by Scott Benson
scott@patriotsdaily.com
Bill Barnwell’s Football Outsiders column will be along later today, but while we’re waiting, let’s spend a minute with the Herald’s Karen Guregian, who filled up her notebook yesterday with some quotes from a couple of newsworthy Patriots.
First, Guregian asks Tom Brady to explain exactly what’s wrong with ESPN’s Gregg Easterbrook:
“Usually, when it comes back the other way, you have to think there’s something behind it, or some motivation from somebody, but I think ultimately in life, you can only control what you can control. You can’t really control what people say or think. You just have to go about your business and work hard and say whatever your goals are, and (stick to) whatever priorities this team has for what we feel is most important to us. That’s how we make our decisions.”
Some motivation from somebody? I wonder what the motivation of the man my friend Ozzy calls “Lord Easterbrook of the Cliveden Set” might be? Hmmmm.
“We represent our ownership. We represent Mr. (Robert) Kraft and Jonathan and everything they put forth,” Brady said. “We’re not perfect people. We never claimed that. We never say that. We just say we like playing. We try to listen to our coach. We try to do the right thing, and at the end of the day, you’re judged by wins and losses.”
Honestly, I’m not trying to tie those last two paragraphs together. I’m really not.
“I think when they talk about a Patriot-type player, or a Patriot-type attitude, it’s someone who’s selfless, it’s someone who does their job, who’s attentive, who works hard,” Brady said. “It’s someone who’s on time, who’s dependable, who loves playing football. I think that’s what (being a Patriot) stands for, for us.”
Yeah, all right, Cheney. Just wipe that smirk off your face.
Elsewhere, KG caught up with Adalius Thomas, who has done the unthinkable and insulted Ray Lewis.
“The only problem I have is the coward comment. To call me a coward, you have my phone number. You can call me. I will call Ray, personally myself. I don’t want to sit here and throw (things) back and forth, and make this a media frenzy. I’m bigger than that. I’m better than that,” he added. “As far as calling me a coward I think that goes to something personal. I don’t like it. I will address that with him personally myself. To attack my integrity . . . and say you had to make a scheme up for me, I didn’t know they made up outside linebacker for me.
“Ray Lewis means nothing to me, as far as his comments or anything else that he says. I love him like a brother,” Thomas said. “Other than that, as far as me being a coward, I felt like that was a personal shot. That’s the only problem I have with it.”
When Sports Illustrated came calling, Adalius probably would have been better off saying, “Ravens? Oh, yeah, Stevie Bisciotti’s outfit down in Baltimore. Great, great guy, Stevie. Founded the Allegis Group.”
But, he didn’t. Still, unless you’re hanging around Buckhead, feuding with Ray Lewis isn’t exactly newsworthy. Lewis throws fits like Brett Favre throws interceptions. I’m just surprised he had time to fit AD in.
Lastly, Karen checks in with Redskins coach Joe Gibbs, on the new guy wearing #93 at Pats practice yesterday.
Asked during his teleconference for his thoughts on the prospect of having to face a Pats defense with Seymour in it, Gibbs said: “I don’t like it, I can tell you that. I’ve got great respect for him. I think their whole defense, they have a great scheme, great personnel. They do a great job. Coach Belichick has always been gifted when it comes to defense. Look across the board, you hate to see them get somebody back, and some high quality guy to add to it. Not a pretty picture.”
Joe, really, you need to get out and smell the roses. Your fatalistic world view is depressing everybody this week. “They’re gonna KILL us!” Yeah, they probably are, Joe, but you don’t have to be such a Gloomy Gus about it.
Check back later for Bill.
I am having trouble finding motivation for this potential (if there ever was one) trap game. Here are some possibilities:
– Ray Lewis made insulting comments about A.D…. Lewis plays in Baltimore, which is like 40 miles from DC… I mean, he might as well be playing for the Skins.
– Their fullback, or somebody, said the Pats are ‘beatable’. What?!?!? He needs to be served.
– Ummmmm…. oh I got it, the Skins are the only team that Brady has never beaten. That’s disrespect right there. The Skins must pay!
Whew! Now we have our motivation to keep this going ’til the Colt game… when we will have PLENTY of it.
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I didn’t find any mention in the Easterbrook piece of the Irsay Mayflower Truck parade out of Baltimore in ’84. Or how about his son, and now owner, Jim:
On Nov. 12, 2002, Irsay acknowledged he had previously sought treatment for an addiction to prescription pain medication. His statement came in response to a broadcast report by WTHR (Channel 13) alleging that Irsay had been addicted to prescription medication for at least seven years and was under investigation for possible prescription drug fraud.
You stay “good” ‘n classy, Indianapolis.
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Beak, I must take issue:
The Colts HAD to leave Baltimore, It had gotten away from its small town roots. How could they embrace traditional small town life in a coastal metropolis?
The screened-in porches and grain silos of Indy beckoned.
The Colts made the correct moral choice in downsizing, something New England would never do, chosing to stay in the Boston-Washington corridor, with its glitzy nightlife and impersonal concrete canyons. Smirk if you want.
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http://www.bostonsportsmedia.com/archives/2007/10/easterbrook_strikes_again.php
Best thing I’ve read in a while.
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Major…
Foxboro is hardly the home of glitzy nightlife, where most of the late businesses are closed by 11. There is also nothing necessarily immoral about the North East, by definition.
You are a hater, pure and simple, and need to get a clue. The Colts moved for a stadium deal and more money… ie for greed. They did not move for the more “wholesome” atmosphere of the midwest.
Get a clue.
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I could’ve sworn he was being sarcastic.
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Indeed I was.
But, upon further reflection, it was damn close to what the tastfully-named Page2 writer might contribute, so Kai’s reaction is understandable.
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