SB Nation User Blog: Marima

Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 10/06/08

Marima — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:36:29 -0000

Adam Schefter (NFL.com) reports Now that the Raiders have charged the Patriots with tampering, Oakland is going to have to prove it. Doesn't everyone know by now not to ignore a Roger Goodell memo?

OFFICIAL SHOTS

Patriots recap the win over the 49ers.
Game notes by the team.
Pats-49ers team analysis of offense, defense, and special teams.
New England player post-game quotes and comments.

LOCAL SHOTS

Chris Gasper likened yesterday's win to a game of keep away, where the Patriots outgained San Francisco 377 yards to 199 yards, ran 80 plays to just 48 for the 49ers, and dominated time of possession - 39 minutes, 52 seconds for New England and 20:08 for the 49ers.
Mike Reiss points out "the club overcame two early deficits, before all elements of the team - offense, defense, special teams, and coaching - weaved together to produce one meaningful victory."
Shalise Manza Young says after shaky start, the Patriots click in all facets.
Young notes the importance of Cassel deviating from the usual dink and dunk to getting Randy Moss more involved in the offense.
Reis's Pieces is worth a read for his Ups and Downs, and notes and quotes from Sunday's win.
The Herald gives us their own Ups and Downs, and Best and Worst of yesterday's game.
The Herald offers up Kevin Faulk as the player of the game, and praises Randy Moss, Rodney Harrison and Stephen Gostkowski for superior play.
Gregory Lee Jr. talks up the offense and how Moss's early score opened passing lanes for the patented Wes Welker slip screens. Welker finished with a game-high eight catches for 73 yards.
Jim Donaldson asserts that controlling the clock was key to the win.
Art Spander notes the proof was in the numbers. Through three quarters the 49ers were in control of the ball a mere 12 minutes 46 seconds out of 45 minutes.
Rich Garven says Cassel went deep, executed the small stuff and, just like Brady, has a winning record.
John Tomase says the play of the game was the direct snap to Faulk for the touchdown.

HOT SHOTS

Gasper gives a shout-out to Kevin Faulk, who had the first two rushing-touchdown game of his 10-year career, and the pivotal play in the game.
Karen Guregian says with Laurence Maroney still struggling to hit his stride, there might be a running back controversy brewing.
Tomase focuses on Randy Moss being treated like the big-play threat he is, with the result being the team’s highest-scoring game of the season and a trickle-down effect that was felt across the entire locker room.

SHOTS FROM AFAR

Tom FitzGerald (San Francisco Chronicle) says the Patriots pounded out 144 yards rushing led by a relay team of four running backs who did everything but pass a baton.
John Crumpacker (SFC) calls the Niners defense toothless, as it was unable to get off the field from the second quarter on.
Crumpacker also calls out the offense, saying the receivers didn't give O'Sullivan much help.
Gwenn Knapp (SFC) explores if the loss was an execution problem or a strategic problem for the 49ers.
Ray Ratto (SFC) points out that it's tough to win games without having the ball.
NFL Game Center has post game stats and analysis, along with a nifty little highlight reel to relive the sweet victory.
Greg Beachum (AP) recaps the game and notes that Moss had his 57th 100-yard receiving game, the third-most in NFL history. He's within two of Indianapolis' Marvin Harrison, who hasn't had a 100-yard game this season.
Tim Graham (ESPN) notes the Patriots avoided a faceplant by surviving a tough scenario to remain within striking distance of the Buffalo Bills.
Peter King (SI) on naming Stephen Gostkowski his Special Teams Player of the Week: "I'm long overdue in recognizing this rising-star kicker...For the year, he's hit on all 10 field goals he's tried."
Don Banks (SI) laments the vacancy left by the truly superior 2007 Patriots. "On Sunday, it was just another day in the suddenly devoid of dominance NFL. Where have you gone Bill Belichick and your perfect-season Patriots? A football nation turns its lonely eyes to you."

Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 10/04/08

Marima — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:44:48 -0000

LOCAL SHOTS

Barbara Matson checks in with wide receiver Sam Aiken.
Karen Guregian gives us the Adalius Thomas - Mike Nolan admiration society.
Guregian says the players are glad to say bye to the Bye, or as Tedy Bruschi put it, "they’re sick of smacking each other in practice and want to pop someone else for a change."
Chad Finn posts the transcript of Bill Belichick's Friday Q & A session with reporters.
Eric McHugh writes "Mayo no Willis, but not for lack of effort."
Mike Reiss reports on Patriots defensive coordinator Dan Pees' turn with the media, and then spends a few minutes with Lamont Jordan.
Reiss expects that former Patriots OLB Tully Banta-Cain might see his first playing time this season, due to Manny Lawson's hamstring injury.
Mark Farinella tells us that Vince Wilfork is just itching to get back on the field and exorcise those Miami demons. Says Wilfork, "it all boils down to trusting one another out there on the field."
Ron Borges writes about the QB that got away, "single-minded perseverance in the face of consistent disappointment is the formula O'Sullivan followed into the 49ers' huddle this season," and he's making the most of his big opportunity.
Mike Petraglia reminisces with Belichick about his memories of Candlestick Park.

SHOTS FROM AFAR

Tim Graham (ESPN) noticed Dan Pees didn't sound like a happy camper during Friday's news conference.
Keith Kidd (Scouts Inc.), writing for ESPN.com, has Patriots first-round LB Jerod Mayo ranked eighth on his top-20 list of “impact rookies.”
Graham presents his AFC East Week 5 preview.
Dan Brown (Inside Bay Area) wonders if the 49ers will use trickery to upset the Pats. "We might do it a little bit," running back Frank Gore said with a smile. "You'll see."
Matt Sohn (ProFootball Weekly) speculates on 2nd round draft pick Terrence Wheatly's scarce playing time.

Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 10/03/08

Marima — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:35:26 -0000

LOCAL SHOTS

Karen Guregian has a great piece on Head Coach Bill Belichick and his passion for breaking down the game.
Guregian notes the Patriots "have lost by 14 points or more just 11 times in the regular season since Belichick became the coach in 2000," and takes a look at how they've bounced back after an embarrassment.
We need to talk. Chris Gasper reports on Matt Cassel and Randy Moss having a sit-down and spending some quality time together. How sweet.
Gasper also gives us an in-depth look at all that's involved in the Patriots 10-day West Coast road trip. Here is his quick video on the subject.
Rodney Harrison on team bonding during the trip: "I don’t know if we’re going to get in a circle and sing ‘Kumbaya’ or anything like that." He does know that they'll have to keep an eye on Niners TE Vernon Davis.
Shalise Manza Young compares Jerod Mayo with San Francisco's Patrick Willis.
Jim Lazar reports on the Patriots' extended stay out in Sunny San Jose.
Mike Petraglia offers his views from the Patriots' locker room on Thursday.
Chad Finn gives us a Q & A session with Matt Cassel.
Robert Lee says Cassel believes that it won't be long before he and Moss have a big game together.
Mike Reiss gives us Thursday's Participation report, with Wes Welker (groin) added to the limited participation section. Yikes!
Tom Wilcox says the Patriots Defensive unit hasn't exactly looked like the Fearsome Foursome.
Wilcox also waxes on about Matt Cassel. "This week, what [Cassel] needs to do is show that he has put the loss to the Dolphins behind him and is, as many of the players and coaches have reiterated, truly the best man for the job."
Mike Petraglia's blog includes a few new Troy Brown tidbits, and recalls some old familiar favorites.

FOCUS ON THE 49ERS

Mike Reiss puts the 49ers in focus, noting 4 areas that stand out and giving his expert pre-game analysis.
Mike McDermott's Football Today says the 49ers aren't great but they are legitimate again, among other NFL items of note.
Tom Wilcox tells us Three things about the Niners - O'Sullivan, Gore, & the Defense.
Projo's short and sweet week 5 Patriots vs. 49ers preview.
Tony Moss gives his NFL preview and analysis of Sunday's matchup.
Robert Lee says the Patriots rushing defense won't get any easier Sunday, as the 49ers possess one of the NFL’s most dangerous rushers in Frank Gore.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick considers San Francisco’s Vernon Davis to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL
Glen Farley reports that Mike Martz and the 49ers are a bomb threat.
Brian MacPherson reminds the Patriots that the 49ers thrive on third and long.
Take the Patriots-49ers quiz and see how much you know.

SHOTS FROM AFAR

John Crumpacker (San Francisco Chronicle) says O'Sullivan can wing it and has the highest completion percentage in the league, throwing passes longer than 20 yards.
Frank Gore tells the SFChronicle that he's confident in his team's own genius, Mike Martz, and is ready for a match of wits between Martz and Belichick.

Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 10/02/08

Marima — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:20:18 -0000

LOCAL SHOTS

Bill Belichick responds to Raiders owner Al Davis's accusations that the Patriots tampered with Randy Moss, before the 2007 trade that brought him to New England.
Shalise Manza Young reports that according to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, "No tampering charges have ever been filed with our office with respect to Randy Moss."
Young updates us on the status of rookie linebacker Shawn Crable who has yet to see any playing time.
Mike Reiss reports from the Patriots locker room, his Nuggets from Gillette.
Reiss glues us in on the bonding status of Randy Moss and Matt Cassel.
Projo.com provides the full transcripts of Bill Belichick's Wednesday press conference, and Randy Moss' Wednesday press conference.
Rich Thompson says Laurence Maroney and ball control are key for the Patriots.
From the Patriots team website: "Pro Bowl nose tackle Vince Wilfork has two years remaining on his rookie contract but...he would like to emulate Troy Brown, who retired last week after 15 years – all spent in a Patriots uniform.
Patriots Daily has a nice piece on Troy Brown: 2001 Was Turning Point For Brown, Patriots.
The New England Patriots Alumni Club (NEPAC) will host its second-annual "Game With the Greats" event in Gillette Stadium's Fidelity Investments East Clubhouse on Sunday, October 5 when the Patriots travel to San Francisco.

FOCUS ON THE 49ERS

Mike Reiss compiled for us some links from the San Francisco side.
Chris Gasper highlights three key areas in Sunday's Patriots-49ers game.
Shalise Manza Young talks about the 49ers many looks on defense.
Greg Beachum reports the Niners are willing to trade sacks for scores, and QB J.T. O'Sullivan doesn't mind a bit.
Belichick discusses talented running back Frank Gore.
Matt Brown, STATS editor, presents his Pats-Niners preview.
The 49ers released their participation report.

POWER RANKINGS

What If Sports ranks them (ouch!) 22nd (+3)
Fox Sports on MSN ranks them 15th (-2): "This weekend Doctor Evil will emerge from the Patriots' bye week, and after getting embarrassed by Miami in Week 3 he has to have something tricky up his sleeve, right?" Dr. Evil???? Sooooo clever.
ESPN ranks them 13th (-2): "If they can't beat the 49ers on Sunday, prepare for panic to set in." (Note the disparity in the voting among the 12 ESPN writers.)
ProFootball Weekly ranks them 13th (-1): "Have to think Kevin O’Connell will play at some point." How 'bout the end of the 4th quarter?
NFL.com keeps them ranked below 12th in the "middle of the pack."
The Sporting News ranks them 10th: "Something tells me the Patriots figured something out during the bye."
Dr. Z at SI ranks them 7th (-1): "I get a tremendous kick out of the transcripts of Bill Belichick's daily press conferences. Here's an excerpt from Tuesday's, for instance:

Q: How would you assess your turnover differential this week?

A: Always like to get more and give up less."

Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 10/01/08

Marima — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:41:43 -0000

LOCAL SHOTS

The Boston Globe apparently was forced to print an apology to its readers regarding an inappropriate photo it printed, regarding the size and mechanics of QB Kevin O'Connell's ummm... tools. Sure gave me a chuckle this morning.

Belichick expresses confidence in Cassel during Tuesday's conference call, when a reporter asked about a possible QB switch from Cassel to O'Connell.

“I think Matt had a good week last week, and had a good practice yesterday. Offensively, collectively, we just have to do everything a little bit better. I’m confident in all the players we put out there."
The Herald took Belichick's answer above and headlined, "Highlights from Belichick: A Switch to O'Connell?" Talk about creating something out of nothing.
Karen Guregian talks defense with Richard Seymour.
Guregian also talks with LaMont Jordan, who's getting more comfortable with the playbook and is itching to get the ball and the running game on track.
The Patriots need Laurence Maroney to be that same lead back who rushed for more than 100 yards in four of the last six games (including playoffs) and gained the tough goal-line yards when called upon. Where is he?
Mike Reiss reports nutcase Raiders' owner Al Davis took a shot at the Patriots at his bizarre press conference yesterday, accusing New England of tampering with Randy Moss before acquiring him.
OL Mike Vrabel, the key defensive player wearing the communication device in his helmet, says that aside from a few blips it's been a positive change.
Bill Belichick spoke to more than 100 local children yesterday about the new Universal film, "The Express," based on the story of Ernie Davis who was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Belichick received high-fives as the kids exited the theater.
Eric McHugh talks about the Patriots needing to fix a lot of things coming off the Bye, and mentions the need to put pressure on opposing QBs.
Rich Garven focuses on what's been working for the Patriots - Ellis Hobbs, the wedge blockers, and the kickoff return game.
Chris Gasper details a bit more about the cast seen on Jerod Mayo's wrist.
Everybody's a critic, and apparently they all email Mike Reiss. This week Reiss answers questions mostly about quarterbacks and coaching concerns.
Ask PFW received its share of questions from frustrated fans who haven't quite been sold on the idea that Matt Cassel is the Patriots' best option. Surprisingly, Brady takes a few hits as well.

FOCUS ON THE 49ERS

The Patriots team website offers all you ever wanted to know about the upcoming game, including broadcast info, series history, and other Pats-Niners connections.
Who are those guys? Glen Farley gives us a quick study on the 49ers.
Chris Price says the Patriots should be familiar with a Martz-led offense.
Mike McDermott compares O'Sullivan versus Cassel.
Douglas Flynn reports on Niners QB J.T. O'Sullivan.
The San Fransisco Chronicle reports that Niners' HC Mike Nolan admits to a lack of depth in the O-Line. Good luck trying "to hold off a couple of sack-happy linebackers - Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas" - on Sunday.
ProFootball Weekly gives their overview of Sunday's matchup.

SHOTS FROM AFAR

Michael Silver admits, you don't know what you've got till it's gone. The Patriots of 2007, the group that put together the most dominant regular season in NFL history, have been missed.
Even Gregg Easterbrook (gasp), in his own special way, moans about the NFL today without the Powerhouse undefeated Patriots of 2007.
How much do we love the Krafts? The Fifth Down Blog of the NY Times discusses Raiders' owner Al Davis and the whole mess in Oakland.

Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 9/30/08

Marima — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:39:35 -0000

LOCAL SHOTS

The Boston Globe reports Tom Brady has chosen Dr. Neal S. ElAttrache of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles to surgically repair his injured left knee.
Chris Gasper reports on Richard Seymour's desire to become personally "reaquainted" with 49ers QB J.T. O'Sullivan, who briefly played on the Patriots' practice squad in 2006.
Mike Reiss highlights Richard Seymour playing with the big boys Sunday, on the NFL Today show on CBS.
Reiss recaps Bill Belichick's daily press conference from Gillette Stadium. Click here for the full transcript.
Shalise Manza Young talks about the Patriots back to work after the Bye Week, and gives us Monday's practice report from the Dana Farber Field House including which players weren't spotted and why.
Mike McDermott: The Cowboys prove Tom Jackson wrong (gotta love it!), by proving they are not the new Patriots.
WEEI - Patriots Monday: Bill Belichick previews the upcoming west coast trip and why the organization decided to stay out west between both games.
Karen Guregian talks with the players about the back to back games on the west coast and their views on the division standings heading into week 5.

FOCUS ON THE 49ERS

Shalise Manza Young recommends one mindset when it comes to Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers –– pressure, pressure and more pressure.
The Patriots leave for San Francisco on Friday.
The Patriots are using this week to become familiar with San Francisco's quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan, and the rest of the Mike Martz-led offense. The last time these teams played each other was in 2004.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Singletary, who now serves as assistant head coach/defense for the San Francisco 49ers, shared his thoughts on the Patriots with Mike Reiss.
The San Francisco Chronicle warns its 49ers to beware of an angry Patriots squad coming to play after the crushing loss to the Dolphins.
SFC reporter Nancy Gay says that QB O'Sullivan's inexperience shows, and that he won't last long if he continues to take a beating every game.
SFC reporter John Crumpacker focuses on the 49ers defensive difficulties, especially with the pass rush.

SHOTS FROM AFAR

ProFootball Talk reports that "during the “Fired Up” segment that ends each week's FOX’s pregame show, former Cowboys and Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson gives the Detroit Lions some free advice on how to proceed in the wake of the termination of CEO Matt Millen. Says Jimmy: Hire Scott Pioli away from the Patriots."
NFL Network rates Troy Brown number 5 of the Top 10 most versatile players of all time. Great 3.40 minute highlight video.
Bill Simmons: "Bill Belichick's theory that everyone on a football team can be replaced at any time is absolutely true ... as long as you're not replacing Tom Brady with Matt Cassel."
Lisa Guerrero (who?), former "director of entertainment" for the Patriots from 1992-1994, grinds her axe against the locals for leaving early, and Tom Brady for leaving Bridget.

Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 9/29/08

Marima — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 01:50:49 -0000

LOCAL SHOTS

Michael Vega helps us get to know versatile Ray Ventrone.
Christopher Gasper notes that Kevin O'Connell is potentially only one snap away from being the starting quarterback.
Gasper talks about the key stretch ahead, and how the next seven games could define New England's 2008 season.
Mike Reiss says the Patriots are 6-2 following their regular-season bye weekend under Belichick and wonders if that will continue.
Offensive linemen Matt Light and Logan Mankins talk about what they need to do to improve.
Karen Guregian discusses Matt Cassel's learning curve.
Guregian also sings the Red Zone blues, noting that the Patriots are struggling inside the 20.
The Herald Staff asks, if the Pats lose to the 49'ers Sunday after having two weeks to prepare, are they cooked?
Lauren Carter spills on Jabar Gaffney's music playlist.
Jim Donaldson asserts that with Matt Cassel at QB, Pats fans have reason to fret.
Shalise Manza Young talks with Patriots receivers coach Bill O'Brien.
Young also reports on how the Patriots are working to address offensive deficiencies.
Josh Krueger tries to make sense of the oft-unpredictable NFL.
Mark Farinella says the Patriots are positive despite the Miami debacle.
Ron Borges asks if age is the biggest obstacle for the Patriots.
K.C. Joyner shows some impressive looking charts with numbers and percentages, to prove that all is not lost for the Patriots. I'll take his word for it.
Patriots Daily - Troy Brown: A Man Among Men.

EX-PATRIOTS

Reiss reports that Former Patriots Offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi started his own charitable foundation to improve all levels of care for cancer patients.
Eric McHugh also interviews Joe Andruzzi and discusses his new foundation.
Glen Farley speaks with Steve Grogan and how he can relate to both Tom Brady and Matt Cassel.

SHOTS FROM AFAR

Los Angeles Times - Sam Farmer alerts readers that less than a month into the season the AFC is in mayhem, and asks us to consider the weirdness.
Don Banks on Troy Brown: "He was the quintessential team-first Patriot, and I still think his willingness to switch from receiver to part-time nickel cornerback in 2004 -- his 12th season in the NFL -- when New England's injury-riddled secondary needed bodies, was one of the most selfless feats in recent NFL history."
According to ProFootball Weekly, "The Dolphins have exposed weaknesses in the coverage ability of the Patriots’ linebackers. Word out of Foxborough is that as instinctive as they are, the ’backers have difficulty playing the pass if they’re reading run first."

Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 9/27/08

Marima — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:04:42 -0000

Slim pickings for the Bye Weekend Folks

LOCAL SHOTS

Karen Guregian says that the hard work of Billy Yates will keep him in the starting position.
Guregian also talks with the number 2 quarterback, Kevin O'Connell
Mike Reiss spends a Few Minutes With James Sanders.
Official Patriots Media Center: Patriots Today features Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel.
Ask PFW has a special Troy Brown edition.
The Eagle Tribune calls Troy Brown the ultimate overachiever.
WEEI's Patriots Friday radio conversations with Logan Mankins, Rodney Harrison and Mike Vrabel.
The Worcester Telegram & Gazette discusses the O-Line, saying injuries, lack of cohesion are part of the problem.

SHOTS FROM AFAR

ESPN reports the San Francisco 49ers will retire Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young's No. 8 jersey in a halftime ceremony during their game against New England on Oct. 5.
For someone claiming to like and respect the play of Rodney Harrison, Ross Tucker sure spends a lot of time bashing him. Apparently Harrison can't say anything about anyone because using HGH is the dirtiest crime in the NFL.
King Kaufman's Sports Daily (I warned you the pickings were slim) calls this week the greatest bye week ever.
USA Today feels that the early-season Bye Week couldn't come at a better time for the Patriots.
ProFootball Weekly provides a Ron Borges commentary, calling for much needed perspective on the injury to Tom Brady, and the drama involving Vince Young.

Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 9/26/08

Marima — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:37:38 -0000

TROY BROWN

Ron Borges presents a great look at Troy Brown, presenting him as a throwback to the early years in the NFL when players weren't so specialized in any one area.
More Troy Nuggets, from Mike Reiss. Good ones too.
Karen Guregian gives a look at some of the plays Belichick poignantly brought back to life during Brown’s retirement press conference, and what he had to say about each.
Shalise Manza Young gives us the real scoop on what made Troy Brown retire.

LOCAL SHOTS

Reiss also gives us a look at where the Patriots rank in key NFL categories through three games.
Gasper & Reiss's Notes: Maroney practiced in full pads, Cassel gets some words of wisdom from Tom Brady, and lists who practiced and who didn't yesterday.
Matt Cassel answers questions at his Thursday press conference.
Guregian compares Tom Brady and Matt Cassel's numbers, and reports on Laurence Maroney's frustration with injury and image.
Belichick had the team practicing in full pads before letting them go for the Bye weekend.
Wes Welker: The Early Years. Wes Welker's parents shared some of their favorite childhood pictures with WBZ.
Chad Finn coughs up a one-sided beat-fest on this "enigma" of a team, and not many escape his oh-so-clever one-liner slams.

ESPN's Tim Graham discusses the weakness of the Wildcat Formation: Destroy the vulnerable QB.

Troy Brown - Links for 9/25/08

Marima — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:19:24 -0000

(photo via www.boston.com)

Boston Globe: Troy Brown retires

Boston Herald: Emotional Troy Brown retires

Projo.com: Troy Brown to join Comcast SportsNet as analyst

Projo.com: Troy Brown announces retirement in emotional press conference

Projo.com: Transcript of Troy Brown's retirement press conference

The Sun Chronicle: Troy Brown: "I will always be a Patriot."

The Patriot Ledger: Brown calls it a Patriots' career

Wicked Local: Brown says goodbye

Wicked Local: Troy Brown appreciation

Yahoo! Sports: Patriots top receiver Troy Brown retires