Burt Talks Sports » Blog Archive » Let the live blogging begin

Let the live blogging begin

Jan 17th, 2008 by Bill Burt

I’m ready.
Let ‘em rip.
I will be here until 10 p.m.
Anything you want to ask or comment on about the Patriots, I am game.

33 reader comments to “Let the live blogging begin”

1
John said:
Bill
Do you think the Randy Moss issue is going to rear its ugly head this weekend or even for the Super Bowl?
I am dreading this story.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
2
Bill Burt said:
John
Somebody jumped my blog.
Anyway, I don’t think it will. The Patriots don’t let distractions get in the way.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
3
s1c said:
What is the latest on the injury front?
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
4
bocatennis said:
i actually feel bad that randy moss has to go through this stuff at this time. he seems like he has been honest with the media and i think we have to give him time to clear his name. we all saw what happened with the duke lacrosse scandal and think that he deserves the chance to defend himself. what do you think bill?
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
5
Dan said:
Hi Bill. What about the cold and wind? Who does the weather favor and why? If Philip Rivers doesn’t play Sunday, is Bill Volek’s passing style better suited to windy weather anyway? Seems like Rivers had a lot of success floating passes to tall receivers in Indy. Either way, I’ll take Brady’s short to midrange arm over anyone on a windy
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
6
Bill Burt said:
s1c
The Patriots starters are 100 percent healthy. Only Matt Light is out with the flu. My guess is he will be back by tomorrow.
The San Diego situation is the three biggies, Tomlinson, Rivers and Gates are all questionable. My guess is Tomlinson and Rivers are healthy and Gates is iffy, probably playing a little.
Lorenzo Neal, the Chargers All-Pro full-back, is probably the only legit questionable player, with an injured fibula.
My guess is everybody plays. The cold, of course, doesn’t help the Chargers Big Three.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
7
Bill Burt said:
bocatennis/pinacolada
I don’t feel bad for Moss. It appears he isn’t Mr. Clean here, but I believe this is probably made a bigger issue because of who he is. The fact that this is an 11-year relationship makes me wonder what the real story is. We are probably a few months away from getting some semblence of the real story. But as I wrote in a story in the newspaper today, he has earned some slack here in New England. He has been Mr. Patriot.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
8
Bill Burt said:
Dan
I know people are concerned for the Patriots, but the only thing the wind and elements do is bring down the score a little. The Jets game was a perfect example.
But there is a distinct homefield advantage at Gillette. Brady has been dominant there, losing only 10 starts, one that didn’t matter (against Miami in 2005).
Anyway, Rivers is their No. 1 QB. To be honest, he looked good for a good chuck of the game against the Colts. Volek is a backup, although a decent one. Rivers is crazy, though. I think he can and will be rattled on Sunday.
One more thing on the weather, remember the Patriots can run the ball decently now with Laurence Maroney and their short passing game isn’t hindered by wind.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
9
Scott in Lowell said:
Heya Bill, looks like I made it, though the time on your site seems to be off, it’s saying you responded at 9:33 pm which hasn’t happened yet!

Anyway, first question: have any of the Patriots responded to the Chargers player (can’t recall his name) who claimed that the Pats were more worried than they were, and “they know what’s up.” Seems like those guys just can’t help themselves when it comes to talkin’ trash to the Good Guys.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
10
bocatennis said:
this will be my last question for you bill. i have to get to bed. i have an early golf game and want to go to the beach after. anyway, what role do you think kevin faulk will have in the game and does the fact that the weather will be bad help his chances of being a big factor in the game?
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
11
Bill Burt said:
Scott
Nobody responded. But I’ve heard through the grapevine that they are steaming over it. Belichick if famous for playing this stuff up. These teams don’t like each other.
It goes back to 2005 when the Chargers ended the Patriots 21-game winning streak with a 41-17 pounding. They apparently did a lot of talking after the game about the Pats being “over the hill.”
And remember, Marty Schottenheimer’s comments about the Patriots being decimated with injuries, making an excuse and Brady went off on him. The Patriots have held a grudge for two-plus years before last January’s upset in San Diego. The Chargers then didn’t like the Patriots mocking them.
The Patriots will do talking on the field on Sunday. And by that I mean trash-talking. They Patriots can talk with best of the on the field. They just don’t do it in the media the week before a game.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
12
Bill Burt said:
bocatennis
Do you live near Randy Moss? Couldn’t you keep him under wraps?
Anyway, Faulk is one of the most valuable players on this team outside of Tom Brady. Every big game over the last half-dozen years, Faulk and Vrabel have made big plays. Faulk has bought into the Belichick Way. It took a little time, but he has accepted his role as a third-down back and back up running back with pride.
He makes big first down plays and touchdowns.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
13
Colin said:
Hey Bill, which NFC team do you think presents a bigger challenge for the Pats if they make the Super Bowl. The Giants put up a great fight a few weeks ago, while the Packers are the best team the Pats haven’t played yet.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
14
Scott in Lowell said:
Yeah, you can tell watching the games that there’s a LOT of talking going on, I’d love to be able to hear some of that stuff

How many Pats do you think will retire after this season? I’m guessing Bruschi, Seau, Brown, and perhaps Harrison. To be honest, I really think Belichick may step down, too. He’s been through so much during his tenure with the Pats, and 2007 has been the most trying season ever. It seemed odd that Josh McDaniels didn’t even want to interview for a head coaching job, maybe he knows something we don’t. I know he’s not ready, but that didn’t stop Mangini from giving it a shot. Your thoughts?
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
15
Bill Burt said:
Colin
I believe it’s the Packers, but I don’t think they could stay with the Pats either. The Giants had nothing to lose that game and had the Patriots where they wanted them before the Patriots dismantled them and took over the game.
Green Bay has a lot of pride and they can score. The Pats defense is not a strength. I believe the only way to beat the Patriots is score as many touchdowns as possible and force two to three turnovers. If you do, you aren’t guaranteed a victory, but you have a chance.
Right now: Pats 41, Giants 20
Pats 38, Packers 28
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
16
Bill Burt said:
Scott
I believe you are onto something when you talk about players’ retirements.
I believe Bruschi, Seau, Brown and Harrison are all well past their primes. None of them need money. All, I believe, will be replaceable next season.
Bruschi loves football like nobody I know. He might be the hardest to push out the door. Maybe he would come back in a somewhat reduced role.
As for Josh McDaniels, he did what Eric Mangini should have done. He didn’t leap at the first opportunity like it would be his last.
McDaniels is going to be an NFL coach. It won’t be here. At least not in 2008. Belichick has too many good things going, including Super Bowl contending teams for at least five years.
McDaniels has been told by Belichick that when the right opportunity comes he will know it and Belichick will recommend him for it.
According to people the know, McDaniel is the closest thing to a young Bill Belichick (very, very, very smart) that there is in the league.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
17
Frank said:
Bill
You picked the Patriots to kill Jacksonville and you were wrong.
What happened?
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
18
Bill Burt said:
Frank
The Patriots defense isn’t as good as I thought it was and Jacksonville was almost perfect that night. But I am beginning to feel a Pats blowout on Sunday. I still have some forecasting and prognosticating to do. I’m in the three touchdown range.
Please make sure you remind the public when I make a good pick.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
19
bocatennis said:
Bill
One more question: I saw where you wrote that Brady is officially better than Manning? Why do you come to that conclusion now?
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
20
Bill Burt said:
bocatennis
Last weekend showed the difference between the two:
Brady didn’t make a mistake.
Manning made only a few, but they were big.
I just think Brady’s championships, which could be four soon, trumps what Manning has done individually. And as we’ve seen this season, when Brady has equal talent, he can do everything Manning does, if not more.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
21
Cal said:
Bill
Do you have a favorite player to talk to on the Patriots?
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
22
Bill Burt said:
Cal
I don’t really have one guy. Rodney Harrison, Troy Brown and Tedy Bruschi, all guys near retirement age are all good guys on and off the field. All are approachable in the locker room.
I’ve come to like Logan Mankins who is as respectful as he is tough. A very happy kid.
I could go all over … Larry Izzo, a great guy and nice interview. Donte Stallworth, the same thing. Stallworth is very well spoken, maybe the best on the team.
Kelley Washington, who will no doubt restructure his contract (He is due $4 million bonus) or be gone, is very nice, too.
Overall, a decent group of guys. They don’t tell you too much inside stuff because Belichick wants it that way.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
23
Jim-red sox nation west said:
Hi Bill,
Do you think the Pats re-sign Moss after this year and do you think he is in the 10m a year range? I think Moss and Brady give the pats 3 or more rings to come. We would have had 5 or 6 by now if they played together earlier.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
24
Scott in Lowell said:
Bill, who were your favorite sportswriters growing up, and is there anyone you read religiously these days? I used to love Shaughnessy, but just got tired of him looking for the negative in too many stories. Michael Holley was terrific when he was working foe the Globe. I do miss Mannix and wish Gammons still wrote for a free publication. Bill Simmons is always entertaining, one of my favorites.
Posted: Jan 17th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
25
Bill Burt said:
Jim
I believe Moss will be re-signed barring his recent issue becoming more of a horror story. I’m guessing he would get about $30 million over three years, with about $18 million guaranteed over two years. Just a guess.
I know Brady wants him back and right now this is Brady’s team.
Posted: Jan 18th, 2008 at 1:04 am
26
Bill Burt said:
Scott
I grew up with the Boston guys from both big dailes. Bob Ryan, Gammons, Shaughnessy were all must reads. When I started in the business, Gerry Callahan was a few cuts above the rest. His stories always had a good laugh (he calls it cheap laugh).
Another was Joe Murphy, formerly of the Eagle-Tribune. When Joe wrote a good column it was as good as anybody’s. Joe had some of the funniest one-liners I had ever seen.
I also learned a lot about reporting from my old boss Russ Conway. He was killer for information nobody else had.
Posted: Jan 18th, 2008 at 1:07 am
27
John Cronin said:
And you know what, Bill? I think you are as good as any one of the ones mentioned. Keep up your great work.
John
Posted: Jan 18th, 2008 at 8:34 am
28
Bill Burt said:
John C
Thanks for the comments. This stuff is fun.
Posted: Jan 18th, 2008 at 10:05 am
29
Max Kliman said:
Sorry I couldn’t join in, I had too much stuff to do yesterday.
Posted: Jan 18th, 2008 at 11:48 am
30
Bill Burt said:
Max
If you have a question. Bring it on. I will extend the live-blog chat one more day …
Posted: Jan 18th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
31
Max Kliman said:
How much of an effect do you think special teams will have on the Pats game? Do you think that there will be any game-changing plays on special teams?
Posted: Jan 18th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
32
Bill Burt said:
Max
One factor: If the Patriots allow a touchdown or turn the ball over on special teams. Again, I believe the Patriots are simply better and the Chargers need to get touchdowns where they don’t normally get them, or get one after a bad turnover.
Good question.
Posted: Jan 18th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
33
Fred from NH said:
Bill,
I think Belicheck is no doubt a great football coach. I would like to see Bob Craft get his Just due and be credited more than he is for the success of this franchise. All we hear about is how this is Belicheck’s and Brady’s team. Bob Craft had a vision about how a franchise should be run, and he is ultimately responsible for putting the proper people in place to make the Patriots aurguably the best NFL team in history..your thoughts??
Posted: Jan 18th, 2008 at 9:55 pm