Tag: patriots

ESPN’s newest 30 for 30 ‘The Two Bills’

Get your popcorn ready Patriot and NFL fans, ESPN has announced that they will be releasing a new 30 for 30 titled “The Two Bills” February 1st.

The documentary features Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells. The joint interview will discuss their relationship and careers together.

“Bill and I, we’ve spent plenty of time together, but that was on camera,” Belichick said on Dale & Holley with Rich Keefe last month. “It was down at Giants Stadium in their locker room. We covered a lot of ground. A couple of hours — two or three hours. I can’t remember, exactly. It is always good to be with Bill and reminisce. We won a lot of games together. We had a lot of great times together and I think the NFL Films crew probably, hopefully captured it as good as anybody, probably better than anybody does. Certainly better than anybody else in football, but just overall and bringing things together, they do a great job. I always love to watch their productions, especially the ones that don’t involve me. They seem a lot less interesting.”

 

This will be an electric documentary. You rarely get any type of real personality out of Bill Belichick so this will give us a chance to dive into what Bill is really like.

The Garoppolo Effect

Midway through the season, the Patriots made a move that surprised a lot of people- trading Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers for a measly second round pick. Based on the fact the Pats shipped off Jacoby Brissett to the Colts, one would assume that meant they wanted to keep Garoppolo long-term. Never assume with Belichick making the decisions. It seems like every single year a move is made by the Patriots and everyone thinks, “Why on earth did they do that? That was stupid” but every time it just happens to work itself out. Even though that is the case, this one feels different and I don’t like it.

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When asked about the success of the 49ers, Tom Brady had nothing but good things to say about the situation, which obviously comes off as no surprise. In an interview with WEEI, Brady was quoted as saying “Any time you’re in a winning environment that definitely helps and I think guys really enjoy that. You take what you can and try to use it in other places if that’s where you go. Like I said, I think what they’re doing is a credit to them. I don’t think anyone should take credit for what those guys have accomplished.” The 49ers win over the Jaguars also impacted the AFC playoff picture, securing a first-round bye for the Patriots. I’m sure Brady wasn’t too upset by that.

The way Garoppolo was able to come in to a team that was getting embarrassed on a weekly basis and turned around the entire culture has been very impressive. There have been many arguments circulating around about whether the 49ers would be a playoff team is Garoppolo started at the beginning of the season. While I am not totally convinced, I think there is a chance they could have at least four more wins (Cardinals X2, Colts, Redskins). Does that get them into the playoffs? This would be a huge week 17 for them if that was the case.

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Being a Patriots fan, there hasn’t been many times where I would actively root for another team. This has definitely changed since the trade, and I hope Garoppolo can carry on his success, whether or not he comes back to New England. Keep rockin’ Jimmy G.

James Harrison Officially a Patriot

It didn’t take long for the rumors to turn into reality. James Harrison posted on Instagram announcing he will be signing with the Patriots for the remainder of the season. The terms of the agreement haven’t been released but the move will most likely be for 1 year and then a retirement announcement from Harrison.

The Patriots aren’t asking much from him but lets hope he has 4 games left in him.

James Harrison to the Patriots?

It has been confirmed that Ex-Steeler James Harrison has been spotted at Logan International Airport and visited Gillette Stadium today. The 39 year-old was put on waivers by the Steelers and as of yesterday he was unclaimed and became a free-agent.

The Patriots front 7 are coming off their best performance of the year where they sacked Tyrod Taylor 6 times, but overall have been pretty inconsistent. It would be interesting to see if Harrison could add any type of spark to the Pats’ D-line. If the Patriots did sign Harrison, he would strictly be a 3rd down pass rusher, much like what the Falcons did with Dwight Freeney last year.

On the year, Harrison has only played in 5 games and recorded only 3 tackles and 1 sack. The main reason for James’s reduction in playing time is due to the Steelers drafting T.J Watt in last years first round.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Harrison didn’t sign with the Patriots and ended up back in Pittsburgh if there was an injury to their D-Line.

Overall, I would approve of this signing. I believe he could bring some toughness to the defense and if he has nothing left, they cut him and move on.

Bill Belichick Restricts access for Tom Brady’s Trainer

After weeks of speculation, it appears that we are able to confirm that the New England Patriots have stripped Tom Brady’s trainer Alex Guerrero of various team privileges.

Since 2013, Tom has trained and received medical treatment for Alex. The two are partner’s in Brady’s TB12 Center, which is located next to Gillette stadium. Part of the problem might be that Guerrero is now treating more players on the Patriots roster and that is causing friction between Alex and the Patriots training staff.

According to the Globe, Guerrero, who has an office near the Patriots’ locker room in Gillette Stadium, is no longer permitted to treat players other than Brady in the office. He also is reportedly banned from boarding Patriots team planes and no longer has sideline access.

Although, Guerrero is now restricted within the locker room, he is still allowed to meet with Patriot players, but it will have to happen at the TB12 facility. A player receiving treatment from a person other than the teams’ trainer isn’t something that is uncommon, but for a personal trainer to cause friction and ultimately get banned from a team is what makes this story peculiar.

This story isn’t over and as more leaks get made public, we will find out more information. No matter how you spin this story all parties come out looking bad in the end.

Week 15 — Top 10 Power Rankings

What a week — my #1, #2 & #4 teams all lost and #3 won the game but lost their QB for the season to an ACL tear. Pretty much sums up how volatile this year has been. Tough to quantify the top 5 teams right now as who knows what’s going to happen this weekend. The Patriots-Steelers showdown at Heinz Field is sure to let us know a ton about the AFC race — and let’s not forget the Jaguars who won a big statement. Let’s take a stab at some sort of Top 10.

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  1.  New England Patriots (10-3) (LW: #1)

Had to do it — even despite the loss. The Patriots dropped a Monday night divisional game against the Dolphins, where Tom Brady is 7-9 all-time (don’t know if you heard this stat this week).  Not to mention that they were missing their best weapon due to suspension. The Patriots are still the best team in the NFL and will prove it by taking the win against a Steelers team in Pittsburgh. If they don’t? Well then they’re in trouble.

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2. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2) (LW: #5)

The Steelers are the only top 5 team that won this week (minus the Eagles) — so by default they have to deserve atleast the 2 spot. This sets up essentially a winner-take-all homefield advantage game on Sunday evening. This one’s going to be good as the Steelers just squeeked out a win against the Ravens. Will the Patriots be able to stop Bell & Brown? Tune in.

Image result for philadelphia eagles3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-3) (LW: #3)

The Eagles may have won the game against the Rams and were well on their way to making a statement before Wentz went out of the game with what we later found on to be a torn ACL. Devastating stuff for not only the Eagles but NFL fans as well. Wentz was a stud this year and was trending toward winning the MVP. Now his Eagles are left in the hands of Nick Foles — which could be much worse. The Eagles should hang out to home-field advantage but nobody can be too happy in

Image result for minnesota vikings4. Minnesota Vikings (10-3) (LW: #2)

The Vikings lost a tough game in Carolina where they were playing catch-up the entire game.  They did bring it within striking distance only to watch Cam rip off a long run and Jonathan Stewart to have a career game. This team is still good despite the 8 game win streak being snapped. Can Case Keenum get it done and possibly secure the 1 seed? A game with the Packers and Aaron Rodgers looms in Week 16. This weekend? The Bengals have never won a game in Minnesota (0-5 all time).

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5. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) (LW: #7)

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: It is mid-December and the Jacksonville Jaguars are 9-4. No you haven’t? Neither have we. The Jaguars kept their cool and defeated Seattle in what felt like a playoff game. If Bortles can keep it under control, these Jaguars are legit. Trying to sneak into a first round bye, they will happily enjoy being the 3 seed in the playoffs. They close out with an easy schedule before taking on the Titans in a possible division clinching matchup in Week 17.

 

6. New Orleans Saints (9-4) (LW: #4)Image result for new orleans saints

The Saints lost on Thursday night against the Falcons in a thriller. The game was ugly but the Saints were in the position to win when Drew Brees was picked off in the end-zone with a minute to go. It’s safe to say they probably would have won this if Kamara wasn’t knocked out with a concussion on the first drive. If doesn’t exist, and the Saints find themselves right back in the thick of an NFC South race.

 

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7. Carolina Panthers (9-4) (LW: #9)

I will whole-heartedly admit that I have no idea what to do with the Panthers. This team can beat the best of the NFL when they’re on (see: Patriots, Vikings) but can’t seem to crack the Saints at all. Cam Newton proved once again that he’s an extremely dangerous weapon. Do teams want to play the Panthers in the playoffs? I don’t think so — but in reality I have no idea. Either way, they’re 9-4 and once again tied with the Saints. Next on their plate? The return of Aaron Rodgers. Yeah, we’re excited.

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8. Los Angeles Rams (9-4)  (LW: #6)

The Rams had a chance to make a big statement in a shootout against the Eagles. Of course, the big story here is the Wentz injury and not the fact that the Rams lost to a NFC contender at home. Their offense is still pretty legit but can they compete with the big dogs? Not too sure. A rematch against the Seahawks will tell us a lot about this team.

 

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9. Atlanta Falcons (8-5) (LW: NR)

Well look who we have here — the Falcons played their worst football in the beginning of the season and are starting to roll at the right time. There’s no time that would love to get back to the Super Bowl more than the Falcons to write the wrongs of last year. They sit in the last wildcard spot of an extremely competitive NFC race. They do control their destiny and have one more game against the Saints to end the season — so the NFC South is definitely in reach.

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10. Los Angeles Chargers (7-6)  (LW: NR)

The hottest team in the NFL behind the Steelers? The Chargers, who started off 0-4 have rattled off 4 straight wins.. They have a huge game that may determine the AFC West this Saturday against the Chiefs in Arrowhead. A win here and well .. watch out for the Chargers. Rivers & Keenen Allen are starting to look like a deadly duo.

JUST MISSED: Seattle Seahawks (8-5) (LW: #8),  Kansas City Chiefs (7-6), Baltimore Ravens (7-6) (LW: #10)

 

Last Week’s Rankings

Week 14 Top 10 Power Rankings

With 3 quarters of the season in the books, the good teams are starting to separate themselves from the pack. We’re going to highlight the top 10 teams and who will be contenders in the playoffs that are fast approaching.

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  1.  New England Patriots (10-2)

The Patriots are back and doing the same thing they always do.  They started off slow and the defense was looking bad — now they can’t lose and opponents have failed to score more than 17 points in 8 straight games. Dion Lewis is back to form and Tom Brady is well…Tom Brady. Hard to see this Patriots team losing in the AFC playoffs.

Image result for minnesota vikings2. Minnesota Vikings (10-2)

The Vikings being in first place in Week 14 after losing both their starting QB and RB is about as improbable as the way Case Keenum is playing but we have arrived here. The Vikings have looked to be unstoppable and slotted in the #1 seed in the NFC after the Eagles’ loss. This team is for real and has the potential to never leave Minnesota during the playoffs — even the Super Bowl.

Image result for philadelphia eagles3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)

The Eagles have been beneficiaries of an easy schedule but have came out and took care of business. A road game in Seattle in the month of December is a very difficult but the Eagles got exposed a bit as they were outplayed in every asset of the game. I’m sure this team will bounce back but for now they’re going to have to accept that the playoffs may not run through the Linc.

4. New Orleans Saints (9-3)Image result for new orleans saints

The Saints check in at 4 after an impressive season sweep against Cam Newton and the Panthers. The Saints are firmly in control of their division race but they still have two matchups left with rival Atlanta Falcons. If the Saints win at least one, it’s hard to see them not on top of the NFC South when the dust is settled.

 

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5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-2) 

The Steelers round out the top 5 after a tough AFC North Monday night game against the Bengals. The Steelers sport the same top record as the top 3 but they have been shaky in recent weeks, barely beating the Bengals, Packers, and Colts. This team does keep winning but the injury to Shazier is a huge blow. The Steelers-Patriots showdown in two weeks will decide home field advantage.

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6. Los Angeles Rams (9-3) 

The Rams clinched their first winning season since 2003 with the win over the Cardinals this weekend. Sean McVay has done a tremendous job turning around this team but it’ll be interesting to see how their offense performs when the playoffs are on the line. This is the same team that was only able to put up 7 on the Vikings.

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7. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) 

Nobody is scared of Jacksonville’s offense but their defense is scary good. Calais Campbell just broke the franchise sack record .. in week 13. This team is definitely on the rise and probably will not be able to beat the AFC top contenders. Still fun to watch and deserving of the #7 spot.

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8. Seattle Seahawks (8-4) 

Speaking of defenses — the Seahawks check in right behind the Jaguars ahead of a showdown this weekend. The Seahawks, despite huge losses of Sherman and Chancellor are still ball-hawks on defense. Russell Wilson is having a MVP caliber season and they may have found their running back in Mike Davis. Watch out for the Seahawks in January.

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9. Carolina Panthers (8-4) 

The Panthers had a let-down game in which one that they could have made a solid statement in the NFC playoff run. They are however still in prime control of the first wildcard spot and with Cam Newton at the helm — anything can happen. Lack of receiving depth is going to hurt them but the return of Greg Olsen can definitely boost this team to dangerous.

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10. Baltimore Ravens (7-5) 

The Ravens are very quietly having a solid season in Baltimore. The defense has pitched 3 shutouts and made the Lions offense look foolish. The season-ending injury to CB Jimmy Smith definitely hurts but nobody should want to play against Joe Flacco in January. The Ravens have a Sunday night showdown against bitter rival Pittsburgh this week which will say a lot about where they’re at.

 

JUST MISSED: Tennessee Titans (8-4), Atlanta Falcons (7-5), Los Angeles Chargers (6-6)

Belichick’s Reactions to TDs are Prime Belichick

Belichick was mic’d up for the game against the Dolphins and from that we were able to retrieve this gem. This is as Belichick as it gets — divisional rival game and he couldn’t care less about any of the touchdowns. Doesn’t even crack a smile, not even a slight fist bump. There is no schtick with Belichick, this is exactly how the guy is and is why he has been the most successful NFL coach. He’s never satisfied until the whistle blows on a Super Bowl victory. Unless of course it’s regarding special teams…

Nothing gets Bill going like a nice debate about punt protectors. Onto Buffalo.