Tom Brady

With 18 games, the average drops to 55.5. Tom Brady’s 50 touchdown and Dan Marino’s 5,084 passing yards seasons would be eclipsed, but how remarkable would it be? 

Eric Dickerson owns the single season rushing record with 2,105 yards. It wouldn’t take long for a running back to come along and surpass the record. But how great of an accomplishment would that be when O.J. Simpson, the first player to break 2K, did it in just 14 games? 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Preseason Three"

n Connolly and the first string offensive line did a good job keeping the blitzing Saints off of QB Tom Brady and opening holes for the running game. 

Extra point: A pedestrian return g

Continue reading "Pick Six: Preseason Game 1"

d if WR Wes Welker sits this one out, who is the back-up plan? 

Tight Ends on the Loose: QB Tom Brady never had this much receiving talent at this position in his 10 years with New England. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez get to prove if they are worthy of the high praise they received from draft evaluators. 

Continue reading "First Look"

the third down back. 

Healthy Competition: I’m not worried about WR Wes Welker or QB Tom Brady. The latter should be his old self for a full season. And based on his appearance during OTAs, Welker will eventually be just fine, despite being placed on the active/physically unable to perform list. I want to see the players who missed all but one game combined last year. 

Continue reading "Starting 11"

ion with a scale measuring the need, with 1 being not a need and 5 being ugent: Quarterback

Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer Need: 1 

As expected, Brady’s play improved halfway through the season as he recovered from knee reconstruction. He should be better in ’10, hopefully back to his old self. That doesn’t mean his 2007 self, as that season was an anomaly. Anywhere north of 25 touchdowns and 10 or less interceptions will be a great year if he isn’t battered throughout the year. 

Continue reading "Position by Position"

let money get in the way of keeping their receivers. 

Deion Branch developed a rapport with Tom Brady and was obviously Tom’s favorite target. But their chemistry didn’t matter when Branch wanted to be paid like a top receiver. Both starting receivers left in 2006 as David Givens signed with Tennessee as a free agent and Branch was traded to Seattle. New England thought the combination of Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney could replace the departures. Nowhere close. The offense suffered, and the replacements didn’t make plays Branch and Givens consistently did. 

Continue reading "Stayings or Goings Part 1"

And Tom Brady can be confident that Holt will make the catch because he still has two of the best hands in the league and Holt won’t flinch to make the catch, even with a defender barring down to deliver a hit. 

Continue reading "Window Shopping"

ld the team at halftime…A tip of the cap to the Patriot players selected to the Pro Bowl: QB Tom Brady, NT Vince Wilfork, and Welker. WR Randy Moss and S Brandon Merriweather will attend as injury replacements.

Continue reading "Pick Six: Wild Card"

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"

eep the continuity as best as possible, but I hope the offense goes the unpredictable route that QB Tom Brady suggested. The first step would be to start WR Sam Aiken. 

No big deal? Yeah, maybe. But this wrinkle could help the passing game along. 

Continue reading "Welker Remix"

After that, it’s a case by case basis. 

Quarterback Tom Brady said he will play and I hope every able bodied player joins him on the field. It looks like the Patriots right now are playing great football on both sides of the ball heading into the playoffs. It’s encouraging and they should keep the momentum, if not build on it. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 17"

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. 

2. The pass rush had their best day of the year. They totaled six sacks on the afternoon. They were led by OLB Tully Banta-Cain with three. And ILB Gary Guyton picked up his first career sack as well. This was New England’s best sack day since they had seven against Miami in week 16 of 2007. 

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"

From the first losing streak since 2006, to QB Tom Brady calling out his teammates, to the distraction of the Tardy Four. New England’s focus has been put to the test. The coaching has been put into question. Players have been accused of not trying hard. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 14"

ut of players than by embarrassing them in front of everybody. 

After the loss to Miami, QB Tom Brady said about the team, “…I don’t think we fight very hard.” When asked to clarify on Wednesday, Brady said some weren’t putting in the hard work during the week to get the team out of the slump they’re in. 

Continue reading "The Message?"

Whether it is a slot guy or the tight end, QB Tom Brady doesn’t trust them. 

It’s not just that the Patriots are a first half team. They owned the second half in years past. Now they can’t put teams away, even with what used to be secure double-digit leads. Halftime adjustments are non-existent. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 13"

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. 

The proof was in Porter’s state line for the game: He didn’t register a single tackle or sack. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 13"

dy Moss and Wes Welker pretty much taken away, there wasn’t a consistent third option that QB Tom Brady count on. 

In all honesty, even if Seymour and Gaffney were still on the team, it wouldn’t had mattered. The final score might had been closer, but New England still would had lost. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 12"

QB Tom Brady continues to set new team records. He passed Drew Bledsoe in career completions and tied the franchise record with his seventh 3,000-yard season. 

6. It wasn’t all good. The blocked punt was the first blocked punt by the Jets since 1986, a span of 371 games. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 11"

We’ll get a good look at him to see if he really has pro potential. 

QB Tom Brady is a very different player from week two. So is Sanchez, but in a bad way. It will be a little cl

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 11"

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"

on Vollmer and the rest of the offensive line, a unit that might play without C Dan Koppen, to keep Tom Brady safe. If the unit accomplishes that Sunday night, then maybe it’s safe to speculate Vollmer starting ahead of Light. 

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"

WR Wes Welker wasn’t even targeted in the first quarter. But when Tom Brady looked for Welker in the second quarter, his first three receptions each went for first downs. 

6. S Pat Chung picked up his second sack in as many weeks. It was a great call as he came in on a delayed blitz to take down Miami’s Chad Henne. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week Nine"

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. 

As much as we like ILB Jerod Mayo, his injury set him back. He’s eighth on the team in tackles. No one from the front seven has a chance of getting voted in. 

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"

QB Tom Brady might have his hands full, thanks to his wife Gisele (lucky), but I’m sure he’ll sneak in extra work to fine tune his game. 

Brady has already come a long way. He didn’t flinch when a Tampa Bay defender rolled towards his feet on Sunday. Brady stood and delivered a perfect strike for a completion.  

Continue reading "Good Bye"

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. 

The bottom line is New England is 5-2 with a bye week ahead of them. What perfect timing! They’re already in London, England. Why not hang out a little for a vacation before coming back home? 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week Seven"

Way to bounce back, Tom Brady. He tied a personal record with six touchdown passes, five of them in the second quarter. The last time a player had five TDs passes in a quarter was 1950. I’m not ready to say Brady is back, but it was a great day to fine tune his game. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week Six"

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"

nge in leadership? New England replaced the injured QB Drew Bledsoe with unknown second year player Tom Brady. And when Bledsoe was healthy, he remained on the bench because Brady executed so well. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 5"

He’s outplayed beloved QB Tom Brady this year, and it’s not even close. 

I’d say a few words about the Ravens rush offense, but if I keep this up, I might start believing the Patriots have no chance against the Ravens. 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 4"

ed to the Patriots 2001 Championship (no offense Drew Bledsoe, but you wouldn’t had done what Tom Brady did that year, or in the other two championship seasons). I just didn’t think it would be so unbalanced. 

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"

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"

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"

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"

Of the new arrivals, only TE Chris Baker caught any of Tom Brady’s 39 passes. 

Feeling His Way: It took him a while, but Brady found his rhythm in the second half. After completing 59 percent of his passes in the first half, Brady raised his game to 84 percent for 219 yards and two scores. His confidence in his knee will grow as the season progresses. 

Continue reading "Pick 6: Week 1"

QB Tom Brady instantly became a core player by leading the team to the first Championship in 2001. LBs Tedy Bruschi and Willie McGinest were long time Pats before and now own three rings. S Rodney Harrison was signed as a free agent in 2003 and was a part of two titles. CB Ty Law shined brightest on the biggest stage. And DT Richard Seymour started during his rookie year and established his importance to the team. 

Continue reading "The Core"

Besides the fact that QB Tom Brady is back, New England signed WR Joey Galloway to be the third receiver. And Fred Taylor will help a healthy (for now) Laurence Maroney carry the load at running back. 

Continue reading "Out of Reach"

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 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"

d 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"

What will Tate be when he’s fully recovered? Tate’s injury happened about a month after Tom Brady suffered his ACL-MCL tear. While Brady is already on the field trying to regain his feel, Tate remains on the sidelines. 

Continue reading "Waiting on Tate"

than three yards a pop. 

There probably was a focus to get the passing game in sync with QB Tom Brady playing his first game since September as well as taking the first step towards restoring his confidence in his reconstructed knee. Throwing the ball plays to the Patriots’ strength, but they have to run the ball to keep defenses honest. 

Continue reading "On the Run"

After one preseason game, what stood out? 

Tom Brady – for someone coming off a major knee injury, he looked better than I anticipated. Two throws in particular weren’t on target, but otherwise, he needs to work off the rust. 

Continue reading "Pick Six"

It’s no surprise that QB Tom Brady wants to play in the opening preseason game. He loves to play so much that he can’t wait to experience live action again, even if it’s in a glorified practice. 

Continue reading "The Sooner, the Better for Brady"

Let’s take a quick inventory, shall we? 

The Patriots have Tom Brady, Matt Gutierrez, Kevin O’Connell, and Brian Hoyer at quarterback. 

The receiver position is stocked with Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Joey Galloway, Brandon Tate, Sam Aiken, Greg Lewis, Matt Slater, Shun White, Terrence Nunn, and quarterback-turned receiver Julian Edelman. 

Continue reading "Signing Vick ?"

back in the matter of one season. 

Expecting that O’Brien will do similar things with Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and new third receiver Joey Galloway is unfair to O’Brien. But if New England doesn’t consistently put points on the board, then O’Brien isn’t doing a good enough job. 

Continue reading "Camp Countdown"

On Saturday, I saw this man, Jesus Christ. Today, Patriots fans will see their savior, Tom Brady, take the field with the team for the first time since his knee injury. 

According to all reports, Brady’s recovery following surgery to repair his ACL and MCL is on schedule. Naturally Tom Terrific is hungry to go all out and go above and beyond. Thankfully the coaching and training staff will hold him back when necessary. 

Continue reading "Brady Back, but Patriots Still Not Complete"

QB Tom Brady doesn't play favorites so Galloway better be as good as advertised, if not better, or he won't see many passes come his way. And that's a real concern with a receiver that's 37 years old. Galloway might had been the fastest player on the Buccaneers, but exactly how fast is that?

Continue reading "Mike Wright Done Right"

All signs indicate Tom Brady will be ready for the season opener. When you have a two-time Super Bowl MVP and the 2007 league MVP returning healthy, even from a serious injury, do you really need insurance like Cassel? It would be a hell of a luxury, but the reality is the Patriots won't be able to afford to pay two QBs starter's money and fortify a team that lacks depth at linebacker and corner back.

Continue reading "Cassel, Your Tag is Showing"

e to get the job done and the top defense in '08 will remain intact.

There's also the question of Tom Brady's return to health. I remain optimistic that Brady will be back for the start of the season, and maybe even play in the preseason. But I expect Tom will have to work the rust off. It will be a full year since he threw a regular season pass. Brady must develop the confidence to put his full weight on his leg after having his left knee reconstructed following knee surgery.

Continue reading "Team of the Decade"

The price for Matt Cassel has gone up. I don't know if Cassel was fed the "I would back-up Tom Brady because the Patriots is his team" line or if these are his true feelings, but it sends a message out to the league that New England doesn't have to trade either quarterback. They could have the best depth at the position in the league with two Pro Bowl-caliber passers on the roster. So if your team needs a franchise QB and you can't draft either Matt Stafford nor Mark Sanchez, acquiring Cassel will be at a premium price.

Continue reading "Swirling Trade Winds in Foxborough"

Let's review:

Brady Says Rehab Going Well - While speaking to a Toronto radio station, QB Tom Brady said his recovery from ACL surgery is progressing. Well that's reassuring! I remember when the two conflicting reports came out - one saying Brady could miss the 2009 season due to setbacks and the other relying on other sources that said everything is on schedule. This announcement by Brady doesn't prove either story, but it puts a Pats fan's mind at ease to a degree. I feel he will be back this year and the Patriots will again be a Super Bowl contender.

Continue reading "Short Takes"

r and spent the last five years working directly with quarterbacks. He was an integral part of Tom Brady's development. With McDaniels in his ear, Brady had his four best years as a passer, including the record-breaking 2007 season.

Continue reading "McDaniels Leaves the Nest"

ge for leading the Patriots to 11 wins with 14 players on injured reserve, including key players QB Tom Brady, S Rodney Harrison, and LB Adalius Thomas.

The journalist who made the statement was NBC's Bob Costas. His explanation, as printed in The Boston Globe:

Continue reading "Stray Votes"

gland leverage.

Naturally the pessimists jumped to the conclusion that something is wrong with QB Tom Brady's recovery from his knee surgeries. A report said because of the infection, it sets Brady back to the point he might miss the 2009 season. If that's the case, then slapping a franchise tag on Cassel is insurance if Brady can't return for '09.

Continue reading "Tag! You're Going Nowhere"

rt playing without their starting quarterback? When you're talking about an All-Pro MVP passer like Tom Brady, the other top notch teams would be playing for pride. Would the New York Giants be in position to defend their title with David Carr in place of Eli Manning? Hell no!

Continue reading "Hats Off"

When Tom Brady went down with a devastating knee injury during the opening game, most New Englanders admitted that the season could end short of the playoffs. That it could include an 11-5 record, the survival of a half-dozen significant injuries and the emergence of a young quarterback and still end the same way wasn't part of that equation.

Continue reading "The Waiting Game"

The offense specifically attacked Smith and made him look silly. Even QB Tom Brady uncharacteristically got in Smith's face after a touchdown pass. Shoot, even head coach Bill Belichick took a swipe at Smith when he said after the game, "I've seen better safetys than him." Dissed by a head coach? Owch!

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 13"

legitimate chance of making the post season in a year that seemed that all hope was gone. 

Tom Brady should be nervous. After all, it seems like Karma to me. Brady did it to Bledsoe, so it was only a matter of time. Speaking of similarities, I see Bill Belichick standing behind Matt Cassel rubbing his hands together and laughing maniacally like a mad scientist. This is a formula. And this is what Bill Belichick had in mind the entire time. 

Continue reading "Building a Cassel"

It's at the point that now people think New England should re-sign Cassel and trade Tom Brady.

The old saying, "everyone's favorite player is the back-up quarterback," never fails.

Continue reading "The Cassel-Brady Debate"

New England Patriots have gone through, how impressed are you by their performance playing without Tom Brady? 

Bill Romanowski:Well I think Matt Cassel has done a very good job. Are they the same team? No, but I’ll tell you what. Matt Cassel probably earned himself a starting job somewhere else in the league next year. Or, depending on how the rest of the season plays out, does New England take the young guy, dish off Brady for multiple draft picks, and really solidifies/secures the future of their organization and their game? You heard it from me first. 

Continue reading "Romanowski on the Patriots"

show: Meet the Patri-ouchs!

So let's see here, That makes Tom Brady, Laurence Maroney, Rodney Harrison, Shawn Crable, and now Thomas on injured reserve. Among those five there might be more Pro Bowl selections missing the season than active players with the honor, and Crable hasn't even reached the playing field, let alone Hawaii.

Continue reading "Patriots Mounting Injuries Aren't Funny"

Now that the most important stretch has begun for the Pats, they move forward confidently behind Tom Brady's understudy. The kid gloves are off for Cassel and he has a full grasp of what he must do to help the Patriots win.

Continue reading "Looks Like We Got a Quarterback"

ack-up, LaMont Jordan, ranked as first, and quarterback, because of the significance of the loss of Tom Brady, in a close third.

The current state of the secondary's health is tenuous, at best. We saw last week Ellis Hobbs fall hard on his shoulder. He needed to be helped off the field. Lewis Sanders has been in and out of the lineup. And Deltha O'Neal suffered a concussion. If they have to reach for help, they could turn to WR/S Matt Slater, but he was out this week as well. Can Troy Brown still play?

Continue reading "Another One Bit by Bug?"

QB Peyton Manning had more than one knee surgery this year. So did Tom Brady. The difference: Manning had his in the off-season while Brady had his most recent procedure done about a week ago.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 9"

The hatred has grown to the point that fans all around the country celebrated when Tom Brady went down with injury, noting - whether out loud or to themselves - that it was about time something bad happened to the Pats.

Continue reading "15 yards for unnecessary whining"

It reminds me of 2001.

This isn't about comparing Cassel to QB Tom Brady. That has been done before. More importantly, when the Patriots play well in all areas, it eases the burden of winning on the passer. In other words, less from Cassel is best for the Patriots. It worked for Brady in 2001.

Continue reading "A Team Award for a Vintage Win"

It's obvious he's not Tom Brady so give that comparision a rest. How does Cassel stack up against other backups?

Matt Cassel, 4th season - New England Patriots
64.8 pct 910 yds 3 TD 4 Int 78.1 rating 3-2 W-L

Continue reading "Pick Your Poision"

But it's not. I'm frustrated because with Tom Brady apparently went all knowledge of how to a)cover anybody; b)block anybody or c)muster some freakin' pride and hit somebody.

That's what's most maddening: This has nothing to do with

Continue reading "Texting the truth"

I get it. Keep changing quarterbacks until we find the next Tom Brady. Let's try out Matt Gutierrez and Kevin O'Connell to see if they have that special "it" that Brady has. We already know Cassel doesn't have "it." We'll keep on changing quarterbacks until we find the guy that can lead the team to another Super Bowl win like Brady did.

Continue reading "Any Bright Ideas?"

The Boston Globe is reporting that QB Tom Brady had successful surgery to repair his injured knee on Monday. The anticipated recovery time is about six to eight months.

Since it is October, we'll project that Brady will be ready to practice between February and April. He will be a participant in mini-camps most likely and absolutely training his butt off in the weight room.

Continue reading "Get Well...Whenever"

After the QB Tom Brady injury, I wrote a column about WR Randy Moss fulfilling his role as a team captain. Just two weeks later, there are reports of Moss exhibiting the bad behavior that the Minnesota Vikings tired of and the Oakland Raiders wouldn't deal with.

Continue reading "The Randy Rules"

nder if just changing the routes is all the coaches have to do.

Cassel's build is very similar to Tom Brady's. The Pats do a good job of finding players that fit the system. This is a offense designed for a drop back passer. Cassel is tall enough to see over the line and has the strong arm to stand and deliver the ball to his targets.

Continue reading "Personalized Playbook"

win in our face, saying his statements were more about the Patriots not being the same team without Tom Brady. While I buy Porter's post-game statements, I feel inside he's gloating about the whupping laid on the Pats.

Continue reading "There's Something About Miami"

saw these comments by Miami LB Joey Porter about QB Matt Cassel on ESPN:

I just know he's not a Tom Brady. So if it's not Tom Brady, it shouldn't be that hard.

You treat him like you treat a backup. How do you prepare for a backup? He don't get that many snaps, right? So you throw the kitchen sink at him. That's what we're going to do.

Continue reading "Thank you, Joey Porter"

are probably expecting to read (or at least skim) some bitter, semi incoherent rambling post about Tom Brady's left knee and the dirty Chiefs and the especially classless fans of the NFL who actually had the gall to celebrate and commemorate a horrific injury to the league's best player, but I've gotta leave something for Simmons to do, so that will not be a part of my post today.  Instead, I'm going to hide from my problems inside the twisted world of the NBA, where my beloved Boston Celtics are still champions, and my mistresses, the Portland Trailblazers are looking better than ever and are brimming with talent and potential.

Continue reading "Little Wing?"

He knows the offense. But his strengths are different from Tom Brady's. A lot of plays will be the same, but others will be exchanged for what Cassel is comfortable with. There probably will be more screen plays, but that doesn't mean downfield passes are out of the attack.

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 2"

Washington, with Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth, were going to be the explosive targets Tom Brady was in dire need of.

But a little trade for WR Randy Moss on day two of the NFL Draft changed Kelley's role from competing for playing time to playing for a roster spot.

Continue reading "On offense"

What if Tom Brady had his knee torn up while on the road? Would the hostile crowd cheer?

I give Kansas City fans the benefit of the doubt. I don't think they would relish watching an opposing player writhing in pain from a blow to the knee. Nor would they celebrate their player for taking out an opponent for the year.

Continue reading "Have We Sunk This Low?"

The first guess from a Patriots fan would be 56, as in the first time in 56 games that Tom Brady was not listed on the injury report, he got injured. They might have a point, but I'd have to disagree. 56 also represents the jersey number for Andre Tippett who entered the Hall of Fame in August. So 56 isn't totally unlucky.

Continue reading "Unlucky number"

Well, it appears Tom Brady will be out for the season. I think I speak for all of Patriot Nation when I say, 'dang'.

To call the loss of Brady a blow would be a seismic understatement. This is something more along the lines of a cataclysmic bazooka blast from outer space. Kamikaze Pollard, as the Chief's safety shall from now on be known, took out the central nervous system of the finely tuned Patriot machine and reduced the team to a motley assortment of loose parts.

Continue reading "Reaction to the Brady Injury"

You know what was funny? Right after QB Tom Brady collapsed to the ground after the hit by KC safety Bernard Pollard, my first impulse was, "OK, so he's hurt. Bring in Drew Bledsoe!" That was a good memory because the Patriots still beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship and Brady returned to play in Super Bowl XXXVI.

Continue reading "It Becomes Official Today"

Breaking in Brady - The cover of Sunday's Boston Herald sports section featured Tom Brady with a tool belt around his waist and a wrench in his hand, signifying he needs to fix the team, or the offense in particular. It's not a complete project. Just maintenance. Tighten a few screws, add a little lube, and the offense will be humming again. More than anything, I want to see where Brady is at, see if he has to break his rust. I have a strong feeling he will go deep to WR Randy Moss early.

Continue reading "Hours Until Kickoff: Week 1"

Will the Patriots play the season with a grudge? To be more precise, will Bill Belichick coach with a chip on his shoulder, intent to embarrass all teams that cross his path?

Think about the leads the Patriots had in the second half and how long he left the starters in the game. The pinnacle of rubbing it in was the total destruction of Washington, 52-7. The first unit scored their sixth touchdown to make the score 45-0 with 9:06 left in the fourth quarter. They converted a 4th-and-1 on Brady's last drive and a 4th-and-2 during a drive that ended in a 10-yard touchdown run by Matt Cassel.

Continue reading "Eye to the future"

Find an active vet if the Pats desire more experience behind Tom Brady.

Talking about Brady, at this point no one knows for sure if he's healthy or not. The latest rumor is Brady has a broken foot. But on the injury report, for the first time since forever, Brady is not on the injury report. Not even his chronic bum shoulder is mentioned. He's been touched by a healer! It's a miracle!

Continue reading "Stick with Plan A"

    I know it's only the pre season, and I know Tom Brady hasn't played a snap... However I am still very concerned. I have read some blogs on this site and I have talked to friends and family of mine all of which say the pre season means nothing, and the Patriots 0-3 record is not a big deal. I agree to an extent, but for the most part I do not agree.

Continue reading "Pre Season Problems For The Pats"

egular season.

And a week ago, when the Patriots struggled with Matt Cassel, the sky was falling. Tom Brady's foot is bothering him. It's an injury concern. We don't know how bad it is so it must be serious. If this is how New England plays in the preseason, then they are in trouble when the games become real.

Continue reading "Different perspective"

ainst first team defenses.

Cassel more than had his chance to prove himself worthy of standing in Tom Brady's shadow. He's been on the team for three years now and he hasn't developed as he should. For a player that USC head coach Pete Carroll said barely lost the starting job to Matt Leinart while in college, Cassel doesn't look like starting material.

Continue reading "Kid Gloves"

fans, which may not be very hospitable to "A$ante $amuel."

For the moment it looks like Tom Brady won't play. Enjoy round three of Cassel vs Gutierrez.

Continue reading "Happy Homecoming"

Patriots Nation was holding their breath and the rest of the NFL was pumping their fist, out comes Tom Brady to join the team at practice.

Granted, that was all the media learned. What they saw was Brady stretch, a little light throwing, and Tom handing off to the running backs. His level of participation when practice really got started is unknown.

Continue reading "A Brady Cameo"

It's a full Patriot Panic regarding Tom Brady's sore foot. In a online poll hosted by Mohegan Sun Sports Tonight, 88 percent are concerned about the quarterback situation.

The worry is because of the poor play of the reserve QBs. If any performed well in either preseason game, anxiety levels wouldn't be so high that fans are window shopping free agent quarterbacks as a possible saftey net.

Continue reading "Ring the Alarm"

According to ESPN, QB Tom Brady will make his 2008 preseason debut Sunday night against Tampa Bay. And not a moment too soon.

I'm a little tired of people out there worrying about the Patriots' quarterback situation. After the dismal performance by Matt Cassel and the underwhelming work by Matt Gutierrez, people were saying the Pats need a quarterback in case Brady gets hurt.

Continue reading "First look at Brady"

Jordan and BenJarvis Green-Ellis will be particularly interesting.

The back-ups:Whether or not QB Tom Brady plays matters very little. Matt Cassel and Matt Gutierrez will try to get an edge i

Continue reading "Near and Favre"

Light
LG Logan Mankins
C Dan Koppen
RG Stephen Neal
RT Ryan O'Callaghan
QB Tom Brady
RB Laurence Maroney
FB Heath Evans
WR Randy Moss
WR Wes Welker

Continue reading "Looking too far ahead"

It's been unavoidable for the past two weeks. Clips of retired Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre going on and on about how he wants to come out of retirement but the Packers won't let him.

I've heard just about enough from Favre because I'm of the thought that if you say you're doing something, like retiring, then stick to it. If in the back of his mind he felt like I still wanna play, then don't hold a tearful press conference saying, "I know I can still play, but I'm tired. I'm just tired."

Continue reading "Keep the name out your mouth"

Ryan, reached an agreement with the Atlanta Falcons that pays him more than two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady.

The numbers are ludicrous. There's something very wrong with the system as-is. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the owners want a rookie salary cap, and they are not alone.

Continue reading "Drop and give me $20 million"