Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 1/14

Paw Prints The Daily Roundup

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams as well as some of the other sports. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

It’s game day for the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team as they are in snowy South Bend, IN for a matchup at the Joyce Center with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Tip is scheduled for 11 a.m. and the game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.

It’s also game day for the UConn women’s basketball team as they are in the city of Brotherly Love for a matchup with the Villanova Wildcats. Tip is scheduled for 2 p.m. and the game will be broadcast locally in Connecticut on CPTV.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Men’s Basketball links

Notre Dame’s Mike Brey, Unplugged [Dom Amore – Hartford Courant]

Game preview: UConn men at Notre Dame [Lee Lewis – The Republican-American]

Know Your Enemy: Notre Dame [UConn Huskies Basketball]

Huskies Set To Snap Irish’s 29-Game Home Winning Streak [UConnHuskies.com]

Boatright to sit for NCAA review as UConn visits ND [CT Post]

UConn men face tough crowd, early start [CT Post]

UConn’s Ryan Boatright Must Sit Out Again [Hartford Courant]

UConn Needs More Consistency From Napier [Hartford Courant]

NCAA forces UConn’s Boatright to sit [Journal Inquirer]

It’ll be over early [Journal Inquirer]

Huskies will play at Notre Dame without Boatright [New Haven Register]

UConn must face a big road test at Notre Dame today without Boatright [The Day]

UConn Women’s Basketball links

UConn/Baylor series extended [Jim Fuller – New Haven Register]

Geno loves recruit’s low-maintainance attitude [Jim Fuller – New Haven Register]

Stewart enjoys her latest visit to New England [Jim Fuller – New Haven Register]

Asjha Jones Eurobasket Player Of The Week [John Altavilla – Hartford Courant]

Game preview: UConn women at Villanova [Lee Lewis – The Republican-American]

Mosqueda-Lewis Not Fazed By High Expectations [Rich Elliott – CT Post]

No. 3 UConn Travels to Villanova on Saturday [UConnHuskies.com]

Doty just wants to compete, improve [CT Post]

At Hoop Classic, Fans Get Look At UConn Women’s Future [Hartford Courant]

UConn’s Trip To Villanova No Fun For Auriemma [Hartford Courant]

Doty has Philly in her heart [Journal Inquirer]

Villanova presents a different challenge [New Haven Register]

Top recruit Breanna Stewart an unassuming star [New Haven Register]

No. 3 UConn women visit Villanova today [The Day]

UConn Football links

DC answered a question in his mailbag [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Other UConn related links

W. Track. Women’s Track & Field Beings 2012 At Armory [UConnHuskies.com]

Huskies Claim Top Three Spots At UConn Heptathlon [UConnHuskies.com]

W. Ice Hockey. Huskies Stymied by Wildcats, 1-0 [UConnHuskies.com]

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Norfolk Admirals 3, Connecticut Whale 1

By Brian Ring

Norfolk, VA – The Connecticut Whale were defeated by the Norfolk Admirals, 3-1, Friday night at the Norfolk Scope in Virginia before a crowd of 4,598. League-leading goal scorer Cory Conacher earned the game-winning goal for Norfolk and Mark Barberio assisted on two of the Admirals’ goals.

CT WhaleAaron Voros collected the lone goal of the game for Connecticut, coming midway through the third period.

“Early we had some penalties, we didn’t forecheck the way we did in the third period,” said Whale head coach Ken Gernander. “We were a little better on the forecheck (in the third), a little more aggressive on the walls and as far as putting pucks to the net.”

The Admirals struck first, as Mike Kostka scored for the Admirals on the power-play at 11:51 of the opening period. Michel Ouellet and Barberio both assisted on Kostka’s score, which came on the first of three straight power-plays afforded to Norfolk in the first period. Whale goaltender Chad Johnson (31 saves) made a quality initial save in front, but Kostka was able to gather the rebound with Johnson sprawled out for an easy chip-in.

Conacher would put Norfolk up 2-0 just under two minutes into the second period, his shot eluding Johnson for his league-leading 22nd goal of the season. Carter Ashton assisted on the goal, as did Barberio, who gathered his second helper of the game.

Through two periods, the Whale were outshot by Norfolk, 28-19, while granting the Admirals five chances with the man-advantage to their pair of opportunities.

The Admirals scored their third unanswered goal 6:58 into the third period, as Matt Fornataro converted a rebound that squeaked past Johnson. The lone assist on the score went to Philip-Michael Devos.

The Whale would get one back to close within 3-1 at the 11:10 mark, as Voros managed to use all of his strength to put a loose puck past Norfolk goaltender Dustin Tokarski (25 saves). Voros’ goal, his third, was assisted by Pavel Valentenko and Mats Zuccarello, playing in his first game since Dec. 9.

Connecticut, however, could get no closer despite a pair of third period power-play opportunities, and the Whale dropped their fifth straight overall (0-3-1-1).

The Whale will have a chance to split the two game set with the Admirals Saturday night at the Norfolk Scope (7:15).  The game will be aired live on “Beethoven Radio” AM 1290.

“It’s an opportunity for us to get right back at it. We have to make a few corrections for tomorrow and get better in a couple areas, but it will be good to get right back at it,” said Gernander.

The next home game for the Whale will be Jan. 20, when they host the St. John’s IceCaps at 7:00 PM.

Tickets to the January 20 game, the January 21 CWHL double-header vs. Norfolk, Trading Card Weekend and CT Hockey Hall of Fame Night, and all 2011-12 Whale home games, are on sale now at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, as well as on-line at www.ctwhale.com and through TicketMaster Charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000.

To continue reading, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

Connecticut Whale 1 at Norfolk Admirals 3
Friday, January 13, 2012 – Norfolk Scope

Connecticut 0 0 1 – 1
Norfolk 1 1 1 – 3

1st Period-1, Norfolk, Kostka 6 (Ouellet, Barberio), 11:51 (PP). Penalties-Angelidis Nor (interference), 0:40; Bell Ct (interference), 10:40; Nightingale Ct (fighting), 13:05; Jackson Nor (fighting), 13:05; Grant Ct (boarding), 14:48; Valentenko Ct (holding), 19:13.

2nd Period-2, Norfolk, Conacher 22 (Ashton, Barberio), 1:58. Penalties-Newbury Ct (fighting), 2:38; Angelidis Nor (fighting), 2:38; Gudas Nor (hooking), 5:14; McKelvie Ct (roughing, fighting), 8:21; Gudas Nor (fighting), 8:21; Thuresson Ct (tripping), 12:36.

3rd Period-3, Norfolk, Fornataro 4 (Devos), 6:58. 4, Connecticut, Voros 3 (Valentenko, Zuccarello), 11:10. Penalties-Fornataro Nor (tripping), 9:05; Nightingale Ct (roughing), 12:14; Thuresson Ct (roughing), 12:14; Angelidis Nor (boarding), 12:14; Cote Nor (roughing), 12:14; Picard Nor (roughing), 12:14.

Shots on Goal-Connecticut 13-6-7-26. Norfolk 17-11-6-34.
Power Play Opportunities-Connecticut 0 / 4; Norfolk 1 / 5.
Goalies-Connecticut, Johnson 10-7-4 (34 shots-31 saves). Norfolk, Tokarski 15-9-0 (26 shots-25 saves).
A-4,598
Referees-Mark Lemelin (41), Graham Skilliter (48).
Linesmen-Brian Oliver (80), Scott Pomento (25).

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Red Sox Avoid Salary Arbitration With Ryan Sweeney

When Theo Epstein was the general manager of the Boston Red Sox, he never had one salary arbitration case goes to the arbitrator. And it appears, at least so far, that new GM Ben Cherington is following in Theo’s footsteps.

Boston Red SoxAfter avoiding salary arbitration with Matt Albers, Cherington has now avoided it with newcomer Ryan Sweeney who came over in the trade with Andrew Bailey from the Oakland A’s. According to the Associated Press, it’s a one-year deal worth $1.75 million.

Cherington will have his work cut out for him though as the Red Sox still have arbitration-eligible players. They are Alfredo Aceves, Mike Aviles, Bailey, Daniel Bard, Jacoby Ellsbury, Franklin Morales, David Ortiz and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

We know Big Papi will be getting a raise to probably around $14 million or so. You can expect Jacoby to get one as well after his stellar 2011 campaign.

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Boatright’s Eligibility In Question Again

Even though UConn Huskies freshman point guard Ryan Boatright served a three-game suspension, after missing the first three while a review was taking place for NCAA violations that happened before he came to UConn, it looks as though he will be out again.

UConn's Ryan Boatright gets a shot off with Holy Cross' Dave Dudzinski defending at the XL CenterAccording to a press release from UConn on Friday night, there is new information from the NCAA.

UConn men’s basketball freshman Ryan Boatright (Aurora, Ill.) will be held out of games immediately while the school works with the NCAA in a review of his eligibility.

This development arises from additional information provided by the NCAA that pertains to conditions and events that pre-date UConn’s relationship with Boatright.

He will not play in Saturday’s game at Notre Dame. He will continue to practice with the team and may sit on the bench during games, but will not dress or see action while the joint review takes place.

This is a big loss for the Huskies as Boatright has given them good minutes off the bench so far. Boatright was averaging 10.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in the ten that he has played this season.

While at times he’s replaced Shabazz Napier on the court, he’s also been out on the court with Napier along with Jeremy Lamb giving the Huskies a three-guard look. When the three are together, the Huskies tend to run more. It also hurts on the defensive end as Boatright has been pretty good at pestering the opposing team’s point guard.

Now with Boatright out, Napier will have to play most of the game, if not all. And in Big East games, that is not something easy to do at all.

Hopefully this whole situation doesn’t take as long as it did the last time.

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Photo credit: Brad Horrigan – Hartford Courant

Whale’s Game Saturday to be Aired on Beethoven Radio AM 1290

HARTFORD, January 13, 2012:  Whalers Sports and Entertainment announced today that the Connecticut Whale’s game tomorrow night, Saturday, January 14, at Norfolk will be broadcast on “Beethoven Radio” WCCC-AM 1290.

CT WhaleThe Whale-Admirals tilt will face off at 7:15 PM, and the pregame show, with the voice of the Whale, Bob Crawford, will hit the air on Beethoven Radio at 7:05.

The Whale and Admirals also go at it tonight at Scope in Norfolk, with a 7:30 faceoff.  All the “Rockin’ Hockey” action of that contest can be heard live on “The Rock” 106.9 WCCC-FM.

The Whale are next on home ice next Friday night, January 20, as the Atlantic Division-leading St. John’s Maple Leafs invade the XL Center for a 7:00 game.

Tickets to all 2011-12 Whale home games are on sale now at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, as well as on-line at www.ctwhale.com and through TicketMaster Charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Save on your tickets, and get the best seats, with a ticket plan for the Whale’s 2011-12 AHL campaign, which are on sale now. For information on season seats and mini plans, visit www.ctwhale.com, or call the CT Whale ticket office at (860) 728-3366 to talk with an account executive today.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Is Varitek Coming Back To Red Sox?

Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek walks back to the dugout at the end of the ninth inning of their MLB American League baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts September 21, 2011.

When the Boston Red Sox signed Kelly Shoppach during the offseason, the writing was on the wall for Jason Varitek. Plus with Ryan Lavarnway in the fold, there wasn’t any room for the Red Sox captain.

We had heard in the past that the Red Sox wanted to keep Varitek in the organization in some capacity, whether it be as a coach, front office type or maybe something in the baseball operations department.

But a report by Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com indicates that the Red Sox have invited Varitek to spring training as a non-roster invitee.

Respected longtime Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek has been invited by the team to come to camp as a non-roster player with only an outside chance to make the team, and Varitek seems likely to decide between accepting that invitation or retiring, people familiar with his situation said.

However, that report doesn’t seem to be accurate.

Contrary to a CBSSports.com report, the Red Sox haven’t made a formal minor-league contract offer to Varitek. According to a major-league source, the club is “open to discussion” of having Varitek attend spring training as a non-roster invitee, but even then, his chances of making the team would be slim. In essence, Varitek would serve as an insurance policy in the event of injuries to Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Shoppach or, in all likelihood, top prospect Ryan Lavarnway, while still showcasing himself for other teams.

If Varitek doesn’t receive a better offer, or if he decides against playing for another team after 15 seasons with the Red Sox, the source said a job offer to stay in the organization would be a “definite.”

Personally, I think it’s time for Tek to hang them up if he can’t latch on with another team.

For one, it does surprise me that a team with a young catcher that starts doesn’t want him to be a backup and help mentor. Then again, Varitek would have to want to do that.

But as the Red Sox captain, from everything we’ve heard or read, he didn’t do much in the way of helping out in the clubhouse during all the turmoil of September. He can’t play every day anymore. He only really played last year when Josh Beckett was pitching.

It would be great to see him stay with the organization. He’s done a lot of good things here and we can’t let one month dictate his 15 seasons with the Red Sox.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Photo credit: Reuters Pictures

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 1/13

Paw Prints The Daily Roundup

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams as well as some of the other sports. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Men’s Basketball links

UConn Heads Straight into the Storm [David Borges – New Haven Register]

Calhoun, Boatright, Napier Talk Notre Dame [David Borges – New Haven Register]

Wrapping Things Up from UConn Practice [Dom Amore – Hartford Courant]

News, video from Thursday’s UConn practice [Gavin Keefe – The Day]

Notes/Quotes from Jan. 12: Daniels back in starting lineup [Kevin Duffy – CT Post]

Huskies hit the road for ND: Olander hurting, Daniels starting [Neill Ostrout – Journal Inquirer]

UConn notebook: Pitt troubled, but Calhoun still has respect [CT Post]

UConn Will Face Tough Opponent At Notre Dame [Hartford Courant]

Daniels Will Start; Olander Sidelined When UConn Meets Notre Dame [Hartford Courant]

UConn’s Napier struggling with consistency [The Day]

 

UConn Women’s Basketball links

High praise for Breanna Stewart [Jim Fuller – New Haven Register]

Stewart Playing At Hoophall Classic In Springfield Friday [Rich Elliott – CT Post]

Freshman Hurdles For UConn’s Mosqueda-Lewis [Hartford Courant]

Key Issues Forum: Three Top Coaches Talk About Winning [Hartford Courant]

Other UConn related links

M. Track. Huskies Complete Day One of Heptathlon [UConnHuskies.com]

W. Ice Hockey. Heather Linstad leads Team USA to silver [Norwich Bulletin]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

In The Red Zone: Denver Broncos at New England Patriots Preview – AFC Divisional Playoffs

In The Red Zone

This Week

Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots

The New England Patriots host the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium on Saturday at 8 p.m.

The Patriots (13-3) are 7-1 at The Razor, 4-0 against the AFC West and 10-2 in the conference.  They are the AFC East Champions and the top seed in the conference.

The Broncos (9-8) are 5-3 on the road, 2-2 vs. the AFC East and 7-6 against the conference.  They are the AFC West Champions and the fourth seed in the conference.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from Yahoo! Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 13 1/2.  The over under is 50 1/2.

My Prediction is Patriots 35, Broncos, 24.  Take the points (Broncos) and take the over.  I am 10-5-1 against the spread and 12 of 16 on calling the over/under in 2011.

Tickets

The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 192nd consecutive sell out dating back to the 1994 season opener.  The record includes preseason, regular season and playoff games.

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster.  You can check the availability here.

After market tickets are available through the Official Patriots Ticket Exchange where season ticket holders can sell their unused seats to fans on the season ticket waiting list.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Foxboro make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Foxboro MA.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a Gillette Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com.  There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack.  I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages.  With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks.  You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time.  Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver.  Remember You Drink, You Drive, You Lose.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

CBS in televising the game nationally and Jim Nantz will do play by play while Phil Simms will provide the game analysis.  You can look here for your local affiliate.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Gil Santos handles the play-by-play, former Patriot Gino Cappelletti does the color and new this year Scott Zolak will man the sidelines. It all starts with Gary Tanguay, Andy Gresh and Zolak with the pregame show at 5 p.m. along the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

If you are outside the broadcast are of the stations on the Patriots Radio Network you can purchase NFL Field Pass, which allows you to listen to any game live.  You can also pick which teams broadcasters you want to listen to.

All NFL Games are also available on Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio also carries all the NFL games under a special additional package.

The Patriots radio network call is available on Sirius Channel 86, XM Channel 226 and on SiriusXM Internet Channel 879.

The Broncos Radio network has Dave Logan calling play by play and former Bronco Brian Griese doing the color via their flagship station KOA.  Their call is available on Sirius Channel 92, XM Channel 225 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 870.

The game will also be broadcast to a national audience by Westwood One Radio Sports. Dave Sims and James Lofton will call the game.  The national radio feed from can be heard on Sirius Channel 88, XM Channel 88 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 88.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team.  It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

  • Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
  • Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
  • Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
  • Portland ME on WMTW Sunday at 5 a.m.
  • Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
  • Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
  • Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

To continue reading the Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots AFC Divisional Playoff preview, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

Last Week

The Patriots had a bye week and did not play; while the Broncos beat the Steelers at home, 29-23 in overtime of the AFC Wildcard Round.

History

  • The Broncos lead the all-time series 27-17 including playoffs.
  • The Patriots are 8-9 as the home team in the series.
  • New England and Denver have met twice in the playoffs with Denver winning both times at home in 1986 and 2005.
  • The Patriots and the Broncos are the last two teams to win back-to-back Super Bowls.
  • In 1960 the teams faced each other in the inaugural game of each franchise.
  • The two teams last met in Week 15 in Denver and the Patriots won 41-23.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2011 Patriots Schedule/Results

The Patriots overall franchise record is 414-366-9.  They are 21-15 in the post season and have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in six appearances.  They last appeared in the playoffs in 2010 when they lost at home to the New York Jets in the AFC Divisional Playoff, 28-21.  They last appeared in a Super Bowl in 2007 losing to the New York Giants 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII.  They won the AFC Conference championship that season with playoff wins over Jacksonville and San Diego.

The Patriots are dedicating the 2011 season to the memory of Myra Hiatt Kraft, the late wife of owner Robert Kraft. Every Patriots player and coach will honor Myra’s memory by wearing a patch with her initials on it in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the local and global community and her influence on the charitable mission of the entire Patriots organization. The patch will be worn on the left chest of every player throughout the season.

The Patriots are the defending AFC East Champions they have won the division nine of the last 11 seasons and three years in a row.

New England is the top seed for the second consecutive season and 4th time overall.

They are the first AFC team to have the top seed two years in a row since Buffalo in 1990 and 1991.

This is the 9th straight season the Patriots have had 10 wins or more and 10th time in the last 11 years.

Since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, New England is 74-15 at home including the playoffs.

The Patriots are 11-3 at home in the playoffs all-time. They are 7-2 in the post season at Gillette Stadium.

Overall in the playoffs they are 21-15.

PATRIOTS PLAYOFF RECORD BY ROUND

  • First Round                   0-1
  • Wild Card Round            4-3
  • Divisional Round            8-6
  • AFC Championship         6-1
  • AFL Championship          0-1
  • Super Bowl                   3-3

New England has played Denver 10 times since 2000.  This is only the Patriots 3rd home game against Denver in those 10 games.

This is the first time the teams have had a playoff game in Foxboro.

New England has won eight consecutive games after a two game losing streak.  It is their longest win streak of the season.

This season the Patriots defense allowed opponents to convert 43.1% of the time on 3rd down, while the offense had a 3rd down conversion rate of 45.9%.

The New England defense sacked the opponents quarterback 40 times in 16 games.

The Patriots finished 3rd in the NFL in points per game with 32.1.  While they allowed 21.4 points per game good for 15th in the NFL.

New England finished PLUS 17 in turnover differential. The offense has given up 12 INT and 5 fumbles, while the defense has 23 INT and 11 fumble recoveries.  The PLUS 17 was third in the NFL and 1st in the AFC.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Tuesday press conference transcript on the Broncos.

Bill Belichick is 4-10 vs. the Denver in his career.  He is 4-6 against them as the head coach in New England and that includes the playoffs (0-1).

Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 175-97 in 16 NFL seasons.  He is 139-53 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland.  He is 15-6 in the playoffs, 14-5 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season.  When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 190-103.

Belichick’s 190 wins are good for 9th all-time.  Chuck Knox, who coached the Rams, Redskins and Seahawks, is 8th all-time with 193.

Belichick is 5th in post season coaching wins with 15. Steelers legend Chuck Noll is 4th with 16 and long time Redskins coach Joe Gibbs is 3rd with 17.

He is the first coach in NFL history to have his teams win 10 games or more in 9 consecutive seasons.

He has been the NFL coach of the year three times.

Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league.  The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).

New England has only failed to make the playoffs three times under Belichick in 2000, 2002 and 2008.

New England offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has accepted the head coaching job at Penn State University, he will remain with New England through their playoff run.

The Patriots have hired Josh McDaniels as an offensive assistant for the remainder of the season, he started this week.  McDaniels was the offensive coordinator in St. Louis this season but was available when ownership said they wouldn’t hold him to his contract after firing head coach Steve Spagnuolo.  McDaniels will be the offensive coordinator starting with the 2012 season replacing O’Brien, who had replaced him.

McDaniels is the former head coach of the Denver Broncos, in his two seasons there he acquired many of the players currently on the Denver roster.

Belichick was the assistant special teams/assistant to the defensive coordinator for the Broncos during the 1978 season.

Special teams coach, Scott O’Brien, was the special teams’ coordinator for the Broncos in 2007 and 2008.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

LT: Light

LG: Thomas

C: Connolly

RG: Waters

RT: Solder

TE: Gronkowski

TE: Hernandez

WR: Branch

WR: Welker

QB: Brady

RB: Ridley

Defense:

DE: Ellis

DT: Love

DT: Wilfork

DE: Deaderick

LB: Ninkovich

LB: Mayo

LB: Fletcher

CB: McCourty

CB: Arrington

S: Chung

S: Ihedigbo

Patriots Players Notes

This is Tom Brady’s 12th NFL season he is 2-6 vs. the Broncos including 0-1 in the playoffs.

Denver is the only team in which Brady has a losing record against.

Overall Brady is 124-34 as a starting QB and is 14-5 in the playoffs for an overall record of 138-39.  Brady is a 6 time Pro Bowl QB; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP.  He is also listed as the 21st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

In 2010 Brady won his second NFL MVP and he was the first unanimous winner in league history.

Brady threw for 39 TD’s and 12 INT’s while being sacked 32 times in 16 games.

Brady has 300 TD passes in his career he is now tied for 5th all-time with Hall of Fame QB John Elway, who ironically played his entire career in Denver.

Brady has 124 career wins he is now tied for 5th all-time with Fran Tarkenton.

He became just the third quarterback to surpass 5,000 passing yards in a season he finished with 5,235 which is second most all-time to Drew Brees who had 5,476 this year.  Detroit QB Matt Stafford also went over 5,000 yards passing this season (5,038).

Brady also set a franchise record for completions in a season with 401 breaking the mark set by Drew Bledsoe of 400 in 1994.

Brady is tied for 5th most post season TD passes with Terry Bradshaw both have 30.  Kurt Warner is 4th at 31 and Dan Marino is 3rd with 32.

WR Wes Welker now has catches in 98 consecutive games including playoffs, 81 as a Patriot.  The last time Welker did not have a catch in a game was 12/24/05 as a Dolphin.

Welker set a team record for receiving yards with 1,569.

TE Rob Gronkowski set the NFL record for single season yards (1,327) by a tight end that was held by the great Kellen Winslow Sr. with 1,290 yards in 1980.  Earlier in Week 17 New Orleans TE Jimmy Graham broke the record first (1,310), then Gronk broke Graham’s mark.

Gronkowski combined with Aaron Hernandez to set a NFL record for most catches by tight ends on team in one season with 169.

RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis became just the third running back in franchise history with consecutive 10 TD seasons.

DE Mark Anderson had one sack on Sunday to give the Patriots two players with 10 or more sacks in a season joining injured teammate Pro Bowler, Andre Carter.

CB Kyle Arrington tied for first in the NFL with 7 interceptions.

Rookie T Nate Solder attended the University of Colorado. He is from Buena Vista, CO.

There are 39 players on the roster who have played in the playoffs and 14 who have not.

On Wednesday the team listed 15 players on the injury report.  Those listed as limited in practice were S Patrick Chung (foot); T Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot) CB Kyle Arrington (foot); C Dan Connolly (groin); T Matt Light (ankle); G Logan Mankins (knee); WR Julian Edelman (back); LB Dane Fletcher (thumb); S James Ihedigbo (shoulder); CB Devin McCourty (shoulder); WR Matthew Slater (shoulder); LB Brandon Spikes (MCL) and WR Wes Welker (knee).  DT Kyle Love (non-injury) did not participate and QB Tom Brady (shoulder) had full participation.

On Thursday T Marcus Cannon was added to the injury report with an ankle injury and was limited at practice.  The team also removed Kyle Love, Matt Light, Julian Edelman and Devin McCourty from the injury list.  The status on the other 11 remained unchanged.

The Patriots have five New England natives on the roster they are: LB Niko Koutouvides (Plainville CT); TE Aaron Hernandez (Bristol CT); OL Donald Thomas (New Haven CT); S James Ihedigbo (Northampton MA) and DE Ron Brace (Worcester MA).  They have 12 players who played for a New England school or a Big East Conference member.  They are: WR Deion Branch (Louisville); WR/TE Dorin Dickerson (Pitt); S James Ihedigbo (UMass); CB Nathan Jones (Rutgers); C Dan Koppen (Boston College – IR); CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers); NT Vince Wilfork (Miami), OL Donald Thomas (UConn); DE Mike Wright (Cincinnati – IR); DE Ron Brace (Boston College); WR Tiquan Underwood (Rutgers) and DE Alex Silvestro (Rutgers – Practice Squad).

The Patriots have 7 retired numbers: 20 – Gino Cappelletti, 40 – Mike Haynes, 73 – John Hannah, 78 – Bruce Armstrong, 79 – Jim Lee Hunt and 89 – Bob Dee.

Broncos Team Notes

Here is the Broncos roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2011 Broncos Schedule/Results

Denver’s all-time record is 406-372-10 and they are 18-15 in the playoffs with their last playoff appearance coming in 2005.  That season the Broncos beat New England in the AFC Division round and then lost to Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship game.  Denver has won two Super Bowls (XXXII, XXXIII) in six appearances.

This season Denver beat Pittsburgh in the AFC Wild Card Round, 29-23 in OT at Mile High.

Former Broncos QB and Hall of Fame member John Elway is the team’s executive vice president of football operations assuming that position in January 2011.

Denver is the only current AFC West team to never relocate or change its nickname.

In the decade long history of the AFL, Denver was the only team to never play in a championship game.

The Broncos will be switching back to orange jerseys in 2012 as their primary home uniform and dropping the navy pants.  They will wear the navy jerseys as their alternate home uniform.  They wanted to make the changes for this season but they were too late in notifying the NFL of the changes.

Denver has nearly an identical overall franchise record as New England.

The Broncos are 2-1 in Gillette Stadium.

This season the Broncos defense allowed opponents to convert 33.5% of the time on 3rd down, while the offense had a 3rd down conversion rate of 30.8%.

The Denver defense sacked the opponents quarterback 41 times in 16 games.

The Broncos finished 25th in the NFL in points per game with 19.3.  While they allowed 24.4 points per game good for 21st in the NFL.

Denver is MINUS 12 in turnover differential, 26th best in the NFL. The offense has given up 13 INT and 17 fumbles, while the defense has 9 INT and 9 fumble recoveries.

Denver is the only team to beat New England twice in the playoffs.

In the 2005 playoffs, Denver beat New England.  Until last weeks victory over Pittsburgh, that was the last playoff game Denver won and only post season victory since Elway retired as a player.

Broncos Staff Notes

Read what Denver Broncos head coach John Fox had to say to the New England media about the match up.

John Fox is 82-79 in his 10th season as a head coach; he was 8-8 in his 1st season with Denver and 73-71 in 9 seasons with Carolina.  In the playoffs he is 6-3 overall (5-3 with Carolina; 1-0 with Denver) for an overall record of 87-82.

Fox is 1-3 vs. New England including 1 Super Bowl (0-1).  He is 0-1 with Denver and 1-2 with Carolina.

Denver offensive line coach Dave Magazu attended Springfield College.

Broncos Players Notes

Tim Tebow is in his 2nd season in the NFL and he is 8-6 as a starting QB.  He was the Broncos 1st round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida.  He won two national championships with the Gators and a Heisman Trophy as a sophomore.

Tebow is 1-0 in the playoffs in his career.

The Broncos were 7-4 after Tebow took over as the starting QB.

Tebow is 0-1 vs. New England.

Former Patriots playing in Denver are LS Lonnie Paxton, DE Ty Warren (IR), G Russ Hochstein and DB Jonathan Wilhite.

On Wednesday and Thursday the following players were listed on the injury report.  WR Eric Decker (knee); S Brian Dawkins (neck) and LS Lonnie Paxton (non-injury) did not practice. S David Bruton (Achilles); DE Elvis Dummervil (ankle) and TE Daniel Fells (ankle) were limited while LB Von Miller (thumb) participated fully.

Denver team captains for 2011 are RB Willis McGahee; G Chris Kuper; CB Champ Bailey; S Brian Dawkins and LB Wesley Woodyard.

There is one player on the Broncos roster from a Big East university and New England based college.  He is: DE Elvis Dummervil (Louisville).

The Broncos retired numbers: 7 – John Elway; 18 – Frank Tripucka and 44 – Floyd Little.

Next Week

If the Patriots win they will host the winner of the Houston/Baltimore game in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro MA.  Kick off is at 3:30 p.m. on CBS.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveMichaelsII

Two UConn Soccer Players Taken in First Round of MLS SuperDraft

Here’s the release from UConn announcing that two UConn Huskies men’s soccer players, Andrew Jean-Baptiste and Tony Cascio were taken in the first round of Thursday’s 2012 MLS SuperDraft:

STORRS, Conn. – Connecticut continued a long tradition of MLS draft picks today as both Andrew Jean-Baptiste and Tony Cascio were taken in the first round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. Jean-Baptiste was the first defender taken at No. 8 overall by the Portland Timbers while Cascio was selected No. 14 by the Colorado Rapids.

UConn Men's SoccerJean-Baptiste and Cascio become UConn’s seventh and eighth first-round picks and the 23rd and 24th UConn players drafted by Major League Soccer since the league’s inception in 1996.

“It’s just a great testament to the type of kids we have in the program. Good guys, good players obviously,” said UConn head coach Ray Reid.

“It just shows UConn soccer has a ton of great players. I feel like there’s more of our players that should go in the first round every year,” said Andrew Jean-Baptiste.

The BIG EAST led all conferences with seven players selected in the first round (19 picks). The ACC was second with four picks.

“The number of picks in the first 19 shows the quality of the league. The conference is certainly one of top two in the country. With the size of the league, it’s grueling to play the league schedule but I think the draft showed just how powerful this league really is,” said Reid.

“Tony Cascio graduates in three and a half years and now steps into a solid contract in the MLS. We are extremely proud of him on both fronts.”

Tony Cascio (Gilbert, Ariz.) joins the Colorado Rapids after a successful career at UConn in which he was named a 2010 NSCAA First Team All-American and a semifinalist for the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy. Cascio led UConn to the NCAA Quarterfinals as a senior, scoring goals in his last two games in Storrs.

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“When they called my name out there today, there were a bunch of emotions going on. I was definitely excited. Colorado is close to home so I’m looking forward to that. It’s kind of like a dream come true but people have to realize it’ll be tough. It’s a job and I could lose it at any time. I’ll have to work really hard to get in and earn time,” said Cascio.

“Going to Colorado will be great for him. He has great potential at the next level. He can play a variety of positions. Tony is one of the most coachable kids we’ve ever had at UConn,” added Coach Reid.

Cascio entered the 2011 season as a Preseason All-American, a member of the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy Watch List and the BIG EAST Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. He finished his final season in Storrs with 18 points on five goals and eight assists. Cascio finished his career with 73 points on 24 goals and 25 assists. He was named to the 2011 All-BIG EAST Second Team as a senior after earning a spot on the All-BIG EAST First Team as a sophomore and junior.

Andrew Jean-Baptiste (Brentwood, N.Y.) left UConn after a sophomore season in which he was named All-BIG EAST First Team and the 2011 BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year. As a freshman, Jean-Baptiste earned a spot on the All-BIG EAST Rookie Team and was named a Soccer America First Team Freshman All-American.

Andrew Jean-Baptiste on hearing his name announced: “I was shocked. I wasn’t thinking the Portland Timbers (would take me) but once I heard my name, I was shocked. It was crazy. It felt great.”

“He’s very talented young man who’s very athletic. I think he’ll flourish at the next level,” said Reid.

Baptiste played every minute of every game and anchored a Connecticut defense that allowed just 10 goals in 25 games. The Huskies set a program record with 16 shutouts this season. Baptiste also found his way onto the score sheet with two goals and an assist, notching the game-tying goal at Rutgers in the BIG EAST Tournament as UConn went on to win, 3-1.

“I came into it (MLS Draft) hearing a lot of comments and thinking I was one of the best defenders. Being the first defender drafted, it feels great. I knew with all the midfielders and forwards, I was going to have to wait to get called. I was mainly concerned with which defenders would get called and hearing my name first meant a lot to me.”

UConn senior back Nickardo Blake was not selected in the MLS SuperDraft but will hope to be chosen in the Supplemental Draft on Tuesday, January 17.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Win a Date With Heidi Watney & Support Project Cupid

WHAT: Project Cupid will play match maker to raise money for The Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute during its third annual charity date auction at The Estate. Boston’s most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes will strut their stuff to raise funds for cancer care and research. The event will be emceed by image consultant, Emmi Sorokin from It’s a Man’s World, and Tixlist founder Christian Galvin. Special guest, Baltimore sports reporter and Boston native, Jen Royle, will be see how much money she can raise as a participant in the date auction.

Project CupidThe evening will also feature a live auction, offering special items including: A date with former NESN Red Sox reporter Heidi Watney and two Red Sox tickets to a game in April, signed memorabilia, hotel stays, salon gift packages and much more.

WHY: Project Cupid was created in 2009 by Amy Blue after her nine -year -old cousin Isaias Valentin lost his 11 month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a cancer that begins in the bone marrow. All proceeds will benefit pediatric cancer care and research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

WHO: Boston’s most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, singles looking to find a hot date and anyone that is looking to support a good cause

WHEN: Saturday, February 11, 2012

6:30 p.m. (Doors open)

WHERE: The Estate

One Boylston Pl.

Boston, MA 02116

HOW: Suggested $15 donations at the door. For more information, visit www.TheEstateBoston.com or call   617.351.7000. 21+.

If you are unable to attend, feel free to donate by going to www.Project-Cupid.org/donate.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.