Celtics start off season in Win Column

They raised championship banner # 17 at the Garden tonight. It was an emotional night for the green as Paul Pierce tried to hold back tears while carrying the Trophy tonight. Paul soon composed himself and scored 11 points in the first quarter. He led the Celtics with 27 points. Leon Powe looked fantastic scoring 13 off the bench. Tony Allen continued his great preseason play scoring 11. Rajon Rondo played great even though getting beat up and tossed around all night long. Kevin Garnett played great defense and chipped in with 11 points also. I know it's only the first game but this team looks ready to take another title. The bench looks strong and Paul Pierce looks as good as ever. I say the Celtics beat the Hornets to advance the Championship. A rematch against the Lakers with the same out come and we see banner 18 raised a year from now.

Hot Rams fizzle out in Foxborough

The St. Louis Rams come into town this week. They have been hot winning their last two games. The defense has played much better in those two games. There was only one way to go for the defensive unit. New coach Jim Haslett is known for his defensive schemes. The running game certainly helps the defense. Keeping the clock running and the D off the field. But this week, multi purpose back Steven Jackson is out with a quad injury. This is a major boost for New England. Especially now that Rodney Harrison is out for the season. Jackson's absence is a huge hit to the Rams. This will put more pressure on the passing game which Jackson is also a big part of. St. Louis tries to gets him the ball in many different ways by lining him up all over the field. The Patriots should be able to take advantage of a weakened Rams offense. If they can score early and get pressure on Marc Bulger, New England has a chance to win big again this week. Kevin Faulk will need to be a key player for the offense. Will we see more of BenJarvis Green-Ellis after a nice performance late against Denver? He ran with purpose. With Sammy Morris out this week we need some running backs to fill in and run like Green-Ellis did last week. It will only open things up for Matt Cassel in the passing game. Even in a shortened week I think the Pats roll 27-10 at home improving their record to 5 and 2 heading into a make or break stretch of games against the Colts, Bills, Jets, Miami and Steelers. All AFC Conference teams with playoffs hopes, At least for now. They really need to win 3 of 5 to help themselves out. The middle three would be the best scenario for the team against division opponents. I really think the Patriots are playoff bound. Each week Cassel becomes more comfortable and confident. Hopefully New England can find some luck with injuries. They have been a big issue this season.

Patrots turning a Page

The low light of Monday night's pounding of the Denver Broncos was Rodney Harrison being carted off the field. His career in question. He was a leader and game changing player. Harrison was always questioned for his hands. Rodney always seemed to come up with that game ending interception. Even the David Tyree catch in the superbowl was a 100% effort on Harrison's part. He was my favorite player ever to watch play for the Patriots. Always hitting somebody somewhere on the field. It's amazing he played as long and as successful as he did being so aggresive. He never let up. He will be missed on the field and in the lockeroom. Looks like it's Brandon Meriweather's time to shine. He has been playing better as of late. Hopefully he is ready to fill in and become a solid pro. Maybe it's time to give John Lynch a call?