The Challenge Ahead for Mike Vrabel With Khari Thompson. Plus, Should We Be Worried About the Celtics?
Jan 14, 2025
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Khari Thompson, a Boston.com reporter known for his sharp insights on Boston sports, joins the discussion to unpack Mike Vrabel's hiring as the Patriots’ head coach. They dive into potential offensive coordinator candidates and the franchise's future, debating the upside of Vrabel alongside quarterback Drake Maye. The conversation also touches on the current struggles of the Celtics, examining fatigue effects and how these challenges compare to past championship teams. It's a thrilling blend of sports strategy and team dynamics!
The Celtics are struggling with defensive intensity, particularly during critical moments in games, raising concerns about their overall focus and motivation.
Mike Vrabel's hiring brings optimism about the franchise's future, with discussions on potential offensive coordinator candidates and the strategic direction under his leadership.
The Celtics' decline in three-point shooting and defensive metrics highlights urgent areas for improvement as they aim to regain consistency in performance.
Deep dives
NFL Show Overview
The episode introduces the Ringer NFL show as the go-to source for fans seeking in-depth analysis of their favorite teams and players during the 2024 season. It features discussions on the weekly slate of games every Friday, followed by a recap show on Mondays that includes hot takes on the NFL's latest action. The show also includes insightful segments on quarterback performances and significant league storylines, highlighting the expertise of the hosts and their commitment to providing engaging content. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the show on various platforms, including Spotify and social media.
Celtics' Recent Performance
The Celtics' disappointing performance against the Kings and Pelicans is the focus of concern, with particularly troubling defensive lapses highlighted. In their game against the Kings, the Celtics allowed 38 points in the fourth quarter, reflecting a lack of intensity. In a follow-up game against the Pelicans, they started poorly, conceding 35 points in the first quarter, raising questions about their motivation and focus. These results have prompted critiques of the team's mediocrity during a challenging stretch of their season.
Comparison to Warriors
The speaker contrasts the Celtics' current season with the Warriors' post-championship performances, noting the Celtics were anticipated to respond similarly after their previous finals run. The discussion points out that the Celtics entered the season with high expectations regarding their championship pedigree, as the Warriors had a more surprising rise. However, while the Warriors were new to playoffs and had no significant wear and tear, the Celtics have a core that has faced multiple playoff challenges. This experience might be influencing their current performance, leading to questions about their resolve and drive amid current struggles.
Concerns Over Porzingis Lineup
There are growing concerns about the Celtics' lineup featuring Kristaps Porzingis, which has shown poor performance metrics despite the talent on the roster. The offensive and defensive ratings of the starting five significantly dropped compared to the previous year, presenting a stark contrast to their effectiveness. For context, when Al Horford replaced Porzingis in the lineup, the Celtics' performance metrics improved dramatically, indicating the possible integration challenges with Porzingis. This suggests that while Porzingis has potential, adjustments to his game and chemistry with the team are crucial for improving their overall effectiveness.
Impact of Three-Point Shooting
The Celtics' three-point shooting has noticeably declined, impacting their scoring and defensive standings in recent games. Despite attempting significant volumes of three-pointers, their shooting percentage has dropped from a solid rate earlier in the season to below average. Concurrently, opposing teams have also experienced an increase in successful three-point shots against them, marking a sharp decline in their defensive proficiency. This shift in shooting metrics highlights a crucial area needing improvement as the season progresses, emphasizing the importance of restoring confidence and efficiency in their long-range shooting.
Home and Road Performance Disparity
The Celtics are experiencing a stark contrast between their road performance and home performance, which raises questions about their consistency. While they have performed admirably on the road with a strong defensive rating, their home defensive metrics have plummeted. This inconsistency may indicate a lack of urgency when playing at home, potentially affecting their motivation and focus. Fans and analysts are left wondering how the team can find a way to harness their road success to elevate their home game performance as they move through the season.
Brian discusses the reasons behind the Celtics’ current slump and whether the players are simply tired (1:00) before getting to some Red Sox thoughts following Fenway Fest (26:15). Then, Brian chats with Boston.com’s Khari Thompson about the Mike Vrabel hiring, potential offensive coordinator candidates, the ceiling for the franchise now with Vrabel and Drake Maye, and more (33:30). Brian and Jamie end with a few listener emails on the Patriots (1:03:35).
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