New England Patriots

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"

This could be the opportunity he’s been waiting all season for. Don’t blow it, BenJarvus Green-Ellis. 

After being deactivated last week, the running back known as Law Firm could get his first carry of 2009. But that depends on the performance of the players ahead of him on the depth chart, particularly Laurence Maroney. 

Continue reading "Opportunity to Run"

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, for nbenching WR Joey Galloway. While we may not know what Sam Aiken and Julian Edelman will contribute week to week, I’d take my chances with them over the 15-year veteran until Galloway learns the offense, if he ever does. 

Continue reading "Pick Six"

Maybe the week two Jets game was like a flash forward of this game against Baltimore. 

Obviously the Ravens’ defense will play much like Gang Green’s crew that kept the Patriots offense out of the endzone. Baltimore will rely on many of the principles taught by Cocky Green Giant, with a few twists naturally. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 4"

I might not have seen a better case of the name not fitting the individual as Terdell Sands. 

When I think of sand, I imagine beaches as the warm, granular particles shift under my feet and through my toes as I walk. I see kids stuffing buckets with it as they build castles or bury daddy in it. 

Continue reading "A Mound of Sands"

As pleased as I was about the return of the running game, and as much as I enjoyed watching a Patriots running back pound his way through tackles for 105 yards on 21 carries, it also comes with some apprehension. 

Continue reading "Full Time Fred"

He’s close. You know it. He knows it. And it’s frustrating Tom Brady to no end to being just a little off. Brady had a handful of overthrows or didn’t put the ball in exactly the right spot. It should come back to him in time, but for now Brady will beat himself up until the touch returns. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 3"

This is why the Patriots got them for, right? 

Shortly after the Patriots signed veteran CBs Leigh Bodden (6’1”) and Shawn Springs (6’0”), I couldn’t help but notice their size and how they didn’t fit the profile of the typical Pats corner. So I did some research. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 3"

The Patriots offense was virtually shut down by the New York Jets. QB Tom Brady was unable to get the offense into the endzone and was constantly rushed by a relentless New York blitz. It got people saying the Jets had the blueprint for beating the Patriots and with the rest of the league as witnesses, every opponent will follow suit. 

Continue reading "The Blueprint"

Over the last two years, the Patriots invested a lot of their time turning over the cornerback position. It started with allowing Asante Samuel to leave as a free agent. New England took action to replace him by drafting Terrance Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite in the 2008 draft. 

Continue reading "Very INTeresting"

Great, another University of Michigan linebacker we will eventually put on IR. 

OK, OK, that’s uncalled for and it’s unfair. I’m jaded by Shawn Crable because I had high hopes for him, but he never made the field in 2008 and will miss all of ’09 as well. Maybe it’s because his legs are too skinny to endure the stress from pro football. 

Continue reading "Another Burgess"

We heard about the rule change that bans the wedge on kickoff returns, but how will that impact the game? I was able to get Pete Cronan, a former nine-year NFL linebacker with the Washingt

Continue reading "Wedge vs. No Wedge"

Great. The Jets have bragging rights until they meet again in November. That’s a lot of time to bark. 

Time vs. Frequency: People thought what really mattered last week was that the pass rush showed up when the team needed it. The Jets what happens when a team gets pressure all game long instead of just at the end of the game. I barely saw DE Derrick Burgess in the first half and didn’t see DE Tully Banta-Cain until the second half. They are supposedly the best pass rushers on the team. How many snaps did they get and when? 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 2"

Hello, and welcome to week one of the NFL season. 

No, I haven’t been in a cave for the week. But like the Patriots, I’m forgetting about the season opener. 

Was the home team that bad? No, not really. There were a couple of highlights (QB Tom Brady and the secondary), but everywhere else there was plenty of room for improvement: inability to gain first downs on short yardage runs, dropped passes, lack of a pass rush, etc. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 2"

I picked LB Gary Guyton to have a breakout year just before the season started. Now he has no excuse. 

Already pegged as a starter in his second year, now he’s the focal point of the defense with MLB Jerod Mayo out for six to eight weeks with a sprained MCL. Guyton slides over from outside linebacker to Mayo’s spot. Guyton must also shoulder the extra responsibility of delivering the defensive play calls in the huddle and making sure his teammates are in the right places before the snap. 

Continue reading "Guyton in the Middle"

There are two things you need to know about New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan. 

One, he has a big mouth. He didn’t even wait until the ink dried on his contract before he started throwing verbal spears. He had an entertaining one-on-one with Miami LB Channing Crowder. And Patriot fans had his “I never came here to kiss Bill Belichick’s rings” statement memorized since Ryan said it in June. 

Continue reading "Nothing Wrong with Rex Ryan in my Book"

A little over a year ago, I met Bob Hyldburgh as he was working on his book, "Total Patriots." Now that it is done, I sat down with him to learn more about the book and what's in it.

Continue reading "Total Patriots Interview"

Thank you Buffalo for being the Bills. Just when you had the Patriots right where you wanted them, you found a way to blow a game that appeared well in hand. They should know by now that you don’t give New England chance after chance after chance. 

Continue reading "Pick 6: Week 1"

Cleveland head coach Eric Mangini thought it would be an advantage to keep secret his decision on a starting quarterback for as long as possible. 

Ha! If you really want to keep your opponent guessing, try firing a coordinator less than 10 days before the game. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 1"

Franchises with sustained success have one. It is comprised of a few star players that the team is built around. 

The 80’s San Francisco 49ers had QB Joe Montana, WR Jerry Rice, TE Brent Jones, RB Roger Craig, FB Tom Rathman, and S Ronnie Lott. 

Continue reading "The Core"

A little while ago, The Sporting News picked a breakout player from each team in the NFL. For the Patriots, the selection was safety Brandon Merriweather. 

Merriweather? That was a little surprising. I figured going from a part-time player to starting all 16 games, leading the team in interceptions with four, and a few game-changing plays made for a breakout year. 

Continue reading "Breakout Player"

I envisioned it. I believed it could happen. A fourth Patriots Super Bowl. The Pats-colored confetti fluttering down as the Lombardi Trophy is passed around from player to player. It was a real possibility this year. 

Continue reading "Out of Reach"

Not your typical cut down day. 

New England was busy, not just paring down the roster, but they made a couple of trades with the intention of improving the blocking on run plays it appears. 

Continue reading "Cut Down Day"

Big Blue Bullies – New York played the starting offense for one drive and the starting defense for almost a quarter, and it showed. It doesn’t prove much going against third stringers. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Preseason Game 4"

This is your last shot. Don’t blow it. 

That’s the reality for about a dozen players on the Patriots roster. If they were going to make their case to be on the roster or practice squad, Thursday is their last chance to make an impression. 

Continue reading "5 Minutes of Fame"

I didn’t put much stock into the Patriots playing a 4-3 defense this preseason, but my thinking might be changing. Tedy Bruschi’s retirement yesterday could have a chain reaction that leads to New England playing predominantly a 4-3 alignment. 

Continue reading "Linebacker Fall-back Plan"

Tom Brady – While the hit Brady took from Washington DT Albert Haynesworth looked bad, by how Brady was moving his arm on the sideline makes me believe his shoulder truly is just sore. I really would had liked to see how Tom bounced back after taking that hit, but can understand why the coaches pulled him from the game. Brady overall did play well. He even moved around in the pocket to buy time a couple of times. 

Continue reading "Pick Six"

I spent two weeks taking close looks at rookies and back-ups to see how much potential and depth the Patriots have. Tomorrow will be about the front line. 

OK, so I’m exaggerating. Yeah I was concerned about what the starters did in the first two preseason games. I wanted to see how Tom Brady would play after his first major injury. I was curious about how the defense would play, taking certain interest in the pass rush. And the backfield has a standard to reach with Laurence Maroney back and Fred Taylor a new addition to the team. 

Continue reading "Dress Rehearsal"

There’s been a lot of talk of contracts of late: Why has Vince Wilfork’s talks stalled when Nick Kaczur and Mark LeVoir can get extensions? With Eli Manning and Phillip Rivers getting mega deals, what will Tom Brady ask for when his negotiations open up? If Ted has four oranges and Mike has seven, then what is the capital of Scandinavia? 

Continue reading "Fishy Deals"

Ain’t it the worst to get a new toy you can’t play with? Batteries not included can ruin the best surprises. 

The Patriots took a chance with WR Brandon Tate when they drafted him in the third round. He suffered an ACL and MCL tear that cut short his senior season at North Carolina and hurt his draft status. 

Continue reading "Waiting on Tate"

While many aren’t high on RB Laurence Maroney, there’s a lot to like about the backfield. 

Fred Taylor, though he has a lot of mileage, has a productive history and is durable. Sammy Morris is a punishing runner that comes up big when on the field. BenJarvus Green-Ellis was an unexpected surprise last year as a rookie free agent. He gained the trust of the coaches and fans to be counted if his number is called. And Kevin Faulk is a top notch third down back, a playmaker as a runner or as a receiver. 

Continue reading "Half Full Backfield?"

New week, old defense – After a week of debate about playing a 4-3, the defense came out in a 3-4. The starting unit was very aggressive and effective, especially stopping the run, unlike the week before. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Preseason Game 2"

I have a problem with Julian Edelman. He shouldn’t be wearing number “11” when a perfectly good “82” is available. “11” should be set aside for when the Patriots retire Drew Bledsoe’s jersey. 

Continue reading "Intrigued by Edelman"

A team strength just got a tiny bit weaker. The Patriots traded DL Le Kevin Smith to Denver for a 5th round pick. That selection was then sent to Oakland to complete the Derrick Burgess trade. The agreement was New England gave the Raiders 3rd and 4th round selections unless the Pats could get Oakland a 5th round pick. If the Pats came through with the fifth rounder, then that would replace the fourth round pick.

Continue reading "A Few Small Transactions"

People are talking about the Patriots playing their first preseason game in a 4-3 defensive alignment. Some even speculate that it could be a permanent switch to emphasize a strength, the defensive line, while reducing for a weakness, linebacker. 

Continue reading "4-3, or Not 4-3? That Is the Question"

Last year the Patriots rush offense was ranked sixth overall. We’ll find out of if that rank is accurate. 

New England had their way on the ground against the likes of Kansas City (30th-ranked run defense) Denver (27th), Oakland (31st), Buffalo (22nd), San Francisco (13th), Indianapolis (24th), and Arizona (16th). 

Continue reading "On the Run"

If everyone else can have a numbered list, why can’t I? 

After every game, I’ll select six things that caught my attention and say a little something about it. Sometimes I'll make an extra point or maybe even go for an additional two. After one preseason game, what stood out? 

Continue reading "Pick Six"

With all the positional battles going on, one that hasn’t received much attention has been tight end. There are two reasons for that 1. We’ve been star-struck by the performances by receivers Wes Welker and Randy Moss, and 2. The Patriots got so little out of the position for the past two years, we barely noticed. 

Continue reading "The Battle at Tight End"

During Fred Taylor’s first four years in Jacksonville, he missed 24 of 64 games. Viewed as a fixture on the sideline instead of on the field, fans labeled the former Florida Gator running back “Fragile Fred.” 

Continue reading "Follow Fred's Footsteps, Laurence"

It’s a small measure of relief to hear from Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio that the team and Vince Wilfork’s agent are continuing contract talks. Whether that means progress is being made or the stalemate continues is unknown. But at least the lines of communication are open. 

Continue reading "Wilfork or Seymour?"

OK, now I’m sold. 

Since the end of the regular season I’ve been waiting for the Patriots to get a rush linebacker I could believe in. Whether it was a rookie day one draft pick, a free agent, or by trade, I wanted someone that could get to the quarterback better than Mike Vrabel did in 2008. His trade to Kansas City made the need urgent. 

Continue reading "A Burgess Believer"