Considering the lengthy period of time off I have taken from this space, there's no way to share my thoughts on everything that has happened in over a year, but here are my takes on many events that have happened since the end of Super Bowl LIII.
***
The Tom Brady-Patriots divorce was bound to happen.
Brady has stated for years that he wants to play until he is at least 45. With his 43rd birthday just over a week away, that means he's planning on at least three more years of football.
Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft are not gambling on Brady being able to continue his run as the game's best quarterback as he inches closer to the end of his career. It is not a personal decision, it is a decision based on the fact that no quarterback has ever played at a high level at this age. Even Brady, who has already surpassed expectations for a quarterback playing in his early 40's, will eventually fall victim to Father Time.
As someone who has countless memories of Brady's excellence as the Patriots quarterback, it's hard to come to terms that his best football is likely behind him but that is what Belichick and Kraft believe and I think fans would be wise to trust their opinions. Belichick has built the Patriots dynasty, with Kraft's support, on the basis that it's always better to move on from a player - especially a high priced player - a little early rather than too late.
Even if Brady plays well in Tampa Bay - and with the weapons he has at his disposal, I think he'll put up big numbers in 2020 - it was a wise choice for the team. At some point, Brady was going to retire and being able to evaluate the quarterback position, arguable the hardest position in sports to staff, while the roster is still strong enough to contend makes more sense than having Brady's replacement try to lead a roster that is being completely rebuilt. Belichick has a strong defense and a solid cast of players on offense as he transitions away from Brady. This team is still in the title picture right now, even without Brady.
The offense is likely to be led by Cam Newton, signed at a discount coming off of two injury-plagued seasons. Newton is on a one-year deal intended for him to showcase he is healthy and deserving of another big contract. If Newton is healthy, it is reasonable to predict he will flourish under the tutelage of Belichick and Josh McDaniels. That would likely result in a successful season for the Patriots, which would help the success of the transition away from Brady.
Second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham will also have a chance at the job of replacing Brady, but he seems to be the back-up if Newton is healthy. The smoke signals out of Foxboro is that Stidham has a bright future, and another year of learning should help his development. He is still likely a part of the long-term solution at the position.
While it will be weird to see Brady in a different uniform, this is the way of the NFL. Brady knew it.
So did Belichick and Kraft.
Let's cross our fingers and hope for a Patriots v. Buccaneers matchup in Super Bowl LV.
***
The Red Sox start their Covid-abbreviated 2020 season tonight against the Orioles.
I think this is a good year for the team to only be playing 60 games.
Coming off of a disappointing 2019 season, the Red Sox have already lost manager Alex Cora to the fallout from the Astros cheating scandal and then they traded Mookie Betts to the Dodgers b ecause they did not want to pay him the contract he felt he deserved as one of the game's best players. The Dodgers did not make the same mistake, signing Betts to a 12-year/$365-million deal two days ago.
The Red Sox also will be fielding one of baseball's worst pitching staffs. Chris Sale, fresh off his 5-year/$145-million contract last Spring, will miss the season due to elbow surgery. David Price was packaged with Betts to shed more salary off of Boston's payroll. Eduardo Rodriguez missed most of the "Summer Camp" training sessions after testing positive for Covid and has already had a setback that will keep him out indefinitely. The new manager, Ron Roenicke, will be making many a walk to and from the mound to change pitchers over the next 2+ months.
Having baseball back in the Summer is comforting, even if no fans are allowed in the stadium and the Red Sox seem destined for a 22-38 campaign. The lineup still boasts JD Martinez, Xander Bogaerts, Andrew Benintendi, and Rafael Devers. I'm curious to see if de facto ace, Nathan Eovaldi, can stay healthy. And it's better than watching the news or another Law and Order rerun.
***
Baseball prediction time.
There are too many playoff teams to predict them all but I'm going with the Twins and Dodgers in the World Series, with Minnesota winning their first title since 1991.
Mike Trout will win the A.L. MVP and Mookie Betts will take home the N.L. MVP.
Gerritt Cole for A.L. Cy Young and Jack Flaherty for N.L. Cy Young.
***
The Bruins and Celtics are also set to resume action, with both being in the hunt for a championship.
Unlike MLB, the NHL and NBA played most of their schedules before Covid shut down society. Both leagues will resume in "bubbles" and without fans. I am curious how the long layoffs will impact play.
The Celtics have a shot in the East, but I believe Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will make it to the Finals. LeBron James and Anthony Davis should lead the Lakers out of the West. I'll take the Bucks to win their first title since 1971.
In the NHL, the Bruins and Lightning will battle for the East. I'll take the Bruins. Out West, I'll take the host city Edmonton Oilers to upset the Blues. In the Finals, Zdeno Chara and Friends will hoist the Cup one year (and a few months) after having their hearts broken in Boston by the Blues in the 2019 Cup Finals.
***
I teach History and coach Basketball at the high school level.
Will I have a "regular" school year? Will I have a season?
Time will tell.
Help me out, wear a mask.
***
Enjoy Bogaerts tonight.
No comments:
Post a Comment