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About Christopher Price

Christopher Price has covered the Boston sports scene for more then a dozen years, working for ESPN.com, SI.com and Baseball America as well as The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, The Miami Herald and Boston Metro. In that time, he’s established himself as an award-winning sportswriter who has been honored by Northeastern University, the New England Press Association and the North Carolina Press Association. In addition, he’s the author of the just published, “New England Patriots: The Complete Illustrated History” and two other books “Baseball by the Beach” and "The Blueprint: How the New England Patriots Beat the System to Create the Last Great NFL Superpower.”

 
COLUMNS
Christopher Price
10/07/2009 - 8:47pm
Brady unflagging in support of new rules
FOXBORO — Tom Brady has heard the critics, but is not going to be swayed. On Wednesday, the quarterback remained unapologetic in his feelings over the new rules designed to keep the quarterback safe. Specifically, the “Brady Rule,” a new directive handed down by the league in the offseason that protects signal-callers from defenders who might dive at a quarterback’s knees.
Christopher Price
10/07/2009 - 12:43am
The Mailbag: Yes, I picked the Ravens
It is a crisp, efficient football mailbag this week, with lots of good questions that got right to the point. A good football game can produce plenty of good e-mail. As always, feel free to join in the fun by sending your e-mails to cprice@weei.com. Now, on with the show … -- Christopher, Nice job picking the Ravens. Before the baseball playoffs start, let me know who you like — I want to make sure to bet the other way. Walker East Boston
Christopher Price
10/06/2009 - 9:05pm
Pats pass rushers want to make sure the hits keep coming
While the Patriots pass rushers have been slow to pick up sacks this year — they have eight sacks through four games, 10th in the AFC — they still have done plenty to pressure the quarterback.
Christopher Price
10/06/2009 - 12:30am
Belichick, McDaniels ready for a reunion in Denver
FOXBORO — Patriots coach Bill Belichick has gone through this before. After all, when you’ve been a head coach in the NFL for 14-plus seasons, you’re bound to face a former assistant once in a while. But for Belichick, a game against a former assistant has almost become an annual event — whether it’s Eric Mangini, Romeo Crennel or Nick Saban, Belichick frequently has squared off against men who have worked underneath him.
Christopher Price
10/05/2009 - 12:58am
Ten Things We Learned Yesterday: D-Day For Patriots
FOXBORO — A week ago, the Patriots offense had its chance to make a statement on a pair of fourth-down situations. On both occasions, it came through, converting twice on a key possession to keep an important second-half drive alive in a win over the Falcons.
Christopher Price
10/02/2009 - 1:26am
Five Things To Watch For Sunday Afternoon
FOXBORO — For years, it was a job held by Rodney Harrison. Within the New England defense, the “safety/linebacker” hybrid is a difficult one with a myriad of duties. Some weeks, Harrison was asked to be fast enough to keep up with a tight end. Other weeks, he had to bring a punishing attitude into the box to try to stop a running back. And on other occasions, he was required to simply play the role of a traditional safety, providing the last line of defense for the Patriots.
Christopher Price
10/01/2009 - 6:49pm
Sands hopes to make big impact with Patriots
FOXBORO — He’s only been a member of the Patriots for a few days, but Terdell Sands has already etched his name in the franchise record books.
Christopher Price
09/30/2009 - 11:15pm
In sack race, Patriots offensive line has edge
FOXBORO — During a season in which keeping Tom Brady comfortable in the pocket has never been more important, the Patriots offensive line is doing its part. Buffalo defensive end Aaron Schobel sacked Brady late in the first quarter of the season-opener. Since then, the group — comprised mainly of left tackle Matt Light, left guard Logan Mankins, center Dan Koppen, right guard Stephen Neal and right tackle Nick Kaczur — has pitched a sack shutout. The group has no sacks allowed in the last two games, and an overall sackless streak of 11-plus quarters.
Christopher Price
09/29/2009 - 11:20pm
The Mailbag: The International House of Football
It took some time, but you guys responded to my request — I got some good e-mails this week (including two from outside the United States) about a variety of Patriots-related stuff, including questions if Terrence Nunn or Brandon Tate can contribute this season, the future of Joey Galloway, the state of the Pats defense and whether or not Stephen Gostkowski can set an NFL record. Keep sending your questions to cprice@weei.com — we’re going to do this every Wednesday, people. On to the mail. -- Hey Chris,
Christopher Price
09/28/2009 - 11:58pm
McGowan quickly becoming a big hit with Pats
FOXBORO — He may have lost the championship belt, but Brandon McGowan can still pack a powerful punch. McGowan won Patriots Practice Player of the Week honors last week — and the belt that goes with it. He clearly was honored by the award, and hung it proudly from the top of his locker.
Christopher Price
09/28/2009 - 7:10pm
Taylor made for more responsibility in Pats' backfield
FOXBORO — Fred Taylor is up for a challenge. The 33-year-old running back was asked Monday if he could handle 20 to 25 carries the rest of the season for the Patriots. While he acknowledged the need to pace himself, he certainly sounded like a man who could warm to such a plan.
Christopher Price
09/28/2009 - 1:08am
Ten Things We Learned Yesterday: In character test, Patriots earn a passing grade
FOXBORO — In a recent meeting, Patriots coach Bill Belichick stood before his players and threw down the gauntlet. “There will come a point in the season where we’re going to have to go for it,” Belichick told his team. “And we’re going to have to get it.”
Christopher Price
09/24/2009 - 1:35pm
Galloway continuing to build bond with Brady
FOXBORO — Joey Galloway knows all about getting acclimated to a new quarterback. In his 14 years in the league, the veteran wide receiver has played for four teams. He was selected by the Seahawks in the first round of the 1995 draft, and he also played for the Cowboys and Buccaneers before signing with the Patriots as a free agent in March. Before he got to New England, he was going through two and three quarterbacks a season.
Christopher Price
09/23/2009 - 11:47pm
Brady knows pressure will continue
FOXBORO — Tom Brady isn’t stupid. After seeing what the Bills and Jets did in the first two games of the regular season, he knows the word is out around the league: Blitz the quarterback and you can beat the Patriots. The Bills sacked him once, but hit him six times. The Jets didn’t sack him, but they pressured or hit Brady 23 times.
Christopher Price
09/23/2009 - 8:23pm
Aiken knows lackluster special teams play won't cut it
FOXBORO — For a team that prides itself on its special teams play, what happened to the Patriots on Sunday was inexcusable. Four special teams penalties — including two on special teams captain Sam Aiken. A game-changing, 43-yard return from New York's Leon Washington. An average of 29.3 net yards per punt from Chris Hanson. Just three total yards in punt returns. And because of poor returns and good work by their Jets counterparts, eight of New England’s 11 drives started at or inside the Patriots' 25-yard line. 

Christopher Price
09/23/2009 - 12:36am
The Mailbag: Questions about offense, defense and a fictional TV billionaire
Stand back — it's time to open up the inaugural football mailbag and dive in. I’ll be taking your Patriots-related e-mails here every week and publishing the best questions every Wednesday. I welcome any reasonable questions at cprice@weei.com. Knock yourselves out. -- Hey Chris,   
Christopher Price
09/22/2009 - 1:15am
Patriots offense red-faced over play in red zone
Through the first two games of the season, the Patriots offense has had trouble finishing what it has started. For most of the season's eight quarters, New England has been able to move the ball up and down the field fairly easily. In the first half of the season-opener against the Bills, the Patriots had 217 net yards. On Sunday against the Jets, it was much the same story — the Patriots gained 197 net yards in the first half alone.
Christopher Price
09/21/2009 - 2:37am
Ten Things We Learned Yesterday: Under Pressure
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The last time Tom Brady walked out of Giants Stadium a loser, it was Sept. 11, 2000, and he was a rookie sitting behind Drew Bledsoe (and John Friesz and Michael Bishop) who watched Vinny Testaverde and Wayne Chrebet lead the Jets over the Patriots, 20-19. In that game, the Jets were able to beat New England because of what one local columnist called “endless pressure” on Bledsoe. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Christopher Price
09/19/2009 - 2:38pm
Five Things To Watch For Sunday Afternoon
If you’re a Patriots fan, it’s almost impossible to get nostalgic about the Meadowlands. Even the most hard core of Red Sox fans could appreciate the history and the backdrop that old Yankee Stadium provided for some of the great battles between the Sox and Yankees. Likewise for Bruins fans and the Montreal Forum. You could even get a Celtics fan to work up some fine memories of the Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles.
Christopher Price
09/17/2009 - 11:20pm
There's Something Familiar About The Jets Defense
Different uniforms, same defense. The Patriots will be facing a stern test with the all-new Jets defense on Sunday, but when it comes to putting together an offensive game plan, there’s no need to start from scratch. Instead, they just need to call up some film of the great Baltimore defenses of the last few years.
Christopher Price
09/16/2009 - 8:22pm
Without Mayo, Pats Linebackers Moving Forward
FOXBORO — Jerod Mayo is the leader of the new school, the acknowledged chief of a younger generation of Patriots linebackers. Over the course of the 2008 season and into the offseason, Mayo took the rest of the young linebackers, including Pierre Woods and Gary Guyton, under his wing. They were an inseparable group, developing an easy chemistry with each other that was expected to carry into their second full season together. In training camp, Mayo talked up his comrades, saying he was “trying to get all my guys on the same page”
Christopher Price
09/15/2009 - 10:32pm
Jets anticipate Super matchup Sunday against Patriots
The calendar says mid-September, but as far as the Jets are concerned, it’s looking more like the first weekend of February. Jets defensive tackle Kris Jenkins racheted up the pregame intensity level for this week’s New England-New York matchup by saying the Jets are approaching this week “like it’s the Super Bowl.”
Christopher Price
09/15/2009 - 3:52am
Ten Things We Learned Last Night: That Familiar Feeling
FOXBORO — There was 5:32 left in the fourth quarter Monday night and the Patriots were down 24-13 to Buffalo when Tom Brady stepped into the huddle. “We’re going to win this game,” the quarterback told his teammates. Brady speaks from experience. Entering Monday night, he had 28 previous games where he had led the Patriots to a win after a fourth-quarter deficit or a tie. Year off or no, why would this time be anything different? Same as it ever was.
Christopher Price
09/14/2009 - 1:34am
Ten Truths About The 2009 Patriots
Based on six-plus weeks of training camp and preseason, we can say with some certainty that we’ve learned a few truths about the 2009 Patriots even before they’ve kicked off the regular season.
Christopher Price
09/13/2009 - 11:42pm
Bodden A Primary In Patriots Secondary
While much has been written and said about the dynamic turnover of the Patriots defense this offseason, no position has undergone greater change than the secondary. Three of the four players who started at defensive back for the Patriots in the 2008 opener — cornerbacks Ellis Hobbs and Deltha O’Neal and safety Rodney Harrison — have either been traded, been released or retired. The only holdover is safety James Sanders.


Audio On Demand

It Is What It Is Cast: Ex…

It Is What It Is Cast: Examining the New England Patriots offseason

In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on Tebow's release

Mike Florio joined the program to discuss the Jets decision to release Tim Tebow, he said the situation is as disaster all around for the Jets and that the problems begins with owner Woody Johnson. Mike also said that he was disappointed with the Pats moving back in the first round.

Mike Petraglia, WEEI.com, Sits Down with Butch Stearns to Help Break Down the Pats Draft

One of the hardest working men in the biz, Mike Petraglia aka "Trags", sits down with Butch Stearns live in Foxborough to help break down all the latest Pats moves. He discusses his reaction to the trade in Round 1 and the guys those picks produced. Also, the boys talk about the decent trade the Pats made in acquiring LeGarrette Blount from Tampa Bay for Jeff Demps and a 7th rounder.

Celtics President Danny A…

Celtics President Danny Ainge with Salk and Holley

We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

Jackie MacMullan, ESPNBoston.com: "Gut" tells me Doc will stay

Jackie Mac joins the show to discuss the trade rumors swirling around Paul Pierce, KG, Doc Rivers and the Celtics. She also discusses the future of the Celtics head coach.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on his rumored Celtics Clippers trade

Stephen A. joined the program to discuss the trade rumors he has reported regarding a possible trade including Doc Rivers and the Clippers. Stephen A. also told the guys that he has heard that Danny and Doc may be tiring of working together.

John Lackey postgame gues…

John Lackey postgame guest after the last game of the Minnesota series

Joe Castiglione talked with John Lackey after he picked up the W against the Twins. Lackey threw seven innings, and retired the 1st twelve batters of the game.

John Farrell pregame before the last game of the Minnesota series

Dave O'Brien talked to John Farrell before the end of the Twins series. The Sox skipper said that Big Papi's success is no surprise given his work ethic.

John Farrell postgame press conference

John Farrell postgame press conference

Ed Olczyk, NBC Sports: "S…

Ed Olczyk, NBC Sports: "Surprised" by amount of goals in series so far

Eddie Olczyk joins the show to discuss the Bruins Rangers series and what to expect with Game 3 back in NY. He also talks about Seguin's inconsistency and the role of Jaromir Jagr.

Kenny Albert, NY Rangers PBP: Previews Game 3

Kenny Albert joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the play of Henrik Lundqvist, changes John Torterella may make before tonight's game, and if home ice advantage will make a difference.

Elliotte Friedman of CBC on the Bruins dominance of the Rangers

Elliotte Friedman joined the show to discuss the Bruins domination of the series thus far. He said that while nothing is certain he cannot see a way in which the Rangers come back and win the series.

Elliotte Friedman of CBC …

Elliotte Friedman of CBC on the Bruins dominance of the Rangers

Elliotte Friedman joined the show to discuss the Bruins domination of the series thus far. He said that while nothing is certain he cannot see a way in which the Rangers come back and win the series.

Steve Zipay of Newsday on the Rangers

Steve joined the show to discuss the Rangers and their coach John Tortorella. Steve said that the Bruins have been the far better team thus far in the series.

Can the Rangers turn things around?

Kirk and Gerry talked about game three tonight at Madison Square Garden between the Bruins and Rangers. Gerry and Kirk are not very confident in the ability of the Rangers to make this a series.

Ed Olczyk, NBC Sports: "S…

Ed Olczyk, NBC Sports: "Surprised" by amount of goals in series so far

Eddie Olczyk joins the show to discuss the Bruins Rangers series and what to expect with Game 3 back in NY. He also talks about Seguin's inconsistency and the role of Jaromir Jagr.

Kenny Albert, NY Rangers PBP: Previews Game 3

Kenny Albert joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the play of Henrik Lundqvist, changes John Torterella may make before tonight's game, and if home ice advantage will make a difference.

Mut Vs. Salk on NESN Daily

Find out which WEEI host came out victorious in the latest Salk Vs. Mut battle.

Full tilt, full time. New…

Full tilt, full time. Newest inductee to the Patriots Hall of Fame Tedy Bruschi with Salk and Holley

We talk to #54 about his career and well deserved induction to the Patriots Hall of Fame.

Salk and Holley's Four (or Five) at Four - 05/21/13

We tackle four off-topic topics! Today including RGIII's wedding registry, Tiger Woods, new putters in golf and more.

Barry Melrose: Sit the injured veteran defensemen until you need them, until you lose

We check in with ESPN's great hockey analyst and former NHL coach Barry Melrose to get his take on this Bruins-Rangers series. We also ask the coach in him how he'd deal with the great play of the rookie defensemen when the vets get healthy... and his answer might surprise you.

Daily Planet Tuesday May …

Daily Planet Tuesday May 21st

The Bruins look to take a 3-0 series lead, Jon Lester gets his first loss, Dwight Howard has options in free agency.

Daily Planet Monday May 20th

Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins have a 2-0 lead over the New york Rangers, the Red Sox are back on the winning sde of things, and the noteable birthdays of the day.

Daily Planet Thursday May 9th

The Bruins have almost finished raking the Leafs, the Red Sox struggle from the mound, Miami Heat fans show their level of class.

Salk and Holley's Miked U…

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question - 05/21/13

They're like a ray of morning sunshine on an otherwise gloomy day.

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question 05/21/13

....uhhhh.....a bunch of bombs over there....

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question - 05/17/13

Sounds like a prostate exam to me!

Linda calls in to describ…

Linda calls in to describe the scene on Dexter St in Watertown

Linda explains how the shootout transpired in Watertown during the early morning hours. She saw the first suspect mortally wounded and police beginning the manhunt for the second suspect.

More from this show

Boston bombing hero Jeff …

Boston bombing hero Jeff Bauman: "He's dead and I'm still here"

Jeff Bauman, a victim of the Boston Marathon bombing, joined the show to give the guys an update of his condition and a first-hand account of that terrible day. Jeff told the guys how he wrote the description of the bomber as soon as he could. Mr. Bauman added that he is aided every day with the knowledge that he is alive and the terrorist that detonated the bomb is dead.

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Shawn Thornton on the Bru…

Shawn Thornton on the Bruins game 2 win

Shawn joined the show to discuss the teams great performance in game two against the Rangers. Shawn said that he wouldn't mind playing for John Tortorella because he seems like a funny guy.

More from this show

Minor Details Ep. 49: Man…

Minor Details Ep. 49: Managerial development with Torey Lovullo and Arnie Beyeler

By and large, the focus of development in the minor leagues is on players. Still, there is a developmental path for coaches and managers in the farm system, as is evident from the fact that the previous two managers of the Red Sox' Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket -- Torey Lovullo (2010) and Arnie Beyeler (2011-12) are now both on the Red Sox' big league coaching staff. They share their insights about the differences between player and coaching expectations in Triple-A vs. the majors, while discussing professional development from the perspective of former minor league managers who aspire to similar positions in the big leagues.

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Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsb…

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsbury play will hurt him in free agency

Buster Olney joins the show to discuss the muddled AL East, the average play of Ellsbury and how that will affect him in free agency, and Tropicana Field.

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