With 2008 approaching quickly the Patriots will look to put up eye popping numbers in sacks this year. Last year the Patriots finished 2nd in total sacks with 47. This year however, the Patriots get to feed off of inexperienced quarterbacks, rookie lineman, and the general bottom feeders of the NFL. Look at this lineup of quarterbacks the Pats expect to face in 2008

Brodie Croyle, Kellon Clemons x2, Josh Mccown x2, Alex Smith, Phillip Rivers, Jay Cutler, Marc Bulger, Peyton Manning, Trent Edwards x2, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Hasselbeck, Jamarcus Russell, and Matt Leinart.

(In just over a month he is coming to Foxboro.)

The average amount of sacks allowed by those teams was 39.2. Plus, in my opinion the Patriots front 7 is the most elite pass rushing unit in the league. The defense will be boosted by the return of a healthy Richard Seymour, who when healthy is the best defensive lineman in the NFL. Also, Adalius Thomas is switching permanently to his natural position at OLB which should result in some fireworks. Jarvis Green who is a situational DE in the Pats 3-4 had 7 sacks last year, and could improve upon that number this year. While the Bears record of 72 is out of reach, the Patriots opponents will be playing from behind, and will be passing in bunches leading to easy sacks. It's a possiblity that the Patriots will lead the league in sacks, and eclipse 60 in doing so.

It's Going to be a tough year for opposing quarterbacks.

After having the only 16-0 regular season in NFL History, the Patriots are looking to follow that up by actually securing the Superbowl this year. On paper this team is as strong as any, but has 4 potential weak spots: Cornerback, Tight End, Running Back, and Right Tackle. Despite this the Patriots play a comically easy schedule, and should have little trouble securing a 1st round playoff bye week. So lets look at the Patriots position by position on their roster.

Offense:

Quarterbacks:  There isn't much to say that hasn't been said about the group's leader Tom Brady.  He threw for 50 touchdowns last year setting an NFL record as well as leading the league in completion percentage, yards, and passer rating.  He will look to continue his success this year with mainly the same supporting cast.  Backing him up will be an interesting battle in training camp.  The Patriots took Quarterback Kevin O'Connell in the fourth round of the draft and he seems likely to get a roster spot.  That leaves the two other quarterbacks from last years squad fighting for the backup position.  Matt Cassell has the most experience in the Patriots system, but hasn't shown much in the few opportunities he's had, most notably in the game against the Dolphins last year in which he threw an interception and was promptly replaced. Matt Gutierrez did not get on the field last year in his first year with the team and is an unproven commodity.

Running Backs:  Many times there is a question of which running game is going to show up for the Patriots.  The team returns their starter Laurence Maroney.  Maroney has at time appeared dominant while at other times wholly ineffective.  He turned it on in the playoffs last year and the Patriots hope that this is the player that will show up in the fall.  Backing him up will be Sammy Morris who ran effectively last year before suffering a freak injury that ended his season. Kevin Faulk remains one of the better third down backs in the NFL and is deadly coming off of screens and draws.  He lacks the ability to be an every down back so that job falls to Maroney and Morris

Wide Recievers:  Here also the Patriots return a player fresh off a record setting season. Randy Moss year broke the record for touchdown receptions surpassing the old record held by Jerry Rice.  He will look to have another productive season alongside slot specialist  Wes Welker who tied for the NFL lead in receptions last year with 117.  This duo work extremely well together as when moss is double teamed, it opens the underneath routes that welker preys upon.  When teams focus on Welker, Moss burns them deep.  The recieving corps did lose reciever Donte Stallworth to free agency, however he had been slipping in the depth chart during the season and the team feels that reciever Jabbar Gaffney will be an adequate replacement.  The team will also hope that Chad Jackson fill the potential he had when the Patriots drafted him in the second round.  Thus far he has been hampered by injuries, but he should be coming in healthy this season and If there was ever a time for him to show some development it's now. His skill set mirrors that of Stallworth, so much so that he even looks like him.

Tight Ends:  The pats have a solid group of tight ends though definetly not an elite grouping.  Ben Watson is the leader of the group and had a solid year although abbreviated due to injuries and overshadowed by the group at wide reciever.  He can dissappear at times and needs to show more consistency in his play. He has somewhat sub-par hands as well. Behind him is David Thomas who most say has the best hands on the team.  He didn't get on the field last year due to a foot injury, but looks to be healthy going into training camp.  The team also brought in Marcus Pollard who will look to fit in somehow with this group.  This group lacks a true blocking tight end as all three of the above are more recieving tight ends.  I would not be surprised to see them add another tight end to come in and block in three tight end sets. 

Offensive Line:  This is a group that performed very well all year long and then completely laid an egg in the superbowl.  The unit returns three Pro Bowlers in Matt Light, Logan Mankins, and Dan Koppen.  Light is a bit of an enigma.  He can at times stop elite pass rushers dead in their tracks and at others players can eat him up.  Mankins is an animal at the left guard spot.  He plays with the mean streak that teams love to see in their lineman and is a dominant run blocker.  Koppen is a very intelligent center who rarely makes the wrong call at the line.  On the other side Stephen Neal is a decent player but is often hurt and definetly not a superstar.  at the right tackle comes one of the more interesting story lines going into training camp.  The presumptive starter Nick Kazcur was involved in an offseason incident involving oxycodone and it is unknown as of now whether there will be discipline from the NFL.  If he is suspended then Ryan O'Callaghan will move to fill his spot.  O'Callaghan has a shot to be the starter regardless as there is not much of a drop off between the two players.  I see this being a hotly contested battle in training camp.  The team also signed free agent Oliver Ross who has also had a very productive year.  As backups the team has Russ Hochstein who can play both guards and the center position in addition to Wesley Britt, and Billy Yates.

Defense:

Defensive Line:  This is one of the better defensive lines in the NFL.  The group doesn't necessarily put up the numbers of a 4-3 front, however, their job is to occupy blockers and the big bodies up front do that as well as anyone else.  The leader of the line is Richard Seymour who missed his first pro bowl in five seasons last year as a result of being injured. When healthy Seymour is the best 3-4 defensive end in the NFL and arguably the best D-lineman in the NFL. Vince Wilfork is an absolute beast on the inside who constantly commands a double team.  At the other end Ty Warren is the best pass rusher of the group and compliments the other two exceptionally.  At backup the patriots have defensive end Jarvis Green who would start on most teams. Mike Wright and Le Kevin Smith round out the unit.

Linebackers:  This unit underwent a major overhaul in the offseason.  This could be unit that puts up a lot of sacks as Mike Vrable and Adalius Thomas should both play exculsively on the outside this year where they are both most comfortable.  Both are very effective edge rushers and Vrabel is an all pro from last season.  On the inside Tedy Bruschi will return for another season.  Although he is nowhere near the player he once was he can still be effective in small doses.  In order to make those doses small, the patriots brought in a pair of other linebackers to give the team a three man rotation at ILB.  The team signed free agent Victor Hobson from the Jets.  Hobson is already familiar with a similar defense from his time playing under Belichick disciple Eric Mangini.  He should adapt quickly and I think will be a very solid contributor to this defense.  The team also used the tenth pick in the draft to draft linebacker Jerod Mayo out of Tennessee.  Mayo is an athletic backer who excells in space and has the speed to be very effective in pass coverage.  The team also drafted outside linebacker Shawn Crable who is a bit of a project, but has the raw skills to be a monster pass rusher.  Another interesting player is Vince Redd.  He is very raw but has a great deal of size and athleticism that could allow him to stick around if he can make himself a spot on special teams.  There is also the possibility that Junior Seau could return for yet another NFL season, however that is an unknown at this point. 

Defensive Backfield:  In my opinion the shakiest unit on the team.  The loss of Asante Samuel will hurt as he was their most consistent player in the backfield. Ellis Hobbs will now be asked to be the team's #1 corner and there is considerable doubt as to whether he can handle this.  The team signed free agent Fernando Bryant and at this time he is the presumptive starter opposite Hobbs.  The team also signed corner jason Webster and used a couple of draft picks here in Terrence Wheatley and Jason Wilhite.  Wheatley has a chance to make an impact this year as the nickel back while Wilhite will be in a battle to make the roster.  At safety the situtation is a little more stable. James Sanders is an extremely underrated starter. Rodney Harrison will man the Strong Safety position and should be solid unless an injury crops up as they seem to have done in recent years.  Backing up Sanders will be Brandon Merriweather who started to come on late in the season last year and could have a chance to start at some point this season.  We just have to hope that he spent a lot of time on the juggs machine this offseason as he dropped at least five passes that should have been intercepted.  Backing up Harrison will be free agent pickup Tank Williams who was once a highly touted young safety, but had some rough years with the Vikings. 

Special Teams:  The team returns Kicker Stephen Gostkowski to handle kickoff and field goal duties.  Gostowski has a booming leg and can pin a team deep on kickoffs.  On field goals, he is solid but not exceptional and his ability to kick in the clutch is largely unknown as the team was ahead pretty much all of last season.  handling the punting duties will be Chris Hanson who is more of a dicrectional punter than a power punter.  He excells at pinning teams down near the goal line.  Punt retruns will likely be handled by Wes Welker as Belichick likes surehanded players to handle that spot.  Kickoff returns are a bit of an unknown at this point. It is likely that they will be handled by a variety of different people as the season goes on.  Maroney, Faulk, and Hobbs have all handled kicks in the past, but the team drafted special teams specialist Matt Slater who also has a chance to return kicks if he has a good camp.

Team Strength:  The passing game.  The record setting unit from last year is mostly intact.  Look for another good season from this group although it would be hard to replicate the success of last season.

Team Weakness:  The defensive backfield.  Already a weakness on the team, it was further hampered by the loss of Asante Samuel.  A lot will depend on the ability of the rookies to play as well as the performance of Fernando Bryant.

Predicted Record 14-2: The Patriots schedule consists of potential blowouts. They play 6 of the 7 worst teams last year and play the Dolphins and Jets twice. They should be pumped up enough to beat both the Chargers and the Colts this year, but they will lose in Seattle because it is a notoriously tough place to play, and in Denver because they always lose to Denver.

With Training Camp mere days away I thought now would be a good time to put out my season predictions. I figure I'll start by saying who will make the playoffs and how they got there, and then move to the actual playoff games. So without further ado here is my list.

AFC East Division Champions: New England Patriots 14-2

No suprises here, after coming off a 16-0 regular season and a runner up finish the Patriots appear equally loaded to make another run. Returning is virtually the entire record setting offense which should continue to be the best in the league. Maroney should emerge into a 1000 yard back, and balance out the offensive attack. On defense arguably the best defensive line should be bolstered by a healthy Richard Seymour for the first time in several years. There is some fresh blood at linebacker which should improve the pass defense in that area. However, the secondary is an absolute mess with the departure of Asante Samuel. The starting corners are Ellis Hobbs and Fernando Bryant, and if the latter isn't good enough for the Lions than he definately isn't good enough for the Pats. The 2 losses will come from the Broncos and the Seahawks.

AFC South Division Champions: Indianapolis Colts 12-4

After a quiet offseason from Indianapolis the Colts return a strong team. Manning and company should be boosted by a healthy Harrison this year. Addai should emerge into an elite back with another year of seasoning. On defense Dwight Freeney returns from IR, and he will try to continue to continue to be a pass rushing force. They return the #1 ranked pass defense, and that should continue to be a strength for them. The improvement across the division, and dates with the Chargers and the Pats will lead to a few more losses this year for the Colts, but they will nonetheless stay atop the division.

AFC North Division Champions: Cleveland Browns 11-5

This one was an extremely hard choice between the Steelers and the Browns. While I personally believe the Steelers are stronger, they also have to face the Chargers and the Patriots which will be the difference. The young exciting offense of the Browns should put up points in bunches, especially with the embarrasment of riches at the skill positions. However, the real question is on defense with new parts being added to the mix. I believe the 2 new D tackles will dissapoint those who are expecting a huge improvement, since it is difficult to translate D tackles to the 3-4. Kamerion Wimbley should make a bigger impact like he did in his rookie year. The cornerback slot is a mess like the Patriots. They should split the season series with the Steelers and beat the Steelers in by 1 game.

AFC West Champions: San Diego Chargers 13-3

Make no mistake the Chargers are LOADED!! With Phillip Rivers leading the way they can expect to secure a bye while providing some of the most impressive performances of the season. They have drafted so well over the past couple of years that they have enough young talent to split over 3 teams. However, despite the talent they do have the great equalizer Norv Turner. He alone should account for 3 losses. They do need to win a Superbowl soon as their young talent will soon require contracts that are out of this world.

Wild Card: Jacksonville Jaguars 11-5

What isn't there to like about this team? Their two headed monster at tailback will continue to dominate this year. David Garrard is an extremely good game manager, who doesn't make mistakes. On defense they have some weapons with Henderson, Mathis, Nelson, and others. Despite all this they are relying on Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson to improve their passing game.(never gonna happen).  Also they overpaid for Drayton Florence an extremely average corner. My big question with the Jags is why will this year be any different from the last couple? While they are always good they are never great, and I suspect the same is their destiny in 2008.

Wild Card: Buffalo Bills 10-6

Hold your laughter for a second please. The Bills have one of the easiest schedules I have ever seen. It's like taking the Patriots and removing the division champions. Plus, have you looked at the Bills roster lately? I'm naturally skeptical, but this has the look o####ood team. Marshawn #### can create an effective rushing attack, plus Lee Evans is always good for a big play. On defense they added Marcus Stroud who will create more opportunities for the gifted ends on the outside. Also, Mckelvin arrives culminating with the emergence of Whitner and the return of Pozluzney leading to an exciting defense. If this team could scrap together a 7-9 record last year adding 3 wins with an improved team and an easier schedule shouldn't be outside the realm of possibility. If they somehow hold a tiebreaker with the Steelers than they are playoff bound.

The Games: Wilcard

Buffalo@ Indianapolis: Final Score 48-13 Indi

So much for a Cinderella story. The Colts easily handle the inferior Bills at home with Peyton Manning throwing for 5 TD's.

Jacksonville@ Cleveland: Final Score 24-21 Cle

A tough fought game despite over 300 yards passing by Anderson. His mistakes lead to opportunistic points by Jacksonville. However, after Jacksonville ties it with 15 seconds left Cribbs returns the ball 67 yards leading to the GW field goal.

Divisional Round

Cleveland@ New England: Final Score 31-17 NE

New England jumps out to an early lead with twin deep strikes to Moss. Late in the game Cleveland closes to within a touchdown, but the Patriots ice it with a strike to Watson in the back of the endzone.

Indianapolis@ San Diego: Final Score 17-14 SD

Since the Colts couldn't beat the Volek-Turner Chargers their is no chance they beat next years version. The game is an unexpected defensive struggle which leads to defensive TD's by Cromartie and Sanders. At the end of the game with a chance to win it Manning fumbles and the Chargers subsequently drive and kick a GW field goal redeeming Kaeding after years of failure.

Championship

San Diego @ New England: Final 34-31 SD

This year is the year San Diego makes it over the hump. The offenses dominate the game as the defenses look helpless.  Down 4 with less than 2 minutes Phillip Rivers leads the Chargers down to a game winning touchdown with LT on the sideline complaining because it is too cold outside. On the last play of regulation Rivers throws a bullet to Gates down the seam. As he catches it he is drilled by Harrison on the goal line resulting in controversy on whether or not the ball broke the plane. After review the refs rule it a touchdown and the game is over, leading to me on the floor screaming in disbelief as the Chargers are headed to the Superbowl for the 1st time in over a decade.

Being a Boston sports fan there isn't all that much to complain about these days. However, I'm going to do my best to do so anyways. Hopefully in doing so I can insult and anger every blogger on this website. So without any further ado here is my list.

10. The Tampa Bay Rays

Now before this year I had nothing against the Rays, they were the loveable losers who got in a couple of fights per year with the Sox, but now they are in first place. Now this doesn't bother me that much, but all the writers are acting like they called it. The problem is they have been picking first in the draft virtually for 10 years now. So everyone knew eventually the talent would have to prevail. It's okay though in 3 years these young stars like Longoria will have new $100,000,000 contracts with the Soxs and Yanks and all will be right with the world.

9. The Portland Trail Blazers

A surprise pick to some, but I am basically jealous because of the absurd luck that has hit this team. They win the NBA draft lottery against incredible odds to secure the best center prospect this decade, and Darius Miles experiences a career ending injury, ridding them of his rediculous contract. Also, Kevin Pritchard is milking the former Celtics Ainge, Mchale, and Bird in trades virtually every year. Lets review Bassy Telfair for 7th pick=Randy Foye, Randy Foye+ Cash+ Brandon Roy, Kareem Rush+ Jarrett Jack=Jerryd Bayless. That is insanity I think the NBA should institute a new rule banning teams from making more than one trade per year with former Celtics. Grizzly fans I would watch yourselves Pritchard might be able to milk Chris Wallace with a Mayo and #### for Diogu and Frye trade.

A lottery pick gone and all I got was this lousy Through the Fire DVD.

8. San Diego Chargers

Now the Chargers used to be my second favorite team up until a few years ago. They are the next dynasty in the NFL and are likely to throw the Pats from their perch atop the AFC. The real reason for all the animosity is Ladanian Tomlinson whose jersey I own, but haven't worn for a number of years. Two years ago he cried and claimed disrespect because the Pats celebrated their victory by mocking Sean Merriman, BIG DEAL!! but LT made an issue of it, and was a sore loser a la Bill Belicheck. What any real player would have done is waited until the next year and get revenge then, but Tomlinson didn't and instead sulked on the sideline saying his knee hurt while teamate Phillip Rivers played his heart out. I can't see myself respecting a team with Tomlinson on it, and  that is why they rank at number 8.

7. Montreal Canadiens

Being 100% French Canadien with relatives in Quebec and New Brunswick this seems somewhat sacreligious, but let me tell you nothing is as satisfying as making fun of fans who are so passionate and drink so heavily after the Canadiens are eliminated. While I am just a part time hockey fan, I would have given anything to see the Bruins eliminate the Habs.

6.  New York Giants

Now this doesn't entirely stem from me being bitter about the Pats loss. No it is more that the fans their are so fickle. Before the Superbowl the fans were calling for Eli and Coughlin's jobs, but now 1 victory later they are ready to enshrine them into the hall of fame. I'm just wondering how many games it will take for them to turn on the Giants again. My prediction is by Week 2.

5. USC Trojans

Now my BC Eagles never face them, and likely won't for quite some time, but here is my problem, Why do they need 6 Five-Star recruits at every position? The last time i checked only one player starts at each position, so why do recruits risk probable future NFL careers by going to a school where their is a good chance that they will never see the field? Also, Pete Carrol was at the helm of the Pats during their decline from Superbowl contender to an average team. Finally, what kind of name is the Trojans? Who would name their team after a ancient city of which nobody is certain even existed, whose people got fooled by a gigantic wooden horse? I'm just saying.

4. New York Jets

Is it the fact that they are the Pats longtime rivals? Nope. Or how bout the fact that Mangina is a snitch? Not that either. It's that stupid J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS! chant. We get it Jets fans you can spell simple words, we are proud of you.

Fireman Ed can spell and he is excited.

3. Los Angeles Lakers

Since I was born after the Celtics Lakers heyday I am new to this rivalry, but after the finals I can proudly say I know why it exists. Lakers fans are idiots it is as simple as that. The fact is on these blogs as most of you can attest to, Lakers fans say so many rediculous things that I can't even tell if its a true LA fan or somebody just parodying them. Over the last week I have seen Lakers fans predicting a threepeat before they have even won one, another lakers fan convinced that the Lakers would have won the NBA finals if not for the Refs, and finally somebody saying KOBE!!! is underated despite being widely considered the best player in the game. Hopefully the Trail Blazers and Celtics can put them in their place over the next 5 years or so, because I can't imagine listening to them after they win an NBA championship. You know what scratch the Blazers off the list the world needs them.

2. New York Yankees

This is an obvious choice being that I'm the type of fan that I am. Besides for their egomanical owners they can sucessfully manipulate the MLB to get whatever they want. When The Sox try to trade for A-Rod MLB blocks it, but the Yankees offer a similar package and they allow it. They spend 60 mil per year more than any other team. I know the Sox are the same way, but to manipulate a quote by Lewis Black "The Yankees are such ####s that they make the Red Sox look like ####s in comparison." (Lewis Black, The White Album)

 Sorry for the obscure Monica Lewinsy reference but it had to be done.

1. Indianapolis Colts

Finally, the mecca of them all the Colts. Now besides the fact that the Pats have owned the Colts in the TB vs. PM era, I take so much joy in watching the Colts lose. Tony Dungy may be a good guy and a good christian, but the media makes him out to look like Jesus re-incarnated, and since apparently Pats-Colts matchups have turned into good vs evil it is always fun to root for the bad guys. Most of all though is Peyton Manning. While he is a good guy, and his commercials are funny, the #2 reason why I watch football is to see those rare wonderful Manning face sightings.

 Now this is why I watch football

 O yeah at least Randy didn't moon a female athletic trainer like Peyon Manning. (Why did I bring that up? Because I'm Petty)

Honorable Mention

The Toronto Blue Jays

Every year their fans say this is they year, and every year they are the proverbial puching bag.

So that's my list. I welcome your comments on the teams you love to hate on.

Every so often an athlete comes along with talent so amazing that he can transcend the barriers of other sports like Bo Jackson. This got me thinking about the type of impact certain athletes could make in other sports. I started to make a list of who I think could make the jump and what postions they would play. These are a few of what I came up with:

Lebron James 6'6 240lbs Tight End

Lebron is arguably one of the best in the game already, but if he had played football he could have been the best Tight End to ever play the game. Assuming Lebron runs roughly a 4.6 40 time (not completely out of the realm of possibility) he would be in the upper eschelon in terms of speed. What would make him different is his height and athleticism. Nobody in the NFL that tall has ever been that athletic, this would make Lebron the leagues top redzone target. Plus, with NFL strength coaches he could probably put on another 20lbs making him larger that most NFL linebackers. As far as blocking he would be about as likely to do that as he plays defense in the NBA so that is a wash.

Wes Welker  5'9 185lbs Right Wing

What stands out about Wes Welker is how scrappy of a player he is. His tenacity probably belongs in the National Hockey League where he would get to make a more profound impact. He is extremely quick and has fast feet which would serve him well if he was playing on skates. His soccer backround would probably help him as well. He is considered one of the most physical blocking receivers in the NFL so he likely wouldn't me afraid to jack people up. Plus, that sex offender stash is something that belongs in either MLB or the NHL. On numerous occasions last year I heard him trash talking opponents, In the NHL those would turn into fights. He'd probably get his #### kicked, but it would be a fun ride.

Jamarcus Russell 6'6 269lbs Outfielder

Coming into the combine it was rumored that he could throw the ball 80+ yards. If you think Jeff Francour has a cannon imagine seeing Russell gun down unsuspecting baserunners from Right Field. As far as batting is concerned he definately has raw power. Plus quarterbacks have generally quick releases which would likely translate somewhat to bat speed. Another added benefit would be that Russell would have a much harder time eating himself out of the league, but in either league it will eventually happen.

Allen Iverson 6'0 165lbs Cornerback

Back in high school Iverson was supposedly better than Michael Vick at QB. His resume also included a 7 interception game, I repeat 7 interceptions. He likely would be at CB because of his weight, but he also has a 45" vertical jump and fluid athleticism which would make him like Deion. His change of sirection ability would allow him to return kicks and punts. He would however be a lock for a holdout during training camp every season do to his distaste for "practice".

Richard Seymour 6'7 310lbs Power Foward

This one isn't ideal because he is too short and isn't an insane athlete, but he is probably amongst the strongest and most physically intimidating players in the NFL. if the had 2 more inches he could be as good as Shaq. The NBA has never seen a player quite so strong in the low post. On defense nobody would be able to move within 8 feet of the basket due to his incredible strength. People trying to defend him would be thrown to the side when he elevates. He would become the leagues first enforcer since Oakley, and KG wouldn't do a chest bump within 5 miles of him because of fears of reprocussions.

Those are just a few that I thought of, please comment on whoever you think could make it.

I haven't ever watched as much sports in my life as I did this year. Euphoria and heartbreak, thank god I have a 2 month break until the olympics so my heart doesn't explode. I am going to chronicle Boston sports from the last 12 months and recap this amazing year.

Since the Celtics just won their 17th title It seems fitting to start 1 year ago on draft day when the Celts traded their 5th pick, Delonte West, and Wally Szcerbiak for Ray Allen. This transformed the Celtics from a young inexperienced tanking team to a playoff contender. Just 2 months later they traded for KG which established them as a championship team. They started out fast right out of the gate and cruised to a 66-16 record. Then the playoffs were unbelievable watching The Truth become a legend with his game 7 against the Cavs, the NBA finals comeback from 24 down, and my personal favorite part was watching Lamar Odom finally deciding to play hard 30 pts down in an elimination game. After spending the last couple of years watching the impotent Celtics get hammered it was a treat to finally watch real basketball being played in Boston.

The Red Sox finally won the division over the Yankees for the first time in 12 years. In doing so they put together a young pitching staff which is evolving into the envy of the league. They came from 3 down against Cleveland to win in 7 during the ALCS, and subsequently swept the Rockies leading to their 2nd World Series title this decade.

The Patriots had one of the most exciting and media covered seasons of any team in any sport in history. Spygate left a black mark over the team, however I had fun for a while debating in the completely biased on both ends argument on whether or not the Pats titles are tainted. I put all of my thoughts into a blog on Spygate. Then week 9 rolled around for the most hyped regular season game in history against the Colts culminating in a Pats victory. They rolled to the first 16-0 regular season record and into the Superbowl. Then things took a turn. The game against the Giants was the biggest upset in Superbowl history, the amazing Tyree catch+ the fact that the O-Line all took 10 Ambiens before the game led to the loss. (How the F*** did he catch that ball?) I'm over it though really.

I even got into hockey again when the Celtics were playing for nothing and the Bruins were in the playoff chase despite being hobbled badly by injuries. They pushed Montreal to 7 despite being a far inferior team, but in doing so they re-ignited a once passionate fan base with hustle and Physical play. Sidenote: Milan Lucic of the Bruins is going to be a star, mark my words maybe not int terms of points but with fights and hits.

Finally, for me one of the few Boston College fans I got to witness a senior class that I loved to watch have a legitimate opportunity to play in a BCS bowl. Also, I saw one of the biggest victories in BC history over Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. This was the wildest game I saw all year with broken play after broken play working for BC.

(Yes Matt its been a wild ride)

I understand why there are so many NE haters because when you have a year like this one where one of your teams is in a huge game seemingly every week  there is an envy that comes with that. All I can say is that I hope every fan can experience this once in their life because it is great. I am going to spend the next couple of months away from sports in order for my heart to recouperate.

So the inevitable happened and Samuel signed elsewhere. The best player from the Pats worst unit left. With #### a free agent as well the Pats cornerback situation looks like this: Hobbs CB1, Meriweather CB2. That is frightening as hell. If the Pats ignore the situation like they did with the receivers 2 years ago this team could be headed for disaster.

Lets look at their options for next year.

Free Agents

Ty Law should resign with the Pats. While not a burner anymore his ball skills could still net him 5 or so interceptions in the Pats blitzing zone defense.

Drayton Florence if they want to overpay which I am assuming they won't. He could cost as much as 2/3 of Samuel's price.

Trades

Pacman Jones the chances are virtually non existent. While the strip club revenues would increase 10 fold, he is a lock to do something stupid. However, the Pats have increased their thug count with Meriweather, whats one more. In terms of cost I think it would be very cheap for his talent. A 4th round pick probably would do it.

DeAngelo Hall is very talented and probably would fit in well on a team with leaders on defense like the Pats. However, the price tag would probably be way to high to aquire him. They would have to trade down in the draft and trade a lower 1st round pick to get him. Then they would only have him for a few years before he bolts for free agency like Samuel.

The Draft

1st Round The Pats shouldn't draft a CB here. Mckelvin, Talib, and Jenkins are good prospects, but the value for that pick would be poor for one of them. Gholston or a trade down is probably the better option.

2nd & 3rd Heres who they should target.

Brandon Flowers He is the most physical corner in the draft. His ball skills are tremendous. His height and speed are average, but what else is new with the Pats corners. He would be a great pickup via moving up in the 2nd or maybe he falls.

Antoine Cason He was a sensational college corner who some scouts think is too slow. He has good size and decent speed. He is an ideal #2 corner. They probably could net him with the 4th pick in the 3rd round

Solution

Bring back Randall #### and Ty Law. They should be able to hold down the fort for next year cheap. Draft 2 corners in the early rounds preferrably Flowers and Cason and ease them into the game. Whatever they decide to do they need to get Hobbs off the field. They can't afford him getting burned any more.

The Pro Bowl has become a joke. I usually watch the game to get one last glimpse of football before the offseason, but I'm only one of maybe 20. The veteran players simply don't want to be there so it turns into a glorified game of touch football.

I think I have the solution, although it would never happen. Play a game that would be the equivalent of the futures game in football. You would take all the top rookies in the NFL from that year and put them on a team vs. the players entering the NFL through the draft.

Imagine a rookie offense with AP and CJ attacking a Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey led defense. This could replace the Senior Bowl as an even better college All Star game. The game could pull from 2 major fan bases pro and college. Plus if there is one thing we as fans love it's the draft. We could watch incoming players play against top NFL players, and as fans make judgements on who is the real deal. 

The quality of play would also skyrocket. The players coming in could raise their draft stock, so they would be hell bent to perform well. Plus, the rookies are always the ones who are the most intense at the Pro Bowl. Adrian Peterson went nuts down in Honolulu, imagine if every player was playing at that speed.

So basically it is like the rookie sophmore game in the NBA only better, since 1/2 the players don't have teams yet. It would also be a platform to look at college juniors who don't get to participate in college all star games.

They also shouldn't invite so many players to the game. Instead of being consumed on making sure everybody gets ample playing time, the teams should have starters that start the entire game. This would increase the intensity and the quality of play.

I don't know what to call it since the futures game is a baseball thing, and I don't know what to name the teams either. Any suggestions?

This is my first post.

Over the last several months I have witnessed over the message boards a constant barrage of Patriots hating. The number of comments on every story have reached into the thousands and irrational statements have been made on both sides. However, with this time I would like to put this into a reasonable perspective, and defend the Patriots recent run.

The Patriots broke the NFL Rules, and have been penalized sufficiently for their actions. So why is this still a front page story? Is this scandal really as big as steroids or gambling in sports? The answer is no and here is why. When the Pats videotaped other teams defensive signals from an onfield camera, essentially they were trying to simplify a practice already used by many teams. Any team can videotape or look at signals from the coaches box. Many teams have coaches sit in the box with binoculars taking notes on the oppsing teams defensive signals. So basically the Patriots tried to obtain a better view to improve upon this practice.

Also, nobody gains all that much from stealing signals. The reality of it is that the defense does not call its plays until after the offense sends in its formation, so somebody would have to recognize the signal relay it to BB, who would then relay it to Tom Brady inside the huddle, they would need to choose a play to exploit this, and design a protection scheme all inside the 45 second play clock. Plus many of the signals can be figured out just by reading the defense. Like the type of coverage based on the corners and safties positioning, and if a blitz is coming by the defense showing the blitz. The Patriots proved that this year by making the same kind of adjustments like everyone else in the league without the use of a videotape.

Along with being useless in the first half of games, stealing signals does not help you in later games because teams change their defensive signals on a week to week basis, because they are aware other teams are stealing their signals.

While changing the position of their cameras is against the rules, many teams have little tricks they pull to win football games. It is alleged that the Colts pump in artificial crowd noise into the RCA dome. The Miami Dolphins turn on the heat in the visitors locker room. The Oakland Raiders bus in convicts into their stands to scare opposing teams players, jk. The Broncos teams won superbowls despite being over the cap. Those are only some of the ones we know about.

Anybody who is accusing that the Patriots' Super Bowl victories are tainted need to go back and rewatch those playoff games. They won with their defense and special teams. In the Super Bowl against the Rams the Patriots had an interception for a touchdown and a touchdown in the 1st half. Plus the field goal they scored was in the hurryup offense where you don't have time to steal signals. The Panthers Superbowl the Patriots won because they were a far better team, and the Eagles Superbowl the Pats won because DM was tired and couldn't win the game for them.

So in light of all this all I am asking for is to close the book on spygate unless more information comes through. If it is true that the Pats somehow taped the Rams walkthrough I will be the 1st one calling for BB to be fired. However, what is done is done. We have more interesting stories to be paying attention to. Like the greatest upset in SB history which is being almost ignored. Plus the draft is 2 months away, and 31 teams are looking to make the next step. I understand the outrage, but for the love of god please move on.