You read it where I wrote it…
I don’t know how any Patriots fan couldn’t be impressed with rookie quarterback Mac Jones. Even in a 17-16 loss to the Miami Dolphins, where admittedly he wasn’t perfect, one would come away with tremendous optimism for the Patriots’ future. For me it wasn’t as much about the passes he threw, or drives that stalled in the red zone for various reasons. It was how he handled himself while throwing out of the pocket.
He stood tall, went through his progressions, and delivered the ball with great confidence. And he showed a level of toughness not many QBs have. (Watch the TD pass to Nelson Agholor.) Mac Jones is good at things that coaches can’t teach a player. This season just got MUCH more interesting.
--I think if the Red Sox win 90 games but don’t earn an AL Wild Card spot, it will be hard for me to convince myself this wasn’t a successful season.
--I do think Alex Cora should be aggressive in playing his best players down the stretch. Rest in three weeks.
--The Monday Night Football alternate broadcast featuring Peyton and Eli Manning was pretty good for a maiden voyage. They had guests like Charles Barkley, Ray Lewis, Travis Kelce and Russell Wilson. Mixing in current NFL players watching an ongoing NFL game is something I’d like more of. Eli is boring but Peyton is fantastic. And, you learn something while watching. Count me in.
--I’m calling this week’s Eastern Michigan vs. UMass game. 3:30 p.m. on NESN. You at least have to see what I’m wearing.
--Through one week of the NFL season I am ready to make these proclamations:
1) Urban Meyer WILL coach the full year as the head man of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
2) The Detroit Lions will be the worst team in the NFL this year.
3) With the way Dak Prescott has to play because of his defense, he will either be MVP or injured again this season.
4) The Green Bay Packers will still be good.
5) Mac Jones will win Rookie of The Year.
--I love that new Celtics point guard Dennis Schroder made fun of himself on Instagram by celebrating his 28th birthday with a joke about how he turned down an $84 million contract from the Lakers last season. He will make just under $6 million this season.
--3 random NFL thoughts:
1) First, the New Orleans Saints are playing home games on the road after the region was hit by Hurricane Ida. Now they’re dealing with a Covid outbreak. Lock in Pats -1 with your favorite sportsbook NOW for the Week 3 matchup.
2) I think Colts kicker Rodrigo Blankenship is the NFL’s most interesting man.
3) The Cleveland Browns will never break through the glass ceiling.
--For those who listen to ‘Gresh & Keefe’, yes, I am that picky an eater. FORMER FAT GUY NOTE:
Arby’s is the best fast food establishment on earth. And I’m not a massive fan of their famous curly fries. Tremendous shakes, massive sandwiches.
--Happy 17th birthday to my youngest, Jack. I got him tickets to UFC in NYC because I’m cool.
--Thanks to Rob Bradford for allowing me to spew my B.S. each week.
Gresh is co-host of ‘Gresh & Keefe’ 10a-2p, Monday-Friday on the WEEI Sports Radio Network. He is also co-author of ‘The Great Book of Boston Sports Lists.’
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