(Editor's Note: In December of 2013, BSMW presented this column on the role of luck in the NFL, and how all championship teams need it at some point. We thought it timely enough to run it again, with some parenthetical updates in the intro and a nice little addendum at the end. By the way, … Continue reading With A Little Bit Of Luck (2015 Edition)
College All-Stars From A Pats Perspective
We'll have more on the media coverage of the Patriots a bit later, but for now, a quick detour onto some actual football talk. By Chris Warner. After checking out three college All-Star games over the past three weekends, we're reviewing some players who may fit in at Foxboro. Because what else is there to … Continue reading College All-Stars From A Pats Perspective
Understanding Belichick (Or Not, Really)
So, at what point did you start believing this deflated football controversy? Were you home from an early Monday morning walk, expecting an easy MLK Day full of NFL highlights and entertaining Internet memes featuring various Patriots beating dead horses in Colts uniforms? Did you see the telltale question mark on the sports ticker, something … Continue reading Understanding Belichick (Or Not, Really)
The Patriots AFCE-clinching *Yawn* Report
New England avenged their opening day loss in Miami, handing out a second-half helping of humility (via a 24-point third quarter) on their way to defeating the Dolphins 41-13 and clinching the division. As the 2-2 11-3 locals struggle to find their identity move on to New York, where a win against the Jets would … Continue reading The Patriots AFCE-clinching *Yawn* Report
Patriots 2014 Five-Eighths Season Review
Wanted to wait until after the Colts game to file a report, and my, oh, my. This season has taken a pleasant little turn since the last time we talked, hasn't it? In our First Quarter Review, we showed concern ("panicked" might be a better description) after New England's horrific outing at Kansas City. The … Continue reading Patriots 2014 Five-Eighths Season Review
Patriots 2014 First-Quarter Review
This one's difficult to write. I began it before halftime. New England sits at 2-2, sandwiching two wins (at Minnesota and vs. Oakland) between a grim season-opener at Miami and a listless effort in Kansas City. (And after they got one-room-schoolhouse disciplined by the Chiefs, the term "listless effort" drips with kindness compared to most … Continue reading Patriots 2014 First-Quarter Review
Meet The New New England Patriots
As we head into the week after Labor Day and hunker down for fall and football, why not pick up some chat fodder to avoid awkward water-cooler moments by learning about some of the newest Patriots? Also on tap – after dozens and dozens of requests (read: none whatsoever), the return of high school fun … Continue reading Meet The New New England Patriots
Patriots Receivers Trying To Catch On In 2014
We figured you might need a handy guide to New England's pass-catching corps during camp. Here, according to the crack team over at Patriots.com, is a list of receivers currently on the roster (with uniform numbers), along with our take on their chances of fitting it at Foxboro. Plus: Fun Facts! VETERANS 80 - Danny … Continue reading Patriots Receivers Trying To Catch On In 2014
Who’s The FA? UDFA! (2014 Version)
New England always seems to find at least one hidden gem in the undrafted free-agent ranks. UDFAs who made the squad in 2013 include wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (32 rec, 466 yds, four TDs), defensive tackle Joe Vellano (54 tackles, two sacks), offensive guard Josh Kline (seven games played, one start), and punter Ryan Allen (16 … Continue reading Who’s The FA? UDFA! (2014 Version)
Patriots Draft Review Panel, 2014
When we hear the NFL Draft get compared to Christmas, it's not just about receiving shiny new toys to play with: it also involves a post-hype letdown with much discussion of choices. We're here to review New England's hits and disappointments during America's ever-expanding "holiday" weekend. Just like in 2013, Bruce Allen and Chris Warner … Continue reading Patriots Draft Review Panel, 2014
Boston Sports Media Watch 