Greg Bedard's - Boston Sports Journal

[OurF'ingCity]

I get that Bedard clearly isn't well-liked in the reporting world, but the fact that Darlington is more or less acting as a mouthpiece for Brady's team seems so obvious to me as to not even warrant mentioning, so it strikes me as a bit odd that THIS is what others are getting upset about.

 

[TheRooster]

Yeah, I read the piece yesterday and it seemed like Bedard was going out of his way to NOT call Darlington a tool. He was also clear about their intersecting pasts.

 

[Harry Hooper]

Yeah, I read the piece yesterday and it seemed like Bedard was going out of his way to NOT call Darlington a tool. He was also clear about their intersecting pasts.

Yeah, that was hardly a slam on Darlington to me when I read it, but YMMV.

 

[Van Everyman]

That's why I shared the larger context there -- I actually think the screenshot Kyed put up makes it look less worse than it was bc it took out all the nice things Bedard said about Darlington.

That said, I think Bedard does cross a bit of a line by saying Darlington "has obviously cozied up to those essential people who are part of Team Brady — likely his handlers — and finagled it so he’s sort of their mouthpiece." Regardless of the caveats and compliments, that's a direct hit/"you sunk my Battleship"-type criticism from a peer, kind of unnecessary and really not cool.

 

[lexrageorge]

Bedard could have said the nice things, then ended with saying that he disagrees with Darlington's conclusions, explaining how during this time of year that there is a lot of misinformation coming from the different camps. Because right now it comes across as Bedard simply being jealous that Darlington got some G2 from Team Brady.

 

[JCizzle]

Apparently they hit the three year anniversary today. Really happy for a guy like BRobb that I thoroughly enjoy.

View: https://twitter.com/briantrobb/status/1286735821689716738?s=21

 

[JimD]

And Sean McAdam.

 

[tmracht]

Im so torn on renewing. I got the 3 year plan that's up at end of the month and I don't read it nearly as much as the athletic. But I also want to support the authors.

 

[Saints Rest]

Did anyone read his latest offering, “Bedard’s Inner Circle”? $100/month.
Seems a bit hubristic.

 

[Lose Remerswaal]

Will he help me move?

 

[Harry Hooper]

BSJ website is offline tonight, yikes.


Bedard, 10:40 PM:
APOLOGIES FOR THE ISSUES … MY TECH PEOPLE FORGOT IT WAS DRAFT NIGHT AND FORGOT TO LOAD UP THE EXTRA SERVERS.
SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY SORRY
My gift to you is a QB who can start so Cam doesn’t have to.

 

[Rook05]

Oof, it gets worse—the app is broken with an apology message initially from…DK Pittsburgh Sports. Bedard has updated the text but this thing looks to be on its last legs.

 

[8slim]

Oof, it gets worse—the app is broken with an apology message initially from…DK Pittsburgh Sports. Bedard has updated the text but this thing looks to be on its last legs.

Error message this morning says that I “still” have an old version of the app: “And since it’s no longer being active, that’s... not good!”

Huh? So I should update the app?

Well no, the next line says that they’ll be releasing “the new apps soon” so use the mobile web for now.

Who wrote that?

I really try to support journalism, since it’s been devastated by Facebook and Google. And I do get value from BSJ — I know a lot of people hate Bedard, but his in season Pats breakdowns are excellent, and Sean McAdam’s Sox coverage is good. But they gotta have better tech than this, it’s really not acceptable to have this kind of weird error message for a site people are paying for.

 

[tmracht]

Yeah I had initially got the 3-year to show support, but couldn't justify extending it lately. This further makes my decision seem the right one.

 

[Van Everyman]

Not sure what their financial situation is but Bedard has been tweeting the last few days that the app would be upgraded and says it should be mostly finalized tonight.

I actually haven’t used the app in a few months bc it stopped working for me but the mobile has been fine throughout.

 

[8slim]

Yeah I had initially got the 3-year to show support, but couldn't justify extending it lately. This further makes my decision seem the right one.

My annual subscription works out to about $3/month, which I find quite fair given the quality and volume of the Pats and Sox coverage in particular. I subscribe to The Athletic as well, and while their long-form pieces are great, I find that the day-to-day coverage by BSJ is better (I do love Jeff Howe, I just wish he wrote a bit more frequently).

Bedard's gotta solve the tech stuff, though.

 

[Van Everyman]

I actually changed mine to month-to-month a ways back because I didn’t mind spending a little more on a monthly basis ($5) for the ability to stop if things did go sideways for him.

Agree with all this. I was bummed when I saw Brian Robb moved to MassLive. But Bedard’s breakdowns are really good and Mcadam is a legitimately great beat guy.

 

[Andy Merchant]

I bought the $300 lifetime sub to support the site when it started, but hate to say that I rarely visit it these days.

 

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

Greg Bedard is on Felger and Mazz and thinks that Mac Jones is too short for the NFL.

Mac Jones is 6' 3".

Baker Mayfield is 6' 1"
Kyler Murray is 5' 10".
Aaron Rodgers is 6'2".
Russell Wilson is 5'10"
Drew Brees is 6'0"

 

[Mystic Merlin]

Greg Bedard is on Felger and Mazz and thinks that Mac Jones is too short for the NFL.

Mac Jones is 6' 3".

Baker Mayfield is 6' 1"
Kyler Murray is 5' 10".
Aaron Rodgers is 6'2".
Russell Wilson is 5'10"
Drew Brees is 6'0"

His height is probably the one relevant physical attribute that doesn’t give me pause with him. I don’t see evidence that batted balls or vision are particularly a problem for him. Would it be better if he was as tall as Brady, Manning, Herbert, Bledsoe, Flacco, etc? Yes, of course, but that doesn’t mean he can’t play the position at a starter caliber level because he is 6’3’’.

Was he prompted by Mazz or Murray on this question? I’ve noticed he sometimes agrees very quickly in almost an offhanded way with certain takes they volunteer, even when the take is out of left field/not something Bedard has mentioned before. This is the first I’ve heard of him mentioning Mac’s height as a concern, so it makes me think it’s not a particularly considered remark.

 

[shawnrbu]

Bedard brought it up. Says it is a developing take (using Felger and Mazz jargon). Seen some plays where it looks like Mac may be having trouble seeing over the line. Referenced a play on Sunday where Henry was open and didn’t get the ball.

 

[Harry Hooper]

"Too short for the NFL" was Murray's caricature of Bedard's observation.

He wrote about it today:

One thing that pops up from time to time: Jones' lack of height (6-2 1/2) shows up when he gets pressure in his face. At times it appears he can't see open receivers in the corners of the field over some linemen. That's typical of smaller pocket QBs (Drew Brees). But it's going to be incumbent on the Patriots and Josh McDaniels to scheme Jones clean pockets when it comes to shot plays. It's something Sean Payton did well with Brees. Nothing alarming at this time, but something to monitor as he advances in his rookie season.

 

[Kliq]

Is that really a height thing or perhaps a vision/awareness thing, or even more likely, a lack of experience. A rookie QB panicking a bit and not seeing an open man when he is faced with pressure up the middle is not surprising. I find it very hard to believe his height is the issue, when he appears to be right around average NFL QB height and that if he were literally one inch taller, it wouldn't be a problem.

 

[Harry Hooper]

Mac coming out of Alabama probably doesn't have a ton of experience making throws with his OL being pushed back into his face.

 

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

There is literally nothing to do with height at all in regards to having pressure in his face and seeing the field. That's outright dumb.

 

[shaggydog2000]

Is that really a height thing or perhaps a vision/awareness thing, or even more likely, a lack of experience. A rookie QB panicking a bit and not seeing an open man when he is faced with pressure up the middle is not surprising. I find it very hard to believe his height is the issue, when he appears to be right around average NFL QB height and that if he were literally one inch taller, it wouldn't be a problem.

Being 6'6" is better than being 5'10" when it comes to seeing over offensive linemen who are enormous people, I'm sure. But 6'21/2" vs 6'4" seems like not a big deal.

 

[Kliq]

Being 6'6" is better than being 5'10" when it comes to seeing over offensive linemen who are enormous people, I'm sure. But 6'21/2" vs 6'4" seems like not a big deal.

It kind of reminds of how during the NBA Draft, if a guard or wing player isn't in the top 1% of NBA athletes, there will be some analyst who will point out "concerns about their athleticism". Like I recall some people being worried that Tatum didn't have elite NBA athleticism because he didn't have Zach LaVine's vertical. Then he got to the NBA and was more than fine. These guys in the draft get picked apart relentlessly and every little weakness is examined under a microscope. I could see someone who noticed that Jones was slightly below ideal QB height leading into the draft is now attributing that to some miscues.

 

[NickEsasky]

Manning might be 6'5 but 8" of that is forehead so his eyes are really at the same level as Brees'.

 

[nattysez]

Greg was out spreading some sunshine today. The responses to Spain's tweet are brutal.

View: https://twitter.com/SarahSpain/status/1557511967627157510?t=8Toj1v6odWt4n4efPhkNrg&s=19

 

[Mystic Merlin]

I laughed out loud at this -

View: https://twitter.com/sethwickersham/status/1557529167457132547?s=21&t=NuR-nT0JXzldQzFPQu7sMg

 

[chonce1]

Anyone else still kind of stunned this business still exists?

 

[Andy Merchant]

The Pittsburgh site that he based Boston Sports Journal on is still hanging in there too. Having Sean McAdam involved for this long gives Bedard some street cred, so who knows?

 

[jsinger121]

Sean with him is a huge. Basically having Greg and Sean as the established guys and then they go with young and up and comers for the Bruins/Celtics.

 

[8slim]

Sean with him is a huge. Basically having Greg and Sean as the established guys and then they go with young and up and comers for the Bruins/Celtics.

Yep. I keep the subscription largely because of McAdam's Sox coverage, and Bedard's post-game film breakdowns. That's worth $35/year to me.

 

[Saints Rest]

I like Karalis on the Celts. I would love to see another voice covering the Pats to offset some of Bedard's biases -- I still haven't seen enough from Kevin Field to form my opinion about him yet. When they had Miguel writing extended in depth pieces about the cap, that was a great value add, but he didn't stick around long.

 

[Van Everyman]

I still subscribe but largely bc I met Sean McAdam a few years ago at a Red Sox event. He was gracious and smart and deserves to be paid for his work, even if I don't read him enough on the site. I probably read more of Bedard's stuff even if I find him to be kind of obnoxious personally.

 

[RSN Diaspora]

I like Karalis on the Celts.

Does he offer insights on BSJ that you can't get on his podcast? I listen to him pretty regularly but haven't ponied up for BSJ in part because I don't really use my subscription to The Athletic and I already pay for that.

 

[Saints Rest]

Does he offer insights on BSJ that you can't get on his podcast? I listen to him pretty regularly but haven't ponied up for BSJ in part because I don't really use my subscription to The Athletic and I already pay for that.

I don't know as I don't listen to podcasts.

 

[Van Everyman]

I still subscribe but largely bc I met Sean McAdam a few years ago at a Red Sox event. He was gracious and smart and deserves to be paid for his work, even if I don't read him enough on the site. I probably read more of Bedard's stuff even if I find him to be kind of obnoxious personally.

And with that, two weeks later, McAdam is leaving:
View: https://twitter.com/Sean_McAdam/status/1651950026447286273?s=20

 

[Rusty13]

And with that, two weeks later, McAdam is leaving:
View: https://twitter.com/Sean_McAdam/status/1651950026447286273?s=20

I’m honestly surprised that Sean lasted this long there. I can’t imagine the ongoing revenue streams have been great. I hope Sean is able to find another gig, but they are definitely dwindling in that industry.

 

[RedOctober3829]

I’m honestly surprised that Sean lasted this long there. I can’t imagine the ongoing revenue streams have been great. I hope Sean is able to find another gig, but they are definitely dwindling in that industry.

I can see him moving over to The Athletic.

 

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

I can see him moving over to The Athletic.

That would be awesome, but the Athletic has two pretty strong beat writers. Maybe a substack?

 

[Andy Merchant]

Huh, I figured that Bedard gave Sean some equity in the business since he stayed on so long.

I wonder if something big is happening? Karen Guregian just announced she was leaving the Herald:

View: https://twitter.com/kguregian/status/1651580125207490563

 

[soxhop411]

And with that, two weeks later, McAdam is leaving:
View: https://twitter.com/Sean_McAdam/status/1651950026447286273?s=20

Huh, I figured that Bedard gave Sean some equity in the business since he stayed on so long.

I wonder if something big is happening? Karen Guregian just announced she was leaving the Herald:

View: https://twitter.com/kguregian/status/1651580125207490563

Both are moving in market to MassLive
View: https://twitter.com/Sean_McAdam/status/1653104664387149826

After a brief stay in the transfer portal, thrilled to announce I’ll soon be joining @masslivesports , where I’ll be supervising reporter/baseball columnist. Excited to join a terrific staff & reunite with good friend @kguregian , whom I’ve only known since I was six. Can’t wait!

View: https://twitter.com/ByMarkDaniels/status/1653105227162107904

New job update: I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be joining @masslivesports later this month as a Patriots columnist/ supervising reporter. I’m excited to join a terrific sports staff. Esteemed colleague and long time friend @Sean_McAdam is also joining me for the ride. Can’t wait.

 

[Van Everyman]

Oh nice! It's interesting--and potentially really good news--that MassLive is expanding its sports coverage.

 

[8slim]

Great for Sean, bad for us BSJ subscribers. The next Sox reporter has enormous shoes to fill. That'll be a make-or-break hire when it comes time for my decision to renew.

 

[Mystic Merlin]

Why did the Herald let her leave? Cost-cutting? She was the gold standard of any of the Herald or, for that matter, Globe reporters who regularly/semi-regularly cover the Patriots. E.g., Gasper does nothing for me when he wades into the Pats’ world, and Volin is an actively cancerous presence.

 

[Kliq]

The Herald is dead, dead, dead. Owned by a company just looking to suck every bit of marrow out of them. They don't even have an office anymore. Grim times there.

MassLive has slowly been working their way eastward and been expanding. It's funny how one media company seems to think there is plenty of room to grow in the Boston-metro market and everyone else is cutting down and scurrying for cover.

 

[Andy Merchant]

Wow, pretty good gets for a non-Boston paper. A ballsy move considering the newspaper industry seems to be on the slow walk to oblivion.

 

[Granite Sox]

IMHO, I thought McAdam was the weakest of BSJ's team reporters. To me, his writing was very vanilla and usually trailed other competitors; it was never objectionable, but it also never really stimulated any thoughts or considerations about the Sox, either. Amidst the Globe and Athletic Sox writers, he's a distant third. On BSJ, Bedard, Karalis, and the Bruins beat writer du jour usually include some interesting angles and/or insights that I enjoy.