Co-GM's

Why in the world would we want to emulate Baltimore and Tampa Bay in having two GM's. It doesn't make sense at all. Make a decision, put one of them in charge and make the other an assistant. How hard is that?

Being GM in Boston means you're the point man of a committee, but at least people know who to go to when a decision has to be made.

Look for previous posts on the Red Sox.

Optimism and Skepticism

Why we should be optimistic about the New England Patriots:

1) They're playing their best game now at the end of the season. With Corey Dillon, David Givens and Kevin Faulk back in the offensive arsenal, the Patriots offense has taken off. Just take a short look at the stats from yesterday's game. Also, look at how their defense has come together.

2) They should wrap up their playoff spot next week. With either a win or a loss by Miami, the Pats will take their fourth spot in the playoff rotation, with a home game to start off. They will be able to rest their key players (read, heal up their key players) in the final couple of weeks.

3) Once the Patriots are in the playoffs, all bets are off. They have a great record, in the past few years (obviously), and that experience will help them face up against the teams that haven't managed to get over that hump.

Why we should be skeptical of the New England Patriots:

1) Yes, they beat up on the weak sisters in the league, but look at their numbers against the teams who will likely be in the playoffs? They just can't seem to win in the big games.

2) Harrison, Light, Dillon, Faulk, and now Brady are all injured. Harrison and Light(?) won't be coming back. Who knows how badly Tom Brady was hurt in that 3 yard run?

3) Who cares if they beat up on the Bills. Buffalo went up by over 20 points last week, but then let Miami back in. They've obviously given up on this season.

4) Yes, their record in the playoffs is spectacular, but this is not last year, or the year before that. This team just isn't as good as it once was.

What's my opinion? A little bit of both. I'm hoping for some magic to hit in the playoffs, but realistically, if the Pats win their first round in the playoffs, I will consider it a success and look forward to the draft next year.

Look for previous posts on the Patriots.

Definition of a crackback

I looked up crackback at about.com since it's called so infrequently. I don't believe Brady should of been called on it this time around.

Definition: An illegal block by an offensive player who is usually spread out away from the main body of the formation and runs back in towards the ball at the snap, blocking an opponent below the waist or in the back with the force of the block back toward the original position of the ball at the snap.

Look for previous posts on the Patriots.

Since releasing their IR report, 5 players were downgraded

This includes RB Pass and Evans. TE Daniel Graham is out. Offensive Tackles Nick Kaczur and Matt Light are also out. With Kevin Faulk still hurt, the Pats will be thin at running back. Daniel Graham can be made up for at TE with Big Ben and Fauria. It's unsure who the Pats will play at left tackle, though. Expect some rearrangements going on with the offensive line tomorrow.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (7-5)
PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS	INJURY	PRACTICE
Matt Light	T	Doubtful	Ankle	Missed Portion
Tom Ashworth	T	Questionable	Knee	Missed Portion
Corey Dillon	RB	Questionable	Calf	Missed Portion
Heath Evans	FB	Questionable	Shoulder	Missed Portion
Kevin Faulk	RB	Questionable	Foot	Missed Portion
David Givens	WR	Questionable	Knee	Missed Portion
Daniel Graham	TE	Questionable	Shoulder	Missed Portion
Artrell Hawkins	S	Questionable	Thigh	Missed Portion
Bethel Johnson	WR	Questionable	Pelvis	Missed Portion
Nick Kaczur	T	Questionable	Shoulder	Missed Portion
Patrick Pass	FB	Questionable	Hamstring	Missed Portion
Michael Stone	S	Questionable	Ankle	Missed Portion
Tom Brady	QB	Probable	Right Shoulder

BUFFALO BILLS (4-8)
PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS	INJURY	PRACTICE
Mark Campbell	TE	Questionable	Hamstring
Chris Villarrial	G	Questionable	Hamstring	Missed Portion
Mike Williams	T	Questionable	Chest	Missed Portion

Look for previous posts on the Patriots.

Trade Rumors continue

This morning, the big rumor is Miquel Tejada for Manny Ramirez and you can forget about it. Unless Tejada's contract was back-loaded as the Washington Post has implied (4 years for $60 million left, not $48), the Orioles are not going to make the trade.

Look for previous posts on the Red Sox