The Rich Get Richer

Training camp is now just ONE week away and I'm so anxious I had to get blogging again. This week's post will cover the off-season acquisitions. Not only who's been signed, but also what impact they should have on this year's team. Let's get started.


ADALIUS THOMAS -LB- We're told that this guy has it all and can do it all. He's BIG (6'2 270) and Fast. He can play virtually any defensive position. He's very smart. The big question here is how Belichick will use his new toy. Most thought Thomas would play his natural outside linebacker position. However in Pats mini camps he's been mostly been playing inside linebacker. I'd guess that Belichick will use him at Inside and Outside LB, but in passing situations he may play pass rushing end. Evidently in some packages he lines up at OLB behind Seymour and rushes the passer. He was a the guy that made the big play for the Ravens the last couple of years, like Bruschi USED to do here. Hopefully Thomas will continue making plays for his new boss.

RANDY MOSS -WR- The biggest steal of the draft whether or not he pans out. The general concensus (and my opinion too) is that Moss will be just fine - this year. He will be a good boy and drink the coolaid even if he isn't the leading receiver on the team, even if he catches no balls in some games. Winning is too important to him at this stage in his career. If they go on to win it all he may become selfish again. Look for him to start as the #1 receiver, the "Z". According to Troy Brown, Moss didn't drop one ball in mincamp.

DONTE STALLWORTH -WR- Perhaps he'll have the biggest impact of any newcomer to this offense. According to sources he's gobbled up this offense and he's busted his tail on the field. He'll be the deep threat, but if he indeed has learned this O, then he'll be in the right place all the time and will become Brady's 'go to' guy.

WES WELKER -WR- I don't care how productive this guy is, I believe the Pats overpaid for him. They gave the Dolohins second and seventh round picks and then shelled out nearly 7 million dollars to sign him. Don't get me wrong, he will be very good in the slot and he'll probably be a difference maker on kick returns, I just think it was a steep price to pay especially when you only gave up a 4th rounder for Moss.

KELLEY WASHINGTON -WR- My initial impression when I heard that the Pats signed him was "WHY?" and he hasn't done much to change my opinion. From what I've read, he's struggled to pick up this offense and he may be the odd man out at an overcrowded WR position. It's too bad because he's got good size.

KYLE BRADY -TE- A very good signing that I think went under the radar because of all the other weapons signed on the offense. At the VERY least Brady is a MOUNTAIN (6'6 280) and will be a devastating blocker. Put him on the same side as the Dwight Freeneys and Jason Taylors of the world and TOM will not have to worry about a pass rush. I personally feel that he's going to be an integral part of the passing game for two reasons. First, David Thomas' broken foot prevented him from participating in the offseason mini-camps, so Brady got a lot of reps with Brady. Second, he came from a Jacksonville offense that isn't designed to throw to the TE. His # of catches have been very low the past few seasons. Teams aren't going to gameplan to stop Brady because of that (and the other weapons the Pats have) so I think he'll be a BIG part of the red zone offense. I fully expect 8-10 TD's.

TORY JAMES -CB- I like this signing more than most of the experts, who seem to have been written him off for some reason. Maybe he has lost a step - I can't say that I've seen him run. But there's something to be said about a guy that has started nearly every game for the last 12 seasons. He'll be in the right place at the right time and his veteran savvy will help to make up for a little less speed. He's had 17 INT's over the last 3 seasons and I think he'll contribute when/if Samuel holds out.

SAMMY MORRIS -RB- I don't really know how much impact he'll have on the Offense. Although, he was great catching the ball out of the backfield in the offseason camps and Welker (Morris' teammate in Miami the last couple of years) is convinced that Morris could carry the load at RB if given the opportunity. He'll be in there to give Maroney a blow and might even get some 3rd down action when Faulk isn't in. Don't be surprised to see Morris play some fullback. His real impact will be on special teams.

Those are the major additions and it's way too early to mention the rookies. I'm off to work on some of your requests!