Questioning the Patriots and Nationals
Can the Patriots be trusted on and off the field? Did the Nationals put their free-agent dollars behind the right player? Who can challenge the Ravens as the NFL playoffs draw nearer? Those are the main questions sports editor Josh Smith and host Greg Swatek address on the latest episode of Just Another Sports Podcast. The Patriots admitted to improperly filming the Cincinnati Bengals, their opponent this week, while compiling footage for a documentary on one of their advanced scouts for the team’s website. While Bill Belichick denied that he and the football side of the organization had anything to do with this, Josh and Greg are skeptical and explain why it’s so hard to take the legendary coach at his word on matters like this. The Nationals, meanwhile, resigned Stephen Strasburg to what was a record contract at the time for a pitcher (seven years, $245 million) and then lost All-Star third baseman Anthony Rendon to the Los Angeles Angels for a contract of identical length and value. Josh and Greg talk about why they would have chosen to sign Rendon over Strasburg, whether the Nationals really couldn’t afford signing both players, and whether pitchers deserve these types of contracts. Plus, can anyone in the AFC challenge the Ravens for a spot in the Super Bowl? What teams in the NFC can possibly beat them? And it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood for the Mr. Rogers movie.