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Joe West is regularly one of my least favorite umpires. He’s like that teacher you had in school who is ridiculously strict about everything you do, but cannot do those same things himself. West complains about long game times, and then calls the Sox-Yankees game “pathetic and embarrassing,” going on to say that they were “a disgrace to baseball.” Laugh with me. Red Sox and Yankees are a disgrace ...
The Patriots have never been afraid to trade down in the draft, seemingly trying to rack up as many second round picks as they can. Is this a smart strategy, both financially and in terms of the players they’re getting? Well, looking at the 2003 NFL Draft (six to seven years to determine a player’s worth in the NFL seems reasonable), the drafting strategy of New England seems exceptionally brilliant. First Round: In ...

AFC East Breakdown: The New England Patriots, Part III/IV

Posted: 23rd March 2010 by Akash A in NFL
Offensively, the Patriots are set at quarterback and have a very solid offensive line. Sebastian Vollmer proved he was a dominant tackle, shutting down every end he faced (including Dwight Freeney). This gives the Patriots more depth at offensive line, something they have actually lacked in years past. In terms of running back, the Patriots could use help, but the situation is not terrible. Laurence Maroney is a below-average every down ...
After winning the division last year, the Patriots’ main competitors are the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. My article is being written pre-draft, so outlooks may certainly change depending on draft manipulation/drafting by teams. The ‘Phins were middle of the pack last year in terms of rushing defense, at No. 18 in the NFL in total rush defense, allowing 1,835 yards. For the Dolphins’ organization, fixing their sub par rush defense was ...
The Jets seem to have made the biggest splash this offseason compared to any other East team, as well as during the season. They traded for Braylon Edwards at the NFL trade deadline, giving Mark Sanchez a viable receiving option and the offense an overall deep threat Defense: This offseason, the Jets have been improving an already top defense, by adding previous shutdown corner Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie has had off-the-field problems (six different ...
Bill Belichick certainly played a major role in New EnglandÆs stunning 35-34 loss to Indianapolis Sunday, but the fourth-down gamble is not the mistake he made. Up two possessions in the fourth quarter, right after Randy Moss scored his touchdown to make it 34-21, the Patriots defense was clearly giving Peyton Manning and the Colts offense any underneath passing pattern they wanted. Obviously, this makes sense. Let the Colts drive, but ...