I love competition. Most sports fans do and so when fantasy was conceived most sports fans‚ saw their‚ wildest dreams answered. I have never played fantasy before (although next year I’m definitely getting in a football league), but last baseball season I used to play Beat the Streak on MLB.com.

The premise is simple. Each day you pick a player that you think will have a hit that day. The site shows you the pitching/hitting match up and you choose who, it can be any player in the league, you think will produce a hit. One hit- that’s all you need. The next day you do the same thing. You can pick a different player everyday if you want. There is really no restrictions to who you pick, just that you have to pick someone. Your streak continues until the player you selected doesn’t produce a hit and then your streak ends and you start all over again. The objective is to have a streak of 57 games. The MLB hit streak was set in 1941 and is 56 games.

It may seem easy, but trust me folks- it isn’t. There are all different strategies to try: riding a hot player, basing it on who is pitching that day, where the game is being played, etc. There is always something that causes your streak to combust. It can be frustrating and addicting. Plus who doesn’t want to win a million dollars?

Well, it’s not quite baseball season yet, although spring training is looming, so today I decided to start playing ESPN’s Streak for the Cash. It is the same concept except there are random games with random questions asked. Will this player score more than this player? Who will score first? You start building a streak and with the goal of a 27 pick streak by the end of March.

The whole thing seems like it was stolen a bit from MLB.com, which I believe offered their version before ESPN came out with theirs, but fun nonetheless. I like the fact that it features many sports situations and you don’t have to play every day-you can pick and choose as you please.

So here I go. Wish me luck! Let me know- have you played before? What is your highest streak?

I wrote this earlier this week and planned on posting it this afternoon. Looks like me and the Sox are too late. Is Manny next? What are the Sox planning on doing now? There are too many questions at this point and all we can do is watch it play out…

When I’m not thinking about the Pats, it’s a safe bet to make that I’m thinking about the Sox, which inevitably means that I’m thinking about the Yankees. I am in no way against buying buyers. People spout off that sports are a business and it’s true. This is especially true with baseballs soft salary cap. The soft cap allows for consumption without a lot of thinking. Do I pick A or B? That is a question that would come up in football. BOTH is the answer of a powerful and wealthy MLB team. Sabathia and Burnett were clearly two of the big names on the market this off-season and so that the fact that they are donning pinstripes before Christmas doesn’t shock me.

Is it scary? Yes, in some ways. The Yankees have improved their rotation ten fold. My take? That is a lot of money to pay a playoff bust and injury prone righty. What about their aging bats? That’s where I worry even more. Reports have been circulating that the Yankees are in the market for Teixeira and Manny.

The Yankees have gotten much better in their first two acquisitions of the year. Maybe I’m biased but I would still take a playoff dominant Beckett over playoff bust‚ Sabathia and a healthy Jon Lester over on the beach Burnett. What makes me nervous is the thought of the Yankees going out and picking up Teixeira (A) or Ramirez (B). Wait- this is the MLB. What about BOTH?

In Theo’s hands the Sox are in a good position. But it is a playoff race from the game one when you play in the AL East. I believe the Sox should, and will, counter with a big offer for Teixeira because clearly Manny ain’t coming back. Sign Lowe to the rotation and I’m confident. Without a big signing of a big bat? I’m not sure where we will be.

We have the homegrown talent, Pedroia, Youk and Papelbon, but now is the time to take advantage that we have the money to sign a guy like Teixeira. We have a good system and hefty funds. Let’s use ‘em- BOTH.

Teixeira has gone to the Yankees for 8 years and‚ 180 million dollars, according to baseball sources within ESPN.

Red Sox fans weep.

The future is in our hands, but also in the hands of the Jets, Seahawks, Dolphins, Chiefs, Ravens, Cowboys and the Jags. It’s not the best feeling to think that it is possible for us to go 11-5 and still not make the playoffs, but it’s the truth.

At this point, the wild card is our shining beacon of hope. We need the Ravens to lose a game and win out to get the coveted card. The Ravens are playing a desperate and driven Cowboys team next week. The Boys have been surrounded by so much controversy in the past week, which shouldn’t really come as a surprise. Who really thought it would be roses and smiles for more than a year with TO on the team? Did you think the “bromance” of Romo and TO would last? Nah, I didn’t think so. Drama aside the Cowboys beat the Giants handedly and now have the momentum to hopefully beat the Ravens at home.

The Pats must also beat the Cardinals and the Bills. It‚ should happen, but it might not. It makes it all the more nerve-racking, sickening and fun. I wish we had the tiebreaker then I would really be having a good time.‚ 

I really need to stop thinking about the Pats- over and over and over. I will call my boyfriend to throw out a scenario on my way home from work. I have x’s and o’s in my brain. I will now understand tiebreaker rules for the rest of my life. It’s times like these where I wish I loved the Celtics and Bruins more. But alas that isn’t the case. Diagnosis: Football Fever. Damn, I love the NFL.

What do you think? Will the Pats make it?

You know the saying, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”? Well you might as well write that on the Pats locker room message board, stitch it on the back of their jerseys and have a blimp carry the message over Gillette. That is now the official slogan of the Pats. The going has
certainly gotten tough. The good news? The Pats are pretty damn tough.

Sunday’s game was a hard one to watch unfold. The first quarter looked great and the second quarter wasn’t even too bad. Watching Gostkowski shank the field goal attempt and leave it tied going into the second half should have been a sign. One of the announcers stated that the Pats haven’t won a game this season when they haven’t been winning at the half. I refused to believe- I was feeling pretty good.

You know the rest. Interceptions, fumbles and dropped balls. I continued to believe when Slater fumbled. I continued to believe the first and second time the ball was stripped out of Cassel’s throwing arm. Once‚ Troy Polamalu put the proverbial nail in the coffin, I left the room.

The game was a must win. But we didn’t win it and that is when as a football fan you put your rational hat on and realize what could come. Pats fans haven’t had to do this in years, but they now have to face the facts: we may make the playoffs, but we may not.

The Pats have played all but one of their six divisional games. They only have Buffalo left. The rest of the division still has two games to mix up the standings. The AFC East is close. One divisional game could change the standings. What the Pats need are Miami and Buffalo to show up when they play the team to beat, the Jets. If they win, they only put the Pats in a better position.

Well there is a positive. Here is a negative. The Pats play the best team of all of the teams left to play, playing Arizona in week 15. Buffalo plays Denver in the same week, but look at the Jets schedule: San Fran, Buffalo, Seattle and Miami. It is easy to see them winning them all.

It’s been an uphill battle this year and even without the laundry list of players that are hurt including Brady, Harrison, Thomas, Maroney, there are still four games left and a great team playing them. The Pats have heart and they also have an “us against the world” mentality. Something they have had, not since Brady as many might believe, but since Belichick put on the gray hoodie.

There is also hope of a wild-card spot, but at this point in the season, when the division is winnable, that is the goal. Playoffs are a fresh start and if the Pats get there I would put good money on them. The trick is: getting there.

So last time I came out about even. This could be the wildest NFL season that I have ever seen and I wouldn’t have it any other way. That said it doesn’t bode well for any kind of picks. Let’s see if I can better my score.

Titans v. Detroit: Titans Happy Thanksgiving! You once again get to watch the Lions get stomped on. At this point it is as much of a tradition as turkey and stuffing.

Seahawks v. Cowboys: Cowboys

Cardinals v. Eagles: Cardinals

Ravens v. Bengals: Ravens

49ers v. Bills: Bills

Panthers v. Packers: Panthers

Saints v. Bucs: Saints

Giants v. Redskins: Giants

Colts v. Browns: Colts

Dolphins v. Rams: Dolphins

Falcons v. Chargers: Falcons

Steelers v. Pats: Pats

Chiefs v. Raiders: Raiders

Broncos v. Jets: Broncos

Bears v. Vikings: Bears

Jaguars v. Texans: Texans

I never make picks. I am so superstitious that I always feel like I’m jinxing whichever team I pick to win. But what can you do? I thought I would step up and see how I fare. Here they are: some have commentary, some don’t. I’m shooting for a winning record- that is my only goal.

Side note: I hate spreads. A win is a win in my book. I have no bookie and so there will be no spread. I’ve decided I’m a‚ sports purist.

Denver v. Cleveland:‚ Denver The Broncos are a pretty solid team offensively. Defense is another story. But with Quinn getting the nod and officially playing his first NFL game,‚  I don’t think‚ Denver‚ will have to worry too much. I’m thinking that Denver will establish an early lead and Quinn will have trouble carrying his team to a victory.

New Orleans‚ v. Atlanta: New Orleans‚ This is a big divisional game for the two NFC‚ South teams. I’m thinking NO pulls out the win and makes things even more interesting. That said:‚ I would love to see the Falcons win it and potentially be tied for the lead. If one team deserves some fun, it’s ATL fans.

Tennessee v. Chicago: Tennessee The only team still without a loss and playing a potentially banged up (sprained ankle) Orton or a healthy Grossman. I’m not sure which is worse.

Jacksonville v. Detroit: Jacksonville This could be an ugly game. The Lions picked up Culpepper and are grasping at straws for some kind of spark. I don’t think it’s their week- again.

Seattle v. Miami: Unfortunately Miami

Green Bay v. Minnesota: Green Bay‚  After a tough loss last week to the Titans, I can see the Pack playing hard for the win especially against their rival. If it was at home I would have said definitely a win, but on the road I think it will be close.

Buffalo v. New England: New England The Pats lost last week because of‚ their coaching and‚ a‚ game changing penatly‚ by a tight end who really brings nothing to the field. Sorry- checking my bitterness…

It‚ is a showdown in the AFC East. Man, I haven’t said that in a while. The‚ Pats need to win at home before they travel‚ north‚ for their rematch later‚ in the year. This is stage setting for when it‚ really may be for the divison crown.‚ GO PATS!

St. Louis v. New York Jets: St. Louis

Baltimore v. Houston: Baltimore

Carolina v. Oakland: Carolina

Indianapolis v. Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh Big Ben has been roughed up this season, but the Colts are not‚ the team they have been. This should be a great game to watch, but I think it’s Pittsburgh’s to lose.

Kansas City v. San Diego: San Diego

New York Giants v. Philadelphia: Philly‚  Loss number two has to be coming soon and it’s gonna be Philly handing it to the Giants. I can feel it. At least I hope I can.

San Francisco v. Arizona: Arizona Kurt Warner will lead his team to victory with 4 TDs. Okay- that is to appease one person I know that has Warner on his fantasy team. But I do expect Warner to bring it home.

In a mere couple of hours, I will be heading out of town for the weekend. In my bag are the usuals for any weekend getaway with one additional item: my Patriots jersey. A Vrabel home jersey. It’s two sizes too big and‚ fits perfectly over a huge Pats sweatshirt which‚ will keep me warm this weekend‚ during‚ the Pats game‚ at Gillette.

I also have a Bruschi jersey and back in the day I had three Bledsoe jerseys.

As for the Sox, I like to rock the Papelbon, Lowell and Ortiz player tees. I think that‚ Lester may be a good additional to the collection.

I think‚ what jersey you wear says a lot‚ about you.‚ Let’s size up the jersey scene.

Home or Away? Please. Home. Always home. Let’s assume that if you love your team, 7 times out of 10 you are currently living in the area in which they play. If you attend games, where you would certainly be wearing a jersey, they would be playing at home. I buy home jerseys, but I know it can get tricky. Baseball fans would arugue‚ that player jerseys don’t have the name on the back of home jerseys. But they do have numbers, which if you are a fan, you should be able to recognize as easily as a name.

Pink? Don’t get me started on pink, camo, pastels and any color that doesn’t accurately reflect the team that you are supporting. There is a reason that no professional team wears pink, let’s keep it that way. Note: If you are a die-hard Timlin fan, camo is acceptable.

Just signed players: A true don’t. I like to give players at least a couple of years before I hop on the fan train. Don’t get me wrong it’s important to support young players, but how much do you regret your purchase when you are wearing a bench players jersey for the next few years. Don’t believe the hype until they are locked in.

Traded players or retired players: Acceptable- depending on who the player is.‚ Williams, Armstrong,‚ Pesky, Bird,‚ McHale and Bourke‚ are obviously perfect choices. They were important and respected players in their respective sports. But sometimes it can get a little blurry. Vinatieri,‚ Ty Law or Damon?‚ Has that player ever scorned the team? Asked for more money and then left? Talked smack and then jumped ship? Or even worse, said they would never leave and then packed up and‚ found themselves in‚ the rivals dugout?‚ You may want to think twice. Jerseys are expensive and I understand not being able to buy a new one every time someone is traded, retires or gets injured, but think twice before throwing on a jersey that might create more of a stir than your looking for.

Blurry line: Manny Ramirez

So what do you think? What jersey do you wear? Do you have any preferences? Is there anything that I missed when judging whether or not to wear a certain style or player? And would you, if you had previously owned one, still wear your Manny jersey at Friendly Fenway?

*Disclaimer: I am watching Monday night football. I started this post at 8:29. I will probably be done at the end of the forth. If my writing becomes sloppy or my tone becomes frustrated, I apologize in advance.

The Sox are done. The 2008 campaign has ended. It was hard to watch in more ways than I can tell you. Watching Dustin Pedroia in the dugout looking like someone told him that he would never play again made every Sox fan pain inside. Of course he will play again- next year really isn’t too far away- but players like Pedroia don’t think like this.

Same goes‚ for die-hard fans. Red Sox Nation. ‚ A group of fans that love their team and didn’t buy their jerseys within the past three weeks. A group of fans who know their players stats and miss work to breathe the Fenway air.

I hate to lose. The feeling in your chest when you are watching the team that you have watched all year slowly drift into the offseason can’t be described. The season started with me rolling out of bed at 6a.m. and watching the Sox start the season in Japan. It ended with my head in my hands.

What does a fan do?‚ 

1.‚ Be grateful that we have the chance to watch our team consistently have a chance to make a playoff run.

2.‚ Look at our future. Papelbon, Pedroia, Youk, Ellsbury, Masterson, Lester, Daisuke. We are young and talented. Every fan that says we pay for our players. But our system is solid and we have young players with huge potential.

3. Watch the Sox make off-season moves. We need a Manny-esque hitter. Someone we will play big bucks and someone we can count on. A starting pitcher and a stronger bullpen.

4. Take your head out of hands. Don’t watch ESPN for the next two weeks. Throw all of you heart into the Pats, Celtics and Bruins. Spring training is only one New England winter away.

The Pats are not a topic that I like to speak about as of late. My diehard passionate rants have been muted. I love Sundays, but now I wish they had more Monday night games (only one this year) so that I can have stress free weekends.

Now that is a hard statement to write out. Many people would love to say I can’t handle times when they get rough. You have to love your team win or lose. And I do, I was a fan before Brady or any‚ Super Bowl. It’s a different feeling than I have ever had.‚ It’s not the number of losses; it’s the way they lost.

Yesterday evening I watched the Patriots play with about as much intensity as dish soap. They went through the motions. There was no spark. As the Chargers continued to raise the score, the Pats and I together watched it climb.

The difference?‚ There is no way I could have‚ scored a touchdown, but they could have done something. ‚ I never felt like the team felt the urge to make a comeback, like they rather just finish up and except loss two. The Pats have never been that team. It can’t be the loss of Brady alone. Patriot players have spoke out and said that they know they can get it done. But are their actions speaking way longer than their words?

Watching Cassel was painful. Watching Moss watch Cassel was painful. Watching the defensive line miss‚ tackles‚ hurt. Watching the Chargers throw bombs and having no chance of stopping it hurt.‚ But the fact that there seemed to never be a desire to come back from behind and stomp all over them hurt the most. It may never have been possible, but the idea didn’t even seem to be there.

The only player who played like they wanted to win was Ellis Hobbs, who has quickly become one of my favorite players. The 5’9″‚ cornerback may have one of the toughest jobs on the team and he is the only player that seemed to care after the disgrace of a 4 and out on the San Diego one yard line in the 3rd.

Maybe Wes Welker as well. Everyone else looked like they rather be visiting Brady in the hospital, than winning the game. I do not doubt their intensity to win- every genuine athlete wants to win- I doubt the fact that they believe they even can.

The Pats are now officially being counted out. The Chargers were their chance to show everyone that they were capable. They couldn’t prove it or put the ball in the end zone. I still believe they could make the playoffs, I just think that they need to play with urgency more now then ever. They have played to get by and that hasn’t worked all that well. Now maybe they have nothing to lose. Why not try a fake punt? A flea-flicker? A FIRST DOWN.

Now is the time more than ever to get it done because if they don’t it will be nobody’s fault but theirs.

Why do I hate playing the Angels? Could it be because they have been proclaimed the best team in baseball? Nah. It’s because this girl has a full time job and staying up until 1:30a.m. hurts when it comes time to roll out of bed.

But there is no crying in baseball. So I happily joined Red Sox Nation and watched the game, beginning to the very end. It couldn’t have started in a better way. Here are a few things that were good to see.

1. Lester is a game one pitcher. People may have been nervous and still may be with the fact that Beckett will only pitch once. But Lester can pitch away. Dice-K is perfect on the road. Beckett will have the ball in game three at home. Lester has proved himself once again. Did I mention that he is‚ only‚ 24?

2. Jason Bay. Can I tell everyone how sick-and-tired-I-am-of-talking-about-Manny? I hope‚ Bay’s two-run shot shuts everyone up. We do not have Manny and yes, the team will miss his experience and his power, but why worry about him? Let’s worry about him if and when he has anything to do with our game.

3. The grit. Pedroia is known for his do anything attitude and big swings, but I love Ellsbury right now. He is a fan favorite, well with female fans,‚ and although he struggled at times this season, his base stealing, line drives and diving grabs are what October baseball are all about. Remember who helped us win in 2004 and not just Manny, Ortiz and Schilling, but also‚ Dave Roberts who‚ got to second and‚ in turn helped us‚ bring it home.

4. What they brought: an inability to get the runs when they needed them, Vlad’s base‚ running and a praised bullpen that didn’t impress.

It was a good start. I believe in jynxing so I don’t want to get cocky. I’m starting to think that‚ my confidence about the 2008 Pats singlehandly tore Brady’s ACL and then decided for good measure to yank on his MCL.

So it’s the waiting game until tomorrow night. I think I’ll go grab a cup of coffee…

Number 6 is going to be the number of the weekend, according to The Boston Globe. The Globe is reporting, as is the Herald, that the Sox will be retiring Johnny Pesky’s number over the weekend. I checked out the official Sox page and there are no press releases/statements yet, so I’m not sure when it’s going to happen, but the Fenway Faithful will be happy to welcome – officially- Pesky to the right-field facade.

That’s it. The Pats need to reevaluate everything. But it isn’t just Cassel, who played decently until his defense let Ronnie Brown run all over them-not really over because no one ever touched him- more like around them. Cassel isn’t the best, but his team needs to step up and play better to support him. How can you let the Miami offense beat you? Let’s just say Belichick won’t be happy and it’s going to be a long bye week for the team and for fans.

Don Orsillo is a great play-by-play guy and a Northeastern alum. He knows his stuff and never gets too over the top like his more famous other half and color man, Jerry Remy. It’s music to my ears when he calls a big play… Papi swings- wow look at that power- this ball is outta here- there is no chance- it’s gone- Ortiz ties it up and the Red Sox are looking for a victory… Or a double play. Or a strikeout, other team of course. Orsillo is a top notch announcer.

Well lucky for Red Sox fans because someone has regonized his annnoucing genius, again, and he will be bringing his voice and knowledge to playoff action.

Check it out

A busy birthday week- yes the big 22- took me a little out of the huddle. But I’m back. The Patriots won on Sunday as everybody knows and was shocked to hear.

The Pats were the underdog for some godforsaken reason. Wait,‚ what?‚ Compare the two teams. New England is stronger is every aspect. Compare the players in each position. New England wins. Maybe not QB. I am the first to admit that the QB is one of the most important positions on the team- but it certainly isn’t the only one. Cassell isn’t a dead-beat. He knows the playbook. The Jets barely beat the terrible Dolphins. Brett Favre knows 75 percent‚ of the playbook.

I mean the list is so long it would take me two hours to write out. But it doesn’t matter. They won and analysts everywhere wished they had thought once or twice before hopping on the J-E-T-S bandwagon.

Prediction: Jets don’t make the playoffs.

Now let’s talk baseball. With Brady mayhem it seems that we may have forgotten that Boston is a self-proclaimed baseball town. The Sox are back at it. Winning, or demolishing, the Rays last night putting them in‚ tie for first. Beckett is pitching tonight and‚ is pitching to win.‚ 

If they lose, it won’t kill their chances of taking the AL East crown. Not even close.‚ But a win would give them the momentum- the energy they need- to take off and never look back. The elements seem to be in place. With the pitching and‚ hitting (Pedroia MVP?) both in a comfortable place.

Watching the game last night took me out of my Pats frenzy for a few hours. Part of that was because they hit the Rays under the table. It was also because the race is on and the Sox look like they are capable of getting it- again- without too much drama. That happened two months again. Manny anyone?

So here is my‚ medical advice‚ for any Pats fan who may‚ be thinking a bit too much, studying analysis‚ until midnight and scouring rumor websites hoping that it was some kind of Coach B joke.‚ Sit back and watch the Sox.‚ for minute and remember we DO have a playoff team in Boston. The team we all love, but temporarily forgot about as they won games and we were on PatsWatch ’08.

Trust me,‚ it’s the perfect and winning perscription.

The Pats won last night. Everyone seemed to think that the team was destined to go 1-1. Why? I never really understood it.

There is no need to go‚ into the details because we know what happened- Tom Brady is done for the year. An ACL tear took the superstar out of the 2008 season and now we are looking at a season without last years NFL MVP.

So what’s next?

At this point you have to assume not much. Cassel is their man, for the time being. If he doesn’t produce, we go from there. I would predict that the Pats leave him at the wheel, unless something totally unacceptable happens, until the early bye week. Jets, Dolphins and bye. Then we reevaluate.

Pats fans just have to remember that we have one of the easiest schedules‚ in the NFL and even minus the Brady factor we will have one of the strongest rosters. Remember Randy Moss? Remember Rodney Harrison? It hurts- a lot- but he isn’t our only asset.

No one knows at this point what will happen. But I think Tony Massarotti made a really good point on his new blog at his new home on Boston.com. He says that this may be all up to Bill Belichick.

He says,

Bill Belichick.The mastermind has arguably his greatest challenge. If he can win a title without Brady, he’ll go down as the undisputed Best Coach in History.

I agree and believe it is possible. I also think people are forgetting that Josh McDaniels, the Pats offensive coordinator, has a big task at hand. Cassel knows the system. Rumors have surfaced that the only reason Cassel is around now is because Brady felt most comfortable with him and his knowledge of the playbook. McDaniels job will be to take the playbook and tweak it so it accommodates Cassel. Yes, a Brady playbook may work for Cassel for a game, but it won’t work all season as Cassel doesn’t have the arm or the confidence in the pocket that Brady has.

So we will see. Oh yeah, the Sox are .5 behind the Rays.‚ There is‚ glimmer of sunshine‚ in what seems to be a cloudy New England sky.

Seeing Tom Brady walk off the field hobbling was a painful experience for many fans watching the opener, but the bottom line was that he walked off.

Football fans know: if you walk off, there is a good chance you’re coming back. It looks like that isn’t the case.

Now reports are surfacing that Tom Brady has a season ending ACL tear in his knee and that he is out for the season. At this time, media outlets reporting the injury are season ending are: Yahoo Sports. There no other outlets at this time confirming that the injury will leave him out for the year. Most outlets wont confirm reports until they hear directly from a team official, Brady’s doctor, Belichick or Brady himself.

Currently, NBC is reporting that Brady has a MRI scheduled for tomorrow. It is then when there will be confirmation.

But what is without a doubt is that Brady will not be suited up for the next several games. With that, there is a considerable hole in the Pats lineup. While Cassel is the man at the helm, the Pats are not likely to settle with Cassel until they explore their options. There are reports that Chris Sims is being looked at.

The bottom line is that there is a chance- a good chance, according to reports- that Brady won’t be back. This means an intensified running game- which luckily won’t be hard with four good RBs- and a defense that will need to make sure that the opponent has few opportunities to advance the ball. No more shotgun play and no quick runs down the field. The Patriots will be playing defensive football on every side of the ball.

Brady is the cornerstone of the Patriots. Without him questions arise: What happens to Moss? Can Cassel handle the pressure? The list goes on and on.

At this time nothing is confirmed, but its not looking good.

As I sit here and watch the first football game of the season, I’m hoping for a Skins victory and an embarrassing loss for the Giants. I’m waiting for the comeback as it’s currently 16-7 Giants in the 3rd. But more than I’m wishing for a game one loss for the team that stole our perfect season, I am wishing for Sunday. On Sunday it’s official. Fire up the grill and put on that blue jersey because the New England Patriots are back for 2008.

At the beginning of any season, fans have questions. Sometimes they are questions out of concern and sometimes they are questions out of excitement and most of the time they are purely questions out of curiosity.

Well, I have some questions and here they are: my five questions heading in to the new season.

Q: Is Brady really hurt? If he is or is unable to play, who would fill his shoes?

No, Brady isn’t hurt. Blunt? Maybe. True? Yes. Coach Belichick loves to win. We witnessed this in the infamous Spygate scandal and I think that he might do just about anything to win. But what is the one thing that Coach B. just doesn’t care about winning? Preseason games. Brady not playing preseason games shouldn’t shock anyone. What would shock me and the rest of the football community is if he didn’t suit up against the Chiefs.

Brady has been on the injury report every week since the 2005 Super Bowl. Belichick doesn’t believe in injury reports and loves to spite just about everyone by placing the perfectly healthy superstar on the list. This week is the first time since that 2005 Super Bowl that Brady hasn’t been on the list. I mean, either Belichick is playing minds games or he knows without a fraction of a doubt that Brady will be on the field.

But let’s just say that he doesn’t play. Who would fill his shoes? I think they would go with Cassel. They always do. And then he gets picked off and fans curse the television. If I were wearing the grey hoodie, I might just put in the rookie. O’Connell may be new, but at least he is fresh. But I suspect that this question won’t have to be answered.

Q: The AFC East has undergone a serious facelift over the offseason. Will this plastic surgery affect the juggernaut Pats?

A: Oh yeah. Favre, an all time great, is leading the Jets, the Dolphins have been redesigned by Parcells and the Bills- well the cold weather is always tough. Changes have made the division more complicated and in my opinion there are no longer any definite win games, games that we may have counted on in the past.

Q: Asante Samuel is with the Eagles and Ellis Hobbs is our strongest cornerback. Should I be nervous?

A: Sometimes it hard to get nervous when you’re a Pats fan. I think we may have been brainwashed into thinking that if we have a weak spot in the roster- the coaches have a secret plan which will leave us dumbfounded but happy when it all works out. This leaves us believing that we have no flaws. Some see it as cockiness, but I swear we are just sipping the Belichick Kool Aid.

But yes, my friend, the cornerback spot seems weak. Hobbs has been in the league for four years, but lacks the size and the experience of many other league cornerbacks. Here are our other CBs: Lewis Sanders, Terrence Wheatley, Jonathon Wilhite and the newly added Deltha O’Neal. Yep- there seem to be no go-to guys. No interception machines and big play guys like Samuel. What can you do? Watch and see. Just don’t stop sipping the juice.

Q: The Giants exploited the Pats’ offensive line during the Bowl last year. Can the line continue to give Brady the time he needs?

A: Yes. The Giants tore us apart- that’s hard to type- but the line still has it. With players such as Light, Koppen and Kaczur, I feel confident to say they will continue to block the way they always have. Brady is known for having time and I think it will stay that way. Let’s hope that injuries don’t plague us: O’Neal is currently on the PUP list.

Q: The Pats signed veteran safety John Lynch only to drop him less than two weeks later. What?!?!

A: The Patriots are the team where players come to prove themselves. No, I’m (Junior Seau) not too old. No, I’m (Randy Moss) not washed up. Here’s Belichick’s statement:

“It goes without saying, but John is an all-time great safety, one of the league’s classiest professionals and his elite play speaks for itself. As has been the case in other situations, I would not rule anything out down the road.”

Yeah, he’s coming back…

Those are my questions and my answers. Now, here is the biggest question of all: Are YOU ready for some football?

I’m not a big fan of over the top introductions. The whole sit in a circle and act like you couldn’t be more excited to tell everyone your NAME and your MAJOR and your FAVORITE COLOR thing has always been my worse nightmare. So I’m gonna skip the big welcome and just say this…

Nothing makes me happier than sports, sports coverage and Sundays in the fall. I grew up in a family who talked sports, played sports and understood sports. I followed their lead. So welcome- officially and with no silly games- to my blog, Girl in the Huddle (GITH.)

It is here where you will get to read my rants, raves, complaints, applauds and everything in between. The boys in red, blue and silver are the loves of my life. Since ’93 when Bledsoe was drafted and I was in the second grade, I have been the ultimate fan. The Sox come in a close second followed by the Bruins. Growing up in Vermont I played ice hockey for many years and one time I took on shot on Bruins’ goaltender Tim Thomas at a UVM event. The Celtics have a spot in my heart too, I suppose, but it’s only a small green dot on a otherwise blue and red organ.

So here I am. Comments are welcome and are only better for furthering the discussion. I’m never wrong, as my family and friends would be happy to tell everyone, but I love a good debate. Plus, it’s way better to debate on a nice forum like this than at a bar where I can’t clearly articulate my thoughts. Trust me, my thoughts are way better in writing.

Welcome to GITH!

P.S. I love Drew Bledsoe. Always have, always will.