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Patriots Receive Some Coal In Their Stockings

The Patriots received some coal In their stocks Sunday. The team suffered its second consecutive loss at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. Two weeks ago, the Patriots defeated Buffalo. With that loss, they fall to 9-6. Overall, the club failed in all three facets of the game. In this post, we will review three ways the team needs to improve going forward.

Stronger Defensive Stands

The Patriots kept the score close. They just could not capitalize on missed opportunities. Cornerback JC Jackson whiffed on an interception. reserve corner, Myles Bryant played a horrible game. Bills, receiver Isaiah had a career game catching eleven passes. The most he’s ever caught is seven.

Backs Devin Singletary and Zach Moss ran straight through the defensive line. Wideout Stephon Diggs had a huge day ripping apart the secondary. But the real story belonged to quarterback Josh Allen. Allen came to Foxborough with his bag of tricks. For the most part, the Patriots could not stop him.

Eliminate Foolish Penalties

Costly penalties hurt New England Sunday. Christian Barmore got charged with encroachment. David Andrews was flagged for unsportsmanlike. Calls like this helped Buffalo Sunday the Patriots committed eight penalties.

As we have seen in recent years, the Patriots continue to make adjustments. The playoffs are three weeks away. Things need to change.

Receivers Need To get Open

Mac Jones had a long afternoon. His total numbers were 14/32 145 yards passing. Clearly his worst day of the season. Compared to the Saints loss, a 55 % passer rating vs 34 % Sunday against Buffalo. Jones needs receivers open.

Against the Bills, Nelson Agholor was out. That left N Keal Harry, Gunner Olszewski, and Kendrick Bourne. Tight Ends Hunter Renfroe and Jonnu Smith were non _existent. Basically, he had no one to throw to..

Any chance of winning in post _season Jones needs receivers to be open.

Conclusion

Sunday, was the worst played game of the season. Everything from coaching to the defense needs to get better. Blaming Mac Jones is easy. trying, to get him receivers that can get open is another story.

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Dealing With MLB’s Boring Offseason

Baseball fans are dealing with Major League Baseball’s boring offseason. Free agency is the beauty of sports. This year is an entirely different situation. MLB commissioner Rob Manford announced a work stoppage in November. Team’s and facilities shut down until further notice. With Covid on the rampage, fans are bracing for a long and bleak winter. In this post, we will discuss three areas that the Red Sox needs to focus on when the stoppage ends.

Starting Pitching

In the early days of free agency starting pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez signed with Detroit. The move puts added pressure on the staff. Currently, the club has two starters, Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi. Whether Garrett Whitlock or Tanner Houck can crack the starting rotation, we will see in spring training.

Before the stoppage, General Manager Chaim Bloom signed Rich Hill and Jim Paxton to contracts. Paxton is recovering from Tommy John. His status is in limbo. The interesting issue with his deal is, they have a club option for two years. With time and patience, he could be a diamond in the rough. The ex _Mariner and Yankee can be tough when healthy.

Rich Hill, on the other hand, is reuniting with the Red Sox. He pitched from 2010 until 2012 and again in 2015. Last season he was 7-8 with a 3.86 ERA splitting time with Toronto and, the New York Mets.

First Base Help

Last season rookie Bobby Dalbec had a breakout year. The first_ year player cracked twenty_ five home rubs and drove in seventy_ eight runs. Questions arose regarding his defense. As the season progressed, his fielding improved.

A possible free_ agent signee is Mitch Moreland. Moreland spent the past year with the Oakland Athletics.

Bullpen Overhaul

The Red Sox bullpen was inconsistent in 2021. They had a team ERA of 4.26 seventh in the American League. Save wise, the club had 49 second best in the league. rookie Garrett Whitlock was a candidate for Rookie of the Year. Fellow teammate Tanner Houck split time between relief and starting. Closer Matt Barnes was dominant in the first half and shaky in the second half. A fresh face will be a welcomed addition for fans.

Conclusion

Last season, the team exceeded all expectations. Finishing 92-70, they were the surprise of baseball. Alex Cora had his option picked up. Wise spending is the key to contention once the work stoppage ends.

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Patriots Gearing Up For Another Championship Run

The 9-4 Patriots are gearing up for another Championship run. New England shares the top seed with Kansas City. They have won seven straight and face the Colts in week fourteen. Rookie quarterback Mac Jones has exceeded expectations. Defensively, the club is one of the best in the NFL In this post, we will review three reasons why the Patriots will win the AFC.

Defense Is Tops In The AFC

Overall, the team’s defense is one of the best in the NFL. The organization is getting stellar performance from Kyle Duggar, Adrian Phillips, Mathew Judon, and Kyle Van Noy. The unit is built for a Super Bowl, They are making big plays in the right situations.

With a signature win over Buffalo, the only team in their way is the Chiefs. With Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels pulling the strings, I see The Patriots getting to the Super Bowl. Another big test comes Sunday against Indianapolis. The defense has to stop Johnathan Taylor.

Mac Jones Continues to Develop

After, thirteen games, Mac Jones continues to get better. Jones is focusing on the little things. His total passing yards rank third. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has worked patiently, and it shows.

Not focusing on the long passes, Jones is doing the simple things. His favorite target is Kendrick Bourne. Receiver Jakobi Meyers is one of the game’s best. He continues to make clutch plays in key moments. Meyers is one of his most trusted receivers.

A Powerful Run Game

The run game has been one of the game’s best. rookie Rhamondre Stevenson is a candidate for Rookie of the Year. Using his strength, he continues to bowl over opponents. A fourth _round pick from Oklahoma Stevenson has been one of the best backs in the AFC. Stevenson has three touchdowns and four_hundred yards.

As the team continues to run, opposing defenses are in for a long day. Key contributors have been Brandon Bolden, Damien Harris, and JJ Tylor. The injury to James White opened the door for Stevenson and Taylor.

A Solid Kicking Game

One of the most consistent players has been kicker Nick Folk. Folk is one of the best kickers in the NFL. He has made 33 field goals out of 36 attempts. As for special team’s the club continues to get big plays from Matthew Slater.

Conclusion

The Patriots have been the league’s biggest surprise. After, a free agent frenzy, Bill Belichick is in line for coach of the year.

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Bruins Searching For An Identity And Consistency

The 11_8 Boston Bruins are struggling to find an identity and consistency. After a disappointing loss to Detroit, the team is having issues. Forward Jake DeBrusk has requested a trade and Trent Frederick is in Coach Bruce Cassidy’s, dog house. On the plus side, the Bruins allowed only 53 goals after22 games. In this post, we will review three areas of improvement.

Play Smart And Physical

Veteran Brad Marchand has been suspended for three games. His dirty hit on Oliver Ekman Larson was foolish. Plays like these have cost the Bruins points. Head Coach Bruce Cassidy is out with Covid_19. As it stands now, the Bruins would not qualify for the playoffs.

Offseason signees Taylor Hall, Thomas Nosek, and Erik Haula, have been disappointing. Hall has 5 five goals and 6 assists for a minus 2 needs to get going. Nosek has only 2 goals and 2 assists. Center Erik Haula has 1 goal 2 assists for a minus five.

The production has been non_existent and the standings show it. They hurt themselves by losing to Detroit.

Keep Shooting

After twenty_two games, the Bruins show 57 goals. They rank 23rd in the NHL in Goals. On the bright side, they have given up 53 goals. The club has a decent defense but could use some help. Newly acquired, Derek Forbert has been impressive. His size certainly helps. Charlie Mc Avoy is one of the games best. Brandon Carlo has been steady.

However, the defense continues to allow the opposition to walk in and score. Adding another physical defenseman would help. Goaltenders Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark have been OK. But the lack of scoring has put additional pressure on them. When the team shoots, they will be competitive.

Time Will Tell

The season is still early. Only time will tell. The front office will look foolish if they do not make the playoffs. Over the past five years, the club has drafted poorly.

Conclusion

The Bruins are struggling Brad Marchand’s reputation has hurt them in the win column. Jake DeBrusk has requested a trade. Rumblings of a Tuukka Rask returning are in the background. The tandem of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark has been average. They need consistency.