So I was watching Sportscenter this morning, enjoying a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, nothing out of the normal. ESPN football analyst Tedy Bruschi comes on, and anchor John Buccigross asks Bruschi what AFC wild card team does he think has the best shot at making a run to the Super Bowl? Bruschi is practically Mr. Patriot, I'm surprised he hasn't tied the knot with Belicheck ever since same-sex marriage was legalized in Massachusetts-- so automatically I assume Tedy boy is going to pick the Pats. Well hold on, not so fast, the Bru-man picked the JETS??????? Yes, he picked the Jets...And this just in by order of Bill Belicheck himself Tedy Bruschi is no longer allowed within 500 feet of Gillette Stadium. Thinks that a little harsh, well that's just how hoodie rolls. Brushchi likes both the Pats, and Jets to win their games this weekend, but thinks the Pats have a greater chance to stumble due to the Wes Welker injury. Personally I think the Welker injury is the crutch every Pats fan was looking for because deep down they know their team isn't good enough to win it all this year, and now they have their excuse when they fall. Welker is a great player, but what he does on the field isn't that difficult, and is easily replaceable. Randy Moss stretches out the field, and all Welker does is cut across the middle. Look at the two games this season in which Julian Edelman had serious playing time. Week 2, and Week 17...both games Edelman had Welker like numbers, so there's no reason why he cant do the same in the playoffs. The last four years a team playing on Wild Card weekend has advanced to the Super Bowl, it could easily happen again, and I hope Bruschi is right, and its the JETS in the AFC.
1 comment:
Traitor? That's quite the enticing headline X. I like a lot what you had to say. I was $225 down at the Tropicana when I heard Bruschi pick the Jets over our Patriots, but I appreciate his honesty.
First of all, Patriot fans have grown accustomed to being favored to win it all, it's been ingrained in us since the stars aligned on that faithful night the Pats played the Raiders at home (Thanks Tagliabue for the call from above!). We have to back up our team even if we feel like this isn't our year. But this year has been different than year's past--not offensively, but on the defensive side of the ball. The defense just doesn't scare anyone like the teams with Bruschi, Harrison, Seymour, Vrabel, etc.
But to say that Welker is easily replaceable is down-right outlandish. Since Welker has been with the Patriots, he has the 3rd most 1st down receptions in the NFL. That is Brady's go-to guy. Look at the numbers, Brady and that offense are a whole lot more efficient with Welker playing than without him. And if that is not enough, he led the league in receptions with 123 and racked up over 1300 receiving yards--all while missing two and a half games.
It is his possession receptions that allows Moss to stretch the defense and get as many touchdowns as he has. In a Patriot offense that doesn't boast an intimidating run game, Welker was their short-yardage guy. Yes, rookie wideout Julian Edelman has done a respectable job filling in for him, he is not Wes Welker.
And while it will not be the only reason the Patriots will more-than-likely not reach or win the Super Bowl, it will be a major contributor. The biggest flaw will be the defense's knack for giving up the big play at inopportune times and the lack of a rushing threat.
To Ted Bruschi: It hurts me that you won't ride the Patriots in to the sunset, but I respect the professionalism he showed not picking his team--in fact, picking a divisional rival who he had spent his entire career battling and hating. A tip of my Patriots cap and a sip of my brewski goes to you, Tedy Bruschi.
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