium. Tight end Travis Kelce seems like Mahomes’ favorite target to throw too. That defense could have their handful on Sunday night.

Bill Belichick Knows It’ll Be a Tough Matchup

Via New England PatriotsBill Belichick met the media Wednesday and said, “Alright, well I think it’s fortunate that we’ve had a couple of extra days here to work on Kansas City. They’re obviously a really good football team, do a lot of things well. We need a lot of extra time to prepare for this team. They give you a lot of problems with their scheme, their players. They’re very well-coached, as they always are with Andy [Reid]. Just a very explosive group. It’s easy to see why they’re undefeated. This will be a big challenge for us this week. We’ll have to do a lot of things well and do them consistently, do them for 60 minutes. That’s what this week is about for us, playing good football, 60 minutes of it. That’s what it’ll take.”

And Belichick was also asked about Mahomes as a player, and Belichick spoke highly of him: “He’s got a good team, a good coach, a good offensive line. He’s got a lot of skill players. They’re very efficient. They can run it. They can throw it, big plays. Tight ends, backs, receivers, quarterback – they’re a very explosive group.”

With ten days to work on Kansas City, it gives them enough time to get ready for the game. Belichick wouldn’t answer if he was playing for the number one seed in the conference, just saying they are playing Kansas City. The Chiefs have given the Patriots trouble recently and with a young good quarterback who can throw is good for Kansas City. Finally, the Patriots have a tough test on Sunday night but both teams will be ready for it.

The Patriots Game Plan VS. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs

Leave a reply

The Pats are right where they need to be

The Patriots at this point are just where they should be. After an average September the Patriots are 3-2 after their win on Thursday Night Football. Now, all their attention is on the red-hot Kansas City Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes has been unstoppable to start the season. He’s thrown for fourteen touchdowns to just one interception. In his five games as a starter, he’s 5-0 with a 64.7 completion percentage. He’s also thrown for 1,484 yards.

His biggest test is a week from today on Sunday Night Football as the Patriots take on Kansas City at home. The question is- what can the Patriots do to stop Mahomes?

How the Patriots match up with Mahomes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdc2LxVeHrI

Mahomes was impressive against Denver’s defense in week 4. He knew he had to get rid of the ball quickly and make plays. According to ESPN Stats and Information, Mahomes threw for 192 of his 304 passing yards while outside of the pocket.

The Patriots rushing defense ranks 21st in the NFL through five games giving up 21.6 points per game. They’ve also given up 570 yards on the defensive side of the ball. The rushing offense for the Patriots and Kansas City are both tied at six in the AFC.  Kansas City scores 36.2 points per game rushing the ball, according to NFL.com. They also have 145 total points rushing the ball, and 452 yards.

Comparing Kansas City and New England

On the receiving side, Kansas City ranks fifth in the AFC with 1,200 yards.  Mahomes has been so consistent connecting with his weapons on the field all season. He threw in the back of the end zone after getting hit twice in the week four win over the Denver Broncos.

The Patriots gameplan going into this game is to get to Mahomes to make him get rid of the ball quickly. For Mahomes that should be easy considering he has great chemistry with tight end Travis Kelce, who has 307 yards and three touchdowns this season. Patriots defensive line should also watch out for Kansas City running back Kareem hunt who has 289 yards and three touchdowns this season. Finally, Tyreek Hill has good chemistry with Mahomes as well, catching for 364 yards and three scores.

Game of the week next week

The matchup would probably be Stephon Gilmore on Tyreek Hill and Jason McCourty on Sammy Watkins, who has 14 receptions for 176 yards and one touchdown. Expect Kyle Van Knoy to have a good game on Sunday. He finished with six tackles on the Thursday Night Football in the win over the Colts.

The Patriots offense shouldn’t have a problem moving the ball against Kansas City. The Chiefs rank first in receiving on the defensive side of the ball.  Look for Brady to find Gronkowski, James White, and Edelman next Sunday. The Patriots rank 10th in receiving in the AFC they have 133 133 total points through five games and 1,259 yards.

Chris Hogan on having Julian Edelman back “He’s a leader on this team.”

Leave a reply

Chris Hogan and Sony Michel held a Football Clinic

Twenty-Four hours after the Patriots beat the Colts on Thursday Night Football, a New England Women’s Football Clinic was held on the field. The event had Wide Receiver Chris Hogan and Rookie running back Sony Michel. With most of the media attending the game the night before, only Boston Sports Extra and Boston Sports Chick were covering the event. Stations were set up all over the field for the participants to be able to catch a pass from Chris Hogan or get a handoff from Sony Michel. Overall a great event and Something that Hogan has been doing for two years.

Interview with Chris Hogan

I got a chance to speak to Hogan who’s excited to have Julian Edelman back. After the win on Thursday night having  Edelman in the offense really helps it run smoother. Hogan also loves having Tom Brady as his quarterback, after throwing his 500th touchdown pass on Thursday night there really is no one better in the game than him. Hogan has been with the Patriots for three seasons and has caught 11 touchdowns, has 83 receptions, and 1,262 yards. So far this season he has 11 receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns.

Hogan Is Big In The Community

Hogan is also involved with the HEADstrong Foundation which is an organization working to improve lives affected by Cancer. During the 2017-2018 season, Hogan pledged $27 dollars per reception and $150 dollars per touchdown.  Between his receptions and touchdowns last season he raised $1,668. The foundation was started by  Nicholas Colleluori who was a multisport athlete at Hofstra University. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma and passed away in 2006, now Hogan wears a green wristband in his memory during games. The foundation has raised around $10 million.

 

When Edelman was suspended, it was thought that Hogan would be the next guy Brady would go to a lot. But like every season the beginning of it Brady was having a hard time connecting with his receivers. Things got better in week three, and really looked better in week four. The real test comes a week from Sunday when they take Kansas City on Sunday Night Football. Also, follow all the writers for Boston Sports Extra, they really do give you the best unbiased Boston Sports coverage.

 

Tom Brady’s history VS. Andrew Luck

Leave a reply

The Patriots and Colts play on a short week

The Patriots have a quick turnaround from Sunday’s game and play again Thursday against the Colts. For Tom Brady VS. Andrew Luck, Brady has completely won that battle. The Patriots and Colts haven’t played each other since October of the 2015 season. The Patriots ended up winning that game 34-27. As for Tom Brady against the Colts, he’s 10-3 in the regular season and 4-1 in the postseason. Also for Brady, he’s 10-1 as a starter on Thursday Night games and has passed for 2,872 yards in those contests.

Tom Brady excited to have Julian Edelman back

Tom Brady has his best receiver out on the field on Thursday. He spoke yesterday and is excited to have Edelman back.

“Well, I think we’ve played so much football together. I really have no doubt where he’s going to be at, what he’s capable of. He’s been a great player for our team. I think everyone’s excited to have him back, and anytime you add great players, it’s going to help what we’re doing. We all welcome him back and he’s excited, ready to go and hopefully he can go out and play great.” Brady said of Edelman.

Brady also is very familiar with the Colts and called them a good team yesterday.

“Well, there were a lot of big games, lot of big games, especially early in my career. Those Tony Dungy-coached teams that were just so well – Peyton [Manning] obviously and what he meant to that organization and the kind of admiration I had for him. It’s transitioned a little bit. They’ve got another great quarterback in there who’s done a great job since he got drafted, so pretty lucky to have those two guys leading the charge.”

The team’s overall has a test on Thursday night after coming off a short week. Andrew Luck has never beaten the Patriots. Total difference from Peyton Manning days. Although Manning couldn’t beat the Patriots in the playoffs either. The Patriots-Colts game should be a good one and don’t be surprised either if it’s a little sloppy.

Dolphins Were a No Show and the Patriots Took Advantage

Leave a reply

The Patriots Took Care of Business

Via New England PatriotsThe Patriots destroyed the formerly undefeated Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins didn’t really show up at all. Between the missed snaps and the penalties that gave the Patriots chances to score, Miami’s ambition just wasn’t there. As for the Patriots, the defense was a lot better and had more life today than in the last two weeks. The third down defense was much better too. On the offensive side, Brady had a shaky start because of his receivers, but Dorsett and Patterson adjusted would both score touchdowns. Also, Sony Michel had a much better game.

Josh Gordon Made His Debut

Today was also the debut for Josh Gordon, who looked good. He said after the game, “It’s a real home environment. I feel as comfortable as ever.”

Gordon had two receptions for 32 yards. With Edelman due back this week it’ll be exciting to see him and Gordon work together.

There was no way the Patriots were going to lose their third straight game, especially at home. The Patriots scored first, which is what they needed to do set the tone early on both sides of the ball. James White also had himself a game and Michel is getting there. There was an improvement from the last two weeks.

Danny Amendola didn’t have the game he wanted to in his return to Foxborough. His old teammates greeted him before the game, though, and probably wishes he was back with the Patriots.

The Patriots will have a quick turn around before they play on Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts. They haven’t played the Colts in a few years, so it should be a good game. By Friday they’ll be 3-2 and have ten days off before a huge game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tom Brady is frustrated

Leave a reply

Tom Brady hints that he is frustrated

Via Tom Brady’s Instagram

Things aren’t so great In Foxborough, and it shows with the slow start. For the first time publicly, Tom Brady is frustrated with the team especially the offense. The Patriots have had slow starts before like the 2014 loss to Kansas City. Kansas City is a tough place to play and the Patriots responded the next week beating the Bengals. They also had a much better defense that season with Revis and won the Super Bowl. The week two loss to Jacksonville was a rematch of the AFC Championship game, and the Patriots couldn’t get anything going on offense against a tough Jaguar defense.

 With losing Amendola, Cooks, and Dion Lewis, the Patriots lost 2,637 yards.

However, this past off-season has been a strange one. The question is was Bill Belichick in rebuilding mode this off-season? He lets one of Brady’s best target in the AFC Championship game Danny Amendola who had 61 catches last season for 659 yards walk to get more money with the Dolphins. Second, he gets rid of Dion Lewis who rushed for 896 yards and six touchdowns last season. Third, he lets Brady’s left tackle go to the New York Giants in Nate Solder. Fourth, he let Brandin Cooks walk who last season had 65 catches for 1,082 yards. Since the league year started they’ve had 25 receiver transactions the latest is Cleveland Brown Josh Gordon.

With Brady still, here you can’t build for the future you have to get players to win now.

Brady has every right to be frustrated. Belichick didn’t replace anybody remotely close to the talent they had last season to what they have now. Patterson runs the wrong routes and can’t connect with Brady. Dorsett is average at best and also is having a hard time connecting with Brady. For the 2018 NFL draft class, the Patriots have six players on the IR. Danny Etling is on the practice squad and Michel can’t understand the playbook which is frustrating Brady. Brady admitted he wanted White in the game plan more after the loss in Detroit

The Patriots had a bad receiver core in 2006 with Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell but at least those two could catch and connect with Brady. I really think Belichick is in rebuilding mode trying to get as much draft picks as he can. He almost traded Gronkowski to the Lions for draft picks. Belichick thrives in doing what’s best for the team to win now. However, it doesn’t feel like he built a team to win now. It feels like he wants to win years from now with the team they have which is frustrating to Brady. Brady wants talent around him and right now it’s very weak and worse than the 2006 group of receivers. Brady’s Instagram post yesterday says it all “it’s not one thing… It’s everything.” Hopefully, the issues get worked out soon or a frustrated Brady could get ugly.

Sunday’s Game for the Patriots is a Must Win

Leave a reply

With the Patriots 1-2, Sunday’s game is a must win

The Patriots play the 3-0 Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The team is in on the heels of a rocky two weeks of games on the road as they look to go 2-2 on Sunday. First, for the Patriots, they’ve had losses like this in the past, however, does this season feel any different? Second, if the Patriots lose to the Dolphins on Sunday, they will be 1-3. Third, they will put them in a deeper hole in the standings and allow further separation from Miami. Bill Belichick has made it clear that he is moving on to the Miami Dolphins. Just 15 minutes after his press conference was over a report came out the Red Burkhead and Ja’Wanan Bentley have been placed on IR.

The Patriots know they need to improve to win on Sunday

Danny Shelton told Mike Reiss he needs to step his game up. ” “That’s my main priority. It’s annoying to see it on film.” defensive tackle Danny Shelton said. Malcolm Brown added. “I take it as a personal challenge every week we play the game, that we play the run.” With Bentley on the IR linebacker, Kyle Van Knoy is hoping to show the improved defense on Sunday. Also saying how the defense will step it up with Bentley’s absence. “Like we always do, I think anytime we’re put in a situation, backs against the wall, we stick together and play Patriot football like we know we’re capable of.” Van Knoy told NESN.

When Bill Belichick met with the media on Wednesday, he talked highly about the Miami Dolphins. “They’re good in all three areas of the game. They lead the league in special teams field position, or in field position. A lot of that’s created by special teams, obviously, and their turnover differential. So, done a really good job there, very good in the kicking game, explosive return game. Good rushing team, they cover well.” Week 4 in an NFL season usually isn’t a big game. Finally, for the Patriots this season though and  the way they’ve been playing if they lose on Sunday and fall 1-3 on a short week they might be in trouble

Was Sony Michel overhyped?

1 Reply

Is Sony Michel a dud?

With the 31st pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Patriots select Sony Michel. So far in the last two games, Michel can’t get in sync with Brady along with the entire offense. Michel was supposed to be this explosive running back and replace Dion Lewis. From the last two games, I would rather have Dion Lewis back. At least he would get a first down on third and one.  Lewis wouldn’t get stopped half the times Michel has in the last two weeks. Maybe it’s a little early to be judging but when Brady is calling Michel out then there’s a problem.

Brady only wants players who can make plays in the game

Last night Brady said he wanted White in the game more.  “Yeah, he had a great catch and had some good runs there at the end. He’s just a great player for us. So, you’re right. He’s gotta be involved. Guys who can make plays are the ones that should be involved. And James is certainly one of them. Guys who can make plays are the ones that should be involved, ” Brady said. In the entire game last night, White had just three touches overall. Meanwhile, overhyped Sony Michel is getting carries left and right throughout the game and getting nowhere, which is leaving Brady frustrated because he can’t get it.

Last night Michel rushed for 50 yards on 14 carries. While James White had that nice touchdown catch from Brady for the only touchdown in the game. Michel had missed a lot in training camp because of a knee injury that kept him out most of the preseason too.  If he’s not fully ready to come back, then he shouldn’t be on the field. It should be the running back who can push the ball up the field and make plays. For Michel, I’m not sure he’s really ready yet, but I could be wrong and he has a great season. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.

The Patriots lost to a bad team and there’s no excuse

Leave a reply

The Patriots loss last night was worse than the Jacksonville one

Last night’s game for the Patriots was dreadful as they get. The Patriots didn’t get a first down until almost the end of the first half. It’s like the Patriots aren’t together on offense and defense. The Patriots desperately need Julian Edelman back because after Gronkowski, White, and Brady the rest of that offense is nonexistent. Patterson runs the wrong route which makes Brady throw the ball to nobody which then is an intentional grounding penalty. Dorsett can’t get open or he drops passes. Chris Hogan seems like he’s not even on the field, and Gronkowski is double covered so Brady has nobody to throw to.

What’s going on with the ‘Patriot Way?’

There was no excuse to lose that game to the terrible Lions who hate their new head coach. The New York Jets went into Detroit and destroyed the Lions two weeks ago. The Patriots, on the other hand, couldn’t do the same with the best quarterback in the game. Why? Because the receivers are weak and the running game besides James White is awful too. Sony Michel is a disappointment so far. I know he’s a rookie but things would be different if they had Dion Lewis and Danny Amendola to help the offense. Someone that can catch the ball would also be nice.

Patrick Chung and Trey Flowers were big losses last night, however as a whole they need to get better on defense or they won’t beat anybody. Gronkowski talking about how the reports were true about him only wanting to play with Brady. That’s fine however what happened to ‘that’s in the past I’m focused on this season.’ Now there’s some pressure on the Patriots to win in week 4 against the Miami Dolphins. If they fall to 1-3 you won’t hear the end of the drama in Foxborough. This loss seems different than last week to Jacksonville and Kansas City in 2014 they don’t seem together or on the same page. When Edelman comes back, maybe the offense will have some life.