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…

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…

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…

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…

By John Sarianides Boston College has a good ol quarterback competition on its hands in fall camp. The battle is between redshirt junior Darius Wade and redshirt freshmen Anthony Brown.  Both have competed and played well in camp thus far, making their fair share of highlight plays in the passing game. Wade has the experience edge between the two quarterbacks having played in 12 games in his three years at…

Featured image courtesy of David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports By John Sarianides The Patriots lost their pre-season opener to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-24 tonight at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots played well offensively, particularity Brandon Bolden and rookies Austin Carr and Jacob Hollister.  The defense on the other hand was putrid. They gave up big plays, took bad angles and missed tackles all over the field. Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia are…

By John Sarianides The wait is over! The 2017 season kicks off tonight with the first pre-season game of the season. After three days of joint practices, the Patriots will host the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium tonight.  Here are three things to look for in terms of the offense, defense and special teams. Offense: Tom Brady is sitting out tonight so the Patriots will start Jimmy Garoppolo and play Jacoby Brissett….

By John Sarianides Former Syracuse and Patriots coach Dick MacPherson passed away yesterday at the age of 86.  MacPherson was named the 11th head coach of the Patriots in January of 1991 and served as head coach for two seasons (1991-92). MacPherson came to New England after a successful ten year run as head coach at Syracuse.  MacPherson was the Patriots first big time hire. Sure, they had hired Ron…

By John Sarianides The Patriots have become the first team in NFL history to purchase their own planes. According to ESPN. Bob Kraft has acquired two planes. One will be the “main” plane that will carry the team and personnel. The other plane will be used for other personnel and family.  The planes cost between $5-$65 million, used. A new plane could cost $200 million. The main plane is designed…

By John Sarianides Vince Wilfork announced his retirement today after 13 seasons and two Super Bowl rings. Big Vince spent 11 seasons in New England and two in Houston.  It appears Vince could be returning to New England. Wilfork and his wife Bianca enjoyed living here so it would not be a surprise if they moved back.  Vince is actually returning to New England in September. He is coming back…