View Full Version : The Official Patriots Analysis Thread
cubswin
04-11-05, 09:23 PM
Great seeing Bruschi out there at Fenway today.
Pepper03
04-12-05, 06:22 AM
Great seeing Bruschi out there at Fenway today.
He threw the best pitch of he day! ;)
RIyankee
04-12-05, 12:10 PM
Unless I'm reading it wrong, it sounds like it's basically a two-year deal (in guaranteed money), so it's a one-year extension. The additional three years are just a way to spread out whatever bonus money is in there, wouldn't you think?
That's what I gather from it. It's a very smart and creative deal. I hope Dillon holds up for the next two years. He was getting nicked up last season.
RIyankee
04-12-05, 12:13 PM
Great seeing Bruschi out there at Fenway today.
He threw the best pitch of he day! ;)
Hey, no baseball talk in this thread!!!
You're ruining my Happy Place!!!
:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
;)
Pepper03
04-12-05, 07:53 PM
I hear you, Mark, alot less "tension" in the NFL Board than the baseball one.
The Pats have locked up Dillon, now lets get Brady and Seymour taken care of.
RIyankee
04-13-05, 02:43 PM
Here's the complete 2005 New England Patriots schedule...
Thursday, Sep. 8 ..... OAKLAND, 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sep. 18 ...... at Carolina, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sep. 25 ...... at Pittsburgh, 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 2 ........ SAN DIEGO, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 9 ........ at Atlanta, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 16 ...... at Denver, 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 23 ...... BYE
Sunday, Oct. 30 ...... BUFFALO, 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 7 ....... INDIANAPOLIS, 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 13 ...... at Miami, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 20 ...... NEW ORLEANS, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 27 ...... at Kansas City, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4 ........ N.Y. JETS, 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 11 ...... at Buffalo, 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 17 .... TAMPA BAY, 1:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 26 ...... at N.Y. Jets, 9:00 p.m
Sunday, Jan. 1 ......... MIAMI, 1:00 p.m.
Here's the complete 2005 New England Patriots schedule...
Thursday, Sep. 8 ..... OAKLAND, 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sep. 18 ...... at Carolina, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sep. 25 ...... at Pittsburgh, 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 2 ........ SAN DIEGO, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 9 ........ at Atlanta, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 16 ...... at Denver, 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 23 ...... BYE
Sunday, Oct. 30 ...... BUFFALO, 8:30 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 7 ....... INDIANAPOLIS, 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 13 ...... at Miami, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 20 ...... NEW ORLEANS, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 27 ...... at Kansas City, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4 ........ N.Y. JETS, 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 11 ...... at Buffalo, 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 17 .... TAMPA BAY, 1:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 26 ...... at N.Y. Jets, 9:00 p.m
Sunday, Jan. 1 ......... MIAMI, 1:00 p.m.
OUCH!!
tough opening 9 weeks for the Pats......looking forward to the Monday night game with Indy.....as well as New Years with the Fins........also, lots of divisional games near the end of the year
could be a tough season, but as always, "In Bill We Trust" :)
RIyankee
04-13-05, 07:06 PM
OUCH!!
tough opening 9 weeks for the Pats......looking forward to the Monday night game with Indy.....as well as New Years with the Fins........also, lots of divisional games near the end of the year
could be a tough season, but as always, "In Bill We Trust" :)
If the Pats are at least 4-2 by the bye week, they'll win 11 at least.
After tonight's game I'm really looking forward to the NFL season. :mad:
;)
Pepper03
04-14-05, 06:23 AM
12-4 AT LEAST.
Who are you afraid of on that schedule? I fear no team, not after watching them the past two years. I'm convinced that if Brady stays healthy, they win it all again this year-three straight Lombardi's!
12-4 AT LEAST.
Who are you afraid of on that schedule? I fear no team, not after watching them the past two years. I'm convinced that if Brady stays healthy, they win it all again this year-three straight Lombardi's!
i guess it's just starting off with 4-6 on the road....who knows how Carolina will be.....Pitt, SD, and ATL will all be tough games, but we have no reason not to be confident. Just need to make it through the first 7 weeks.
RIyankee
04-14-05, 07:44 AM
I never heard of this guy but if he's a good young LB on the rise, why would the defensive starved Chiefs let him go?
Beth, I owe you a better answer to that question.
What is a two-gap?
What is a "read and react" defense?
These are the defensive philosophies of Bill Parcells and Bill Bellichick.
In a two-gap system, the defensive lineman will line up directly in front of his counterpart on the O-Line. Once the ball is snapped, the D-lineman will hit and maul the offensive lineman (OL). While this is happening, the defensive lineman (DL) is looking to see how the play develops. If it's a running play, the DL will continue to tie up the OL. If the RB is running into the area of the DL, the DL will need to account for the RB for both the left and right sides of the OL that he's battling - as the RB will run around the OL. Those sides are the "gaps". In a conventional one-gap, the DL will try to blow by the OL and attack the ball carrier immediately. On passing plays, the 2-gap DL could drop into short pass coverage/QB containment or attempt to blow by the OL or simply push the OL into the QB and collaspe the pocket. That's "read and react". All defenders must be able to quickly diagnose the play after the snap. That's why BB prefers intelligent players with sound football instincts.
Why the two-gap? If the DL hold his ground on the OL, then that OL will fail to carry out his blocking assignment and won't be able to get to the LBs. This leads to my point. The DLs act as "blockers" for the LBs. LBs need protection. Miami's Zack Thomas had his best years when Rod Gardner was playing DT. In 2002, NT Steve Martin was a free agent bust and the Pats run defense suffered (with the same LB corps as in 2004). This is why the Pats won't draft a LB or spend significant money on a free agent unless he's an outside pass rusher (see: Roosevelt Colvin).
As for Biesel, in his 9 NFL starts in 2004, he showed the ability to run, cover, and tackle. KC's D-Line employed a one-gap system and that unit wasn't very good. I assume that BB deemed Biesel as a "smart" player watching game film - especially flim of the NE @ KC game on MNF last season.
somejerk
04-14-05, 05:12 PM
I never heard of this guy (are you still not busy at work, your football info is amazing, my friend) but if he's a good young LB on the rise, why would the defensive starved Chiefs let him go?
From what Dick Vermeil is saying, it doesn't look like they let him go. It appears it was Beisel's choice to move on. Here is what Vermil said.
"Kansas City Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil is mad and sad. His former
linebacker, Monty Beisel, signed with the Patriots last week.
'That just crushed me,' Vermeil told the Kansas City Star. 'I
understand his decision. They told him he might be a starter. But we
invested four years with the kid and converted him (from defensive end
to linebacker) and made him into a player at another position or else
he's probably not even in the league.
'Then, all of a sudden, we get him to the point where maybe you can get
even more miles out of him and he's gone. I miss him already
FreeYayo
04-14-05, 10:42 PM
Beth, I owe you a better answer to that question.
What is a two-gap?
What is a "read and react" defense?
These are the defensive philosophies of Bill Parcells and Bill Bellichick.
In a two-gap system, the defensive lineman will line up directly in front of his counterpart on the O-Line. Once the ball is snapped, the D-lineman will hit and maul the offensive lineman (OL). While this is happening, the defensive lineman (DL) is looking to see how the play develops. If it's a running play, the DL will continue to tie up the OL. If the RB is running into the area of the DL, the DL will need to account for the RB for both the left and right sides of the OL that he's battling - as the RB will run around the OL. Those sides are the "gaps". In a conventional one-gap, the DL will try to blow by the OL and attack the ball carrier immediately. On passing plays, the 2-gap DL could drop into short pass coverage/QB containment or attempt to blow by the OL or simply push the OL into the QB and collaspe the pocket. That's "read and react". All defenders must be able to quickly diagnose the play after the snap. That's why BB prefers intelligent players with sound football instincts.
Why the two-gap? If the DL hold his ground on the OL, then that OL will fail to carry out his blocking assignment and won't be able to get to the LBs. This leads to my point. The DLs act as "blockers" for the LBs. LBs need protection. Miami's Zack Thomas had his best years when Rod Gardner was playing DT. In 2002, NT Steve Martin was a free agent bust and the Pats run defense suffered (with the same LB corps as in 2004). This is why the Pats won't draft a LB or spend significant money on a free agent unless he's an outside pass rusher (see: Roosevelt Colvin).
As for Biesel, in his 9 NFL starts in 2004, he showed the ability to run, cover, and tackle. KC's D-Line employed a one-gap system and that unit wasn't very good. I assume that BB deemed Biesel as a "smart" player watching game film - especially flim of the NE @ KC game on MNF last season.
Great analysis my man.
RIyankee
04-14-05, 11:27 PM
Great analysis my man.
Thank you.
I have a very good feeling about Biesel. :D
Prickly Pete
04-15-05, 03:11 PM
If the Pats are at least 4-2 by the bye week, they'll win 11 at least.
I have two very simple goals for the Pats this year:
1. Make the playoffs
2. Win their last game of the season
That's worked out well 3 of the past 4 years. :gulp: :gulp:
Pepper03
04-16-05, 07:38 AM
Thank you Mark-I finally got to read it, it's APRIL 16!!!!! (I'm a CPA) so I can start to live a little again-after I spend the next month getting my house cleaned and back in some type of order (my husband is also a CPA)!
I have a good feeling about this year-looks like BB and Pioli are up to their usual great work. Thanks for explaing the two-gap, I've always heard it talked about but never understood it. You are the MAN! :)
I have two very simple goals for the Pats this year:
1. Make the playoffs
2. Win their last game of the season
That's worked out well 3 of the past 4 years. :gulp: :gulp:
I'd like to see them win their last game of the year with an AV field goal. It's happened the last four years- which has to be some kind of record.
I have no idea what to expect in the draft. Last year they really surprised me after the Wilfork pick. Here's what I've learned about the Belicheck-Paoli drafting strategy:
1. They love drafting defensive lineman in the first round. I can't imagine that will continue this year, since they already start 3 first round picks on the line.
2. I think Tully Banta-Cain was the only real linebacker they've drafted in years. And he was a 7th rounder...
3. They will not draft an offensive lineman in the first round.
I believe they'll go either wide receiver or cornerback in the first round. I don't think Belicheck will plug a rookie into Bruschi's spot- so I think he'd like to draft a MLB later and develop him for a year or two. It'll be interesting, but I may go nuts waiting until the 32nd pick...
Looie #19
04-16-05, 11:49 AM
Banta-Cain was a defensive lineman as well.
cubswin
04-19-05, 03:53 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2040572
NDBoston
04-19-05, 03:55 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2040572
Go IRISH!!! Now sign him long term Scott. :)
Read somewhere that the Pats were high on Georgia MLB Odell Thurman (and I now can't find the link to where I read that- sorry).
Although if the Pats are talking about a player, it's probably a good sign they won't be drafting him...
RIyankee
04-19-05, 06:15 PM
Go IRISH!!! Now sign him long term Scott. :)
Don't count on it.
RIyankee
04-20-05, 03:17 PM
DE Jarvis Green signs his one year tender with the Pats (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2041712)
He'll be a hot commodity in the 2006 FA market.
RIyankee
04-22-05, 01:57 PM
Pats sign CB Ike Charlton.
He played 7 games with the Giants in 2003 before getting hurt. He was out of action in 2004. He did have a good year with Seattle in 2001 as their nickel back.
IMO the Pats will take, in the 1st rd, either Marlin Jackson of Michigan or Corey Webster of LSU. Both are CBs.
cubswin
04-22-05, 03:43 PM
Pats sign CB Ike Charlton.
He played 7 games with the Giants in 2003 before getting hurt. He was out of action in 2004. He did have a good year with Seattle in 2001 as their nickel back.
IMO the Pats will take, in the 1st rd, either Marlin Jackson of Michigan or Corey Webster of LSU. Both are CBs.
There are a # of guys rated ahead of both of them, aren't there? Do you think the Pats rate these guys higher than other teams, or do you think there could be 7 or 8 CBs taken in the 1st round?
RIyankee
04-22-05, 07:10 PM
There are a # of guys rated ahead of both of them, aren't there? Do you think the Pats rate these guys higher than other teams, or do you think there could be 7 or 8 CBs taken in the 1st round?
The CBs ahead of Jackson and Webster are guys the Pats need to trade up to get.
They have no shot of getting Antrel Rolle, Adam Jones, or Carlos Rodgers. Fabian Washington was the fastest player in the combine and might go before either Jackson and/or Webster. BB wants a CB who is a punishing tackler in the Ty Law/Otis Smith mold. Watching Randall Gay and Asante Samuel trying to bring down T.O. in SB39 was laughable.
cubswin
04-22-05, 08:39 PM
The CBs ahead of Jackson and Webster are guys the Pats need to trade up to get.
They have no shot of getting Antrel Rolle, Adam Jones, or Carlos Rodgers. Fabian Washington was the fastest player in the combine and might go before either Jackson and/or Webster. BB wants a CB who is a punishing tackler in the Ty Law/Otis Smith mold. Watching Randall Gay and Asante Samuel trying to bring down T.O. in SB39 was laughable.
I'm trying to remember the other corners I was reading about -- Stanley Wilson was one, and maybe McFadden or Miller.
Where are people expecting Spears (LSU) to go? What about Pollack (Georgia) -- he seems like a Pats type player if he slips a bit due to size (though I don't know if they'll be drafting linemen given that it's an area of stregth already)
RIyankee
04-23-05, 06:23 AM
I'm trying to remember the other corners I was reading about -- Stanley Wilson was one, and maybe McFadden or Miller.
Where are people expecting Spears (LSU) to go? What about Pollack (Georgia) -- he seems like a Pats type player if he slips a bit due to size (though I don't know if they'll be drafting linemen given that it's an area of stregth already)
I like Wilson in the 3-4 rds. He's tall and has speed but needs to devlope. He hasn't play CB very long.
Miller could be a 1st rd pick. But he's just a tad over 5'9" and isn't coachable from what I heard. Miller was arrested for disorderly conduct this week. (http://www.beaufortgazette.com/state_news/sports/story/4787538p-4407907c.html) Pass.
Spears is pretty much a lock for the first round. But he could drop if some of the 3-4 teams pass on him for other needs. 3-4 DE is the deepeest position on the Pats.
I like Pollack. He reminds me of Tedy Bruschi. His stock had dropped due to short arms and a lack of exceptional speed. But when teams saw him in game films, his stock shot up again. My brother, a Sox and a Pats fan, watched him play many times and he was impressed. If he fell to at 32, the Pats could pick him.
I read one mock that had McFadden going to Atlanta at 27 so his stock has risen.
Here's some free sites for quick reference...
NFL.com - Individual Workouts by School (http://www.nfl.com/draft/analysis/individual_workouts)
NFL.com - Prospect Profiles (http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles)
Pepper03
04-23-05, 05:43 PM
Did you see this pick coming Mark-Logan Mankins?
RIyankee
04-23-05, 10:39 PM
Did you see this pick coming Mark-Logan Mankins?
No.
But when I researched him I was more than impressed. He's not realy a guard. Mankins played left tackle in college. He is fundamentally sound, has good technique, has football intelligence, and is nasty on the field.
CB Ellis Hobbs is a tremendous talent, a tireless worker, a strong tackler, and a leader on the field. Only his height (5'9") caused him to drop. Every time the Pats draft a CB in the 3rd round, he get injured. I hope that unlucky streak ends this year.
OL Nick Kaczur is another OL that played tackle in college but, like Mankins, was projected to be a guard in the pros. Has similar intangibles as Mankins.
I thought the Pats made the most of their selections while picking low in a weak draft. I think they might have been looking at CB Byant McFadden and NT Sione Pouha when both players were snatched up before the Pats picked in the 2nd and 3rd rounds respectively.
Overall, this was a very weak draft. I've never seen such a dearth of quality defensive players in one draft.
Prickly Pete
04-23-05, 10:52 PM
The two linemen sound like they could be solid NFL starters, but I don't like what I'm reading about Hobbs.
For example, from Scouts Inc. (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=8153&action=login&appRedirect=http%3A%2F%2Finsider.espn.go.com%2Fnfldraft%2Fdraft05%2Ftracker%2Fplayer%3Fid%3D8153)
His marginal height, bulk and strength will always limit him in the NFL and there's a good chance that he never develops into anything more than a sub-package
Perhaps he's another example of the Pats' favoring production over size and strength. Tough to question that approach, given their results. :D
RIyankee
04-23-05, 10:55 PM
From the Sporting News...
Ellis Hobbs III
CB, Iowa State
Dan Pompei analysis
Lacks ideal height, but is talented. Has good cover skills. Can turn and run. Has good speed. Aware in coverage. Instinctive. Has a nose for the ball and is aggressive in all facets of play. Is explosive. Tough and willing to hit. Lacks ideal height, but is talented. Has good cover skills. Can turn and run. Has good speed. Aware in coverage. Instinctive. Has a nose for the ball and is aggressive in all facets of play. Is explosive. Tough and willing to hit.
Ellis Hobbs III Profile (http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2005/hobbs_ellis)
Prickly Pete
04-23-05, 11:02 PM
Gil Brandt (http://www.nfl.com/draft/analysis/expert/brandt/st) has Hobbs as a nickel back and special-teamer. That would be OK for a third-round pick, but certainly nothing special.
Sports Illustrated (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2005/draft/players/58355.html) projected him for the 5th round.
ANALYSIS: A consistent performer on the college field, Hobbs is one of the most undervalued cornerbacks in this draft. Would be very effective backed off the line of scrimmage or in a zone system, yet marginal size may keep him from being anything more than a nickel back at the next level.
Pepper03
04-24-05, 06:57 AM
With the success they've had, they could draft anyone and I'd be fine with it. Who am I to question these guys?
I think they needed to give the OLine attention, how long could they keep losing good players and playing with whatever guys were available?
They also have several players they drafted last year who were hurt, I'm particularly excited about Watson.
Overall, I'm a very happy Pat's fan (except for one thing, I want Troy back!)
cubswin
04-24-05, 09:53 AM
..(except for one thing, I want Troy back!)
Any word on where he, or law, is likley to wind up?
Are they allowed to return to New England?
Prickly Pete
04-24-05, 09:55 AM
A few interesting things on the Pats' draft from the local papers:
1. The two football columnists who hate Belichick gave split reviews: Ron Borges of the Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2005/04/24/they_made_the_most_of_their_wait/) thought the Pats did a nice job with their picks, getting some smart, versatile players in a weak draft, while Kevin Mannix of the Herald (http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=79973) thought they effed up big time by taking Mankins. Mannix thought they should have taken someone like Brodney Poole with the first pick, or traded down and taken Mankins much later.
I'm not a big Borges fan, and his hatred of Belichick is completely irrational, but I do think he knows a lot more about football than Mannix.
2. I like Ellis Hobbs' attitude (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2005/04/24/big_challenge_for_hobbs/) :
"Everybody tells me I'm undersized," said Hobbs, an art and visual communication major who is a resident of DeSoto, Texas. "I love that underdog mentality. I want to be better than you think I am...
"I always put myself in the position of second place running for first. The day I get into first place is the day I want to quit the game, because I always feel my game can improve."
3. Mankins has been described as strong, but according to the Globe, he can't bench press as much as WR Braylon Edwards. :scared:
Gil Brandt (http://www.nfl.com/draft/analysis/expert/brandt/st) has Hobbs as a nickel back and special-teamer. That would be OK for a third-round pick, but certainly nothing special.
Sports Illustrated (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2005/draft/players/58355.html) projected him for the 5th round.
I'm not too worried about the SI prediction for Hobbs (or for anyone else for that matter). BB likes to draft players he has inside info on (LSU guys w/Saban and this year with the Fresno St. guard).
Also, the projections are not based on BBs system. From what I've seen, most projections emphasize speed and coverage abilities for DBs, while BB (and Paoli) seem to be more concerned with tackling ability, production and intelligence.
BTW: A couple years ago I was dismayed to realize that the Pats had drafted someone in the second round that was projected to go in the 7th round: an undersized wideout from Louisville named Branch...
I also loved how Vrabel would not give up any info on Bruschi's health when he was being interviewed. Do you think BB has a shock collar on him?
Edit: typo
RIyankee
04-24-05, 05:49 PM
The Pats dealt their way into the 2006 Draft...
- extra 3rd (Baltimore)
- 2 extra 4th rd picks (Detroit & Green Bay)
- extra 5th (Oakland)
Next year's draft is projected to have a deep class. :D
About Mankins...his coach at Fresno State (Pat Hill) was an OL coach under Belichick when he was at Cleveland. FWIW, Belichick must know what he is getting.
Prickly Pete
04-25-05, 11:06 AM
Pats Interested in LB Chad Brown (http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=80074)
Brown once was considered one of the best linebackers in football, but after three straight injury-plagued seasons and with a scheduled 2005 salary of $4.2 million, Brown was cut by Seattle last week after the team signed free agent Jamie Sharper.
Pepper03
04-25-05, 11:25 AM
Any word on where he, or law, is likley to wind up?
Are they allowed to return to New England?
Nothing solid to tell you, just some talk that Brown may end up back at NE after all, for the veteran minimum, because there hasn't been much interest in him by other teams.
The last I heard on Law was his recovery wasn't going too well and teams are in no hurry to make him an offer-someone will, I'm sure, but nothing yet.
RIYankee, do you have any news on these fronts?
RIyankee
04-25-05, 12:48 PM
Nothing solid to tell you, just some talk that Brown may end up back at NE after all, for the veteran minimum, because there hasn't been much interest in him by other teams.
The last I heard on Law was his recovery wasn't going too well and teams are in no hurry to make him an offer-someone will, I'm sure, but nothing yet.
RIYankee, do you have any news on these fronts?
Yes, but you won't like it...
Here are the WRs on the current Pats roster...
David Givens
Deion Branch
Bethel Johnson (kick ret.)
P.K. Sam
Tim Dwight (punt ret.)
David Terrell
BB will not keep more than six WRs on his final 53-man roster. Unless something drastic (injury, trade) happens, there is no way Troy Brown is coming back.
As for Chad Brown, he's old and banged up. I'd rather start Biesel or the rookie, Claridge. JMHO
Yes, but you won't like it...
Here are the WRs on the current Pats roster...
David Givens
Deion Branch
Bethel Johnson (kick ret.)
P.K. Sam
Tim Dwight (punt ret.)
David Terrell
BB will not keep more than six WRs on his final 53-man roster. Unless something drastic (injury, trade) happens, there is no way Troy Brown is coming back.
As for Chad Brown, he's old and banged up. I'd rather start Biesel or the rookie, Claridge. JMHO
So is age, drafting low for a while, and injuries catching up with NE? Sorry, I was thinking Yankees for a second....:D
RIyankee
04-25-05, 02:59 PM
So is age, drafting low for a while, and injuries catching up with NE? Sorry, I was thinking Yankees for a second....:D
:lol:
The Pats won't miss a beat. :)
RIyankee
04-25-05, 03:06 PM
Here's what CBS Sportsline's Pete Prisco had to say...
http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/8416386
New England Patriots
Best pick: First-round pick Logan Mankins will push for time as a rookie at guard. He's a typical Patriots quality pick.
Questionable move: Third-round pick Ellis Hobbs is a smallish corner, but it's hard to question this team when it comes to picking defensive backs.
Steal: Fourth-round pick James Sanders is a ball-hawking safety who can be groomed for the future.
Overall grade: B They had a sound draft. Isn't that the New England way?
The Pats dealt their way into the 2006 Draft...
- extra 3rd (Baltimore)
- 2 extra 4th rd picks (Detroit & Green Bay)
- extra 5th (Oakland)
Next year's draft is projected to have a deep class. :D
I count one extra 4th rounder (from Detroit). Accoring the espn.com's trade tracker, the trade the Pats made with the Packers was for GB's 6th rounder this year, which they promptly traded to the Raiders: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft05/news/story?id=2041490&num=1
Am I wrong?
Pepper03
04-25-05, 05:45 PM
Yes, but you won't like it...
Here are the WRs on the current Pats roster...
David Givens
Deion Branch
Bethel Johnson (kick ret.)
P.K. Sam
Tim Dwight (punt ret.)
David Terrell
BB will not keep more than six WRs on his final 53-man roster. Unless something drastic (injury, trade) happens, there is no way Troy Brown is coming back.
As for Chad Brown, he's old and banged up. I'd rather start Biesel or the rookie, Claridge. JMHO
I refuse to give up hope, Mark.
Prickly Pete
04-25-05, 06:00 PM
I count one extra 4th rounder (from Detroit). Accoring the espn.com's trade tracker, the trade the Pats made with the Packers was for GB's 6th rounder this year, which they promptly traded to the Raiders: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft05/news/story?id=2041490&num=1
Am I wrong?
I think RIYankee had it right. This is from the Boston Herald (http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=80075&format=&page=2):
The Pats sent their fifth-round pick and a sixth-rounder to Detroit for a fourth-rounder in 2006. They also pulled a three-team trade with Green Bay and Oakland, which netted the Pats fourth- and fifth-round picks next year. The Pats now have extra 2006 picks in the third and fifth rounds, and two extra selections in the fourth.
I think RIYankee had it right. This is from the Boston Herald (http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=80075&format=&page=2):
And I thank NE...because with that trade the Raiders were able to grab
Wisconsin DT Anttaj Hawthorne with a sixth round pick...
Not to beat this into the ground, but I think the boston herald messed up. I don't see where that other 4th rounder could have come from.
From Patriots.com: And by stockpiling three extra picks for 2006 (a third, fourth and fifth), the Patriots may have positioned themselves to address the spot next year. A quick look at some very early projections for the 2006 draft shows some potential talent at inside linebacker.
From Projo.com: The Pats also added three picks for next season yesterday, swinging three trades yesterday, making it four overall for the two days of the draft. That sets them up with extra picks in the third, fourth and fifth rounds next season.
Either way, drafts are a lot more interesting when BB and SP are wheeling and dealing...
RIyankee
04-26-05, 10:47 AM
I refuse to give up hope, Mark.
Beth, you won't like hearing this either...
When the Pats drafted CB Hobbs, I'm sure he'll replace Troy Brown at cornerback.
If Brown wants to play in the NFL this year, he'll have to do so for another team at the NFL veteran minimum salary. My guess is he'll retire rather than do that.
RIyankee
04-26-05, 10:49 AM
And I thank NE...because with that trade the Raiders were able to grab
Wisconsin DT Anttaj Hawthorne with a sixth round pick...
That's all the Sliver and Black needs, more "character".
:smokin: :smokin: :smokin: :smokin: :smokin: :smokin: :smokin:
:lol:
Prickly Pete
04-26-05, 11:48 AM
Patriots have signed former Steelers CB Chad Scott, according to WEEI in Boston. I haven't seen a link yet.
The radio station also reports that the Pats are hosting former Steelers and Seahawks LB Chad Brown today.
That's all the Sliver and Black needs, more "character".
:smokin: :smokin: :smokin: :smokin: :smokin: :smokin: :smokin:
:lol:
For a sixth round pick...I'll take a 2nd round guy with character...
RIyankee
04-26-05, 12:45 PM
Patriots have signed former Steelers CB Chad Scott, according to WEEI in Boston. I haven't seen a link yet.
The radio station also reports that the Pats are hosting former Steelers and Seahawks LB Chad Brown today.
I thought about him. But I didn't think the Pats would sign him based on his age/health.
Linky (http://www.patriots.com/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=11503&pcid=41)
This signing tells me two things...
Michigan CB Marlin Jackson would have been the Pats 1st rd pick if he was still on the board.
Tyrone Poole is on his way out.
Pats current CBs
Starks
Scott
Hobbs
Gay
Samuel
Poteat
Charlton
Wilson (listed as "CB" on the Pats website roster)
Poole
cubswin
04-26-05, 12:52 PM
I thought about him. But I didn't think the Pats would sign him based on his age/health.
Linky (http://www.patriots.com/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=11503&pcid=41)
...
w/regard to that article's mention of Aaron Glenn, he was released today by Houston
RIyankee
04-26-05, 12:55 PM
w/regard to that article's mention of Aaron Glenn, he was released today by Houston
Interesting. However, it looks like there will be some bidding for his services. If that's the case, he won't be with the Pats.
JMHO.
BTW Thanks to Pete and Cubswin for the info! :)
cubswin
04-26-05, 01:03 PM
Interesting. However, it looks like there will be some bidding for his services. If that's the case, he won't be with the Pats.
...
probably. (unless he wants to win :) )
what are your thoughts on Glenn, Scott and Starks?
RIyankee
04-26-05, 01:33 PM
probably. (unless he wants to win :) )
what are your thoughts on Glenn, Scott and Starks?
Glenn won't be a Patriot unless he accepts an incentive-laden contract. He's undersized and over 30. IMO, after signing Scott, the Pats interest in Glenn is lukewarm at best.
Scott is a tall CB (6'1" 202 lbs.). In SB39, the Pats CBs had a really tough time trying to tackle T.O. That said, I'm sure BB misses Ty Law's physical play. Scott is more physical than any of the Pats CBs who played in SB39. He must have passed his physical otherwise the Pats wouldn't have signed him. If he can stay healthy, Scott could become another FA gem.
Starks is great at man-to-man coverage and if healthy, would be an improvement over what they had in 2004.
Overall, Pats CB corps have improved and are a deeper unit. :D
Prickly Pete
04-26-05, 02:23 PM
Sounds like the Cowboys are all over Aaron Glenn.
As for Scott, I'm not sure I'd make too much of his signing just yet. Given that he missed alot of last season with injuries, I'll bet he's just being brought in to compete for a job. They did that last year with a fairly well known CB from the Bengals -- his name escapes me now -- but ended up releasing him in training camp.
Don't write off Ty Poole, but Belichick loves to make guys compete for jobs.
JMHO.
somejerk
04-26-05, 05:54 PM
Sounds like the Cowboys are all over Aaron Glenn.
As for Scott, I'm not sure I'd make too much of his signing just yet. Given that he missed alot of last season with injuries, I'll bet he's just being brought in to compete for a job. They did that last year with a fairly well known CB from the Bengals -- his name escapes me now -- but ended up releasing him in training camp.
Don't write off Ty Poole, but Belichick loves to make guys compete for jobs.
JMHO.
You're thinking of Jeff Burris who got released. Actually I don't think he even showed up to training camp if I remember correctly, which lead to his release. Also I would imagine Chad Scott as being more of a back up safety than a CB. Kind of a Je'Rod Cherry/Shawn Mayer/Antwan Harris special teamer. Even if they trade/release Tyrone Poole I don't see how this guy starts in the secondary.
RIyankee
04-27-05, 07:12 AM
Sounds like the Cowboys are all over Aaron Glenn.
As for Scott, I'm not sure I'd make too much of his signing just yet. Given that he missed alot of last season with injuries, I'll bet he's just being brought in to compete for a job. They did that last year with a fairly well known CB from the Bengals -- his name escapes me now -- but ended up releasing him in training camp.
Don't write off Ty Poole, but Belichick loves to make guys compete for jobs.
JMHO.
Scott is the the only CB over 6 feet. That alone gives him the inside track for a roster spot. If he's healthy, he'll push for starting time.
Pepper03
04-29-05, 06:38 AM
Beth, you won't like hearing this either...
When the Pats drafted CB Hobbs, I'm sure he'll replace Troy Brown at cornerback.
If Brown wants to play in the NFL this year, he'll have to do so for another team at the NFL veteran minimum salary. My guess is he'll retire rather than do that.
Mark, I think he's coming back. Rumor has it they are talking, he contacted the Patriots, and he wants to come back. I'm thinking BB will bring him back, as you know I think he should. :D
RIyankee
04-29-05, 06:55 AM
Mark, I think he's coming back. Rumor has it they are talking, he contacted the Patriots, and he wants to come back. I'm thinking BB will bring him back, as you know I think he should. :D
Sorry Beth. The media is jumping the gun. BB has not given any inclination (to the media) as to whether he wants Troy back or not. The gist of Felger's article was that Troy has gotten impatient with the Pats and that he was demanding a yes or no answer. My take on this is that after Troy was released, BB told him to "stick around". Since then, the Pats signed WR David Terrell and a slew of CBs. IMO the drafting of CB Ellis Hobbs in the 3rd rd sealed Troy's fate. There is no room on the roster for a 33 year old 5'9" WR who has lost some of his quickness. Bad things have to happen to this team for it to be otherwise.
Pepper03
04-29-05, 07:29 AM
Thanks for being patient with me on this, I guess I am in denial........
Anyway, how do you think the draft went for the Pats. I think they did well and I am very excited about all the young talent coming on board this year, I can't wait to see what Ben Watson can do with a full camp under his belt.
FreeYayo
04-29-05, 09:29 AM
I can't wait to see what Ben Watson can do with a full camp under his belt.
I can't wait either. Bellichick rarely drafts based on pure athleticism, so this guy I'm guessing brings a lot to the table.
RIyankee
04-29-05, 09:31 AM
Thanks for being patient with me on this, I guess I am in denial........
Anyway, how do you think the draft went for the Pats. I think they did well and I am very excited about all the young talent coming on board this year, I can't wait to see what Ben Watson can do with a full camp under his belt.
If people can be patient with me, I can be patient with anybody. :lol:
I really like the Pats draft. The 2005 draft was very weak, especially on the "D" side. This forced the Pats to act in an unsual manner. Mankins was a left tackle in college but will probably start at LG. Kaczur should be in the depth mix on the OL. Hobbs is a godd tackler who plays bigger than his size and has good ball skills (is always around the ball). Safety Sanders is a hard hitter and a good tackler. LB Claridge is also a good tackler who has played inside and outside in UNLV's 3-4 defense. Matt Cassel was a backup QB to Carson Palmer and Matt Leinhart. He's a pitcher in the Athletics system but has potential as an NFL QB. He's 6'5" 230 lbs. and wowed the scouts at USC's pro day workout throwing tight, deep spirals into the wind. Mr. Irrelevant, TE Andy Stokes was picked by the Pats because they thought he would sign with another team as a free agent. Instead, the too Stokes and signed safety Ray Ventrone of Villanova as a free agent (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05118/495052.stm).
Pepper03
04-29-05, 09:37 AM
So, RIYankee, how many times will you be at Gillette Stadium this summer for training camp? I have gone a few times a year, it is much better than going to Bryant College, their old summer home, even though that took me two minutes to get to. I go when they have the NFL experience set up, because the kids like that, and then I get to watch the workout.
RIyankee
04-29-05, 12:38 PM
So, RIYankee, how many times will you be at Gillette Stadium this summer for training camp? I have gone a few times a year, it is much better than going to Bryant College, their old summer home, even though that took me two minutes to get to. I go when they have the NFL experience set up, because the kids like that, and then I get to watch the workout.
I used to go up to Bryant every chance I had. The last TC I went to was Pete Carroll's back in 1997. What a letdown. Parcells TCs were so much fun. I've been meaning to go this year. Though I'll need to take time off to do it. I've been to Gillette once, to see the Pats beat the Bills 31-0 in the 2003 regular season finale. :D
RIyankee
04-29-05, 12:44 PM
Link to the Patriots rookie free agents (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2005/04/29/his_sunday_best_will_suit_mankins_just_fine/)
Flutie to the Pats???
What's not to love about this move? I think it's safe to say that they'll sell a boatload of Flutie jerseys...
Of course, let's just hope he only sees the field when the Pats are up by 30 points.
mentalgidget
04-29-05, 03:02 PM
Per ESPN and "confirmed with a phone call" by WEEI's Pete Sheppard...
Flutie has signed a 1yr contract with the Patriots.
will he wear #2 or #7?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2049908
edit: link
Pepper03
04-29-05, 04:45 PM
I used to go up to Bryant every chance I had. The last TC I went to was Pete Carroll's back in 1997. What a letdown. Parcells TCs were so much fun. I've been meaning to go this year. Though I'll need to take time off to do it. I've been to Gillette once, to see the Pats beat the Bills 31-0 in the 2003 regular season finale. :D
You have to go Mark, it is something you will love. While at Foxboro, make sure you find the spot in the parking lot marked with a plaque, it marks the spot on the field where Adam V. kicked the famous snow bowl field goal to tie the game-it is sacred ground for Pats fans. (In the old stadium, of course)
I like the signing of Flutie as well. If Brady gets hurt this year, at least we'll have someone capable of coming in and keeping us in the race. I had heard earlier that him going to the Giants was a done deal-any idea what happened?
flutie22
04-29-05, 05:09 PM
Flutie to the Pats???
What's not to love about this move? I think it's safe to say that they'll sell a boatload of Flutie jerseys...
Of course, let's just hope he only sees the field when the Pats are up by 30 points.
i'll be first in line....this made my week
What was his story the first time he was with the Pats? He was drafted by who? Bears? Pats? Did he cross the picket line in '87?
They should let him wear his jersey from Boston College.
RIyankee
04-29-05, 05:23 PM
You have to go Mark, it is something you will love. While at Foxboro, make sure you find the spot in the parking lot marked with a plaque, it marks the spot on the field where Adam V. kicked the famous snow bowl field goal to tie the game-it is sacred ground for Pats fans. (In the old stadium, of course)
I'm sure the other Mark (NYYFAN) will be interested in that too. After all, it's a part of Raiders history as well. :lol:
I like the signing of Flutie as well. If Brady gets hurt this year, at least we'll have someone capable of coming in and keeping us in the race. I had heard earlier that him going to the Giants was a done deal-any idea what happened?
Unless Cassel is planning on pursuing a baseball career and the team has given up on Davey (or traded him), I'm really not excited about Doug coming here.
RIyankee
04-29-05, 05:29 PM
What was his story the first time he was with the Pats? He was drafted by who? Bears? Pats? Did he cross the picket line in '87?
They should let him wear his jersey from Boston College.
He was a scab in 1987 for the Pats (played in one game) and played with them in 1988 and 1989.
Prickly Pete
05-02-05, 11:29 AM
Kevin Mannix of the Boston Herald is in full Belichick-bashing mode again so I won't read too much into this article on the Patriots' draft. (hhttp://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=81068ttp://)
However, unless Mannix is now stooping to the level of actually making up quotes, there was one thing that was a little concerning in the article. From an unnamed GM:
"He's good, but he's not a great player," the GM said of Mankins. "But that's not the whole story. He's also a significant medical risk. Our medical people told us his knee is shot. He's already had surgery on it once, back in 2002, and they feel he'll need surgery again, maybe soon.
"Basically they told us, 'Don't take this player.' "
RIyankee
05-02-05, 12:54 PM
Normally, I think Mannix is a very good writer. It could be one of the following...
Maybe...
- he's getting cantankerous in is old age.
- has an ongoing feud or an ax to grand with BB.
- In the midst of BB's acclaim and teflon armor, Mannix is one of those journalists that feels obligated to report a contrary point of view.
Mannix recently wrote that one team (out of 32) had Mankins listed as a severe medical risk.
Turns out that the several teams were considering taking him in the 2nd rd ahead of the Pats. I can't find the link, but I've read that the 49ers would have taken Mankins at #33 rather than David Baas. I'm convinced he would have been gone by # 64.
Prickly Pete
05-02-05, 01:02 PM
Normally, I think Mannix is a very good writer. It could be one of the following...
Maybe...
- he's getting cantankerous in is old age.
- has an ongoing feud or an ax to grand with BB.
- In the midst of BB's acclaim and teflon armor, Mannix is one of those journalists that feels obligated to report a contrary point of view.
Mannix recently wrote that one team (out of 32) had Mankins listed as a severe medical risk.
Turns out that the several teams were considering taking him in the 2nd rd ahead of the Pats. I can't find the link, but I've read that the 49ers would have taken Mankins at #33 rather than David Baas. I'm convinced he would have been gone by # 64.
Mannix has hated Belichick since the day he was hired. He was the one who called Belichick "duplicitous pond scum." So yes, there's an axe to grind, and the more success Belichick has, the dumber Mannix looks as he continues to grind.
That's why I don't take anything that Mannix writes about the Pats too seriously, but as I said, I doubt he's actually making up quotes. So there's at least one GM out there who thinks Mankins is a severe injury risk. I just wasn't aware that was even a question.
FWIW, Jonathan Kraft was on WEEI last week and said he "knows for a fact" that the Niners were going to take Mankins with the 33rd pick.
RIyankee
05-02-05, 01:07 PM
Mannix has hated Belichick since the day he was hired. He was the one who called Belichick "duplicitous pond scum." So yes, there's an axe to grind, and the more success Belichick has, the dumber Mannix looks as he continues to grind.
That's why I don't take anything that Mannix writes about the Pats too seriously, but as I said, I doubt he's actually making up quotes. So there's at least one GM out there who thinks Mankins is a severe injury risk. I just wasn't aware that was even a question.
FWIW, Jonathan Kraft was on WEEI last week and said he "knows for a fact" that the Niners were going to take Mankins with the 33rd pick.
That's probably why I couldn't find the link. I probably heard it on the radio. Thanks!
As for Mannix, he shines during the season as he gives good post game analysis (i.e. game report cards). JMHO
He used to hate Parcells when he was here too. :lol:
cubswin
05-02-05, 01:46 PM
That's probably why I couldn't find the link. I probably heard it on the radio. ...
...FWIW, Jonathan Kraft was on WEEI last week and said he "knows for a fact" that the Niners were going to take Mankins with the 33rd pick.
It was in the article that was linked.
RIyankee
05-04-05, 02:55 PM
Check this out...
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
...Florida's Guss Scott, a safety, was a third-round draft pick of the Patriots in 2004. The Pats, who are one of the handful of teams who insist on five-year deals for mid-round picks, initially worked out a contract with Drew Rosenhaus that would have paid Scott a signing bonus of $625,000 plus salaries of $230,000, $305,000, $385,000, $460,000, and $545,000.
The contract was reported to the league office, but due to a language technicality the deal was scuttled. We're told that the Pats increased the bonus money the second time around in exchange for the removal of some out year escalators -- but Scott refused (on Rosenhaus' advice) to sign the five-year deal, opting instead for a one-year contract for the minimum salary of $230,000.
No bonus. No guarantee. No nothing.
And, of course, Scott promptly blew out his knee.
This time around, Scott signed another one-year deal with New England, for only $235,000, and he'll get the money only if he makes the team. Since the Pats face no bonus acceleration because Scott had no bonus, they can cut him loose at any time with no cap consequence, and pay him not another dime.
So by foregoing his signing bonus in the hopes of hitting free agency sooner than five years into his NFL career, Scott suffered an injury that could, in the end, prevent him from ever getting paid like he would have gotten paid if he'd merely pocketed the big-money bonus and collected $230,000 in salary last year and $305,000 this year.
Sure, it was a calculated risk, and our goal here isn't to bash Rosenhaus for playing the odds and losing. But the reality is that, as Rosenhaus signs more and more clients who previously were represented by other agents and then holds those guys out for more money, more and more folks will scrutinize every single move he makes, and they'll use any misstep -- actual or perceived -- against him.
That's precisely what's happening with the Scott situation, and there's a growing throng of league insiders frothing at the mouth for Drew's next boo-boo...
NOTE: this is not a full article but just a fraction. This same link updates info on a daily basis and eventually info from a particular day will disappear.
Prickly Pete
05-04-05, 05:37 PM
Check this out...
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
NOTE: this is not a full article but just a fraction. This same link updates info on a daily basis and eventually info from a particular day will disappear.
I remember hearing about that Scott contract debacle last year. The problem with the big-name agents is that a guy like Rosenhaus will make his millions from Terrell Owens and Warren Sapp and his other clients, so HE -- the agent -- can afford to take a risk with a guy like Scott. That doesn't mean Scott can necessarily afford a risk like that.
I hope Scott ends up with a big payday, because that'll mean he played well for the Pats this year. It sounded like they were quite high on him before the injury.
RIyankee
05-05-05, 06:40 AM
He was having a good camp before the injury.
RIyankee
05-05-05, 10:55 AM
Pats cut NT Keith Traylor (http://www.projo.com/patriots/content/projo_20050505_05pats.22cdc03.html)
Pepper03
05-07-05, 07:28 AM
The Patriots have signed LB Chad Brown to a two year deal worth around 1.5 million in salary and incentives per year. Sorry, I still don't know how to do those links.
Prickly Pete
05-07-05, 09:35 AM
Pats Sign LB Chad Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2054955)
I think this is a nice pickup, even though he's been pretty banged up. Belichick does a nice job of only asking people to do what they're capable of, and getting the most out of them that way. I don't think he expects Brown to still be an every down starting linebacker, but I bet he can still be a solid part of the LB rotation.
Prickly Pete
05-07-05, 02:02 PM
With Chad Brown signed, I wonder if the Pats still have interest in adding another veteran linebacker?
The Patriots have also been negotiating with former Bears and Browns linebacker Warrick Holdman and Brown's former Seahawks teammate, Anthony Simmons. Both are outside linebackers.
Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2005/05/07/patriots_sign_lb_brown/)
nhyankeefan
05-07-05, 02:11 PM
Pats Sign LB Chad Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2054955)
I think this is a nice pickup, even though he's been pretty banged up. Belichick does a nice job of only asking people to do what they're capable of, and getting the most out of them that way. I don't think he expects Brown to still be an every down starting linebacker, but I bet he can still be a solid part of the LB rotation.
I think this is a very smart pickup for the Pats.
NDBoston
05-07-05, 02:52 PM
Tom Brady has signed a 6 year deal with the Patriots. 6 years, 68.75 million per Len Pasquarelli
BroadwayBomber55
05-07-05, 02:56 PM
I think this is a very smart pickup for the Pats.
Very nice pickup by the Pats. When healthy, Chad Brown can really be useful in the pass rush.
cubswin
05-07-05, 03:12 PM
Tom Brady has signed a 6 year deal with the Patriots. 6 years, 68.75 million per Len Pasquarelli
That's a good pick-up, too.
NDBoston
05-07-05, 03:17 PM
That's a good pick-up, too.
ESPN is now saying 6 years-60 million for Brady.
Good to know Brady won't be going anywhere for a while.
BTW, anyone know when Belichick's contract is up?
Pepper03
05-07-05, 05:23 PM
ESPN is now saying 6 years-60 million for Brady.
This is great news!
Prickly Pete
05-07-05, 05:55 PM
NFL contracts of this magnitude are obviously somewhat complicated, as well as subject to change in future years, but here's how Brady's deal breaks down:
According to documents obtained by ESPN.com, the contract includes a $14.5 million signing bonus and a $12 million option bonus that is due next spring. The base salaries are $1 million (for 2005), $4 million ('06), $6 million ('07), $5 million ('08), $2.3 million ('09) and $3.5 million ('10). There are roster bonuses of $3 million each in the final three years of the contract.
Brady will have a salary cap charge of $8.429 million for 2005, which is between $1.5 million and $2 million less than under his old contract. But his cap number for 2006 jumps to a prohibitive $14.423 million, meaning the contract will have to be revisited probably by converting the option bonus into a signing bonus, which can then be prorated.
There are also guarantees, such as injury guarantees in the 2007 and '08 seasons, in the deal. Over the first three years of the contract, a measuring stick that is often used now by many agents and teams to gauge comparative value, the deal averages $13.111 million.
ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2054072)
cubswin
05-08-05, 03:51 AM
I like the Pats' recent signings -- Scott, Brown, even Flutie. Any idea of there are any O-linemen out there? (Am I wrong in thinking that's an area where another vet could be useful, even after the draft?)
Also, anybody know anything about any of the undrafted FAs they have signed? n This fullback from Navy, for example? Also, any idea if the guy from Villanova a year or 2 back, Farley, is still w/the team?
Prickly Pete
05-13-05, 09:13 AM
Any idea of there are any O-linemen out there? (Am I wrong in thinking that's an area where another vet could be useful, even after the draft?)
I'm glad you passed this suggestion on to Belichick.
Boston Herald (http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=82943&format=&page=2)
The Patriots signed free agent offensive tackle Victor Leyva yesterday. Terms of the agreement were not released.
The 6-4, 307-pound Leyva has appeared in 10 NFL games, all coming in 2002 with the Cincinnati Bengals. He spent last year out of football. He will be entering his fourth season in 2005. An Arizona State product, he was a fifth-round draft choice of the Bengals in 2001.
cubswin
05-21-05, 08:56 PM
fwiw, NESN was saying something about the Pats possibly re-signing Brown -- maybe some of you back in NE know more about this?
fwiw, NESN was saying something about the Pats possibly re-signing Brown -- maybe some of you back in NE know more about this?
From the Boston Herald's Mike Reiss
Troy Brown to Return (http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/reissPieces/index.bg?
mode=viewid&post_id=295)
Wide receiver Troy Brown will be returning to the Patriots in 2005, according to NFL sources. An official announcement isn't expected until early in the week and details of the deal aren't known at this time.
EDIT: Just saw "Patriots and Troy Brown agree to 1-year deal" on ESPN's bottom line. :)
Pepper03
05-22-05, 08:28 AM
Per Tom Curran of the Providence Journal (an excellent Patriots and football reporter) it is a done deal.
Only two NFL teams expressed any interest in Brown at all, the Saints and the Panthers.
The deal is for one year, $750,000.
I am a very happy Patriots fan today! :D
In the same article, it quotes a news interview from WBZ-TV Boston with Tedy Bruschi about him returning to play. He has been working out, he feels good, and no decision has been made about him returning to play this year or next.
RIyankee
06-01-05, 12:18 PM
The return of Brown could lead to any of the following scenarios...
WR P.K. Sam was one of those players that should have stayed in school as he wasn't ready for the NFL. Moreover, he got into hot water with BB for shirking his rehab. If he continues to show immaturity in TC, Sam will be shown the door.
WR Bethel Johnson is enetering his 3rd season. BB has said that 3rd seasons are indicative of any player's progress. If a player shows no improvement by the start of his 3rd year, then he's as good as he's going to be. Bethel needs to buy into the system and improve is attitude or he'll be a goner.
WR David Givens could be traded. The Pats have tried to re-sign him on 3 separate occasions and both sides remain far apart.
And as always, somebody could get injured which will elimate any tough decisions.
Pepper03
06-02-05, 05:25 PM
Mark, you are back!!
I told you he was coming back! :D
Where have you been buddy?
RIyankee
06-09-05, 10:16 AM
Mandatory minicamp starts today!!!
Whoohoo!
We're getting there. Season starts in less than 3 months.
weei is reporting richard seymour and bethel johnson are not in attendance. possible that seymour is upset with playing under the deal he signed in 2001 and is trying to make some type of point.
edit-belichick on weei confirmed seymour's absence is unexcused, but, in typical fashion, would not elaborate further.
RIyankee
06-09-05, 12:06 PM
weei is reporting richard seymour and bethel johnson are not in attendance. possible that seymour is upset with playing under the deal he signed in 2001 and is trying to make some type of point.
If that's the case, they are only hurting themselves and are subject to fines. Bad advice from their agent(s). The Pats won't budge. In Johnson's case it could be injury related.
Here's the Linky (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2005/06/09/seymour_a_no_show_at_pats_minicamp/)
This will only hurt Seymour.
I seem to remember reading somewhere that seymour hired new agents sometime last year. Apparently his new representation has not been paying attention to the way belichick and company have done business for the last six years. this organiztion does not take well to scare tactics.
somejerk
06-09-05, 01:40 PM
If I recall correctly, Bethel was at some appearance with Belichick a few weeks ago and he was wearing a cast on his foot or something. I believe it was the speech Belichick gave about Troy Brown being the best leader he has ever been around.
As far as Seymour, he is definitely underpaid but he has no leverage. Brady had leverage because the Pats couldn't take the cap hit so they had to re-do the deal. This is a battle he won't win. I'm pretty sure this is why the Pats drafted Marquise Hill, signed RFA Rodney Bailey, and kept Jarvis Green. Ty Warren is also manning the other side of the line. Seymour may be the best DLineman in the game, but there are some very adequate replacements.
Also, finally good to see some news about the team. It has been a boring few months.
by taking this course of action seymour has all but assured that the patriots will not strike a new deal with him any time soon. this will be an interesting situation to watch play out, i can't think of any player who has butted heads with belichick and come out on top. These two have had problems in the past when belichick refused to start him after he missed a practice attending his grandmother's funeral or something like that.
RIyankee
06-09-05, 02:43 PM
I seem to remember reading somewhere that seymour hired new agents sometime last year. Apparently his new representation has not been paying attention to the way belichick and company have done business for the last six years. this organiztion does not take well to scare tactics.
His agent is Eugene Parker (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2081365)
Pepper03
06-09-05, 04:25 PM
Once again, kudos to Tom Curran of the Providence Journal, who has been talking about Seymour being very unhappy for quite a while. This comes as no surprise, but I don't think Seymour is helping his cause one bit.
He may be underpaid, and he's probably really upset that Brady and Dillon got new contracts, but his only option is to play or sit out, because I think any chance he had of working something out just went by the wayside.
Whose side do you think the public will be on? Seymour, or the Patriots?
Patriots in a landslide!
RIyankee
06-10-05, 09:01 AM
Once again, kudos to Tom Curran of the Providence Journal, who has been talking about Seymour being very unhappy for quite a while. This comes as no surprise, but I don't think Seymour is helping his cause one bit.
He may be underpaid, and he's probably really upset that Brady and Dillon got new contracts, but his only option is to play or sit out, because I think any chance he had of working something out just went by the wayside.
Whose side do you think the public will be on? Seymour, or the Patriots?
Patriots in a landslide!
Beth,
Under the 2005 salary cap, the Pats could only extend Brady's contract. Brady had a ridiculous cap figure going in to 2005. His extention cleared about $2-3mil of cap room. However, Seymour's '05 cap number is sweet. Therefore, any extention he gets right now will put the team in a cap bind.
I understand why Seymour is upset and if he blows off minicamp and reports to TC on time, all should be forgotten. If Seymour continues his holdout into TC, then he's only going to make matters worse for himself.
Here's the breakdown of fines...
Minicamp: $1,000/day
Training Camp: $3,000/day
Pepper03
06-10-05, 12:38 PM
Do you think he cares about cap numbers? He sees Brady and Dillon get new deals, he's already reportedly upset about how he was disciplined a few years back when he was late returning from a funeral of a close family member ( I can't recall if it was his father or grandmother) , and it has been generally understood that of all the Patriots players who would not take a home town discount to stay here, it would be Seymour.
I think he's not real happy with the Patriots right now, but I agree he's doing himself no favors, especially if he holds out for training camp. I don't think he'll do that, though, I think he's too smart. If BB would cut Milloy and let go Ty Law, he'll move anyone. The whole team philosophy of the team being bigger than any one player has been central to their success, and no player is going to be allowed to change that, no matter how talented they may be.
nhyankeefan
06-10-05, 12:51 PM
Does Seymour (or his agent) realize that he played very little last post season last year and the Pats still won? He needs to suck it up and make sure he reports to training camp, he's not going to win a battle with Belechik.
while they did win the championship with seymour either out or not at full-strength, i believe this defensive line could struggle w/o his presence. not only for his own play but for the fact that two lineman that engage him every down. no one else on their d-line will warrant that kind of attention now or any time soon.
RIyankee
06-10-05, 01:38 PM
DE is, by far, the Pats deepest and strongest position. Jarvis Green filled in nicely in Seymour's spot in the AFC playoffs. He would start for most teams. IMO the Pats can win another SB w/o Sey.
There is one thing that bothers me about this whole thing. Days before minicamp, at a childrens' charity event, the press asked Seymour a question reganding his contract status. Sey's reply, "Ask Belichick."
Contrast this with a totally unrelated comment from Deion Branch at minicamp,
But in terms of the practice flow, things operated as normal on the first day of minicamp, said Deion Branch, even if he is unsure of who is running the offense from a coaching standpoint.
''You have to ask Coach Belichick about that, we just line up," Branch said.
Maybe I'm looking too much into this but, I detect a bit of 'tude in Mr. Seymour.
Pepper03
06-10-05, 02:23 PM
I think Seymour has had a bit of an attitude for a while, you haven't noticed.
You're right, they could win without him.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2081365
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2082112
Pasquarelli on Seymour, Bruschi, and Mr. Irrelevant
#1PaFan
06-10-05, 04:29 PM
I remember the Good Old Days. Like, oh, FIVE years ago when I never knew one Pat's Fan. :lol: :lol: :D
:gulp:
Archer1979
06-10-05, 04:35 PM
I remember the Good Old Days. Like, oh, FIVE years ago when I never knew one Pat's Fan. :lol: :lol: :D
:gulp:
That was back when Title Town was in Green Bay. ;)
#1PaFan
06-10-05, 04:55 PM
That was back when Title Town was in Green Bay. ;)
Was? Your boys only need to win NINE more. And, then, we'll be tied. :D :gulp:
Looie #19
06-10-05, 05:29 PM
The Packers have won 12 Super Bowls?
#1PaFan
06-10-05, 05:43 PM
The Packers have won 12 Super Bowls?
3 of their World Championships came in the "Super Bowl Era." Nine others predated it. I mean, you can't really award The Lombardi Trophy while he was still coaching!!! :lol: :gulp:
Archer1979
06-10-05, 06:37 PM
Was? Your boys only need to win NINE more. And, then, we'll be tied. :D :gulp:
You've lost a step, George. You didn't call me Bitch!
#1PaFan
06-10-05, 06:58 PM
You've lost a step, George. You didn't call me Bitch!
Sorry 'bout that, my Bitch! You Pink Sox wearing HomoBoy; you scumsucking punk minus the first "ess."
Is THAT good enough for you, Nancy? :lol: :D :gulp:
Archer1979
06-10-05, 07:24 PM
Sorry 'bout that, my Bitch! You Pink Sox wearing HomoBoy; you scumsucking punk minus the first "ess."
Is THAT good enough for you, Nancy? :lol: :D :gulp:
Bite me... BITCH! :P
RIyankee
06-13-05, 09:34 AM
I remember the Good Old Days. Like, oh, FIVE years ago when I never knew one Pat's Fan. :lol: :lol: :D
:gulp:
I didn't know any Packers fans until the 90s. :lol:
RIyankee
06-13-05, 09:38 AM
3 of their World Championships came in the "Super Bowl Era." Nine others predated it. I mean, you can't really award The Lombardi Trophy while he was still coaching!!! :lol: :gulp:
Those old NFL championships are the football equivalent of winning the 1895 NL championship. Nobody counts those anymore. :D :lol:
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/
some pictures of the ring ceremony. seymour was in attendance and seemed to say all the right things given his current situation.
RhodyYanksFan
06-13-05, 01:54 PM
http://cachemediasrv.patriots.com/ImgDyn.cfm?s=patriots_ring_pr.jpg&c=1&w=525&cs=1
:eek:
That thing is a monster! It has 21 diamonds around the team logo to represent the 21 games winning streak the Patriots had. A 4.94-karat diamond Super Bowl ring! According to Jostens, which has made 26 of the 39 Super Bowl rings, this year's is the heaviest ever at 4.06 ounces.
#1PaFan
06-14-05, 09:20 PM
Those old NFL championships are the football equivalent of winning the 1895 NL championship. Nobody counts those anymore. :D :lol:
If you're uneducated about the sport you don't count them. :D The NFL didn't start in the Super Bowl era. :gulp:
RIyankee
06-14-05, 11:00 PM
If you're uneducated about the sport you don't count them. :D The NFL didn't start in the Super Bowl era. :gulp:
George, did you know that the packing company that created the Green Bay Packers originated in RI?
Providence Steamroller - 1928 NFL Champions
Not bad for someone who's "uneducated about the sport" :D :gulp:
cubswin
06-14-05, 11:15 PM
George, did you know that the packing company that created the Green Bay Packers originated in RI?
Providence Steamroller - 1928 NFL Champions
Not bad for someone who's "uneducated about the sport" :D :gulp:
Providence = TitleTown
RIyankee
06-15-05, 11:44 AM
Providence = TitleTown
Foxboro is closer to Providence than Boston. :lol:
RIyankee
06-15-05, 11:53 AM
Last April, I was on an elevator with a co-worker and I said to him "don't be surprised if the Pats trade Seymour". Another guy in the elevator asked me if I was f$#@%! crazy and I told him if Seymour wants superstar money, the team won't be able to extend both him and Brady. He still thought I was crazy. Typical Boston fan. :D ;)
RhodyYanksFan
06-15-05, 12:31 PM
Last April, I was on an elevator with a co-worker and I said to him "don't be surprised if the Pats trade Seymour". Another guy in the elevator asked me if I was f$#@%! crazy and I told him if Seymour wants superstar money, the team won't be able to extend both him and Brady. He still thought I was crazy. Typical Boston fan. :D ;)
No, the typical Boston fan will trash him once he's traded and downplay anything good he ever did for the organization, completely ignoring and forgetting how much he loved Seymour when he was on the team. ;)
http://www.masslive.com/sports/republican/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/111879090190960.xml&coll=1
Article on Watson and the other Pats that missed all or most of last year. I'm pretty excited about the idea of seeing Watson on the field for an entire season. He's got a great combination of size and speed and his presence should spur on Graham to develop further.
RIyankee
06-15-05, 02:05 PM
http://www.masslive.com/sports/republican/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/111879090190960.xml&coll=1
Article on Watson and the other Pats that missed all or most of last year. I'm pretty excited about the idea of seeing Watson on the field for an entire season. He's got a great combination of size and speed and his presence should spur on Graham to develop further.
I think Graham has turned out to be better than Jeremy Shockey. Allthough Graham is still developing as a receiver, he's probably the best blocker among starting TEs in the league.
I don't think the Pats got Watson to push Graham. They use two TEs as their base offense. Watson has the potential to create mismatches and is big enough to block. Expect both TE to have good years and plenty of playing time. I like that kid (Mr. Irrelevant) Andy Stokes. He's got some skills. If he could deep snap, it would open up a much needed roster spot.
It would be nice if someone else on the pats could long snap. as much as i love lonie paxton and his snow angel celebrations, it seems strange that on a team that values versatility so much a spot is used on someone with that sole purpose. to be fair paxton has to be one of the best in the business, I cannot recall seeing too many, if any, bad snaps here during his tenure.
PS
gotta love some good ole' long snapper talk
RIyankee
06-15-05, 03:21 PM
It would be nice if someone else on the pats could long snap. as much as i love lonie paxton and his snow angel celebrations, it seems strange that on a team that values versatility so much a spot is used on someone with that sole purpose. to be fair paxton has to be one of the best in the business, I cannot recall seeing too many, if any, bad snaps here during his tenure.
PS
gotta love some good ole' long snapper talk
I believe you answered your own question when you stated, "to be fair paxton has to be one of the best in the business, I cannot recall seeing too many, if any, bad snaps here during his tenure."
One of the secrets of the Pats success is the importance placed on special teams. Look at the 2002 Giants who gagged that playoff game to SF. Trey Junkin, who was out of football for several years, was called up, due to injury, to be their DS. He botched the snap of what would have been a GW chip shot FG in the playoffs. Coach Jim Fassel never recovered from that game.
I'm amazed that there are so few players who want to learn how to DS. Lonnie Paxton would need a ticket to go to an NFL game if he didn't DS. There are players who have collected NFL paychecks well beyond their years because they learned how to DS. Former Patriots, Mike Bartrum and Trevor Matich have had long careers DS'ing. Bartrum, who played for Parcells' Pats in the mid 1990s, is currently with the Eagles. And it's not due to his TE skills. ;)
It is interesting that more guys don't try to learn the position. Bartrum, who you mentioned, has had a twelve year career with a total of 9 catches. I had forgotten about the giants playoff incident, situations like that make me want the pats to sign paxton to a lucrative extension
RIyankee
06-15-05, 11:41 PM
It is interesting that more guys don't try to learn the position. Bartrum, who you mentioned, has had a twelve year career with a total of 9 catches. I had forgotten about the giants playoff incident, situations like that make me want the pats to sign paxton to a lucrative extension
I think they already did that.
What are people's thoughts on position battles going into camp? It should be intersting to watch the secondary shake out considering the amount of people signed back there. (last I saw it was 13 guys) On top of that the pre-season should be interesting to see how guys like klecko and banta-cain are coming along.
RIyankee
06-16-05, 01:02 PM
WR - The Pats will likely keep 6. Here's the problem, there are 7 candidates...
David Givens - entering the final year of his contract, could be traded if the right offer came along
P.K. Sam - after having a tough time adjusting to the NFL, has looked good in minicamp
Bethel Johnson - has been hurt but is expected to be ready for training camp (TC), needs to mature
Troy Brown - a leader but when compared to the other WRs, does he have anything left?
David Terrell - is big (6'3"/210) and looked good in minicamp
Tim Dwight - if he can stay healthy, the punt returing job is his to lose
Deion Branch - a lock
One of these guys will not be on the 53-man roster on 09/08/2005.
Bethel Johnson can be a frustrating player because if he were to get his head on straight he could make a major impact for the offense with all that speed. If they weren't so bad at returning punts last year there would be no need for Dwight, who will push Brown and Sam for a roster spot. I think Johnson will have a place because of his role in the kick return game, if he could do the same with punts it would solve the reciever question since there would be little use for Dwight.
RIyankee
06-17-05, 11:38 AM
QB - The question here is the 2 and 3 spots and will the Pats keep 4 QBs like they did in 2000?
Tom Brady
Rohan Davey
Doug Flutie
Matt Cassel
Flutie is having a hard time learning the offense and he's 42. Despite tearing up NFLE in 2004, Davey has failed to impress in limted PT and in exhibition games. Using a 2002 4th round pick on Davey, the Pats would like to get something for him at this point. Cassel, a college backup at USC wowed scouts at his pro day pre-draft workout. IMO he should make the team. Davey will be a UFA after this season and it would make no sense to risk losing Cassel by placing him on the practice squad (he'd have to clear waivers first and as long as he's on the PS, he could be signed by any team) while holding onto Davey for only one year.
As for Brady, he's been lucky for way too long now. IMO his money has gone to his head and with Charlie Weis gone, "Tom Terrific" seems to think that he's no some de facto coach. Watch your back Brady, Flutie will soon be ready to take your place. (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=humor)
cubswin
06-17-05, 04:34 PM
QB - The question here is the 2 and 3 spots and will the Pats keep 4 QBs like they did in 2000?
Tom Brady
Rohan Davey
Doug Flutie
Matt Cassel
Flutie is having a hard time learning the offense and he's 42. Despite tearing up NFLE in 2004, Davey has failed to impress in limted PT and in exhibition games. Using a 2002 4th round pick on Davey, the Pats would like to get something for him at this point. Cassel, a college backup at USC wowed scouts at his pro day pre-draft workout. IMO he should make the team. Davey will be a UFA after this season and it would make no sense to risk losing Cassel by placing him on the practice squad (he'd have to clear waivers first and as long as he's on the PS, he could be signed by any team) while holding onto Davey for only one year.
As for Brady, he's been lucky for way too long now. IMO his money has gone to his head and with Charlie Weis gone, "Tom Terrific" seems to think that he's no some de facto coach. Watch your back Brady, Flutie will soon be ready to take your place. (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=humor)
They may need to, given that Flutie is the only experienced backup. I'm surprised he's having trouble with the offense -- figured that, as a vet, he'd pick it up.
(what's that Brady/Flutie narrative at the bottom of your post?)
RIyankee
06-17-05, 04:53 PM
They may need to, given that Flutie is the only experienced backup. I'm surprised he's having trouble with the offense -- figured that, as a vet, he'd pick it up.
(what's that Brady/Flutie narrative at the bottom of your post?)
cubbie,
did you click the link? ;)
I'd guess that Bethel is the odd man out. BB isn't too happy with him, and he didn't get any better last year. He's a good kick returner, but not irreplaceable. Sadly, I like him, but I don't think he offers anything in the receiving game. Making it even more crowded is the return of Ben Watson, who has looked great.
Pepper03
06-18-05, 06:48 AM
cubbie,
did you click the link? ;)
I did Mark, and that was very clever of you, and I clicked the link even before I saw what you wrote to cubswin. I thought you were losing your mind there until I did.
Mark, Troy will be on this team, you must realize this.
He is going to have such a great year, and after they make history by winning three in a row, with Troy making major contributions, you will thank your creator that BB brought him back to this team. :D
RIyankee
06-20-05, 02:19 AM
I did Mark, and that was very clever of you, and I clicked the link even before I saw what you wrote to cubswin. I thought you were losing your mind there until I did.
Mark, Troy will be on this team, you must realize this.
He is going to have such a great year, and after they make history by winning three in a row, with Troy making major contributions, you will thank your creator that BB brought him back to this team. :D
How about this link...
Peyton Manning has proven himself, time and time again, to be a better QB than Tom Brady. It's so obvious, anyone watching them play can see that Peyton is the greatest QB of all time! (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=sarcasm)
Pepper03
06-20-05, 05:52 AM
How about this link...
Peyton Manning has proven himself, time and time again, to be a better QB than Tom Brady. It's so obvious, anyone watching them play can see that Peyton is the greatest QB of all time! (http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=sarcasm)
No truer statement has ever been made on this forum! :eek:
RIyankee
06-20-05, 10:39 AM
No truer statement has ever been made on this forum! :eek:
Hey Beth, and all other football fans, all kidding aside, check out these must reads from www.ColdHardFootballFacts.com ...
The Complete & Unabridged Guide to Why Brady is Better than Manning (http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/facts/010705bradyvsmanning.php)
The Unified Gillette Field Theory: NFL's Moneyball? (http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/facts/061605ugft.php)
What do Peyton Manning and Reggie Jackson have in common? Both share the same title of "Mr. October". :D
Pepper03
06-20-05, 06:30 PM
Mark,
Where do you come up with this stuff. Actually, I have Cold Hard Football Facts under favorites, they have some good stuff there.
That web site detailing how the Pats stole the Super Bowl is priceless. I think they've spent more time investigating that game than the government did investigating certain more important things.
I surrender. We cheated, I admit it! :D
RIyankee
06-21-05, 12:56 PM
Mark,
Where do you come up with this stuff. Actually, I have Cold Hard Football Facts under favorites, they have some good stuff there.
That web site detailing how the Pats stole the Super Bowl is priceless. I think they've spent more time investigating that game than the government did investigating certain more important things.
I surrender. We cheated, I admit it! :D
Here's the link (http://www.stlouisrams.net/)...
This goes to show just how great an upset SB36 was. Mike Martz and the Rams fans have been traumatized by that loss. The Rams (and everyone else, including yours truly) were convinced that the Rams would annihilate the Pats. IMO that was the greatest upset in SB history. Yes, bigger than SB-III.
The Rams fans and Martz are nothing but crybabies. :nopity:
BTW If the Lambs fail to make the playoffs in '05 don't be surprised if Martz gets the axe.
Its a testament to how poor the NFC was last year that the Rams made the postseason, let alone had some success in it. Only 4 teams, the division winners, posted better than .500 records as opposed to nine in the AFC. Is there any team in the NFC that signifigantly improved itself?
PlsDontTearDownY.S.
06-21-05, 02:30 PM
Here's the link (http://www.stlouisrams.net/)...
IMO that was the greatest upset in SB history. Yes, bigger than SB-III.
The Rams fans and Martz are nothing but crybabies. :nopity:
BTW If the Lambs fail to make the playoffs in '05 don't be surprised if Martz gets the axe.
Big surprise: IMO SB3 was a bigger upset. But I hate Martz and and the Lambs, and I loved watching them get slapped around in the Lambs/Pats SB.
RIyankee
06-21-05, 09:58 PM
Big surprise: IMO SB3 was a bigger upset. But I hate Martz and and the Lambs, and I loved watching them get slapped around in the Lambs/Pats SB.
My reasoning is this. In 1968, the AFL was an awakening giant. Moreover, the analysis that lead to the 18-point spread was purely assumptive since the two leagues didn't play each other. The Pack crushed KC and Oakland in SBs I and II respectively and the Colts (13-1) were perceived to be the NFL's next dominant team. Meanwhile the Jets (11-3) didn't have the best record in the AFL, a league which was still viewed as inferior at the time. Based on what I've read, Oakland or KC may have been capable of beating Baltimore. The following year, the Chiefs crushed Minnesota in SB-IV, 23-7. After that game the two leagues merged.
On the flip side, the Rams had been the #1 ranked team all season long, were heavy favorites, were loaded with Pro Bowlers, returned much of the same roster that won SB34, had beaten the Pats in Foxboro in the regular season of that year, and SB36 was to be played on the Superdome AstroTurf - an ideal playing field for the speedy Rams offense.
RIyankee
06-21-05, 10:09 PM
Here's something for all you Star Wars fans...
http://www.sportingnews.com/experts/dan-pompei/20050616.html
RIyankee
06-21-05, 10:12 PM
Pats sign RB/KR Chad Morton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2091788)
Pepper03
06-22-05, 05:43 AM
Here's the link (http://www.stlouisrams.net/)...
This goes to show just how great an upset SB36 was. Mike Martz and the Rams fans have been traumatized by that loss. The Rams (and everyone else, including yours truly) were convinced that the Rams would annihilate the Pats. IMO that was the greatest upset in SB history. Yes, bigger than SB-III.
The Rams fans and Martz are nothing but crybabies. :nopity:
BTW If the Lambs fail to make the playoffs in '05 don't be surprised if Martz gets the axe.
Has anyone read the whole thing. Some people need to get a life-I wonder how much time it took to put together that presentation. Talk about the conspiracy theorists! This is something you'd expect from people obsessed with assassinations, but I couldn't believe the detail these people went into. I can't believe people can take sports to this level.
http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=91088
More on the Morton signing. Says in the article Dwight is recovering from offseason surgery, perhaps they don't feel that confident about his status. In any case great signing, Morton is a tremendous kick returner from what I've seen.
RIyankee
06-22-05, 08:32 AM
http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=91088
More on the Morton signing. Says in the article Dwight is recovering from offseason surgery, perhaps they don't feel that confident about his status. In any case great signing, Morton is a tremendous kick returner from what I've seen.
Tim Dwight came to mind when I first found out. It could be he's failed to impress.
RIyankee
06-22-05, 08:41 AM
Has anyone read the whole thing. Some people need to get a life-I wonder how much time it took to put together that presentation. Talk about the conspiracy theorists! This is something you'd expect from people obsessed with assassinations, but I couldn't believe the detail these people went into. I can't believe people can take sports to this level.
I did. It's typical crybaby drivel used to promote a Rams website/forum. All their arguments were weak at best. The author and like-minded Rams fans will be crying for some time. :D
KirbyPuckett
06-22-05, 10:08 AM
Has anyone read the whole thing. Some people need to get a life-I wonder how much time it took to put together that presentation. Talk about the conspiracy theorists! This is something you'd expect from people obsessed with assassinations, but I couldn't believe the detail these people went into. I can't believe people can take sports to this level.
Wow, that "presentation" may have been the most ridiculous thng I have ever read!
I mean all fans complain that the refs screwed their team when they lose, but this is crazy.
One question for this guy..... If the refs wanted to hand the Pats the SB then why did they call the holding on McGinest on the play when Warner fumbled the ball and Tebucky took it to the house to essentially seal the victory? Did the officials know that the Pats were going to make a historic drive and Adam was going to nail the most clutch kicks in SB history?
We are through the looking glass here people!! :roflmao:
RIyankee
07-06-05, 10:58 AM
The Colts have an easy schedule and could have the AFC #1 seed.
To be honest, I hope they do. I'd love to see the Pats beat them in the RCA dome. That would put all this Colts/Dungy/Pay-a-ton bullcrap to rest.
cubswin
07-06-05, 11:01 AM
... That would put all this Colts/Dungy/Pay-a-ton bullcrap to rest.
eh, it's already been put to rest, hasn't it?
(which isn't to say the Colts -- like many other teams -- couldn't win this year. But until they do, there's just nothing there.)
RIyankee
07-06-05, 04:02 PM
eh, it's already been put to rest, hasn't it?
(which isn't to say the Colts -- like many other teams -- couldn't win this year. But until they do, there's just nothing there.)
There are plenty of pundits that predict the Colts winning the AFC because of home field advantage in the playoffs. It's the "Peyton Manning would fare better in good conditions" argument.
IMO that needs to be laid to rest too. :evil:
RIyankee
07-11-05, 01:27 AM
Here's some encouraging minicamp news about Logan Mankins... (http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=93232)
Since1995
07-11-05, 01:51 AM
Boo Pats Go Colts
RIyankee
07-11-05, 11:52 AM
Boo Pats Go Colts
Boo Colts Go Pats!!! (http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/facts/090804manning.php)
:roflmao:
There are plenty of pundits that predict the Colts winning the AFC because of home field advantage in the playoffs. It's the "Peyton Manning would fare better in good conditions" argument.
IMO that needs to be laid to rest too. :evil:
This will be an off year for NE...:D
RIyankee
07-11-05, 02:12 PM
This will be an off year for NE...:D
Oh Mark, I can't wait for Thursday, 09/08/2005. :D :lol:
siddiqi
07-11-05, 04:07 PM
Oh Mark, I can't wait for Thursday, 09/08/2005. :D :lol:
So long as they have Brady and Belicheck, I expect no off year for them.
RIyankee
07-14-05, 08:41 AM
Bill Belichick and wife separate (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2107379)
Knowing what a workaholic BB is, it amazing he stayed married as long as he did. Parcells and his wife divorced in 2002. I guess it's tough to stay married and be an NFL head coach.
RIyankee
07-17-05, 02:10 PM
It's still unknown whether or not Richard Seymour will report to camp on time.
Here's a list of possible scenarios...
Seymour shows up for TC on time as if nothing happened.
It would be business as usual. He'd still have to pay the fine for missing minicamp, but other than that, it would be water under the bridge and I'm sure the fans would give Richard a mulligan. I would.
Seymour continues his holdout into TC.
There is only one logical goal in holding out while under contract. That is to force a trade. Unlike Ty Law, who never held out and carefully restricted his media barbs to Belichick, and Laywer Milloy, who unloaded his bitter bile on the organization after the Pats cut him, such an act would ruin Seymour's relationship with the Krafts as well as coach Bill Belichick, not to mention the fans who are already angry with him.
Seymour continues his holdout and the Pats can't get anywhere near full market value in a trade.
This is the worst case scenario. The Pats will not give him away and will fine Seymour every day until he reports to the team. Moreover, the team will not allow any player to dictate terms to them. My guess is that Seymour will grudgingly return to TC and must work his way back into Belichick's good graces.
Seymour continues his holdout and the Pats are able to deal him for at least close to market value.
I believe the Pats wouldn't have a problem with this scenario. They will potentially save millions under the cap, while getting rid of a headache, and will focus on signing DE Jarvis Green to an extention. Green, a 2002 4th round pick from LSU, played well in place of the injured Seymour. Last year. the Pats were undefeated in games in which Green started, including playoff victories over the Colts and Steelers. The team that is the most likely candidate for a Seymour trade is one that has the cap room to sign Richard to an extention, plays a 3-4 defense, and is in need of a 3-4 DE. One team that fits this profile is the 49ers. Coach Mike Nolan is implementing the 3-4 as the Niners base "D". D-line is an extremely weak position on the Niners and acquiring Seymour would give Nolan a major boost. Meanwhile, the Pats would insist on SF's 2006 1st round pick and perhaps either a 2nd or a 3rd in 2006 or 2007. Moreover, the Pats aren't scheduled to play the 49ers until 2008. Overall, the 2006 draft is considered to be a strong draft and the Niners would be a terrific match. This is the scenario I'm rooting for.
EDIT: Seymour's situation is very similar to that of Keyshawn's when he forced the Jets to trade him to TB for a bunch of draft picks. Like Seymour, Key had 2 years remaining on his rookie contract.
Pepper03
07-17-05, 08:36 PM
Mark,
I don't want to trade Seymour, but you seem to have no problem if it comes to that. Does he rub you the wrong way? Do you really think Jarvis Green can fill his shoes for an entire season?
I've heard the most likely scenario is for him to not report to TC at the beginning and then come in when the preseason starts. How would you feel if that happened?
He is rubbing me the wrong way as well, but I'd rather he stayed this year. They have a chance to make history with three in a row, which I don't think they can do without him.
http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/reissPieces/
Scott Pioli signs a contract extension with the Pats, details are unkown.
This is good news :D
RIyankee
07-18-05, 07:01 AM
Mark,
I don't want to trade Seymour, but you seem to have no problem if it comes to that. Does he rub you the wrong way? Do you really think Jarvis Green can fill his shoes for an entire season?
I've heard the most likely scenario is for him to not report to TC at the beginning and then come in when the preseason starts. How would you feel if that happened?
He is rubbing me the wrong way as well, but I'd rather he stayed this year. They have a chance to make history with three in a row, which I don't think they can do without him.
Beth,
With Green starting, the Pats...
...held the 5th greatest scoring offense and its 49-TD QB to 3 points.
...beat the regular season's best team (15-1) in the AFC Championship.
Remember, Green played well during the 2003 postseason too. I recall Seymour struggling against Tennessee and Carolina in the playoffs that year. Plus Seymour missed 3 games with an knee injury. The Pats have the deepest corps of DEs in the NFL. Getting a potential top-10 pick in a strong 2006 draft makes my mouth water. :drool:
I'm a big fan of Jarvis Green. He's been able to get a great amount of experience, especially in the last couple post seasons. Even though Seymour is an unbelievable talent, the team didn't seem to miss a beat when he was injured.
Did anyone hear John Clayton on Sportscenter this weekend mention Belichick contacting Ty Law directly about possibly returning to Foxborough? Just wondering if anyone had seen this anywhere else. Figured I post it here and let the Law to the Cheifs thread die since it now seems premature.
RIyankee
07-18-05, 11:14 AM
Did anyone hear John Clayton on Sportscenter this weekend mention Belichick contacting Ty Law directly about possibly returning to Foxborough? Just wondering if anyone had seen this anywhere else. Figured I post it here and let the Law to the Cheifs thread die since it now seems premature.
IMHO...
This is nothing but drivel being leaked to the media by Carl and Kevin Poston. This is a last-ditch, desparate effort to generate bidding and/or interest for their embattled client.
The Postons screwed up with Ty Law big time. They underestimated the resolve of the Patriots and/or failed to distinguish between the situations of Law and Lawyer Milloy - Law was coming off a career year in 2003 while Milloy was terrible in 2002. The Postons negotiating tactics are so poor, many NFL teams refuse to deal with them or their clients. This year, their only 1st round client was Shawne Merriman, who hired the Postons AFTER he was drafted by the Chargers. Merriman has already started off on the wrong foot with managment by boycotting last spring's rookie minicamp.
RIyankee
07-19-05, 07:12 AM
Interesting post containing analysis from the Football Scientist about Brady (http://news.bostonherald.com/talkBack/index.php?topic=18948.0)
Pepper03
07-19-05, 06:38 PM
Good info, thanks Mark.
Sounds like Mr. Brady might do OK even though Charlie Weis is gone.
Rumor has it that Bruschi will play this year.
Felger notes that a report on New England Cable News last night cited a team source as saying the chances of Bruschi playing were 90 percent. However, If Bruschi does not play this season, the Patriots have plenty of depth with free agents Chad Brown, Monty Beisel and incumbant Ted Johnson at the middle linebacker position.
Wow! Can't say I'm not thrilled (provided this turns out to be true).
siddiqi
07-20-05, 03:50 PM
Rumor has it that Bruschi will play this year.
Felger notes that a report on New England Cable News last night cited a team source as saying the chances of Bruschi playing were 90 percent. However, If Bruschi does not play this season, the Patriots have plenty of depth with free agents Chad Brown, Monty Beisel and incumbant Ted Johnson at the middle linebacker position.
Wow! Can't say I'm not thrilled (provided this turns out to be true).
Unfortunately per ESPN and the Patriots website, Bruschi will sit out the year :( . Here's hoping he gets better and is able to play in 2006-2007.
RIyankee
07-20-05, 05:14 PM
Unfortunately per ESPN and the Patriots website, Bruschi will sit out the year :( . Here's hoping he gets better and is able to play in 2006-2007.
Tedy is done. You don't recover from a stroke.
RIyankee
07-20-05, 05:20 PM
WEEI reports that the team has signed 3rd rounder Nick Kaczur and 4th rounder James Sanders.
Rookies currently unsigned...
Logan Mankins
Ellis Hobbs
Well, I thought it sounded a little too good to be true.
I'm not sure you can make a blanket statement that you don't recover from a stroke. I think if that were true, we would have known in February that his career was finished.
If this is the end of #54 on the field, it was a hell of a ride.
RIyankee
07-20-05, 05:31 PM
Well, I thought it sounded a little too good to be true.
I'm not sure you can make a blanket statement that you don't recover from a stroke. I think if that were true, we would have known in February that his career was finished.
If this is the end of #54 on the field, it was a hell of a ride.
I knew his career was finished when I heard "stroke" and "Bruschi" in the same sentence. I'm sure the Pats did too. There are several reasons that his descision took this long. He needed time to accept it, to convince himself, acertain his contractual status, etc.
A part of his brain is dead from oxygen depletion. That's what a stroke does to you. Like nerve cells, brain cells don't come back. No professional athlete, who has suffered a stroke, has ever made a successful return to his/her sport. Tedy can still lead a normal, active and healthy life, but he can never function at a professional level again. There's a chasm between being in shape and being in NFL game shape.
FreeYayo
07-20-05, 06:17 PM
The last 4 years have been amazing, bad news was due eventually.
Now if Bill can win us another SB this year where does this put him amongst the coaching greats?
Pepper03
07-21-05, 05:24 AM
The last 4 years have been amazing, bad news was due eventually.
Now if Bill can win us another SB this year where does this put him amongst the coaching greats?
At the top.
RIyankee
07-25-05, 09:16 AM
Mankins to sign today?
POSTED 10:15 p.m. EDT, July 24, 2005
PATS TO PEN MANKINS ON MONDAY
A league source tells us that the New England Patriots have reached an agreement in principle with first-round pick Logan Mankins, making them the first team to sign a first-rounder and the only team with all of its selections from the 2005 draft under contract.
The Patriots open training camp practice on Monday.
Mankins, an offensive lineman who is expected to play guard for the Pats, was the final selection in round one. The Fresno State product is 6-4 and 307 pounds, and has a chance to be the opening-day replacement for Joe Andruzzi, who left New England to sign with the Browns.
No terms were available as of Sunday night.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm
RIyankee
07-25-05, 04:02 PM
The Mankins signing is official.
http://www.patriots.com/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=12199&pcid=47
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2116029
The Patriots became the first team to sign a first-round pick by reaching a five-year, $6.4 million deal with guard Logan Mankins, the 32nd pick in the 2005 draft.
Mankins reached agreement late Sunday night and signed the contract. Including a signing and option bonuses along with a $350,000 roster bonus this year, Mankins received $4 million in upfront guarantees.
Interesting that it was only a 5-year deal as opposed to 6. The article explains that since Mankins is expected to start at LG as a rookie, the team needed him to report to camp on time. Reports had said that Mankins looked good in June minicamp.
Good to see that the Pats will have all their rookies in camp on time. Logan Mankin's is also the owner of quite the fu manchu mustache.
http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=30938
RIyankee
07-27-05, 04:29 PM
WRs Tim Dwight and Bethel Johnson were placed on the PUP list. Players can remain on the PUP list until Week 6 of the regular season. At that time, the team has the option of placing them on IR, include them on the 53-man roster, or cut them. Players placed on the PUP list in TC can return to camp at anytime but once a player comes off the PUP list, he can't go back.
This eases the logjam at the WR position. For now.
Here's a look at the Pats WR corps...
No. Player Pos. Hgt. Wgt. DOB
14 P.K. Sam WR 6-3 210 2/26/1983
19 Ricky Bryant WR 6-0 185 3/24/1981
18 Cedric James WR 6-1 197 3/19/1979
17 Jake Schifino WR 6-1 201 11/15/1979
86 Tim Dwight WR 5-8 180 7/13/1975
10 David Terrell WR 6-3 212 3/13/1979
83 Deion Branch WR 5-9 193 7/18/1979
80 Troy Brown WR 5-10 196 7/2/1971
87 David Givens WR 6-0 212 8/16/1980
81 Bethel Johnson WR 5-11 200 2/11/1979
N/A Brandon "BAM" Childress WR 5-10 185 N/A
Terrell, Brown, Branch, Givens, and Sam appear to be roster locks. If the Pats decide to go with 6 WRs, then one of the "unknowns" could earn a roster spot.
mentalgidget
07-28-05, 10:25 AM
Per WEEI:
Ted Johnson has announced his retirement.
No link yet. They are talking with a reporter at Gilette Stadium right now who's confirming the story
edit: They just read a statement from Bellichick confirming the story and thanking Johnson for his years of service to the Patriots
RIyankee
07-28-05, 10:29 AM
Per WEEI:
Ted Johnson has announced his retirement.
No link yet. They are talking with a reporter at Gilette Stadium right now who's confirming the story
WOW!!!!!!!!!!
Here's another "wow".
Seymour is an official holdout. (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/articles/2005/07/28/seymour_in_holding_pattern/)
BTW Steelers WR Hines Ward shares Seymour's agent, Eugene Parker. Ward wants to be paid as a top-5 WR.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05209/544972.stm
IMO it's time to trade Seymour.
RIyankee
07-28-05, 11:20 AM
Per WEEI:
Ted Johnson has announced his retirement.
No link yet. They are talking with a reporter at Gilette Stadium right now who's confirming the story
edit: They just read a statement from Bellichick confirming the story and thanking Johnson for his years of service to the Patriots
More info on Ted Johnson... (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2005/07/28/patriots_linebacker_ted_johnson_to_retire/)
mentalgidget
07-28-05, 12:42 PM
More info on Ted Johnson... (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2005/07/28/patriots_linebacker_ted_johnson_to_retire/)
I hope hope hope that due to this, Tedy Bruschi doesn't try to be a "hero" and play this season. I really doubt that he has any intentions of it but I'd hate to see him put himself in harms way as a result of the now suddenly very thin linebacker corps.
somejerk
07-28-05, 01:49 PM
Anyone else think this might be a sign Roman Phifer is coming back? I know he's more of a coverage guy than the run stopper that Ted Johnson was, but he could certainly be useful.
As a side note, Ted Johnson laid out some vicious hits over the years, it's probably no surprise he didn't get medical clearance. 10 years and 3 super bowl rings is a pretty damn good career.
RIyankee
07-28-05, 03:17 PM
No. Player Pos. Hgt. Wgt. DOB
55 Willie McGinest LB 6-5 270 12/11/1971
53 Larry Izzo LB 5-10 228 9/26/1974
50 Mike Vrabel LB 6-4 261 8/14/1975
48 Tully Banta-Cain LB 6-2 254 8/28/1980
51 Don Davis LB 6-1 235 12/17/1972
59 Rosevelt Colvin LB 6-3 250 9/5/1977
44 Monty Beisel LB 6-3 238 8/20/1978
45 Wesly Mallard LB 6-1 230 11/21/1978
49 Eric Alexander LB 6-2 240 2/8/1982
46 Grant Steen LB 6-2 240 10/22/1980
58 Matt Chatham LB 6-4 250 6/28/1977
43 Andre Torrey LB 6-4 245 1/28/1982
98 Chad Brown LB 6-2 245 7/12/1970
Izzo, Mallard, Davis are on Teams. I like Beisel and I think Vrabel can move inside. I wonder if Dan Klecko will be moved to inside LB?
somejerk
07-28-05, 03:42 PM
No. Player Pos. Hgt. Wgt. DOB
55 Willie McGinest LB 6-5 270 12/11/1971
53 Larry Izzo LB 5-10 228 9/26/1974
50 Mike Vrabel LB 6-4 261 8/14/1975
48 Tully Banta-Cain LB 6-2 254 8/28/1980
51 Don Davis LB 6-1 235 12/17/1972
59 Rosevelt Colvin LB 6-3 250 9/5/1977
44 Monty Beisel LB 6-3 238 8/20/1978
45 Wesly Mallard LB 6-1 230 11/21/1978
49 Eric Alexander LB 6-2 240 2/8/1982
46 Grant Steen LB 6-2 240 10/22/1980
58 Matt Chatham LB 6-4 250 6/28/1977
43 Andre Torrey LB 6-4 245 1/28/1982
98 Chad Brown LB 6-2 245 7/12/1970
Izzo, Mallard, Davis are on Teams. I like Beisel and I think Vrabel can move inside. I wonder if Dan Klecko will be moved to inside LB?
I think I read the Klecko as LB experiment is over, and he was practicing with the d-line during the mini camps. I recall Rodney chewing his ass out during a few pre-season games last year. He's a hard nosed player, but I don't know if he'll ever be more than a special teams player as well as a situational fullback. Hopefully he'll prove me wrong.
Vrabel did play ILB in the super bowl, so I definitely see him in that role this year. On the plus side, Colvin should be 100% this year and he can definitely replace Vrabel on the outside. He made huge strides last year. I was at the Arizona game and he was getting pushed around all over the place. When the playoffs came around he came up huge.
I think it will be Colvin and Willie on the outside, and Vrabel and Chad Brown on the inside. The guy I like rotating in and out of the OLB position is Banta-Cain. I think he's going to have a good year.
Pepper03
07-28-05, 03:42 PM
Mark,
I don't want to trade Seymour, but you seem to have no problem if it comes to that. Does he rub you the wrong way? Do you really think Jarvis Green can fill his shoes for an entire season?
I've heard the most likely scenario is for him to not report to TC at the beginning and then come in when the preseason starts. How would you feel if that happened?
He is rubbing me the wrong way as well, but I'd rather he stayed this year. They have a chance to make history with three in a row, which I don't think they can do without him.
Quoting myself, but this is not unexpected.
I'd wait a little longer to see what happens before I would think about trading Seymour.
One other tidbit I heard is the Pats are working on Rodney Harrison's deal to make it more reasonable. The new heart and soul of the Pat's defense-Rodney. He's been unhappy with his contract but he shows up and plays-my kind of guy. I hope they do re-do his deal.
Good luck to Ted Johnson. He will be missed. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Phifer back.
RIyankee
07-28-05, 05:51 PM
I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Phifer back.
Neither would I.
As for Klecko, he wasn't at LB in minicamp but that could change now that Johnson is retired.
RIyankee
07-29-05, 06:12 AM
Seymour is on the Reserve/Did Not Report List. This gives the team the right to fine him $6,000/day and/or suspend him.
http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=95734
If Seymour is demanding to be the highest-paid defensive lineman in football, which isn't unreasonable given his age (25) and resume (three Super Bowls, three Pro Bowls), then he may be waiting a long time. The Pats aren't about to give him Jevon Kearse money (eight years, $66 million, $16 million up front).
If, however, Seymour is willing to take the Tom Brady discount and be the league's third- or fourth-highest paid defensive lineman, then a deal will happen.
Chad Morton is on the PUP list. So is Bethel Johnson and Tim Dwight. :mad:
And finally, some good news!
Jarvis Green and Mike Vrabel sign extentions. (http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=95709)
Sources say Green's deal will be for five years and worth between $12-$18 million depending on how many incentives he hits. Green is also expected to receive a signing bonus in the range of $3.5 million, with a roster bonus next year of around $2 million. Terms of Vrabel's deal were not available.
Adam Vinatieri is close to signing an extention.
somejerk
07-29-05, 12:46 PM
Chad Morton is on the PUP list. So is Bethel Johnson and Tim Dwight. :mad:
So are we back to Troy Brown returning punts, and Patrick Pass/Kevin Faulk as our kick returners?
paging Kevin Kasper...
RIyankee
08-02-05, 06:35 AM
NEWS FLASH!!!
Seymour, Pats reach deal to end holdout. (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3854126)
Pepper03
08-02-05, 07:00 AM
I knew they'd work this out.
We need #93, and I'm glad to see this put to rest for the year.
Now they need to make Rodney happy.
this is GREAT news!!! I'm glad that they could get this taken care of sooner rather than later.
With regards to Klecko.....is he fully healed from his injury last season?? I remember it being a pretty bad. He comes across as a tough player, and seems to bring some energy to the offense when he gets in on short yardage plays.
what's the deal with Harrison?? is he looking for a new deal?
count me as very excited for our TE core this year. Having Watsona and Graham together will be fun to watch. Both big, huge bodies, who can do some damage. Let's hope Graham's hands have improved a bit.
Prickly Pete
08-02-05, 07:56 AM
With regards to Klecko.....is he fully healed from his injury last season?? I remember it being a pretty bad. He comes across as a tough player, and seems to bring some energy to the offense when he gets in on short yardage plays.
Sounds like he's OK. He's being used on the D-Line, as a back-up to Wilfork, rather than as a LB. I'm not sure if that experiment is over, but they just cut Ethan Kelley, so I don't think there's another true NT on the roster other than Wilfork.
Boston Globe story on Klecko (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2005/08/02/klecko_well_positioned/)
RIyankee
08-02-05, 08:46 AM
Sounds like he's OK. He's being used on the D-Line, as a back-up to Wilfork, rather than as a LB. I'm not sure if that experiment is over, but they just cut Ethan Kelley, so I don't think there's another true NT on the roster other than Wilfork.
Boston Globe story on Klecko (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2005/08/02/klecko_well_positioned/)
There isn't. That's my only real concern with this team. I like Klecko but at 5-11 275, I just don't see him playing NT. It looks like the Pats backup NT will be the 4-3 allignment. As long as Wilfork stays healthy, the Pats are in great shape.
WEEI reports that Seymour got a $2mil raise for this year and a promise to do a long-term deal in 2006.
Pepper03
08-02-05, 11:03 AM
what's the deal with Harrison?? is he looking for a new deal?
It is no secret he is not happy with the deal he signed when he came here, but he will honor his contract and play as hard as he always has, per his own words.
I'd like to see the Patriots step up to the plate here and give him a new deal-he certainly deserves one.
RIyankee
08-02-05, 11:41 AM
It is no secret he is not happy with the deal he signed when he came here, but he will honor his contract and play as hard as he always has, per his own words.
I'd like to see the Patriots step up to the plate here and give him a new deal-he certainly deserves one.
I thought they already have agreed on a new deal last week. :-ponder-:
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/articles/2005/07/28/seymour_in_holding_pattern/
...while Rodney Harrison is about to have a happy resolution to his contact status according to a league source, though no evidence of any restructuring of the safety's contract had been recorded on the NFL management or NFL Players Association websites.
Harrison's agent, Steve Feldman, said he could not comment on any negotiations, though he indicated his client would be happy when he starts training camp tomorrow.
jdolbow
08-03-05, 06:27 AM
I knew they'd work this out.
We need #93, and I'm glad to see this put to rest for the year.
Now they need to make Rodney happy.
I agree - both deserve a little catering given what they've done and what they're capable of continuing to do. I'm really glad Seymour will be back and (apparently) happy to be there.
Pepper03
09-01-05, 10:01 PM
OK Dooley, try this out for starters:
www.allthingsbillbelichick.com/articles/jetsgate.htm
The whole episode was sleazy and intertwined with the sham that Parcells pulled while leaving the Patriots after they played in the Super Bowl against Green Bay-some would say he left before they played-for that I will never forgive him. Belichick was involved in that scam-remember he was going to be the coach and Parcells was going to be a "consultant". That got shot down by the league and the Jets gave the Patriots draft picks as compensation.
This whole mess with Belichick and the Jets resulted in the Patriots giving the Jets draft picks as compensation. From what I understand, Belichick was going to go to the Patriots, Parcells got wind of it, and resigned as coach to force Belichick to stay. Belichick clearly wanted to leave but Parcels manuever left him stuck. If Parcells had stayed as coach of the Jets Belichick could have walked away with no problems.
The million dollars was never paid back, and it is open to interpretation as to why it was paid to Belichick. Was Belichick given money to stay and be the Jets coach-probably he was, so you could say he was wrong to keep the money. However, by this point Hess had passed away and there was so much bad blood between him and Parcells and the Jets, I don't think it's like he took the money out of the hands of a man on his deathbed. I have also heard that Belichick insists he was given the money as a bonus for performance already rendered and because he stayed after the 1998 season-that it had nothing to do with him agreeing to stay with the Jets no matter what.
The whole affair was a mess, as was the earlier one involving Parcells and the Patriots. I don't believe Belichick crowned himself in glory in either case, but I don't think it is fair to say he took money from a dying man-I think that's a little over the top.
Dooley Womack
09-09-05, 12:00 AM
OK Dooley, try this out for starters:
www.allthingsbillbelichick.com/articles/jetsgate.htm
The whole episode was sleazy and intertwined with the sham that Parcells pulled while leaving the Patriots after they played in the Super Bowl against Green Bay-some would say he left before they played-for that I will never forgive him. Belichick was involved in that scam-remember he was going to be the coach and Parcells was going to be a "consultant". That got shot down by the league and the Jets gave the Patriots draft picks as compensation.
This whole mess with Belichick and the Jets resulted in the Patriots giving the Jets draft picks as compensation. From what I understand, Belichick was going to go to the Patriots, Parcells got wind of it, and resigned as coach to force Belichick to stay. Belichick clearly wanted to leave but Parcels manuever left him stuck. If Parcells had stayed as coach of the Jets Belichick could have walked away with no problems.
The million dollars was never paid back, and it is open to interpretation as to why it was paid to Belichick. Was Belichick given money to stay and be the Jets coach-probably he was, so you could say he was wrong to keep the money. However, by this point Hess had passed away and there was so much bad blood between him and Parcells and the Jets, I don't think it's like he took the money out of the hands of a man on his deathbed. I have also heard that Belichick insists he was given the money as a bonus for performance already rendered and because he stayed after the 1998 season-that it had nothing to do with him agreeing to stay with the Jets no matter what.
The whole affair was a mess, as was the earlier one involving Parcells and the Patriots. I don't believe Belichick crowned himself in glory in either case, but I don't think it is fair to say he took money from a dying man-I think that's a little over the top.
Hey Pepper. Thanks for the time and effort it took to find that article and pass it on. It's an interesting read, for sure, but I'm afraid it doesn't give the definitive answer as to what exactly went on amongst Hess, Parcells, and Belichick. It appeared to be somewhat factual, but sprinkled with a lot of the author's own opinions.
I think it all depends on who one chooses to believe. Considering that I'm a Giant's fan, and have lost a lot of respect for Parcells because of his shady reputation and actions, it wouldn't be far-fetched to believe Belichick was the "victim."
On the other hand, we'll never know exactly what that million dollars was for, because Hess died, and he had a habit of making deals through honor, loyalty and a handshake. Also, it appears that Belichick IS biting the hand that fed him for so many years (Parcells) and at the very least, used his association with Parcells for his own gain. Judging by his time in NY and Cleveland, Belichick isn't exactly a saint either, and has made some enemies along the way. I also think that Belichick, like Parcells, is an opportunist, and would go through any door to get what he wants without regard for others and at the risk of losing integrity. Again, that's my take on both men from their time spent in NY, which was fairly lengthy.
I do appreciate your sending the article though; it does make you question a lot of things. My gut, from all the accounts I've read, is that Belichick wanted to get out from the stifling and often unethical reigns of Parcells, but at the same time DID take that million dollars in promise to Hess that he'd take over the team. I don't think we'll ever know for sure.
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