There were quite a few happenings at this weeks minicamp, but before I delve into that I'd like to cover a topic I missed on my last post. The trade of Bethel Johnson for Johnathatn Sullivan. Once again, the Pats have made a brilliant move. By all indications, Johnson probably would have been cut this year anyway. In return for nothing then, they got former #6 overall pick Sullivan who played at Georgia and was a teammate of Seymours. While all he's done is EAT since he was drafted (he hasn't produced much at all on the field and has no work ethic) he has the size and ability to be very good in the Pats' system. In this week's minicamp Sullivan actually showed pretty good effort and the team was able to put together D-line with FOUR first round picks. (Seymour #6pick Sullivan #6 pick Warren #13pick Wilfork #21pick) I'm not saying that Sullivan is the next coming of Seymour, but the trend in the NFL is to play a nickel package (4 Dline, 2 LB and 5 DB's) and putting those four on the line is formiddable. Not to mention the likes of Jarvis Green and Marquise Hill. Even if Sullivan can just be a back up to Wilfork, enabling Wilfork to get off the field for 12 or 15 plays, he will be worth it because Wilfork will be that much more effective.
On to the minicamp and the events that occurred:
-As predicted by ALL, Branch was an "unexcused absence".
-Brady was the unquestioned leader on the field, demanding 100% from everyone at all times.
-Ellis Hobbs started taking on some leadership in the secondary which lacked Harrison AND Wilson. At one point Hobbs told veteran Eric Warfield to, "make the @#$%ing play or get the #&%@ off my field" Good for him.
-Gostkowski demonstrated a powerful and accurate leg. His biggest play was when Belichick lined him up for a 40 yarder and told the whole team practice is over if the kid makes the kick. He did and the team went nuts.
-Corey Dillon has actually taken Maroney under his wing and shoewn him the ropes. While he's not ready to acceed the position to Maroney, it is a good sign that he's got the right attitude - so far.
-The 'star' of minicamp was Ben Watson. Evidently he's going to get a lot of catches this season, as he was te primary receiver on many offensive plays. He lined up at TE, WR and H Back, ran great routes and dropped NONE.
-Not much was said about 2nd rounder Chad Jackson, but there was a quiet excitement in the way he was spoken about. He's like a BIG Deion Branch as far as cuts and hands, AND he is faster down the field than Branch. I'm trying not to get too carried away about him.
-When you see Reche Caldwell, you're going to think he's David Givens. Same size, build, NUMBER, and skin tone. Let's hope he produces like Givens.
Hope I didn't miss anything....
Next on the Pats' list should be adding some veteran depth, hopefully in the form of Ty Law and another Linebacker.
On a side note, my 'friend' of a friend on the inside has revealed to me that Belichick and Pioli are more excited about this year's draft class than any of the previous 6 they've had together. Watch the rookies!!!
Friday, June 16, 2006
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Passing Fancy
The Patriots are having there annual, non-mandatory passing camp this week leading up to this weekends' mandatory training camp. Although the passing camp is strictly voluntary, just about every Pat is there with one notable excepion - Deion Branch. Should I call him Seymour Jr? Branch, who as far as I know willingly signed his rookie contract without a gun to his head, is unhappy with his contract - ala Seymour last season. Boo Hoo. In the meantime, Brady gets to throw more balls to newcomers Jackson and Caldwell. The rumors are starting that Branch is prepared to skip the madatory camp this weekend as well, hoping that it will motivate the Pats to do a new contract before this season. Good luck with that one.
Speaking of rumors, Ty Law supposedly has narrowed his search to the Pats or Cardinals. As I've stated before, he's nuts not to sign with the Pats even if it's a one year deal. Another rumor connected with the Pats that might effect Branch is that old friend David Patten is going to be cut by Washington because of his high price and average performance. If Branch wants to sit out, the return of Patten could help to soften the blow, but I am by no means implying that Patten is as good as Branch.
Tom Brady played in a foursome with George Bush the Senior and Bill Clinton - not sure who the fourth was, but I would have been willing to spend my life savings to have been that guy. If any of you doubted my premise a year ago that Brady has political aspirations, there's some hard evidence for you. I just hope he stays in MA to be OUR Senator rather than CA's.
As for this week's passing camp, I'm not sure that the media - or anyone has had any access to it. I've been searching high and low for something, anything on how the new guys are doing. Hopefully we'll hear more on this weekend's camp.
Pass it on....tell your friends you heard it here!
Speaking of rumors, Ty Law supposedly has narrowed his search to the Pats or Cardinals. As I've stated before, he's nuts not to sign with the Pats even if it's a one year deal. Another rumor connected with the Pats that might effect Branch is that old friend David Patten is going to be cut by Washington because of his high price and average performance. If Branch wants to sit out, the return of Patten could help to soften the blow, but I am by no means implying that Patten is as good as Branch.
Tom Brady played in a foursome with George Bush the Senior and Bill Clinton - not sure who the fourth was, but I would have been willing to spend my life savings to have been that guy. If any of you doubted my premise a year ago that Brady has political aspirations, there's some hard evidence for you. I just hope he stays in MA to be OUR Senator rather than CA's.
As for this week's passing camp, I'm not sure that the media - or anyone has had any access to it. I've been searching high and low for something, anything on how the new guys are doing. Hopefully we'll hear more on this weekend's camp.
Pass it on....tell your friends you heard it here!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Thanks for the Support....
This blog has been 'picked up' by Fox Sports, Scouts Inc and MSN to be on their Patriots Insider website. I don't think it will effect you, except that (hopefully) there will be more comments on my posts. There also may be a small change in the format, but I'm still working on that. Thanks for reading, I'll continue to give you all of got!
Sunday, May 14, 2006
On Rookie Camp and Maroney...
Saturday observations from Mike Reiss of the Globe:
* Receiver Chad Jackson made a positive first impression, catching everything thrown his way and making a few difficult grabs on high-thrown balls and one over the middle. Forced to pick one player who stood out from this practice, the answer would be Jackson.
* Players wore shorts, jerseys (no pads) and helmets for the indoor practice.
* There was a lot of work on pass-catching and running back Laurence Maroney and tight end David Thomas were consistent in hauling in throws from Corey Bramlet (the only QB in camp). Thomas made one very nice grab on a long crossing route, and Maroney outran outside linebacker Jeremy Mincey to snare a long touchdown toss.
* Tight end Garrett Mills wasn’t as consistent, with a few tough passes bouncing off his hands.
* Kicker Steve Gostkowski showed solid leg strength while booting kickoffs. He consistently was kicking the ball from one end zone to the other end zone in the 80-yard practice bubble.
* It was difficult to gauge the speed of all the players, but Maroney, Jackson and Thomas all gained separation when needed, and looked the part. Maroney looks fast.
AND Reiss' Sunday observations:
* Head coach Bill Belichick spent some early time with the outside linebackers -- Jeremy Mincey and Pierre Woods -- giving them one-on-one instruction as the team was broken into drills specific by position.
* Players wore shorts, jerseys and helmets (no pads).
* With heavy rains in the area, the workout was held inside at the Dana Farber Fieldhouse.
* Laurence Maroney, Chad Jackson and David Thomas, the team’s top three draft picks, continue to snare most every catchable ball thrown their way. Jackson, specifically, seems to catch balls away from his body with fine form.
* Defensive back Vernell Brown (free agent) intercepted a pass thrown late and behind Chad Jackson in passing drills. Cornerback Willie Andrews (7th round) had a nice pass breakup on Jackson along the sideline, closing fast as the ball was thrown a bit late.
* Tight ends David Thomas and Garrett Mills worked on long snapping in a punt drill. Thomas seemed a bit more polished with the skill. Mills had a nice catch across the middle in passing drills later in the practice, as the ball arrived as he cut.
* Dan Stevenson, the sixth-round pick who primarily played right guard at Notre Dame, got some work in at center.
* Corey Bramlet remains the lone quarterback in camp.
* Rookie free agent receiver Matt Shelton had a few drops in positional work. Fellow rookie free agent Erik Davis had one drop, but also made some nice catches.
The Felger article is the one that excites me the most:
http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=139214
And lastly, Laurence Maroney who is wearing #39. I was told to check him out on a website called youtube, some guy put together a Maroney video.
Watch it. If you can't spend the entire 4 minutes, make sure you at least fast forward to 1:25 and watch that play but most iportantly, watch the play at 2:20. Speed, Vision, WOW!!! (The guy that put it together set it to some movie music, and it gives you goose bumps when you watch the 2:20 highlite because the music all kicks in - nice!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwBbBY0tf6E&search=new%20england%20patriots
Tell your friends you heard it here!
* Receiver Chad Jackson made a positive first impression, catching everything thrown his way and making a few difficult grabs on high-thrown balls and one over the middle. Forced to pick one player who stood out from this practice, the answer would be Jackson.
* Players wore shorts, jerseys (no pads) and helmets for the indoor practice.
* There was a lot of work on pass-catching and running back Laurence Maroney and tight end David Thomas were consistent in hauling in throws from Corey Bramlet (the only QB in camp). Thomas made one very nice grab on a long crossing route, and Maroney outran outside linebacker Jeremy Mincey to snare a long touchdown toss.
* Tight end Garrett Mills wasn’t as consistent, with a few tough passes bouncing off his hands.
* Kicker Steve Gostkowski showed solid leg strength while booting kickoffs. He consistently was kicking the ball from one end zone to the other end zone in the 80-yard practice bubble.
* It was difficult to gauge the speed of all the players, but Maroney, Jackson and Thomas all gained separation when needed, and looked the part. Maroney looks fast.
AND Reiss' Sunday observations:
* Head coach Bill Belichick spent some early time with the outside linebackers -- Jeremy Mincey and Pierre Woods -- giving them one-on-one instruction as the team was broken into drills specific by position.
* Players wore shorts, jerseys and helmets (no pads).
* With heavy rains in the area, the workout was held inside at the Dana Farber Fieldhouse.
* Laurence Maroney, Chad Jackson and David Thomas, the team’s top three draft picks, continue to snare most every catchable ball thrown their way. Jackson, specifically, seems to catch balls away from his body with fine form.
* Defensive back Vernell Brown (free agent) intercepted a pass thrown late and behind Chad Jackson in passing drills. Cornerback Willie Andrews (7th round) had a nice pass breakup on Jackson along the sideline, closing fast as the ball was thrown a bit late.
* Tight ends David Thomas and Garrett Mills worked on long snapping in a punt drill. Thomas seemed a bit more polished with the skill. Mills had a nice catch across the middle in passing drills later in the practice, as the ball arrived as he cut.
* Dan Stevenson, the sixth-round pick who primarily played right guard at Notre Dame, got some work in at center.
* Corey Bramlet remains the lone quarterback in camp.
* Rookie free agent receiver Matt Shelton had a few drops in positional work. Fellow rookie free agent Erik Davis had one drop, but also made some nice catches.
The Felger article is the one that excites me the most:
http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=139214
And lastly, Laurence Maroney who is wearing #39. I was told to check him out on a website called youtube, some guy put together a Maroney video.
Watch it. If you can't spend the entire 4 minutes, make sure you at least fast forward to 1:25 and watch that play but most iportantly, watch the play at 2:20. Speed, Vision, WOW!!! (The guy that put it together set it to some movie music, and it gives you goose bumps when you watch the 2:20 highlite because the music all kicks in - nice!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwBbBY0tf6E&search=new%20england%20patriots
Tell your friends you heard it here!
2006 Draft - Day Two (finally)
As you know, I try to do my best not to let my emotions get the best of me and when I write this blog, I try to be as objective as possible. However, the more I read about the players the Pats have collected from this years' draft, I can't help but get excited about them.
Round 4 Garrett Mills, TE from Tulsa
Why in the world would the Pats take yet another TE after selecting a TE in round 3 when they really don't need a TE? Here's all you need to know to understand why: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sportsNews/view.bg?articleid=129061
Round 4 Stephen Gostkowski K, Memphis
The numbers on Gostkowski are impressive. 22-25 field goals including all 10 attempted from over 40 yds. 35 for 35 on extra points in his career and his kickoffs consistantly go for touchbacks. Reading about him kicking this weekend at Pats Rookie Camp, he is still consistantly kicking for touchbacks, and on a number of occassions his kickoffs are bouncing off the ceiling of the indoor practice facility. The only question will be how he does under pressure.
Round 5 Ryan O'Callaghan T, California
A beast of a man at 6'7 344, he slipped this far due to injury concerns. He might turn out to be the next Patriots 5th round steal at O-Line (Dan Koppen). Here's what you need to know: Career Notes: Started 35 games...Despite four surgical procedures on his shoulders, two concussions and two hand fractures, Ryan has missed only one game due to injuries during his career.
Round 6 Jeremy Mincey DE, Florida
The Florida connection with Urban Meyer continues with Mincey, who projects to an outside line backer in the Patriots' scheme. 2005 SEASON: All-Southeastern Conference second-team choice by the league's coaches and Associated Press...Served as team captain and was a member of the Florida Leadership Committee in 2005...Started all year at weak-side defensive end...Ranked fourth on the team with 62 tackles.
Round 6 Dan Stevenson G, Notre Dame
Charlie Weis calls this guy the next Joe Andruzzi. That's not a bad thing to say about a 6th round pick.
Round 6 LeKevin Smith NT, Nebraska
If you run into him, don't call him LeKevin, it's La-Kee-vin. Maybe Mr Smith would be more appropriate. CAREER NOTES: Recorded 36 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, the seventh-best career total in school history. Selected all Big 12 Academic Honor roll.
Round 7 Willie Andrews S, Baylor
Was a kick/punt returner in college. Has an outside shot to make the team, and only if he produces big time in the kicking game.
The scoop on the 15 undrafted rookies that are in camp this weekend:
- Corey Mays, a 6-foot-1, 234-pound linebacker, and Matt Shelton, a 6-foot, 172-pound wide receiver - played under former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss at Notre Dame.
Also signed were:
Remi Ayodele, 6-2, 300-pound nose tackle, Oklahoma;
Brian Barthelmes, 6-6, 288-pound center, Virginia;
Corey Bramlet, 6-4, 219-pound quarterback, Wyoming;
Vernell Brown, 5-8, 165-pound cornerback, Florida;
Erik Davis, 6-2, 192-pound wide receiver, Vanderbilt;
Kader Drame, 6-5, 290-pound defensive end, Syracuse;
Randy Hand, 6-6, 305-pound tackle, Florida;
Jarvia Herring, 5-11, 205-pound safety, Florida;
Keon Jackson, 5-11, 206-pound safety, Toledo;
Freddie Roach, 6-2, 248-pound linebacker, Alabama;
Sam Smith, 6-0, 200-pound safety, Delaware State;
Gemara Williams, 5-8, 180-pound cornerback, Buffalo;
Pierre Woods, 6-5, 249-pound linebacker, Michigan
I watch a LOT of Michigan games and I'm NOT excited abou Pierre Woods.
I DO like Freddie Roach a whole lot. He was extremely productive in college with one of the best Defenses in the country. Here's the article:
http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=139228
Round 4 Garrett Mills, TE from Tulsa
Why in the world would the Pats take yet another TE after selecting a TE in round 3 when they really don't need a TE? Here's all you need to know to understand why: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sportsNews/view.bg?articleid=129061
Round 4 Stephen Gostkowski K, Memphis
The numbers on Gostkowski are impressive. 22-25 field goals including all 10 attempted from over 40 yds. 35 for 35 on extra points in his career and his kickoffs consistantly go for touchbacks. Reading about him kicking this weekend at Pats Rookie Camp, he is still consistantly kicking for touchbacks, and on a number of occassions his kickoffs are bouncing off the ceiling of the indoor practice facility. The only question will be how he does under pressure.
Round 5 Ryan O'Callaghan T, California
A beast of a man at 6'7 344, he slipped this far due to injury concerns. He might turn out to be the next Patriots 5th round steal at O-Line (Dan Koppen). Here's what you need to know: Career Notes: Started 35 games...Despite four surgical procedures on his shoulders, two concussions and two hand fractures, Ryan has missed only one game due to injuries during his career.
Round 6 Jeremy Mincey DE, Florida
The Florida connection with Urban Meyer continues with Mincey, who projects to an outside line backer in the Patriots' scheme. 2005 SEASON: All-Southeastern Conference second-team choice by the league's coaches and Associated Press...Served as team captain and was a member of the Florida Leadership Committee in 2005...Started all year at weak-side defensive end...Ranked fourth on the team with 62 tackles.
Round 6 Dan Stevenson G, Notre Dame
Charlie Weis calls this guy the next Joe Andruzzi. That's not a bad thing to say about a 6th round pick.
Round 6 LeKevin Smith NT, Nebraska
If you run into him, don't call him LeKevin, it's La-Kee-vin. Maybe Mr Smith would be more appropriate. CAREER NOTES: Recorded 36 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, the seventh-best career total in school history. Selected all Big 12 Academic Honor roll.
Round 7 Willie Andrews S, Baylor
Was a kick/punt returner in college. Has an outside shot to make the team, and only if he produces big time in the kicking game.
The scoop on the 15 undrafted rookies that are in camp this weekend:
- Corey Mays, a 6-foot-1, 234-pound linebacker, and Matt Shelton, a 6-foot, 172-pound wide receiver - played under former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss at Notre Dame.
Also signed were:
Remi Ayodele, 6-2, 300-pound nose tackle, Oklahoma;
Brian Barthelmes, 6-6, 288-pound center, Virginia;
Corey Bramlet, 6-4, 219-pound quarterback, Wyoming;
Vernell Brown, 5-8, 165-pound cornerback, Florida;
Erik Davis, 6-2, 192-pound wide receiver, Vanderbilt;
Kader Drame, 6-5, 290-pound defensive end, Syracuse;
Randy Hand, 6-6, 305-pound tackle, Florida;
Jarvia Herring, 5-11, 205-pound safety, Florida;
Keon Jackson, 5-11, 206-pound safety, Toledo;
Freddie Roach, 6-2, 248-pound linebacker, Alabama;
Sam Smith, 6-0, 200-pound safety, Delaware State;
Gemara Williams, 5-8, 180-pound cornerback, Buffalo;
Pierre Woods, 6-5, 249-pound linebacker, Michigan
I watch a LOT of Michigan games and I'm NOT excited abou Pierre Woods.
I DO like Freddie Roach a whole lot. He was extremely productive in college with one of the best Defenses in the country. Here's the article:
http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=139228
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Day 1 of the 2006 NFL Draft
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
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
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.
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