Fantasy Breakout Starts Week 3

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Week 2 in the NFL had many fantasy surprises and disappointments. I am here to try and help you set your QB and RB2/Flex positions. Now, the proceedings use a PPR scale. Obviously, if you have studs like Rodgers, Brady, Brees, Bell or Freeman, you will start them regardless of their match ups. I don’t do obvious, so here we go.

Quarterback outlook

QBs: Cam Newton- Owners have been down on him with good reason.  He has taken a beating over the first two weeks. Have no fear, as New Orleans rolls into Charlotte just in time to remedy what ails Newton and the Panthers.

Jay Cutler- He has now had a week of game film to go over with his offense and logged even more practice time. They play the Jets, who have given up five passing TDs so far this season. Look for Cutler to throw early and often as Ajayi is a little banged up.

Andy Dalton- Dalton and the Bengals have gotten off to a terrible start.  Even though they head to Lambeau, I like him here. Green Bay has been good vs the pass and awful vs the run but I have a hunch he finds Green a lot and they both have huge days.

Phillip Rivers- The reason I like him at home vs the Chiefs is simple.  He plays great from behind, where I fully expect them.  Allen seems in better shape.   They have solid TEs, and Gordan has  improved as a receiver out of the backfield.

DeShone Kizer- This is my bold/long shot of the week. He has had a couple of weeks to adjust to the league and faces  the Colts. Perhaps the worst team in football. The Colts give up 300= ypg in the air and Kizer has a breakout game. 

About those backs

Now it’s on to RB2/Flex

Tarik Cohen- He had a great first week and a sub par second week. Cohen has already taken over third- down duty and has shown he can catch the ball. Now with Howard’s shoulder nicked up, he will see carries too.

Ameer Abdullah- Going against the Falcons, Detroit will try to establish the run early. Abdullah averaged more than five yards an attempt last week. Keep Ryan and the Atlanta’s high-powered offense off the field is a priority. I see the end zone in his future.

Chris Carson- It seems that he has emerged as the Seahawks number-one back. He ran hard and he ran well last week. Also, with Seattle’s pass blocking horrific, he will get 20+ touches against the Titans.

Derrick Henry- Seattle has a stingy pass defense but give up 120+ yards on the ground. Murray is hurting and Henry’s 5.9 avg yards per carry is as good as it gets. I see a 100 yard game out of him.

Javorius Allen- He had a breakout last week and he looks to keep it rolling against a Jaguars defense that gives up 136 ypg and 3 TDs so far. He also figures into the passing game as well.Tennessee Titans v Jacksonville Jaguars : News Photo

Good luck in week three and may the fantasy gods be kind to you in all of your match ups.  And if they aren’t, there is always next week 🙂

Yours truly,
BostonBongo

Meet Sweet Feet: A Conversation with James White

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James White has become an integral part of the juggernaut that is the New England Patriots offense.  Drafted in 2014, White quickly demonstrated that he would be a special member of this team.

He’s even had a few memorable plays, ya know, like this one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axj4FVhkoL8

Can’t Beat Sweet Feet

A multiple threat, running back White has delivered on the biggest stage and evolved in to a fan favorite; for his on- and off-field actions.

White recently took over as as the face of Mayo Bowl, the highly successful charity event benefitting Boston Medical Center  hosted by former Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo.

Boston Sports Extra spoke with ‘Sweet Feet’ White about Mayo Bowl, the state of affairs with the Pats and his inability to lose.  We even coerced him into a little game we titled ‘One Word with White’.

When we talked with James, he was enjoying his one-day-off-per-week Tuesday (I actually think he just woke up), and immediately demonstrated the quality seemingly all Patriots players possess; the inability to share ANY inside information.  We had some fun anyway.

James gets White to the point

Boston Sports Extra: James, thanks for speaking with us.  Right out of the gate, I need to ask what is on everyone’s mind; injuries.  The Patriots are plagued with injuries to several key contributors.  What’s the situation in the locker room?  Any panic or change of game plan?

JW: No, we just take one day at a time.  We look at the situation, and make changes.  Yeah, some key guys are hurt, but they just keep rehabbing so they can all get back on the field.  Next man up.

(Oh boy, this interview is already feeling very Belichick-ian)

Boston Sports Extra: With these injuries, you and others need to step up and create plays.  You caught eight balls last week, only two– rush attempts. Is this what we can plan to see out of the Patriots while you have some key guys on the sidelines?

JM: Like I said, guys just need to step up and do what we have to do.  Next man up, that’s how we all need to be.

Boston Sports Extra: Sure, but this has to impact how you prepare and practice?  Shift from normal game planning?

JW: I don’t control the practices.  That’s Bill and Josh’s jobs.  I just do what I do.  They coach.

(Jesus, this guy might be worse than B.B. at the podium)

Boston Sports Extra: OK, this line of question is not working.  You are a career-long Patriot and you had an incredibly successful college career (at Wisconsin) and in high school (at St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida).  Question.  Do you know how to lose football games?

JW: Ha,ha.  Yes, I have been very blessed and fortunate in my career as a player.  I have been a part of great teams.  All of them seemed to possess the same qualities.  The common thread was being a tight- knit group.  Working hard every day.  All these teams I played on had those qualities.

(Yup, this guy is actually a robot spun out of a lab at Gillette Stadium)

Boston Sports Extra: Last question before we talk about Mayo Bowl.  Tom Brady robbed you of the MVP in SuperBowl 51.  We all know that.  But did you ever think “pitch sweep right” would be the call that would win the greatest Super Bowl in history?

JW: (awkward, uncomfortable giggle/throat clear about Brady comment) I never would have thought I would be in that position.  I am so thankful for that opportunity and that it worked out the way it.  It was incredible and I was lucky to be a part of it.

We’re on to Mayo Bowl

Boston Sports Extra: Talk about Mayo Bowl this Monday night.

JW: Sure,  I am really excited to be taking this event on, on behalf of Jerod and (his wife) Chantel.  He thought I would be a good candidate and I have been working with him and Blue Sky to create another great evening. They have raised $1.6 million dollars since it started; $485,000 just last year.  I am very lucky.  Not to mention, Boston Medical Center is such a wonderful place.  I have visited there many times and it is just such a caring place to children.  Proud to be taking this on.  I have come to love the Boston community since coming here.

‘One Word with White’

Boston Sports Extra: Alright James, time for the tough questions.  Came up with a little game called ‘One Word with White’.  Based on all your other brief answers, this should be a piece of cake.  Or will it?  I will provide an adjective and you to name the teammate that best fits that description.

JW: Oh man.

Boston Sports Extra: You ready?  Here we go.

(there was a long pause and many ‘ums’ and ‘ah’s’ throughout these next series of questions.  He was feeling the ‘hot seat’.)

Which teammate or coach is…

BSE: Funniest?

JW Ahhhhhhh….I mean.  I don’t know.

BSE: Come on, man, this is the easy one!

JW:  Alright…Julian…and…..McCourty…I guess.

BSE: Fine. Next.  Best Dancer?

JW: Allen Branch

BSE: Best Dressed?

JW: Lot of goods ones.  I’d say Tom….and Jimmy.  Both those guys are pretty slick.

BSE: Craziest?

JW: I don’t know if I can…

BSE: Fine. Craziest on the field?

JW: James Devlin

BSE: Toughest?

JW: Dont’a Hightower

BSE: Smack talker?

JW:  Ah, probably Jules.

BSE: Superstitious?

JW:  I don’t know, but I don’t have any superstitions

Now let’s really put him on the spot

BSE: Locker smells the worst?

JW: (crazy, weird laughter) That whole place smells funky!

BSE: Drunkest after Super Bowl 51?

JW: Come on, man.

BSE: Just answer.  Give me something!

(silence)

BSE: Ok, ok.  Last one.  You have to respond.  Deal?

JW: Go ahead.

BSE: Belichick, Brady and McDaniels are in a burning building and you can only save one?

JW:  Oh my God, no way I am touching that one, dude.

************************************

Well, Mr. White, I guess you win this round of ‘cat and mouse’, but I will get answers from you.

Before we hung up I informed him that I will be traveling down with the team and DraftKings on behalf of Boston Sports Extra for the Tampa Bay game on October 5th.

BSE: Maybe I will get some more answer out of you then?  Or we can arm wrestle?

JW: Maybe.

 

Frank McCabe is a contributing writer for Boston Sports Extra/Patriots Extra.  You can follow him on Twitter @fhmccabe

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Red Sox sign Tibetan-born Prospect

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Sox sign another talented catcher

On July 13th 2017 the Red Sox became the first MLB team to sign a Tibetan-born baseball player when they signed sixteen year-old Qiang Ba Ren Zeng. The versatile youngster’s primary position is catcher, but he is also experienced at both shortstop and pitcher. Zeng currently stands at six feet tall and weighs 185 pounds, certainly a sizeable frame for a young kid. His best attribute seems to be his strong and accurate throwing arm, obviously a vital skill for an aspiring catcher.

Zeng’s transition to the MLB

While there are currently no stats available for Zeng, he began playing for the Gulf Coast League Red Sox in August. He seems to be tremendously talented defensively but there are questions about his offense. Some scouts are skeptical about his abilities at the plate, but ultimately it is too early to jump to conclusions. His large frame is an indication of at least some potential for power.

MLB’s absence of catchers

I love this move by the Red Sox. They may not know everything about this kid, but it is a good gamble. Modern baseball seems to lack both depth and talent at the catcher position, which is arguably the most important position on the diamond. It is very unlike the depth at a position like shortstop, which is absolutely loaded with talent. Among the top 100  players in the game today, about four of them are catchers (Yadier Molina, Gary Sanchez, Buster Posey and Salvador Perez) The game seriously lacks talent at a key position. Due to the scarcity at the position, I think many teams in the league are undervaluing the importance of loading up on young catching prospects.

Surplus of catching options for the Sox

The Red Sox seem to be one of the better organizations at scouting catchers. Currently, we have two of the very best defensive catchers in the MLB in Christian Vazquez and Sandy Leon. Also, the Sox are developing yet another brilliant defensive catcher in Daniel Flores. Flores is currently the fifth-ranked prospect in the organization. Impressively, he has drawn comparisons to Austin Hedges. Scouts say he has Gold Glove potential.

 

Zeng signing is underrated

Having a plethora of talented catchers has two major benefits. One,  they can be used by the team to help them win. Another benefit, they contain high value because of scarcity. All teams are looking for a solid catcher and many are willing to pay a hefty price for one. If the Red Sox are smart they will be able to use one of their many catchers as “trade bait” and receive a substantial reward in return. #RedSoxNation should be excited about this signing, even if it takes a few years to pay off.

The Number 63

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by @inlow005

Despised by the greater majority of NHL fans, Brad Marchand is constantly in the spotlight. His antics on the ice are different from that of any other player in hockey. One moment he could be wailing on the star player of the opposing franchise. Then, five minutes after his trip to the box, he scores the game tying goal late in the third. The list of reasons Marchand fills opposing fans with fuming anger is immense. But in the eyes of Bostonians, number 63 is looked upon with admiration, nearly in a heroic sense.

FROM ROOKIE TO VETERAN

Throughout the course of his NHL career, Marchand has matured from a young 21-year-old spending 20x the amount of time in the box than in the points column. This season, he’ll be the fourth highest paid player on the Bruins’ roster (capfriendly.com). A Bruin throughout his entire career, fans watched him develop into the stud he has become today.

His aggressive demeanor has lead Marchand to success through both his physicality and his offensive wittiness. Boston fans perch on the edge of their seat when 63 hits the ice, knowing he could very easily make a huge play for the B’s.  Last season Marchand led the team not only in assists and points, but also penalty minutes. This only glorifies the uniqueness he brings to the city of Boston.

THE MEMORIES

One of the most memorable Marchand moments for Boston hockey fans occurred during the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. After dropping the first two games on the road in Vancouver, the B’s needed a home-ice win in game three. With a two goal lead just past the halfway point of the second period, Marchand went the length of the ice to sneak a short-handed wrister past Roberto Luongo. This set the course for the rest of the series.  The Bruins eventually went on to win game three 8-1 before shutting out Vancouver in game seven on their own ice.

THEATER ON ICE

Marchand’s impressive performance during that Stanley Cup series allowed him to display his theatrical side of the game in Vancouver a few years later. After chirping back and forth on the bench with some Canucks fans, Marchand proceeded to remove his glove and kiss his ring finger while staring down the men in the stands. Marchand’s history with Vancouver epitomizes the hatred he brings out with NHL fans all over the country, with the exception of Boston, of course.

The only time cities like Vancouver can tolerate Marchand?  When he nets the winning goal in the World Cup Finals for their home country of Canada. In every other scenario, Marchand is looked upon as a frustrating pest threatening the opposition’s players and win column. But for Bostonians, few things compare to the thrill of looking up and seeing number 63 skating down the ice in that black and gold.

Red Sox Postseason Numbers Crunch in Bullpen

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The Red Sox face a roster crunch for the postseason. Many bullpen arms have stepped up down the stretch and pitching well in critical spots. Of course, not a bad problem to have. It does however beg the question, which ones will make the postseason team?

Bullpen Arms

Craig Kimbrel is obviously on the team as the closer. That’s the number-one bullpen spot. Addison Reed will no doubt set him up. Despite a couple hiccups with the Red Sox, Reed has pitched well since coming over. With reports that David Price will pitch out of the pen in the playoffs, that’s three automatic spots occupied. Price is intriguing out there. It’s been a long time since he shut the Red Sox down in the ALCS in his rookie season coming out of the pen. However, he doesn’t have to worry about lasting and can just rear back and throw. He could be an effective left-handed option for them in crucial spots. Price would also be available for multiple innings at times in big spots if innings are needed. As for the other options…

Matt Barnes has been with the team all year, leading with 66 appearances. He can be hit or miss though, and his 3.88 ERA is high compared to the teams other relievers. Is there a chance one of their most used relief pitchers over the last two seasons off the postseason roster? He does strike out a lot of players —  75 batters in 65 innings. He’s not very trustworthy though.

Heath Hembree has pitched for the Sox a lot this season, appearing in 60 contests as of this writing. Hembree has a decent 3.58 ERA, but his 1.46 WHIP is the worst of anyone with more than 20 appearances. He puts a lot of men on base, which would be awfully nerve-wracking in the playoffs. Hembree, like Barnes, strikes out more than a batter per inning.

Joe Kelly has to be on the roster. With his 2.68 ERA and .207 opponent average, I trust Kelly much more than I trust either Barnes or Hembree. His 100 mph heat can be overpowering and elicits a lot of weak contact.

Brandon Workman has been outstanding for the Sox since coming back from injury. He has worked 37.1 innings to a 2.41 ERA. He can work multiple innings if needed, and do so effectively, a key weapon to have in the postseason.

Carson Smith shows us all what we have been waiting for. Somehow fleecing the Mariners in acquiring Smith (and Elias) for Wade Miley, Smith hadn’t pitched in almost two seasons for the Sox until this month. In 2015 he struck out nearly 12 batters per nine innings and had a 2.31 ERA. This kid has an electric arm. Since returning, Smith has struck out five batters over 4.1 shutout innings. I’d want him on the roster.

Austin Maddox has come out of nowhere to throw his hat in the mix. A guy hardly anyone knew anything about not long ago, Maddox is a 26-year-old career minor leaguer. His career ERA in the minors is 4.27. He’s pitched better the further into his professional career he has gone, posting a sub 4.00 ERA each of the past three seasons. This year his ERA was below 3.00 combined between Portland and Pawtucket. Since joining the big club, Maddox has thrown 12.1 shutout innings! Very shocking. He has allowed only 10 base runners and struck out 10 batters.

For left handers, I have to think at least one other than Price will make it. We have two options. Robby Scott pitched great in a few appearances late last season. This year he has been a little up and down, but when you only face a couple batters a game at most, your ERA fluctuate wildly. Batters hit only .186 off of him and he has a 1.03 WHIP. Beyond that, lefties bat an anemic .131 versus Robby. His should only face a lefty in a big spot.  Why wouldn’t you want someone that dominant versus them?

The other option is Fernando Abad.   John Farrell can’t seem to get past the fact he stunk last year. Abad is 2-0 with a 2.98 ERA this season however, showing why Dombrowski acquired him to begin with. Abad has a much better ERA than Scott, but his peripherals aren’t as good, allowing more hits and putting more men on base. Also, he isn’t as effective at getting lefties out, which is what the Sox will need from their left hander in the pen.

If I were to pick, I would say Kimbrel, Reed, Price, Kelly, Workman, Smith and Scott. Could even choose to keep eight, with four starters instead of five it opens another roster spot. The 4th rotation spot seems to be up for grabs, but whoever loses out in that battle won’t make the playoff roster as a reliever.

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Identifying Greatness – The Heart of a Champion

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CHAMPIONSHIP ATTITUDE

“Champions are made from something they have deep inside them — a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”  -Muhammad Ali

This is echoed by other great champions; you have to put in some serious work, even when the lights are off.

“The vision of a champion is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is looking.”

Elite athletes all relay the same message; you have to fall in love with the hustle. Then when it’s time to perform, there are no nerves because you’ve already done the hardest part; now it’s time to show everybody else what you’ve been doing.

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”      -Michael Jordan

Jordan takes it a step further and dives into the mental fortitude one must have to become a champion. You will fail, but what defines you is what happens after that. The greats have all come back from defeat better in their pursuit to reach the top.

“The mark of a great player is in his ability to come back. The great champions have all come back from defeat.” -Sam Snead

LAYMEN’S TERMS

The underlying themes of becoming a champion seem to be an unparalleled work ethic complemented by superior talent, a desire to be great, and a championship mindset. This includes the ability to learn and get better from failure, and an obsession with being the best. In team sports, I would also add the ability to sacrifice for the good of the team. One must always think of what will make the team better first, not what will make the individual better. Lastly, great coaches and mentors are helpful as well. When striving for greatness, you must always have people around you conducive to success.

THE CELTICS WAY

So, does this team have these characteristics, the heart of a champion? Brad Stevens has always instilled in his players the belief that they can be great, all the way to the last player on the bench. “The walk-on, the manager, the head coach, the best player—we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. I would say that’s the Butler Way,” says Ron Nored, a four-year player for Stevens at Butler. With a fierce dedication to this culture, they made it to the NCAA championship twice. Despite losing both times, Stevens has come back even hungrier to get back to that point and win a championship. Now, it’s the Celtics Way, and just about every player that has made a stop in Boston under Stevens has bought in.

Stevens’ old Butler pal and one of the newest Celtics, Gordon Hayward, was a key piece in one of those championship runs. He was a perfect fit as the leader of that team because he represented what the team was all about, or “the Butler Way” as they called it. “To me, it’s all about winning basketball games,” Hayward says. Now reunited with his old college coach, he continues to strive to get back to that championship stage as well. He has gotten noticeably better in each of his seven seasons in the league, a testament to the work he puts in to honing his craft. Now, they will take on the league together along with a revamped roster that will be getting a crash course on “the Celtics Way” in the next month or so.

ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE

Hayward should fit in seamlessly, just as he did with this system in college. The biggest question mark surrounding this team is its biggest star and newest member, Kyrie Irving. Will he be able to fit in, or will he be trying too hard to stand out? He is saying all the right things, claiming to be excited about “going after something bigger than myself,” echoing what Nored said when describing the Butler Way. The story the media portrayed was that Kyrie wanted to get out of Lebron’s shadow and have a team to call his own. He cleared this up on First Take recently, stating that it was actually quite the opposite; he wants to be part of a team that focuses on every players strengths, not revolves around the greatness of one.

So, can Brad Stevens work his magic and get the absolute best out of Kyrie Irving? Regardless of what Kyrie says, he has been known to go AWOL at times and try to take on the entire defense on his own. More concerning is his lack of effort at times defensively, something this team emphasizes, so this will be a challenge. If there was one thing to take away from the press conference introducing Kyrie and Gordon, it was the unmistakable grin on Coach Stevens’ face that the always calm and collected coach couldn’t wipe away for the entire 30+ minutes. The message? He can’t wait to get to work with these guys and show them what the Butler Way, the Celtics Way, the Stevens Way is all about.

Boston Celtics, left to right, coach Brad Stevens, owner Wyc Grousbeck, Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and general manager Danny Ainge share a laugh during a news conference in Boston, Friday, Sept. 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

EMBRACING THE CHALLENGE

We do know Irving has the desire to be great, the dream, the vision. Another thing we know is that Kyrie Irving is a champion. Say what you want, but he has the ring to prove it.

“Embrace the challenge; never run from it. Don’t let anyone’s thoughts or opinions affect your drive to be great.” -Kyrie Irving

He is a firm believer in Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hour rule, which focuses on honing and perfecting your craft every day. He was lucky enough to learn firsthand from one of the all-time greats, playing alongside Lebron James for three years. Together they made it to the Finals, lost, and came back better to win it the next year. Poetic justice if Michael Jordan and Sam Snead have anything to say about it. Oh yeah, and he hit the shot to seal the series in a classic game seven of those 2016 Finals. Being clutch never hurts.

THE GLUE

The rest of the team seems ready to step up to the challenge as well. BSE’s own Ricardo Vieira wrote a nice piece about Marcus Smart’s rigorous offseason training in preparation for a bigger role. Jaylen Brown made it a point to play in Summer League to log more game minutes, and has been working nonstop this summer as well. He is a potential starting candidate after a solid rookie campaign. Al Horford has been a key piece on both Hawks and Celtics teams that clinched the #1 seed in the East, and is still hungry for more.

All the pieces are in place for this team to make some great runs in the coming years. When it comes to championship DNA, I think these guys have it. The team culture is one that should push this forward, and the culture of the city will elevate it even further with its illustrious championship history. With the core of Irving, Hayward, and Horford, along with improvements year by year from the young guns, it is only a matter of time before we see the Celtics hang Banner 18. And while it might not happen this season, I’d bank on it coming sooner rather than later.

New NBA STATEMENT Uniforms

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UNIFORMS, WE TALKIN´ UNIFORMS

On Friday, the NIKE announced The New NBA STATEMENT Uniforms.

NIKE also debuted the Connected Jersey, which features a NFC chip. Once you have downloaded the NIKE app, it´ll unlock exclusive content for that player.

Using new NikeConnect technology, each adult-sized Nike NBA Connected Jersey will have an embedded NFC (near field communication) chip that will launch real-time team and player content such as pregame arrival footage, highlight packages and top players’ favorite music playlists – all on the jersey owner’s mobile device. Throughout the season, a wealth of exclusive offers and experiences will bring fans closer to the game they love.

BLACK IS THE NEW GREEN

Now I know you are asking, I can’t see the Celtics! Where is it!?

Funny thing, It actually took me about a minute to find it. That’s because the Celtics were all the way in the back, and I was looking for maybe Kyrie´s face, GH, maybe rookie-sensation Jayson Tatum. Nope. Shane Larkin. Nothing wrong with Larkin, but I didn’t expect it to be him. But anyway, here is a more clear picture of the full unit.

 

I am a big fan. Really like the Black and Green combination. Just like the black trim the Celtics used tons last season.

 

But let’s be honest, that GE logo ruins it. It’s so big, so out of place and, overall, ads on NBA uniforms are not a pretty look. But overall the unit is clean, not much going around. Just the plain black and the green trims and sides. Beautifully done NIKE.

BYE BYE SLEEVES

With NIKE taking over the NBA uniforms, this hopefully means bye bye to those ugly sleeved uniforms pajamas. Remember the grey ones?

Yeah, not a fan.

Give us your thoughts on the new Celtics uniforms, Celtics Nation. Do you like it? Hate it?

 

 

Training Camp and Media Day

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BASKETBALL IS BACK

The entire Isaiah and Kyrie trade happened about a month ago.  And now we are just nine days away from media day on Sept. 25

Via Celtics Blog:

Even more exciting news, Celtics will start training camp just a day later, Sept. 26th.

MEDIA DAY AND PHOTO DAY

Media day will give us a chance to see the two newest Celtics, Kyrie and Hayward, with their new Celtics jersey. This also will give us the first look at the big three together. They’ll be joined by the rookies, highlighted by the number-three pick, Jayson Tatum. and new Celtics, Morris and Baynes.

In addition to player interviews, The day will be dedicated to players taking selfies with each other, players getting to know each other and discussing the upcoming season. Same will apply to Brad and his coaching staff and the front office executives.

TRAINING CAMP IN RHODE ISLAND?

According to Brian Robb, the following day the Celtics will head to Rhode Island to start training camp.  This will be the first time since Brad´s rookie season that the Celtics will hold traning camp in Rhode Island.

This will give the players and coaches some time to bond, and build some chemistry, as just four players from last season´s ECF team are back. The Celtics will be in RI for three days.

Season is on the horizon, Celtics Nation.

Andy’s Candor: Matchup of the Game!

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“If a defensive lineman sacks a quarterback in the forest does he make a sound?”

The Patriots

That’s how I feel about the state of the defensive line of the New England Patriots. In the opener against KC they had some positives. Flowers had a good stat line of two sacks, six hits and eight pressures, but that was it. We knew coming into this season that the between the new faces and lack of star power manufacturing pass rush was the order of the day. The youthful energy and solid secondary would produce the finished product. So far, the returns are unimpressive. Other members of the front seven barely cracked the stat sheet, and with the loss of Hightower, the game against the Saints has taken an ominous tone.

The Saints

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 11: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings sacks quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter of the game on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

But fear not Patriots Nation! If the state of our pass rushing sucks, then the offensive line of the Saints is downright deplorable! Heading out of training camp without LT Terron Armstead, they lost RT Zach Streif before two quarters of the 2017 season was over. This caused a normally explosive offense led by the prolific Drew Brees to fizzle and produce just 19 points. Including netting four field goals in the red zone.

Why it’s Important

This matchup is important for a multitude of reasons. Let the young guys get experience and confidence. Allow the Patriots defensive coaches to further gather information on their own personnel. Making sure that Drew Brees doesn’t get too comfortable and be able to pick apart the secondary. But, the biggest reason is that they need to prevent this game from becoming too big of a shootout. The offense still has kinks to work out and Brady has to be forced to trust other receivers on third down. And his Edelman and Amendola security blankets have been put in the wash and you have to get Tom used to the Hogan, and Cooks stuffy now, so it can pay off dividends in January.

Comment and share with your friends. You can express your displeasure with me on Twitter @ALykins32 and be sure to read and follow @BosSportsExtra for more original content from great writers.

Jardine’s Means: The Keys To Beating The Saints

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Well folks, as Coach Belichick would say “we are onto New Orleans”.  It will be refreshing for players and fans alike to get to the next game.  We all just hope that that first game was just a reminder to “do your job” and play.  Let me give you my keys to the Patriots beating the Saints tomorrow.

 

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: James White #28 of the New England Patriots with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Patriots defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

USE THE RUN TO SET UP THE PASSING GAME

One key to beating the Saints this week is controlling the game on the ground.  This will accomplish many things if executed properly.  First, it will allow the offense to get into the game and draw the Saints’ defense closer to the line of scrimmage.  By drawing the defense closer to the line over time this will allow for play action passing.  Brady is a master at reading the defense.  The more of them at the line the better.

Running the ball also eats up the clock nicely.  This allows the Patriots’ defense limit time on the field which keeps them very fresh.  Running the ball accomplishes the most important goal of all, keeping Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense on the sidelines.  They cannot score when they are on the sidelines looking at their tablets.  The Patriots really failed at this in their first game.  I guarantee you that Coach Belichick chewed the ear off Coach McDaniels about this very subject.

Expect a big ground game from Gillislee after Coach Belichick’s comment that “he could be a little better”.  Yes Gillislee scored three touchdowns.  But that was about it for positives in game one.

 

USE THE ENTIRE PASSING GAME

Anyone that watched the first game against the Chiefs probably shouted at their TV at least once during the game.  The most likely phrase screamed at the TV was probably “why the hell are the Pats throwing it deep all the time?”  Maybe that was just me, because I know I shouted that at least once.

The Patriots will move into their passing attack mode after running the ball.  This strategy will also be much more effective than my “spreading the ball around” and not just throwing deep.  Having Cooks and Hogan down the field was almost having a new toy for Brady last week.  Like anything new, you don’t want to wear it out from overuse.  The Pats have so many weapons in their passing arsenal that they should be OK.  By spreading the ball to Gronk, Burkhead, White and friends, then it should allow for deep throws sometimes.   Just don’t fall in love with the deep ball, Tom, because you don’t have to.

This so called spreading of the offensive wealth should allow for a better result then last week.  The Patriots have such a wide and varied offensive attack that things should work themselves out this week.

BACK ON TRACK

With the slight change of our teams’ offensive outlook, the result of this game should be better.  Keeping the Saints’ offens,e off of the field as much as possible, and grinding their D are going to be the keys to victory.  T,ake a deep breath Patriot Nation, because I think that loss last week will be a blessing.  Let’s Go Patriots.  Check out more great Patriot articles at BostonSportsExtra.com