What?
Wow!
Why?
That pretty much sums up the first round for me. If I had told you yesterday that the Pats were going to draft a RB, WR and TE in the first 3 rounds of the draft you'd have thought I was on drugs. Well, that's exactly what they did and I am SHOCKED. You'd have thought that the need for Linebackers and Cornerbacks would have some impact on how they drafted. Not Bill and Scott. Value, Value and more Value. Here are the picks:
Laurence Moroney (what?)
Running back from The Minnesota Golden Gofers.
600+ carries over 3 seasons, only 4 fumbles - no turnovers. Here's what you need to know: http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/rb/laurencemaroney.html
Chad Jackson (Wow!)
Wide Receiver from The Florida Gators
2005 stats: 88 catches 900 yds and 9TD's
HE RUNS A 4.32 40 yd DASH! (That's nearly olympic speed)
The low down: http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/wr/chadjackson.html
David Thomas (why?)
Thight End from The Texas Longnorns
No doubt this kid is a football player, 10 catches from Vince Young in the Rose Bowl victory, but why do the Pats need another TE? NFL Network explained that teams realize that Graham is the blocker and Watson is the reciever, so they rotate coverage to Watson. Thomas is yet another receiving threat that should leave Watson more open. Ummm, OK.
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/te/davidthomas.html
More to come, for vidoe highlights visit:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5470428
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Seymour, Four More
By now we've all heard that Seymour got a four year deal in the vicinity of $32 million dollars with as much as $20 million gauranteed. Yippee.
Seymour money will be around for a while and as far as I'm concerned he has a LOT to live up to over the next four years. I don't want to hear any more bitching and moaning about what he's making, no more holdouts, and no more knee "injuries" keeping him off the practice fields. He is and should now act like the unquestioned leader of the Defense, the counterpart to Tom Brady. Maybe he should start hanging out with Brady so he can learn some leadership. Willie Mac is gone and the throne is #93's for the taking. I don't think it's asking too much for him to start saying and doing the right things the way Brady does. Only it's sad that they had to give him a fortune to make him do it. I hope he's happy and I hope he lives up to the contract because I for one will not let him off the hook if he slacks off.
It's ironic, because if you asked most Pats fans a year ago who would be most likely to leave the Pats, Vinatieri, MacGinest or Seymour? The majority would have said Seymour. Funny how times change in the NFL.
Seymour money will be around for a while and as far as I'm concerned he has a LOT to live up to over the next four years. I don't want to hear any more bitching and moaning about what he's making, no more holdouts, and no more knee "injuries" keeping him off the practice fields. He is and should now act like the unquestioned leader of the Defense, the counterpart to Tom Brady. Maybe he should start hanging out with Brady so he can learn some leadership. Willie Mac is gone and the throne is #93's for the taking. I don't think it's asking too much for him to start saying and doing the right things the way Brady does. Only it's sad that they had to give him a fortune to make him do it. I hope he's happy and I hope he lives up to the contract because I for one will not let him off the hook if he slacks off.
It's ironic, because if you asked most Pats fans a year ago who would be most likely to leave the Pats, Vinatieri, MacGinest or Seymour? The majority would have said Seymour. Funny how times change in the NFL.
Friday, April 07, 2006
More on '06 Schedule and signings
Evidently Bill Belichick is most concerned about his special teams. They certainly were an area of weakness last season as opposed to the superbowl years when they had an advantage over every other team in the league. The signings of Mel Mitchel and Tubucky Jones were not made in case Rodney can't come back right away. They were signed strictly to play special teams, where both excel. They have also brought in DE Kemp Rasmussen from Carolina for an interview. He is also considered a stand out on special teams. Oh and there's the signing of Martin Gramatica.
Martin Gramatica, formerly of the TB Bucs when they won the superbowl used to be called "Automatica" until he injured himself and fell off the face of the earth. Evidently, the injury was mis-diagnosed and therefore he never re-gained his form. He has since had surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle and should be good to go come training camp. IF he returns to form, this could be the best deal Belichick makes in the off-season. Obviously, the odds are against it, but you never know. The Pats have also sent special teams coach Brad Seely on a road trip to visit the top 3 kickers coming out in the draft. Look for Gramatica to be competing with a rookie and perhaps another veteran kicker in training camp. Bill and Scott like to create competition in camp and I can't see why that would change at Kicker.
Just to throw this out there, many of the Pats beat writers are still murmering about a big trade. No one knows who it wil be, but the concensus is that there WILL be a trade to move a bigtime player to Foxborough. I really don't expect a trade, but they've done it in the past. (Corey Dillon)
On to the schedule.
One local sports host suggested that Kraft should get Hostess to sponsor this years schedule implying the Pats are playing a bunch of cup cake games. One writer said the team doesn't need to get better than last year in order to win the division against this schedule. It's April, there's been no draft yet, and there is still plenty of free agent action (and trades?), so it is way too hard to judge how difficult the schedule will be. HOWEVER:
Unless we have another disasterous year on the injury front, there is NO WAY this team does worse than 12-4. I believe that 14-2 or 15-1 is more likely than 11-5 is. Why? Let's look game by game.
Buffalo is in turmoil, Pats will win both games v. Bills
Jets are in the midst of a major overhaul and the Pats will beat them twice.
Denver comes HERE. Pats have a revenge factor, and Denver will be coming off a tough division game against KC.
@Cincy. Palmer ripped his knee up in JANUARY, I don't thinkhe'll be back and Kitna is gone.
Miami I would normally call a split, each team winning the home game, BUT the week before the Pats go to Miami, Miami plays Jax - a team that tries to physically beat you up. I'd say the Pats have a fair chance to win in Miami this year.
@ Minnesota. New coach, boat scandal, no Culpepper, no defense, no chance v. the Pats onMonday night.
INDY. The most hyped game of the year and MAYBE the only loss ofthe season. It would be totally gratifiying to see Vinatieri line one up to win it and kick it wide right, or better yet, short. Here's why I think the Pats win this one: a) Indy had better have drafted a great rookie RB or they'll be one-dimensional and Belichick will eat them alive. b) In the two weeks leading up to this game, Indy plays a solid Washington team and the plays AT Denver before coming to Foxborough. You gotta like our chances.
@GB Farve throws 6 picks, Pats roll.
Chicago. This one could be 10-9 or 6-3 and could go either way. This is a good game for them to lose because its v. and NFC team and won't effect tie breakers. However, It will be Chicago's THIRD road game in row. Go look at teams records when they have to play back to back on the road, never mind 3 in a row. (NY, NY, NE) AND quite conceivably another W.
Detroit. enough said
Houston. enough said but it'll be fun to watch Reggie Bush.
@ Jax. They've got a little revenge factor against the Pats after being humiliated on national TV in the playoffs last year. BUT the Jags schedule is KILLER and they'll probably be out of the playoff picture by week 16 and have nothing to play for. (Dallas, Pitt, @ Indy, @Wash, Jets, BYE, @Houston, @ Philly. That's a TOUGH 8 weeks)
@ Tennesee. Who's gonna play QB? They'll be out of playoff contention and may be starting Matt Leinart for the 1st or 2nd time. Mandisa is already warming up. (the fat lady sings)
That's my 'glass is half full' look at the 2006 schedule. Can YOU conceive of a way a healthy Pats team loses more than 4 games?
Martin Gramatica, formerly of the TB Bucs when they won the superbowl used to be called "Automatica" until he injured himself and fell off the face of the earth. Evidently, the injury was mis-diagnosed and therefore he never re-gained his form. He has since had surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle and should be good to go come training camp. IF he returns to form, this could be the best deal Belichick makes in the off-season. Obviously, the odds are against it, but you never know. The Pats have also sent special teams coach Brad Seely on a road trip to visit the top 3 kickers coming out in the draft. Look for Gramatica to be competing with a rookie and perhaps another veteran kicker in training camp. Bill and Scott like to create competition in camp and I can't see why that would change at Kicker.
Just to throw this out there, many of the Pats beat writers are still murmering about a big trade. No one knows who it wil be, but the concensus is that there WILL be a trade to move a bigtime player to Foxborough. I really don't expect a trade, but they've done it in the past. (Corey Dillon)
On to the schedule.
One local sports host suggested that Kraft should get Hostess to sponsor this years schedule implying the Pats are playing a bunch of cup cake games. One writer said the team doesn't need to get better than last year in order to win the division against this schedule. It's April, there's been no draft yet, and there is still plenty of free agent action (and trades?), so it is way too hard to judge how difficult the schedule will be. HOWEVER:
Unless we have another disasterous year on the injury front, there is NO WAY this team does worse than 12-4. I believe that 14-2 or 15-1 is more likely than 11-5 is. Why? Let's look game by game.
Buffalo is in turmoil, Pats will win both games v. Bills
Jets are in the midst of a major overhaul and the Pats will beat them twice.
Denver comes HERE. Pats have a revenge factor, and Denver will be coming off a tough division game against KC.
@Cincy. Palmer ripped his knee up in JANUARY, I don't thinkhe'll be back and Kitna is gone.
Miami I would normally call a split, each team winning the home game, BUT the week before the Pats go to Miami, Miami plays Jax - a team that tries to physically beat you up. I'd say the Pats have a fair chance to win in Miami this year.
@ Minnesota. New coach, boat scandal, no Culpepper, no defense, no chance v. the Pats onMonday night.
INDY. The most hyped game of the year and MAYBE the only loss ofthe season. It would be totally gratifiying to see Vinatieri line one up to win it and kick it wide right, or better yet, short. Here's why I think the Pats win this one: a) Indy had better have drafted a great rookie RB or they'll be one-dimensional and Belichick will eat them alive. b) In the two weeks leading up to this game, Indy plays a solid Washington team and the plays AT Denver before coming to Foxborough. You gotta like our chances.
@GB Farve throws 6 picks, Pats roll.
Chicago. This one could be 10-9 or 6-3 and could go either way. This is a good game for them to lose because its v. and NFC team and won't effect tie breakers. However, It will be Chicago's THIRD road game in row. Go look at teams records when they have to play back to back on the road, never mind 3 in a row. (NY, NY, NE) AND quite conceivably another W.
Detroit. enough said
Houston. enough said but it'll be fun to watch Reggie Bush.
@ Jax. They've got a little revenge factor against the Pats after being humiliated on national TV in the playoffs last year. BUT the Jags schedule is KILLER and they'll probably be out of the playoff picture by week 16 and have nothing to play for. (Dallas, Pitt, @ Indy, @Wash, Jets, BYE, @Houston, @ Philly. That's a TOUGH 8 weeks)
@ Tennesee. Who's gonna play QB? They'll be out of playoff contention and may be starting Matt Leinart for the 1st or 2nd time. Mandisa is already warming up. (the fat lady sings)
That's my 'glass is half full' look at the 2006 schedule. Can YOU conceive of a way a healthy Pats team loses more than 4 games?
Thursday, April 06, 2006
2006 Schedule
The NFL has just released the entire 2006 Schedule. The Pats schedule can be found by following this link: http://www.nfl.com/teams/schedule/NE
Other than one tough stretch in weeks 3-5 that includes Denver, Cincinati and Miami, it actually seems like a very favorable schedule. Now if we could just find some players to wear the uniforms we'd be all set.
Other than one tough stretch in weeks 3-5 that includes Denver, Cincinati and Miami, it actually seems like a very favorable schedule. Now if we could just find some players to wear the uniforms we'd be all set.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Updates....
Here are some odds and ends on the departures and signings involving the Pats or now ex-Patriots.
It looks like Troy Brown has been resigned to a one year deal. Evidently Bob Kraft couldn't take it anymore and personallly stepped in to make sure Brown would return.
Stephen Neil has also agreed to a deal, though terms have yet to be released.
Artrell Hawkins, who played a key role in the last year's late season resurgence has been signed to a three year deal worth peanuts. ($200,000 bonus and just over $700,000 each year)
It has also been reported that Heath Evans has also signed with the Pats.
Tom Ashworth is now a former Pat. The Seahawks gave him 5 yrs and 13 million with 4.5 million in signing bonus. WOW that's a lot of money for an average lineman. Personally I'm OK with the O'line we currently have, Kaczur Mankins Koppen Neil Light Gorin.
So much for Keyshawn Johnson. He signed with Carolina for a rediculous amount of money.
It looks like Troy Brown has been resigned to a one year deal. Evidently Bob Kraft couldn't take it anymore and personallly stepped in to make sure Brown would return.
Stephen Neil has also agreed to a deal, though terms have yet to be released.
Artrell Hawkins, who played a key role in the last year's late season resurgence has been signed to a three year deal worth peanuts. ($200,000 bonus and just over $700,000 each year)
It has also been reported that Heath Evans has also signed with the Pats.
Tom Ashworth is now a former Pat. The Seahawks gave him 5 yrs and 13 million with 4.5 million in signing bonus. WOW that's a lot of money for an average lineman. Personally I'm OK with the O'line we currently have, Kaczur Mankins Koppen Neil Light Gorin.
So much for Keyshawn Johnson. He signed with Carolina for a rediculous amount of money.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Vinateiri-eyed?
I never thought that my 100th post would be a goodbye to Adam Vinatieri. The salt in the wound is that he went to Indy, of all places. It would have been an easier pill to swallow if it was Green Bay or Dallas, but not with Manning and Co.
While I am not particularly happy with the decision to let Adam walk, you've got to figure that the Pats know something that we don't. They certainly could have re-signed him if they felt like they needed him that badly. (the team makes $250 million/year not to metion all the cap space they currently have) That being said, this is NOT a smear campaign on Vinatieri. #4 has been the difference between the Pats and the rest of the league during the dynastinc period. However, we don't know what the Pats know about Vinatieri. Maybe his back issues are worse than we know. In pregame they always have the Kicker kick to both ends of the field to mark what his farthest kick in either direction will be on that day. We are not privy to that info, maybe Adam's range was getting to be less than they are comfortable with. I don't even have to mention how short his kick-offs are, though I thought they were a liitle better last year. Again, this is not meant to be a smear campaign, I for one wish they brought him back, but it is hard for me not to have emotional ties to this player. The Pats have the facts.
I'm not going to try not to judge these moves until I see the team that they bring in to training camp, but the Pats certainly have a LOT of work to do to build this roster back to Championship caliber.
Kickers out there are Vanderjerk, Edinger and rumor has it that Olindo Mare may be cut from Miami. The obvious choice of those 3 is Edinger.
While I am not particularly happy with the decision to let Adam walk, you've got to figure that the Pats know something that we don't. They certainly could have re-signed him if they felt like they needed him that badly. (the team makes $250 million/year not to metion all the cap space they currently have) That being said, this is NOT a smear campaign on Vinatieri. #4 has been the difference between the Pats and the rest of the league during the dynastinc period. However, we don't know what the Pats know about Vinatieri. Maybe his back issues are worse than we know. In pregame they always have the Kicker kick to both ends of the field to mark what his farthest kick in either direction will be on that day. We are not privy to that info, maybe Adam's range was getting to be less than they are comfortable with. I don't even have to mention how short his kick-offs are, though I thought they were a liitle better last year. Again, this is not meant to be a smear campaign, I for one wish they brought him back, but it is hard for me not to have emotional ties to this player. The Pats have the facts.
I'm not going to try not to judge these moves until I see the team that they bring in to training camp, but the Pats certainly have a LOT of work to do to build this roster back to Championship caliber.
Kickers out there are Vanderjerk, Edinger and rumor has it that Olindo Mare may be cut from Miami. The obvious choice of those 3 is Edinger.
Friday, March 17, 2006
The Patriots First Signing of the Offseason Is...
Reche Caldwell. Who?
Reche Caldwell from the University of Florida who has played 5 seasons with San Diego. He had a career high 28 catches last season. I'm psyched.
Reche Caldwell from the University of Florida who has played 5 seasons with San Diego. He had a career high 28 catches last season. I'm psyched.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Bringing Clarity to my Previous Post
No I do not need to commit suicide. The point I was trying to make was that while I have faith in Belichick and Pioli, it is very frustrating not knowing just what the plan is. Compare it to the Sox. After Damon left, we knew they would probably go get Crisp. We always had an idea of what they might be up to. The frustration with the Pats is no one has a clue what the plan is. The Pats beat writers didn't know that they acquired Dillon until it came over the news wire.
An example of my frustration is at wide receiver. Everyone knew for the last two seasons that Givens was leaving at the end of his contract. The writers speculated the Pats would probably go after Jurevicious or Finneran. Both signed for 'patriot-like' money and never heard from the Pats. One report even had Finneran's agent calling the Pats and asking them to match Atlanta's offer.
Anyway, I hope this clears the air, I'm not about to commit suicide, I'm not about to jump ship on the Pats nor Belichick and Pioli, I'm merely frustrated with their secrecy. I would have speculated that since Belichick and Keyshawn are such good friends (Belichick attended Keyshawn's wedding) that he'd be a natural fit here especially considereing that the Pats #2 WR is 'Bam' Childress. But who knows, tomorrow they might trade for Randy Moss for all I know. And that is where my frustration lies.
An example of my frustration is at wide receiver. Everyone knew for the last two seasons that Givens was leaving at the end of his contract. The writers speculated the Pats would probably go after Jurevicious or Finneran. Both signed for 'patriot-like' money and never heard from the Pats. One report even had Finneran's agent calling the Pats and asking them to match Atlanta's offer.
Anyway, I hope this clears the air, I'm not about to commit suicide, I'm not about to jump ship on the Pats nor Belichick and Pioli, I'm merely frustrated with their secrecy. I would have speculated that since Belichick and Keyshawn are such good friends (Belichick attended Keyshawn's wedding) that he'd be a natural fit here especially considereing that the Pats #2 WR is 'Bam' Childress. But who knows, tomorrow they might trade for Randy Moss for all I know. And that is where my frustration lies.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
When do They Finally go on the Offensive?!?!?!
It is getting harder and harder to just relax and play the waiting game with the Patriots. Too many free agents many thought the Pats would be interested in have signed elsewhere and it is driving me nuts. I just wish they'd DO something already. On top of the lack of activity Givens leaves and now McGinest too. Of course, the Pats would never have given them contracts as big as they got elsewhere, but you have to wonder if the market has adjusted up and maybe the Pats will be left in the cold. I'm doing my best not to get too nervous about it, but it gets harder and harder to keep the faith with every passing hour.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Unimaginable but Practical?
The Patriots are nearly 17 million dollars UNDER the 102 million dollar salary cap. To me it is unimaginable that they haven't tried to at least resign their unrestricted players, Vinatieri McGinest Givens Neil etc. 17 Million under and not so much as a call toMcGinest or Vinatieri. WHY? They must have some master plan, but to me they are gambling here especially with Adam.
The Pats are taking their usual practical approach to free agency. They let everyone else set the market and then they act. They set a 'value' to a position or a player and if the player wants to be here for that price, then they'll be here. This practical approach seems to make sense because typically in this, the first week of free agency, teams have to overpay to bring in a player. For example:
The Vikings signed Hutchinson (G) for 7yrs $49million
The Redskins signed Randel El (WR) for 7yrs $30 million
The Ravens signed Jaml Lewis (RB) for 3 yrs $25 million
The Redskins signed Archuletta (S) for 5yrs $30 million
The Patriots wouldn't dream of paying these guys anywhere near those amounts and they've been successful in the past by sticking to it. There is a sense however, that their own players resent them for it. Reports are saying that Vinatieri feels spited by the lack of a good offer and wants to sign elsewhere just to get back at the Pats for not doing his deal a long time ago. Len Pasquireli at ESPN.com had a story about McGinest saying he's going to go visit other teams to finish his career with because the pats haven't even called him.
My only advice to my fellow Pats fans is to be patient, they never make a free agent move until at least one full week into the free agent period. The Patriots under Kraft have never NOT spent right up to the cap, so you've got to think they'll continue that trend. The burning question is who are they going to spend that money on and when? Only time will tell, but in the meantime they are losing their own players (Fauria to Wash and Chatam to the Jets). It should be real interesting once they finally decide to throw their hat in the ring, but one thing is for sure, they will take the practical approach.
The Pats are taking their usual practical approach to free agency. They let everyone else set the market and then they act. They set a 'value' to a position or a player and if the player wants to be here for that price, then they'll be here. This practical approach seems to make sense because typically in this, the first week of free agency, teams have to overpay to bring in a player. For example:
The Vikings signed Hutchinson (G) for 7yrs $49million
The Redskins signed Randel El (WR) for 7yrs $30 million
The Ravens signed Jaml Lewis (RB) for 3 yrs $25 million
The Redskins signed Archuletta (S) for 5yrs $30 million
The Patriots wouldn't dream of paying these guys anywhere near those amounts and they've been successful in the past by sticking to it. There is a sense however, that their own players resent them for it. Reports are saying that Vinatieri feels spited by the lack of a good offer and wants to sign elsewhere just to get back at the Pats for not doing his deal a long time ago. Len Pasquireli at ESPN.com had a story about McGinest saying he's going to go visit other teams to finish his career with because the pats haven't even called him.
My only advice to my fellow Pats fans is to be patient, they never make a free agent move until at least one full week into the free agent period. The Patriots under Kraft have never NOT spent right up to the cap, so you've got to think they'll continue that trend. The burning question is who are they going to spend that money on and when? Only time will tell, but in the meantime they are losing their own players (Fauria to Wash and Chatam to the Jets). It should be real interesting once they finally decide to throw their hat in the ring, but one thing is for sure, they will take the practical approach.
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