A Super Bowl For Your Thoughts

BY EVAN SPORER
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Remember that kid in class who would always get a 99 percent on his math test, but still complain about it?

And you would sit there with your lousy 83, thinking, ‘Why is he complaining? He has it nice. He can’t even appreciate what he has.’

So, with that, I’ve got a message for all the Patriots fans that for some reason can’t be happy with their freakin’ 99: watch the Super Bowl.

I know your beloved gridiron pantheons weren’t as successful this season as you hoped for, but that should not inhibit you from watching what is shaping up to be one of the best sporting spectacles in recent memory.

There are too many subplots and intriguing storylines to tune out and watch whatever re-runs competing networks might peddle that night.

Top 10 Storylines: 2011

BY EVAN SPORER

EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

According to the Chinese calendar, 2010 was the year of the tiger. Boy did someone mess that up. Anyway, without dwelling too much on the past year of sports, here are 10 major storylines as we hop into 2011, or, the year of the rabbit.

     1.     NBA and NFL Labor Agreements

Before any 2011 NFL or NBA storylines can be addressed, what first needs to be tabled are the statuses of collective futures of those leagues.

As of now, there is no labor agreement in place between the player’s association and the owners of both leagues.

What could that mean potentially? A lockout… or lockouts.

Right now, neither the NFL nor NBA are even remotely close to signing a labor agreement, with both sides very far apart. I don’t think that average sports fan has really processed what this could mean, or the huge effect this could potentially have.

These are billion dollar corporations that employ mass amounts of people. So forget about the athletes. They’ll survive without their salaries for a year. But think about all the unemployment that would accompany a lockout. Those who work for the league would be left jobless, and that could be catastrophic.

Also, imagine those months in-between the baseball season without football or basketball.

Major factors in getting these deals done? For the NFL, if the owners want to move to an 18-game schedule, the league will have to remain un-capped as players’ will expect some higher numbers on their paychecks.

The NBA wants to cut contract length, and decrease both salary length and guaranteed money. The players… not too happy. There has to be a middle ground, right?

As of now, things are not looking good for David Stern or Roger Goodell.

Welcome to the Other Side

BY IAN TASSO
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP IMAGES

Take yourself back nine years.

The date is February 2, 2002. The place is the Louisiana Superdome.

Outside, it’s quiet. Warm. Damp. Humid.

Inside, it’s equally as quiet. Warmer. Damper. Sweatier. 73,000 fans collectively holding their breath as fabled kicker Adam Vinatieri lines up to cement his name in the NFL history books.

Kurt Warner meanwhile, sat on the bench, bloodied, looking on helplessly. Marshall Faulk sat there too, just as his quarterback, every bone in his body aching. Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, there all the same, mimicking their general -- their quarterback -- who had been knocked around and smacked in the face more than those kids at the end of Step Brothers.

Seconds later, Vinatieri’s arms shot through the air like red and blue fireworks, igniting a Patriot celebration. They had toppled the Goliath. They had beaten the giant.

The Greatest Show on Turf however, was over. They had hit the wall, and were upset by a team that had no business being there, and no business winning. The most powerful team in the NFL -- the Super Bowl favorite -- a team that had all the marbles, all the cards, and all the tricks, had come up short.

It’s a tale as old as time. It’s a tragic storyline. And it’s also the way sports are.

Because nine years later, the Patriots are on that sideline. Wounded. Bullied. Beaten. And Braylon Edwards and the Jets are doing backflips on the field.

I’m not saying it’s a direct parallel, but it’s pretty damn close. One year you’re writing the history and ten years later you’re drowning in it, unable to get out of your own way. Three straight playoff losses will do that to you as a fan, and suddenly, you don’t feel so high and mighty anymore.

NFC Playoff Picture

BY EVAN SPORER
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS


With one more week in the books, the playoffs grow even closer.

And with the 2010-11 postseason quickly approaching, certain teams are vying for position, others are fighting for their playoff lives, and the rest are trying to prove they have what it takes. Where does your team sit?

In a Class of their Own:

Atlanta Falcons

Seems like these Falcons are on a collision course to meet the Patriots in Dallas come February. Like the Pats, the Falcons have played lights out at home, and clinching home field advantage could go a long way for the Falcon’s high-powered offense. 

Matty Ice is coming into his own in his third season in the league, and should get some MVP consideration. His main target, Roddy White, leads the NFC in receiving yards, and the entire league in receptions. Ryan and White’s chemistry is key to the Falcons success. 

Then there’s Michael Turner, who has eclipsed the 1,000 yard plateau after a down season in ‘09, and his ability to run the ball along with backup Jason Snelling has opened up the pass game even more for Ryan. 

So what could cage these Faclons? 

Both of this teams losses have come on the road, outside of the Georgia Dome. Also, this team has been susceptible to the long pass, with a secondary that ranks 25th in the NFL.

Can the Falcons beat the better teams the NFL has to offer? Sure, they have put up big wins against Baltimore, Green Bay, and a big win IN New Orleans. But on the flip side, the team fell flat against Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. 

A Week 16 matchup versus New Orleans should tell us a lot about these Falcons. For now, they sure look like the best the NFC has to offer. 

AFC Playoff Picture

BY IAN TASSO
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

The temperatures are dropping - fast.

And that can only mean one thing: playoff football.

With the postseason quickly approaching, certain teams are vying for position, others are fighting for their playoff lives, and the rest are trying to prove they have what it takes. Where does your team sit?

On a whole different level:

New England Patriots:

Not only do they have what it takes, they are what it takes; the prototype for success. Is there one quarterback you'd rather have in a playoff matchup than Tom Brady? And at home, too? Locking up home-field advantage might have been the worst thing for the AFC. Not good news unless you hail from somewhere between Boston and Maine.

Still, there are a few questions. Can they win sloppy? The game against the Browns showed a distinct weakness with this team – if Brady is off, this team sheds a little skin.

Also, second half defense. The past two games, New England has shown they can close out games – but early on this year, they had trouble slamming the door shut. Which Patriots’ defense will we see down the stretch?

In the clear:

Jets Have Tools to Take Down Pats

BY JESSE LIEBMAN

EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

The legendary Bill Parcells once said, “you are what your record says you are.”

And while on the surface that saying might be brain-numbingly obvious, and as empty as Al Davis' heart, Tuna just may have been on to something. As of their Thanksgiving Day performance, the New York Jets boast a record of 9-2, good for first place in the AFC East.

Following last season’s run to the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts, the Jets have been the media darlings of the National Football League. Rex Ryan is always good for a quote (or two), and the team’s antics constantly have even members of the media in stitches. And then there was their appearance on HBO’s Hard Knocks series -- talk about exposure.

Living in Boston, it’s not rocket science to see that the New England Patriots have entrenched themselves as the toast of the town.

The numbers speak for themselves. Three Super Bowls in a four-year span. Four appearances in the big dance in the past decade. If we flash forward to the present, New England has put up more than respectable numbers this year, carrying an identical win-loss record as New York.

Patriots fans -- and while we’re at it, a lot of the media -- will be inclined to remind outsiders that New England’s record is identical to the Jets; even going so far as to imply that Rex Ryan’s team has gotten by on dumb luck.

Let’s face it: the Jets are not a perfect team; then again, no one else is either.

Last Call On-Air: Donaldson Returns

November 12, 2010
Tasso, Barker, Liebman, Souza 
   Special Guest: Proidence Journal, Sports Writer
      Jim Donaldson

Don't Look Now...

Editor's Note: This article was originally featured in Emerson College's The Berkeley Beacon: http://www.berkeleybeacon.com/

BY GABE SOUZA
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

It was second and goal on the three-yard line, midway through the third quarter, with the Patriots cruising 17-3.

But New England's quarterback doesn't settle for cruising.

In recent years he might have lobbed a few spirals in the direction of Randy Moss -- who may, or may not have caught them.

But this was not the time for that. This was time for No. 12 to take back his team, to do what he would've done in the Super Bowl-winning years of 2001-04.

Tom Brady rushed to the line of scrimmage, gave center Dan Koppen a quick pat, took the snap, and used every inch of his 6-foot-4 frame to pile-drive his way into the end zone.

The touchdown gave the Patriots a commanding 20-point lead over Pittsburgh, a team many deemed the best in the NFL.

Almost immediately, over 64,000 Terrible Towel-waving fans fell silent.

Big Bad Tom, with his golden locks and growing scruff, leapt up, raised the ball, and with one giant scream, spiked it to the ground in celebration, instantly refreshing memories of the historic Snow-Bowl win nine long years ago.

And when that pigskin pounded the turf Sunday night, it sent a shock wave through Heinz Field, the repercussions of which were felt throughout the NFL.

The message was clear: Tom Brady is back.

Well, That was Embarrassing

BY TOM NIERADKA
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Sunday night, as I was watching the Dallas Cowboys get rocked by the Packers, I thought to myself…I'm almost embarrassed for the Cowboys right now.

Nothing went right for them, and I just couldn't stop laughing at their misfortune.

So I thought to myself that so far this year, there have been quite a few really odd things that have happened, more so than usual even. Looking back week nine, after much deliberation I was able to compile a list of the top five most embarrassing and ridiculous moments from the games this past week.

5. Hapless Vikings rally from 14-point deficit to beat the hapless Cardinals, accidently   make Brad Childress look good.

There has been a lot of press about the Vikings this week, mostly related to everyone wanting Brad Childress to be fired, including the players who have had enough of his “BS”. Percy Harvin apparently almost came to blows with Childress during an argument where Childress suggested that Harvin wasn't trying hard enough at practice.

All I can say about that fight is that Childress is lucky he checked himself before he wrecked himself.

Back to the game, up until the last five minutes everything was going according to plan. The Vikes were about to lose to the woeful Derek Anderson and the Cardinals, and seal the fate of their perennially terrible coach.

However even the best laid plans can often go bad, and in this case Brett Favre actually decided to avoid throwing interceptions, and instead hit Visanthe Shiancoe for a 25 yard TD in regulation to tie the game, then setting up the game winning field goal in overtime.

But wait, winning is good right?

Week 8: NFL Power Rankings

BY DARREN GROVE
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

These New Patriots Of Old

Editor's Note: This article was originally featured in Emerson College's The Berkeley Beacon: http://www.berkeleybeacon.com/

BY IAN TASSO
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

There’s a new team on top in the NFL.

Five straight wins – four of them within the conference – and the New England Patriots are back on top, boasting an NFL best 6-1 record seven games into the season.

It’s been a while since New England has been there – five long seasons to be exact. A city once atop the football world has taken a seat on the bus of “above-average mediocrity” that seemingly has reached its final destination: 2010.

With instinctive and aggressive athletes like Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes ravaging the middle of the field, thoughts of 2004’s Homeland Defense flicker through my head.

With a versatile, “get just as many points as we need and nothing more” offense stomping up and down the field, it feels like I stepped in a Time Machine and punched 2001 into the dashboard.

But it’s been a long time coming – and a process that was far from easy.

Let’s be honest: the 2009-10 season wasn’t an easy one for our New England Patriots.

Beloved stars Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison were turned away in the offseason, defensive stalwarts Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour were shipped off just before the season began, and Wes Welker limped away just before it ended.

Last Call On-Air - Heath Evans

October 29, 2010
Tasso, Barker 
  Special Guest: New Orleans Saint's Fullback, Ex-Patriot
  Heath Evans

Week 6; NFL Power Rankings

BY DARREN GROVE
PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Has Brett Gone Too Favre?

BY WES GREELEY
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS


Brett Favre has been in the news a lot recently. A lot.

But just a few days ago, some new news regarding the “not-so-maybe-kinda-yes-no-retired-or-not” Minnesota Vikings quarterback was brought to the attention of the media.

It has been alleged that the quarterback for the purple and white sent lewd photographs of himself to Jets’ trainers, one of his former teams. The main witness in this case is Jenn Sterger and two Jets’ massage therapists who told Deadspin.com about said texts, and are willing to work with the NFL in getting to the bottom of it. 

The NFL will pursue the investigation if they find enough substance for the case.

Favre is aware of the allegations but has neither confirmed nor denied his actions. He has simply stated that he is “sorry” that he has become a distraction. He has also stated that he is willing to work with commissioner Roger Goodell on the matter. If he is found to have gone against the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, immediate action will take place, but Favre will have the option to appeal, a process that takes ten days.

The difficulties with this case include Favre’s 289 consecutive game streak – one which would come to an end should he be suspended – as well as Pittsburg Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisburger’s actions which caused him to be suspended 4 games for accusations of “improper behavior” at a bar even though he was found not guilty.

So now the question is “Which stakeholders will be affected most by the decision of whether or not to punish Brett Favre?”

Week 4; NFL Power Rankings

BY DARREN GROVE
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Bye Bye Beantown

BY GABE SOUZA
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS.

It hurts. It stings deep down in my blue-and-white-wearing, musket-carrying, super bowl ring-brandishing, chip-on-my-shoulder Patriot heart.

Randy Moss’ departure from New England is an open wound that won’t heal for a long time. It pains more than long time leading tackler Mike Vrabel’s departure to the Kansas City Chiefs a few years ago. It throbs worse than pro-bowler Richard Seymour’s departure for the bottomless pit of Al Davis-guarded black and silver.

Like the true Boston sports fan I am, I could mourn this loss for days, be vulgar to Patriots management and swear to never support them again. (Only to relent and watch next Sunday when the take on the Ravens.)

And while it took much self-persuasion to not do the above, I will not. I will not repeatedly bash Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick for their thick-headedness in letting a Hall of Famer leave to inevitably suffer with attention-whoring quarterback Brett Favre. I’m better than that. (Or at least I’m going to try to be for this piece, although I think trading Moss is probably the most bone-headed decision they’ve ever made. My In-Belichick-We-Trust is wearing thin.)

Week 2; NFL Power Rankings

BY DARREN GROVE
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS

Running Out of Style

BY PHIL SHORE
EDITORIAL. PHOTOS BY AP NEWS.

Throughout the New England Patriots’ dynasty that encompassed the first ten years of the new millennium, one thing that was never stable was the running back situation.

The team got production from the position, whether it be Antowain Smith, Corey Dillon, or Kevin Faulk.

However, it was also the most inconsistent position. And now, in 2010, that hasn’t changed one bit.

There always has been, and continues to be a rotating door of running backs due to spotty performances and an unbelievable amount of injuries.

Between the uneven play of the running backs and the star-studded quarterback the team has, the Patriots have evolved into a very pass-happy team - but the fans and coaches would like to add a little more balance to the attack.

Coming into the new decade, the team has found no complete answer.

Certain players have shown flashes of brilliance, but then wound up benched because of turnovers or injuries.

Who will the Patriots be able to depend on in 2010, an extremely pivotal season for the franchise?

Here is a look at the running backs on the roster.

Tale of Two Gators

by Phil Shore
Editorial. Photos by AP News 

Two players will forever be tied together in their NFL careers as two teammates in college playing the same position were selected back-to-back in April’s NFL Draft.

Their link may not be as popular as Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf (though not teammates in college they were two heralded quarterbacks that went first and second in the draft and are constantly compared) but Jermaine Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap will now forever be linked together in terms of their football experiences.

Cunningham, a senior, and Dunlap, a junior, were both members of the Florida Gators defensive line from 2007-2009. Both are naturally gifted athletes and were big pieces on a National Championship team. Both also have checkered pasts that have come into question.

While they will answer many questions throughout their rookie year, the New England Patriots will have one big question to answer: which of these two was actually the better pick?

The Patriots took Cunningham with the 21st pick in the second round (53rd overall), while the Cincinnati Bengals made Dunlap the very next selection.

New England’s biggest need was pass rushing, from both the outside linebacker and defensive end positions. Many outsiders wonder if Cunningham will make the impact they hoped for from a second round pick.

According to Cunningham and Dunlap’s Gator bios they each totaled 19.5 sacks in college, with Cunningham needing one more year than Dunlap to reach that number.

Musical Backfields

by Nick Traicoff
Editorial. Photos by AP News

As the opening waves of free agency begin to settle, running backs have easily experienced the greatest fluctuation of any position.  

Faces of franchises, former Pro Bowlers, and backups oozing with potential were released into the wild, the majority of them questionably lodging in already crowded situations. In doing so, they have passed over many vacant jobs of promise--openings that continue to exist.  

Let’s take a look at the many meaningful fantasy implications free agency has held for four specific plowhorses—two of which are former first-round stalwarts who’ve fallen from grace, the other two hoping to find themselves among this prestigious crowd in the near future.

Thomas Jones:

The 31 year-old Thomas “Biceps” Jones provided the offseason with one of its first big splashes. 

Playing in 2009’s most run-heavy offense, the Jets’ veteran was fed the ball a whopping 331 times.  He feasted royally behind arguably the top run-blocking offensive line in the league, amassing a career best 1402 rushing yards while breaking the franchise rushing touchdown record (13) which he had set the year prior by crossing the plane 14 times.  

Rushing for over 1,000 yards in 5 consecutive seasons, one of only three active backs to do so, Jones now ranks second in rushing yardage totals over that span, trailing only a man who will be discussed later.  So how did the Jets re-pay their yardage-raking, history-making, and record breaking plowhorse? By refusing to pay his bonus and sending him packing.

But backs of Jones’ pedigree don’t tend to last too long in the open market, and given the many muddied backfields throughout the NFL, Biceps unsurprisingly found work rather easy to come by.  Where he decided to settle, however, proves quite surprising.