BEN AND AARON

I hate phrases like "changing of the guard" to talk about the evolving environments of a sport. Although Tom Brady and Peyton Manning took early exits from the postseason, and neither has won a title since George W. Bush was President, it's hard to eliminate them from the elite, uppermost echelon of quarterbacks in the NFL.

However, I think it's time we allow more names to populate that short list. It's no longer just Brady and Manning, then everyone else. I think it's Brady, Manning, Roethlisberger, and maybe even Rodgers.

What are the arguments against Roethlisberger's inclusion? His lack of eye-popping numbers? The help of a good running game and an excellent defense? But weren't those the precise arguments used against Tom Brady about 10 years ago? And since when has a QB won a Super Bowl by themselves? Ask John Elway and Terrell Davis, or Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith. Better yet, ask Dan Marino and nobody else.

In this pass-happy NFL, Roethlisberger's numbers don't dazzle. Even if you extrapolated his 12 game performance into 16 games, he'd have thrown 23 TDs (tied for 13th with Garrard, Cutler, and Fitzpatrick), although with only 7 INTs. He would have been among League leaders for yards thrown, and his QB Rating was 5th at 97.0. So the numbers don't fizzle, either.

Those are good numbers. Even the TD number is good considering what sane coach would throw the ball on 3rd and goal at the 1 when Rashard Mendenhall is in the backfield? The whole "supporting cast" argument can go both ways.

Then there's his ability to win. He just does it. He makes plays when plays are needed. Apart from his experiences with the mid 2000s Patriots, he's beaten all comers in big games. He's won two Super Bowls, 3 AFC titles, and 10 playoff games. And he hasn't been a passenger along for the ride in those games, either.

So no matter what happens a week from Sunday, I think Roethlisberger has cemented a spot in that top tier of QB.

Then there's Rodgers. And unless he throws for 500 yards and 6 TDs, he might have to show us a bit more in years to come before being included in the Manning-Brady-Roethlisberger discussion. I don't get to see him often, being in the NFC. But I've yet to be thoroughly impressed with him as a player. So much so that even after a bad game, or a bad year, I'd be sure that he'd recover.

His numbers are gleaming, and his postseason performances have been admirable. A ring would go a long way to solidify himself at the top of the food chain. He certainly has the potential to reach such heights, but there needs to be more results over a slightly longer stretch of time.

So I'd say it's now a three horse race for the top spot among NFL QBs. They all have strengths, they all have slight weaknesses that can be used in an argument against them. Their biggest achievements have all come with assistance. And each of them plays the position in a different way, within different systems, that have all been successful.

But there's something about these three guys that transcends stats, and wins, and rings. There's an aura of strength around them. Opponents respect them, even fear them, in a way above and different from other QBs. I think that says a great deal more than passer ratings or playoff records.

BRUINS GO INTO BREAK WITH A 'W'

It wasn't as easy as it could have been. The Bruins allowed things to get a bit too interesting last night against the Panthers, but thanks to Tim Thomas, and some excellent scrambling in the last minute, they'll go into the break on a positive note.

Lucic scored his 20th goal of the season, his first ever 20 goal campaign and we're only at the All-Star Break. It was probably his prettiest of the 20, as he snapped a shot over Vokoun's blocker side. It was so much different from Lucic as a rookie. Back then, he'd blast shots in the general direction of the goal. This was a snipe, with purpose and intent. And it turned out to be the game-winner.

Tim Thomas was superb. Florida had a few rushes, and every time but once, Timmy came up with the stops. He's turning into something like Pedro Martinez in 2000. You expect a shutout every start, and it's shocking when he gives anything up.

Several Bruins showed dogged determination and ferocious character in the last minute of this game. Bergeron, Campbell, and Ference in particular. They carried the win home and it was truly enjoyable to watch them scrape and claw for the victory.

But not all was positive. Michael Ryder's 13:31 of ice time was horrendous. If this guy doesn't get a perfect tape-to-tape pass, he bungles the puck. He spends half his shifts drifting around, not doing anything. I'm fed up with him. I see guys like Horton struggling, but still making basic plays. Ryder just screws everything up. He's Dennis Wideman as a forward.

It's kind of a moot point with Savard out, but if Julien doesn't trust Seguin to play in the last 8 minutes of a 2-1 game, then maybe Seguin should be playing in Providence. He'd at least be getting the experience in those hectic situations, and then one day he could be a full-time NHL player.

Again, with Savard out, Seguin must remain in Boston. But even without Savard, he played less than 10 minutes last night. He's played about 605 minutes this year. He could easily have 800+ minutes already if he were in Providence. Tough minutes, Power Play minutes, shorthanded minutes, game deciding minutes. Instead, he's learning more about cheering his teammates than playing hockey.

Bruins don't play until Tuesday down in Carolina. With 50 games in the books, they're 4 points up on Montreal in the Division and 3rd in the East. That ain't bad. The All-Star Game is Sunday, but the more interesting Skills Competition is Saturday. Those are also in Carolina.

Photo Credits:
AP Photo

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

The Marchand-Bergeron-Recchi line continued its hot-streak, combining to score 4 goals Saturday afternoon in Denver. At least one of these three guys had a hand in all 6 Bruins goals. Marchand scored his 11th and 12th, including his NHL leading 4th shorthanded goal. Lucic also scored twice, his 18th and 19th. The production from Marchand and Lucic is a big reason why the Bruins offense is markedly better than last year's.

The B's have scored the 7th most goals in the NHL. Did you know that? I didn't until I looked it up. The 37 goals they've scored in their last 8 games have boosted their position a bit. But even a few weeks ago, they were in the middle of the pack, so they weren't too bad. Last season, they were 2nd to last in goals scored. They've improved from 2.5 goals per game, to 3.1.

Has the offense "turned the corner?" In some ways, yes. What interests me, however, is how well the offense plays when they're not scoring goals. An offense can contribute to victory without scoring many goals. An offense that takes care of the puck, has consistent breakouts, and spends time near the opponent's goal (and far from their own) is how close games against tough opponents are won. I'd still like to see more of that when this team faces the likes of Montreal and Philadelphia.

Colorado is not a tough opponent. Although holding them to 2 goals is praiseworthy, especially since the first one pinballed around before sneaking over Thomas. Thomas, by the way, was brilliant. His play kept the Avalance from making this game too interesting.

Savard got hurt on a clean hit by Matt Hunwick. His face was pinned against the boards by Hunwick's shoulder, and with Savard's post-concussion struggles, the Bruins are being understandably cautious. No news yet on his condition, although he's returned to Boston, and it doesn't look like he'll play tonight.

Bruins in Los Angeles late night tonight. The Kings are 12th in the West, but have a good home record. To take 4 points from this short West coast swing would be excellent.

Photo Credits:
AP Photo

IDIOTS REUNITED: RAYS SIGN MANNY AND DAMON

The Rays stirred up the AL East over the weekend by signing former Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez, and former Sox and Yankee outfielder Johnny Damon.

If this were 2006, these would be monumental acquisitions. As it is, these pickups shouldn't shake up the standings too much. But it is something noteworthy to discuss. And if Tampa Bay has a fanbase, it will be entertaining for them to have some big name talent watch.

Manny Ramirez hasn't hit more than 20 homers since 2008. He hit 9 in 90 games last year. His OBP is still as impressive as ever (.409 last year. compared to a .411 career OBP), but his slugging numbers have dropped considerably, ever since he was suspended for PEDs. Coincidence? Perhaps. He's getting up there in years too. He's 38, and it's hard to imagine a resurrection at that age.

Damon hit .271 with Detroit last year. He's 37. He's a slightly less powerful hitter than in his prime, and he was never much of a slugger to begin with. He doesn't get on base (.355 OBP last year), doesn't run (11 SBs, although he was only caught once), and he strikes out (90 last season, 98 in '08).

Manny's contract is said to be worth $2 million for one year, while Damon's will pay him $5.25 million (Source: SI.com). Manny's salary seems reasonable, and should be recouped by the added attention he'll bring to the team. Damon's seems a bit high, especially if the primary goal was to generate interest in the team. Then again, both guys are Boras clients, and this was probably a packaged signing. So Manny is the 39 cent soda that comes with the Johnny Damon value meal.

These signings will give the Rays more press than they will victories. I guess they don't have much to lose with either signing, and at least they'll have some names on the field. But in the long run, these moves are a turn in the wrong direction for that franchise. This reminds me of when they signed Wade Boggs, and when Greg Vaughn was down there. They've acquired names, not talent.

But even when they had no-name talent, and made it to the World Series, their city failed to support them.

It should make Rays/Sox games more intriguing, even if it is just for off-field storylines. The Rays come to Fenway on April 11.

Photo Credit:
John Cordes/Icon SMI

MILLER GENUINE DRAFT

Ryan Miller reminded us that he's still the holder of the Vezina Trophy. He stopped the Bruins a season high 38 times. Some of the saves were spectacular. One of them was very very timely. His point blank stop of Mark Recchi's shorthanded bid was the turning point of this game.

So give a tip of the cap to Ryan Miller. However, the Bruins hardly looked comfortable in this high-paced, occasionally frantic game. They gave pucks away because they weren't fully aware of their surroundings. Vanek's breakaway came when Krejci and Kampfer got a bit too aggressive in a breakaway.

The Bruins aren't built or coached to be a North-South, high octane, up and down the ice team. They're built to be methodical, orderly and deliberate. When they get involved in these kinds of games, they lose pucks too easily, they fail to generate enough scoring chances, and they frequently lose.

I think Julien should let this team get more experience, and therefore more comfort playing a more fluid and faster paced game. I can just imagine in practices, that all the drills are orderly, all the matchups are organized, all the playing standardized and regular. Julien seems like the kind of guy who's eaten the same breakfast everyday for 23 years.

In the playoffs, the Bruins will meet teams that have good goaltenders, and can play this faster game. If they can't learn how to play it themselves (it'd be especially nice for the Power Play to get move quicker), the B's need to at least learn how to stop it, and how to slow the game's pace down. Playing more physically is a good place to start doing that.

Bruins at Colorado on Saturday afternoon. The Aves have scored the 4th most goals in the NHL, but allowed the 4th most. So with the Bruins' tremendous defense/goaltending, and inconsistent offense, it'll be strength vs. strength and weakness vs. weakness.

Photo Credit:
AP Photo

DIFFERENT STORY, SAME ENDING

Typically, I'm more impressed with 3-2 wins than 7-0 blowouts. Let me amend that. I'm not impressed with 3-2 wins against the Islanders, but against playoff caliber teams like Carolina, they're more consequential and important than the 7-0 variety.

This was a grinding game. The Hurricanes played physically, and the Bruins answered. Especially Tim Thomas. If Crosby weren't having such an obscenely good season, Thomas would be my pick for the Hart Trophy (MVP). He made a season high 43 saves in this game. 37 of those came in the 1st and 2nd periods.

The two goals Thomas did allow came after Wheeler failed to clear the puck on a penalty kill, and after some "physical play" (interference) allowed Carolina to retrieve an airborne puck after a strange bounce.

The Recchi-Bergeron-Marchand line has become a dynamic offensive weapon. Not only has Bergeron been red hot, but Marchand scored his 10th, and I think he'll surpass 20 this season. He's a true player. He plays physical, he puts himself in the right place, and he's fundamentally sound. With he and Bergeron finishing well, Recchi's playmaking ability has been allowed to shine. Recchi won the faceoff (after Bergeron was chased) that led to Marchand's goal. And Recchi made a deceptive drive with the puck that set up Lucic's goal.

By the way, that was Lucic's 17th goal of the season, tying his previous career high. He scored it as he's scored most of his goals this year, by putting himself in the right place at the right time. He's a much smarter player than he was as a rookie, and he's applying that newly developed awareness, which is resulting in goals.

It's amazing that the Bruins are playing so well while Horton, Savard, and Krejci are in the middle of cold streaks. It's a testament to the play of Tim Thomas, the defense, and guys like Bergeron and Marchand. By the way, is anyone aching for Andrew Ference to return from his upper body injury? I'm not. The 6 defensemen the Bruins played last night suit me just fine.

The Sabres come to town Thursday night, and it's a good chance to continue this hot streak.

Photo Credit:
AP Photo

LUCKY 7

It was Hangover Day in Boston. We were all recuperating from the Patriots' loss. Thankfully, the Bruins did their part to put a smile on our faces. They even scored more in the 1st period than the Patriots scored in the 1st half.

Zdeno Chara was the star of the show, scoring three times for his first career hat-trick. He joins Glen Wesley, Raymond Bourque, and Bobby Orr among Bruins defensemen to accomplish that fete. He has 6 goals in the last 10 games, and 10 overall on the season.

What's especially remarkable is that each goal came from a different spot on the ice, which is weird for a defenseman. The first was on a breakaway, as he was essentially a forward after serving a penalty. The second came from the faceoff dot. The third came from the high slot, after he drifted in from the point. Two were power play goals, one was just after a penalty kill.

You had to love the emotion Chara showed after the 3rd goal. He's had a tremendous 13 year career, but probably never expected to record a Hat Trick.



Tim Thomas had his 7th shutout. Despite the 7-0 score, it wasn't a "cheap" shutout (if such a thing exists). Thomas made some tough saves among his 31 stops. And they were timely. Before the Bruins' goals came, Thomas kept Carolina off the board, and that made the game an early laugher.

The Bruins won 3 of their 4 game homestand, and are 8-2-3 in their last 13. They have a nice, soft stretch of games ahead of them, without any elite opponents until February 9. They can amass some points here if they continue to play this well.

Bruins at Hurricanes tonight in the tail end of the home-and-home.

Photo Credit:
AP Photo

THE SHOE'S ON THE OTHER FOOT

The Jets made the plays, the Patriots didn't. It's amazing how simple the game of football can be. Santonio Holmes made a stupendous catch in the end zone, Alge Crumpler dropped what should have been a touchdown. The Jets took care of the ball, the Patriots took chances. Meanwhile, the Patriots are working on a 3 game playoff losing streak.

I blame the offense, first and foremost. They only mustered three quality drives, apart from the garbage time touchdown. And of those drives, they amassed 11 points. The Brady interception was simply careless, maybe even a bit cocky. Pace got his hands up, Brady had to throw at a higher trajectory, but still wanted to force the ball to Green-Ellis. The next drive saw Crumpler drop a score. Instead of being up 10-0 or 14-0, it was 3-0 Pats.

You can't lose a game in the 1st quarter, but you can win it. By building a lead, you can force a team to alter their simplified gameplan. You can force their young quarterback to take more chances. But by keeping the score close, you allow them to do whatever they want. The Pats missed an opportunity to change the shape of this game with those early squanders.

Let's talk about the fake punt. I don't like the decision. The execution failed, but the decision was a bigger failure.

After the game, Mesko and others claimed that Chung had the discretion to call a fake if 8 Patriots lined up against 6 Jets. Maybe that's true, maybe not. If true, I disagree with the notion of 2nd year defensive back having so much decision making power. Especially a player out of Oregon, where they make decisions like this:



If the call came from Belichick, I also disagree with it. The reward is too minimal to justify the risk. If thwarted, the Jets get the ball only 10 yards from field goal range. If successful, the Patriots get another set of downs around midfield. Big whoop. If I have one criticism for Belichick, it's that when things aren't going smoothly, he tries too hard to win the game with his coaching decisions.

The failed punt fake wasn't technically a turnover, but for all intents and purposes, it was. And it allowed a 7-3 game to dramatically change at 14-3, right at halftime.

The Patriots offense finally figured out how to function, but it was late in the 3rd. Sanchez and the Jets responded with some big plays, and a touchdown. I heard some post-game show on CBS criticize the Pats' defense for failing to come up with a timely stop. But hadn't the defense done enough?

And after Holmes' catch, the Pats put together a 7:45 drive that produced 0 points. Branch dropped a 4th and 13 pass that would have sustained it.

Speaking of Branch, he needs to shut up. He was jawing with the Jets' sideline too much, and now he's whining about post-game celebrations. Leave that kind of crying to the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson.

And speaking of talking, I don't mind Belichick sitting Welker for a series. Did Welker's foot jokes cost the Patriots in the game? No. But it didn't help them. And Belichick's philosophy has always been, if it doesn't help, it's not worth doing.

Anyway, after that 8 minute drive (the Jets couldn't have done a better job of killing the clock than the Patriots did for them) the game was over. Once again, the Patriots didn't perform on the big stage. The last four years, they've gone 51-13 (.797) in the regular season, 2-3 (.400) in the postseason.

On the bright side, the offense should remain largely intact for 2011. The Patriots have rediscovered a running game, and that's no longer a glaring need. The defense came into their own, and this was one of their better games of the season, considering how many bad situations they were put in. The D-Line needs depth. The pass rush needs to be bolstered, and more consistent. Part of LT's TD catch was due to the Pats bringing 5 guys on the pass rush, including Ninkovich, which vacated the flat for Tomlinson.

I'm optimistic for 2011. But I said something similar after the Ravens game last postseason, and after the 11-5 Cassel crew didn't make the playoffs, and after the 18-1 season, and after the Colts came from behind in '06. It's hard not to be optimistic about this team, this coach, this quarterback, despite what's happened the last 4 years.

Photo Credit:
AP Photo