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Toucher & Hardy

Mike Reiss Breaks Down Patriots’ Struggles: Is Belichick Defending His Legacy with Mayo Criticism?

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Author Nick Gemelli
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 27: Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots watches the action against the Miami Dolphins in the second half at Gillette Stadium on October 27, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Belichick’s Comments: Bill Belichick’s claim that the Patriots have the “same players” as last year is misleading due to significant injuries.
  2. Injuries Ignored: Reiss highlighted injured key players like Ja’Whaun Bentley, Christian Barmore, Jabrill Peppers, and Matthew Judon, which Belichick did not mention.
  3. Frustration Among Fans: Hardy pointed out that while the team’s struggles are frustrating, there’s optimism around rookie QB Drake Maye.
  4. Diverging Fan Sentiments: Hardy feels a sense of cautious optimism among fans, while Reiss encountered more negativity after returning from London, particularly about coaching and team leadership.
  5. Coaching Concerns: Fans are increasingly questioning whether the coaching staff is at the level needed to develop the team and support Maye.

WATCH HERE:

This morning on the Toucher & Hardy radio show, Rob “Hardy” Poole and ESPN’s Mike Reiss chatted about Bill Belichick’s recent comments on the Patriots. Specifically, they talked about his claim that the team has “all the same players” as last year, even though a bunch of guys are injured. Hardy wondered if Belichick is just ignoring the injury situation on purpose or if he thinks the national audience isn’t paying enough attention to get the full picture.

Mike agreed, saying it sounds like Belichick is trying to protect his reputation rather than giving an honest assessment. He pointed out some key players who are out, like Ja’Whaun Bentley, Christian Barmore, Jabrill Peppers, and Matthew Judon, and how their absence really impacts the team. Hardy shared his frustration with how things are going, especially on defense, but he also mentioned the bright spot that is rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Even though the Patriots are sitting at 1-6, there’s a little hope thanks to him.

But Mike had a different take. After coming back from London, he noticed a lot of negativity among fans, with many worried about the coaching situation, team culture, and whether they’re doing enough to support Maye.

Nick Gemelli, the wizard behind the scenes at Toucher & Hardy and a maestro on 985thesportshub.com, kicked off his radio escapade back in 2007 as an intern for Toucher & Rich on WBCN. After navigating through WFNX and the Boston Phoenix, he made a triumphant return to the show in 2016. Hailing from Marshfield but currently holding it down in Tewksbury, Nick’s radio journey is as dynamic as his Twitter feed. Nick writes about what happens on the Toucher & Hardy Show and Boston area lifestyle content.

Rock Hall Snubs: Toucher & Hardy Talk What 2024 Got Right & Wrong

Rock Hall snubs were in the conversation as Toucher, Hardy, Wallach, and I–Adam 12–ran down the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

Back when I was hosting middays on Sports Hub sister station ROCK 92.9, I’d have a biannual bellyache session on how wrong the Rock Hall was: one for when they’d announce the nominees, and one for when they’d announce that year’s class.

I’m bringing that energy to Toucher & Hardy now. Because no matter how right (or wrong) the Rock Hall gets their short list of inductees each year, it seems the long list of artists they consistently snub is more compelling. Case in point on that right here.

Rock Hall Snubs: Class of 2024

The 39th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place in Cleveland over the weekend. As has been the case in recent years, the Ceremony was a parade of performances and speeches from stars from the music world and beyond.

Roger Daltrey inducted Peter Frampton, whose tribute video featured the likes of Tom Morello and Mike McCready. Sammy Hagar welcomed in Foreigner with a speech. And Ozzy Osborne was honored by none other than Jack Black.

Rock Hall Snubs: 3 Up, 3 Down

As you’ll hear in the segment above (starting at 32:30), our discussion focused less on this year’s honorees and more on the acts and artists that have yet to be enshrined. I could do another 300 words on that subject alone, but I won’t waste your time.

Below, we’re propping up our three faves from 2024. Then, we’re sharing three more bands that we believe have been grossly overlooked. Oh, and congrats to Dave Matthews for getting in on the Fan Vote (which is the only way that guy was ever getting in here).

  • Ozzy Osbourne

    A LONG overdue dual inductee. He’s been in as a member of Black Sabbath for years, but his solo work stands on its own and thus makes the Prince of Darkness worthy of enshrinement as a solo artist.

  • MC5

    Fred puts them below legendary Detroit proto-punks like Iggy Pop, but I put the MC5 on equal footing with Mr. 5-foot-1. It’s just a shame the Rock Hall waited so long to honor them; they’re all dead.

  • A Tribe Called Quest

    “bUt It’S tHe ROCK hAlL!” Shut up. That take is old and tired. The Hall has evolved. And Tribe deserves the accolades.

  • De La Soul

    Fred brought up a great point: it’s weird to have Tribe and not De La. Or to have the former in before the latter. Maybe the Plugs get in next year?

  • Soundgarden

    I snuck an AIC song into the post earlier, as they’re in the same category as Soundgarden. But Soundgarden in Hardy’s all-time fave. They both belong.

  • Joy Division

    Hardy is right: people insist upon them. But for good reason. They’re a vastly influential act.

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Author Nick Gemelli
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