good or not good, hard to say

The New England Patriots are the first NFL team to partner with its respective state Lottery to create an instant ticket.

Just this past week, the NFL owners agreed to let teams work with their state lottos to develop instant tickets. And New England waited all of a few days to announce they are in the process of developing one that will begin sales prior to this upcoming season.

I am not sure I agree with this partnership. Isn’t this a form of gambling? I mean I am all for state lottery and giving back to communities but couldn’t the Patriots just give money to local communities instead? Seems a round about way to give back, if you are asking people to spend hard to come by money on lotto tickets so the revenue can be given to the community.

Pats 2009 football schedule

The Patriots schedule has been released and unfortunately they are not coming to AZ to play the Cardinals. Luckily, they will be televised enough for me to get to see them. They have the 3rd toughest schedule in the NFL, so I hope they do well.

Here is the Patriots 2009 season schedule:

2009 PRESEASON SCHEDULE
Date Opponent Time Affiliate Network
Thursday, Aug.13 Philadelphia Eagles 7:00 p.m. ET WBZ-TV NEP Preseason Network
Thursday, Aug. 20 Cincinnati Bengals 7:30 p.m. ET WBZ-TV NEP Preseason Network
Friday, Aug. 28 Washington Redskins 8:00 p.m. ET WBZ-TV CBS (Nationally Televised)
Thursday, Sept. 3 New York Giants 7:30 p.m. ET WBZ-TV NEP Preseason Network

2009 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
Date Opponent Time Affiliate Network
Monday, Sept. 14 Buffalo Bills 7:00 p.m. ET WCVB ESPN
Sunday, Sept. 20 @ New York Jets 1:00 p.m. ET WBZ CBS
Sunday, Sept. 27 Atlanta Falcons 1:00 p.m. ET WFXT FOX
Sunday, Oct. 4 Baltimore Ravens 1:00 p.m. ET WBZ CBS
Sunday, Oct. 11 @ Denver Broncos 4:15 p.m. ET WBZ CBS
Sunday, Oct. 18 Tennessee Titans 4:15 p.m. ET WBZ CBS
Sunday, Oct. 25 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers** 1:00 p.m. ET WBZ CBS
Sunday, Nov. 1 BYE WEEK
Sunday, Nov. 8 Miami Dolphins 1:00 p.m. ET WBZ CBS
Sunday, Nov. 15 @ Indianapolis Colts 8:20 p.m. ET WHDH NBC
Sunday, Nov. 22 New York Jets 4:15 p.m. ET * WBZ CBS*
Monday, Nov. 30 @ New Orleans 8:30 p.m. ET WCVB ESPN
Sunday, Dec. 6 @ Miami Dolphins 8:20 p.m. ET* WHDH NBC*
Sunday, Dec. 13 Carolina Panthers 1:00 p.m. ET* WFXT FOX*
Sunday, Dec. 20 @ Buffalo Bills 1:00 p.m. ET* WBZ CBS*
Sunday, Dec. 27 Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 p.m. ET* WBZ CBS*
Sunday, Jan. 3 @ Houston Texans 1:00 p.m. ET* WBZ CBS*
* – Game time and network subject to possible flexible scheduling adjustment.
** – at Wembley Stadium, London England.

I hope it’s true

Michael Vick says that prison has helped him and that he realizes the things he was doing were not appropriate. He says he was “immature.” I truly hope he has figured things out and has learned how to be a better person. I truly believe that he deserves a second chance at living his life the right way.

are you kidding me

I totally cannot believe that the Bears traded Kyle Orton for Jay Cutler and gave up two first round draft picks in the process. I honestly believe that Denver got the better deal and will turn out to have a better season without Cutler. I wish Orton well in Denver.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed

I for one and VERY hopeful that Jason Taylor will be wearing a Patriots uniform come fall. He is an excellent player and would be a fabulous addition to the team. Hes coming off a not so great year with the Washington Redskins but that does not worry me at all. It looks like the Dolphins are interested in having Taylor return to them as well. He spent 13 seasons with them so lets hope we can get him before they can. Taylor sounds open to the idea of playing for New England and Robert Kraft apparently is VERY open to the idea. So all I am wondering is “what’s the hold up?”

welcome Galloway

The Patriots have signed Joey Galloway.

Aloha Pro Bowl

Finally after a lot of back and forth, Hawaii has come to a agreement with the NFL to have the Pro Bowl back in Hawaii in 2011. It sounds like there is going to be a new system for the hosting of this tradition, but I am glad to hear that for at least 2 years the game will be back in its traditional home. It seems kind of weird to think of it being anywhere else. But I do get the financial aspects of why Hawaii may not continue to host after 2012.

thank god

I am so very happy that the Patriots DID NOT pick up T.O. If we had, I truly would have been torn and had lots of difficulty watching. I do not want my team to sell itself in order to win another Super Bowl. We got where we are by being a team and not being big names. I hope we can get back to that as much as we can. It was a start in not rushing to pick up the troubled T.O.

And I am not even the least bit bothered that the Bills picked him up instead.

surprise surprise

Just days after slapping the franchise tag on Matt Cassel, the Patriots trade him and Mike Vrabel to the Chiefs. For a second round pick!!! That’s it. Cassel took over this past season when Brady was injured and helped get the team 11 wins. I am kind of stunned at his move- on both accounts. Vrabel has been an important part of out team for years and been involved at crucial times to help our team along. I think both will be big losses but I wish them well.

poor Karney

Former ASU player, Mike Karney, was cut from the Saints. He a great player so I hope he gets picked up soon.