TOM BRADY PRESS CONFERENCE: WIN OVER BILLS

On how frustrated the team was down 21-7:
Well, I think we realized we had to execute a lot better than we were executing. We talked on the sideline, we talked about it at halftime, in order to score points we can’t keep stubbing our toe. I thought we did a better job in the second half. Obviously the turnovers were huge. To get those the defense was really getting after them. The fumble before halftime was huge. We were down whatever it was, 21-7 on the road, our backs were against the wall, and I thought we showed a lot of heart. That’s what this team is made of, we’re going to battle until the end, I know that.

On what today’s performance says about this year’s Patriots team:
We lost two in a row, we go on the road, our fifth and sixth on the road including the preseason. We had two really tough losses, games that we expected to win. Then you come and play against a team that we lost to last year up 21 points, and we showed a lot of heart. That’s a lot of adversity we faced and I thought we did a really good job of responding to that in the second half.

On how good he thinks this Patriots team is right now:
Well I think we’re trying to make improvements every week. I’d say that’s what we’ve done. I know we’re 2-2, it’s not a great record, but I think we’re getting better. I think that’s what we’ve shown and you have to keep building on the good things and try to eliminate the bad things. We’re doing a good job in some areas. We ran the ball really well tonight. That was a big point of emphasis this week, and capitalizing on some of their mistakes.

On how the offense ran the ball on Buffalo’s defense today:
Well, I think they were really challenging us to run the ball. They had some little guys on the field with our big personnel groupings, so at that point you have to try and take advantage of it. You can’t just keep throwing into a heavy pass defense, so we ran it. Brandon ran great, Steven ran great, Woody (Danny Woodhead) made a huge play on the scramble for the touchdown to get us started. All of those guys really contributed.

On how he is so good handling the offense in a loud environment:
Well, I mean you’re the quarterback, so ultimately you have the last say before the ball is snapped. I’ve seen a lot of defenses; we’ve been in a lot of dogfights too. I thought our guys, the way they played, the way they competed, what a game by Wes. Brandon fought his butt off, that touchdown catch at the end was phenomenal. Gronk really fought back after some tough plays there, big touchdown. Offensive line played phenomenal with Logan out. Deion, Daniel, everybody contributed. It was really a great win for us as a team, obviously it only gets tougher from here, but we’re proud of the fact that we really fought through some pretty tough times here in the second half and came up with a big win.

On facing Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos next week:
Fortunately I don’t have to go against him, so that’s really a challenge for our defense. They’ll put a good week of practice in hopefully and be prepared, but he’s one of the best to ever play. It’s always an exciting game, we’ve got a great history against Denver, recent history. I’m sure it will be another tough game.

On what Patriots owner Robert Kraft was talking to him about walking off the field:
I don’t know, I think it was pretty personal. Thank you guys, have a good day

PATRIOTS vs RAVENS SET TO BEGIN

Patriots – Raven Tonight

NFL’S BEST ROAD WARRIORS SINCE ROBERT KRAFT PURCHASED

THE TEAM IN 1994

Since Robert Kraft purchased the Patriots in 1994, the team has the best regularseason

road record at 87-58 (.600).

TEAM RECORD PCT.

New England 87-58 .600

Pittsburgh 81-64 .558

Indianapolis 76-69 .524

N.Y. Giants 75-68-1 .524

Philadelphia 75-68-2 .524

Green Bay 75-69 .521

BOB KRAFT OVERLOOKS ‘THE FORMULA’

By: Mark Harriman, Senior Editor

PALOOKAVILLE -Admittedly Bob Kraft is in uncharted waters since Myra, his wife of 48 years, passed away in July 2011. But as a new bachelor, somebody needs to take him aside and set him straight. This is definitely an intervention that needs to happen quickly.

It’s not the fact that the Patriots’ owner recently took part in a really creepy screen test in an effort to help out his “friend” and actress-in-waiting, Ricki Noel Lander (See the Deadspin link below for excerpts of the video).

It’s not the fact that he dropped an ‘F Bomb’ on camera and really dented the suit of armor he has assiduously built and polished in his 18 years as an NFL owner. Hey, that vid wasn’t supposed to become public, right?

Bob Kraft and Ricki Noel Lander.
(Screen-shot from Deadspin.com)

It’s not even the fact that Kraft appears to be in a serious relationship with a younger woman.

The problem lies in the fact that he’s breaking the Number 1 Rule of Dating, whether he’s doing it intentionally or not. Someone needs to grab him by the lapels of his ubiquitous blue suit and advise him of this egregious infraction before he further ruins it for everyone else in the dating pool.

Because when you have a net worth the size of some medium sized countries poaching is just not fair to the rest of group. And he needs to know it now.

It’s called ‘The Formula’ and every older guy looking to date a younger woman needs to live it, breath it, embrace it. All for the common good, of course.

(In fairness to all cougars and panthers out there, ‘The Formula’ works for women, too.)

C’mon. You know you know it.  Memorize it. Let it sink in and all will be right with your world.

Half your age plus seven.

It’s better than E=MC2. It’s more constant than Pi. And definitely more of a life lesson than anything you learned in Mrs. Crabapple’s Trig class.

Let it roll on your tongue for a little bit. It’s. Sheer genius.

Half your age plus seven.

Don’t ask who came up with this brilliant device. Time has obliterated it‘s origins. Just know that it’s become a part of our DNA. Here to stay, innately passed down from generation to generation.

Renee Zellweger. Better fit for Bob Kraft?
(Photo: starscolor.com)

It may have taken Sir Isaac Newton to sit and ponder that apple landing on his noggin, but he didn’t invent gravity. It’s as old as the planet. He just happened to put pen to paper after a great deal of cogitation.

The Formula is clarity shrouded in mystery -the dating pageant’s version of Stonehenge. And it works.

But Bob Kraft is ruining it for everyone who has even unknowingly done the right thing and toed the line. If he doesn’t shape up in a New York minute all heck could break loose. To quote Bill Murray in Ghostbusters: “Dogs and cats living together. Mass hysteria!”

Let’s help Bob out here and do the math for him. After all, he is a successful businessman. Once he sees it on paper he’ll be mortified and immediately issue an apology to the dating world at large (in addition to the mea culpa he has already offered for his ill-advised appearance in that screen test).

Here goes: Bob is now 71 years old, call it 72 for those who flunked fractions. Half his age is 36. Plus 7 is 43. Simple. That’s all there is to it.

There are dozens of women born in 1969 who would be perfectly acceptable and look just as good on his arm as Ricki Lander. For illustrative purposes only and disregarding for a moment they might be married or otherwise engaged, the following names are offered as Bob’s potential 43 year old mate (in no particular order):

Jennifer Aniston, Cate Blanchett, Nancy Kerrigan, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jennifer Lopez, Renee Zellweger, Steffi Graf, Angie Everhart, Gwen Stefani. All 43 years old (or about to be). And all in compliance with ‘The Formula.’

That’s a pretty impressive list. And those are only the famous ones born back when Neil Armstrong and Company landed on the moon. The pool of potentials gets even wider when one considers those who aren’t famous but just as gifted or talented or attractive. You probably know several who would mathemetically fit Bob very nicely.

Think about the Bob and Ricki relationship for a moment, even if they aren’t an item. There isn’t much in common there. And this is what ‘The Formula’ was meant to correct.

When Bob was 31 years old (1972) he was probably watching Bridget Loves Bernie, Banacek , Emergency! (RIP Julie London) or M*A*S*H. Those shows don’t have much in common with Jersey Shore and Keeping Up With The Kardashians, now do they?

The 31 year olds need to be available in the pool for the 48 years olds (48/2=24+7=31), who when they were 31 were watching the likes of Star Trek: Voyager, Baywatch Nights and Xena: Warrior Princess. These are by far have much more commonality, don’t you think?

So next time you see Bob Kraft, take him aside and show him the error of his ways. Tell him how it should be, but break it to him gently, because he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know. He’ll appreciate the insight.

(http://deadspin.com/5929356/bob-krafts-girlfriend-didnt-get-the-part-in-that-movie-despite-her-weird-bikini-audition)

References: Bio.com and IMBd.com

　

　

　

　

　

PATRIOTS MOURN THE PASSING OF TOM HENNESSEY

The Patriots are saddened to learn of the loss of former Boston Patriots defensive back Tom Hennessey, who passed away on Sunday, July 22. He was 70.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Patriots are saddened to learn of the loss of former Boston Patriots defensive back Tom Hennessey, who passed away on Sunday, July 22. He was 70.
“Tommy was a great guy,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, who was classmates with Hennessey at Brookline High School. “He was a football star in high school and college and I can remember being so proud that he rose to the professional level, playing two seasons with the Patriots. As big of an impact as he made on the field, his greatest contributions came off the field. He was a great mentor to so many kids and really dedicated his life to helping others. We are proud that being a Patriot will forever be a part of Tommy’s legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his many friends.”
Born February 15, 1936 in Boston, Mass., Hennessey was an all-state football player at Brookline High School and went on to attend Holy Cross, where he was a standout halfback for the Crusaders. In 1963, Hennessey won the Holy Cross Crusader of the Year award—the most prestigious student-athlete award presented by the Holy Cross Varsity Club – for his achievements in football and track and field. Prior to his rookie season with the Patriots, Hennessey played in the Atlantic Coast Football League and was named the league’s top defensive back in 1964. Hennessey joined the Patriots in 1965 and played for two seasons (1965-1966), recording eight interceptions in 28 career games. Hennessey was named the Patriots Rookie of the Year in 1965.
Off the field, Hennessey served as a mentor and teacher in a variety of arenas: spending a year as a teacher and physical education instructor at the Jesuit College in Baghdad, teaching and coaching at Brighton (Mass.) High School and serving as an assistant to the Dean of Men at Holy Cross.

ROBERT KRAFT REFLECTS ON MATT LIGHT

Matt Light retires

http://www.patriots.com/media-center/videos/Robert-Kraft-on-Matt-Light/13b516f0-d963-47f5-9df5-693c7dab4c87

PATRIOTS INTRODUCE FIRST ROUND PICKS

 

 

Hightower - Jonathan Kraft

 

KRAFTS FILES SUIT AGAINST FOXBORO

Boston.com breaking news: Robert Kraft’s company has filed a civil rights complaint against the Town of Foxborough.  The suit is over two billboards that Kraft splits revenue with the town. The billboards are on land that Kraft owns.
The town of Foxboro wants to go out to bid on the billboards despite the fact that they don’t own them. The town woild like to take the land by eminent domain in May.

This action seems to stem from the Town’s resistance to a proposed casino which would be located on additional land surrounding Gillette Stadium. Kraft is no longer willing to play nice with the on the billboard issue since they want no part of his casino.

KEVIN HARRIMAN

ROBERT KRAFT PRESS CONFERENCE @ GILLETTE TODAY

New England Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft addresses the media during his press conference at Gillette Stadium on Monday, January 23, 2012.

RKK: For not being here [the podium] in quite a while, I’m showing up a few times [lately]. We’re really excited, needless to say. We were trying to think – this year has been dedicated to volunteerism and people who dedicate themselves to their communities. I credit my son, Jonathan, with coming up with this idea of trying to think of those people who help make this country so great, but who don’t seek monetary return as the number one thing in their lives, but rather try to serve their community. I personally thought of five areas that I’ve had experience with and I think most of you have. One being nurses, military personnel, teachers, firemen and policemen. I think they all help to make this country so great and probably are, in my mind, underappreciated and in many cases underpaid. We decided we’d come up with a little program that we’re calling ‘Super Bowl for Super People Sweepstakes.’ The exact details of that you’ll be able to get at Patriots.com. I could start telling you the rules, but I might mess it up. But I think around six o’clock tonight we’ll have it. The principal idea is that we have superiors nominating people who they think are most deserving and have done things that are special. We’re going to take two people – and this is a New England award, a New England service award. We’re going to take two people from each of these five categories – nurses, military personnel, teachers, firemen and policemen – and they will be randomly selected next Friday and they and a guest of theirs will be taken with us to the Super Bowl and they’ll represent that part of the community that we’ve tried to celebrate this whole year. We’re really excited about that and we hope that a lot of very deserving people will be nominated and that that will be a very special way for us to cap off our season and keep this spirit of volunteerism and serving our community alive. Thank you.   Thank you all for being here. I’m glad you’re here today. I know NBC, I think, is very happy. We have some good markets and we look forward to a wonderful game. We think a great deal of the ownership of the team we’re playing. I’ll just say something, too. Steve Bisciotti of the Ravens came over to me last night after the game and really was classy in how he spoke to me. We have a great sport and we hope these volunteers who will win this will help make this experience special.
Q: You’ve seen this franchise succeed and have some ups and downs. The jubilation you saw in the locker room last night, how do you think this team is built to handle getting back to work?  
RKK: I believe in this team big time. We have a coach who has gone through the learning curve pretty well. It’s funny, I was just chatting with Rodney Harrison who was here doing some work with NBC. I was telling him how I had the privilege of having Drew Bledsoe stay at my house the night before the game. He flew in and was one of the honorary captains and then I realized he never played with Drew Bledsoe; Rodney really came in afterwards. What that made me realize and I bring it to Coach [Bill] Belichick and the system we have here that we hopefully have a system and discipline and the best coach in place that will keep people focused. Fortunately, we’ve had the experience of going to this game before. We have certain disciplines we follow and we’ll follow those now. We hope we have the privilege of bringing our fourth championship back to the New England community.
Q: There are only a dozen players left from the two teams who played in the Super Bowl four years ago. What does that say about both organizations that there can be such a turnover of playersm, but you’re both here again with new rosters?

RKK: I think both teams are blessed to have good coaches and good personnel people. I know the Giants have good ownership. But wow, those two games yesterday were unbelievable. Have the ratings come out? I haven’t seen but it must have been – we’ll have to call the NFL.
Q: I think the NFC was the third-most watch NFC title game and the Patriots game was the highest rated AFC title game. 

RKK: Yeah. I honestly, I’m surprised, usually I see the data, but I’ve been sort of inundated today. But it was something and they both went right to the end. Somehow I feel we’re going to have a Super Bowl that’s going to be in the same category. But how lucky are we to be going to Indianapolis? I hope these 20 people who celebrate the good acts of this region will enjoy the game and hopefully we bring this victory back.
Q: With how competitive Tom Brady is, do you expect him to be extra motivated to bring home the Lombardi trophy after the losses to the Giants in the Super Bowl and this season?

RKK: He’s always motivated, whether he’s playing golf or playing football. As we saw yesterday, it’s more than Tom Brady; it requires a whole team. I think our team, as a team, played remarkably well: special teams, defense and the offense when they had to. It’s more that the quarterback because there are a lot of great quarterbacks who have never even been to the championship game. He’s always going to be motivated. I see it firsthand, whether it’s at practice or anywhere. Look how he got up there yesterday and spoke about his own performance. He didn’t beat against the bush.
Q: How vivid are your memories of that 2007 Super Bowl?

RKK: I’ve never been able to watch it. Last night, you saw a kick being missed at the end of the game. But that kick would have tied the game and then put it into overtime, which is amazing. I do remember the end of the game, a ball going through our cornerback’s hands that if he had caught that ball and it hadn’t gone through his hands, we would have been able to take a knee and we would have won the game. And, you know, that Eli [Manning] doing a great job escaping from that pile of guys that we had on him, and whether the whistle blows and the great catch and all these things. In the end, there are a lot of little things. That was a great game, that was a great team and we’re looking forward to having the privilege of going to Indianapolis. Thank you very

ROBERT KRAFT POST GAME INTERVIEW

Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft comments on the team’s AFC Championship win and advancing to the Super Bowl.

(On winning the AFC Championship) “To win the game in front of your own fans . . . wow. It might not happen again in my lifetime. Well, think about it: when we bought the team, they had one home playoff game, which they lost in ’78. We hosted our first AFC Championship Game – it was 37 years as a franchise – back in ’96, which we won. And you’re not guaranteed to host an AFC Championship Game in your home stadium. It’s pretty cool. The last Super Bowl we won, I believe we won the [AFC Championship] game in Pittsburgh. So to do this in front of our own fans . . .”

(On who he thinks the Patriots will play in the Super Bowl) “Just the fact that we’re going, that’s all that matters. We’re excited. [The Giants and the 49ers] are two good football teams. I’m just happy we’re in the game. It just shows how little things – sometimes it’s hard for fans or people who aren’t around the game all the time to understand just the little things that can happen that change. Who would’ve believed that – this guy [Billy Cundiff] is a great kicker – he [would've] missed that kick. It’s a special day for the fans of the New England Patriots and we’re honored to be going to this game in two weeks.”

(On if he was surprised that Tom Brady said that he didn’t play well) “Well here’s what he said to me. He said to me, ‘I promise you I’m going to play a lot better in two weeks.’ He’s still pretty good in my book. I’ll take him over any quarterback. I’ve been watching the NFL for a long time and there’s no quarterback I’d rather have. He might say he [didn't play well] but we won the game. This is a heck of a locker room. What I’ve learned is that most games are really won or lost right from the locker room. These guys believe they can always come back and win. I know they do. And look what happened tonight. I believe we would’ve won in overtime if there had been an overtime, because of the mental toughness and the way these guys think.”

(On the missed field goal at the end of the game) “[There were] forces at work that’s beyond anything we can understand. I’m just pretty happy and proud we’re going to the big game. The support our fans have given us this year and given me personally and our whole family has been terrific. So let’s hope we do some business in two weeks.”

(On Vince Wilfork) “Vince Wilfork is a man. Look how he went from playing two downs to being on the field for almost every play. And the kind of leader he is. I know that he’ll speak up with Coach [Bill] Belichick or anyone in this locker room if he doesn’t think we’re doing the right thing to help this team win. We’re so lucky to have Vince Wilfork on this team. He’s really been great. And his wife, Bianca, is a full partner in that.”

(On if he thought the Ravens had a touchdown late in the game) ”I’m just happy we’re in the position we’re in right now and that’s all. There are so many little things that happen during the year, when you think about it, just the little things that can go the other way. I’m so excited that we’re going to the big game. I still pinch myself thinking about it and I think of my sweetheart.”

PATRIOTS BACK IN THE SUPER BOWL

CBS’ Jim Nance: Thank you, James Brown and congratulations, New England – you’re going back to the Super Bowl! And now to present the Lamar Hunt trophy to the AFC Champions, Drew Bledsoe for the presentation to Robert Kraft and family. Mr. Kraft, you’ve been in this position before. You know how rewarding it is to be taking a team back to the Super Bowl. What a season … and I know has been emotional every step of the way too.

Patriots Owner Robert Kraft RK: Well, I want to congratulate these great players and the coaches. They’re an amazing team. They’re a great brotherhood. They’re a family. And just like all of you out in the stadium – you’re part of our family. All of you and all of the people watching on television who are Pats fans – you’re part of our family. Thank you for the support you’ve given us this emotional year.

Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick JN: Coach Belichick, you’re going back again. How about this game here today and how sweet this feeling is one more time?

BB: It’s awesome, Jim. I’ve just got to give a lot of credit to the players. Those guys fought all year, and just like today, it wasn’t always perfect, but they fought to the final gun and we came out on top … You’ve got to give the players all the credit – they’re the ones who won it today.

Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady

JN: Tom Brady, I knew you were going to be in there – I just didn’t know where you were. Tom will join Jon Elway as the only two quarterbacks to ever start five times in the Super Bowl. You just won your 16th postseason game, which ties Joe Montana for most playoff victories ever. Congratulations. Tell me how this one got done tonight.

TB: Well, I sucked pretty bad today, but our defense saved us. And I’m going to try and go out and do a better job in a couples weeks, but I’m proud of this team, my teammates. You know, you fans were unbelievable today. You were a 12th man and we needed it. We’re going to try to go out and kick some butt in a couple weeks.

Patriots Defensive Lineman Vince Wilfork

JN: Good luck to you, Tom. Alright, Vince. Coach says this is a good place to start. How about we’ll just end it with you? You seemed to be in that back field all night long. And your defense, which has been malign all season long played so well in some crucial spots again here tonight.

VW: I think tonight was a big night for all of us. The fans, the organization, the coaches, the players, everyone. It was a big, big night for us. We had to come out here and play good football to beat a good football team and we did.

JN: Congratulations to you too and I’ll let you go celebrate with your teammates. Vince Wilfork and the Patriots! Marching on to Indianapolis and Super Bowl XLVI and we’ll continue with the Subway postgame show on CBS in just a moment