I understand the frustration concerning New England’s injury woes. With Gronkowski finished, and Woodhead potentially out of the lineup, a dark cloud has been cast over an offense that, just last night, started nine white players (Brady, Welker, Gronkowski, Woodhead, Solder, Mankins, Connolly, Wendell, and Vollmer).
Below is an encouraging update I read at “Musket Fire.com” concerning Woodhead’s thumb/wrist injury. During the game last night, I noticed Woodhead casually sitting on the bench, laughing and smiling with teammates. Perhaps his injury was indeed merely a sprain and his absence was precautionary?
Danny Woodhead sustained an injury to his left thumb during the opening drive. He was seen on the sidelines with an ice pack, and it sounds like his injury isn’t serious. Even though the Pats have another top receiving back in Shane Vereen can do some of what Woodhead does, Woodhead’s pass blocking in the backfield would be missed as well as the clutch dimension he brings to the Patriots. Vereen has plenty of talent, but I still think Woodhead is the better player. Beyond that, it sucks to see a guy hurt, especially a player like Woodhead.
Offensively, the “silver lining” for the 2012 Patriots could be Wes Welker carrying the squad past the Ravens (he caught 10 balls for 142 yards against them in September) in the AFC Championship Game, dominating in the Superbowl game, then finally getting signed to a much-deserved multi-year deal with New England. With the elimination of the Broncos, Packers, Vikings, and Texans, along with an injury to the most physically dominant TE in NFL history…the scenario presented above could be a fine substitute. With his Franchise Tag expiring, this could be Welker’s final opportunity to win a ring and I hope he can do so in a brilliant, dominating, DWF-perplexing manner…
CAPTION: Welker’s Burns Negro for 47-Yard Bomb
Defensively, it should be noted that starting DE Chandler Jones re-injured his ankle, and therefore, Trevor Scott could become the starter opposite of Rob Ninkovich, or at least split time with Jermaine Cunningham. Speaking of Ninkovich, how nice was his interception last night? Jim Nantz, the NFL’s premiere commentator, was highly complementary of him (as he has been all season), saying that Ninkovich receives no respect despite the fact that he makes the most big plays for New England’s defense, lead the team in sacks and forced fumbles by a wide margin, etc…
CAPTION: “Big Play Ninkovich” Secures Interception
As Foobar75 and others have mentioned, the Ravens have played well against the Patriots, with many close contests throughout the years. Anquan Bolden, one of the slowest receivers in the NFL, has been dominant in the playoffs. Torry Smith is one of the few black NFL receivers with legitimate straight-line speed and ability to create separation. Dennis Pitta is a future superstar at the tight end position. Kruger and Ellerbe are quality linebackers and Terrell “Thunder Thighs” Suggs can apply good pressure at times. Given how poorly the Patriots have played against the Ravens this year, and during last year’s AFC title game, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Corporate Media’s desire for Ray Lewis to play in the Superbowl came to fruition...
CAPTION: Lewis Weeping After Broncos Game
For the NFC, of course, I think we’d all prefer Atlanta to defeat “Bug-Eyed Wigger Jim,” his unsightly, tattooed, muscle-kissing, stringbean black quarterback, and his tar-drizzled team featuring three white starters (RG Alex Boone, LT Joe Staley, and DE Justin Smith) out of twenty two.
CAPTION: Krapernick Kisses His Tiny Bicep
To see the Negro-infused “Harbaugh Daughters” fail in the AFC / NFC title games, once again, is reason enough to watch.