Let Me Speak

Mike Vrabel is rounding out his coaching staff headlined by a third stint at offensive coordinator by Josh McDaniels. Joe gets into if this is a good hire from Vrabel and what McDaniels could bring to Drake Maye and the offense. Also, is Terrell Williams a trustworthy hire at defensive coordinator? Then, its not a struggle or a hot streak so we need to diagnose what is going with the Celtics. And, the Bruins are running out of time to save their season, but an inevitable rebuild might need to start sooner rather than later.

The worst kept secret is out as Mike Vrabel was named the next head coach of the Patriots by Robert Kraft. What can the former Super Bowl champion and team hall of famer fix and does this help move the trajectory for the franchise forward? Plus, the defending champs haven't been playing that well recently, but the concern level for the Celtics is still low (for the time being). And, the Bruins find inspiration from an unlikely source, but they aren't out of the woods yet.

The best time of the year for football has arrived with the start of the NFL playoffs kicking off with Wild Card Weekend. The episode of the sub-series previews every single game and detailing which teams are on upset alert with their dreams of a Super Bowl dashed. Joe also gives his prediction for who will play each in the Super Bowl and who will hoist the Lombardi Trophy down in New Orleans in February.

Joe is back from the holiday break where so much has happened mainly in the past week when Robert Kraft fired Jerod Mayo making him a one and done head coach. Was this the right decision and where did things go wrong for Mayo since the last time we had an episode? Also, Mike Vrabel seems like the next guy in waiting, but the interview process should be taken seriously for guys like Ben Johnson in such an important offseason for the Patriots. And, the Celtics might be getting hot while the Bruins certainly aren't.

In a season full of dysfunctional, one video of the Krafts and one shot at his offensive coordinator has Jerod Mayo at a tipping point with Patriots' fans and potentially ownership. Joe gets into just how bad things have been since Sunday's abysmal loss in Arizona and if this could be the beginning of the end for Mayo as head coach. Also, Alex Van Pelt seems like he'll be the fall guy if Mayo does survive the rest of the season. And, what's the hold up on the lack of Red Sox moves since they grabbed Garrett Crochet?

Contrary to what has happened over the past few years, the Red Sox made a big splash and traded for pitcher Garrett Crochet. Joe explains what kind of ace the Sox just acquired and what the mood is now surrounding ownership's willingness to spend big. Then, Craig Breslow salvaged his time at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, but still has a long way to go on his to-do list of needs for the offseason. And, Bill Belichick is back in the coaching ranks, but in the college game; why is he not in the NFL?

Since firing Jim Montgomery, the Bruins have found new life under Joe Sacco and have seemingly had a reversal of fortunes to their season. Joe chats with WEEI Bruins' writer Scott McLaughlin about the change the B's went through and the boost the move made to the rest of the squad. Also, Scott explains why parting with Montgomery was a hard decision for management to make, but so far seems like the right move. And, how the scoring went from nonexistent to super in the span of a few games.

Another week has gone by where the Patriots can't get out of their own way and drop a winnable game against the Colts. Joe discusses the biggest issues with Jerod Mayo and the coaching staff about gameday decisions. Then, the race for Juan Soto continues and the Red Sox are still in the fight, but the chances the Sox actually land the most coveted free agent. And, Joe Sacco keeps the Bruins rolling and the Celtics are getting boosts from two players in particular who should get some love.

Don Sweeney and the Bruins officially pulled the plug on Jim Montgomery and fired the head coach after a slow and below average start to the season. Joe looks at how much blame Montgomery gets for the troubles among the black and gold and how the team can salvage their year. Then, no shock to see the Patriots fall to the Rams, but the chaos in Foxborough is shocking to hear about. And, the case for Jayson Tatum as NBA MVP starts to get emphasized after the Celtics ending the Cavaliers' undefeated run.

Its the return of the sub-series "Speak On It" where Joe details the landscape of the NFL with roughly two months to go until the playoff picture is set. Just how wide open is the league with only one unbeaten team left and the real challengers towards the Chiefs' hopes of a three-peat. Also, what's the balance between how many good teams and how many bad teams there are with tankathon taking a big swing after this week? And, the likelihood that the two current top teams in the AFC and NFC will meat in New Orleans in February.

Despite a tough overtime loss to the Titans, the Patriots wouldn't have been in that spot if not for Drake Maye's heroics. Joe gives his feeling on another good performance from the third overall pick and why the future is even brighter than before sans the 2024 season. Then, Jim Montgomery is getting closer to being the scapegoat for the Bruins while Grant Williams is more than a scapegoat now to the Celtics after his antics. And, the Red Sox shock many by focusing on pitching over hitting with their qualifying offer.

In a wild time in Boston, it was the Patriots who brought the rare optimism with a victory over the Jets. Joe explains why everyone should be feeling good even if the season doesn't get modestly turned around especially for Jerod Mayo and Jacoby Brissett. Then, the Celtics and Bruins appear on opposite ends of the spectrum with fears of the B's blowing things up this early in the year. And, a brief review of the new Netflix documentary about the 2004 Red Sox comeback.

Patriots' season was already a mess and it didn't get any cleaner after head coach Jerod Mayo called his team soft after the most recent loss. Patriots' writer Alex Barth details the mess in Foxborough both on and off the field and if Mayo can salvage any damage already caused. Then, Alex dives into the defensive struggles for the past number of weeks and the bright spot Drake Maye has provided in his first two career starts.

Boston is ready to see its next banner get raised which will happen at TD Garden when the Celtics kick off their title defense. Joe sits down with WEEI Celtics' writer and friend of the program Justin Turpin to detail an odd offseason for a reigning NBA Champion and the motivation it may provide. Turp also describes how the roster will look with almost everyone returning and how minutes will be managed with no Kristaps Porzingis to begin the year. And of course, the big prediction on if the Celtics will go back-to-back.

In his first career start, Drake Maye thrilled Patriots' fans with his play despite the team's 41-21 loss to the Texans. Joe talks about the potential now for the third overall pick and what are realistic expectations for the rest of the season. Then, one week into the Bruins' season and there's a lot to like about how the Black and Gold have started so far.

Some call it too soon, some say too late, but either way Drake Maye has taken the reigns as Patriots' quarterback and will debut in that position against the Texans. Joe discusses the excitement surrounding the decision from Jerod Mayo to give their third overall pick the chance to show the future is now. Then, among the excitement come the actual expectations for a season that still seems to be lost, but was given a shot of interest with this roster move.

The Bruins are certainly glad to end the drama involving Jeremy Swayman just before a new season begins. Friend of the program Bridgette Proulx from WEEI's Bruins' team details how an extension got done between both sides and when to expect the presumptive starting goalie assume that role. Bridgette and Joe also discuss how much impact the two big free agents Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm will have and if Jim Montgomery's job is on the line for the season.

It was a very frustrating season for Red Sox fans watching the many ups and downs of 2024. To help summarize it all, Pat Brown from the "Play Tessie" podcast joins to diagnose where things went wrong and which aspect of the Sox cost them a shot at the postseason. Pat then gives his perspective of the end of season press conference with Alex Cora, Craig Breslow, and Sam Kennedy and how he would approach an extremely important offseason.

Joe opens the show discussing the Jets flying right over the Patriots and why things could only be getting worse for the Foxborough football team. Then, the Red Sox were officially eliminated which means its time to figure out where things went wrong. And, Bruins and Celtics open up training camp with contrasting emotions and showing love to Boston College football for their start in the Bill O'Brien era.

Its been a layer of bad news for the Boston sports scene and Joe tries uplift the spirit (since it is his birthday). Are there any moral victories from the Patriots' 1-1 start to the NFL season? Then, the Red Sox playoff chances have sunk so we figure out when exactly things went wrong. And, the concern about Jeremy Swayman and the Bruins is starting to rise.

The time for talking is over and the game action will be the chatter now; except on this episode. Joe sits down with Patriots' writer Mike Kadlick to give his thoughts on where the Pats stand heading into their season opener in Cincinnati and the realistic expectation is for Jerod Mayo and company in this presumptive new era in Foxborough.

Jerod Mayo has decided that Jacoby Brissett will be the starting QB when the Patriots open the season in Cincinnati. Joe talks about if making Drake Maye QB2 is the right decision and if Brissett will make it through all 17 games. Then, the Red Sox have turned things around in a hurry, but can it be sustained. And, Jeremy Swayman wants money that the Bruins simply can't afford.

Through two preseason games and the Patriots seem to have a conundrum at quarterback; at least outside the walls of Foxborough. Joe discusses why choosing Drake Maye as the Pats' starting quarterback over Jacoby Brissett should be the call for Jerod Mayo. Then, why the race for the playoffs isn't over for the Red Sox after winning their series in Houston over the Astros.

Game action finally went down for the Patriots and their preseason opener left more questions than answers. Joe sits down with Pats' writer Jon Lyons on Drake Maye only playing one series and the areas of struggle that could prove deadly for the season. Jon also describes what he's seen during joint practices with the Eagles and what to really expect in their upcoming preseason game.

There haven't even been any preseason games and the drama is running wild throughout Foxborough for Patriots' Training Camp. But with actual game action on the horizon, Joe talks about the chaos Matthew Judon has caused amidst his contract dispute and how unhealthy it is for Jerod Mayo's introduction to coaching. Also, besides the controversy what to watch for in the Pats' preseason opener.

For the first time in a few years, the Red Sox didn't do any selling at the trade deadline rather they bought and adding. To help analyze every move, WEEI and WBZ's Joe Weil joins to look at every name that was added and subtracted and if they will make a difference in the Sox push for the postseason.

Feels so long ago when things were awesome with the Red Sox, but now four straight losses have brought the vibes down quite a bit. Joe dives into if things can turn around for the Sox and if Craig Breslow will still invest at the trade deadline. Also, Patriots' Training Camp is underway and if the answer to who currently is QB1 a good one. And, Jaylen Brown's displeasure with Team USA has died down.

At the All Star break, the Red Sox have surprised most and currently sit in a playoff spot in the American League Wild Card. Joe chats with WEEI Sox host Cooper Boardman about what has the Red Sox where they are and if this can last after the break to keep the fans' faith alive.

The party doesn't stop on this wild Red Sox year as they take it to the Yankees once again this time in the Bronx. Joe explains why no more needs to be shown about the team's direction at the trade deadline and what specifically they need. Also, what is it about Rafael Devers playing against the Yankees?!

Its been a chaotic few days in Boston sports and Joe is here to discuss it all. The Celtics bringing literally everyone back for a run at a repeat and Wyc Grousbeck's decision to put the team up for sale. Then, the Bruins grabbed two of the big fish in NHL free agency, but is there more to do? And, the spotlight on Craig Breslow and Red Sox ownership to make the right moves at the trade deadline.

If you've been caught up with the Celtics and their championship and have wondered about the Patriots, no need to worry. Joe sits down with Pats' writer Mike Kadlick to detail the big takeaways from the first weeks under new coach Jerod Mayo and what to watch for before training camp begins in July.

Let the people of Boston celebrate as the Celtics complete their mission of securing an NBA Championship. We go deep into the archives as to how the Celtics carved their path to banner 18 from the arrivals of Brad Stevens to Jrue Holiday.

The Celtics currently have a 2-0 series lead in the NBA Finals over the Mavericks and have been in firm control from the start. Joe breaks down every element from the first two games including Kristaps Porzingis' return and Jayson Tatum's performance. Joe also looks ahead to Games 3 & 4 and what Boston needs to do get closer to their 18th championship.

Everyone is tired of talking and would rather see the NBA Finals get underway between the Celtics and the Mavericks. However, WEEI's Justin Turpin helps give one last big preview about the biggest keys for the C's and how the return of Kristaps Porzingis will impact both sides.

Its a podcast crossover as two members of the Play Tessie podcast Joe and Nat Gordon look back at the first third of the Red Sox season and if the team is really under-performing like their team president Sam Kennedy said. Joe and Gordo also look ahead to the near and long-term future of the Sox that has shown glimpses here in 2024.

For the second straight season, the Bruins' run at a Stanley Cup ends at the skates of the Florida Panthers. Joe chats with NESN's Content Producer Tim Crowley about how the series was lost and what kind of offseason we could expect from the black and gold.

Sports Illustrated's Celtics' beat writer Bobby Krivitsky joins Joe to talk about the Celtics' cruising towards the conference finals, what challenge the Pacers bring, and when to expect the return of Kristaps Porzingis.

In the midst of a chaotic time in Boston sports, the Patriots are welcoming their new faces to their new era. Alex Barth from 98.5 Sports Hub joins to talk about the first looks at Drake Maye and what else might be concerning in Foxborough.

What a time to be a Bruins' fan! A Game 7 thriller shortly followed by a big Game 1 upset win on the road. WEEI's Sunday Skate's Bridgette Proulx helps break down everything the B's went through from David Pastrnak's exhilarating overtime winner to the youth movement in the series opening win over the Panthers.

With the Miami Heat now in the rearview mirror, WEEI's Justin Turpin helps recap the Celtics' five-game series win in the first round and looks ahead for the team's future that won't include Kristaps Porzingis.

Its a jam-packed time in Boston and Joe breaks it all down from the Celtics & Bruins playoff series, to the Patriots' outlook following NFL Draft, to the one month review of the Red Sox season.

With less than 24 hours before the NFL Draft, Joe previews what the Patriots should do when they are on the clock with the third overall pick and what else Eliot Wolf should target during the seven round draft.

The looming questions for the Bruins is all about how they treat their goalie situation in their first round series with the Maple Leafs. Joe looks ahead on the keys of the first round and how he believes Jim Montgomery should use Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman.

As the Celtics enter the postseason looking unstoppable, Jack Simone from Celticsblog.com joins Joe to preview what could get in the C's own way and if destiny has them winning an NBA Championship.

This is the debut of a brand new series that divulges from the usual Boston sports news and goes off the map. This week, we preview Monster Energy Supercross coming to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

On eve of the Red Sox home opener, Joe is joined by Sammy James from "Play Tessie" to talk the first 10 games of the season and looking forward to the celebration of the 2004 championship team.

Joe Braverman gets to discuss all major Boston teams on this episode including the start to the Red Sox season, draft updates from the Patriots, and what else to watch as the Celtics and Bruins end their regular seasons.

Its a brand new show and a brand new format as Let Me Speak becomes "The Boston Breakdown Podcast" which begins by previewing the Red Sox season amidst an offseason of controversy.

This episode looks at the stories in the NBA that are worth monitoring as the playoff chase heats up. Plus, the early headlines to watch for as MLB Spring Training begins. And, how the Celtics can take control of their championship destiny.

The Chiefs took down the 49ers to win their second straight Super Bowl, but did San Francisco help them out during the game? Plus, the winners and losers from last week's NBA trade deadline. And, WEEI's Bruins writer Bridgette Proulx returns to the show to break down the biggest storylines for the Bruins' chase to the postseason.

Days away from the Super Bowl, the biggest keys for both the Chiefs and 49ers to capture the Lombardi Trophy. Also, the storylines to watch for in the 2nd half of the NHL season. And, who was the biggest snub from the NBA All Star Game.