Tag Archives: TrainingCamp

Harrison agrees with Law about the NFL HOF and says the media are Haters

Monday Rodney Harrison will be inducted into the Patriots HOF. But right now it seems like the color of the jacket is the main topic.

Recently Ty Law, who is about to go into the Pro Football HOF, talked about Patriot players from the early 2000’s being overlooked. He may be right. But when you take a hard look there may not be many to follow him.

Here’s Ty Laws take on The HOF

Ty Law was a great player and is well deserving of the gold jacket, and he thinks there is a reason for the lack of Patriot players: The media. Ty said “It’s like we are looked at as a team, that’s it…Like there’s no players worthy of the HOF, at least from the media perspective, when it comes to the Patriots. It’s Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and everybody else, you know what I mean?”

Law isn’t completely wrong about this. Nationally, when it comes to the Patriots dominance, it comes down to the HC and QB. The Patriots machine has kept rolling for two decades, and the two constants have been Tom and Bill. That doesn’t mean Law thinks any less of his old teammate and coach. He blames the media. “You pretty much know, Tom Brady is the Greatest of all time,” Law said. “There’s no doubt about that. There’s no question about Coach Belichick. When you hear about our team, it was like to me, we have a hell of a lot of players out there who can play. You can’t do it with just two guys.”

Rodney agrees with Law

Harrison expanded on Law’s thoughts about the Patriot prejudice in the media. He talked about Patriots fatigue, and anti Patriots bias in the HOF.

“People don’t think we have ballers.” Rodney says “Ty Law was the greatest defensive back I’ve ever played with. He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen. Richard Seymour, Willie McGinest, Troy Brown, Kevin Faulk, these were bad, bad dudes. They weren’t just system guys.”

He added to Law’s thoughts on Bill and Tom, and how the media gives them all of the credit. “People don’t want to elevate us, or recognize, or acknowledge how great we are, because they’re such haters. Everywhere I go, people hate on the Patriots. So we don’t get credit. All I hear is Tom and Bill. But that’s such a lazy analysis. They don’t see what a team really is, and that’s really frustrating because a lot of guys get cheated and don’t really get the recognition they deserve.”

Tomorrow I’m hoping to get more from Rodney as he receives his red jacket

Harrison came to New England as Bill Belichick sent Lawyer Milloy to the Bills. The team didn’t like the move one bit. But once they saw Rodney’s work ethic and leadership he was quickly embraced as a captain. Tomorrow afternoon Harrison will be inducted to the Patriots HOF, and he seems to be happier than anyone before him going in. We will have you covered with the ceremony and behind the scenes interviews you can only find here. I will do my best to see who Rodney thinks is next in line for a Gold jacket.

Monday in Gillette stadium at 4:30, it’s free to the public. Rodney Harrison will be recognized and celebrated for his amazing career as a Patriot. So come on out, or you can wait to see everything in tomorrow’s article. You’ll only get to see the behind the scenes action right here, so make sure to check it out. Let’s Go Patriots!


Who Would You Want at Your Side for a Bar Fight: Boston Sports Edition

Patriots: Rob Gronkowski -By @Boston_sports18

If I had to pick a Boston athlete to win a bar fight, it’s got to be Gronk. Rob grew up in a house with four brothers, and each has gone pro. They pushed each other every single day, making Rob an absolute beast.

The Gronkowski’s

Getty Images

Gronk’s father had them all on a training regimen at an early age. This eventually led Gronk to become arguably the best TE the NFL has ever seen. He has incredible blocking skills and unmatched work ethic. While running with the ball after the catch, forget about bringing him down without a cheap shot to the knee. He’s known for swatting linebackers and corners off of him like annoying mosquitoes at a BBQ. Gronkowski finished one block to the point he actually threw the defender off of the field into the media section. “I had to throw him out the club,” Gronkowski said after the game. THIS IS THE GUY I WANT.

Bar fight Champion

Keith Bedford Boston Globe

Besides Gronk’s football toughness, I’m pretty sure he can hold his own at the bar. He’s also good friends with WWE star Mojo Rawley, who Gronk has actually been training with. Last year Gronk even stepped into the ring. He got into a three-point stance and clotheslined another wrestler. Real or fake, Gronk is an animal and would be my top choice of Boston athletes to have in a bar fight. Tough, big and known to party. For me, this is an easy choice. It’s Rob Gronkowski.

Bruins: Zdeno Chara -By @TheBigBlue30

If I am picking any Boston sports athlete to win a bar fight, it is without a doubt Boston Bruins defenseman and Captain Zdeno Chara. At 6’9″ and over 250 pounds, Big Z is a physical powerhouse. If you follow him on Instagram, you would know how much of freak of nature the guy really is. His workouts put superheroes to shame, whether he is climbing up a 30-foot rope and back down in the blink of an eye, riding the Tour de France every summer, or shoulder pressing over 400 pounds. Chara is a physical specimen, unlike any other human being. The scary part, however, is that Chara’s physique and fitness are the least of people’s worries. His father is a former Olympic Roman Greco wrestler, which Big Z has been practicing since a young age.

On top of all that the guy is a genius. He earned a financial planning diploma from Algonquin College in Ottawa in 2015, and took classes at the University of Harvard over this past summer. There is a reason why nobody in the NHL fights Zdeno Chara. Just ask former NHL winger David Koci, who Chara beat so bad in a fight you would have thought he was making a blood donation to the Red Cross. In conclusion, if you don’t pick Zdeno Chara for a bar fight, you are just downright stupid.

Celtics: Marcus Smart -By @jackbuffett_

If I’m picking one player from the Celtics to have my back in a bar fight, I have to choose Marcus Smart. No matter what situation I’m getting into, if he’s on my side, he’s going to fight. Doesn’t matter how many guys, how big, how menacing, Smart will challenge each and every one of them. Ever seen an altercation during a Celtics game? Every time, without fail, Smart is either the one causing it or the first one to a teammate’s defense. It also helps that Smart is the most all-out hustle player on the team, so I’d assume he’d take the same attitude in a bar fight. Smart is an incredibly passionate player. Some players on the court are always emotionless- that’s never him. No matter what he’s doing, he’s going to get super into whatever that activity is. It also helps that Smart is built like a tank at 6’4″, 225 pounds, and absolutely ripped. If I get one phone call to fight some guys at a bar, it’s to Marcus Smart.

Red Sox: Joe Kelly -By @_porchie

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 11: Tyler Austin #26 of the New York Yankees fights Joe Kelly #56 of the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning at Fenway Park on April 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

If I were to pick any Boston Red Sox player to be on my side in a bar fight there would only be one option. Joe Kelly would totally have my back! Did you see not only the way he taunted Tyler Austin, but throw him down and was ready to beat him down. If it wasn’t for Aaron Judge that man would probably not be alive right now! He has the fire and intensity that I would want in my corner 100%. That’s why my pick is Joe Kelly.

Claude Dielna Working Out | Photo Credit | Claude Dielna

  Revolution: Claude Dielna -By @Marbies3762

While Claude Dielna is only 6’0″ tall and only weighs 190 pounds, he can pack a punch. Anyone who follows him on Instagram knows when he isn’t at practice he is in the weight room. There are plenty of taller guys on the Revs that could be good picks as well, but none are as good as Claude. He has a much different work mentality than everyone else on the team. When he leaves practice, he trains at home. If he isn’t playing in a game, he is training. When Claude goes to Chipotle, he orders double meat. Every game he plays, he out muscles and throws guys to the ground. In a bar fight, there’s no doubt that Claude would go off. The guy is jacked. Without a doubt, when it comes to bar fights, he’s the guy I want by my side.

With Expectations High, the Bruins Are Preparing for New Season

Bruins’ 2018-2019 Season Preparation Begins

BostonBruins.com

BostonBruins.comLast season may have ended before fans expected, but the future looked bright. The mixture of veterans and rookies who gained experience last year may lead the Boston Bruins to the promised land sooner than later. If Charlie McAvoy and Jake DeBrusk continue on the rise from last season, the team has the potential to go deep into the playoffs. The division also became much tougher as Tampa is still a strong contender, and the Maple Leafs’ addition of Tavares will make those games a battle.

Some players have began skating this week for the Bruins at captain’s practice. The Warrior Arena ice has seen Bergeron, Krejci and other notable players preparing to begin the long road toward the NHL season. Some of the veterans have decided to not make the trip to China, as Bergeron and Chara have decided to rest to be fully prepared for the upcoming season. Bergeron is hoping to be ready for opening night as he had groin surgery in the offseason. They have two games scheduled against Calgary.

The season will be here before we know it, and the preaseson schedule is set before the puck drops for real on opening night.

– Rookie camp opens on Sep. 7th

– Prospects Challenge Rookie Games have been scheduled versus the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils.

– Training Camp begins for all players on Sep. 14th

2018 PRESEASON SCHEDULE

Photo courtesy:
SOURCEFRIAS

September 15 (China)
– Preseason Game at Calgary Flames –    2:30am

September 16
– Preseason Game vs Washington Capitals – 1:00pm

September 18
– Preseason Game at Washington Capitals – 7:00pm

September 19 (China)
– Preseason Game vs. Calgary Flames – 7:30am

September 22
– Preseason Game at Detroit Red Wings – 7:00pm

September 24
– Preseason Game at Philadelphia Flyers – 7:00pm

September 26
– Preseason Game vs. Detroit Red Wings – 7:00pm

September 29
– Preseason Game vs. Philadelphia Flyers – 5:00pm

Follow on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS 

Training Camp Breakdown: Patterson shines/Injuries Occur

Training Camp has been in full swing for just about a week now for almost every team. The HOF game was last night, and it finally feels like football’s back. So naturally, just like anybody else in the New England area who loves football, you visit training camp. It was a cloudy day filled with much overcast, but still, hundreds of fans attended. People had signs, footballs, and even shoes being ready to get signed while they watch the Pats. There were many things I noticed and had stuck out during my few hours at the Patriots’ practice.

Spotlight Players in the Starting Offense

One of the first things I wanted to look at was how this offense is looking. After losing key pieces like Solder, Amendola, and Lewis, I know the Pats would be changing personnel around. Well at first glance, it’s very apparent that they haven’t lost a beat. Trent Brown, the NFL’s own version of “The Mountain”, was holding his ground. The 6’8″ lineman was holding his blocks against a Patriots D-line that looks greatly improved.

More shining stars on this offense were wideouts Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson. Dorsett is looking like a brand new wide receiver after a disappointing first season in Foxborough last year. He caught numerous passes from Brady in coverage during 11 on 11 drills and it felt like he was rarely off the field. Patterson, however, is even more of a pleasant surprise to see him working with the 1’s in training camp. Another previous first-round pick who’s had trouble producing is trying to turn that around. When the Patriots initially traded for him, it appeared his role was special teams only. Now in August, it looks like Belichick has taken a liking to him. Patterson was lining up on the outside in numerous plays from walk-through plays to full on 11 on 11’s.  It appears that this speedster is going to be doing a lot more than just fielding punts and kicks in the near future.

Other Position Battles Heating Up

See the source image

Photo Credit: NESN

Besides the new faces on offense trying to get the coaches attention, there are plenty of other players vying for that 53 man roster and furthermore starting spots. Some of the most interesting things noticed throughout the practice. Eric Rowe and second-round pick Duke Dawson have been fighting for that second cornerback spot. As of now, Rowe is seeming to have the edge lining up in the second spot opposite of Stephon Gilmore. Dawson, however, hasn’t disappeared as he’s locking players down as the nickel cornerback currently.

Even special teams have competition on both ends. We’re seeing players like Rex Burkhead compete with the likes of Edelman and Patterson to return kicks this year. Even if we flip to the other side one of the underrated position battles has been Ryan Allen and rookie punter Corey Bojorquez. Ryan Allen has always been a consistent punter in the league; but obviously, if the Patriots have been keeping two punters so far, they wanna see who comes on top.

Quick Injury Update

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Photo Credit: MassLive

With all these practices starting again comes padded practices. With padded practices, unfortunately, comes injuries, and the Patriots have already had a few. Jordan Matthews was one of the most notable ones, and the Patriots even had to release him the other day. Rookie running back, Sony Michel, and starting tackle, Marcus Cannon, left practice early with injuries. It’s unknown exactly what injuries these are; but three days later, they’re still kept from practicing. Good injury news though is wideout, Kenny Britt, is finally practicing even if it’s scaled back for now.

Training Camp is always an exciting time for fans, reporters, and even the players. Football is just gearing up for the season, and the Patriots are in full swing. After only a week of practice, so much has happened to New England’s team. As the preseason continues to roll out Boston Sports Extra continue to provide updates and thoughts on everything Patriots!

Top 5 Tuesday: Players to Watch in Training Camp (@devansh0429)

It’s almost that time again. Training Camp is a time for players to prove themselves to have that shot at a roster spot. As it looms around the corner, let’s take a look at five players to keep an eye out for in this week’s entry of Top 5 Tuesday.

5. Jason McCourty

Finally, the McCourty brothers are reunited at last. Patriot Nation was ecstatic to see the trade made for the veteran corner. But questions do linger in all of our minds… Why did McCourty barely get any reps in minicamp? Can the twin really replace Malcolm Butler?

4. Braxton Berrios

I’m sure everyone’s summer was going great until they heard this dreaded news: Patriots’ Julian Edelman was suspended four games for use of PED’s. So, now it’s time for New England to invoke one of their oldest mottos: next man up. Now, there are a variety of options, but I would love to see the kid from Miami work his way into that slot role.

3. Derek Rivers

The Patriots’ pass rush was absolutely atrocious in the Super Bowl. Rivers was our first pick last year, but unfortunately went down with ACL tear for the year. Now, it’s time to see if he is the real deal and help our defense make a leap from its poor performance in the Superbowl.

2. JC Jackson

Jackson was the talk of minicamp and even sparked yours truly to look into him further. He is a strong candidate to be one of the undrafted players that finds a way to make the team.

1. Sony Michel

Michel looks like he can do it all. He is an electrifying back with incredible agility, and it will be very fun to watch him in the preseason. Is he enough to fill the void left by Lewis? Remember to look for his name come training camp and preseason.

 

Don’t agree with our list? Have another player you would like to see in training camp? Let us know in the comment section below.

Follow me on Twitter @devansh0429

Boston Bruins 2018 Development Camp

The Bruins Development Camp is here, and it’s only a matter of time before the veterans show up for some preseason games.

The Bruins’ preseason will begin to take shape. Their Rookie Camp will run from Tuesday, June 26 – Friday, June 29 at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton, Massachusetts.

This year’s Development Camp roster features 29 players, including 16 forwards, ten defensemen, and three goaltenders. The roster includes 18 players within the Bruins organization and 11 players who will attend on an invite basis.

Forwards: Martin Bakos, Stephen Baylis, Jack Becker, Henry Bowlby, Mitchell Fossier, Curtis Hall, Joona Koppanen, Karson Kuhlman, Philip Lagunov, Jakub Lauko, Tom Marchin, Cedric Pare, Pavel Shen, Oskar Steen, Jack Studnicka, Colin Theisen.

Defensemen: Nick Albano, Axel Andersson, Philip Beaulieu, Victor Berglund, Daniel Bukac, Lucas Ekestahl-Jonsson, Teemu Kivihalme, Dustyn McFaul, Urho Vaakanainen, Nick Wolff.

Goaltenders: Kyle Keyser, Jeremy Swayman, Dan Vladar

Player to watch for – Jack Studnicka

Jack Studnicka- selected 53rd overall in the NHL Entry Draft. – Photo Courtesy of @NHLBruins

The Boston Bruins drafted Jack Studnicka 53rd overall in the 2017 NHL draft. Studnicka has spent the last three seasons with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League. He was captain of the team in 2017-18. He led the club in scoring with 72 points and was awarded the Marc Savard Award. Studnicka also represented Canada at the 2017 U-18 World Championship. He had also played for his country at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial and the 2015-16 U-17 World Hockey Challenge. He took part in Boston’s rookie camp in Buffalo 2017 and joined Providence after being reassigned by Boston from Oshawa at the conclusion of their season.

During the team media availability, he stated ” I want to make the team this year, I plan on being in the NHL”

Players are available to the media after practice. Also, a member of the Bruins Hockey Operations staff is available to the media after player availability.

All the sessions are open to the public.

If you are betting the Bruins this season make sure you check out BetQL for expert NHL picks.

Follow me on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

Training Camp and Media Day

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.