Tom Brady-200 WIN QB

200 WINS FOR THE 199th DRAFT PICK

Tom Brady is the only Quarterback in NFL History to win 200 regular season games. He has been a part of great teams throughout his career, which have contributed to this milestone. Brady would be the first one to deflect this achievement and speak about all the great players who have helped him get to this point.

On the other hand, Brady has put this team on his back many of times and won in spite of poor defensive play. That is something Tom would never say, so I’ll say it for him. He’s done more with less than any QB in history.

Brady reaches 200 wins

Via hubwav

Brady already held the record for most regular season wins for a quarterback. He passed Peyton Manning and Brett Favre last October, winning his 187th game, passing the previous record of 186 in a win against the Jets.

NUMBER 200 WAS A SHOOTOUT

Number 200 came against the hottest offense in the NFL through 5 games, the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. Because of Tom’s age, the media wanted this game to be a passing of the torch. A loss for Brady and a win for the young gun slinger.

Brady, just as he started his career, drove his offense down the field like he has, well 199 other times. His 39 yard strike to Rob Gronkowski set up Stephen Gostkowski’s game winning field goal. New England won 43-40 in this week 6 track meet, as the offense stepped up and traded punches with the Chiefs.

Tom Brady went 24 of 35 for 340 yards, with one TD and zero interceptions. He also got his team the lead back in the fourth quarter by scoring a rushing TD to add to his stat line.

THIS ISN’T OVER

For a quarterback to be able to achieve a record like this, it takes talent and longevity. Tom Brady is arguably the greatest quarterback to have ever played in the NFL, and he’s not done yet. His relentless desire to win combined with the way he takes care of himself, has allowed him to be an extremely durable piece for the Patriots.

As Brady has said many times before, he plans to play until he is 45. But I can assure you it’s not for records like this. He is chasing that sixth Super Bowl Championship that New England fell short of last year.

Brady has his offense back

Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Tom is a walking Hall of Famer and he still isn’t satisfied. He is on a different level compared to other quarterbacks. Brady will look to win number 201 next week against a dominant Chicago Bears defense.

At the end of the day Brady has records stacked on top of records, but all he wants is more Super Bowl Rings. His dedication and love for the game makes everyone around him better. His Patriots are now 4-2, despite some writing this team off. Focusing on one game at a time, Brady is already studying the Bears defense to see where he can exploit them next week.

200 wins is quite the achievement, especially when he has 27 postseason wins on top of that. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are on to Chicago, trying to keep these wins coming.

 

DeBrusk

DeBrusk Rounding Into Form

Last season, Jake DeBrusk solidified himself as a key piece to the Bruins future. In 70 regular season games, he had 16 goals and 27 assists. He was dangerous on the powerplay recording nine points including two goals. In the playoffs, DeBrusk was even better and played like a veteran. Through the Bruins first four games, he had played well but had nothing to show for it. That all changed in the Bruins 8-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

DeBrusk’s Improved Play

In the Bruins victory, the former first-round pick got his first two goals of his sophomore campaign. The chances have been there this season but until Saturday luck had not been on his side. It was a welcoming sign for a Bruins offense that has been carried by their top line. In order for the Bruins to be successful, they will need DeBrusk to be productive. After five games it appears that he is rounding into form.

DeBrusk

Photo Credit:  Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

While the Bruins season is still young DeBrusk has been at his best over their last two games. He has been placed on the left side due to the Bruins experimenting with Joakim Nordstrom on the second line. As a result DeBrusk has played away from his natural wing. The move has not negatively affected his play but improved it. He has not made mistakes with the puck and played his most complete games. This is the role he played in Game 7 against Toronto last season when he had two big to help the Bruins advance.

Line Changes Going Forward

While this move has been effective but there could still be changes made. Head Coach Bruce Cassidy will continue to tinker with the lines before all four are set. Krejci and DeBrusk will most likely stay together the only question being who becomes their right wing. While Nordstrom has boosted the second line, he has also helped the play of the Bruins sophomore winger.

DeBrusk

Staff Photo By Matt Stone/ Boston Herald

Regardless of who has been on the right wing, this season DeBrusk has played well. He may not have the stats to back it up but many players are still trying to find their groove. DeBrusk is the Bruins’ best scorer other than the Bruins that dominate first line. He has proven to be successful regardless of what is going on around him. He finally has the monkey off his back and in what should be a special season for the young winger.

For more Bruins news follow @JamieGatlin1217 on Twitter

Three Takeaways: Celtics 105, 76ers 87

Boston Celtics basketball is back.

The first game of the regular season for the Boston Celtics did not disappoint. Both teams got off to a slow start, but Boston was able to pull away heading into the fourth quarter and didn’t look back. By the end of the game, the entire team was firing on all cylinders.

Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly from game 1 of 82.

Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball against Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics during a game on October 16 2018 at TD Garden in...

Via Getty

1. Kyrie Irving off to a slow start

Though the Celtics pulled off the win, Kyrie’s absence on the offensive end was notable. In the first half, Irving didn’t score a single point, going 0-8 from the field. He finished going just 2-14 from the field for 7 points. That included one two, one three, and two free throws. Fortunately, the rest of the team was able to pick up the slack on the offensive end. Hopefully, Kyrie can get his scoring swagger back in time for Friday’s tilt.

However, he did finish with seven assists, and was also a +9 plus/minus, so his performance wasn’t poor. It’s unlikely this scoring relapse will carry over into the next games.

2. Jayson Tatum leads the charge

While Kyrie struggled from the field, Jayson Tatum was the leader on the offensive end of the court. He finished with a game-high 23 points on 9-17 shooting from the field. He also looked at times to be the commander of the court, often times serving as the primary ball-handler.

Tatum had a number of sweet pull-ups, and a beautiful drive and dunk, as well. Near the end of the game, he also took Joel Embiid to school on a free throw line jumper. The NBA sophomore looked confident on the court, and it showed in the box score.

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 16 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston Massachusetts NOTE TO...

Via Getty

3. Defense looks as strong as ever

The staple of the Boston Celtics looks to be the same as ever: defense. Boston was able to hold Philly to just 87 points in the opener. They also forced 16 turnovers, including 10 in the first half alone. Leading the defensive effort was Al Horford, who had 5 blocks and affected multiple other shots at the rim.

It’s obvious that the defense won’t be an issue this season, as if that were ever a question.

Bonus: Gordon Hayward!

The forward made his Celtic debut at the TD Garden, playing 24 minutes and scoring 10 points. While it wasn’t the greatest performance, it was most certainly encouraging to see him back on the court scoring buckets.

Gordon Hayward high fives Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics during a game against ethics's Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on October 16 2018 in...

Via Getty

An emphatic performance in the season opener was surely an awesome sight for Boston Celtics fans. They’ll look to keep the momentum going on Friday against the Toronto Raptors in Canada.

The Best of the Patriots This Week

Gronk Says “Get Off Me!”

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is extremely tough to bring down in the open field, as his mix of size and athleticism makes tackling him a difficult task. Chiefs safety Ron Parker learned that lesson late in Sunday’s game, when Gronk sent him to the ground with authority.

It happened in the fourth quarter, after Gronk caught a pass from Tom Brady, and was looking to rack up yards following the catch. Parker tracked him well, but as soon as he put his hands on Gronk, the Patriots tight end threw him to the ground with a powerful stiff-arm. This was a huge move that catapulted the Pats to victory.  The Patriots were favored to win the game at sites like www.novibet.co.uk and Gronk’s play was a big reason that New England did.  Fans who bet the “over” also game out on top with 83 combined points scored this game.

That looked like it hurt.

 

Brady Backs Gordon

Brady took to Instagram on Saturday, and he appeared to throw some support behind receiver Josh Gordon. The Patriots traded for Gordon roughly four weeks ago, and the team has been slowly working him into the offense. He’s been battling a hamstring injury, but managed two catches for 50 yards (one touchdown) — his biggest output of the season — in the team’s win over the Colts.

Gordon has a favorable matchup against the Chiefs porous secondary, and Brady may look to exploit it. His Instagram post on Saturday suggests as much, as it showed an animated picture of Gordon preparing to catch a football, with a caption that stated “Attack” accompanying it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo5FqngHkxD/?hl=en&taken-by=tombrady

Gordon could have his breakout game on Sunday, and Brady appears to believe he’ll be key in attacking the Chiefs defense.

Nink puts Kelce on Blast

The Patriots tend to let their play on the field do the talking, rather than attempting to provide their opponents with bulletin-board material. There hasn’t really been any trash talk, and instead, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick actually heaped praise on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

And given that both teams have remained quiet, a former Patriots linebacker is picking up the slack, as it relates to trash talk. Rob Ninkovich, who played for the team from 2009-16, recently made an appearance on XTRA 1360 AM Fox Sports San Diego’s “Hardwick and Richards,” and he absolutely blasted Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

“I mean I’ve played against Kelce, and I’ve thrown him around like he’s a little doll,” Ninkovich said on Friday. “The guy doesn’t want to block, so when you’re a tight end and you don’t want to block, you’re not really a tight end.”

He then pointed out that Kelce doesn’t like to block, calling him a “glorified receiver.”

“He just wants to catch the ball and do his little dance and, you know, put the stripes in the side of his head with the haircuts he gets,” Ninkovich said. “So, I just think that he’s a glorified receiver.”

Ninkovich also said he believes Rob Gronkowski is the best tight end to ever play the game, when asked to compare the Patriots tight end to Kelce.

It’s unclear why Ninkovich has a bone to pick with Kelce, but he clearly isn’t a fan of the Chiefs tight end. Maybe he’s just trying to support his former team by getting in Kelce’s head, or maybe he’s just trying to stay relevant. Whatever the reason, Sunday night’s game figures to be the most entertaining matchup thus far this season, and it should feature a plethora of points.

 

Why David Price Has Earned Another Start

Much has been made over the years, into this postseason, about David Price. It goes without saying that he hasn’t been Sandy Koufax or Madison Bumgarner in the playoffs. However, there were many elements of Sunday night’s start that provide us with signs that Price has turned a corner. For the first time in his career, his team won a game that he started. It goes deeper than that, from pitching out of jams to limiting damage.

Game Two:

Last night, David Price wasn’t perfect, but he was good enough. The walks were a little concerning, but the overall perseverance of Price was enough to earn him another start in a potential game six. The line isn’t gorgeous, four runs on four walks and five hits, but it did the trick. The bullpen did its job like I tried to tell you all before. The Sox won, which is obviously the priority, and Price showed progress in his ability to pitch in October.

Looking at the four runs, they came on two big hits. One came in the second off the bat of George Springer, and another in the third from Marwin Gonzalez. Both were strikes, yes, but neither were bad pitches by any means. Springer was able to swing inside out and just tuck one over Steve Pearce‘s head. With two outs in the inning, both runners were able to score easily, but that was an at-bat that easily could’ve gone Price’s way. When it comes to the Gonzalez home run, again, it wasn’t a bad pitch at all. In fact, the entire at-bat was well calculated and executed. The Astros slugger was just able to get his hands around on a tough pitch up and in and he drove it. Neither pitch that was costing of runs was a bad pitch, just a better swing.

Looking Ahead to Price in Game 6:

So, with everything considered, I believe Price actually pitched very well. If it were anybody else besides Gonzalez that came to the plate in the fifth, he would’ve stayed in the game. In all likelihood, he would’ve been in position for his first career postseason win as a starter. Alex Cora made the right decision matchup-wise, but David’s stuff was good enough for him to pitch another inning.

Going forward, Price deserves another start and he will deliver in the said start. He was very reliant on his fastball and seemed to shy away from the changeup. If he can gain some traction when it comes to throwing that changeup, he could really stifle this gritty Astros lineup. Barring a three-game sweep of the games in Houston, Price will start the biggest game of his career, a game six at Fenway Park in an elimination game. David Price has earned it, and he will come through again for this team.

Takeaways from Patriots versus Chiefs

Patriots versus Chiefs felt like a playoff atmosphere

That Sunday night had the feel of a playoff game. 83 points were scored between the two teams. Going into the game, you knew it was going to be high scoring. Patrick Mahomes let the inexperience get to him in the first half throwing two interceptions. However, the Patriots defense fell asleep and connected with Tyreek Hill for a 75 yard touchdown with time winding down in the fourth quarter. The game looked over at halftime the score was 24-9 and the Kansas City defense couldn’t stop the Patriots in the running game or the passing game.

The Patriots could host the Chiefs in the playoffs

According to NFL Research, the Patriots have won 88 straight games when leading by 14+ points at halftime. In the second half, the first time the Chiefs had the ball, Mahomes would find Kareem Hunt for the 67 yard touchdown. It’s like the Patriots defense fell asleep for the entire second half. Even on the Chiefs side, the Patriots were moving the ball all over the place and that defense couldn’t stop it. Mahomes is the real deal though and will be a special player for years to come. The strip sack by Brady to put the Chiefs right back into the game is something we don’t see from Brady.

The Chiefs scored too quickly even Brady said it after the game. “I think, I’m glad when he was running — Tyreek was running to score — I said, ‘Good, score quick.’ Because then we had enough time.” Really Mahomes will learn from that and move the ball down the field as Brady did. Three minutes is too long to give Brady enough time to move the ball and score. Nice win for the Patriots though when they meet again in the playoffs the game will be in Foxborough.

The Hightower interception was perfect and he read Mahomes perfectly on that play. The Patriots did a good job at getting to Mahomes in the first half. Then Mahomes found his quick release in the second and started making plays for the Chiefs. Overall, a great game and I can’t wait for these two to meet again in the playoffs.

 

The Revolution are Getting a New Practice Facility

The Revolution are getting a new facility

The Revolution held a groundbreaking ceremony this morning for their new practice facility. The training center will be behind the current practice fields. It’s set to be ready by the spring of 2019.

It was last fall when the Revs were talking about building a new training facility in Foxborough. The new complex will feature four training fields, three grass fields, and a turf field. Also a training facility for the team and the academy.

Owner Robert Kraft said this morning it will be good for the community. Team President Brian Bilello said, this morning “We’re really excited about today, and the future of the Revs.”

 Jonathan and Robert Kraft were there

Jonathan Kraft said the project is the “next big milestone” for the team. Kraft also said;

“Many teams overseas already have their academy programs on the same site as their first teams, allowing for academy players to get inspired by the professionals. We’ve got all this space to work with, and we will keep adding as needs of the team and the sport demands.”

The two main fields will be built behind the facility so players and coaches can walk straight to the field from their locker rooms.

Since the Patriots have their own set of practice fields, it will be good for the Revs to have their own facility, too. Five months ago Foxborough residents approved a change to allow for outdoor athletic facilities and fields behind the stadium. Having it done by the spring of 2019 seems pretty quick but it’s going to look nice when it’s done.

After having a late night last night, the Krafts say we are fortunate to live in a great sports town that cares about its teams. Town Manager William Keegan is glad the vote went through and the facility will be built.

Boston Bruins Celebrate an 8-2 win over Detroit October 13, 2018

Boston Bruins Throttle Red Wings 8-2

The Boston Bruins were feeling good this Saturday afternoon as they won in great fashion, defeating the Detroit Red Wings 8-2.

A few of the Bruins players hit some personal career milestones. Superstar David Pastrnak had his second career-hat trick and scored his 100th career goal. David Krecji hit his 400th career assist. Both Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand tallied assists for the night, showcasing the great chemistry that the power-trio first line has.

Other lines also produced for Boston as both Jake DeBrusk, Charlie McAvoy and Anders Bjork potted goals each. A few bright spots for Detroit were goals netted by Filip Hronek and Dylan Larkin.

BREAKDOWN

In a lackluster fist period, the Bruins woke up towards the end of the first as David Pastrnak scored at 19:09, putting Boston on the board, 1-0. In the second period, Charlie McAvoy snipped a goal right off a Bergeron face-off win at 4:44. Jake Debrusk deked to slide one past Detroit’s goalie Jonathan Bernier, making the score 3-0. With four minutes left in the second, McAvoy drew a high-sticking penalty that sent Detroit’s Christoffer Ehn to the box. The power play led to Pastrnak’s second goal of the afternoon.

Bruins celebrate after left wing David Pastrnak scores his third goal during the third period of the Wings' 8-2 loss on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Boston.

(Photo Credits: Paul Rutherford USA TODAY sports)

With the third period underway, Detroit  scored just 21 seconds in with a power play goal by Filip Hronek. Boston answered back with a two-on-one push by Brad Marchand that had David Pastrnak score his second hat-trick of his career. Detroit’s Dylan Larkin scored a short-handed goal at 8:23 in the period, making the score 5-2.

Anders Bjork scored unassisted at 10:12, making the score 6-2. Jake DeBrusk scored off a Brandon Carlo deflection as David Krejci recorded his 400th assist of his career. With 48 seconds left in the third, Sean Kuraly found the pass from Kevan Miller and scored, ending the game with a final Score of 8-2.

Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo and Red Wings center Christoffer Ehn play for the puck during the first period on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Boston.

(Photo Credits: Paul Rutherford USA TODAY sports)

QUICK NOTES

Tuukka Rask made 32 saves while Jonathan Bernier made 31 saves (with 39 shots on goal)

On scoring his 100th goal:

“I don’t really think about [my success],” Pastrnak said. “I just go out there and play hockey … and enjoy every moment on the ice.”

Pastrnak joins a small group of Bruins who have made that mark the fastest, doing so in 259 games. Barry Pederson reached it in 187 games, while Dit Clapper did it in 247. Both Patrice Bergeron (3) and Brad Marchand (2) came away with a few assists in the game. Both players lead Boston in points (so far).

This games marks Boston’s fourth win in a row, while Detroit loses their fifth in a row. Wednesday we’ll see the start of a four game road trip in Canada where they will play the Calgary Flames.

 

 

Patriots Stock: Risers/Fallers

Patriots Stock Watch: Players rising and falling

photo cred- https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/tom-brady-has-thrown-a-td-pass-to-an-nfl-record-71-players-and-heres-a-list-of-all-of-them/

 

Whats up #PatsNation?! I’m here to discuss the New England Patriots stock value on three rising players and three falling players who need to step it up as we continue to roll through this 2018 season. After a slow, frustrating start to the year the Patriots are finally getting in a groove which is a DISASTER for the rest of the NFL. Brady looks like Brady, the defense/secondary is improving, and Edleman is back and causing havoc for opposing team defenses.

Lets take a look at which three players I think have their stock on the rise and which three players stock is falling, shall we?

 

On the RISE:

  1. Julian Edelman:

Patriots fans rejoiced as JE11 finally made his way onto the field after a year-long absence. Not only was JE11 the shot of adrenaline this team needed, but he’s exactly what the doctor ordered for Brady. Julian’s impact showed INSTANTLY when guys like Patterson, Gronk, Hogan, Gordon and the guys in the backfield were able to get open with more frequency than prior weeks.

Look for this offense to get better and better each week with Julian back on the field

2. Jason McCourty:

After losing Malcolm Butler to the Titans, Patriots fans were left wondering what their secondary would look like. Sure, the Patriots had names like Stephon Gilmore, Devin McCourty, and Patrick Chung return but there still were questions that needed to be answered. It may be a blessing in disguise when the Patriots brought in a veteran presence and Devin McCourty’s identical twin, Jason McCourty (yet another Rutgers alum).

Many questioned if J-Mac would make the team out of preseason. I’m sure ALL of patriot nation is happy with the production from him thus far. J-Mac’s veteran ability has been noticed in the locker room and on the field as he has shut down nearly every WR who has lined up against him.

Be on the look out for the brothers McCourty to keep causing headaches for WR’s on a weekly basis.

 

3. Sony Michel / James White:

Yes, I know I said three guys but these two have been a dynamic duo in the backfield this season. Injuries have helped them become a force and both are succeeding quite nicely. Sony has come along nicely the past few weeks after fans were doubting his draft status, position and overall talent and capabilities at the NFL level.

James “sweetfeet” White on the other hand has always shown how great he can be for this team. It became more evident when Tom Brady himself called for more dosages of White in the offense. So far, all he has done is deliver.

Pending Rex Burkhead’s return, these two should continue to be monsters out of the backfield going forward.

 

Starting to FALL

  1. Dont’a Hightower:

Since returning from injury, the always reliable Hightower has just not looked like himself these first 5 weeks of the season. This has led him to be on the “fall” list.

Dont’a has not been recording the number of tackles that we would like to see these first few weeks. He has produced 9 solo tackles and 9 helpers for a total of 18 tackles in 5 games. This does include 1 forced fumble, but no recorded sacks. I would suggest moving him to defensive end here and there to help the pass rush. Unfortunately the linebacker core is so thin that unless a trade happens, a Hightower position switch isn’t in the foreseeable future.

If Hightower can remain healthy and get his legs back then look for him to make a HUGE impact for this defense and the run stop going forward.

 

2. Danny Shelton:

Danny Shelton was brought into New England to do one thing, and one thing only. STOP THE RUN! So far ,when watching the games live and in person, it seems like two guys have taken the starting DT jobs. Those guys are Lawrence Guy and Malcom Brown. They seem to have taken Shelton completely out of the picture when it comes to the run game. Hopefully it’s just a case where he needs more time to learn the defense, but we do need Shelton on the field in big games to plug the middle and disrupt the opposing team’s running game.

Look for Shelton to get some more playing time down the stretch and hopefully make a bigger impact on the field.

3. Eric Rowe:

Rowe is only 26 years old and a former second round talent, but good lord he has been ATROCIOUS in his time with the Pats dating back to last years Super Bowl loss to the Eagles. Also, he has been inactive a majority of the games thus far this season and is taking the form of a ghost.

Thankfully, guys like Gilmore, Devin and Jason McCourty, Pat Chung, Jon Jones, and Duron Harmon have stepped up and given this secondary/defense a HUGE BOOST when needed. It is now safe to say unless Rowe can turn it around, he is now more of a liability on the field than Ryan Gosling was in, “Remember The Titans”.

 

That ends this edition of stock up / stock down for your New England Patriots through the first 5 weeks of football.

Stay tuned for more great articles from myself and the other great contributors at Boston Sports Extra. Be sure to give me a follow on Twitter @B_Murph1021 and visit https://bostonsportsextra.com/ to get more content on all your favorite New England teams!

Boston Sports Extra at the Bill Belichick Foundation Event

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/.