Felger & Mazz: Scorching Hot Sports Takes From Bob Socci
BOSTON (CBS) - Patriots radio play-by-play man Bob Socci joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Felger & Massarotti in studio Friday afternoon to offer his thoughts on this weekend's showdown with the Minnesota Vikings.
Socci, like others, believe the Vikings present a great challenge for the 0-1 Patriots.
"It's a difficult matchup for a lot of the other reasons why last week was a difficult matchup for the Patriots. They have a good defense. Mike Zimmer is changing the culture of that team. We know what his defense did last year against New England. He held the Patriots out of the endzone and stopped Tom Brady's streak of 52 straight games with a touchdown pass. Granted he did it with Bengals personnel, but there's a lot to like about the personnel he has with Minnesota."
The Vikes are the fifth youngest team in the NFL, and many consider them to be an NFC North darkhorse. Speaking specifically about the Vikings players, Socci likes the talent on both sides of the ball.
"[Defensive end] Everson Griffen had two sacks last week against St. Louis. I know the Rams are not a functional offense right now with Shaun Hill at quarterback, but they still got five sacks. The Vikings also shut down Zac Stacy, one of the better, unheralded running backs in the league last week. They kept them out of the endzone, the only team not to allow a touchdown in the first weekend. You've got a good safety in Harrison Smith who returned an interception for a score. Chad Greenway is a very good linebacker.
"Then on the other side of the ball you've got Adrian Peterson and Cordarrelle Patterson, two dynamic players who run exceptionally well behind a very good, experienced offensive line going up against a defense that had its problems, especially in the second half last year."
Socci adds that he would give the check mark in the trenches to Minnesota, and the scheme Mike Zimmer will cook up to stop Brady worries him.
"I think the Patriots will win, but I think it will be a tough game," added Socci.
Mike Felger and Tony Mazz always poke fun at Bob for giving warm Patriots takes, and never really going against the grain to criticize the team. But that all changed on Friday, as Bob Socci brought with him some scorching hot sports takes into the studio.
Listen below for Bob's hot takes on Jamie Collins, the Patriots backfield, the Washington Redskins and more! (the hotness starts at 9:40)
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