New England Patriots

When CB Terrence Wheatley walked off the Gillette Stadium field last Thursday with a couple of trainers, it crossed my mind it would be for the last time as a Patriot for Wheatley. But his chance of sticking around went up with CB Leigh Bodden going down. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Preseason Four"

It’s the most important preseason game – the dress rehearsal. The starters will play three quarters as the players and coaches prepared for the game as if it is a regular season game. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Preseason Three"

Fullbacks rarely have moments to shine. If one is lucky, they have a signature play to be remembered by. 

Think back to 1994. It’s week 11, a home game against the Minnesota Vikings. QB Drew Bledsoe’s coming out party. After falling behind 20-0, Bledsoe rallied the Pats in the second half to tie the game at 20 before leading an overtime drive that ended with a 14-yard game-winning touchdown. 

Continue reading "A Memory of Kevin Turner"

Thankfully the NFL Network aired a replay of Thursday’s preseason game on Friday afternoon. I might not get to the game on my DVR now: 

1. It brings me no comfort knowing the two best running backs are also injury-prone. On just 17 carries, Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris combined for 106 of the Patriots’ 120 rushing yards. They also missed 14 games combined last year. Owner Robert Kraft’s decision to build Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center as part of Patriot Place looks smarter by the day. Hopefully there’s an express lane just in case for Taylor and Morris. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Preseason Game Two"

Before the first preseason game, the Patriots held a ceremony to induct RB Sam “Bam” Cunningham into the Patriots Hall of Fame. He was joined on stage by owner Bob Kraft and fellow HoFers LB Andre Tippett, QB Steve Grogan, CB Michael Haynes, K-WR Gino Cappelletti, LB Steve Nelson, and G John Hannah. Not only was I there, but I was fortunate enough to shake Cunningham’s hand and say congratulations to the newest member while wearing his throwback jersey (thanks to Bob Hyldburg for making that opportunity happen). 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Preseason Game 1"

It was seven months ago that New England was blasted on their home field in a Wild Card loss to Baltimore. Now, with a few free agent additions and the arrival of a very intriguing draft class, we get our first glimpse of the 2010 Patriots. 

Continue reading "First Look"

The Patriots Hall of Fame needs a senior selection committee. Just like the Pro Football Hall of Fame has a separate group to induct players whose window of eligibility expired, the Patriots Hall could use a similar group. 

Continue reading "A Hall Pass for Morris"

The purpose of training camp is to sift through the roster and find players while discarding the ones that won’t cut it with the team. New England isn’t wasting time with that process this year, as two players are out, with a third pending, and camp hasn’t even been in session for a week! 

Continue reading "Quick Cuts"

The freshmen are on campus (at least the ones who have all their admission papers completed and signed) and the upperclassmen are due to arrive on Thursday. Training camp is under way. 

There is no shortage of storylines we’ll discover during camp. Everyday there will be a new perspective on a competition or a personal story of achievement to learn about. 

Continue reading "Starting 11"

Most of the rookies might already be in attendance, but training camp doesn't officially begin until the veterans show up on Thursday. In anticipation, I spoke with FootballOutsiders.com creator Aaron Schatz and got his take on what to look for during camp:

Continue reading "Training Camp Preview"

After the dust settled and all the trades were counted, the Patriots came away from the draft with a dozen selections. But not one of them was a running back. They could have a chance to select one July 15th. 

Continue reading "In the Running for Unga?"

I thought Logan Mankins was going to be different. I believed he could conduct his contract negotiations privately. Because he kept a low profile after the season and through the draft, I figured Mankins would continue to keep his distance from the Patriots and let his agent and New England hammer out a new deal. 

Continue reading "No Audience for Mankins' Moans"

I have a lot of expectations for this year’s rookie class. First round pick Devin McCourty will get a lot of run, maybe as high as the third corner. The two tight ends will contribute almost immediately. Brandon Spikes will become a two-down run-stuffing ILB. Zoltan Mesko will win the punting job. 

Continue reading "Projecting Cunningham"

You would think with the lack of leadership in the Patriots locker room expressed from all angles that the more veteran presences the better. No so in the secondary. Surprisingly, CB Shawn Springs was released on Tuesday. 

Continue reading "Shawn's Gone"

A day after the NFL Network revealed San Diego shopped OLB Shawn Merriman during the NFL Draft to New Orleans and two other teams, the Patriots re-signed DE Derrick Burgess. Knowing what is out there, Burgess’ return doesn’t excite the fan base much. 

Continue reading "A "Lights Out" Alternative"

If your jaw dropped five feet from the amount of Jahri Evans’ new contract, understand a smile of equal distance stretched across the face of Logan Mankins’ agent Frank Bauer. 

In case you missed it, before the Lawrence Taylor arrest and JaMarcus Russell’s release (talk about polar opposite stories – Taylor goes to a New York prison while Russell gets out of Oakland, which replicates the depressing hopelessness found behind bars), the Saints agreed to pay Evans $56.7 million over seven years, the biggest contract in NFL history for a guard. 

Continue reading "Market Value Set for Mankins"

According to published reports, fourth round steal, TE Aaron Hernandez, was excellent escaping press coverage during mini camp. He did not speak to the media at all. With the help of the Patriots staff, Hernandez was escorted off the field after every practice, away from the microphones, recorders, and a possible distraction. 

Continue reading "Hernandez Up in Smoke?"

Welcome to the land of no guarantees. Once you cross the border from the third round into the fourth round, these unfortunate residents understand they have to perform well just for a chance to make the roster or hope for a position on the practice squad. 

Continue reading "See For Yourself Part 2"

I needed a little decompression time after the draft to take a step back and see the whole picture. After pouring so much of my time tracking free agency, trades, monitoring player’s stock going up or down, and producing three mock drafts, I needed some time off and assimilate myself back into society. 

Continue reading "See For Yourself Part 1"

Only two players that I listed as players of interest were selected by the Patriots during the three-day NFL Draft. But I will say I’m happy with the two they got. 

Despite the number of trades executed, the Pats still made 12 selections. But what really draws attention is that New England now has two first round picks and two second round picks in 2011. 

Continue reading "The Whole Draft"

I think Bill Belichick has the draft all wrong. You don’t win anything by having the most picks. As expected, the head coach of the Patriots traded down multiple times in the first round, and continued to do so in the second and third. But he did break the routine by going the aggressive route in the second. A quick look at the first two days of selections: 

Continue reading "Quick Glance"

It’s not holiday-worthy like the first full Sunday of NFL games, but it’s almost as important. The NFL Draft begins Thursday as teams hope to find building blocks for years to come. 

Continue reading "Dream Draft"

Patriot fans know there are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and Bill Belichick will trade down during the draft. 

It’s not just a pattern; it’s as reliable as the seasons, the sun rising, and celebrity controversies. 

Continue reading "Fear of Falling"

LB Brandon Spikes – Florida

 

The former second rated inside linebacker in the draft. He fell out of the first round after clocking a 5.0 in the 40. But with his size and production, Spikes will likely go in the second round. He’s a football player, not a sprinter. That’s what coaches care about. 

Continue reading "The Visitors Part 5"

WR Dez Bryant – Oklahoma State

 

He’s the consensus top receiver in this year’s draft, but likely won’t get drafted as high as he’s rated. From day one he was considered a character risk. I don’t think Bryant is as bad of a person as he’s been painted. I respect his talent, but there’s another wide out I’m enamored with. 

Continue reading "Ths Visitors Part 4"

DE/LB Sergio Kindle

 

He’s been compared to his former teammate Brian Orakpo, who was drafted in the first round by Washington. The results: Eleven sacks. After watching Kindle’s performance in the National Championship game, I do believe he has potential equal to Orakpo. Kindle is on my wish list. 

Continue reading "Ths Visitors Part 3"

The Patriots are taking a serious interest with some of the available punters. This is something that is long overdue. Chris Hanson had a decent average in ’07 and ’08, but it dropped to 39.7 last year. 

Continue reading "The Visitors Part 2"

In an effort to track the Patriots’ actions leading up to the draft, The Boston Globe reports on players New England visited, invited to Gillette Stadium, or worked out. Not all of the prospects are the household names circulated over and over in the numerous mock drafts across the inernet. 

Continue reading "The Visitors Part 1"

 

Everyone is so quick to analyze and project draft selections (myself included), What about finding out the selections for the Patriots? 

For the second year in a row, New England has 12 draft picks spread over seven rounds. They started with eight, and the league awarded four compensatory selections at the end of rounds six and seven. The compensatory selections can not be used in any trades. 

Continue reading "Count to 12"

I just completed the second edition of my mock draft, and just like the first, I project the Patriots selecting Penn State DT Jared Odrick. It makes practical sense, considering the need along the defensive line. But this choice goes against what I’d hope the Pats do, which is select Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham. 

Continue reading "Need or Best Player Available?"

In anticipation of the NFL Draft, each position will be evaluated for the team’s need at that position. Each position will be rated for the Patriots’ need, with 1 not a need and 5 being urgent:Secondary

Continue reading "Draft Evaluation: Secondary"

e 3rd, 4th, or even 5th round.  Have they watched the same games that I did? I am a fan of the New England Patriots and living down in Florida have had opportunity to get a front row seat on the Tim Tebow fan club express.  He is a legend down here and with good reason.  As a Patriots fan though I was interested to hear that they had chosen to meet with Tebow.  They have Brady, some would say.  Why would they need Tebow? Is he going to be a tight end? A running back? Here is my thought and what I feel is being tremendously overlooked by many people.  Tim Tebow is an athlete.  Just look at what he did in college football, playing in the SEC which is arguably the best conference in college football.  He has talent, and for a team like the Patriots who won't need him to step right in a play quarterback this year, he has potential.  You say he doesn't have an NFL delivery.  I say he has time to learn it from a man who some consider to be one of the best ever.  I think that he would learn a lot watching a three time Super Bowl Champion, two time Super Bowl MVP, one time regular season MVP, and also the record holder for most passes in a season.

Continue reading "Should the Patrots Draft Tim Tebow?"

In anticipation of the NFL Draft, each position will be evaluated for the team’s need at that position. Each position will be rated for the Patriots’ need, with 1 not a need and 5 being ugent:Linebackers

Continue reading "Draft Evaluation: Linebackers"

In anticipation of the NFL Draft, each position will be evaluated for the team’s need at that position. Each position will be rated for the Patriots’ need, with 1 not a need and 5 being ugent:

Continue reading "Draft Evaluation: Defensive Line"

In anticipation of the NFL Draft, each position will be evaluated for the team’s need at that position. Each position will be rated for the Patriots’ need, with 1 not a need and 5 being ugent:Wide Receiver/Tight End

Continue reading "Draft Evaluation: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends"

In anticipation of the NFL Draft, each position will be evaluated for the team's need at that position. Each position will be rated for their need, with 1 being not a need and 5 being ugent: Runningback

Continue reading "Draft Profile: Runningback"

It's a move that could change New England's approach to the draft. Yesterday the Patriots signed DT Damione Lewis. the 6-2 301-pound Lewis is expected to be a reserve at nose tackle and defensive end.

Continue reading "New Line of Thnking?"

I watched every game, analyzed the statistics a few times, and tracked the free agent signings. I believe in my conclusions about the Patriots’ needs. 

So what did my evaluations tell me? I’ll break it down position by position with a scale measuring the need, with 1 being not a need and 5 being ugent: Quarterback

Continue reading "Position by Position"

Because I’ve been immersed in my mock draft and inspired to write a few articles, I haven’t posted for a while. During this time, a lot of news regarding the Patriots crossed the news wire. I should had said a little something about every bit of news, but I was distracted. 

Continue reading "Steps Behind"

With a gaping hole at tight end, the Patriots decided not to wait until the draft to begin addressing the problem. They signed four-time Pro Bowler Alge Crumpler from Tennessee. 

Unfortunately this is a signing that sounds better than it actually is. The 32-year-old Crumpler is three years from his last Pro Bowl season in 2006. Since then his receiving yards have steadily dropped year after year. Today Crumpler is a blocking TE with receiving skills well beyond the average blocking tight end. 

Continue reading "A Block of Alge"

While the current tally for New England during free agency doesn’t include DE Julius Peppers or WR Anquan Boldin, I’d say the Pats are having a decent off-season. The only free agent they signed, LB Marques Murrell, isn’t a marquee free agent. But the Patriots had success keeping their free agents. 

Continue reading "Can't Keep Them All"

As soon as I turned off my laptop and turned on my tv, I learned the Patriots reached an agreement with OG Stephen Neal. While not an elite player at his position, he's been solid for the Pats for years at right guard. Now New England has to get Logan Mankins signed.

Continue reading "Quick Update"

Most fans dream of the free agents the Patriots can sign when open season starts. Usually those dreams don’t include the team’s free agents. 

On an active opening day to free agency, the Patriots decided to take care of their own instead of shopping for new arrivals. They first re-signed OLB Tully Banta-Cain and later reached an agreement with NT Vince Wilfork. 

Continue reading "Home Takes Priority"

With less than five hours before free agency begins, let me get a few thoughts out of my mind: 

Be sure to sign the Leigh Bodden thank-you card. He’s not coming back. He’s the second-best corner back available in free agency after Houston’s Dunta Robinson. It shouldn’t take him long to find an offer that he can’t pass up. His gamble to sign a one year deal with a promise from the Patriots that they wouldn’t franchise him will pay off. He erased his years with Detroit, including the 0-16 season, from everyone’s mind. Wish you luck at your next career stop, Leigh, as long as it’s not with an AFC East team. 

Continue reading "Hours Away"

fate expected for Mosi Tatupu, a fullback drafted in the eighth round of the 1978 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He was a professional wingman, enabling the runningbacks to cut through the crowd and shine while getting lost among the big uglies. 

Continue reading "Remembering Mosi"

Two Patriots made headlines recently. We’ll tackle these two issues in chronological order, one day at a time. 

Over the weekend wide receiver Randy Moss said he believes this will be his last season with the Patriots after his contract runs out. He takes no offense to it, as it’s the business of the NFL and he’s familiar with how New England does things, not just from a Patriot perspective, but from his viewpoint at his previous stops. 

Continue reading "Stayings or Goings Part 1"

Free agency starts in about three weeks, but teams have been waiting more than a month for the shopping season to commence. I don’t know the complete list of free agents available, though already there are a few high profile names out there. But which of these players fit New England? 

Continue reading "Window Shopping"

Head coach Bill Belichick said he isn’t a believer in titles. He just expects people to do their jobs. Well he’s proving it this off-season with his coaching staff. The Patriots will go into 2010 without offensive or defensive coordinators. 

Continue reading "Uncoordinated"

There’s been a lot of griping recently over the state of Boston sports, serving (for me) as another ugly reminder of the developing, spoiled and cocksure nature of fans in this area. Let’s take a quick look, shall we?

Continue reading "A Message to Boston Sports Fans"

Head coach Bill Belichick added Corwin Brown to the coaching staff. The former Notre Dame defensive coordinator now commands the New England secondary. It’s a homecoming for Brown, as he was a fourth round draft pick of the Patriots back in 1993. 

Continue reading "A New Coach"

Head coach Bill Belichick knows he has to make changes to the Patriots in order to reverse the sliding trend. Fortunately, two were made for him. 

LB Junior Seau announced his second retirement. This time he says it is permanent. He wants to spend his days surfing. And defensive coordinator Dean Pees, whose contract expired, won’t resign and will pursue other options. 

Continue reading "Free Agents"

The loss was the equivalent of a mugging. The Patriots didn’t see it coming, and before they knew it, New England was on the ground, wondering what happened. 

There’s no sugar-coating this. They got whipped. Baltimore came out with a fury and the Pats had no answer for the rapid flurry of haymakers. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Wild Card"

Don’t buy it when the Baltimore Ravens say they put the week 4 loss behind them. LB Ray Lewis avoided talking about it by saying it was in the past, but it’s on his mind. 

Baltimore hasn’t forgotten the game that got away. DL Haloti Ngata has a picture of his contact with QB Tom Brady’s helmet. LB Terrell Suggs will have the time of his personal foul written on the tape on his wrist. WR Mark Clayton spent extra time catching passes so he won’t drop another fourth down pass. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Wild Card"

The linebackers have a big challenge on their hands. Baltimore’s offensive line is big and physical with a run first mentality. The ground game, led by RBs Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, averaged 137.5 yards per game at a 4.7 yards per gain clip. 

Continue reading "Line of Defense"

With WR Wes Welker expected to be out for the playoffs, all the attention went to his replacement known as “Mini Wes” to some (I prefer Fat Welker), Julian Edelman. 

Sunday Edelman had a Welker-like day as he caught 10 passes for 103 yards, including a 25-yard catch and run that would make Wes proud of Edelman. 

Continue reading "Welker Remix"

It’s the kind of injury that believers in playing it safe use as an example. WR Wes Welker injured his knee when he planted his left foot to change direction, but the knee gave away. People believe he tore his ACL and MCL, ending Welker’s season just before the playoffs. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 17"

Is it better to rest players for the playoffs or play the final game to stay sharp? This has been heavily debated since Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell withdrew his starters during the third quarter of last week’s game. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 17"

Maybe RB Laurence Maroney is a slow learner. After all it took him about three and a half years to figure out how to run the football in the NFL. 

Maroney has been a different player after the bye week, for better and worse. He’s running decisively and physically, but Laurence is fumbling the ball more. Since the bye week, Maroney put the ball on the ground four times. 

Continue reading "Loose Laurence"

When a game in played in just over two and a half hours, there’s really not much to say: 

1. After struggling on offense, the Pats exploded with 35 points. It was the most points in a game since the win over Tampa Bay in week seven. The 28 first half points was more than New England scored in a game the previous four weeks. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 16"

In 2005, the Patriots “lost” the season finale to the Miami Dolphins. Because of that “loss,” the Pats hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card game instead of facing Pittsburgh. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 16"

1. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick should feel honored. New England’s defense used the “everyone stand around” pass rush. It was first introduced when the Patriots played against Drew Bledsoe in 2002. Years later it was used against QB Tom Brady. I think it was the New York Jets when coached by Eric Mangini that turned the tables. That’s good company to be in for Fitzpatrick. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 15"

Imagine a transcript of a conversation between the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills. Only the Pats' words had been recorded: 

Oh my goodness…is that who I think it is? Oh snap! Buffalo Bills! I can’t believe it’s you! It’s so good to see you! How long has it been? A couple of months or something, right? Since week one? Daaaaaaaaaaamn! That long? Man, time really flies, right? Fo’ real! 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 15"

As far as I’m concerned, QB Tom Brady’s knee is fine. It’s everything else that’s bothering him. 

What’s known is Brady has a bad ring finger on his throwing hand, hurt ribs, and there’s also the “chronic” throwing shoulder. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were other nicks and dings that Brady is playing through but won’t mention. 

Continue reading "The Cassel Treatment"

After days of surviving slings and arrows of criticism, the problem still exists: How does the coaching staff get the ball to WR Randy Moss? 

The problem isn’t loafing or quitting as some have accused Moss of. The biggest problem is he has two dates to the game virtually every play. Moss is double-teamed because he is the offense’s most dangerous threat. It’s like the thinking behind playing a Tampa-2 defense -- prevent big plays and make teams slowly work their way down the field, increasing the chance of a mistake by the offense. 

Continue reading "Rethink Randy"

Due to a committment, I couldn’t watch the Patriots game live. But I do have a DVR. Though two days late, here is the weekly installment: 

1. The secondary had a few familiar faces back. CB Shawn Springs played and CB Jonathan Wilhite and S James Sanders both returned to the starting lineup. On offense WR Julian Edelman and OT Sebastian Vollmer returned to action as well. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 14"

It’s a moment of truth for the Patriots. Do they rise to the occasion or crumble down the stretch? With four games left, there’s almost no margin for error. Winning out ensures a place in the playoffs. Stumble once, and they may need help. Considering what happened last year, they want to control their destiny and not depend on others. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 14"

In a surprise, Adalius Thomas named himself captain of the revolution. 

Omitting the capital “r” was intentional, as the veteran linebacker won’t be joining the New England soccer team. 

Continue reading "Thomas vs. Belichick"

A project to build a footbridge spanning Route 1 to connect a satellite parking lot to Patriot Place was recently cancelled. It would had been the perfect metaphor if the bridge was half done, resembling a path to walk the plank. 

Continue reading "The Message?"

Where do I start? 

It’s not just the offense that’s predictable. Opponents know what’s coming and figured out how to stop it. 

It’s not just the lack of a reliable third receiver when Randy Moss and Wes Welker are covered. Whether it is a slot guy or the tight end, QB Tom Brady doesn’t trust them. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 13"

Absent from the buildup for this divisional match-up between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots has been a bulletin board quote from the irascible Joey Porter. 

The outside linebacker, who’s never at a loss for words, hasn’t said anything to rile up the Pats. That’s understandable, considering QB Tom Brady said after the last game between the teams that Porter’s statement of genuine hate between the players inspired the Pats. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 13"

On the cusp of training camp, I was really looking forward to CB Terrance Wheatley. In his lone start in his rookie season, Wheatley was in Marvin Harrison’s back pocket. He mirrored Indianapolis’ primary receiver step for step and defended two passes that night. 

Continue reading "Left Wanting"

As I watched the Patriots get beat down by the Saints, I couldn’t stop thinking about an article I wrote earlier this season called “ Love Letters.” The idea was I wrote two letters from the fans perspective to DL Richard Seymour and WR Jabar Gaffney. The letters pointed out how the team missed their contributions on the field. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 12"

Who dares taunt the Football Gods? Thy name is Reggie Bush. 

Back in October, the New Orleans running back was asked if the Saints could go undefeated. He answered with, “"Can we go undefeated? Yes.  I do think we have the players, the chemistry, we have the heart and dedication, the coaching staff, we have the players." 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 12"

The Patriots are already deep into preparations for the undefeated New Orleans Saints, possibly the toughest opponent of the year. Any news outside of their scope of focus is a distraction. 

Continue reading "Bill Belichick's Nemesis"

In the end, the Patriots turned a late turnover into seven points to secure the win. It’s easy to say a win is a win, but the manner in how New England held off the Jets is concerning. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 11"

After Sunday night’s game, Indianapolis defenders said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s decision to go for it on 4th-and-2 was disrespectful. 

If they felt that strongly about the alleged disrespect, imagine how the Patriots defense felt. Belichick’s decision was like a no-confidence vote against the defense. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 11"

After the Patriots’ loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the first thing I did when I started my car was turn off the radio. I almost didn’t turn on my t.v. When I did, I absolutely didn’t tune in to ESPN or NFL Network. This lasted through the next day until the Monday night football game. I didn’t read the newspapers for almost two days. 

Continue reading "Looking Ahead"

The decision will live in infamy. In simplest terms, you play it safe and force the opponent drive the length of the field instead of risking a turnover. I understand why head coach Bill Belichick went for it on fourth and two, but that was the wrong side of the 50 to attempt the play. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 10"

It’s not surprising for people to get high on the performance of a surprising rookie. OT Sebastian Vollmer was thrust into a starting role after Matt Light went down with an injury. 

It’s an understatement to say Vollmer handled himself well. He got the better of some well known pass rushers in his three starts at left tackle. He nullified Tennessee’s Kyle Vanden Bosch in a snowy Gillette Stadium. Most recently Vollmer shut out loudmouth Joey Porter, keeping Miami’s OLB from registering a sack or a tackle. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 10"

It’s being called the Rivalry of the Decade, and who can argue with that? They are the winningest franchises since 2001. They’ve had countless encounters in the playoffs. Each team has one of the league’s best at the quarterback position. These former division rivals continue to add memorable chapters to their history, and this game should be no different. 

Continue reading "Game of the Year"

When it comes to the winning, New England is still the team everyone wants to beat. To make a statement to the rest of the league, a win over the Patriots is the best feather any team can stick in their cap. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week Nine"

Just like the Patriots addressed the secondary with defending tall receivers in mind, the Miami Dolphins did the same in the off-season. The difference was the source of the remedy. 

New England signed free agent veteran cornerbacks Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden. Miami went the younger route and drafted Vonta Davis and Sean Smith. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 9"

DE Larry English. CB Alphonso Smith. Just a few of the names projected as players the New England Patriots would draft with the 23rd overall pick. Instead the Pats traded out of the first round, stockpiled more picks, and used all four second round picks. 

Continue reading "Rookies vs. Rookies"

In 1986, the New England Patriots were stomped by the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX. The Red Sox blew the World Series against the New York Mets. And though the Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship that year, Len’s June death began the 1986-87 season. A season the Celtics were unable to repeat as champions without Bias. 

Continue reading "Deep 86-ed"

Pro Bowl balloting is open to the public. Choose wisely. 

This year New England fans will have a tough time rationalizing Patriot players worthy of being selected. The offense’s big three of QB Tom Brady and WRs Randy Moss and Wes Welker will get their share of votes. Beyond them…good luck. 

Continue reading "Pro Bowl Ben?"

Alright, Tom Brady. The grace period is over. Now it’s time to be yourself again. That means the accurate surgeon capable of lighting up the scoreboard with few errors should finally be back. You’ve had enough time to work out the kinks. No more excuses. 

Continue reading "The Real Tom Brady"

There’s been no shortage of rookies getting playing time this season. Defensive linemen Myron Pryor and Ron Brace were part of the rotation in the season opener. Darius Butler and Pat Chung had small roles early, but are getting more and more time. And when LT Matt Light went down, Sebastian Vollmer stepped right in without the offense losing a beat. 

Continue reading "Rookie of the First Half"

After seven games played, the Patriots get a much deserved and needed break, thanks to the bye week. While it’s great for the players and coaches, it is sometimes tough for the fans. 

Continue reading "Good Bye"

Seven games down and the Patriots are back where they are supposed to be: atop the AFC East. It wasn’t as smooth as years past, but it’s understood with QB Tom Brady back after a season on the sideline and a defense that went through a lot of change. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week Seven"

It is just another road game. 

That’s the approach head coach Bill Belichick took with this game in London, England. Apparently the flight is about as long as a flight to a West Coast game. The accent is different, so is the venue, and the crowd behavior will be unique. But otherwise it’s just another game. It was a big deal the first time the NFL played a regular season game at Wembley Stadium, but there shouldn’t be any fuss about this overseas game. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 7"

Hopefully RB Laurence Maroney doesn’t think he’s off the hook after rushing for 123 yards (7.7 average) and a score. If anything, the expectations have gone up. It’s nice to see you blow up in one game as the undisputed primary ball carrier. But can you do this week after week after week? 

Continue reading "Staying On the Run"

Only in New England can the average temperature go from the 30’s one week up to 60 the next. And as unpredictable as the weather is, the Patriots can keep up with Mother Nature, and in some respects trump her spontaneity. 

Continue reading "Changing Whether"

That was not nice. I was starting to feel sorry for the Titans. That kind of beating you only wish for your worst enemies (New York Jets) or someone you have a vendetta against (Denver Broncos for that OT loss). 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week Six"

I’m not buyin’ it. Tennessee is 0-5, but they are the best 0-5 team in the NFL. Usually that’s a tongue-in-cheek jab at a bad team, but I mean it this time. I wasn’t a true believer in Tennessee’s 13-3 record last year, but I’m positive they are not as bad as 0-5. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 6"

How long should it take for QB Tom Brady to return to form? How much longer before he’s excelling on a consistent basis? When does Brady regain the confidence in his reconstructed knee to the point he doesn’t think about it anymore? 

Continue reading "Seven Weeks"

Its recently been brought to my attention that, over the past couple of weeks or so, my readership has doubled in volume, from 2 to 4. Thanks to these good natured and sympathetic followers, I’m left to wrestle with a serious question: Do I quit while on top (never had I anticipated the blog becoming this great a success), or do I continue to dribble out these “bi-weekly” blunderbusses, even though there is likely nowhere to go from here but down?

Continue reading "Late Night Rant"

Well the deal we’ve been waiting for finally happened today. LB Junior Seau signed with the Patriots for the remainder of the season. Welcome back, old man. Derrick Burgess, hand over your jersey. You can’t have 54, 56 or 57. How does something in the 90s sound? 

Continue reading "Seau Back In the House"

I wish head coach Bill Belichick let Dennis Green do the post game press conference for him. I really needed to hear the Patriots let the Broncos off the hook. It was as if New England let off the gas in the second half offensively. I realize New England has a poor record playing in Denver but they can’t use that as an excuse. I don’t think the Broncos are three points better than the Patriots, but the Broncos made the plays and earned the overtime win. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 5"

Accept no substitute! Support the real New England Patriots! 

The media really likes the Denver Broncos, or in some circles, Patriots West. Praised is heaped upon Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels like he’s the second coming of Bill Belichick, down to the gray hoodie. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 5"

I’ve been high on safety Brandon Merriweather since his second-year breakout season. He finished 2008 second on the team in tackles, led the team in interceptions with four, and forced two fumbles. What really stood out was the significance of the turnovers, as twice they were the difference in wins. 

Continue reading "Killer B's"