John Rooke - Thinking Out Loud

Saturday, August 06, 2011

John Rooke, GoLocalProv Sports Editor

Thinking Out Loud…while wondering whatever happened to the good ol’ days of baking in the sun out at Bryant College…

• Do NFL players really know what’s best? As a part of the new CBA with ownership, there is a distinct reduction in the number of practices IN full pads. What do you think the injury rate will be this season? Any more or less than usual?

• It’s been said before, but it’s worth repeating here…that we don’t root for players, we don’t cheer for players, we don’t support players. We, as fans, root/cheer/support laundry. Anyone who thinks anything else is a family member of that player…

• How else do you explain Albert Haynesworth? Chad Ochocinco, I get. He’s funny, witty and engaging…even if he is a bit of a wack job. But Haynesworth? How many people have stood up for him to say he’s a guy they want on their side?

• Personality traits aside, I’ll stand up for Haynesworth – the football player. Watching Albert and Vince Wilfork line up side-by-side this past week has been nothing short of phenomenal. Playing a 4-3 is a no-brainer, to get those guys on the field together. If I’m an opposing center or guard, I’m having sleepless nights before I face the Patriots, wondering about the beating I’ll get…

• The Patriots’ defense is already better than last year by far, with not only Haynesworth up front, but with the return of Leigh Bodden in the backfield. Bodden and Devin McCourty already have a good rapport with each other, and don’t be surprised if one (or both) get Pro Bowl nods. But they had better invite the Wilfork and Haynesworth families to come along, too…

• Not for nuthin’…but Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez look better than they did last year. They are real offensive weapons…

• The upset of training camp will be if Kevin Faulk or Sammy Morris make this team. One might. Both? No chance…not with two rookie draft choices at the position. But injuries bear watching in this battle…

• Big East football media day this week had more media members attend from around the league – and the country – than ever before. Interest in college football may be at an all time high, and with TCU joining the league next year, coverage may soon be better. Which means more $$$...

• Now, it may or may not mean more $$$ for PC, but any big deal is a good deal for the Friar athletic department, and that includes further conference expansion. They don’t share in football money, but you’re familiar with the phrase “rising tides fill all boats?”

• A prediction – Villanova does NOT join as a Big East football partner, which will mean that another school gets asked to the party. Leading the parade for entrance is Central Florida, but don’t discount Houston. Or even Army and Navy…

• And time for a plug…former Patriot Pete Brock joins me again this season on the radio for the Big East/IMG College Network Game of the Week, also streamed free at http://www.bigeast.tv. Our kickoff is September 16 for Iowa State at UConn…

• Alex Rodriguez playing cards at illegal poker games? Just another sign that the rich and famous are often very bored, if you ask me…

• The Sox and Yankees SHOULD be right where they are, considering not just their payrolls, but the players that they have. They’re just better. But if the Sox can’t figure out a way to beat Yankees’ pitching, then there’s something wrong. Bartolo Colon? What, Andre the Giant wasn’t available?

• Tiger’s back? Yawn. Wake me when he gets close to winning again, which might be awhile…

• A case of college athletics crying “uncle?” The NCAA says it’s ready to consider de-regulating some forms of communication between coaches and recruits…

• Speaking of communication…someone ought to explain the rules to the powers-that-be at North Carolina. This week, the chancellor of the university committed an NCAA violation by discussing a recruit who had not signed a letter of intent with the local newspaper…a recruit who just happened to also be the son of the football coach he fired last week…

• Virginia Tech’s first football practice of the pre-season was delayed this week because of reports of a gunman on campus. Blacksburg, VA gets a bad rap – it may be in the middle of nowhere, but the campus is beautiful, and the people are great…

• It’s been 10 years now since the Patriots trained in Rhode Island, out at then-Bryant College in Smithfield. Few places to hide and get into the shade, but the access to players was always great. There were a lot of bad teams training there over the years…but a lot of loyal fans cared less…

• The mailbag question this week comes from Robert in Seattle, WA: “What is your take on the running back/fullback situation at practice? I am more curious on the draft picks we have gotten this year, but I truly miss having that security that can be in the pocket with Brady.” Robert, it’s a legit question…but when the Patriots have been in single-back sets, usually the tight end is left back to block where a fullback might have once been. And all Patriot backs are asked to block…if they can’t, then they don’t last very long around here…

• Interested in having your questions on local RI sports (including the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics) answered in a somewhat timely fashion? Send ‘em to me! It’s your chance to “think out loud,” so send your questions and comments to [email protected]. We’ll share mailbag comments/Facebook posts/Tweets right here! Follow me on Twitter, too @jrooke0722…