The Patriots May have the Best Running Back Tandem that Brady Has Ever Seen

THE ROOKIE RB

Sony Michel

Sony is showing why he was a 1st round pick

New England has two outstanding RBs. First, there is Sony Michel, who’s knee issue during training camp led him to miss all of the preseason. Michel’s play this year has improved each game since week 2, where he averaged just 3.4 yards per carry. Each week that number grew, along with his confidence.

Against the colts on Thursday Night Football, the rookie’s average jumped up to a solid 5.4 yards per carry. New England’s first round pick is starting to show he is a special player. He is a more patient runner now, allowing his lineman to set up their blocks. He also is learning from an experienced teammate, a great pass catching back that will improve his game even more.

These two backs are perfect for each other and Sony is on the rise.

THE EXPERIENCED RB SHARING HIS KNOWLEDGE

James White does it all

(Staff Photo By Matt Stone/ Boston Herald)

James White’s play allowed New England to keep their heads above water without Edelman for the first four games this year. White has become Tom Brady’s most reliable target. As a running back, White leads the team in receptions(32) and receiving touchdowns(4) with another rushing score. While leading the Patriots with 5 Touchdowns, White is also averaging a career best 4.8 Yards per carry.

As well as James White has played thus far, he has also been Sony Michel’s mentor. Any question at practice or in a game, James is there to answer the youngster, and help him in any way. Despite both playing the same position, James White unselfishly is grooming the first round pick. White’s knowledge of the Patriots system allows Michel to soak up every bit of information he gets.

New England is facing its toughest challenge thus far, under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football against Kansas City. James White has played on much bigger stages, at an MVP level. He will prepare Sony for his biggest game as a pro, knowing New England’s RBs could carry the load Sunday Night.

TWO HEADED RB ATTACK

Running mates

Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Sony Michel could have the Football in his hands a lot Sunday night. Both RBs will be heavily involved, trying to win time of possession against a KC team that can light up the score board. When you have two running backs like White and Michel, the Patriots should lean on the ground game and keep Patrick Mahomes on the sideline.

Super Bowl hero James White and first round pick Sony Michel are sure to be one of the NFL’s most lethal running back tandems. White has been the most important player through the first 5 weeks, while teaching his fellow running back everything he knows.

Rookie Sony Michel’s arrow is pointing straight up. He’s adjusted to the difference from college to pro ball. Patriot fans are watching Michel turn into a star, some doubted him, while others like myself believed he could be the best RB drafted this year. Even with the slow start, there is plenty of time left for Michel to be in the conversation for rookie of the year. He’s done nothing but improve each week. He also has the opportunity to pick James White’s brain everyday. The Rookie’s ceiling couldn’t be higher.

New England has had great RB committee’s before, but this season Tom Brady might be playing with the best RB tandem of his career. Which is high praise for these two young running backs, considering past Patriot greats like Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk.

Make sure you follow us on twitter @BosSportsExtra. These backs need a nickname, because they are going to be very special playing together. Leave us you’re ideas on our Twitter or Facebook page.

I’m Concerned About the Gordon Hayward Injury – You Should Be Too

Gordon Hayward is supposed to return to the Boston Celtics this season after missing all but five minutes of last season with a broken ankle. The former Utah Jazz star is expected to be a major part of this offense as the number two scoring option on the court.

Hayward appeared in three of the team’s four preseason games, playing 59 minutes and scoring just 21 points. He shot .250 from the floor, and .100 from deep. Now, reports have surfaced that he is dealing with a back issue, some “minor” pain in his back.

As much as some Celtics fans want to downplay this, this is an important issue that is concerning. Come on, John, you guys must be saying. You’ve been saying it’s just the preseason! Just relax!

While the stats don’t cause my concern, they help prove my concerns are legitimate. Here is why I am concerned about Gordon Hayward’s back injury, and why you should be too.

Gordon Hayward’s ankle injury

Embed from Getty Images

I’m certainly not trying to sound like a broken record, but this ankle injury Hayward suffered last season was absolutely brutal. Not only was his ankle broken, the muscles were twisted, snapped and contorted. Gordon Hayward didn’t walk for two months after the injury.

When an individual suffers an injury to that extent, they have to learn to walk again. Hayward had to retrain himself to walk, run, jump and shoot a basketball. The injury forced him to restart his career, and that’s the reality of the situation.

Confidence is critical

Embed from Getty Images

Confidence is indeed very crucial. It’s hard for a player to perform at the same level he did before when he is worried about how one of his legs will hold up. It’s not out of the ordinary to say that Gordon is worried about his ankle. You see him when he takes a shot. He doesn’t go up and command the shot like we are used to seeing him do. He looks timid and frightened.

If my ankle had busted the way it did less than a year ago, I would be too! Don’t think I am ragging the man, it’s natural to feel that way. However, the reality of this is that he won’t be a star if his confidence isn’t there. He will end up being an odd man out that Boston is overpaying.

He needs to feel comfortable on his ankle and have some confidence in it holding up before he can return to top form. I can almost promise you that his ankle doesn’t feel like he remembers. That’s because it is different, it’s completely rebuilt.

How does the back pain factor in?

Embed from Getty Images

Ah, yes. The back pain.

Have you ever played basketball for a few hours without stopping? If you have, you probably remember that it was fun until you drove home, plopped down on the couch and watched a movie or read a book, then tried to stand back up. Your legs become very sore. In your ankles probably, your calves for sure. Your legs might somewhat resemble jello.

Did your back ever hurt?

When players suffer back pain, there’s normally a reason for it. Maybe he fell on his back during a practice or a game and needs to get his spine realigned a little. Maybe he pulled a muscle and was just sore.

Or maybe something is wrong with his ankle.

Doctors perform these type of surgeries all of the time. However, you don’t really know how well the procedure went until it’s over and the patient is walking. Did something go wrong? Is his ankle not feeling right?

Any foot issues that an individual deals with usually affects the individual’s back. If someone is experiencing back pain, a doctor normally prescribes foot inserts for their feet. The way we walk, stand, run, jump and move on our feet impact the health of our back.

If something isn’t right in his ankle, it would explain why he is experiencing back pain.

Final Thoughts

I’m not saying that this speculation is fact, it could just be that Gordon Hayward has pulled a back muscle or maybe he just fell victim to a bad fall on his back in practice. I think people trying to downplay this as nothing aren’t looking into the situation enough. We all want Hayward to be healthy. So far, he has been everything but with the Celtics.

Teams like to downplay injuries all of the time, and it very well could be what the Celtics are doing. I am concerned, and you should be too.

PASTRNAK: Bruins and NHL Superstar on the Rise

David Pastrnak is the superstar that Bruins and NHL fans adore.

Photo courtesy:
NHL.com

Whether it is his highlight goals or the pregame camaraderie he has with fans. He is must watch hockey and a personality that is making his popularity grow within the NHL.

His most recent goal versus the Oilers is just another example of his offensive skill and talent when it comes to putting the puck in the net and also having the fans raise to their feet as the excitement builds up of another highlight goal. He seems to always have one or two memorable goals a year. Whether it’s his end to end rushes or his stick-handling in traffic, you know if 88 in black and gold has the puck in space the possibilities are endless of his ability to score..

Great as a teammate 

His coaches have mentioned this off-season he had trained and practicing hard on his defensive duties. He is a player that understands the harder he works to round out his game the more important he will be for his teammates on the ice and also in a leadership role to the younger players on the team. David also has the personality where he always has a smile on his face and does what he can to keep the room in an upbeat mode regardless the situation.

A fan favorite 

Photo courtesy:
Bruins.com

As has been mentioned, during pregame skate he always finds fans along the boards to take pictures and have fun with whether it be a home or road game. Pastrnak also makes sure when he does score a goal to make the fans part of his celebration whether it be a hand to his ear or jumping on the glass with excitement.

There are many Pastrnak #88 jerseys around and with his ability and personality be sure to jump on the wagon now before he becomes an NHL superstar.

Photo courtesy:
Bruins.com

Follow on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS 

 

Bruins versus Edmonton

Boston Bruins Win 4-1 Against Oilers

Game Two at The Garden

There were hits, glass shattering, and highlight reel goals last night at the Garden as the Boston Bruins hosted the Edmonton Oilers. And that wasn’t even the story of the day leading up to the game. Some fans in Bruins nation scratched their heads as Ryan Donato was listed as a healthy scratch, while newbie (to the team) Joakim Nordstrom was bumped up to the second line. Was the move going to pan out? Safe to say, Coach Bruce Cassidy knows what he’s doing. Like most young players, the shuffling would serve as a good way to re-assess what the team needs for Donato to work on. For the young winger, it would mean a chance to watch the game and gain a better perspective on his own skills.  And having someone fast as Nordstrom would add that important element needed in the Krejci line.

OILERS STRIKE FIRST

In the first opening period at 3:43, McDavid would score putting Edmonton first on the board. The Bruins drew a powerplay that led to a beautiful and nasty Pastrnak goal that tied the game at 1-1. Boston would extend their lead when Brad Marchand netted a wrist shot at 14:37. About 37 seconds later, Nordstrom would score his first goal as a Bruin, cushioning the lead 3-1 by the end of the first.

The second period saw some rough hits courtesy of the Black and Gold. Bruins Defenseman Kevin Miller threw gloves down and fought Oilers left wing Jujhar Khaira. Center Sean Kuraly had a huge hit about 10 minutes into the second, sending Oilers Matt Benning over the boards, shattering the entire glass. Edmonton did try to rally back when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tried to squeak one in at 7:42 but Halak made the save with Zdeno Chara clearing the puck. With 35 seconds left in the third, Patrice Bergeron would score an empty-net goal, making the final score 4-1.

QUICK STATS

Boston Bruins defeat Edmonton Oilers

(Photo Credits: Mary Schwalm / AP )

Bruins Goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 25 saves while Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot made 28 saves. The power trio of Pastrnak, Marchand, and Bergeron all scored one goal last night along with Joakim Nordstrom. Matt Grzelcyk tallied up two assists for the night. Oilers Conor McDavid scored the only goal of the night for his team. The Bruins had 32 shots on goal while the Oilers had 26 shots. The win over Edmonton extends Boston’s winning streak to three games.

Next Up: The Bruins will host the Detroit Red Wings this Saturday afternoon at the Garden with puck drop at 3:00 pm

 

For more Bruins news, follow me on Twitter @pastagrll88

 

Oilers

Bruins Vs Oilers Preview

On Thursday night the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers will meet at 7 PM at TD Garden. This is the first matchup between these two teams in the early going of the 2018-2019 season. The Oilers will be looking for their first win of the year while the Bruins are looking to extend their win streak to three. It will be an interesting matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions.

Bruins and Oilers 2017-2018 Season’s So Far

The Bruins will come into this game having won back to back games after being embarrassed on opening night. Their defense has improved over the last two games while their top line has been dominant. In their 6-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Monday, the Bruins top line contributed to every goal. The Oilers will have to contain that line which is no easy task. They are a young team and will be looking to rebound following a tough opener.

Oilers

Photo Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Jason Franson

The Oilers first game of the season like the Bruins opener was forgettable. They fell to the Devils 5-3 and struggled in many areas of the game. Conor McDavid was a bright spot as he had an assist on two of Edmonton’s three goals. Former Bruin Milan Lucic will return to the Garden following a strong opener for Edmonton in which he recorded a goal and an assist. The Oilers must limit the Bruins offense which has scored ten goals in their past two games.

Keys To The Game

The Bruins top line early on has proved that it is still one of the best lines in hockey, but they will need help. Of the Bruins 12 goals this season only two have not come from the Bruins first line. The Bruins other lines have looked better of late but they will need to put the puck in the net. The Oilers will be looking to limit Bergeron, Marchand, and Pastrnak and challenge the Bruins other forwards. The Bruins will have to limit McDavid and Lucic who are coming off strong performances against New Jersey.

Oilers

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

For Edmonton, the key will be to limit the Bruins top line and challenge the Bruins depth. The Oilers will have to play better defensively and can not allow five goals again. They have had four days to rest meaning they should be at the top of their game. They will be getting reinforcements in the form of one of their top forwards in Ryan Nugent- Hopkins. He was held out of practice Monday after getting banged up against New Jersey but is expected to play.

Goalie Matchup

Jaroslav Halak will get the nod in net making his second start this season. He is coming off an impressive game against Buffalo in which he stopped all 32 shots he faced. In two games this season he has a save percentage of .960 and goals against average of 1.29.

Cam Talbot will get the start for Edmonton looking to bounce back after allowing four goals on 26 shots against New Jersey. He has been successful against the Bruins in his career recording a 5-2 record. In those seven games, he has a save percentage of .922 and goals against average of 2.72.

For more Bruins news, follow @JamieGatlin1217 on twitter

Davis Celtics

Anthony Davis to Celtics is Inevitable

The future of Anthony Davis is uncertain. He is currently under contract with the New Orleans Pelicans through the 2019-20 season with a player option for 2020-21. In six seasons with New Orleans, Davis has made two playoff appearances compared to the Celtics’ five.

With the departure of DeMarcus Cousins, Davis is not expected to exercise his player option. Rather, he will be traded prior to the 2019-20 trade deadline or will enter free agency prior to 2020-21.

Unfortunately due to stipulations around the “Rose Rule”, trading for Davis may be difficult.

That said, let’s look at why Anthony Davis to the Boston Celtics is inevitable.

Celtics as a Trade Partner

The Celtics have more assets than they can handle. General manager and president of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, has been compiling resources since 2013. Boston currently owns four first-round picks in the 2019 draft: Boston’s own, Sacramento’s (Top 1 protected), Memphis’ (protected 1-8 in ’19; 1-6 in ’20 and unprotected in ’21) and the Clippers (protected Top 14 in ’19 and ’20). If Ainge trades for Davis, a combination of picks will surely be exchanged.

Embed from Getty Images

Due to Davis’ contract, players must also be traded to ensure teams are salary cap compliant. This means that Al Horford ($29M), Gordon Hayward ($20M), or Marcus Smart ($11M) must be included in the deal. Other trade chips for Boston include Terry Rozier, who is a restricted free agent at seasons end, and Jaylen Brown, who has a club option for 2019-20.

The Celtics must be favorited to land Davis if New Orleans is to trade the superstar.

Boston as a Free Agent Destination

If Davis wants to win an NBA Championship, then Boston will be his destination.

He will likely enter free agency prior to the 2020-21 season. Boston will have ample money to sign Davis, as Al Horford and Marcus Morris will be off-the-books. Joining the Celtics would mean many things for the former first overall draft pick.

Davis Celtics

Smiling Jayson Tatum, right, and Jaylen Brown, seem to feel right at home during Celtics mini-camp, Friday, June 30, 2017, in Waltham. (Herald Photo by Jim Michaud)

Led by head coach Brad Stevens, the Celtics posses a young core destined for multiple deep playoff runs. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown look as promising of a duo as Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter. Them, along with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, can allow Davis to reduce his field goal attempts, making him a more efficient scorer and willing passer.

According to Bovada Official, on September 28, 2018, the Lakers were favorites to land Davis in free agency. Though, by joining the Celtics, Davis will become the top title contender in his conference. Something he cannot do in the West while the Golden State Warriors dynasty remains in-tact.

Expect to see Davis in Celtic green soon.

Bill Belichick Knows the Chiefs Will Be Tough

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.

6 Essential Factors to Consider Before you Join an Online Casino

Online casino is basically a service that is available on the internet that allows its customers to wager money on games of chance. Online gambling has risen from a small niche to becoming one of the best industry in the world today.

Today there are hundreds of online casinos on the web. These online casinos such as virgin games are powered by a variety of software companies and backed by numerous management groups. There are three different types of online casinos; Instant Play, download, and mobile casinos.

Instant Play casinos websites allow their users to play casino games without downloading software to their computers. Download-based online casinos require the user to download the software in order to play and wager on the casino games offered. Mobile casinos allow players to play their games on the go.

With so many casinos on the web, there are factors that you should consider before you sign up for an online casino to play at. Joining the right casino can save you a lot of time and money. The factors include;

 

  • Read the terms and conditions carefully

 

Every online casino like source has its own terms and conditions which guides you on how you should use their services. However, many players do not take their time to go through them. This is absolutely wrong. Reading the terms and conditions of a certain website can help you become a more informed player.

Being aware of the rules under which the casino operates can save you time and money in the long run. On the website’s terms and conditions, take the following into consideration;

  • The terms should be original and not stolen from another site
  • It’s a red alert if an online casino doesn’t have their own rules
  • Start analyzing the content of the terms and ensure that you are not subjected to any unreasonable rules.

 

  • Check the casino’s history

 

After going through the online casino’s terms and conditions and being comfortable with them, the next thing is to take a quick look at how a casino has been operating since its inception. Try to find out when it was established. There is no doubt that the older a casino is, the easier it is to research, but it doesn’t guarantee you that you are dealing with a good online casino.

When researching an online casino, you should look beyond their review page. You should look at the players’ comments and reviews. But remember that it is impossible to find a perfect history, you must find some minimal complaints.

 

  • Payment methods

 

When it comes to online casinos, you must consider the payment methods, the pending time, and the withdrawal timeframes. Before you start playing casino games for real money, you should be aware of the currencies that you are allowed to use, and the deposit methods.

When you want to withdraw your winnings, you should know the withdrawal methods, pending periods, and withdrawal timeframes. All these can be found in the casino reviews. It is good to be informed about these before you start playing. This can make you be at peace knowing that your withdrawal process will be seamless without any hassle.

 

  • Games available

 

Before you join an online casino, you should be aware of the games that the casino offers. The most common casino games include card games, roulette, dice games, video poker, etc. Most online casinos obtain licenses from third-parties to create their own games portfolio. There are several software providers that supply casinos with state of the art games.

 

  • Check the casino’s Customer support

 

There is a possibility that you will talk to a representative at some point. You should ensure that they will always be there for you when you need them. Before you sign up at any online casino, make sure that they have a page indicated “contact us.” Here, they will include at least one method of contact. It can even be better if they include a toll-free phone number.

You can also test their responsiveness by giving them a call, chat with them, or email the casino with a test inquiry and get a reply before you play. This will prove that the casino cares about its customers and is eager to help them out if they are in need.

 

  • Check if the casino is certified

 

This is also a very important factor to consider. This casino should be certified. This shows that it is legal and that it abides by the laws that are concerned with gambling. An online casino which isn’t certified should be a red alert.

Boston Bruins

Home Opener: Bruins vs Senators

As Bruce Cassidy stated after the Bruins 6-3 win over the Senators: we are spoiled here in Boston and the Bruins started the day off with an entertaining game against the Ottawa Senators. The atmosphere in the Garden was boisterous amid chants of “Yankees Suck!” and that energy was felt amongst the Bruins.  For one particular player, this win would one for the books as Patrice Bergeron scored his 4th career hat-trick.

Patrice Bergeron

(Photo Credits: Instagram @nhlbruins

A Hometown Welcome

Patrice Bergeron

(Photo Credits: NHL Bruins)

As the puck dropped, Bergeron scored 30 seconds in the first period, putting Boston on board 1-0 over the Senators. As the period continued at 17:12 Bergeron netted another goal, making the score 2-0 Bruins. The Senator’s Ryan Dzingel had a busy afternoon and cut the lead 2-1 in the second period. The Bruins answered back when Walpole native Chris Wagner tipped in his first goal as a Bruin, making the score 3-1.  Ottawa, however, didn’t stay quiet for too long as Dzingel once again scored making it 3-2. At the 4:38 mark, Bergeron completed his hat trick in the third period putting the Bruins up 4-2.

The Bruins were called on a penalty that saw John Moore sit in the box. Ottawa at one point had a two-man advantage but ultimately weren’t able to capitalize on their power-play. The Bruins came back as David Pastrnak buried one in net extending the lead 5-2 from a redirect pass by Bergeron. For the Senators, Bobby Ryan scored shortly after Pastrnak making it 5-3. However, with little time left in the third, Pastrnak once again scored albeit an empty-netter making the final score 6-3.

By the Numbers:

Patrice Bergeron came away with three goals and an assist. He recorded his fourth career hat trick. Bergeron also recorded another hat trick against the Senators in 2011.  David Pastrnak posted two goals with two assists. Both Charlie McAvoy and Brad Marchand added points with their three assists.  Goaltender Tuukka Rask made 28 saves. For The Senators, Ryan Dzingel had two goals along with Bobby Ryan-who scored one goal. Goaltender Mike Condon made 24 saves.

The Bruins will stay in town as they host the Edmonton Oilers this coming Thursday with puck drop at 7:00 pm.

 

If you want more Bruins news, give a follow on Twitter @pastagrl88

 

Is Now a Time to Panic about the Celtics?

The Boston Celtics have limped through the 2018 preseason thus far, starting 1-3 with a loss to the Charlotte Hornets and two losses to the LeBron-less Cleveland Cavaliers. Some Celtics fans are in panic. It is the preseason, but some of the losses haven’t been close! Is it time to start worrying about the Celtics season?

What the Preseason is

Embed from Getty Images

The preseason is simply what the word says it is. It’s the Preseason. The games before the season starts when rosters are fixing to trim down to fifteen players, when the kinks are being worked out and the chemistry put together as the players learn how to utilize each other among the new additions. The preseason isn’t designed to be very much more then that.

Boston had prepared for a new player last season, Gordon Hayward, and he lasted all of five minutes before going down with an awful ankle injury. Because of that, Hayward is really a new player on this roster. None of the guys have spent much time on the court with him, and he is rehabbing an injury.

What are the issues so far?

Embed from Getty Images

That being said, the Celtics have shown potential issues so far on the court. Hayward doesn’t look fully confident in his ankle yet. Sometimes when he goes up for a shot, he almost expects to come down tweaking something. That’s natural. His ankle was literally bent out of place when he went down with an injury. Without confidence, shooting percentage will go down.

With Hayward not playing confident yet, he almost seems to be out of place on this squad. This team is incredibly confident and poised to make a deep playoff run, and definitely seem to be looking at a championship run.

Brad Stevens seems to know this, and is pushing more minutes on him to get him more comfortable on the court. Confidence is contagious, and there really is no reason to believe why Hayward won’t get back to mid-season form.

The positives this squad is showing

Embed from Getty Images

Where to begin? I know some people are looking at the Celtics record right now, and it’s not pretty. Again, it’s preseason. Players are “sleepwalking” through the games, trying to avoid serious injuries and prepare for the season grind coming up.

Kyrie Irving looks healthy. It’s the first time I have ever written that in my short time doing basketball coverage, and it feels good to say. He says he’s not in pain for the first time since before he came to Boston. He has been very explosive going to the basket.

Marcus Morris looks primed to have a career year off of the bench. He’s been a beast so far, hitting a lot of threes so far in limited time this preseason. Jayson Tatum looks ready to take the next step in his progression. Jaylen Brown has led the team in scoring almost every night so far. That’s not mentioning Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier, who have been good too. Everyone is hitting all of the boxes we wanted to see, and the Celtics look really good.

Is it time to panic?

Some people pay too much attention to statistics and not enough attention to what’s going on downstairs on the hardwood. The Celtics look really good. They’re not playing 100% right now because there is no reason too. Nobody in NBA circles are fooled, though, and will be bringing their A-Game every time they step out on the court against these guys.

No, Celtics Nation. Now is not the time to panic. It’s preseason. The scoreboard is almost meaningless in preseason, and it shows no indication of the upcoming season. If the preseason had mattered last year, Boston would have been favored to play the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals. The year before, it would have been the Atlanta Hawks and the Golden State Warriors.

One more thing: The Cavaliers went 1-4 last preseason, the Golden State Warriors went 2-2. Preseason records mean nothing.

Don’t panic guys. This team is going to be great.