Browns Sign Ex-Cardinals Stiff, Drew Stanton.

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The Browns made a bit of surprising news here on Sunday, by signing long-time Backup Quarterback, Drew Stanton.  What this move tells you is: 1-Quarterback taken at #1 is almost guaranteed, and 2-Dorsey is making it damn clear that guy will not play for at least 1-2 seasons.  I don’t necessarily have an issue with this signing, as the Browns go through QB’s like…………well I don”t know, they go through a lot.

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As you can see, Stanton will come in handy next season.  The Browns aren’t known for keeping Quarterback’s healthy, so adding a guy with experience is never a bad thing.  Stanton will provide that insurance in case Tyrod goes down, and mentor whichever guy is picked at #1.  This free’s up Tyrod to focus on solely on improving the actual team on the field, and focus on winning each week.   I am not saying Tyrod should ignore the Rookie coming in, but I’d rather him focus on producing a few wins than mentoring a Rookie. A few interesting notes about Drew:

1-In 2009 Drew was the Backup for number 1 overall pick, Matt Stafford.

2-In 2012 Drew was the Backup for number 1 overall pick, Andrew Luck

3-Since 2013 Drew was the Backup for former number 1 overall pick, Carson Palmer.

That makes this signing a little more clear to me.  This guy has a history of working with rookie QB’s, and more specifically rookie QB’s that went first overall.  That seems like it will be valuable experience. The only issue I really have with this deal is the fact that we committed to a Backup Quarterback for over 1 season.  I just think that is unnecessary to commit to any Backup for more than one year.   I guess a two years would mean that Drew Stanton is considered a strong Backup?  That’s great and all, why not just go year to year with him?  Weird move going for two years.

One thing is for certain, this man is a fucking GIF machine, and I absolutely love it.

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Hopefully we won’t have to see this guy play, but if we do I am sure there will be entertaining moments.   Also, to be fair to Drew he is 4-1 in his last 5 starts, and that’s about as much as you can ask out of your Backup.

Go Browns.

Nothing is Coming Easy.

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The Bruins continued to limp around the country during their late season Road-trip, and had a clash with the Dallas Stars on Friday Night.  This reunites us with old Friend, Tyler Seguin (I am not going to go any further into Tyler Seguin).  Anyway,  it was yet another third period comeback for the Black and Gold.  This time they were missing a total of 8 regular skaters for this one, and they still won.   Dallas booked their tee-times for early April, as this loss puts them out of Playoff contention.

Just 2:26 minutes into the game Stars Defenseman Esa Lindell fired home a Snap-Shot through traffic to beat Tuukka Rask.  The Bruins were caught running around in there own end.  The Forwards and Defense all got sucked in below the Face-off dots, and Lindell had all day to fire a shot once the puck was given to him at the Left Point.

Things got much worse for the Bruins in the second period with the Bruins on the Power Play:

Brutal goal for the Bruins to give up with just barely over a minute left in the second period.  Hoping to tie the game up before the start of the third, Grzelyck fell at his own attacking Blueline.  The puck slipped free, and Jamie Benn took it Coast to Coast to make it 2-0 Stars at the end of the 2nd period.  Seemed like this one was over, as a Short Handed goal in the final minute of a period is just back breaking.  Once again the 2018 Boston Bruins slapped us all across the face.

Just barely over 1 minute into the 3rd period the Bruins got on the board thanks to Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak:

Great work by David Pastrnak skating through virtually the entire Stars defense, and Brad Marchand was doing Brad Marchand things.  Going to the net drawing bodies his way.  Initially rules Pastrnak’s goal, it re-directed off Marchand prior to going in.  Early on in the 3rd it was 2-1 Stars.

The Bruins continued to press hard for a tying goal, but Dallas was hanging on by a thread.  Later on in the period Dallas was on a 5-4 Power Play, when Marchand got the puck with a head of steam.  Marchand generated a 2 on 1 with Tim Schaller on his left.  The Stars Defenseman tried their damnedest to get between the puck, and Schaller.  It found Schallers stick, who made a little move to tuck the puck into the net.  Tie game.

Looking like overtime was coming, the Bruins amped up the attacking pressure in the final minute of the third.  Any time a Star’s Defenseman touched the puck behind his goal, they were being hounded.   This would pay off as the Stars began to ware down, and David Pastrnak was wide open in front of goal with the puck on his stick.  Patiently he wrapped the puck around Kari Lehtonen’s leg to win the game with 11 seconds to go.

That should just about do it for the Dallas Stars, who were fighting for their playoff lives.  They sit 5 points out of the last Wild Card spot with 6 games remaining.  They’re going to have to win-out, and get some help from others.  The Bruins would continue their road-trip on Sunday Night in Minnesota.

The Bruins were welcomed with the return of Mr. Perfect Hockey Player-Patrice Bergeron.  Boy did he not miss a beat.  Nearly 20 minutes played, flawless in the dot, and two points to go along with the win.  Just an incredible hockey player.  Sounds like more of the M.A.S.H. will be returning in due time as McAvoy, Chara, Debrusk, and Backes have all resumed skating.

Late Sunday evening the Bruins played an overtime period against the Wild.  Much of this one was a fucking snoozer.  With the game tied at 1 just seconds into overtime Brad Marchand and Tory Krug will do all talking for me:

They keep on winning in ugly fashion and I do not care.  Winning is winning, and this team sits at 104 points.  It is crazy to think the past two-three seasons the Bruins have been like this seasons Dallas Stars.  They were hovering around 80 points with less than 10 to play, and having to win out to get in.  This year being comfortably in has allowed injured guys to take a few days off and get healed.  They may be winning ugly now, but when they finally get healthy……look out.

Go Bruins!

Browns Sign Ex-Bills Cornerback, E.J. Gaines.

The Browns continued to add to their Roster yet again, as Free-Agency is slowly coming to a halt.  Friday, they reached an agreement with former Bills and Rams Cornerback, E.J. Gaines.  Gaines was originally drafted in the Sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.  Gaines was traded to Buffalo this past season for Wide Receiver, Sammy Watkins.  When healthy, this dude has been a solid contributor to both the Rams and Bills.

Lovely!  The Browns have added a young corner with the potential of being a number 1.  At times he’s showed the ability to play up to that level.  Injuries, and Tre’Davious White have prevented him from blossoming into a number 1.  The money and term on the deal is just perfect too.  Gaines missed all of 2015 with Lisfranc, and missed 5 games in 2016 with a Thigh Injury.  1 year at $4 million seems like a reasonable amount to pay.  If he gets injured, or sucks they will move on, and it will be fairly easy.  If he performs at a high level, then they’d probably look to an extension.  Lets take a look at what Gaines brings on the field:

The nerds had E.J. scoring an average of 86.6 in 2017.  That’s good for the 13th best average score among corners.  But what does any of that really mean?

Well that certainly means more to me.  This guy appears to be one of the better cover corners in the league.  He’s good at keeping guys quiet while going somewhat unnoticed, as E.J. only has 1 interception in his entire career.   The Gaines signing makes it look like the three corners the Browns will go with next year are as follows: 1. Gaines 2. Carrie 3. Boddy-Calhoun.  That seems like an upgrade from 2017.  The Cornerback crew the Browns rocked with in 2017: 1. McCourty 2. Taylor 3. Boddy-Calhoun.  Boddy-Calhoun has developed into a very good slot corner, and at times McCourty played like a true number one corner.  Despite all this, the Browns clearly wanted to get younger and faster.  Bringing in Carrie and Gaines likely means the end of Jamar Taylor in Cleveland.  Taylor struggled last season with an increased workload.  He was bumped to the number 2 corner spot after Joe Haden was released from the team.  Taylor is most remembered for being completely emasculated by T.Y. Hilton this past season.

The Browns are continuing to add solid pieces to their roster.  In the week and half since the league New Year began the Browns have added: Tyrod Taylor, Jarvis Landry, Damarious Randall, Donald Stephenson, Chris Hubbard, Chris Smith, Carlos Hyde, T.J. Carrie, Terrance Mitchell, E.J. Gaines, and Darren Fells.  Some names are bigger than others on that list, but all have contributed to winning programs in the NFL.  These are the players the Browns needed to fill out the roster, that way they are not relying on Rookies so often.  They will use rookies to supplement the talent they already have, rather than force them to be starters right away.  The Roster is substantially better than it was just two weeks ago, and we still have the draft to go.  Go Browns.

Is Johnny Manziel Back?

There goes that man, Johnny Fucking Football.  Johnny made some steps to a comeback yesterday when he took part in the University of San Diego Pro Day.  It doesn’t really mean all too much in terms of an NFL return, but it was nice to see Johnny in the news for something positive.  According to a multitude of outlets, 13 NFL teams sent a scout attend the event.  Keep in mind this was USD’s Pro Day.  This was mainly for USD prospects, so I would bet a number of those 13 teams were there more or less for those players, not Manziel.

Interesting to see what teams were in attendance.  The New England Patriots caused a stir when they brought Johnny inside to get an exact measurement.

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Oh boy would that ever be interesting! I think the weirdest aspect of this whole event was that the Browns sent a scout to USD.  We paid a scout to watch a player we had in the building for 2 years, and no matter what happens he ain’t coming back.  I am going to assume the Browns sent their area scout for the other players working out.  If not, well then that’s just very Cleveland Browns.  Let’s pay a guy to scout a guy we had for two years less than 2 years ago.  Brilliant, Jerry!

Schefty here saying that it went well, which is great to hear.  Johnny has been ramping up the comeback train for the last few months.  He has a CFL Offer on the table (Hamilton Tiger Cats), and he is scheduled to play in a development league this spring.  It will just be a few weeks, but it will be a chance to see Johnny running around in pads again.  I for one cannot wait!

I may be alone in this opinion, but I loved Johnny when he was on the Browns.  It was a marriage that was never meant to be, but it wasn’t all bad.  Outside of one game (his debut against the Bengals) Johnny wasn’t half bad on the field.  In some games he actually carried the offense on his shoulders.  Problem was his top two receivers were under 6 ft tall.  He never got to work with Josh Gordon, and there was no running game support.  It was all Johnny running around, and slinging it.  He actually showed progression from year 1 to year 2 and that had me hopeful.  But alas, it wasn’t meant to be.  Off the field is obviously another story.  I still believe to this day that if he hadn’t gone off the rails (Boom. Roasted!) he would’ve developed just fine.

Here’s to hoping we get to see Johnny Football scramblin’ like Tarkenton again.  He puts asses in seats for good reason.  Can you imagine what this rinky dink flag football league coverage will be like this spring?

So……..We’re Doing Darnold?

So, yesterday was Sam Darnold’s Pro Day at the University of Southern California.  These events are fucking stupid plain and simple.  Sam’s was especially stupid, because it was pouring rain out (Does USC not have a bubble?) which got all the analysts hot and bothered.  Whatever Sam did on the field during this workout is absolutely 100% irrelevant.  I could care less how far he throws, how tight the spiral is, and if he can hit an uncovered dude wearing shorts.  I simply don’t care.  NOTHING and I mean nothing matters football wise, until I see it on the field in an NFL game. I am more interested in finding clues as to who the Browns are leaning to picking come April. This Pro Day was interesting for that reason.

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Well well well!  Looks like there may be a leader in the Clubhouse for the number one overall pick?  Jimmy Haslam swapping spit with the Darnold family, while Sammy was slingin’ the rock in the rain.  Many share the belief that draft stock doesn’t necessarily go up after a pro-day, but your stock can go down.  Pro Day’s are seen as a way to solidify your standing with teams.  It is sounding like Sam really solidified himself as the top Quarterback Prospect in this years draft.  The overwhelming thought around the league is that the Browns will take Sam Darnold 1st overall.

I truthfully don’t know who this guy is, but he strongly believes the Giants are on the clock.  This would mean Darnold locked in as the first overall pick.  This whole thing reeks of taking him first overall.

I mean that is one hefty contingent travelling out to  watch this kid run around in shorts. Sounds like there was a dinner held with Darnold and the Browns brass the night before his workout as well.  It just seems like this guy is the guy, and everyone is doing their due diligence prior to being selecting their guy. I saw some people griping that Jimmy Haslam was meddling again, and to that I say fuck off.  The number 1 pick of the 2018 NFL draft is the most important single event in the 18 years since the Browns have returned.  You bet your ass he’ll be there. The Browns finally control their own destiny in terms of who to draft. They don’t have to see who trades up and down, they don’t have to worry about guys not falling to them, and they don’t have to settle for the third or fourth best Quarterback option. They haven’t have this opportunity since ’99 when Tim Couch was drafted 1st overall, and the Browns as we know them hadn’t played a single game yet. This year, the Browns have the pick of the litter.

In other news, it appears Sam Darnold actually wants to play in Cleveland? Albert Breer published an article documenting Sam’s day with the Browns.  Darnold had some interesting thoughts with throwing coach, Jordan Palmer (Yes, Carson’s brother).

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All the signs are there, and it really does appear that Sam Darnold will be chosen first overall.  Better yet, Sam seems excited about playing for the team and likes the idea of sitting for a year.  So here I am on 3/22/2018 saying the Browns will pick Sam Darnold.  For the get-go he’s been regarded as the unanimous best Quarterback (among writers/analysts), and his Pro Day solidified that, and all of the Browns major decision makers where there to see it.

It’s gotta be Darnold, right?

Playoff Bound

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Last night the Boston Bruins dropped a 2-1 overtime game to the St. Louis Blues, but there is a silver lining.  The 2018 Bruins officially punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  This makes it back-to-back playoff appearances for the Black and Gold.  It comes as a bittersweet consolation prize after the tough loss in overtime.

The Bruins limped into Scottrade Center with two new members added to the M.A.S.H. unit.  Rick Nash and Torey Krug both sat due to Upper Body Injuries.  It looks like those two are day-to-day  for the time being.  Enter two JAGS:  Paul Postma and Jordan Swarz were recalled from Providence to fill in.

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The game itself was was a bit of a bore.  The Bruins lineup is so depleted you’re just sitting there someone doesn’t sneeze, and have to go IR because of it.  Despite all of this, the Bruins struck first:

The Bruins caught one helluva break here.  Normally the stripes are doing their darnedest to fuck the Bruins.  Not this time!  The NHL’s most underrated Defenseman, Alex Pietrangelo attempted to clear the puck out his own zone.  He turned and flung the puck, which hit off the skate of a nearby official.  Bruins rookie Ryan Donato pounced on the rolling puck, and fired it home.  That’s Ryan’s second goal in his short two game career.

The Bruins continued to press for a second goal, but St. Louis picked up their game.  Anton Khudobin did his damnedest to protect the slim 1-0 lead.  He was able to do so until early into the third to period:

Just an insane shot from Schwartz here.  Dobby didn’t have a prayer in stopping it.  The Blues were by far the better team for the third period, and that continued.  Dobby was fantastic in goal stopping 18 of 20 shots, without him this game would not have made it to overtime.

A mere 30 seconds into the overtime, Jaden Schwartz made the Boston Bruins look completely inept.  After winning the opening face-off, Schwartz grabbed the puck, skated around his goal, and proceeded to skate end-to-end with the Bruins D-men allowing him to do so.  Schwartz ripped the puck on goal once he got to the hash marks, and it beat Khudobin low stick side.  Brutal goal to give up, as Matt Grzelcyk simply allowed it to happen.  Grzelcyk has had a fantastic year, but man you gotta contest there.  Youth Hockey 101: Gap control.  Giving forwards too much time and space leads to goals like the one above.

Silver lining: By reaching overtime, the Bruins officially clinched a playoff spot.  The three seasons prior to this were tough for the Bruins and their fans.  They missed the playoffs in 2014-15 on the last day of the season.  They finished with 96 points, but failed to qualify for the postseason.  In 2015-16 the Bruins again missed out on the postseason on the final day of the season, but finished with 93 points this time.  2017 saw them squeak into the postseason on the final week of the season, and they finished with 95 points.  It was brutal each season watching the final 20 games of the year, because each one was a playoff game.   Two of those three years the Bruins controlled their destiny and lost on the final day to miss out.  It was just fucking brutal.   Not this year, and not these Bruins.  They are comfortably locked into playoff position, and all that was needed was 1 point to secure a spot.  They got it done.  With weeks to spare.  So much better than the cheek clenching final months of years past.  I cannot fucking wait for the playoffs.  Lets go Bruins.

With the First Pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, The Cleveland Browns Select: Josh Rosen.

The last Quarterback on that should be on the Browns draft board this April is a man by the name, Rosen.  Josh Rosen was UCLA’s starting Quarterback for three seasons, before declaring for the draft this winter.  He is widely seen as the “most NFL Ready” prospect in this years draft class.  Let’s see what the hoop-la is all about.

This kid can definitely sling the rock a bit after watching the highlight tape.  When most of the so-called “experts” say he’s the most ready, I can certainly see what they’re talking about.  Rosen looks the sharpest out of any of the guys I’ve previously looked at.   The dude sets his feet, squares his shoulders to the the target, and lets it fly.  He is first and foremost, a pocket passer.   Unlike the majority of this years QB prospects, Rosen is not a dual threat.  Don’t expecting to see this dude hurdling would-be tacklers like Lamar Jackson, or scrambling around the pocket like Darnold.

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Josh is all about standing from the pocket, reading the defense, and firing the ball.  The stats above reflect that.  His Freshman and Junior seasons he was able to play a full slate of games, whereas his Sophomore campaign was shortened to only 6 games due to a shoulder injury.  In each of his two full seasons he has thrown for over 3,000 yards.  While he did throw for 3,669 and 3,756 respectively, the 8.3 yards per attempt indicates he isn’t going to take risks with the ball.  Darnold is a guy who trusts his arm, and is willing to put it into coverage if he has to.  Rosen is less of a gunslinger in that sense.

Despite not being much of a runner, that doesn’t mean Rosen can’t move.  He demonstrates the ability to move laterally within the pocket, while keeping his eyes downfield.  In the NFL he won’t be given the time to move so freely in the pocket like the GIF below, but it is still a good trait to have.

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The biggest gripe I have with this kid is his attitude.  It’s been well documented how he grew up in a well-off family blah blah blah.  He isn’t afraid to speak his mind, and not always about football.  He can be quite vocal about current events/politics.  None of that bothers me in the slightest.  Players absolutely 100% should be able to voice their opinions regarding a multitude of subjects.  It’s Rosen’s thoughts on football that crawl up my tail pipe.  It was widely reported by The Sporting News that Josh was using football more as an avenue to build his net worth.  Erik Galco explains, “According to sources who have spoken with people close to Rosen, he has been focused since high school on using football to make money and support the type of lifestyle he wants. He’s OK with challenging the system and being a mouthpiece for divisiveness because he appreciates the attention it draws”

What. A. Prick.  Look, it’s perfectly fine to express opinions and earn as much as you can.  Especially with how owners treat players, he should maximize his earning potential.  It’s the, “Mouthpiece for divisiveness……and attention it draws” with which I have a problem.  Basically, what that is telling me is Josh Rosen thinks he’s smarter than everyone else, and s willing to stir the pot.  That attitude simply will not work in Cleveland.  At times, Hue Jackson takes shots at players via the media.  How will this prick handle it?  It certainly sounds like he would fire back, causing all sorts of nonsense.

For those reasons, I am OUT.  I am set with Josh Rosen.  I just feel like his attitude and demeanor would not work on the Browns.  Seems like a bad fit.  When shit inevitably hits the fan, is this guy going to start calling everyone out?  Who knows.  I’d rather not find out.  In terms of Football, he is definitely the most complete Quarterback entering the Draft.  That being said, I don’t see as high a ceiling for him compared to the others.  His basement will be higher than the others, as he has better mechanics inside the pocket.  Basically what I am saying is, I see in Rosen having Alex Smith Potential.

I would hope come draft day, John Dorsey feels the same way.   I honestly have a strong belief that Dorsey will not select him.  Today we did get a hint as to whom the Browns were leaning towards:

April needs to get here soon.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

WWE announced Tuesday that the current Smackdown Live! general manager, Daniel Bryan, has been cleared to return to in-ring action. Bryan has been sidelined for over two years after he was forced to retire due to multiple concussions.

According to WWE.com, several prominent neurologists, neurosurgeons, and concussion experts gave Bryan the okay. Among them are Dr. Robert Cantu, Dr. Javier Cardenas, Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, and WWE Medical Director Dr. Joseph Maroon.

Wow. As if wrestling fans didn’t have enough to be excited about with Wrestlemania 34 less than three weeks away, WWE delivers this bombshell. After finally reaching the top of the wrestling world at Wrestlemania 30 by becoming World Champion, Bryan battled neck and concussion problems until he was told to retire.

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One can’t help but wonder if he will immediately be placed in a match on the Wrestlemania card. He has had on-screen tension with the Smackdown Commissioner Shane McMahon for quite some time now. Him being placed in a match with Shane, being added to the Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn match, or the match becoming a fatal-four-way all seem like realistic possibilities.

It is hard not to be concerned for Bryan’s well-being, and while it is easy to question the decision to allow him to compete again, it is every wrestling fan’s dream to be able to see the “Yes Man” compete in a WWE ring yet again. Can you imagine his matches against the likes of A.J. Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura? I get a chub just thinking about it. Lets hope his body holds up and we can enjoy his world class wrestling for many years to come.

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Thank You #73- G.O.A.T.

Well, this just sucks.  Last week we were in the middle of Browns Free Agency, and things were looking exciting.  Everything was swell up until last Wednesday, when Joe Thomas announced his retirement.  Joe spent all of his 11 seasons as a member of the Cleveland Browns.  It is a retirement that is much deserved, it just sucks because the Browns never won a few games for their constant stalwart.

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Lets make one thing clear: Joe Thomas is the best Left Tackle the game has ever seen.  Joe was drafted third overall in 2007 NFL by the Browns.  From that point on, Joe played a whopping 10,363 consecutive offensive snaps for the team that drafted him.  This is a record that may never be broken.  For 10,363 of those Snaps Joe played at an elite level.  Eventually injuries took a toll.

I mean, that is just stupid.  30…only 30 freaking sacks!  What a beast on the football field this man was.  The Cleveland Browns may have sucked for my whole life, but for 11 seasons at least we had one truly elite football player.    Now, bear with me for a second while I attempt to locate Left Tackle highlights on YouTube…

Probably the most impressive stat of Joe’s illustrious career:

Just a brutal stat right there, especially for players, coaches,  and front office executives associated with the Cleveland Browns.  All of these numbers, and statistics add up to the greatest Left Tackle to ever play.  Joe will be a first ballot Hall of Famer once he comes up for voting, which will be in about 5 years. Hopefully one day, we’ll be able to look back at 2007-2017 and laugh along side Joe.  He’s all the fans had during that time.  Coaches changed, Quarterbacks busted, and Front Offices’ were fired.   Joe Thomas was always there.

The Browns should be disgusted at themselves.  How can you not put together a winning team for Joe Thomas?  Some loaded offensive lines went to waste here, and that really fucking hurts.  What hurts more is Joe never got to experience winning.  I will say this, and I am sure many others will echo it: There is no one more deserving of winning some football games than Joe Thomas.  It was great to have one elite player be a constant for many years, but it hurts to have failed him so miserably.  I would’ve been devastated if the Browns traded Joe, but looking back at it we definitely should’ve sent him to the Patriots in 2014 or 2016.

What’s next for Joe Thomas?  Whatever the fuck he wants.  The best part about Joe Thomas is his personality.  Well known for his sense of humor on Twitter, Joe has been boosting his presence in the media this year.  As we know, he tore his one of his triceps in week 7 this past season.  This injury famously ended his 10,363 snap streak, but during his new found off-time Joe began to expand his brand.  He did all sorts of interviews with news outlets, sports shows, and even started his own Podcast with ex Browns Receiver, Andrew Hawkins, called the Thomahawk Podcast (Highly recommend).

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Whatever Joe chooses to do, he will succeed that is one fact I do know.  He has stated that he has interviewed to be an NFL analyst for a few networks, and has more coming in the pipeline.  Not everyone got to see how great Joe Thomas was at Tackle, but many will get to see how smart/entertaining he is.  Hopefully he will be able to fill the large shoes of one, Sergio Dipp.

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It’s been great to have one nice thing over these past seasons.  Joe never bitched, never called out his teammates, or coaches about the constant losing.  Joe showed up and continued to excel on the field.  Wherever Joe ends up (Canton) he will be a star.  Looking forward to the entertainment and laughs he will bring on MNF, or something similar.  Speaking of jokes he’s got some good ones:

#ThankYou73

The Kid Can Play

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Last night we saw yet another rookie make their debut for the Boston Bruins.  Ryan Donato took the ice for the Bruins wearing a spoked B for the first time in his young career.  He did not disappoint either.

Just a stellar night from the kid on a less than stellar evening for the Bruins.  Donato slotted onto David Krejci’s wing with Danton Heinen, and registered 3 points.  A goal and two assists.  Donato was forced into that spot due to Rick Nash being a late scratch, due to an Upper Body Injury.   Besides the 3 points Donato had a great debut.  While he looked a bit lost at times, he was always hounding the puck, and firing shots on goal when he did have it.  The mental and physical speed the NHL game is played at will come to him in time, but he will be prone to tough stretches.  For now, just throw your body around and fire the puck on net.  Donato is a natural goal scorer that will all come if he keeps it simple.

Otherwise, it was a shitty night for the Bruins.  After taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the 2nd period, they fell apart.

Sonny Milano re-directed a slap-shot past Tuuka Rask to make it 3-2 late in the second period.  Then noted Bruins killer, Thomas Vanek re-directed a shot top tit to tie the game at 3 in the third period.

The Jackets continued to press the Bruins in the 3rd period, and Artemi Panarin fired a snap-shot past Rask directly off a face-off.

Just abysmal.  Lazy from all 5 guys on the ice.  The Jackets should not be, 1. winning the draw that cleanly, and 2. firing off a shot that cleanly.  Pathetic effort from Tuukka Rask who’s sucked for the better part of two months.  Pay attention, and he stops it.

David Krejci tied the game at 4 just a few seconds later, after a nice backhand feed from Ryan Donato, and the game would head to Overtime.  Brad Marchand appeared to have the game winning goal on his stick early in the extra frame:

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Bruins Fans: Quit bitching.  Brad Marchand is never EVER getting this call.  Not to mention Brad Marchand is 50% of the reason Brad Marchand went twirling in the air here.  Either way, Brad is the least policed player in the league.  He’s earned that reputation, and will get ZERO breaks from the officials probably ever.  Should that have been a penalty?  Probably, but I think there is a hefty assist from Marchand and I am fine with a no call.   The Jackets controlled the puck for the rest of OT, and finally Cam Atkinson snapped a Wrist Shot through the arms of Tuukka Rask.

He’s absolutely 100% gotta stop that.  Be better, Tuukks.  Overall a solid debut for Ryan Donato (weird seeing him in Milan Lucic’ #17) that was dampened by a sloppy finish.  Having lost 3 of their last 5 the Bruins take on St. Louis on Wednesday.  The Blues have surged back into playoff contention the past weeks, and are coming off 2 straight wins.  Going to need a strong bounce back performance, lets go Bruins!