I’m going to start with the Red Sox news I caught, but don’t worry there’s Patriots love here too.
There was an article on Yahoo Sports yesterday that said the Sox were exploring the idea of signing a free agent. The free agent, Rocco Baldelli. I like the move as a fourth outfielder now that Coco is gone. If he’s healthy he gives you diversity in the outfield, speed off the bench, and a solid bat. Again, if he’s healthy. Since the guy’s been in the majors he hasn’t had a full, injury-free season since 2003.
Why is that guy wearing a Sox hat?
OK, on to the Patriots and a huge divisional game this weekend with the Dolphins. Last time these two faced off it was one of the most depressing games of the season. Like really depressing. Like, I want to turn off this game depressing. It was really the low point of the Patriots’ season, aside from the whole losing your starting quarterback in the first game of the season thing.
Coming out of the game against Miami there were no positives. People left the game early and the fans actually booed the Patriots performance. It was pretty pathetic. But, it was also Matt Cassel’s second career start. A lot has changed since that week. Buffalo has dropped from first to last and this game has serious playoff implications.
Both teams are 6-4 coming into the game. A win by the Patriots gives them at least a split of the season series with every team in the division (Buffalo may be a sweep). A loss would really hurt the Pats chances of even making the playoffs. The deck is stacked against them without Adalius Thomas to help against the vaunted Miami rushing attack that torched the Pats in week three.
But I have faith. Sure the Pats don’t typically do well in Miami, but that’s in September and this game is in November. I know the NFL schedule makers didn’t do the Pats any favors like in the past (Miami in December at Foxboro is typically a Pats win) but they’re pretty pissed coming off a loss to the Jets and they understand how important this game is.
Miami’s riding a four game winning streak, but it’s Miami. The same Miami team that finished 1-15 last year, could have drafted Matt Ryan and didn’t, and shouldn’t be hanging around this late in the season at 6-4. I say the Pats win this but closer than games have been this season. They cover (they’re a 1.5 point underdog) and win 22-21. Five field goals by Gostkowsi, the last one with two seconds left on the game clock.
