A Patriots Prescription
by Ilan Mochari

Let’s begin by busting the myth that the run is over.

In the NFL, steady contenders strike draft gold and win titles. The 2007 New York Giants used contributions from an elite rookie class including RB Ahmad Bradshaw, TE Kevin Boss, WR Steve Smith, DT Jay Alford and CB Aaron Ross. The 2006 Indianapolis Colts depended on rookies RB Joseph Addai and S Antoine Bethea. The 2003 Patriots relied on first-year studs C Dan Koppen, DE Ty Warren, S Eugene Wilson, CB Asante Samuel, and PR/KR Bethel Johnson.

Granted: In each of the above, incumbent quarterbacks and coaching staffs were in place. The teams’ rosters were hardly empty cupboards. But the overall point is indisputable: Impact drafts turn playoff teams into champions...
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Six Reasons to Watch the Bruins
by Kristen Merrill

Now that the Patriots have dashed our hopes, many of us are bereft, longing, and sad. We feel adrift without a gridiron grudge-fest to tune into every Sunday. The wounds of 2007 continue to fester. So what the hell are we supposed to do with ourselves until training camp opens again in August? Sure, there will be baseball. But snow on the ground and subzero wind chills don’t put one in the mind of lazy summer days at Fenway. There’s always the Celtics but – frankly – they’re not hurting for fans or airtime. But what winter in New England is really all about – once the Patriots take their ball and go home – is hockey. Old-fashioned, hardnosed, down-and-dirty Bruins hockey.

You should be watching it. Why? I'll tell you why...
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Derek Jeter settles down
by Amy Rossi 

In the wake of the Tiger Woods hook-up world tour, many thoughts have been running through my mind, not the least of which was this: Thank God for Derek Jeter.

This may sound shocking coming from a girl who once got a Yankees fan kicked out of a bar in Baltimore for insisting she had to respect Jeter. (In the interest of full disclosure, the guy was unable to keep his hands to himself while making this argument.) But now that it appears the legendary shortstop may no longer be a free agent in the dating game, his decade-and-a-half-long commitment to swinging bachelorhood instead of settling down too young seems worthy of just that – respect.
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