Tag: New England Patriots (Page 26 of 72)

Randy Moss doesn’t miss Patriots – he misses winning

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss gives a hug to his former teammate, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady at the end of the game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts on October 31, 2010. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 28-18.  UPI/Matthew Healey Photo via Newscom

I almost choked on my Fruit Loops when I read Randy Moss’ comments to the media after his former team beat his current team on Sunday.

In case you missed what the receiver had to say, here it is (from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune):

Let me hold it down. Alright. I really haven’t had a chance to talk to the guys, so this is no disrespect to the Minnesota Vikings and their organization. The [Patriots] captains, [Vince] Wilfolk, Tommy Boy [Brady], [Jerod] Mayo, Kevin Faulk, man I miss them guys. I miss the team. It was hard for me to come here and play. It’s been an up and down roller coaster emotionally for me all week. And then to be able to come in here and see those guys, running plays and I know what they’re doing, and the success they had on the field, the running game, so I kind of know what type of feeling they have on their locker room.

“I just want to be able to tell the guys, I miss the hell out of them, every last helmet in that locker room. I mean, Deion Branch came up to me after the game. I’ve never had a chance to meet Deion Branch, but it was definitely a pleasure to meet him. Coach [Bill] Belichick, he gave me an opportunity to be a part of something special. That’s something I really take to heart. I actually salute coach Belichick and his team and the success they’ve had before me, during me and after me. So I’m actually stuck for words, just because of the fact that, man, this is just, a lot of memories here. To the New England Patriots fans, that ovation at the end of the game, that really felt heart-warming. I think I actually shedded a tear for that. Like I said, it’s been an emotional roller coaster all week.

Do yourself a favor and read all of his comments – trust me, you won’t be disappointed. He starts off the interview by telling the media that he’s not going to answer any more questions. But since he’ll be fined if he doesn’t speak to them following games, he’ll ask and answer questions himself. He also goes on to say that he tried to help the Vikings win by sharing his knowledge about the Patriots, but they didn’t listen. It’s a hoot.

But back to his comments about the Patriots. Is this, or is this not the same guy that started pouting about his contract in New England earlier this season? And is this, or is this not the same guy who (reportedly) got into it with Brady and a coach in the locker room during a game before he was traded? And is this, or is this not the same guy that dogged it in Oakland when the Raiders were losing week in and week out, yet were paying him handsomely to run half-assed routes?

Right, I thought it was him.

Moss should be embarrassed for what he said and even though he tried to soften the blow for the Vikings (a team that gave up a 3rd round pick to acquire his services), he still disrespected them by dry humping the Patriots for 10 minutes. He doesn’t miss the Patriots – he misses playing for an organization that knows how to win. Do you think that had the Vikings beaten the Patriots on Sunday to get to 5-2 that Moss would be saying how much he misses New England? I sincerely doubt it.

How important is that contract extension now that you’re playing for a loser, Randy? Had you shut your mouth and played out the remainder of your contract, you would have won and then maybe the Patriots would have rewarded you. But now you can rot in Minnesota for all Bill Belichick cares.

Moss wants a contract extension – that’s not going to change. But winning can be just as important and his comments on Sunday prove that.

Another injury for Favre, another loss for Vikings

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Brett Favre  of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after being knocked down in the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Brett Favre left the Vikings’ 28-18 loss to the Patriots in the fourth quarter on Sunday after taking a hard hit to his chin/jaw. He was examined on the sidelines and was then carted off the field in the fetal position. (That’s not a stab at Favre, I just don’t know how else to describe the position he was in.)

Tarvaris Jackson replaced Favre and immediately threw a touchdown pass to Naufahu Tahi, then converted a 2-point conversation pass to Percy Harvin to cut New England’s lead to 21-18. Minnesota’s defense then allowed the Patriots to march right up the field and score with under two minutes to play to put the game out of reach.

Despite suffering from ankle, elbow and biceps issues, as well as acne, foot fungus and bad breath, Favre managed to complete 22-of-32 passes for 259 yards before coming out with the laceration on his jaw.

What’s interesting is that his ankle/foot injury never appeared to be a big problem, yet Brad Childress gave the impression throughout the week that Favre may not play. If the decoy was intentional, it was a smart move by Childress because it forced New England to prepare for two different quarterbacks. But because this is Favre and Childress we’re talking about, I don’t think I’m alone in saying that the entire situation was freaking annoying. It basically forced the media to talk about Lord Favre’s consecutive starts streak, which again, was really, really annoying.

It’s been an honor to watch you play, Brett. Now hurry up and retire.

The loss now drops the Vikings to 2-5 and while they’re not completely out of playoff contention, no team has ever made the postseason after starting 2-6. Minnesota hosts a horrendous Arizona team next week, so I’m sure the will-they-or-won’t they, will-he-or-won’t-he torture will continue after the Vikes win next Sunday.

Captain Morgan NFL Halloween Weekend Preview

Make your Holiday legendary with Captain and Cola. Join the party on Facebook!

Captain Morgan and The Scores Report have teamed up to preview this Sunday’s games in the NFL and in the spirit of Halloween, here are a couple frightening matchups that players/teams face this weekend.

1. Steelers @ Saints: Drew Brees vs. Pittsburgh’s Defense
You can bet that the fans in New Orleans will be dressed up for this one, although they’re always dressed up so what’s the difference? If Brees thought the Browns abused him last week, he’s in for a real treat (trick or treat? Ah, hahahahahaha…Halloween) this Sunday night with Pittsburgh coming to town. The Steelers are second in the NFL in yards allowed and first in both run defense and points allowed. Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush look like they’re bowing out of this matchup and who could blame them? If Brees can’t move the ball through the air, he’s in for a long night.

2. Packers @ Jets: Aaron Rodgers vs. Rex Ryan’s Front Seven
Aaron Rodgers can’t be feeling too good about things these days. His offensive line is once again banged up, he doesn’t have much of a running game at his disposal, his second best receiver (Donald Driver) is also injured and he’s facing a well-rested Rex Ryan defense coming off its bye week. Oh yeah – and Darrelle Revis (hamstring) is completely healthy now, too. There’s no doubt Ryan will throw the kitchen sink at Rodgers in terms of looks and expect the Jets to send extra defenders early and often. It’s going to be a real freight fest in East Rutherford this weekend! Hahahaha – weeeeeeeeeeee!

3. Vikings @ Patriots: Favre, Vikings vs. the prospects of another loss
Brett Favre’s consecutive starts streak isn’t the only thing on the line this Sunday when the Vikings travel to Foxboro. At 2-4, Minnesota is already two games back in the win column in the NFC North and another loss will sink its postseason hopes even more. If Favre can’t go, Tarvaris Jackson will start and that means Adrian Peterson will have to shoulder the workload. Of course, even if Favre starts, Brad Childress may want to keep the ball in AP’s hands anyway. Given how well the Patriots have played at home under Bill Belichick, this isn’t the matchup the Vikings needed to get back on track. They should be spooked (spooked! Hahahahaha…Halloween) out of their minds right now.

4. Broncos vs. 49ers: London vs. the worst matchup in NFL history
Okay, I’m exaggerating – this isn’t the worst matchup in NFL history. The worst matchup in NFL history would probably be the ’08 Lions vs. the ’09 Rams. Now that’s scary (scary! Halloooooweeeeeennnn theme!). That said, the folks out in London can’t be too thrilled with this one. The 49ers and Broncos have combined for three wins this year and 11 losses and while San Fran couldn’t beat a previous winless Panthers team last Sunday, Denver is coming off a loss in which they gave up 59 points to the Raiders…at home, no less. With apologies to Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree, talk about a starless game for the London crowd.

5. Jaguars @ Cowboys: David Garrard vs. Jon Kitna
Look, there’s nothing funny about this matchup. It seriously is frightening and the thought of anyone paying money to see this horror show is terrifying. Happy Halloween, Dallas!

CAPTAIN MORGAN Original Spiced Rum. Puerto Rican Rum With Spices And Other Natural Flavors. 35% Alc/Vol. ©2010 Captain Morgan Rum Co., Norwalk, CT. Drink Responsibly – Captain’s Orders!®

Belichick fortunate another fourth down gaffe doesn’t cost Patriots a win

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Foxborough, Massachusetts September 12, 2010. REUTERS/Adam Hunger   (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT FOOTBALL)

Oh come on, you knew Bill Belichick would go for it.

Up 23-20 in San Diego on Sunday, the Patriots faced a 4th-and-1 at their own 49-yard-line with two minutes remaining. They didn’t have any time outs, so if they went for it and didn’t convert they would be handing the ball back to the Chargers (who had all of their timeouts) in prime scoring position.

The situation was obviously eerily similar to when Belichick decided to go for it deep in their own field position against the Colts a few years ago and the Pats failed to convert. They went on to lose that game, but history didn’t repeat itself this time (ah, sort of).

BenJarvus Green-Ellis was stuffed on fourth down but after the Chargers moved the ball to New England’s 32-yard line, Kris Brown missed a 50-yard field goal that would have tied the game. It didn’t help that the field goal was five yards longer than it should have been following a false start by one of the Bolts’ offensive lineman, but it was a heartbreaking loss after San Diego battled back from a 23-6 fourth quarter deficit.

What also hurt was the fact that the Chargers were missing regular kicker Nate Kaeding, who was out with an injury. The field goal certainly wasn’t a gimmie, but the miss hurts nonetheless, especially for a San Diego team that is now 2-5 on the year.

As for Belichick, I assume that if he’s faced with a similar decision in the future that he’ll go for it again. He’s not going to change his style of coaching and he clearly buys into the notion that teams shouldn’t always punt when faced with a fourth down – no matter where they are on the field.

That doesn’t mean that he wasn’t fortunate today though. If the Pats would have went on to lose like they did to the Colts, that would have made them 0-2 when Belichick decided to go the less-conventional rout.

The Tom Brady-Deion Branch connection is back in New England

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Tom Brady  of the New England Patriots directs the offensive line against the Buffalo Bills in the first half at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Earlier in the week I noted that the acquisition of Deion Branch would certainly help the Patriots, but he “can’t do what Randy Moss can do on the field.”

Not that I was wrong in writing that, but Branch certainly proved in the Patriots’ 23-20 overtime win over the Ravens on Sunday that he can still be effective in the right offense.

Less than a week after he was acquired from Seattle for a mid-round pick, Branch caught nine passes for 98 yards and was targeted 12 times. He also caught passes of 23 and 10 yards in overtime to help New England kick a game-winning field goal after the two teams swapped possessions in the extra frame.

Tom Brady wasn’t particularly sharp, but he was at his best with the game on the line. He completed 27-of-44 passes for 292 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, but he led the Patriots on scoring drives late in the fourth and again in overtime to pick up a huge win over a Baltimore team that waxed them in the playoffs last year.

Without Moss, this is what you’re going to get out of Bill Belichick’s offense from here on out. They Pats will be balanced, they’re going to dink and dunk down the field and they’re going to take shots only when they present themselves. They won’t be the same high-scoring juggernaut they were three years ago when they went 16-0, but they beat a good Baltimore defense with this offensive approach on Sunday and at least for now, they showed that they don’t need Moss to be effective.

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