3 Key NFL Preview: The Lions Must Prove They Can Contend

August 25, 2017

By John Sarianides The Detroit Lions are out to prove that they are indeed a contender in the NFC. Detroit made the playoffs last season but lost to the Seahawks in the Wild Card round.  After making changes to their uniforms and personnel this off-season, the Lions are out to prove that they are indeed a contender in what a stacked conference. As always, Detroit’s success will hinge on the…

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Nickel Defense: 5 Things That Are Pissing Me Off In the Football World

August 21, 2017

The Patriots don’t need six people working their pre-season coverage. It’s absurd!  By John Sarianides Here are five things that are really pissing me off right now in the world of football. 1. The Patriots Pre-Season Broadcast Annoys Me: Do the Patriots really need to have six people involved in their pre-season broadcast? Isn’t Dan Roche and Christian Fauria enough?  Why is Matt Chatham a part of the broadcast? Seriously. He…

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Patriots Pulse: The Patriots Losing Could Be Derek Rivers a Crushing Blow for the Patriots

August 20, 2017

By John Sarianides The title of this piece may just be the overstatement of the year but I am going with it anyways. Losing rookie defensive end/outside linebacker Derek Rivers could indeed be a crushing blow for the Patriots this season.  The Patriots were counting on the young pass rusher to replace the recently retired Rob Ninkovich. Bill Belichick knew  Ninkovich might retire prior to the start of the season…

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Patriots Pulse Rewind: Texans 27 Patriots 23

August 20, 2017

Featured image courtesy of Kevin Jaira/USA Today Sports.  By John Sarianides Game Rewind: The Patriots lost 27-23 to the Texans last night. The starters all played for a quarter plus, including Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski who played in his first pre-season game since 2012. Here are my thoughts on this game. 1. Brady: Brady made his 2017 debut completing 6 of 9 passes for 67 yards and a touchdown…

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Patriots Pulse Preview: New England Patriots (0-1) at Houston Texans (0-1)

August 19, 2017

By John Sarianides Storyline: After a week of practicing against the Texans in West Virginia, the two teams will play their second pre-season game tonight. The Patriots lost 31-24 to the Jags last week while the Texans lost their pre-season opener to the Panthers 27-17.  Here are three things to watch for tonight. 1. How Much Will Brady Play? Tom Brady did not play last week so the expectation is…

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3 Key NFL Preview: Improvement is the Key Word in Chicago These Days

August 17, 2017

By John Sarianides The Chicago Bears moved up one spot in April’s draft to take North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. The move signaled that the Bears are ready to take the next step in their rebuild. The Bears also signed veteran back up Mike Glennon to a three year, $45 million dollar deal to hold the fort down while Trubisky develops. Glennon has struggled thus far in camp and has…

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College Football: 7 Coaches Who Are On the Hot Seat in 2017

August 17, 2017

By John Sarianides Big time college football is a big time business, particularly in conferences like the SEC, Big Ten and the Pac-12. The expectations are high from both administrators and the fans.  Coaches have much shorter leashes these days. If you are not winning a minimum of eight games a season, the buzzards start circling around you. Here are five coaches who must meet expectations or they could be…

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3 Key NFL Preview: It is All About Moving On for the Atlanta Falcons

August 16, 2017

By John Sarianides Falcons head coach Dan Quinn claims he and his team have moved on from their crushing loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl LI. Well, that assessment will be put to the test this season. Quinn and his team have to prove to the rest of the football world that they have indeed moved on from their unprecedented collapse in February.  It is a new season and…

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Fantasy Football: Drafting a Quarterback Later is Smarter

August 15, 2017

By John Sarianides I was watching ESPN’s fantasy football marathon last night and fantasy guru Matthew Berry made a great point regarding quarterbacks. Berry said that he wouldn’t draft a quarterback early. He is right.  Other than Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and maybe Drew Brees, there is no reason to draft a quarterback before the fifth round.  There is so much depth at the quarterback position that you can wait…

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