Red Auerbach, a genius who could win in any sport, reminds us that when the Celts won their first world championship the other team (St. Louis Hawks) scored 123 points (The Celts scored 125). Also, when the Celts set the single game scoring record of 173 points their opponents (MINNEAPOLIS Lakers) scored 139. BUT, let me add for you youngsters out there, our Boston Celtics of that era were also a great defensive team. And not just because of Bill Russell.
Back to football and our Patriots---Of course Belicheck will try to shore up the defensive backfield
BUT, until he finds a safety (or CB) who is a leader (as well as player) of the caliber of Rodney Harrison they'll still have problems defending the pass. Look for Bill to also try to strengthen his bench and, naturally, to find a tall, speedy, sure-handed receiver.
NOTE---will somebody please remind offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels that he HAS a tight end who can catch passes (other than Gronk). Michael Hoomanawanui, (6'4"--263) known for having soft hands and getting open. All McDaniels (or Brady) has to do is THROW HIM THE BALL! Even Gronk can't catch a pass not thrown to him. Remember that one handed juggling catch he made in the end zone for a touchdown? HE'S your replacement for Aaron Hernandez. He's also very versatile, a Belichick favorite, who can line up in the backfield or split wide ala Gronk. Give him a chance and he's sure to become a fan favorite...and take some heat off Gronk now and then.
Last jab at Wes Welker...I've already mentioned that Belichick didn't like him being a media hound and told him so more than once. Well Welker still thinks it's okay which drew the ire of Peyton Manning. Welk said the loss was embarrassing. Manning replied, "I would never use that word. There's a lot of professional football players in that locker room that put in a lot of hard work into being here, playing in this game. The word embarrassing is an insulting word, to tell you the truth."
Welker doesn't want to get on Manning's bad side, but then again, he's not our problem anymore.
And speaking of defense.....Our young Celtics head coach seems to be finding himself with more and more players who CAN play defense. We all know about Avery Bradley, one of the best in the entire NBA, and now Danny's gone out and got him Chris Johnson, free agent 6'6" swing man, who not only plays great "lock down" defense but is a 44% shooter from 3-point land.
Assistant coach, Walter McCarty says, "When he's in the game we're much more aggressive defensively. He hits the floor, he gets his hands on a lot of loose balls and does things that really spark our guys. His play just seems to rub off on the rest of the team."
Johnson, who won't turn 24 until April 29th, just signed his second 10 day contract and, unless there's something we don't know about, should sign a full contract with the Celts soon. He's shown he's a hard worker, knows how to play the game and can be an inspiration to the team. Sounds an awful lot like an old time Celtic that Red Auerbach would want around. Like Danny Ainge.
Johnson's first (and few) words to the press were, "I think that every time you're on the court you should give it your very best effort. That means 100%, like...everything you've got. That's the way I intend to play. I just want to help the team win."
Quick note on the Red Sox...As long as we're talking about defense, has anybody noticed that Ben Charrington and coach Farrell are looking to shore up their defense? Signing Drew to play shortstop may help but I still feel that rookie, Bogartis can do the job there and I like Middlebrook at 3rd. (or maybe even as a fill in at 1st.)
Behind the plate (for the future, or sooner) there is Christian Vasquez who played Double A ball last year throwing out 48% of would-be base stealers. Last spring he threw out all five runners who attempted to steal. With two 37 year old catchers (A.J. Pierzinski and David Ross) I'd think the Sox have definite plans for this young rifle-armed kid.....Stay tuned
TRIVIA questions of the day.....Of the numbers retired by the Red Sox, the first two were done on the same day. Who were they?
Also...The Sox haven't retired Babe Ruth's number. Why won't they?