Five Reasons Why The Patriots Can Repeat

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The New England Patriots are the current Super Bowl Champions, and were very active during the off season. Some of the key additions include Brandin Cooks, Kony Ealy, Dwayne Allen, Stephon Gilmore and many more, making the Patriots the odds-on favorite to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. New England has gotten some serious upgrades that can help them in their quest for their sixth championship in the Brady and Belichick era. With that said, here are the five reasons why the Patriots can repeat as Super Bowl Champions.

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Red Sox, Yankees Rivalry is Back

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The Red Sox and Yankees went head to head this weekend, firing up a long-standing rivalry. Maybe not as intense as the 2003-2004 season with Varitek, Jeter, Pedroia and A-Rod.  But as we come to the last two months of the regular season, the AL East is closing in on the Red Sox and Yankees for the number-one spot in the divison.

Season Finale Heating Up

The Red Sox had Eduardo Rodriguez going Friday, Drew Pomeranz Saturday, and Chris Sale Sunday. Notice no David Price pitching in this series.  That’s how big it is.  The Red Sox took two out of three against the Yankees for a five-game division lead ahead of the Yankees.

The Red Sox had their eight-game win streak snapped Friday night, but came back to win Saturday and Sunday.  That game went into extra innings after a monster home run by 20-year-old Rafael Devers, a rookie, off an Aroldis Chapman pitch clocked at 103 mph.

The Red Sox are on fire right now with Eduardo Nunez hitting leadoff. The Sox aquired Nunez before the trade deadline from the Giants.  To date he’s produced 21 hits,12 RBI’s, four homers, and a .420 batting average in 52 at-bats.  Devers has proven he belongs in The Bigs, batting a .319 average, with 15 hits and eight runs in 47 at bats.

Rookie Yankee Aaron Judge is having a great first season in New York. He leads the league with 35 home runs for a a .294 batting average, with 113 hits, and 86 runs from 385 at-bats this season.

Bullpen health check

The Red Sox have some bullpen questions, even after acquiring Addison Reed from the Mets.  Reed completely crapped himself on the mound Friday night. Hopefully he pitches better in the next 60 days. They have only one standout pitcher — Chris Sale — who once again was absolutely dominant  on Sunday.

I do smell a September collapse with this team though. The Red Sox have done it before in 2011 and could do it again. That would really kick John Farrell out of town.

They are playing good baseball, but I need to see how they do after this weekend before I predict that they’ll win the division. The Red Sox and Yankees play each other two more time this season so it will be interesting to see what happens. They play a series at Fenway Park, then  a Series at Yankee Stadium in the beginning of September. So get ready for the rollercoaster ride of the Major League Baseball race to the end of the season. With the Red Sox anything can happen.

Patriots Projected Roster Shows Surprise Cuts Coming

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The Patriots are so full of talent; they look like Vince Wilfork trying to squeeze into Tom Brady’s skinny jeans. Where is the sympathy from the other 31 teams? You think those insensitive jerks care that the struggles of the Patriots having to release skilled players is real? Should Pats fans start a GoFundMe page so Patriots-Haters can purchase sensitivity classes so they understand the hardship of rooting for the G.O.A.T., quarterback, coach, and team?

Ha! Ha! Boy has Lady Karma kicked every Patriot-Hater where it hurts. (Not that there’s much to kick.) And you know what is a cringe worthy thought? She hasn’t skipped Leg-Day since February, and she’ll be Kung-Fu kicking ALLLLLLLLL year until the Patriots perfect season has been completed.

How does that saying go? You can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs? Well there’s a new saying up here in New England: you can’t go 19-0, without making some tough cuts. I have watched the first pre-season game against the Jaguars three times, focusing on coverages and line-of-scrimmage play. Here are my roster surprises.

Quarterback: 3

Tom Brady

Jimmy Garoppolo

Jacoby Brissett

No surprises here. Just the best back-up quarterback in the league, and oh, the greatest football player of all-time!

Running Back: 5

Dion Lewis

Mike Gillislee

Rex Burkhead

James White

James Develin

It’s time for Brandon Bolden to go. There is enough “leadership” and Special Teams specialist to cut bait. Bolden had one of the worst drops anyone had ever seen in the Patriots loss against the Bills last year (three drops for the season for a guy who hardly played offense.) He also accidently kicked TWO balls that were about to be downed inside the 10 yard line into the endzone, resulting in the other team starting at their 25 yard line. Yuck. Hopefully, D.J. Foster squeaks onto the practice squad.

Wide Receiver: 7

Julian Edelman

Brandon Cooks

Chris Hogan

Malcolm Mitchell

Danny Amendola

Austin Carr

Matthew Slater

Although the rest of the league is as useless as a tree stump solving a calculus equation, one of them at some point has to stop letting the Patriots stash talent on the practice squad. This actually started last year, when the Patriots lost two talented cornerbacks (Cre’Von LeBlanc and Darryl Roberts) I believe Austin Carr is going to have such a good preseason, that there is no shot of sneaking him onto the practice squad, thus forcing the Patriots hand to keep him on the roster. Hopefully, the up-and-comer deep threat, Devon Lucien, sneaks onto the P.S.

Tight End: 3

Rob Gronkowski

Dwayne Allen

Jacob Hollister

The same dilemma arises with Jacob Hollister as it does with Austin Carr. James O’Shaughnessy is a legit, slightly above average, NFL Tight End. Matt Lengel is a one trick pony who can only block. A case can be made that Hollister is also a one trick pony who can only catch passes. Gronk and Allen are considered elite blocking Tight Ends, plus they love using a Tackle as a third blocking TE, so the Pats can get away with one less blocking TE. Allen is overrated as a pass catcher, but isn’t going anywhere with three years left on his contract and Belichick just trading for him. Hollister provides a poor-man’s Dallas Clark-type ability, in case the dreaded happens once again that we will not speak of … you-know-who goes down.

Offensive Line: 8

Marcus Cannon

Nate Solder

Joe Thuney

David Andrews

Shaq Mason

Ted Karras

Tony Garcia

Cole Croston

Can someone break into Cam Flemmings house, crack his safe, and destroy the incriminating pictures he owns of Bill Belichick doing who-knows-what? How the hell, does this matador—red cape holder who does nothing but Ole! the charging pass rusher—continue to take up a roster spot on this championship organization? That finally catches up to him this month. Complete stiff. Waddle isn’t much better. Look for Karras to earn a starting spot at some point during the year at Guard or Center. He’s a complete bulldozer. Croston showed really well in the first preseason game, but the jury is still out on him. They will try to sneak Conor McDermott onto the Practice Squad.

Cornerback: 5

Malcolm Butler

Stephon Gilmore

Eric Rowe

Jonathan Jones

D.J. Killings

If Belichick has one weakness, it’s his ego. There have been times where he lets it get in the way of his decision-making. This will be the case if Cyrus Jones isn’t cut by next week. Yes it will make Belichick look bad that his first selection in the 2016 draft is released after one year, but MY GOD! Cyrus Jones is a walking Mark-Sanchez Butt-Fumble! All … he … does … is … screw … UP! Coleman is the tough cut here. He’s good with staying on his receiver’s hip, but has no instincts as to when he should look for the ball. So many passes are completed with the ball sailing right over his shoulder or helmet—no ball-hawking skills whatsoever. D.J. Killings was the most sought after cornerback not drafted. It’s why the Patriots offered him more money than your standard undrafted free agent. He looked good in the first pre-season game, like another potential Malcolm Butler.

Safety: 5

Devin McCourty

Patrick Chung

Duron Harmon

Nate Ebner

Brandon King

Sorry folks, have to call it like I see it, but, Belichick may be the WORST drafter of Safeties in the history of the NFL. Devin McCourty doesn’t count because Belichick took him as a cornerback, and once he found out Devin was incapable of playing the positions, he move him to safety, and luckily, it worked out. Duron Harmon is average, can’t be counted on to play man coverage with below average TE’s, and was projected by everyone to be drafted in the 6th or 7th round. Belichick took him in the 3rd. Tavon Wilson needs no explanation, and now we have Jordan Richards. Richards couldn’t cover a turtle on its back. See … you … LATER! Complete bum.

Linebacker: 5

Dont’a Hightower

David Harris

Elandon Roberts

Kyle Van Noy

Shayne McClellin

Get Jonathan Freeney’s ass out of here! He’s another one of those, “good locker room guys.” How about we rent a locker-room-guy bus, and ship Freeney, Bolden and Fleming to Cleveland? Talk about useless. Freeney might be the worst zone coverage linebacker in the history of football, and every tackle he makes during the regular season is 8 yards down field.

Defensive Line: 8

Trey Flowers

Alan Branch

Malcom Brown

Vincent Valentine

Deatrich Wise

Lawrence Guy

Derek Rivers

Adam Butler

Harvey Langi

Kony Ealy is the Pablo Sandoval of football. Showed up to camp after clearly not lifting a finger during the off-season, unless you count him pinky-scooping frosting, and stuffing his face. He looks overweight, slow, and disinterested. He will be out of the league REAL soon. Adam Butler has been a surprise in camp. Huge, strong and moves well. He didn’t flash much in the first pre-season game, but some of that had to do with the Jaguars double-teaming him often—maybe because he was a force during the inter-squad practices? Harvey Langi is the other surprise here. If there’s one concern about the Pats, it’s their pass rush. He’s a project, but could help on third down situations.

Special Teams: 3

Stephen Gostkowski

Ryan Allen

Joe Cardona

No surprises here. It would be nice to See Gostkowski get his crap together, but he’s still better than most kickers in the league.

Pats fans, please show me some love by retweeting this and follow me @StevenViner1 and I will follow you back!

Should Chris Sale Get The AL MVP Award?

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With all the Red Sox drama surrounding David Price, nobody has really talked about the domination of their real ace, Chris Sale. The last pitcher to win the AL MVP award was Detroit Tiger Justin Verlander in 2011.  Clayton Kershaw clinched the overall MLB MVP in 2014 with the Dodgers, the last pitcher to do so.

You get what you trade for

Chris Sale has a 2.57 ERA this season, currently 14-4.  The Red Sox bats really come alive when he pitches, and they score runs. When Dave Dombrowski traded for him in the off season, Sales has proved the pitcher they needed to shake things up a bit after Price’s awful year.

Chris Sale  had a bad outing against the Indians but came back the other night against the Rays and pitched eight solid innings.  An obvious CY Young contender, Sales should be in the running for AL MVP Award.  Of any pitcher on the roster, Sales gives them a chance to win with the season in its final two months.

Uphill battle for pitchers

When Sales starts, the Red Sox stand 16-7. In games not started by Sale, it’s 51-44. Not many pitchers win the AL MVP Award, working on a five-day rotation.  Fielders play every game and can get more votes.

I really think Sale should be considered.  He really proved himself as the ace of this team in his first year with the Red Sox.  He maintains a great attitude, win or lose.  Price would rather go home to his mother-in-law, and hang with his dog Astro.

This season the competition for AL MVP is a tricky one with Yankees rookie Aaron Judge’s great year.  He might be in the running for the MVP Award, as well as Rookie Of The Year.

Which Boston Celtics’ Player Reaches New Heights in 2017 NBA Season

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As a team, the Celtics have improved a lot over the 2016-2017 squad.  Considering they were the number-one seed in the east and went to the conference finals, it’s very impressive.  This group is especially interesting to most fans. With the added veteran talent, Boston has a lot of young players who could take the leap.  Currently, 10 of the players on Boston’s payroll are working through their first four years in the league. We’ve also brought in Gordon Hayward who will help everyone create his own shot.  To dive in-more, I reached out to the BostonSportsExtra.com staff, a fan or two and a local radio pal to get their take.

Survey Says…

“Marcus Smart, because he will most likely transition into the starting two guard and gain valuable playing time to make him a future point guard.  He might get paid instead of Isaiah Thomas” – Don @cjoneswho1212

“Al Horford. Another year with Steven’s and now a more veteran starting corp. The fans were kind of down on him.” – Andrew @ALykins32
“He isn’t the answer to that question, but I like Yabusele a lot for a couple years down the road.  I think he has great upside and is very athletic.  For this year, I might go Jaylen Brown. 2nd year in NBA, knows how things work now, will get a lot of rotational minutes and I expect a nice year out of him.” – Scott @TheFrizz87
“I’m going Al Horford because he will own inside now that Hayward is there.” – Jeff @JeffJardine3
“I say Jaylen Brown. The kid showed he is willing to learn (coachable)  and glimpses of athleticism that cannot be taught. Not to mention he can play D. LeBron was +21.6 net rating, 64.3 EFG% with Jaylen on Bench and a -2.3 Net rating and 50.0 eFG% with Jaylen on the floor (CSNNE).  Plus Brown avg. 17 minutes as a rookie, 2.8 boards and 6.6 points. The ceiling is high and I see him and Rozier lighting up 2nd unit teams..  Not to mention he played in 78 games.  Brad trusts him.  I see him marking the leap just as Marcus Smart did.  – Josh @JoShBeRuBee

Smart Money on Brown

Most people will say, Smart. While I think Smart will have his best year yet, with Avery’a departure, I’ll have to give the nod to Jaylen The GOAT Brown. Last season when Avery went down with the injury, Jaylen took that SG position. The Celtics were 10-1 with him on the lineup. We have seen the flashes of what he can become. Statistically he will improve. On the court, you will see a different player and that will earn him lots of minutes. I’ve seen pictures of him this offseason — he looks even bigger (He already had a NBA body). His shooting will once again shock people. Handles still need some work, but I believe Brown to be the starting SG once the season begins. – Ricard0 @kaardovieira
Marcus Smart will work to improve this off season and will be an important player to the Celtics system this year. Smart brings intensity, strength and determination both on and off the floor. He struggles with his shooting woes but with practice and a consistent jump shot, I believe he could make the biggest leap. I’m think he will get a big upgrade in his minutes per game with Bradley gone.  He has some shoes to fill. Exciting times but I think Smart can rise to the occasion. – Mitch@mitchphillipsbc
Jaylen Brown should take the biggest leap this season. Marcus Smart will play above his head in a contract year. If you look at the money Roberson got on OKC 3/30 and Waiters in Miami 4/53. He will get that money or more in a weak free agent class – Joe @JoeyMurr
Looks like it’s a three way tie between Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown and Al Horford.  I was surprised to see a vet like Horford in the mix, but with a lot more room to move and surrounded by more play makers, his stats should go up.  All that said, I’m in the Jaylen Brown camp.  His production during the post season, the departure of Gerald Green and his off-the-court maturity (he hosted a dinner for new players) makes me think he has the tools.
Fans, who do you think takes the leap this year?

We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Positions

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It used to be called “overloaded at the position.”  And when you couldn’t draft your need you “picked the best available.”  Then, if someone was under 6’3″ and couldn’t bring the ball up the court but could shoot, you had a “tweener.”  Suddenly, this always-avoided situation has become desirable and sexy. Position-less basketball has taken hold and it’s exactly what we’re going to see this year. As a Celtics fan, I love it.

We’re looking at a team and a league that have finally realized (some sarcasm coming) that putting your five best players on the court (‘cause size doesn’t matter) results in a better product.  Who woulda thunk?  Finally the days of “you need to draft a seven footer” or “you can’t teach height” have passed and the focus is on finding a team that can score, defend, and win. Who cares what they look like?  For all intents and purposes it’s NBA money ball (the book, which includes all the stats, not the movie). 

To be clear, I’m not hating on centers.  You know from my other articles that I love a good enforcer.  When my friends and I played “Space Jam” in the middle school courts I actually wanted to be Shawn Bradley.  My opinion does not value one position over another.  When you build a team where everyone can score and defend (IT doesn’t ruin this because his DEF rating is almost identical to Kyrie according stats.nba.com) then you will win.  It will also be fun to watch the switches, rotations and defensive assignments that will drive other teams bonkers.

Embed from Getty Images

Just think about a starting lineup where everyone can bring the ball up in a pinch:

  • IT is going to run the point, but to free him up
  • Jaylen Brown might need to bring the ball up, and if he’s high flying then
  • Gordo can quarterback the play, and if he’s knocking down shots from all over the court then
  • Jae can grab the ball around half court and when he needs to get back on D
  • Horford has been known to take it coast to coast

Whether you agree with that starting line-up doesn’t matter.  All these folks can handle the ball and it works the other way around too.  Imagine the second unit grabbing boards:

  • Baynes is going to be a big guy to get around when going for boards, and if he gets tied up than
  • Marcus Morris can still pull down five boards a game, and if he’s busy closing someone out then
  • Tatum grabbed seven a game in college (according to sportsreference.com), but if he’s off scoring a million points then
  • Marcus Smart will out-grit the competition and if he’s still on the floor after diving for a loose ball then
  • Rozier will grab three boards/game (ESPN.com) just like he did last year.

Celtics fans are probably taking this where I want you to; which is everyone can do everything and seven of the 10 guys listed above might end up covering Lebron next spring.  Everyone else thinks that I’m overselling the Celtics.  Fine, maybe I’m being a little theatrical, but it’s not my fault.  I want to see seven-footers shoot and five- footers dunk.  It’s not my fault though.  Most of my formative basketball years started with Dee Brown and ended with Antoine Walker.

What do you think?   Is this this here to stay?  Will it work? http://gty.im/800014202

An Open Letter to a Patriots Legend

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The Perfect Time to Express my Feelings

About a True Patriot

It is hard to believe you are no longer a part of the game. You have given the fans of New England so many memories to cherish. I remember the day you first entered Patriots training camp.  Just amazing to watch.

My initial impression?  No way that someone that enormous could play the game, but boy was I wrong. As a physical specimen, you had it all: size, speed, strength.  But your most admirable quality was an insatiable will to win at all costs.

I followed your career as a Patriot from start to finish. You never left me short of breathless at your performance, tenacity and grit. When you left New England, out of admiration I continued to watch you play any chance I could.

As a lifelong Pat’s fan, I have memories dating back to the Steve Grogan and Mosi Tatupu days right on up to today’s age of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. However, as much I’ve enjoyed all of the greats throughout time I always found you, my man, the most exciting to watch.  On top of that, you won and lost with grace. You were a leader. You had an infectious smile, respected by your teammates, coaches and certainly your fans.

New England is a blue-collar place, and your workmanlike job in the trenches did not go unappreciated, especially by this fan.  And though your tenure in Foxborough was somewhat short, you made a gigantic impact on all things Patriots football. How could you not?

Before I get too emotional, let me just say thank you for everything you did for this organization. The Patriots have not and will not be the same without you, Eugene Chung.

God bless and God speed, big fella.

Sincerely,

P.S. Hold up, Wilfork retired?

My Proclamation: Blitz for Six!!

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Are You Ready?

It’s that time of year again! Summer is coming to a close. The days are getting shorter. Those mornings are getting a little chillier. Our thoughts start shifting from beaches and campfires to pumpkins and leaves. One thing we all have in common – our Patriots are the defending World Champions!

Tom Brady and team

After a season marred by the ridiculous and baseless suspension of Tom Terrific, the boys in blue rallied, put a foot on the gas pedal and never looked back. Through it all they displayed the perseverance, professionalism, and passion that we have loved from all our teams. Once they made the playoffs with the #1 seed we knew this season could be special.

As fans, we allowed ourselves to imagine Tom Brady holding the Lombardi high at the end of the same season that people all around the country told him he cheated. The players and coaches of all other NFL teams supplied the same answers that we knew to expect. “This next game is no different,” and “This season is no different.” But we all knew. We knew that they wanted to win a Lombardi. And to do it this year would have *wink-wink “extra meaning.”

Why They Win

Fast-forward to the playoffs, when they played like a well-oiled machine. The kind that can bring an unprecedented fifth Championship back to New England. Unprecedented because in the modern era it’s ridiculously hard to win one, let alone two or three NFL crowns within a decade. But our team has battled through many trials and tribulations in order to win five within 16 years.

During the Big Game (and I’ll remember this for the rest of my life) doubt crept into the New England faithful. Soul-crushing despair gripped the hearts of fans around the world. My response was always the same. “We still have plenty of time, especially for this team.” Even down 28-3 with just minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, it was still, ‘there’s plenty of time.’ Sure enough, a couple mistakes on the part of the Falcons and some good drives by our boys completed the greatest comeback in sports history! Of course Tom Terrific had some help. James White set some records and Edelman’s incredible catch will surpass the helmet catch till the end of time.  After a cowardly hand-off of the championship trophy by the latest New England villain (hint: initials RG), we got to see Tom Brady celebrating with his family and holding another Lombardi that he was bringing home to the greatest fans in the world.

Ajc.com

What’s on the Line for 2017?

And the Pats don’t look close to slowing down. If anything, they approached this off season as if they had not been to the playoffs in 16 years. Belichick has attacked the off season by targeting veterans that can meld into the Pats culture to help the team. Brandin Cooks, Dwayne Allen, Kony Ealy —  all stand to make significant contributions as we start getting rings fitted for the other hand. Tom Brady is also on the cusp of breaking some impressive personal records. If he sticks to his plan of playing into his 40’s he could be threatening some of the vaunted records from Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. No Days Off, indeed.

Why We Watch

All these achievements and accolades may have you asking what more can we hope to achieve as fans?  Do the Pats really need a high level of fan support for a team that’s just going to win it all anyway?   The answer is a resounding YES!! The New England Patriots are the epitome of professional sports excellence. They approach the game with the single-minded purity of winning within the rules. They don’t care about the final score or personal highlights. Just one question: did they execute their jobs to the best of their abilities? Period.

When we reflect back on this era of American sports, we may well be looking at the most unique phenomenon in the first quarter of the 21st century. This is greatness. We need to soak it in, enjoy it for what it is and be prepared for it to end. It may not be tomorrow, or the next day. But it could be soon. Let’s get out there and support our team in all the ways possible! Enjoy the 2017 title-defense season and Blitz for Six!

Written by: Andrew Lykins

Follow him on Twitter: @ALykins32

Could the Patriots sign Garoppolo to a long-term deal?

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Would Jimmy Garoppolo sign an extension with the New England Patriots?

Talk about a curve most wouldn’t expect—but then again, is it really so crazy given the seemingly endless rich-get-richer vibe around the Patriots?

Maybe not. And Garoppolo didn’t exactly slam the door shut on the idea in a recent interview, according to NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling:

“I’ll entertain any possibility,” Garoppolo explained. “I’m not really thinking about it too much right now. There’s just so much going on with OTAs and training camp right around the corner. That’s where my focus is. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, I guess.”

He didn’t stop there, then extending praise to those around him and his overall situation:

“I love it (here),” Garoppolo said. “It’s a very fortunate situation to come into a place and get drafted here. They’re good people all around the building, from support staff to the lunch ladies and everything. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s just a good group of people and it rubs off on each other.”

That doesn’t sound like a guy who necessarily wants to leave any time soon. And Garoppolo knows how good he has it—Tom Brady will retire sooner or later and the job will be his in what should be a rather smooth transition, based on his learning for years and strong play a year ago. If any of this is true, then picking up Jimmy G in a keeper league could be one of the best Fantasy Football tips.

The problem is money. Garoppolo is in a position to demand huge cash despite his backup role because teams would easily sign him for starter money on the market. If the Patriots want an assurance he’ll be around when Brady decides to retire, they’ll likely have to offer the same amount despite his not taking a snap.

So yes, Garoppolo certainly sounds open to the idea of an extension. The question now remains for the Patriots as to whether or not they actually want to move forward with signing him to a long-term deal. Tom Brady shows no signs of decline even though he is over 40 years of age. Does it make sense for the Patriots to lock up so much money at one position, even if quarterback is the most important position in the entire NFL? Think of the team that they could potential put together around Brady if they took the money that Garoppolo will command and used it to bolster other areas of the team like the receiving corps or offensive line. Only one quaterback can play at a time, so the Patriots would have millions of dollars of salary tied up on the sideline if Garoppolo was being paid as the league’s most expensive backup. At the same time, you can never have too much insurance against injury. Tom Brady won’t be able to play forever and having the security of a proven entity like Garoppolo on the sideline will make Patriots fans rest easier if TB12 ever goes down with an injury. These are just some of the many questions facing the New England Patriots and only Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft will be able to answer them.

REX RYAN EXPLAINS BILLS VS. PATRIOTS PREGAME SKIRMISH

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The Buffalo Bills took care of business against the New England Patriots back in Week 4, 16-0, but the attention went to an altercation between the two sides before kickoff.

Buffalo coach Rex Ryan says his players reacted to the Bills walking through their portion of the field during warmups, a violation of an unwritten rule.

The explanation, via ESPN’s Mike Rodak:

I mean, you got your spot on the field where you’re supposed to be, and that’s just the way it is. It’s always been that way for the 20 years I’ve been in the league and much longer than that.But trust me, it’s no big deal. I’ve never thought one second of it. It’s about the game, and that’s all that matters.

This supposed act of intimidation mostly came via inexperienced New England quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who got shoved around to start the skirmish:

Prescott Rossi@PrescottRossi

Here’s a better quality video of the and shoving match from earlier. Robert Blanton starts it by shoving Jacoby Brissett.

 · Massachusetts, USA
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A childish littler altercation either way, no matter what side of the fence one decides to believe, and something unlikely to affect NFL online betting.

The Bills and Patriots have a rematch this weekend, a game that will feature Tom Brady this time. That deserves the attention, but rest assured more will go to warmups and where players stand or walk according to these unwritten rules.