Bedard's Daily Briefing 12.19.18: Gilmore, Brady get Pro Bowl nods; Celtics welcome Suns

Good morning!

A few random thoughts while I try to figure out how the Patriots are going to finish this regular season...

• The NFL announced the Pro Bowl rosters, and Stephon Gilmore and Tom Brady were the only picks for the Patriots.


• First of all, just want to point out that this opening roster, before everyone begs out with "injuries," is the only one that counts. Injury replacements are not Pro Bowlers. It takes away from the meaning of the accomplishment, which should be to identify the best players in each conference.


• Gilmore definitely deserved his pick. Brady ... I don't have a beef with that. It was basically between Brady and Andrew Luck, and Brady comes out better in several stats.


• My Patriots snubs: Shaq Mason, Lawrence Guy, Trey Flowers.


• Is there a talent drain on the Patriots? You could argue that. Brady's 41. Gilmore was imported from the Bills. As far as homegrown Pro Bowl potential, I'd go with these players in the next year or so: Mason and Flowers if he's re-signed (good look by Miguel here) ... and that's it. I think J'Whaun Bentley and J.C. Jackson have that potential, but that's a big projection. Bit of an issue.


• Celtics will roll out the red carpet for the 7-24 Suns tonight ... well, that's an early Christmas present.


• I'm enamored with Timelord.


• ATTENTION BSJ MEMBERS: Your gift special is now operational. Thanks for spreading the word!

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— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 18, 2018