2007 World Series Champs - Boston Red Sox
2008 Super Bowl Champs - .............................
2008 NBA World Champs - Boston Celtics
The 2008 New England Patriots were perhaps the greatest team in the modern history of ALL sports. They were 18-0. If you count the Super Bowl, they were 18-1. The best record in the history of the NFL. No team has ever won 18 games in a season. They only lost that game by 3 points. 3 Points. If that had been the 6th game of the season, the 2008 New England Patriots would be considered the greatest NFL team of all time. They set scoring records and margin of victory records, passing records and receiving records, they did all this in a time of 'parody'. They did all this on the heels of 3 Super Bowl wins since 2001. Moreover, they did all this in same year that the Red Sox and the Celtics won Championships. All that being said and still this team did not fullfill it's promise.
No city has ever won all three (MLB,NBA,NFL) in the same season. Even if you include the NHL, only 10 times has a city had two of the four in the same season. It has only happened 8 times without including the NHL. Most recent was the 2004 Boston Red Sox and NE Patriots.
2 Sport Champs since 1950.
2007 - Boston - Red Sox & Celtics
2004 - Boston - Red Sox & Patriots
1988 - Los Angeles - Dodgers & Lakers
1979 - Pittsburgh - Pirates & Steelers
1969 - New York - Jets & Mets
1956 - New York - Giants & Yankees
1952 - Detroit - Lions & Red Wings
As it is, the accomplishment is unique. Two major sports champs in the same city twice within 4 years. It had only happened 5 times total in over 40 years.
Once the Red Sox had won it in 2007, it seemed that we only needed to worry about the new look Celts, after seeing the Patriots roll through the regular season and the play-offs. They were facing an over-acheiving Giants team that seemed like they might not even belong in the Super Bowl. The Giants deserved to win the game. I watched every second of that game. Had I not known, I would have thought that Giants were the more complete team. Better coached. More disciplined. However, it still came down to a miracle play for these lovable (for some) Giants. An incredible escape followed by an impossible catch. ON THE SAME PLAY. Either of these two plays could have stood alone as fantastic, timely and instinctive plays to save the day for the Giants. But they happened on the same play. Rodney Harrison was draped all over Mr. Tyree while he was making "The Helmet Catch", not a cornerback or a small safety, but the toughest, meanest, dirtiest player in the NFL. How did he do it? I still can't believe it. If you watch the play again, it doesn't look real. there is no way you can make that play. No way. But it happened.
I am not exactly sure what the point is, other than the fact is we were that close to making professional sports history. History that may never happen. Or at least not until this year.
Red Sox - 2008 World Series chances?
Patriots - 2009 Super Bowl chances?
Celtics - 2009 Championship chances?
All three teams look poised for another run....but something tells me that it won't happen this year, or any year soon. It may never happen. But this past year, we were one miracle play away from it happening. Amazing.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
2007 NFL Draft (04/03)
2007 Mock Draft w/ actual in (actual).
1) Oakland Raiders ----- JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU (JaMarcus Russell)
The Raiders will Draft JeMarcus Russell. Good Pick. They should try to trade the pick and attain more talent, but I am sure that they won't.
2) Detroit Lions ----- Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech (Calvin Johnson)
Detroit must trade this pick to whoever wants Calvin Johnson. This is Calvin Johnson's spot in the draft, if not #1. They should accept a trade from Washington, Tampa Bay, Atlanta or The Vikings. This would assure them of still getting some top flite talent and adding some more picks in Rd. 2 or 3. I do think that they will work something out with Tampa. Trading with Tampa will allow them to add a pick or two later in the draft and get either Joe Thomas or Gaines Adams.
3) Clevland Browns ----- Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin (Joe Thomas)
This pick, in my opinion, will start the domino effect for the next 4 or 5 picks. Brady Quinn, Adrian Peterson or Joe Thomas are all options here. I think they would draft CJ if he slips past Detroit, but I think CJ is taken in the #2 spot. Joe Thomas is starting to make alot of sense in this spot.
4) Tampa Bay Bucs ----- Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson (Gaines Adams)
I am assuming that this pick is Detroit's. What does Detroit need? Defense. Gaines Adams. Adams will give them an edge rusher who will need to be doubled in passing situatons. Not sure if they would be better off simply drafting Brady Quinn and drafting for need in the second round.
5) Arizona Cardinals ----- LaRon Landry, S, LSU (Levi Brown)
I have no information that would lead me to believe that Arizona has any interest at all in Landry, I just think that is who they should take. I think we will look back at this draft and Landry may be the best player taken....he is that good.
6) Washington Redskins ----- Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville (LaRon Landry)
If there is one team that should be trading down for more picks, its the Redskins. They have only a few picks in this draft and they are not one player away from a Super Bowl. They only have one draft pick in the first four rounds. Not Good. If they stay put, I see them taking a player with enormous upside. A DT that ran a 4.8 / 40 and is only 19 years old. Yikes.
7) Minnesota Vikings ----- Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame (Adrian Peterson)
Ask yourself.....Would you want your favorite team being led by Tavares Jackson? Me neither. Quinn is the guy, the Vikings can get other help at the WR position and in the secondary later in the draft. They need a leader.
8) Atlanta Falcons ----- Patrick Willis, MLB, Ole Miss (Jamaal Anderson)
The Falcons moved up a couple of spots in hopes of attaining Landry, but they will settle for their second choice. Not a bad second choice.
9) Miami Dolphins ----- Leon Hall, CB, Michigan (Ted Ginn Jr.)
I would think that Miami has a few players on the radar; Landry, Quinn, Willis, Okoye.... in this scenario, they are all gone. That would leave them with a decision between L Brown, a DE (J Anderson), or a CB (L Hall). Miami has alot of holes, so look for them to draft best available talent. I think that is Leon Hall.
10) Houston Texans ----- Levi Brown, OT, Penn State (Amobi Okoye)
I am not a fan of what the Texans have done for themselves. I think they moved sideways, at best, at the QB position and gave up two second rounders and two positions in this years draft. The good news is that they will be able to get a very good tackle to help protect their newest investment.
11) San Francisco 49ers ----- Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas (Patrick Willis)
The 49ers need help on the defensive side of the ball. They will be targeting Willis, and if he's there they will take him. But he's not, so they take the best available defender in Anderson.
12) Buffalo Bills ----- Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma (Marshawn Lynch)
The Bills are doing backflips. The best RB in the draft falls to them at #12. Shaud Williams not the answer, Adrian Peterson is the answer.
13) St. Louis Rams ----- Alan Branch, DT, Michigan (Adam Carriker)
I don't think there is any doubt who they want, Willis, but will he be there? If he is gone, will they stay with a LB or look elsewhere? I do know this....it will be on the Defensive side of the ball. I mean, can they pick twice here. Alan Branch was slated as a top 10 pick and slides nicely to the Rams here.
14) Carolina Panthers -----Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska (Darrelle Revis NY Jets)
Carriker is a versatile DL. He will give the Panthers exactly what they need, an infusion of youth to their defense. With Peppers and Carriker, the Panthers will have one of the best DL's in Football. Rucker has not been the same player he once was and is getting older. Carriker can also play on the inside of the 4-3.
15) Pittsburgh Steelers ----- Reggie Nelson, S, Florida (Lawrence Timmons)
I would also consider a guy like Jarvis Moss or Chris Houston. I do think it will be on the defensive side of the ball. I am envisioning a safety tamden of Polamalu and R Nelson that will give opposing QB's fits.
16) Green Bay Packers --------- Marshawn Lynch, RB, California (Justin Harrell)
Can this pick go any other way? We will find out. But I have to believe that if Lych is there, he is a Packer.
17) Jacksonville Jaguars ------- Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida (Jarvis Moss)
There is a lot of talk of a WR, I think that could be a mistake. I think that there will be depth there in the second round. I think they should continue to bolster the foundation of this team, the DEFENSE. There will be players like Steve Smith, Dwayne Jarrett, Anthony Gonzalez, Sidney Rice or Jason Hill available in the second round. There will be no one like Moss.
18) Cincinnati Bengals --------- Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas (Leon Hall)
I guess, one way or the other, this pick will be on the Defensive side of the ball. I would also think LB (Timmons or Poluszny). No player has improved their stock more at that position than Houston. He is a burner and has a mean streak. I would also accept either Darelle Revis or Aaron Ross.
19) Tennessee Titans ---------- Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State (Michael Griffin)
If I were the Titans I would make a pick like Timmons or Poluszny, but I am hearing Ginn. I guess they would like to get a weapon for Vince.
20) New York Giants ---------- Aaron Ross, CB, Texas (Aaron Ross)
The Giants confuse me. They have a lot of holes. It would seem as though they are gonna go either LB or DB. If it is a CB then look no further that Aaron Ross. He is great in run support and would definitly be an upgrade for the G-Men.
21) Denver Broncos ------------ Justin Blalock, G/OT, Texas (Reggie Nelson Jaguars)
Matt Lepsis and Aaron Meadows are both 33 years old and their Guards are not Pro-Bowlers. Blalock would give them a very versatile OL that could even become a starter this year.
22) Dallas Cowboys ------------ Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh (Brady Quinn Clevland)
A cornerback is what they need, a cornerback is what they get. Being able to draft the #2 CB, on many draft boards, at #22 is a steal and Cowboy fans should be happy.
23) Kansas City Chiefs --------- Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee (Dwayne Bowe)
I absolutley love this kid. He has 'it'. He has hands, he has swagger, he has speed. He ran a 4.36 in the 40. He has a great frame to go along with it. At 6'2" 216, I believe that he will be the second best WR drafted.
24) New England Patriots ----- Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State (Brandon Meriweather)
Many still think that Timmons is the best LB in the draft. To get him at #24 would be a steal for my beloved Pats. I would have a hard time deciding between Poluszny and Timmons.
25) New York Jets -----Greg Olsen, TE, Miami (Jon Beason Carolina)
I think that Greg Olsen could go as high as #12 to the Bills, but word is, he won't get past the Jets. He is a fantastic TE. He ran a 4.5 / 40 and he caught everything in sight at the combine.
26) Philadelphia Eagles -------- Michael Griffin, S, Texas (Anthony Spencer Dallas)
There is alot of buzz about the Eagles looking for one of the safeties (Nelson, Griffin, Meriweather), I would personally look elsewhere, like Poluszny or Spencer.
27) New Orleans Saints -------- Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn State (Robert Meachem)
The Saints are unhappy because all of the best available CB's are already gone. But they will be happy to draft PP, because he is just the type of player they need to help stop the run. They can address the CB issues later in the draft.
28) New England Patriots ----- Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno State (Joe Staley San Fran)
I actually expect the Pats to trade this pick and and get into the second round, unless a player like Ross or Houston falls to this spot. If they draft McCauley, the Pats get everything they want, a young LB (Timmons) and help in the secondary. McCauley has those Fresno State ties with New England (Pat Hill). Really great draft for the Pats, getting a very good young LB and CB.
29) Baltimore Ravens --------- Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue (Ben Grubbs)
Baltimore loses Adalius Thomas and replaces him with a fine player. Spencer, at 6'2" 261 and a 4.73 / 40, comes close to replacing what they lost in AD.
30) San Diego Chargers ------- Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC (Craig Davis)
This is a match made in heaven. The Chargers didn't advance because they have bad WR's. Jarrett is a good WR. See, sometimes it's simple. He would also be staying in SoCal. I would think that would be nice. Phil Rivers, A Gates, L.T. and DJ...that sounds good to me.
31) Chicago Bears ------------- Jon Beason, OLB, Miami (Greg Olsen)
It doesn't sound like Mr. Briggs is happy. They will need to find his replacement in this draft. Beason is the guy. There is not much depth at the OLB position after Beason, so the Bears would be wise to take him.
32) Indianapolis Colts ----- Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee (Anthony Gonzalez)
Boring pick, Boring team. This pick certainly fits a need with Colts. I would also look for them to draft a defensive lineman or a LB that can help stop the run.
1) Oakland Raiders ----- JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU (JaMarcus Russell)
The Raiders will Draft JeMarcus Russell. Good Pick. They should try to trade the pick and attain more talent, but I am sure that they won't.
2) Detroit Lions ----- Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech (Calvin Johnson)
Detroit must trade this pick to whoever wants Calvin Johnson. This is Calvin Johnson's spot in the draft, if not #1. They should accept a trade from Washington, Tampa Bay, Atlanta or The Vikings. This would assure them of still getting some top flite talent and adding some more picks in Rd. 2 or 3. I do think that they will work something out with Tampa. Trading with Tampa will allow them to add a pick or two later in the draft and get either Joe Thomas or Gaines Adams.
3) Clevland Browns ----- Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin (Joe Thomas)
This pick, in my opinion, will start the domino effect for the next 4 or 5 picks. Brady Quinn, Adrian Peterson or Joe Thomas are all options here. I think they would draft CJ if he slips past Detroit, but I think CJ is taken in the #2 spot. Joe Thomas is starting to make alot of sense in this spot.
4) Tampa Bay Bucs ----- Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson (Gaines Adams)
I am assuming that this pick is Detroit's. What does Detroit need? Defense. Gaines Adams. Adams will give them an edge rusher who will need to be doubled in passing situatons. Not sure if they would be better off simply drafting Brady Quinn and drafting for need in the second round.
5) Arizona Cardinals ----- LaRon Landry, S, LSU (Levi Brown)
I have no information that would lead me to believe that Arizona has any interest at all in Landry, I just think that is who they should take. I think we will look back at this draft and Landry may be the best player taken....he is that good.
6) Washington Redskins ----- Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville (LaRon Landry)
If there is one team that should be trading down for more picks, its the Redskins. They have only a few picks in this draft and they are not one player away from a Super Bowl. They only have one draft pick in the first four rounds. Not Good. If they stay put, I see them taking a player with enormous upside. A DT that ran a 4.8 / 40 and is only 19 years old. Yikes.
7) Minnesota Vikings ----- Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame (Adrian Peterson)
Ask yourself.....Would you want your favorite team being led by Tavares Jackson? Me neither. Quinn is the guy, the Vikings can get other help at the WR position and in the secondary later in the draft. They need a leader.
8) Atlanta Falcons ----- Patrick Willis, MLB, Ole Miss (Jamaal Anderson)
The Falcons moved up a couple of spots in hopes of attaining Landry, but they will settle for their second choice. Not a bad second choice.
9) Miami Dolphins ----- Leon Hall, CB, Michigan (Ted Ginn Jr.)
I would think that Miami has a few players on the radar; Landry, Quinn, Willis, Okoye.... in this scenario, they are all gone. That would leave them with a decision between L Brown, a DE (J Anderson), or a CB (L Hall). Miami has alot of holes, so look for them to draft best available talent. I think that is Leon Hall.
10) Houston Texans ----- Levi Brown, OT, Penn State (Amobi Okoye)
I am not a fan of what the Texans have done for themselves. I think they moved sideways, at best, at the QB position and gave up two second rounders and two positions in this years draft. The good news is that they will be able to get a very good tackle to help protect their newest investment.
11) San Francisco 49ers ----- Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas (Patrick Willis)
The 49ers need help on the defensive side of the ball. They will be targeting Willis, and if he's there they will take him. But he's not, so they take the best available defender in Anderson.
12) Buffalo Bills ----- Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma (Marshawn Lynch)
The Bills are doing backflips. The best RB in the draft falls to them at #12. Shaud Williams not the answer, Adrian Peterson is the answer.
13) St. Louis Rams ----- Alan Branch, DT, Michigan (Adam Carriker)
I don't think there is any doubt who they want, Willis, but will he be there? If he is gone, will they stay with a LB or look elsewhere? I do know this....it will be on the Defensive side of the ball. I mean, can they pick twice here. Alan Branch was slated as a top 10 pick and slides nicely to the Rams here.
14) Carolina Panthers -----Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska (Darrelle Revis NY Jets)
Carriker is a versatile DL. He will give the Panthers exactly what they need, an infusion of youth to their defense. With Peppers and Carriker, the Panthers will have one of the best DL's in Football. Rucker has not been the same player he once was and is getting older. Carriker can also play on the inside of the 4-3.
15) Pittsburgh Steelers ----- Reggie Nelson, S, Florida (Lawrence Timmons)
I would also consider a guy like Jarvis Moss or Chris Houston. I do think it will be on the defensive side of the ball. I am envisioning a safety tamden of Polamalu and R Nelson that will give opposing QB's fits.
16) Green Bay Packers --------- Marshawn Lynch, RB, California (Justin Harrell)
Can this pick go any other way? We will find out. But I have to believe that if Lych is there, he is a Packer.
17) Jacksonville Jaguars ------- Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida (Jarvis Moss)
There is a lot of talk of a WR, I think that could be a mistake. I think that there will be depth there in the second round. I think they should continue to bolster the foundation of this team, the DEFENSE. There will be players like Steve Smith, Dwayne Jarrett, Anthony Gonzalez, Sidney Rice or Jason Hill available in the second round. There will be no one like Moss.
18) Cincinnati Bengals --------- Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas (Leon Hall)
I guess, one way or the other, this pick will be on the Defensive side of the ball. I would also think LB (Timmons or Poluszny). No player has improved their stock more at that position than Houston. He is a burner and has a mean streak. I would also accept either Darelle Revis or Aaron Ross.
19) Tennessee Titans ---------- Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State (Michael Griffin)
If I were the Titans I would make a pick like Timmons or Poluszny, but I am hearing Ginn. I guess they would like to get a weapon for Vince.
20) New York Giants ---------- Aaron Ross, CB, Texas (Aaron Ross)
The Giants confuse me. They have a lot of holes. It would seem as though they are gonna go either LB or DB. If it is a CB then look no further that Aaron Ross. He is great in run support and would definitly be an upgrade for the G-Men.
21) Denver Broncos ------------ Justin Blalock, G/OT, Texas (Reggie Nelson Jaguars)
Matt Lepsis and Aaron Meadows are both 33 years old and their Guards are not Pro-Bowlers. Blalock would give them a very versatile OL that could even become a starter this year.
22) Dallas Cowboys ------------ Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh (Brady Quinn Clevland)
A cornerback is what they need, a cornerback is what they get. Being able to draft the #2 CB, on many draft boards, at #22 is a steal and Cowboy fans should be happy.
23) Kansas City Chiefs --------- Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee (Dwayne Bowe)
I absolutley love this kid. He has 'it'. He has hands, he has swagger, he has speed. He ran a 4.36 in the 40. He has a great frame to go along with it. At 6'2" 216, I believe that he will be the second best WR drafted.
24) New England Patriots ----- Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State (Brandon Meriweather)
Many still think that Timmons is the best LB in the draft. To get him at #24 would be a steal for my beloved Pats. I would have a hard time deciding between Poluszny and Timmons.
25) New York Jets -----Greg Olsen, TE, Miami (Jon Beason Carolina)
I think that Greg Olsen could go as high as #12 to the Bills, but word is, he won't get past the Jets. He is a fantastic TE. He ran a 4.5 / 40 and he caught everything in sight at the combine.
26) Philadelphia Eagles -------- Michael Griffin, S, Texas (Anthony Spencer Dallas)
There is alot of buzz about the Eagles looking for one of the safeties (Nelson, Griffin, Meriweather), I would personally look elsewhere, like Poluszny or Spencer.
27) New Orleans Saints -------- Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn State (Robert Meachem)
The Saints are unhappy because all of the best available CB's are already gone. But they will be happy to draft PP, because he is just the type of player they need to help stop the run. They can address the CB issues later in the draft.
28) New England Patriots ----- Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno State (Joe Staley San Fran)
I actually expect the Pats to trade this pick and and get into the second round, unless a player like Ross or Houston falls to this spot. If they draft McCauley, the Pats get everything they want, a young LB (Timmons) and help in the secondary. McCauley has those Fresno State ties with New England (Pat Hill). Really great draft for the Pats, getting a very good young LB and CB.
29) Baltimore Ravens --------- Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue (Ben Grubbs)
Baltimore loses Adalius Thomas and replaces him with a fine player. Spencer, at 6'2" 261 and a 4.73 / 40, comes close to replacing what they lost in AD.
30) San Diego Chargers ------- Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC (Craig Davis)
This is a match made in heaven. The Chargers didn't advance because they have bad WR's. Jarrett is a good WR. See, sometimes it's simple. He would also be staying in SoCal. I would think that would be nice. Phil Rivers, A Gates, L.T. and DJ...that sounds good to me.
31) Chicago Bears ------------- Jon Beason, OLB, Miami (Greg Olsen)
It doesn't sound like Mr. Briggs is happy. They will need to find his replacement in this draft. Beason is the guy. There is not much depth at the OLB position after Beason, so the Bears would be wise to take him.
32) Indianapolis Colts ----- Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee (Anthony Gonzalez)
Boring pick, Boring team. This pick certainly fits a need with Colts. I would also look for them to draft a defensive lineman or a LB that can help stop the run.
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