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- New England Patriots: Rushing Attack Undergoing Major Change for 2012 Regular Season
- Boston Celtics: Appreciating the Context of the Boston Celtics Season
- Should the New England Patriots give Wes Welker a Long-Term Deal?
- NBA Playoffs 2012: The Boston Celtics Would Prefer the Miami Heat not the Indiana Pacers
- Kevin Garnett is giving the Boston Celtics Problems
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New England Patriots: Rushing Attack Undergoing Major Change for 2012 Regular Season
While most eyes are on rookies Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower on the defensive side of the ball, Tom Brady is seeing a lot of pieces come and go around him. Even though those changes are somewhat more understated, they are nonetheless important.
Realistically the Patriots haven't built a championship caliber defense, despite the investment in the draft this year. They may have built a defense capable of being part of a Super Bowl winning side, but that is provided that they have an explosive offense to rely on.
Boston Celtics: Appreciating the Context of the Boston Celtics Season
It's human nature. Being caught up in the moment is what comes natural to the majority of us as we understand context, but do not always apply it. It's all over this world. Do you appreciate your friends when they are there? Or do you only realize the value of their presence when they are gone?
Most of us tend towards the latter. At least I know I do.
Should the New England Patriots give Wes Welker a Long-Term Deal?
Even if Welker plays out this year, the elephant in the room will be palpable as both sides need to figure out their future.
Bill Belichick is one of the smartest coaches in the NFL, if not the smartest when everything balances out. He rarely loses out in personnel decisions such as trades or contract signings which is why the team's hesitation to pay Welker is very significant.
NBA Playoffs 2012: The Boston Celtics Would Prefer the Miami Heat not the Indiana Pacers
The winners of the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers second round series will lie in wait for the Celtics if they can overcome the 76ers. Right now, the Pacers are shocking the Heat as they lead 2-1 with home court advantage in their favor.
After Chris Bosh got injured, the Heat looked a little lost lats night in Indiana with Dwyane Wade having a historically bad night shooting the ball. He didn't contribute much either on the defensive end as the whole Heat team appeared to accept their fate, losing by double digits, without much repute.
Kevin Garnett is giving the Boston Celtics Problems
Ainge is the man responsible for the franchise's future as they look to begin the next chapter in their history after the era of the Big Three.
It's fairly common knowledge at this stage that the Celtics are looking to create a younger corp to guide their roster as Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Garnett enter the twilight of their respective careers. Paul Pierce is expected to finish out his career with the Celtics as he is under contract past this season and will complete a historic one club career if he doesn't play elsewhere.
Rajon Rondo shows Potential to be a Franchise Cornerstone
Kevin Garnett's form carried over from the Atlanta Hawks series as he notched 29 points with 11 rebounds while Paul Pierce continued to get to the line with eight free throw attempts. Rajon Rondo added yet another triple double with 13 points, 12 rebounds and 17 assists to go along with four steals.
While Rondo went 0-3 from beyond the arc, his two most significant plays on the night showcased that he is still developing as a basketball player. Rondo may be one of the purest point guards in the league, but his outside shot is severely limited.
Boston Celtics - Rocky Road Continues in the NBA Playoffs 2012
Bradley appeared to have a dislocated shoulder, the Celtics official word is that he has a sore shoulder, that wouldn't pop back in last night. Ultimately Bradley didn't finish the game and left in the fourth quarter while his status for the remainder of the series is clouded in doubt.
The Celtics were just getting their roster in shape with Allen having an impressive return from injury, scoring 13 points from the bench on six of 12 shooting despite not hitting a three and adding six rebounds with two steals. Allen returned after nearly a month out while Rajon Rondo responded to his suspension with his 20th career triple double. Rondo finished the night with 14 rebounds, 12 assists and 17 points in 49 minutes on the court.
Returning Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo will be Crucial for the Boston Celtics against the Atlanta Hawks and Beyond
It was a performance which Celtics fans should have seen coming.
Pierce struggled in game one and the team needed an inspirational figurehead without their point guard. Pierce has always been a leader throughout his career which will ultimately land him in the hall-of-fame and he has always had a knack of coming up big when required.
Boston Celtics v. Atlanta Hawks NBA Playoffs Preview
This is the last stand of the big three.
After this season, Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett may be back in Boston together, but there is no chance that they will be leading the team from the front. Pierce is the only one of the trio who is likely to return as a full-time starter as he is under contract while Allen or Garnett could return on lesser deals to be role players.
2012 NFL Draft New England Patriots select Dont'a Hightower
The Patriots gave up their 31st and 126th pick to the Denver Broncos to select the Alabama Linebacker. Hightower is one of the most versatile players to come out of the draft in recent years and led the Alabama defense to a National Championship last year. Hightower is the perfect fit in the Patriots' defense as he can play in both the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes.
2012 NFL Draft New England Patriots select Chandler Jones
The New England Patriots traded up to 21st with the Cincinnati Bengals to select Chandler Jones out of Syracuse in the first round of the NFL draft.
Bill Belichick gave up the 27th overall pick and a third round selection to move up six spots and take the defensive end. Jones has been described by some as the best pass rusher in this class. The Patriots were in desperate need of defensive reinforcement and could go defense again with their second first round pick.
NFL Mock Draft 2012 - whose names will commissioner Roger Goodell announce as draft picks
“With the first selection, in the 2012 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts select Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford University.”
One day away from the 2012 NFL draft, that is the only statement which we are guaranteed to hear from commissioner Roger Goodell as he announces the draft picks.
NFL Draft 2012 - Could Janoris Jenkins find his way to the New England Patriots in Round 2?
As I wrote yesterday, the Patriots are expected to focus their efforts on defense this Thursday when the draft begins. The two primary needs for the team are pass rushers and coverage men and therefore Bill Belichick and his team of scouts will be focusing on those areas of this draft class.
Jenkins is potentially the most talented player in coverage that this draft has to offer. Yet while Morris Claiborne is seen as a guaranteed top 10 pick, Jenkins is expected by some to fall as far as the third round.
New England Patriots - Bill Belichick enters NFL Draft 2012 in a Defensive State of Mind
The Patriots fixed their greatest weakness on offense carrying over from last season when they made multiple additions to their wide receiving corp. The addition of Brandon Lloyd gives the team a viable number one receiver who can stretch the field while the return of Donte Stallworth adds another burner to their ranks.With We Welker, Deion Branch and Chad Ochocinco also returning, with potential contributions from Anthony Gonzalez also, Tom Brady should have plenty of weapons to put points on the board with next year.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis may have been a casualty of free agency, but Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen will be expected to step up into the void at the position while Kevin Faulk could potentially return. The team also has some issues to deal with on the offensive line but carries the required depth to move forward without any further additions. Robert Gallery is expected to slot in for the injured Logan Mankins at left guard, while Matt Light's replacement, Nate Solder, proved his quality as a rookie last year.
NFL Mock Drafts - Six Experts' Choices for the New England Patriots in the first round
In order to get a better idea of what to expect from the Patriots on Thursday night, here is a selection of picks from various experts' mock drafts:
—Matt Miller—
Bleacherreport
NFL Draft 2012: Retracking the Previous 27th picks for the New England Patriots
Bill Belichick and company are well used to picking at the end of each round as they are consistently competing in the playoffs. While each year's draft is unique, there is a certain level of consistency that can generally be found if you trace the history of each draft pick from season to season.
As such, let's take a look at the last 10 27th overall picks in the NFL draft.
Boston Celtics - Turning the Tide with Rajon Rondo
Whether Danny Ainge ever actually did or not, when the Celtics were reportedly shopping Rajon Rondo to other teams entering the season, I completely agreed that he wasn't worth keeping.
I entered this season with the Celtics not expecting them to be even close to competing late in the playoffs. I still don't expect them to be championship contenders, but no longer do I view their immediate future after the initial reign of the "Big Three" comes to an end with heightened pessimism.
New England Patriots' Offense Slowly Sinking into Ambiguity
The New England Patriots re-signed Dan Koppen today after he couldn't find a new home elsewhere in free agency.
Koppen is a nine year veteran who has played his whole career in New England snapping the ball to Tom Brady. The 32 year old started this past season for the Patriots but was lost after the opening game in Miami to a broken left fibula.
New England Patriots - How have the moves in the AFC East affected the team?
Green-Ellis' replacements were drafted last year while most of the other losses, such as Mark Anderson to the Buffalo Bills, have already been dealt with, to replace Anderson the team added Trevor Scott from Oakland.
What could ultimately prove to be more vital this year, at least prior to the draft, are the respective moves that the Patriots' divisional rivals made. Here is a look at each team and how they stack up to the reigning division champs.
Sports Central NFL Mock Draft 2012: Where Will Notre Dame's Michael Floyd Land?
The college season is well in tow, the combine is completed and all of the pro days are done, the draft is beginning to take shape. Even though the very nature of the draft makes you expect the unexpected, here is a mock draft looking forward to the big event in New York in a few weeks.
1. Indianapolis Colts Select Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford.
Luck is the consensus number one pick from mock drafters. He is seen as the cleanest prospect to come out of college in a very long time. As the son of a former professional quarterback, Oliver Luck, Andrew's adjustment to the NFL shouldn't be too taxing. The Colts will build their future around the young signal-caller.
Boston Celtics Enter the Most Critical Stretch of the NBA Regular Season
Are the Boston Celtics doing it again?
Is a team which was completely lifeless prior to the all-star game getting set to win the division and make a run in the playoffs?
Boston Celtics: What does the team need for a playoff run
Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett are likely playing their last seasons in Boston while Paul Pierce's role is sure to decrease over the coming years.
But before we get to all that, the Celtics have to try to fight for one last shot at the finals and wrap up their playoff spot. Here is what the team needs to do:
New England Patriots: Recapping the Free Agent Signings So Far
Initially, Jonathan Fanene was signed as a versatile defensive lineman from the Cincinnati Bengals. Fanene isn't going to be a big name or game changer for the Patriots, but he will fill out a vital role in the team's rotation upfront and improve the overall standard of the team's front seven.
Belichick then moved on to the safety position which was a point of contention entering the off-season. While many fans would have been clamoring for LaRon Landry or another player with a similar reputation, the Patriots stuck to their strategy by investing low hoping for a high reward.
Ireland end the Six Nations with a whimper against England
Ireland fell to a 30-9 defeat to England today in a deflating performance at Twickenham.
Deflating was definitely the theme of the day for the Irish as the team never looked motivated to really grab this game by it's neck. Unlike the physicality and decisiveness that the team showed in France two weeks ago, Ireland never looked up for this game.
New England Patriots free agency -- potential dark horse receivers for the team
NFL free agency begins tomorrow as roughly 600 NFL players without a contract will hit the market. The Patriots, like every team, enters the period with many needs to address. Unlike every other team, the Patriots do have some wiggle room with roughly $16 million to spend.
Importantly, that $16 million takes into account the franchise tag of Wes Welker.
Despite Welker's return, the Patriots greatest offensive need remains at the receiver position. I would be surprised if Deion Branch returned, as Chad Ochocinco should be able to fill his role with another off-season under his belt.
RBS Six Nations Ireland v. Scotland teams -- Loss of key Irish players could be a blessing in disguise
During Ireland's 17-17 draw with France in Paris, the other side of playing without a true openside flanker was obvious as Ireland's physicality allowed them to come close to their first victory in Paris in a decade.
Sean O'Brien may have had a quiet game as a ball carrier, but he, Stephen Ferris and Jamie Heaslip imposed themselves on their French counterparts.
Robert Kearney is Ireland's leading star past the halfway point in the Six Nations
This year has been a total contrast for the Leinster full back as he has led the Irish team with three very impressive performances in the 15 jersey. Kearney is obviously fully fit and back to his very best after overcoming knee surgery which hampered his season last year.
Without Geordan Murphy in the squad, Kearney is Ireland's only true fullback available for selection this year. That doesn't mean that Kearney doesn't deserve his place however.
Republic of Ireland v. Croatia: Balancing the two sides within Giovani Trapattoni's squad
Under Trappattoni, the team has rarely ever deviated from the 4-4-2 formation which has served them so well.
While it may not be the most adventrous strategy, there is no doubting that Trappattoni has got results as we approach the nation's first major tournament appearance since 2002. While many will point out that Ireland simply don't have the players to play expansive football, that is not the truth.
NBA All-Star Game once again proves to be a success
Unlike the NHL, where the game is too dangerous to be played competitively, or the MLB where the actual stars don't see the field enough, or the NFL which combines both problems, the NBA has perfectly figured out the marquee event of a weekend full of fun.
The all-star game remains an exhibition game, but what does that really mean? What does that mean for the fans who tune in to watch the game?
New England Patriots free agency and draft gameplan
Bill Belichick is not the type of head coach to sit around licking his wounds after a devastating loss to end the season. Belichick will already have spent a few weeks determining what he can do during this off-season to take that final step which eluded the team last season.
The Patriots enter the off-season in good shape with roughly $20 million in cap space.
While most of their key contributors on both sides of the ball are under contract, there are some pivotal role players who the team will be desperate to sign. Despite drafting two running backs last year, BenJarvus Green-Ellis' value to the team should see him re-signed.
Boston Celtics are still only a shadow of what they want to be
When you look at the Celtics season so far this year, things are actually much worse than their 15-14 record would initially imply.
The Celtics may have won 15 games, but look at the teams they have beaten: The Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, New Jersey Nets, Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Bobcats and Chicago Bulls.
Can the emergence of Jeremy Lin help the Boston Celtics?
Lin is now a sure starter for the Knicks, but the guard rotation in New York will be somewhat muddled once Baron Davis returns. Davis and other veteran Mike Bibby were brought in as the prospective starter at the point.
However, there was another youngster who was getting quality minutes at the position before Lin took over.
Los Angeles Lakers remind Boston Celtics of their fatal flaws
Ray Allen's put-back attempt as time expired in overtime was blocked by Pau Gasol at the rim which moved the Celtics record to 14-11 on the season. In reality however, the Celtics should never have even gone to overtime.
Both teams shot the ball around 39 percent but the Celtics were much better from the three point line with 31.6 percent to the Lakers' measly 6.7 percent. The Celtics didn't miss a free throw as the Lakers were at 75 percent for the game.
Sport-Central's NFL Mock draft 2012 Edition One Part 2
Mock draft PART 2 is here. For PART 1 click here.
17. Cincinnati Bengals select - Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia.
The Bengals are set at both tackle positions but both of their starting guards are hitting free agency. I expect them to find one guard in free agency, while Glenn can become the other starter.
With another pick in the first round, the Bengals can wait to add a running back to replace Cedric Benson. Putting in place a talented guard to blow open holes for that whoever carries the ball, as well as to protect Andy Dalton, is just another positive step for an emerging franchise.
18. San Diego Chargers select - Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois.
Ideally, the Chargers would add an offensive linemen to keep Philip Rivers upright. However, without a tackle or guard worth taking. The Chargers jump at the chance of adding a pass rusher to complement Antwaan Barnes.
Barnes, despite being a situational pass rusher, was the only Charger to get more than four sacks last year. With Larry English once again failing to make an impact, playing only five games, the Chargers have to look to move on with Mercilus.
Sport-Central's NFL Mock draft 2012 Edition One Part 1
This is the first NFL Mock draft for 2012 from the Sports-Central blog. This year's draft projections will be broken into two articles. Here is the first of the season with some bold predictions.
*A special shout-out must go to Matt Miller of Bleacherreport and Newerascouting for providing in-depth draft grades and rankings. Be sure to follow Matt on twitter @NFLdraftscout
1. Indianapolis Colts select - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford.
It's time to usher in the next era in Indianapolis. This is definitely the silver lining on the Colts' 2011 NFL season. Peyton Manning's injury may be a blessing in disguise in the long-term considering that Luck is rated as the best college prospect since Manning himself by most scouts.
With Luck under center next season, the Colts fortunes will likely take a hit. That shouldn't be a problem however as the Colts dependance on Manning, and his subsequent loss, will force them to rebuild and fully enter a transition period regardless.
Paul Pierce chose the perfect season to surpass Larry Bird
During a season when many, including myself, had already written the Celtics off as old, slow and in trouble, Pierce has made the difference on the court for Doc Rivers' side.
With Pierce in the side, the Celtics are 14-7 on the year including the five game winning streak that they are currently enjoying. Without Pierce, the team started 0-3. It may have only been three games, but the contrast in the team without Pierce opposed to with him is startling.
Super Bowl 2012 - New York Giants must expose Tom Brady's fatal flaw
In 2008, the New York Giants sacked Tom Brady five times on the way to the biggest upset in Super Bowl history. While the Patriots aren't the juggernauts that they were back then, with Tom Brady's offense being a record breaking unit, the gameplan remains the same for the Giants to repeat with another victory.
With Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck on the outside, with Osi Umenyiora rotating, the Giants' pivotal players upfront haven't changed much. Tuck and Umenyiora remain, but Strahan's starting role has been filled by Jason Pierre-Paul.
Super Bowl 2012 - New England Patriots are the ultimate underdogs despite being favorites
When I last looked, the New England Patriots were favored by 2.5 points heading into the Super Bowl this weekend against the New York Giants. For most of the Patriots' roster, that is an unusual feeling.
Despite Tom Brady's career as a superstar in the NFL, Brady still holds onto the fact that he was the 199th overall draft pick in 2000 as motivation for his career. Brady's road to NFL stardom is a celebrated underdog story but there are plenty of other parts of the Patriots' roster who are going unnoticed.
Super Bowl 2012 - New England Patriots may have hybrid Tight Ends, but New York Giants have the Answer with their Safety Pairing
The New England Patriots have been, for all intense purposes, the leaders in bringing in the new era of hybrid tight ends. The New York Giants will put this new aspect of the NFL under major scrutiny this weekend in Super Bowl XLVI.
While Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates have previously altered the position, the Patriots are the first offense to build a passing attack based on the players they had at the position.
Regardless of Rob Gronkowski's health this weekend, the Patriots will be looking to both he and Aaron Hernandez to lead the team's passing attack. While Wes Welker led the team in receptions, and is the best slot corner in the NFL, it is impossible to build a passing attack around Welker as the team's number one receiver.
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Super Bowl 2012 - What another Super Bowl ring does to Tom Brady's legacy
Tom Brady and the New England Patriots enter this week anticipating their match-up with the New York Giants while feeling motivated by the prospect of lifting the Lombardi trophy on Sunday night in Super Bowl XLVI.
For Brady however, there are more motivators than just another Super Bowl ring, of which he already has three.
Super Bowl 2012 - Breaking down Tom Brady and Eli Manning
Prior to the 2011 NFL regular season, Eli Manning claimed that he was in that elite category with Tom Brady as a professional quarterback. While many snickered and poked fun at Manning, who's Super Bowl victory is often credited more to his defense and David Tyree despite him winning the MVP, I initially felt it was a fair statement.
Since then, Manning has done nothing to change my opinion of him.
New England Patriots beat the Baltimore Ravens for berth in Super Bowl 46
In a tightly fought affair, the Patriots edged out the Ravens by a scoreline of 23-20 with Ravens' kicker Billy Cundiff missing a field goal in the dying seconds to tie the game.
Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have led the Patriots to the franchise's seventh Super Bowl appearance. For Brady and Belichick, it will be their fifth appearance as a couple in Patriots' blue.
New England Patriots v. Baltimore Ravens AFC Championship NFL Preview
While their style of play couldn't be any different to each other, both teams are capable of putting on dominant displays on any given Sunday.
Veteran leaders, Tom Brady and Ray Lewis, will both be looking to outfox each other while also providing the heartbeat of their respective rosters.
St. Louis Rams to become a London NFL franchise? What this means for Ireland
That is not all however...
The Rams have agreed to give up a home game each season for the next three years in order to play a game in London every year. Each of those games will be played in Wembley Stadium as the NFL stated that each international series game, held in the UK, between now and 2016 will be played in Wembley Stadium.
Boston Celtics better off breaking up the big three
For many Boston Celtics' fans, this is something that is running through their minds.
Initially, there is always a reluctance to even consider saying goodbye. Denial and disbelief are only preludes to declarations of defiance and polar opposites to reality simply because it is so hard to accept.
Have Ulster joined Munster and Leinster as the Elite European Rugby Teams?
New England Patriots v. Denver Broncos NFL Playoffs Breakdown
As the world is enveloped in Tebowmania, after the Broncos eased past the Steelers in the wildcard round, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are fully focused on reversing their recent playoff fortunes.
Not since the 2008 AFC Championship, have the Patriots beaten a team in the playoffs.
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