Tuesday, March 30, 2010

More On Morey

Where a player gets selected is not necessarily an indication of future success in the NFL. So many high draft choices never pan out or they have short careers. The later rounds can yield a diamond such as Tom Brady in the 6th round in 2000.

Sean Morey just signed with the Seattle Seahawks to become the backbone of their special teams. Morey was the 35th selection taken in the 7th round of the 1999 draft by the Pats. He had been a star at Brown University, trailing Jerry Rice as the 2nd leading career receiver
in Division I-AA history. He finished his career with 251 receptions for 3,850 yards and 40 TD's. He was the 1998 Ivy League Player of the Year with 74 catches for 1,434 yards and 15 TD's.

He found himself in the Pats camp during Coach Pete Carroll's final season. There was fierce competition from the likes of Terri Glenn, Shawn Jefferson, Tony Simmons, Troy Brown and Vincent Brisby. He spent the season on the practice squad, although he was on the active roster for two games.

He fell down the depth chart in 2000 with the arrival of Coach Belichick and stayed on the practice squad for the season. The Eagles signed him in 2001 where he remained in the practice squad until 2003. After being released again, he caught on with the Steelers from 2003-2006. He won a Super Bowl ring with them.

Another release saw him spending 2007-2009 with the Arizona Cardinals. He played in another Super Bowl after the 2008 season and also made the Pro Bowl on special teams.

When Seattle signed him, it was for his sixth team at the age of 34. He is expected to be a valuable contributor on special teams. Not bad for a guy who has lasted that long and has only 11 career receptions for 168 yards.

Morey has found his niche on special teams. Many gave up on him, but he has done what many other players never did. He has played in three Super Bowls, won a championship and has a Pro Bowl Selection.

Monday, March 29, 2010

How Much Time Is Left?

Coach Belichick gave a rather lengthy interview at the NFL owners meeting last week. He covered a vast range of topics.

It's clear to see that he has QB Tim Tebow in his sites. I expect the Pats to use one of their 2nd round picks to select him. He should be available at that point in the draft. Belichick thinks very highly of his football intellect and skills. He mentioned that Tebow could play nose tackle if he had to. He could be another Julien Edeleman.

He said how much he enjoys coaching and wants to keep going. Reports state that he is under contract through 2013. He joked that he can't see himself doing this for another 20 years like Marv Levey. He would be 78 by then.

He also mentioned that once a QB is over 31, it becomes a year to year iszue. Such is the case with Tom Brady who will be 33 when the season starts. He mentioned that skills start to erode after the age of 30.

It's no secret what he is saying. All across the league there e are players who have become a victim of their age. LaDanlien Tomlinsen heads the list after being dumped by the Chargers. The Eagles are looking to unload Donovan McNabb for a player and a second round draft choice.

Brady has often stated that he would like to play until he is forty. Robert Kraft believes Brady should play his entire career here.How long becomes the central question. Brady has become one of their priorities for signing a contract extension. He will be looking for huge money much like Peyton Manning.

Belichick's comments showed the pending mortality of all NFL careers. He has often stated that nobody plays in the NFL forever. Brady will be starting his 11th season. He is past the mid-point and to some degree is on borrowed time. How much more is anyone's guess, but the candle is burning on Tom's career.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Mankins A No-Show at Workouts

Restricted free-agent Logan Mankins has stayed away from the voluntary off-season workouts which began at Gillette Stadium this week. Since he is not under contract, there is no obligation to be there according to his agent.

Mankins has been caught, along with 200 other fourth and fifth year players in the quandary of being a restricted free-agent due to the lack of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. He was tendered the highest offer possible by the Pats, a one year contract for $3.268 million which stays on the table until June 15th. If Mankins receives an offer that exceeds that amount and the Pats decline to match it, the team will receive a first and third round draft pick. After June 15th, the amount drops to $1.54 million which is 110% of his 2009 salary.

Mankins does not have much leverage,especially if he decides to holdout. Although the money is a substantial raise, it is only for one year and provides no long term security. Mankins has never missed a game or practice since being selected in the first round in the 2005 draft. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice.

Look for Mankins to wait until June 15th to sign his tender unless he gets a better offer that the team declines to match. As an anchor of the line, it would make a lot of sense for the team to sign him to a long term contract. Mankins is caught in a situation faced by so many other players of his status.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

No Winners With Overtime

The NFL owners are meeting this week and may end up voting on changing the rules for overtime games in the playoffs. Last season raised a concern when the NFC Championship Game ended in a tie during regulation. The Saints got the ball on the ensuing kickoff and went in for a field goal to win the game.

The plan would be to give the other team a chance at scoring if the winner of the coin toss scores a field goal. If the first team scores a TD, the game is over. No changes would be made for regular season.

For years, I have felt that the overtime rules create a no-win situation. The owners and the television networks don't want the games to go any longer than they already do. The current rule of sudden-death was felt as a way to end the game within a reasonable amount of time and not impact the television schedule.

Studies have shown that the team winning the coin toss wins 59.8% of the time. Field position becomes very critical as the filed is shortened to defending against the offense moving in for a field goal.

I have often felt that both teams should get a chance at scoring. On the other hand, Coach Belichick has always stated that the defense is on the field to prevent the offense from scoring points. The only reason the offense is on the field is to score points.

The responsibility rests on the defense to prevent the other team's offense from moving the ball down the field into field goal position. What ever happened to holding an offense to three downs and out? If the defense can't stop an offense, they will most likely lose the game anyhow.

No matter what the outcome of the rule change is, not everyone will be happy.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Tight End On Board

The Pats expect to announce the signing of free-agent TE Alge Crumpler. The Pats currently are without a TE on their roster with NFL experience. Crumpler spent the first seven years of his career in Atlanta where he made four Pro Bowl teams as a receiving threat,.

During the last two seasons, he was used more as a blocker for the Tennessee Titan, helping RB Chris Johnson reach 2,000 yards in 2009.

He is expected to be primarily a blocker in the Pats offensive scheme.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Another Chance To Make A Mistake

Billy Devaney, the General Manager of the St Louis Rams, has the dubious distinction of being in the driver's seat to make another big mistake.

The Rams own the number one overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. The picks in the first round can be a crap shoot and a very expensive one. Back in 1998, while serving in the same position with the San Diego Chargers, the team selected QB Ryan Leaf with the second pick overall. Leaf proved to be a major disappointment and was out of the league after a few years.

The number one pick also commands a huge contract. The Oakland Raiders are still feeling the effects of the signing of QB JaMarcus Russell. It's easy to see why some GM's look to trade their first round selection.

Unless someone really impresses them, I look at the Pats trading out of the first round like they did last year. There is always more value in rounds two through four.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Not So Mighty Quinn

As "experts" get ready for the upcoming draft, they should pay close attention to the demise of QB Brady Quinn in Cleveland. He was traded yesterday to the Denver Broncos for FB Peyton Hillis and a 2011 draft pick.

During the 2007 draft, Quinn from Notre Dame, was expected to be the number one overall pick. Instead, he dropped down to 22nd before being selected by the Browns. The draft gurus were shocked to see the drop so far down. Surely, the NFL scouts had made a huge mistake they said.

Quinn had little success with the Browns, compiling a 3-89 record in 12 starts. Ironically, the Broncos attempted to trade for him last season when they were trying to replace Jay Cutler.

Head Coach Josh MacDaniels must see some thing that he likes in Quinn. Maybe a change of scenery will do him good and help resurrect his career. Perhaps the "experts" are correct in downplaying the skills of QB Tim Tebow as the 2010 draft approaches.

Draft selection is not indicative of future success in the NFL. Tom Brady lasted until the 6th round of the 2000 draft. They really blew that call.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

The Olsen Brothers

This past week saw the death of Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen. During his stellar 15 year career with the Los Angels Rams from 1962-1977, he was part of the legendary Fearsome Foursome, along with Lamar Lunday, Roosevelt Grier and Deacon Jones.

In 1970, the Pats were thrilled when they were able to select his brother Phil from Notre Dame with the number four overall pick. They thought they had an anchor to their defensive line for the 1970's. Unfortunately, Phil suffered a season ending knee injury while practicing for the College All Star Game which was held prior to the opening of training camp.

In 1971, the Pats traded Phil to the Rams for their number one draft pick in 1972. He would be reunited with brother Merlin for two seasons. Phil would later be traded to the Kansas City Chiefs where he suffered his second knee injury. After another trade to the Denver Broncos in 1975, he was sent to the Buffalo Bills where he suffered his third knee injury. He never made it back to the playing field.

Meanwhile, in the 1972 draft, they traded the 1st round pick acquired from the Rams, along with a 2nd and 6th to the New York Giants for DE Fred Dryer. They sent Dryer to the Rams for their 1st pick in the 1973 draft. The Pats also received cash and DE Rich Cash who would play the 1973 and 1974 seasons for them.

The Pats hit the gold mine in the 1973 draft. In addition to their own 1st round pick and the one from the Rams, they also acquired a first from Chicago in a trade for RB Carl Garrett.

They used their own first on future Hall of Famer John Hannah. With the Rams pick they selected RB Sam Cunningham and finally WR Daryl Stingley with the pick from Chicago.

The 1973 draft was considered one of their best ever. They also has three first rounders in 1976. They selected future Hall of Fame CB Mike Haynes, center Pete Brock and safety Tim Fox .

Drafts are always controversial and littered with mistakes, but they were on target in 1973 and 1976.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Time Ends For Big Ben

Former 2004 first round draft pick Ben Watson ended his tenure with the Pats after signing a 3 year, $12 million contract with the Cleveland Browns.

Watson's time with the Pats was marked by a series of highs and lows with frequent criticism of not living up to the expectations of a first rounder.

His career highlight was his length of the field sprint in the 2005 playoff game against the Broncos to prevent Champ Bailey from returning an interception for a touchdown. Although Watson stopped him on the 1 yard line, the Broncos went in for a score on the next play, eventually winning the game.

Last season, he was hampered by injuries during training camp and was expected to not make the final cut. He made the team and stated all 16 games. He caught 29 passes for 404 yards and five TD's. He finishes his Pats career with 167 receptions ( 22nd all-time for the Pats) , 2,102 yards and 20 TD's .

Look for the Past to bring in a veteran free-agent tight end or reach for one in the upcoming draft. They have two on the roster, both from their practice squad; Rob Myers and Robbie Angnone.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Green Moves On, Bodden Stays

The Pats are like all other NFL teams. They are retaining some of their key core players and letting others seek greener financial pastures.

They saw an obvious need in the secondary and may have paid more to re-sign CB Leigh Bodden than they planned for. When they signed him last season, it was agreed that it would only be for one year and that he would be allowed to test the free agency market upon the end of the season. Bodden received interest from several teams, including the Houston Texans, but ultimately re-signed for four years and $22 million, with a guarantee of $10 million.

Owner Robert Kraft, during an interview on WEEI, stated that the team needs to prioritize its signings and could not retain everyone. Such was the case with the dependable Jarvis Green. Since he was selected in the 4th round of the 2002 draft, he was a dependable starter and back-up on the defensive line. There was talk of decreased production this past season, but I was somewhat surprised to see him go to Denver. On the other hand, it was for four years for $20 million and $7 million guaranteed. He will be reunited with head coach Josh MacDaniels.

Although 2010 is an uncapped year, the Pats are following the trend of the league and imposing their own cap. The Pats must have felt that they could not overpay for Green and realized that his void could be addressed in the upcoming draft.

The revolving door continues with the New York Jets with the signing of special teamer Marques Murrell. The Pats were able to pick him up for cheap money. It's an interesting signing as Murrell's older brother Adrian was a thorn in the side of the Pats earlier this decade. He was a tough guy to stop running out of the backfield. Hopefully, Marques has his brother's genes.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

No Action For Faulk

The Pats have been addressing some of their issues during the past week. They re-signed Vince Wilfolk and Stephen Neal. Offers are on the table for restricted free-agents Logan Manikins and Stephen Gotskowski.

One player without any suitors is Kevin Faulk. The 12 year veteran has no offer from the Pats or any other team. This is rather odd considering the role he has played over the last 12 seasons. He has been the consummate 3rd down back and has excelled as a returner on special teams.

Has age caught up to him? He will be 34 when training camp starts. Nobody beats a path to a running back of that age. It's interesting to see that Scott Pioli and the Kansas City Chiefs have not come calling. There is also Pete Carroll out in Seattle. He originally drafted Faulk back in 1999 when he was coaching the Pats.

Perhaps the Pats are addressing their immediate issues and waiting to sign Faulk, knowing that they can get him on the cheap for one year.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Jets Give Cromartie Support

The Pats have been monitoring the free-agent scene, but have refrained from signing anyone from other teams. Many thought they would make an attempt to trade with San Diego for CB Antonio Cromatie. The Jets ended up getting him in a deal and will pair him with Darrell Reavis.

Cromatie's off-field issues are well known. Perhaps, that is why they stayed away from him. He certainly carries a negative image. He is behind in child support payments. Some may see this as minor, but it involves seven kids with six women in five different states.

That didn't seem to bother the Jets. They have advanced him $500,000 in 2010 salary payments to allow him to address his delinquent payments. Teams are not required to pay salaries until the first week of the regular season.

A Jets spokesman indicated that the team wanted Cromartie to start with a clean slate. That is a nice idea, but Cromartie is due a salary of $1.7 million this season. The way his money is going, he will be behind in payments again at some point in the season.

This is what the Pats wanted to avoid. Nothing positive can come from the negative publicity associated with delinquent child support.

Friday, March 5, 2010

No Action On Day 1

Other than re-signing restricted free-agent LB Tully Banta-Cain, the Pats were pretty quiet on their first day of free agency. They spoke to DE Julius Peppers before he signed with Chicago and tried to trade with Arizona for WR Antwan Bolden before he was traded to the Ravens.

They made contract offers to restricted free agents OL Logan Mankins, LB Pierre Woods and kicker Stephen Gotskowski.

The released TE Chris Baker after only one year. TE Ben Watson is hearing offers from teams and DL Jarvis Green has a solid offer from Denver.

The Jets got stronger on defense by trading for CB Antonio Cromarties. He will form one of the league's strongest tandems with Darrell Reavis.

There have been a number of players released from teams around the league. It should get interesting over the next several days to see who the Pats have on their radar.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Dawn of a New Era

At 12:01am Friday, the new business year of the NFL begins. Without a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, there will be no salary cap for the 2010 season. Teams are free to spend at will, but the NFL Player's Association believes that the owners are colluding to stay within some type of cap structure.

There should be an initial waive of signings. The Pats should make some of moves. I don't think they will sign DE Julius Peppers because his price would be outrageous. By this time tomorrow, I assume they will have done something.

They signed WR David Patten the other day. There must be some other free-agents out there for their last go-around. They seem to have a knack for finding those guys and getting the last miles out of them.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Chose Your Position Wisely

There is certainly a disparity in the range of salaries for franchised players. "Skilled positions" definitely pay more. When a player is franchised, they receive an annual salary of the average of the top five players for his particular position. Here is what it looks like for the upcoming free agency period . Figures are expressed in $millions.

QB 14.65
RB 6.62
WR 9.8
TE 4.46
OL 8.45
K/P 2.48

DE 8.99
DT 6.06
LB 8.3
CB 9.96
S 6.34