Ravens stun Patriots early and Never Look Back
Talking about getting knocked out with an uppercut in the 1st quarter, but that’s what happened to the New England Patriots on Sunday. It all started when Baltimore Ravens running back, Ray Rice, ran for an 83-yards touchdown run on the 1st play from scrimmage. Before anyone knew it, the score was 24-0 by the end of the 1st quarter. The Ravens got some help by Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who threw 2 interceptions in that quarter. The Patriots had no answers for the Ravens tough defense lead by Ray Lewis.
However, the main reason why the New England Patriots lost this game was that their superstar players did not show up. Randy Moss was no where to be found. Kevin Faulk was held to only 52-yards rushing. And, Tom Brady played one of his worse games, throwing 3 interceptions and he was sacked 3 times as well.
The reason why the Patriots superstars were a non-factor was because the great play of the Baltimore Ravens defense. The Ravens 24-0 lead was just too much to overcome, even for the great Tom Brady. Now, the Ravens move on the play the Colts. As for the New England Patriots, they need to figure out a way to get younger because the Patriots dynasty may have come to an end.
(Sources: Fox Sports, ESPN)
Bad Decisions by Belichick and Adams
A couple of bad decisions were made on Sunday. One, cost a team the game and the other, lost money for an owner. New England Patriots coach, Bill Belichick, made a big and wrong decision that should have been a easy decision. And for Tennessee Titans owner, Bud Adams, there is a right way to celebrate and then there is the wrong way to celebrate for an NFL owner.
When you need just two yards to get a first down and win a game, in most cases, you go for the win. However, when you are on your own 28-yard line with two minutes left on the clock, you need to punt the ball. Let your defense win the game for you. But, New England Patriots coach, Bill Belichick, decided to go for it on fourth down and the Patriots failed to pickup the first down. The Colts were able to get the ball back. From there, Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Peyton Manning, was able to move the Colts towards the goal line. The Colts won the game 35-34, when Manning threw a touchdown pass to wide-receiver, Reggie Wayne. Bill Belichick decision lost a game for the Patriots, but at least he did lose any money, like Titans owner, Bud Adams.
As a owner of a football team, when your team wins, you should be happy and celebrating with friends, family, members of your organization and your fans. But, you should not be making an obscene gestures to opposing fans. However, that is what Tennessee Titans owner, Bud Adams, did following the Titans victory over the Buffalo Bills. It might have felt good at the time, but you got to remember who you are and what you represent as an owner of the NFL. That doesn’t set a good example for kids and NFL fans in general. The NFL fined Bud Adams $250,000 for his obscene gesture. Hopefully Bud Adams has learned is lesson and how to celebrate the right way.
(Sources: ESPN)
From Super Bowl Hero to Prison
Last year at Super Bowl XLII, the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14. And, the winning touchdown was caught by Giants wide-receiver, Plaxico Burress. Probably one of best moments that any football player can dream of. However, on Tuesday, the dream of playing football ended for now. Plaxico Burress was sentenced to two years in prison for violating New York gun laws by accidentally shooting himself in a New York Nightclub last November. Burrers can be released from prison in about 20 months for good behavior.
Too bad for the New York Giants. Plaxico Burress was a good player for the Giants and an important one during their Super Bowl run. It’s unbelievable to think to think that one can go from being a Super Bowl hero to going to prison. However, when you don’t act responsible, bad things can happen. But, for the New York Giants, they had to move forward. The Giants released Burress in April.
For Plaxico Burress, it was a sad day, especially, saying goodbye to his wife, son and family. Hopefully for Plaxico Burress, he’ll get another chance to play in the NFL when he gets out of prison. Only time will tell what will be the next chapter in Plaxico Burress’ life.
(Sources: ESPN)
Brady is Back, Not Good for Bills
Monday night’s opening game featured the return of Tom Brady to the New England Patriots. But, just when you thought the Buffalo Bills were finally going to beat the New England Patriots, Tom Brady figured out a way to the lead the Patriots to a victory. With 50 left in the game, the Patriots scored a touchdown to win 25-24. Tom Brady was out for a year after being injured with torn knee ligaments, but made his comeback to football in a big way.
This game also featured Buffalo Bills new wide-receiver Terrell Owens. However, Owens was held to only 46-yards on 2 catches. For the Buffalo Bills, they played a good game, but it was not enough. In the end, the Bills did not make the plays they needed to do to win the game. You never want to give Tom Brady and Patriots some time on the clock because if you do, they will beat you. And that’s what happens last night, when Tom Brady found Benjamin Watson for a 16-yard touchdown pass to get the victory.
(Sources: ESPN)
Why Rodney Harrison should have retired as a Chargers?
Last Wednesday, the former San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots safety, Rodney Harrison announced his retirement from the NFL. As a New England Patriots, Rodney Harrison won two Super Bowls. But, more than that, Harrison brought passion and physicality to the safety position. One of the best quality of Rodney Harrison’s game was his leadership.
For the San Diego Chargers, with all of Harrison qualities as an NFL player, it would have been nice to keep Rodney Harrison. Harrison went to two Pro Bowls as a San Diego Chargers. In 2003, due to several factors, the Chargers decided to release Rodney Harrison. Since Harrison left the Chargers, the Chargers have had a hard time finding players to fill his spot.
Despite of what was going on between the Rodney Harrison and the Chargers front office, Rodney Harrison should have never been let go. The best thing for Harrison was moving on and joining the New England Patriots. Harrison leadership helped the Patriot win two Super Bowl. Who know how his career could have turned out as a Chargers. But, the only thing left for Rodney Harrison’s NFL career to be complete, will be his placed in the NFL Hall of Fame. And what a Hall of Fame career it was.
Sources: (ESPN, San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Return of Randy Moss to Oakland
Well, for Randy Moss, this was the first time he returned to Oakland since he was traded before the 2007 season from the Raiders to the New England Patriots. As a Oakland Raiders, Randy Moss was not a very productive player like he was for the Minnesota Vikings and now for the Patriots. Raiders fans were probably not too happy to see Moss back in Oakland as a playmaker for the New England Patriots.
As for as the game, this was a nightmare for the Oakland Raiders and the Raider Nation. Not only did Randy Moss catch two touchdown passes, after his scored, Moss pointed to the back of his jersey to remind the Raiders fans not to forget his name. And for Randy Moss, probably the most important part is that the Patriots won 49-26 to keep their playoff chances alive.
Junior Seau Comes Out of Retirement Again
Former San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and now once again, New England Patriots linebacker, Junior Seau is coming back to the football field. Seau signed with the Patriots on Friday and will play against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The Patriots have a shot a winning their AFC East division or getting a Wild-Card playoff spot.
The New England Patriots could use Seau help with the injuries they have on at the linebacker spot. Seau will bring leadership to the Patriots defense. How affective can Seau be? Junior Seau, the 12-time Pro Bowl player, hopes he will get a shot of becoming a Super Bowl Champion. Without Tom Brady, will this New England Patriots give Seau what he wants, we shall see.
(Sources: ESPN)
Rivers and Jackson on fire, Chargers beat Patriots 30-10
From the beginning of the game, Philip Rivers and Vincent Jackson would set the tone for the San Diego Chargers. Rivers hit Jackson for a 48-yard pass, which would lead to a Chargers field goal. The defense of the Chargers was able to step it up in the this game. Jamal Williams had a huge game for the Chargers. Williams was able to get penetration and disrupted the New England Patriots offense from getting into rhythm.
Malcom Floyd had a great game as well. Floyd caught a spectacular 49-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Later in the game, the Chargers defense was able to make a goal line stands and prevented the Patriots from scoring. Soon, Rivers and Vincent Jackson would connected again for a 59-yard pass. This would lead to a Antonio Gates Touchdown.
People that thought L.T. was done. Well, I don’t think so. L.T. made some great move to help the Chargers win this game. Randy Moss was not able to do anything in this game. Quentin Jammer had a great game against Moss. Preventing him from scoring any touchdowns.
Give credit to everyone on the San Diego Chargers, players and coaches alike. Everyone on the Chargers was able to feed off each others energy. The Chargers offense and defense made the plays they need to do to win this game. Now the San Diego Chargers move on to a tough two game road trip before they have a bye. Next up for the Chargers is the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo. The Chargers need to play with passion and energy throughout the whole game, like they did against the New England Patriots. If the Chargers play like this, they will be unstoppable.