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Toucher & Hardy

Fred Toucher Pushes Back Against Drake Maye-Will Levis Comparison: ‘You Can’t Ignore the Patriots’ Situation’

nick
Author Nick Gemelli
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 17: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots looks on during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

During this morning’s Toucher & Hardy, Fred Toucher and Phil Perry delved into the debate over Drake Maye’s rookie season and a fan’s comparison of him to Will Levis. Toucher, defending Maye, highlighted how despite their seemingly similar stats, Maye’s rushing ability and leadership set him apart. He emphasized that Maye, at just 22, is already respected by his teammates, which is a rare quality for such a young quarterback. Perry added some depth to the comparison, noting, “Maye is ranked 14th in ESPN’s QBR, one spot ahead of Jared Goff and one behind Trevor Lawrence,” which reflects his strong performance despite the challenges around him.

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In contrast, Perry pointed out that Levis, who ranks 31st in the same metric, has had a much tougher time adjusting, struggling with both his play and his coaching relationship. Toucher further criticized the fan who made the comparison, pointing out that Maye’s situation—without an elite offensive line and few top-tier receiving targets—only highlights how impressive his development has been. Perry agreed, noting that while Levis has similar statistical numbers, his performances have been marked by inconsistency and struggles.

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.

90s Alt Playlist: Toucher & Hardy's Truly Top Tunes, Vol. 2

The second in a series of Toucher & Hardy musical primers, this 90s alt playlist will bring you back to the days of Docs and flannel.

My name is Adam 12, Executive Producer of the Toucher & Hardy show, weekday mornings from 6-10 on 98.5 the Sports Hub. I have a handful of responsibilities that come along with that role. One of said responsibilities is the music.

I’m a music fan first and foremost, so I’ve been putting a lot of thought and effort into picking the songs that, for all intents and purposes, soundtrack the show every morning. Quite a few of you have noticed that effort and reached out.

90s Alt Playlist: Music Drives Us

Your reaching out has resulted in my most recent undertaking: posting playlists of the songs you hear on Toucher & Hardy. I started with this hip hop playlist, packed with Golden Age gems and some newer tracks you might not be wise to.

Next, we rock. Because that’s something that Fred, Hardy and I all have in common. We three spent time in alternative rock radio in the 90s, so there’s plenty of common ground and shared experiences there. Too many stories. Too many forgotten nights.

90s Alt Playlist: No Poseurs Here

If my hip hop playlist leaned more Fred, this one leans more Hardy. Sure, there’s stuff we all dig here. But as I’ve mentioned before, the name of the game is using tunes to put my hosts in the right headspace. And I know what my guy Hardy likes.

I hope you like it, too. I’m starting with 12 songs, of course. Maybe I’ll come back with another 12 another time. It’s 90s alt rock, after all; I could easily drop 1200 on you. I do have quite a bit of expertise.

  • Buffalo Tom "Sodajerk"

    A Boston rock radio staple. First FNX, then BCN. Long live Buffalo Tom. They’re still playing live, too. See them if you’re able.

  • Dinosaur Jr "Feel The Pain"

    I threw this one on the day after I saw Dino Jr open for Weezer at the Garden. I’d forgotten how good it is; now it’s part of the rotation.

  • Gin Blossoms "Follow You Down"

    Hey, were you at that Gin Blossoms show at Cary Hall in Lexington a few years back? Did you see the guy in the Titleist hat and three-quarter zip singing along to every lyric of every song? Yeah, that was Hardy.

  • Jimmy Eat World "Lucky Denver Mint"

    The intro and outro from this non-hit single from the band’s 1998 album Clarity is just begging to be used as a music bed.

  • The Jayhawks "Waiting For The Sun"

    I could’ve done an entire Alt Country playlist, to be honest. Hardy and I have a lot of love for that particular genre. Maybe somewhere down the road.

  • Radiohead "The Bends"

    A listener suggestion that has now made the regular rotation. Nicholas loves when I throw this one on.

  • School Of Fish "Three Strange Days"

    This one was in the system when I took over as Executive Producer and was scouring the database for decent music beds. 90s one-hit wonder in effect.

  • Smashing Pumpkins "I Am One"

    Another listener request, but one I would’ve gotten around to eventually. The Pumpkins are one of my all-time faves and the intro here is perfect for what we need it to be.

  • Soul Coughing "Rolling"

    Remember that song “Super Bon Bon?” Well, those guys did this song, too. This drum beat pops up in my head from time to time on a loop. It’s catchy like that.

  • Sugar "Gift"

    Fred’s one of the few music fan friends I know that backs me on this take: Sugar is better than Husker Du and solo Bob Mould.

  • Urge Overkill "Positive Bleeding"

    Another fave of both Hardy’s and mine. Urge Overkill’s Saturation and Exit The Dragon are criminally underrated in the 90s alt rock cannon.

  • Wilco "Casino Queen"

    One more for Hardy, one more for the road.

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Author Nick Gemelli
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