B-Side Sports
Plus: 🍀 The Porzingod returns
Good Morning (And Happy Thanksgiving), Boston.
On Thanksgiving Day in 2010 … Tom Brady was just about flawless against the Detroit Lions. Literally: Brady posted one of his three career perfect passer rating (158.3) performances, throwing four TDs as the Patriots dismantled Detroit 45-24. Ten years later, he’d do the Lions dirty with another perfect rating game the day after Christmas, this time with the Bucs. How’s that for holiday cheer?
WHAT’S ON TAP TODAY:
Kristaps’ comeback
Sox surging in Soto sweepstakes?
Jabrill Peppers back in action?
LET’S GET INTO IT…
LEADING OFF
Let’s give thanks!
Image: Brian Fluharty/Getty Images
Boston sports fans have much to be thankful for. As sports fans, we tend to live and die in the moment with our teams, whether it’s the lows of the Patriots getting stomped by the Dolphins last Sunday or the highs of watching the Celtics wreck the NBA. But as we prep our Thanksgiving meals and prepare for a marathon of football viewing, how about we give thanks for how much being a Boston sports fan rules? For example: let’s be thankful that:
The Celtics are awesome. Between finally raising Banner No. 18 and starting off the 2024-25 season 15-3, this year couldn’t be going better for the C’s. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown look like the best 1-2 punch in the NBA. Joe Mazzulla continues to drop quotables on the mic every time he speaks to the media. Oh, and they’ve got a 7-foot-2 big man who can sink 3-pointers … and the early frontrunner for the Sixth Man of the Year in Payton Pritchard. What a time to be a C’s fan.
Drake Maye might be a future superstar. As rough as 2024 has been for the Patriots, it was all worth it to get Maye third overall in the NFL Draft. He’s been everything we hoped for and more, even showing signs he can elevate a fairly talent-deficient offense. He’s clearly making an impression on his teammates and his opponents, which could pay major dividends in free agency next year. But for now, how about we enjoy having a QB who can make this insane throw?
The Red Sox might have a bright future. No, we’re serious. Boston’s farm system is loaded with young talent, including the No. 1 prospect in minor league baseball (Roman Anthony). Both Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela played like Rookie of the Year candidates last season. Jarren Duran ascended to All-Star status. Now, throw in the idea of prized free-agent outfielder Juan Soto — just have fun with us here — and some pitching upgrades? The Sox could be a wagon once again in 2025 and beyond. Also … theeeeeeee Yankees lost!
Women’s sports are on the come-up here. Boston dominates in men’s sports. Why not the women’s side, too?
Like we said: there’s no better place to be a sports fan than Boston. For this, we give thanks.
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BOSTON SPORTS
Quick hits & headlines
Image: Winslow Townson/AP Images
Jabrill Peppers returns to Patriots. The NFL removed the Pats safety from the Commissioner’s Exempt List while he awaits his trial for alleged domestic assault in January, and he returned to practice Tuesday, meaning he could theoretically suit up this weekend for New England.
Kristaps Porzingis makes season debut for Celtics. The Celtics big man’s 16 points, six rebounds, and two blocks in just 22 minutes are a great start to his 2024-25 campaign. Head coach Joe Mazzulla especially loved his defensive presence. When he’s stuffing guys at the rim like this, how can you not?
Jaylen Brown = Chief Petty Officer. Brown called out the Timberwolves broadcast for “hating” on his shooting stats after his monster 3-point barrage on Sunday night. By all means, people, keep giving Brown bulletin board material. The last time people got Jaylen in a bad mood, he won Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals MVP awards.
Red Sox reportedly up the ante for Juan Soto. Boston’s apparently on the shortlist of five teams, along with the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, and Blue Jays, to make offers to the young slugger. Even more interesting: the Sox have upped their original offer in both years and money. Don’t give us hope.
James White urges patience with Jerod Mayo. While much of the Patriots fan base actively calls for Mayo’s job, one of his old teammates said the rookie coach will be fine. “Just give it time,” White said. Even if White’s just being a good friend, a little calm might do Patriots fans some good.
THEY SAID IT, NOT ME
Cookies and Cream
Image: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images
Cookies and Cream is back, baby. Let’s get it.
Jaylen Brown on Kristaps Porzingis’ return Monday.
Coaches can’t play the game. Bill [Belichick] would say that stuff, too.
David Andrews on Jerod Mayo and the coaching staff’s performance.
We really screwed ourselves.
Vederian Lowe on the Patriots’ mistake-filled game against the Dolphins.
GAME … SET … MEME
Mustard on the court
🤨 The elite Celtics social team finally got in on the “MUSTARD!” scream trend … offof Kendrick Lamar’s new hit song “tv off.” The “Mustard” in question — noted West Coast producer DJ Mustard — also dropped an album with Jayson Tatum’s girlfriend Ella Mai this year. Jay and Ella might be about to squabble up — Tatum’s a noted Drake fan.
🗞 That’s a wrap. I’ll be daydreaming of a Fenway Frank in July … while Juan Soto laces a double off the Monster. Might even add some … MUSTAAAARRRRDDDD!
🙌 Special shoutout to today’s sponsor, Flexcar, for supporting local journalism and making transportation more affordable and accessible in Boston.
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