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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
10/08/2009 - 11:02pm
What To Watch For Sunday Against The Broncos
FOXBORO — It hasn’t been a good year for Laurence Maroney. In four games, the running back out of Minnesota has carried the ball 27 times for 78 yards. That an average of 2.9 yards per carry, with zero touchdowns. Nine of those 27 carries have gone for either no yardage or have ended up in a negative play. Almost half of his carries (11, to be specific) have gone for one yard or less. The next time he finds the end zone will be the first touchdown since Super Bowl XLII.
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.


Audio On Demand

Former Patriot Matt Light…

Former Patriot Matt Light on the Pats offseason

Matt joined the program to discuss his first ever cornhole contest and to break down the Patriots offseason. He told the guys that he was upset that the Pats were unable to bring Wes Welker back to the team.

Tom Brady on the loss of Wes Welker

Tom Brady joined the program to discuss his upcoming charitable event supporting Best Buddies and his off-season. Tom said that he has learned not to worry about free agency decisions since he cant control any of them. Lastly he defended his over the top celebration at the Kentucky Derby.

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.

Jackie MacMullan on Doc: …

Jackie MacMullan on Doc: "He's coming back"

Jackie MacMullan joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the latest rumors surrounding Celtics head coach Doc Rivers and whether he'll be back next season with the team.

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.

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington…

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington on Jacoby Ellsbury

Ben joined the program to discuss the return of Terry Francona and said that he always had a good relationship with the former manager. Ben added that he thinks Ellsbury is in a slump due in part to the amount of left handed pitchers the team has faced.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia postgame with Joe and Dave

Salty spoke with Joe Castiglione & Dave O'Brien after he helped his team to a 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox tonight. The Red Sox return to Fenway after going 6-3 on the road trip.

Red Sox Manager John Farrell with Salk and Holley

We check in with Red Sox Manager John Farrell live from Chicago and get his take on a good week for the Sox, a tough series since then in Chicago, and other team related notes.

NESN's Barry Pederson Bru…

NESN's Barry Pederson Bruins still in control

Barry joined the program to discuss the Bruins disappointing loss last night at MSG. He said that he was impressed with how Rask responded to questions after the game.

Rangers analyst Dave Maloney on game 4

Dave Maloney returned to the show to discuss his Rangers unlikely win in game 4. He said that in all his years playing and calling hockey games he had not seen a softer goal than the one Rask allowed.

Andy Brickley, NESN, on why B's match up well against Rangers

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss what he expects to see from the Rangers tonight, why the Bruins match up well against them, and potentially closing out the series tonight

NESN's Barry Pederson Bru…

NESN's Barry Pederson Bruins still in control

Barry joined the program to discuss the Bruins disappointing loss last night at MSG. He said that he was impressed with how Rask responded to questions after the game.

Rangers analyst Dave Maloney on game 4

Dave Maloney returned to the show to discuss his Rangers unlikely win in game 4. He said that in all his years playing and calling hockey games he had not seen a softer goal than the one Rask allowed.

Andy the bee keeper on his hives

Andy from Dartmouth called in to talk Bruins but the discussion quickly got off track when he mentioned his nine bee hives.

Andy Brickley, NESN, on w…

Andy Brickley, NESN, on why B's match up well against Rangers

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss what he expects to see from the Rangers tonight, why the Bruins match up well against them, and potentially closing out the series tonight.

M&M's Voice Activated Texts- Motor Mouth Meg in the Cape

One of the many Mut and Merloni callers, Meg in the Cape, chats with Mike and Lou about the Bruins and a whole bunch of other stuff in the span of about 2 min. Afterwards, Mut and Merloni hear some voice activated text messages from people listening in to Meg.

Jackie MacMullan on Doc: "He's coming back"

Jackie MacMullan joins Mut and Merloni to discuss the latest rumors surrounding Celtics head coach Doc Rivers and whether he'll be back next season with the team.

Tom Brady plays the good …

Tom Brady plays the good soldier role in discussing departure of Wes Welker

Tom Brady appeared with D and C this morning and talked about the team's OTA's, the comings and goings, and most importantly what went down when Wes Welker left town, and how does he feel about it?

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/23/13

Four guys, four topics we haven't mentioned today. Mark Sanchez, the Pacers blow it and more.

John Tortorella's Fraud Flag is flying, plus who's your 2013 Bruins MVP?

We talk about the mystique and respect around John Tortorella, and whether or not it's warranted. Plus we discuss with you who the 2013 Bruins MVP has to be. Tuuka? Bergeron? Claude?

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 - 05/23/13

Kirk's still a jerk, but we want a SWEEP!

Salk and Holley's Miked Up and Answer the Question - 05/22/13

The Jerks are joined by another, Jerk Minihane.

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.

Tom Brady on the loss of …

Tom Brady on the loss of Wes Welker

Tom Brady joined the program to discuss his upcoming charitable event supporting Best Buddies and his off-season. Tom said that he has learned not to worry about free agency decisions since he cant control any of them. Lastly he defended his over the top celebration at the Kentucky Derby.

More from this show

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

Former Red Sox manager Te…

Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona catches up with D&C

Terry Francona joins the Dennis and Callahan Show to discuss his first-place Indians team as well as his time in Boston. The former Boston manager also touches on his recent book co-authored by Dan Shaughnessy and Shaughnessy's recent dust-up with David Ortiz.

More from this show

Buster Olney, ESPN, on El…

Buster Olney, ESPN, on Ellsbury's future with Sox

Buster Olney joins Mut and Merloni to talk about the struggling Ellsbury and what that is doing to his contract value when he becomes a free agent.

More from this show

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington…

Red Sox GM Ben Cherington on Jacoby Ellsbury

Ben joined the program to discuss the return of Terry Francona and said that he always had a good relationship with the former manager. Ben added that he thinks Ellsbury is in a slump due in part to the amount of left handed pitchers the team has faced.

More from this show

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