The season is fast approaching Pats fans and we still have no answer at wide receiver. There has been much debate in the media in the past week or so over whether or not the Pats can win without a true #1 receiver. Those that went to school for communications and never played in the NFL seem to think the Pats can't win. Those that have played in the NFL (DeOssie is leading the cause) seem to think the Pats can win the superbowl without a legit #1 guy. I don't necessarily know that they need Deion Branch or any #1 receiver per se, but they do need speed on the outside.
The Pats receiving corps as currently constituted does not pose a threat to defenses. Opposing D Coordinators will single cover Brown, Caldwell and or Chidress with corners. Then they can double team Watson with a LB underneath and a Safety over the top. That leaves a lot of dump passes to the RB's. That also means that opposing defenses will also be able to play 8 or 9 men in the box, taking away the running game that we've all been so high on this pre-season. That is where the speed comes in.
The Pats need AT LEAST the threat of the long passing game: deep outs, go patterns, deep slants that split the safeties, etc. Wide receivers with the ability to do that open up the running game and the middle for the Ben Watsons of the world. Brown can't do it anymore, Caldwell hasn't shown he ability to do it and neither has Childress. Oh, and don't forget the Pats have converted 7th round pick and former safety Willie Andrews to WR, not much chance that he'll get behind defenses either.
So where does the speed threat come from? I'm pretty sure they're not going to 'give in' to the ludicrous demands of Branch (I've seen reports that the Pats offered as much as 4yrs, over 6.15 million per with 12 million garuanteed). Hopefuly though, he'll come to his senses when he gets no other offers, fires his agent and get back with the team with a reasonable contract. I could go on and on about how insane he is for not taking the Pats offer, but this is not about my opinion of NFL contracts - maybe some other time. Word is that Chad Jackson will finally start practicing in preparation for week one, but that doesn't mean he'll start or even play. Jackson would provide the long threat and teams will have to account for him on every play, he's that physically gifted. It is disheartening to see someone like Donte Stallworth traded for nearly nothing. The Pats probably could have gotten him for Monte Beisel and a 4th round pick. Stallworth had better numbers than Branch last season, is younger, bigger and just as quick. I am still standing by my theory that David Patten will be cut by the Skins and will return to the Pats, not that I think he's the answer, but he's probably just as good or better than Caldwell.
Best case scenario, Branch reports and Jackson finally practices, the Pats have 2 speedy deep threats and an unstoppable offense. Worst case, they grind it out with neither of them and try to find someone off the scrap heap. I believe the team with SPEED (Jackson or Branch) wins 13 or 14 games and a team without can win 11 or 12 games. The difference being home field advantage throughout the playoffs or having to go on the road to get to the superbowl. How did that work out for them last year?
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
San Diego on my Mind
Sorry for the delay, I know I said this would get posted on Wednesdays, however I was in San Diego for a seminar. What a great tie-in for this weeks topic, Junior Seau.
I believe that it is easy to UNDER estimate the value of his signing. Most of us will agree, Pats fans or not, that Seau's best days are behind him and that we shouldn't be looking for him to come in here and be a Pro-Bowler again. That being said, if he can just do an admirable job until Bruschi can come back the Pats will be in good shape. From then on he can play situationally, in the vicinity of 20-30 snaps and be effective in the middle next to Bruschi. Pundits will argue that this signing is much like last years signing of Chad Brown but I disagree. Chad Brown was a rush specialist his whole career who was thrust into the run stuffing Middle LB spot. Seau has played every LB position and has experience under a similar 3-4 system under Nick Saban. Back to where I began, Seau won't be a pro-bowler, but his value will be greater off the field and that's where the under estimation comes in.
This is a guy who is hungry for his first Super Bowl Ring. No one in that locker room is going to bring as much energy and determination to this team with that specific purpose. I believe he will not be afraid to speak up to guys who are not doing the right things. He will be an inspirational leader not only in his words and actions, but also in a "win one for the gipper" kind of way. Remember Ray Bourque going to the Avs for his Stanley Cup? How about when Rodney Harrison signed and they won the super bowl for Rodney and the following year when it was win one for Corey Dillon.
If Seau's game is only average but he brings these intangibles to the locker room, he will be worth every penny that he gets and the underestimated San Diegan will have his Super Bowl ring.
Tell your friends you read it here!
I believe that it is easy to UNDER estimate the value of his signing. Most of us will agree, Pats fans or not, that Seau's best days are behind him and that we shouldn't be looking for him to come in here and be a Pro-Bowler again. That being said, if he can just do an admirable job until Bruschi can come back the Pats will be in good shape. From then on he can play situationally, in the vicinity of 20-30 snaps and be effective in the middle next to Bruschi. Pundits will argue that this signing is much like last years signing of Chad Brown but I disagree. Chad Brown was a rush specialist his whole career who was thrust into the run stuffing Middle LB spot. Seau has played every LB position and has experience under a similar 3-4 system under Nick Saban. Back to where I began, Seau won't be a pro-bowler, but his value will be greater off the field and that's where the under estimation comes in.
This is a guy who is hungry for his first Super Bowl Ring. No one in that locker room is going to bring as much energy and determination to this team with that specific purpose. I believe he will not be afraid to speak up to guys who are not doing the right things. He will be an inspirational leader not only in his words and actions, but also in a "win one for the gipper" kind of way. Remember Ray Bourque going to the Avs for his Stanley Cup? How about when Rodney Harrison signed and they won the super bowl for Rodney and the following year when it was win one for Corey Dillon.
If Seau's game is only average but he brings these intangibles to the locker room, he will be worth every penny that he gets and the underestimated San Diegan will have his Super Bowl ring.
Tell your friends you read it here!
Friday, August 18, 2006
THE CHANGE
As you may have noticed, it's been a LONG time since I've been able to BLOG. Unfortunately, I have to put my time and energy elsewhere these days. So this BLOG will change from "Paraphrased New England Patriots news and opinions all in one place for those who just don't have the time to find it all themselves", to a weekly column revolving around everything Patriots. Watch for the "column" to appear on Wednesdays around lunch time. For those of you looking for Pats news here, I would gladly refer you to Mike Reis' Blog at Boston.com.
Thanks for continuing to read, I hope to spark some discussions and create some different thoughts on the Pats.
Thanks for continuing to read, I hope to spark some discussions and create some different thoughts on the Pats.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Issues to Resolve in Training Camp
Way too much has been made of the Branch holdout. Everything has been written about it, and nothing is getting done. The fact is, unless he wants to skip the entire season or be handed a franchise tag at the end of season, Deion Branch will be on the field for the first game of the season. From here on out, I'll be Belichickian and just say that I'm here to Blog about the players that are in camp.
*Tedy Bruschi has injured his wrist and will be re-evaluated after a week in a cast.
On with the issues.....
Assuming that employee #83 will be on the field, who will emerge as the #2 wide receiver? Early indications are that it will be Reche Caldwell. He is head and shoulders above the other receiver in practice, but that is not saying much. Other than Troy Brown there are no WR's in camp with any real NFL experience. While Caldwell has looked fantastic, he does come with a significant injury history. I don't feel that Brown is a legit #2 guy at this stage in his career, but he was always better as the 'slot' (#3) receiver anyway. It's hard to imagine that they haven't brought in more (any) veterans for camp, but I'd be surprised if they didn't sign 1 or 2 vets by the end of preseason. Ricky Proehl anyone? And I still believe old friend David Patten will be cut by the skins and join the Pats once again.
Is Beisel the answer as the 'will' MLB next to Bruschi? He'd better be or you may be looking at a starting lineup that includes Bruschi and Larry Izzo or Don Davis - yikes! Beisel has put on a few pounds in the off-season and in a good way. All indications are that he's 'doing better' than he was last training camp. Rod Gardner hasn't looked bad when he's been in, but other than that, there have been no reports about the younger MLB's doing anything at all in camp.
Who needs Ty Law when you've got Eugene Wilson? Seriously, Wilson has been starting at corner with the first team in almost every practice. Wilson and Hobbs at Corner and Artrell Hawkins and either Sanders or Tebucky or Scott at the other safety. Evidently the Pats liked what they saw in Hawkins ability as a Safety last year to make this transition with Wilson. Don't forget, sooner or later you'll be adding Harrison to the mix.
Who takes over for Vinatieri? Neither kicker has done a lot to hurt their cause. Gramatica has been Automatica and Gostkowski has been very consistent as well. The difference being that Gramatica kicks lower and not as far while Gostkowski kicks high and long. The pre-season games will be interesting just to see these two kick.
Lastly, I'd like to address an issue that hasn't yet surfaced as an issue as far as I know. Tom Brady. Yes I know, he's Mr. Everybodysallamericangoodboy, but do you think the Pats might be asking a little too much of him this year? I'm just throwing this out there because it's something I've been wondering about for a few weeks. What are they asking of Mr Perfect (I mean that in a good way)? 1) go to the line of scrimmage with 4-5 plays, read the D and call the appropriate play. 2) Run the offense perhaps without Branch, and when he returns no real #2 reciever. 3) Throw predominantly to the TE's even though that's never been the focus of the Offense. 4) Drive down the field for a game winning TD instead of FG because we're not sure the rookie will make a 40 yarder to win it. 5) Sit in the meetings and be the co-offensive coordinator (unofficially of course). 6) We have NO depth at LB or DB so you might have to go out and win games 50-49 if we get one or two "Rodney Harrison" type injuries. (see Tedy Bruschi's wrist) Did I miss anything? Oh Yeah, smile and be happy - you are the team's unquestioned leader and the face of the franchise and don't forget that the fans expect another superbowl victory this year.
OK, if anyone can do it, it might be Brady but don't be too harsh on him if he waivers a little.
Another post shortly on my visit to camp!
*Tedy Bruschi has injured his wrist and will be re-evaluated after a week in a cast.
On with the issues.....
Assuming that employee #83 will be on the field, who will emerge as the #2 wide receiver? Early indications are that it will be Reche Caldwell. He is head and shoulders above the other receiver in practice, but that is not saying much. Other than Troy Brown there are no WR's in camp with any real NFL experience. While Caldwell has looked fantastic, he does come with a significant injury history. I don't feel that Brown is a legit #2 guy at this stage in his career, but he was always better as the 'slot' (#3) receiver anyway. It's hard to imagine that they haven't brought in more (any) veterans for camp, but I'd be surprised if they didn't sign 1 or 2 vets by the end of preseason. Ricky Proehl anyone? And I still believe old friend David Patten will be cut by the skins and join the Pats once again.
Is Beisel the answer as the 'will' MLB next to Bruschi? He'd better be or you may be looking at a starting lineup that includes Bruschi and Larry Izzo or Don Davis - yikes! Beisel has put on a few pounds in the off-season and in a good way. All indications are that he's 'doing better' than he was last training camp. Rod Gardner hasn't looked bad when he's been in, but other than that, there have been no reports about the younger MLB's doing anything at all in camp.
Who needs Ty Law when you've got Eugene Wilson? Seriously, Wilson has been starting at corner with the first team in almost every practice. Wilson and Hobbs at Corner and Artrell Hawkins and either Sanders or Tebucky or Scott at the other safety. Evidently the Pats liked what they saw in Hawkins ability as a Safety last year to make this transition with Wilson. Don't forget, sooner or later you'll be adding Harrison to the mix.
Who takes over for Vinatieri? Neither kicker has done a lot to hurt their cause. Gramatica has been Automatica and Gostkowski has been very consistent as well. The difference being that Gramatica kicks lower and not as far while Gostkowski kicks high and long. The pre-season games will be interesting just to see these two kick.
Lastly, I'd like to address an issue that hasn't yet surfaced as an issue as far as I know. Tom Brady. Yes I know, he's Mr. Everybodysallamericangoodboy, but do you think the Pats might be asking a little too much of him this year? I'm just throwing this out there because it's something I've been wondering about for a few weeks. What are they asking of Mr Perfect (I mean that in a good way)? 1) go to the line of scrimmage with 4-5 plays, read the D and call the appropriate play. 2) Run the offense perhaps without Branch, and when he returns no real #2 reciever. 3) Throw predominantly to the TE's even though that's never been the focus of the Offense. 4) Drive down the field for a game winning TD instead of FG because we're not sure the rookie will make a 40 yarder to win it. 5) Sit in the meetings and be the co-offensive coordinator (unofficially of course). 6) We have NO depth at LB or DB so you might have to go out and win games 50-49 if we get one or two "Rodney Harrison" type injuries. (see Tedy Bruschi's wrist) Did I miss anything? Oh Yeah, smile and be happy - you are the team's unquestioned leader and the face of the franchise and don't forget that the fans expect another superbowl victory this year.
OK, if anyone can do it, it might be Brady but don't be too harsh on him if he waivers a little.
Another post shortly on my visit to camp!
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