Time Out for Sports Talk: Hans and Franz Pumping Pays off for Packers
T
odd: Tis the season for a month-long holiday buffet of topics and opinions that hopefully make for a jolly read.
We’re posting this column a day earlier than usual because my blogging cohort wants to observe some anniversary of his existence. Not sure what anniversary this is, but I think I’ll celebrate with a Colt malt beverage while listening to my small vinyl record collection and wonder if Pedro Martinez will get unanimously elected to Cooperstown.
The stove has been hot so far for the Red Sox, as they’ve plugged some holes in the batting order and at third base. Pablo Sandoval will definitely help at the hot corner, but I hope Tom Werner avoids producing the ‘Life with Panda’ NESN reality show I fear is coming. And who would’ve thought old friend Hanley Ramirez would return to the franchise where it began for him fourteen years ago? He did help the Sox win it all in 2007 (trading him brought Beckett and Lowell to town), and I sure hope he can learn to play the outfield.
But there’s still a Sandoval-sized hole at the front of the Sox’ rotation. Funny how right after Jon Lester said he’ll decide on his new home by the end of this week that the money-rich Yankees and Dodgers suddenly jump into the hunt for the free agent southpaw? And by funny, I mean it looks more likely that Lester’s next visit to Fenway will come via the visiting clubhouse.
Is it just me, or is the rest of the NBA playing possum with the Celtics? Last night’s OT victory notwithstanding, it feels like nearly every opponent spots the C’s a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, then rally to win. And unfortunately we won’t see Bird, Parish, McHale, Magic or Kareem walking through the doors of the TD Garden when the 5-11 Celtics play the 5-14 Lakers.
Speaking of 1980’s hoop relevance, the Philadelphia 76ers were one win from tying the NBA record for most losses to start a season before defeating the Timberwolves last night. The Sixers are such a hot mess that they can’t even stink right.
Anyone realize that a Boston sports team is attempting to win its first championship this weekend? The New England Revolution hope the fifth trip to the MLS Cup title game is the charm when they square off on the pitch against the LA Galaxy Sunday afternoon in Carson, CA (about twenty miles south of Los Angeles). What to know: the Revs are 12-1-1 since acquiring Team USA World Cup participant Jermaine Jones, and it will be the final professional soccer game for Landon Donovan after an illustrious 15-year career.
Robert Kraft is going to have a busy Sunday. First he’ll be at the MLS Cup, hoping to hoist the first of two trophies over his head in the next eight weeks. Then he should have just enough time after a hopeful championship celebration to zip two hours south on I-5 (or likely zip even faster by private jet) to beautiful San Diego as the Patriots play on Sunday Night Football.
The Pats have spent this week in SoCal, and it hasn’t all been sunshine. Exactly what were Rob Gronkowski and his teammates thinking having their picture taken with Justin Bieber? Aside from Bieber’s questionable talent, don’t the Pats realize the kid has become the ultimate sports jinx? Like I wasn’t worried enough about Gronk staying healthy the rest of the season.
Recapping last week’s loss at Green Bay, I was somewhat frustrated that the Pats only ran the ball 18 times. A 2-to-1 pass/run ratio doesn’t tend to work well this time of the year, no matter how many folks think the NFL is all about passing. Ultimate success is all about offensive balance, especially for older quarterbacks like the 37-year old Tom Brady.
Had the Pats committed more to the run against the Pack, they might have held the ball for more than 24 minutes and not given Aaron Rodgers—a younger QB capable of carrying his offense—as many possessions to make big plays with his right arm.
While disappointed that the Pats lost, there’s no shame getting beat by Rodgers, who right now is completing passes no other QB can even think of attempting. The Pats’ defense is predicated on forcing turnovers, problematic given that Rodgers hasn’t thrown an interception at Lambeau Field in two years. If moral victories count for anything, at least the D held GB to four FGs in the red zone.
Despite Green Bay controlling the game from the outset, I was impressed the Pats actually had a chance to snatch victory from those chompers of defeat in the closing minutes. If they play them again this season, I’m hopeful that Belichick and the coaching staff can make the necessary adjustments to turn the score around.
Speaking of that 26-21 final, I’d like to credit both Mike and myself for being oh-so close to hitting the number right on the nose, as he had 25-21 while I said 27-21. Split the difference and I’d say it was a good team effort.
It’s going to take a good team effort from the Pats this weekend in SD to return to their winning ways, but they tend to rise to the occasion in moments like this. The suddenly resurgent Chargers are playing better now than they were a month ago, which should make the final outcome a little closer: Patriots 28, Chargers 24.
My Week 14 picks (3-3 last two weeks, 23-12-1 season): Bengals over Steelers, Saints over Panthers and Broncos over Bills.
And a bonus prediction: Revolution 2, Galaxy 1 in the 2014 MLS Cup, as the Revs take home their first championship!
Mike: OK--so I want to take my birthday off...sue me!
Anyway, don't have much to say this week, except that I am getting sick of this whole Jon Lester free agent mess! It's getting increasingly obvious that he's not coming back here, so I just wish he'd end the suspense and make a choice.
OK on to the football picks....
I am confident about the Patriots this week. They played Green Bay tough at Lambeau on Sunday, and they don't have anything to be ashamed of coming out of there with a close loss. Now it's up to "Telemarketer Tom" and the rest of the boys to get the job done in San Diego. And no, I'm not even going to dignify that whole Bieber thing.
I see this as a solid win for the Pats--New England over San Diego, 35-17.
For my picks (5-1 last two weeks, 26-10 season): I'll take the 49ers over the Raiders, the Cowboys over the Lions and the Rams over the Redskins.
As for the MLS Cup--it will be a nil-nil tie that won't even be decided on penalty shots, they will just keep playing until everyone gets bored and goes home.
More From 92 Moose
