Former Patriots safety Lawyer Milloy is finding no market for his services during free agency. Milloy, 35, a former 2nd round pick of the Pats in 1996 was released by the Atlanta Falcons after three seasons with them. Milloy was a hard hitter on defense who played on the Pat's 2001 Super Bowl championship team. He was cut prior to the 2003 in what many saw was a salary cap issue. He was immediately signed by the Buffalo Bills.
When the Pats cut Milloy in 2003, they gave his starting position to one of their newly acquired free agents, Rodney Harrison.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Safeties Dropping by Gillette
The Pats will be hosting three of the top Safety prospects as part of their draft preparations. Each NFL team is allowed to bring in up to 30 players for interviews and workouts. The three include Patrick Chung (Oregon), William Moore (Missouri) and Louis Delmas (Western Michigan). With Rodney Harrison being a free-agent and perhaps at the end of the line, the Pats are rather thin after starters Brandon Merriweather and James Sanders.
Another interesting visit will be by University of Cincinnati DE Connor Barwin who could add strength to the pass rush. Barwin played his first three years at Tight End before converting to defense. Could he be a Mike Vrabel clone with his pass catching ability? All of Vrabel's 10 receptions resulted in touchdowns.
Another interesting visit will be by University of Cincinnati DE Connor Barwin who could add strength to the pass rush. Barwin played his first three years at Tight End before converting to defense. Could he be a Mike Vrabel clone with his pass catching ability? All of Vrabel's 10 receptions resulted in touchdowns.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Draft on Tap
The NFL announced that the Pats will get three additional compensatory picks in the upcoming draft as a result of the losing free agents Asante Samuel, Randall Gay and Donte Stallworth after the end of the 2007 season. They will get a 3rd rounder (97th overall) , 5th rounder (number 170 overall) and a 6th rounder (number 207 overall). The Pats now have six selections in the top 100. I feel they will trade some of them if they see a player they want earlier in the draft.
In 2000, the Pats had 3 picks in the 6th round and waited until their second pick to draft Tom Brady. A similar situation happened in 1006 when the Pats had three 3rd round picks and traded the first two before they used one on Tedy Bruschi.
In 2000, the Pats had 3 picks in the 6th round and waited until their second pick to draft Tom Brady. A similar situation happened in 1006 when the Pats had three 3rd round picks and traded the first two before they used one on Tedy Bruschi.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Get Your Popcorn Ready for Monday, Sept 14th
The NFL just announced that the Patriots will open their season and home schedule on Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills on Sept 14th. It will be Terrell's Owens first opportunity to display his gifted skills and show that his signing was a good idea. Owens already got off to an interesting start with the Bills this week as he skipped their first "voluntary" workout. Coach Dick Jauron must be wondering what his team got into.
An earlier post today from Mr Dan, praised the turnaround of Randy Moss. When rumor circulated in early 2007 that the Pats were interested in obtaining Moss, Rodney Harrison openly questioned how a player like Moss could fit on the team. Moss came to the Pats with a ton of baggage and talent. He had worn out his welcome in Minnesota, frustrating his mentor WR Chris Carter. Things got worse with the train wreck known as the Oakland Raiders.
Moss found redemption when he came to New England. Who would have thought that he would be elected a team captain in 2008? Will this happen to T.O?
An earlier post today from Mr Dan, praised the turnaround of Randy Moss. When rumor circulated in early 2007 that the Pats were interested in obtaining Moss, Rodney Harrison openly questioned how a player like Moss could fit on the team. Moss came to the Pats with a ton of baggage and talent. He had worn out his welcome in Minnesota, frustrating his mentor WR Chris Carter. Things got worse with the train wreck known as the Oakland Raiders.
Moss found redemption when he came to New England. Who would have thought that he would be elected a team captain in 2008? Will this happen to T.O?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Leadership Suits Randy Moss
Mr. Dan has been known to change his mind as often as he changes golf swings (daily). And he's changed his mind when it comes to his opinion of Randy Moss. This past season I believe Randy Moss turned into a leader (T. O. pay attention and maybe the Hitler videos will stop). Randy's mindset appeared to be all about the team. He was there all season long giving encouragement and working "with" the other players to do whatever it takes to win games. His press conferences were all about the team and what they needed to do to get better.
Leadership is a huge benefit that certain veterans can bring to a team. And Bill Belichick seems to stock up on veterans who are leaders. In Mr. Dan's opinion Randy Moss now fits that bill! And Mr. Dan is sticking to his guns on this opinion.....hopefully for longer than a day.
Leadership is a huge benefit that certain veterans can bring to a team. And Bill Belichick seems to stock up on veterans who are leaders. In Mr. Dan's opinion Randy Moss now fits that bill! And Mr. Dan is sticking to his guns on this opinion.....hopefully for longer than a day.
Nose Problem on the Horizon?
Nose tackle Vince Wilfork is entering the last year of his contract. For the past year, there has been talk about a long term deal. The Pats might be treading lightly knowing that 2010 will be an uncapped year due to the status of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Wilfork is looking for a big contract in light of the way money is getting tossed around in this year's free agency
Wilfork has been an integral part of Coach Belichick's 3/4 defense, anchored by him and with Richard Seymour and Ty Warren playing opposite. Vince has been a consummate Patriot and it's hard to imagine him sitting out part of training camp,but money is money.
Would the Pats be willing to let him go to free agency in 2010 to ca$h in big time? The Pats could opt to draft a Nose Tackle with one or more of their early picks. There are still some free agents out there.
I'm stating the obvious: "we need this nose real bad".
Wilfork has been an integral part of Coach Belichick's 3/4 defense, anchored by him and with Richard Seymour and Ty Warren playing opposite. Vince has been a consummate Patriot and it's hard to imagine him sitting out part of training camp,but money is money.
Would the Pats be willing to let him go to free agency in 2010 to ca$h in big time? The Pats could opt to draft a Nose Tackle with one or more of their early picks. There are still some free agents out there.
I'm stating the obvious: "we need this nose real bad".
Friday, March 20, 2009
I'm Starting to Feel a Draft
It's hard to believe, but the college draft is coming April 25th. The Pats are stacked with picks. Here are the rounds and the position number: 1st (23), 2nd (47th & 59th), 3rd (89th & 97th),
4th (121st), 5th (2 picks), 6th (1 pick) and 7th (1 pick).
I don't expect the Pats to keep all of them. Look for a trade of at least one of the 2nd round picks for future drafts or to move up. The Pats have needs in several areas. They have signed free agents to address that, but definitely need to get younger in most phases of the game. Coach Belichick is known to keep a close hand. He often brings in players he has no intention of signing as a smoke screen.
One very interesting player who stopped by at Gillette was QB Pat White of West Virginia. He reportedly worked out as QB and WR. Another Kordell Stewart? This could bring back the Michael Bishop disciples. Don't forget that he was ahead of Brady on the depth chart in 2000. The Pats carried Tom as a 4th QB.
Check out the blog in the side-bar. Some fan put together a real interesting mock draft for the Pats
4th (121st), 5th (2 picks), 6th (1 pick) and 7th (1 pick).
I don't expect the Pats to keep all of them. Look for a trade of at least one of the 2nd round picks for future drafts or to move up. The Pats have needs in several areas. They have signed free agents to address that, but definitely need to get younger in most phases of the game. Coach Belichick is known to keep a close hand. He often brings in players he has no intention of signing as a smoke screen.
One very interesting player who stopped by at Gillette was QB Pat White of West Virginia. He reportedly worked out as QB and WR. Another Kordell Stewart? This could bring back the Michael Bishop disciples. Don't forget that he was ahead of Brady on the depth chart in 2000. The Pats carried Tom as a 4th QB.
Check out the blog in the side-bar. Some fan put together a real interesting mock draft for the Pats
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Jason Taylor Dancing with the Pats?
DE Jason Taylor has gained his release from the Washington Redskins after he refused to participate in off-season workouts. He wanted to spend more time with his family. He will let Lawrence Taylor dance with the stars this season.
Could he show up in New England? It could be a good fit as Coach Belichick has routinely sung his praises. One of his best pals is Tom Brady. They regularly text each other. ( I wonder if Gisele minds).
Talor will be 35 when the season opens and might be a good option for a year or possibly two. Where does this leave Richard Seymour who carries a big cap number this year and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season?
Could he show up in New England? It could be a good fit as Coach Belichick has routinely sung his praises. One of his best pals is Tom Brady. They regularly text each other. ( I wonder if Gisele minds).
Talor will be 35 when the season opens and might be a good option for a year or possibly two. Where does this leave Richard Seymour who carries a big cap number this year and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Hochstein as the Fridge?
With the departure of free-agent Heith Evans to New Orleans, the Pats are left without a true full-back on their roster. Evans played primarily as a blocker on third down and short yardage situations. He could also be counted on to catch a short screen to convert on third down.
Coach Belichick views every spot on the 53 man roster as being critical and has employed various positional players in the full-back role. He doesn't necessarily want to go back to using Richard Seymour on goal-line situations. It doesn't look like Junior Seau will perform that role as he did in the 06 & 07 seasons.
The end of last season saw the emergence of Offensive Lineman Russ Hochstein as a powerful force in blocking situations as full-back. Hochstein played the position sporadically over the last few seasons, but was used a great deal in the last game against Buffalo. Perhaps we will see more of him in 09. It's hard to believe that Belichick would use a pick on a FB. Former Patriot LB/DL Joe Klecko has found a niche at FB with the Eagles last season.
It's interesting to note that the use of linemen at FB got a great deal of attention in 1985 when Chicago Bears Coach Mike Ditka used DL William "Refrigerator" Perry during a Monday night game with Walter Payton. He proceeded to score a touchdown and a legend was anointed by the late Howard Cossell. Ditka would use the "Fridge" to score a 1 yard TD in Super Bowl XX in their 46-10 win over the Pats.
I always remember Ditka was upset at the "Fridge" during the 1986 season. He said the "Fridge" would never carry the ball or be in the back-field as long as his weight was over 300. Hochstein uses his 305 pounds to clear space much to the praise of Coach Belichick.
Hall of Fame Guard John Hannah who starred for 13 seasons and retired after 1985, played his career at 275. He might have been able to line up at tight end in this era.
Coach Belichick views every spot on the 53 man roster as being critical and has employed various positional players in the full-back role. He doesn't necessarily want to go back to using Richard Seymour on goal-line situations. It doesn't look like Junior Seau will perform that role as he did in the 06 & 07 seasons.
The end of last season saw the emergence of Offensive Lineman Russ Hochstein as a powerful force in blocking situations as full-back. Hochstein played the position sporadically over the last few seasons, but was used a great deal in the last game against Buffalo. Perhaps we will see more of him in 09. It's hard to believe that Belichick would use a pick on a FB. Former Patriot LB/DL Joe Klecko has found a niche at FB with the Eagles last season.
It's interesting to note that the use of linemen at FB got a great deal of attention in 1985 when Chicago Bears Coach Mike Ditka used DL William "Refrigerator" Perry during a Monday night game with Walter Payton. He proceeded to score a touchdown and a legend was anointed by the late Howard Cossell. Ditka would use the "Fridge" to score a 1 yard TD in Super Bowl XX in their 46-10 win over the Pats.
I always remember Ditka was upset at the "Fridge" during the 1986 season. He said the "Fridge" would never carry the ball or be in the back-field as long as his weight was over 300. Hochstein uses his 305 pounds to clear space much to the praise of Coach Belichick.
Hall of Fame Guard John Hannah who starred for 13 seasons and retired after 1985, played his career at 275. He might have been able to line up at tight end in this era.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Panther Nation Growling Over Peppers
Fans of the Carolina Panthers are growling about rumors that All-Pro Defensive End Julius Peppers could end up in New England in a trade for the Pat's second round draft pick obtained from the Kansas City Chiefs in the Matt Cassel deal.
Peppers was slapped with a non-exclusive franchise tag shortly before free agency began. He is due to count 16.5M against the cap in 2009. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Peppers and his agent are allowed to talk to other teams about a contract.
The Pats are keeping a "no comment" stance, as usual. Panther fans are outraged that they might only get a 2nd round pick for the four-time All-Pro. The Panthers have little cap room left if they keep him. Peppers is said to prefer the 3/4 defensive scheme employed by the Pats rather than the 4/3 of the Panthers.
As Coach Belichick has often said " any decisions made are made in the best interest of the New England Patriots".
Peppers was slapped with a non-exclusive franchise tag shortly before free agency began. He is due to count 16.5M against the cap in 2009. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Peppers and his agent are allowed to talk to other teams about a contract.
The Pats are keeping a "no comment" stance, as usual. Panther fans are outraged that they might only get a 2nd round pick for the four-time All-Pro. The Panthers have little cap room left if they keep him. Peppers is said to prefer the 3/4 defensive scheme employed by the Pats rather than the 4/3 of the Panthers.
As Coach Belichick has often said " any decisions made are made in the best interest of the New England Patriots".
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Tuna still loves to "Buy the Groceries"
Former Pats Head Coach Bill Parcells at one of his last press conferences with the team said: "If you want me to cook the meal, I should be able to buy the groceries". This was a point of contention with owner Robert Kraft who felt that some of his purchases were too expensive.
Upon being hired as coach of the New York Jets, the late owner Leon Hess said that Coach Parcells would buy the groceries and "I will be the little boy pushing the carriage".
In his 2nd season as Head of Football Operations with the Miami Dolphins, Bill has certainly opened the owners wallet for free agent signings to the tune of over $120M . Only Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins, had a bigger spending spree of $200M.
These two guys make Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis look fiscally responsible! Who says these are trying economic times? Recession?
Many teams around the league are copying the Pats way of signing low-cost and "high-value" free agents.
The salary cap or "capology" is rather complex. I have attached a link in my side-bar to "Ask the Commish" which provides a very informative Q&A about the cap.
Upon being hired as coach of the New York Jets, the late owner Leon Hess said that Coach Parcells would buy the groceries and "I will be the little boy pushing the carriage".
In his 2nd season as Head of Football Operations with the Miami Dolphins, Bill has certainly opened the owners wallet for free agent signings to the tune of over $120M . Only Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins, had a bigger spending spree of $200M.
These two guys make Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis look fiscally responsible! Who says these are trying economic times? Recession?
Many teams around the league are copying the Pats way of signing low-cost and "high-value" free agents.
The salary cap or "capology" is rather complex. I have attached a link in my side-bar to "Ask the Commish" which provides a very informative Q&A about the cap.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
QB Debate
The Brady/Cassel QB debate will go on forever, especially if Cassel continues to mature in his position with Kansas City. The Pats were stuck when they franchised Cassell for a 2009 salary of 14.5 M. There was no way the Pats could keep him and Brady as they would count almost 29.5m against the cap.
They could have let Cassell go to free agency and received a compensatory third round draft pick . No team was about to sign Cassel to the 14.5m price tag and surrender two first round draft picks to the Pats as compensation for signing a franchised tagged player.
According to some pundits and talk radio crowd, the team may have overplayed their hand in estimating Cassel's trade value. They ended up getting KC's 2nd round pick which will be number 34 overall. Some feel the Pats went overboard when they threw in Mike Vrabel.
It's interesting that the Chiefs were the major player now that they are under the direction of new GM Scot Pioli. Some subscribe to the conspiracy theory between Belichick and Pioli.
My feeling is that Belichick felt secure with Tom Brady's health and they needed to free up some cap room. Of course, Cassel is several years younger than Brady and certainly moves around better in the pocket and in the open field.
Only time will tell if Brady returns to his former greatness. Many feel that Cassel was made better by the offense he worked worked with. Perhaps that was the case.
Who know? Some day the Pats will be without Tom Brady. Will Kevin O'Connell be a viable backup or do they need to bring in a veteran backup. Journeyman Patrick Ramsey recently visited the team.
As Coach Belichick has often said: "Nobody plays forever in this league ."
They could have let Cassell go to free agency and received a compensatory third round draft pick . No team was about to sign Cassel to the 14.5m price tag and surrender two first round draft picks to the Pats as compensation for signing a franchised tagged player.
According to some pundits and talk radio crowd, the team may have overplayed their hand in estimating Cassel's trade value. They ended up getting KC's 2nd round pick which will be number 34 overall. Some feel the Pats went overboard when they threw in Mike Vrabel.
It's interesting that the Chiefs were the major player now that they are under the direction of new GM Scot Pioli. Some subscribe to the conspiracy theory between Belichick and Pioli.
My feeling is that Belichick felt secure with Tom Brady's health and they needed to free up some cap room. Of course, Cassel is several years younger than Brady and certainly moves around better in the pocket and in the open field.
Only time will tell if Brady returns to his former greatness. Many feel that Cassel was made better by the offense he worked worked with. Perhaps that was the case.
Who know? Some day the Pats will be without Tom Brady. Will Kevin O'Connell be a viable backup or do they need to bring in a veteran backup. Journeyman Patrick Ramsey recently visited the team.
As Coach Belichick has often said: "Nobody plays forever in this league ."
Catching On
The team recently acquired veteran WR Greg Lewis from the Eagles for an "undisclosed" 2009 draft pick. Lewis is expected to vie for the third receiver spot behind Randy Moss and Wes Welker.
Free agent Jabbar Gaffney was recently signed by Denver and will reunite with new head coach Josh McDaniels. Gaffney should see more balls thrown to him assuming McDaniels resolves his potential QB issues with Jay Cutler.
Free agent Jabbar Gaffney was recently signed by Denver and will reunite with new head coach Josh McDaniels. Gaffney should see more balls thrown to him assuming McDaniels resolves his potential QB issues with Jay Cutler.
Corners Wanted
Last season the Pats showed an obvious need at cornerback. Will Coach Belichick be looking to draft one with one of his second round picks? Just like last year, the team has signed some veteran free agent help in Leigh Bodden from Detroit and Shaun Springs, a 12 year veteran from the Redskins.
Bodden had a few good seasons with the Browns under former Pats defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.
Springs is best known for being torched by Terrell Owens for a touchdown in the infamous Sharpie play back in 2002. I wonder what T.O has planned for him in their two meetings this year with Buffalo?
They are expected to battle veteran Ellis Hobbs and backups Mike Richardson, Terrance Wheatley and Johnathan Wilhite. Delthea O'Neal and Lew Sanders remain as unsigned free agents.
Bodden had a few good seasons with the Browns under former Pats defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.
Springs is best known for being torched by Terrell Owens for a touchdown in the infamous Sharpie play back in 2002. I wonder what T.O has planned for him in their two meetings this year with Buffalo?
They are expected to battle veteran Ellis Hobbs and backups Mike Richardson, Terrance Wheatley and Johnathan Wilhite. Delthea O'Neal and Lew Sanders remain as unsigned free agents.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Larry Izzo
Larry Izzo's departure from the Pats to the Jets leaves only six players from the three Super Bowl teams: Tom Brady, Tedy Bruschi, Richard Seymour, Stephan Neal, Matt Light and Kevin Faulk. Who will be the next to depart?
Izzo enters his 14th NFL season and has missed only one game in his career, spending the last 8 seasons with the Pats. In addition to his age, there may have been a concern that he faced possible suspension as a result of his testimony in the upcoming Barry Bonds trial. Izzo will be the only NFL player to testify. He will admit that Barry Bond's personal trainer Greg Anderson supplied him with PED's and instructions on how to use them prior to the 2003 season. Izzo had never admitted to using them, but the NFL could suspend him if it surfaces during the trial.
It sounds like the Pats did not want to risk loosing him to suspension during the upcoming season. Izzo made the Pro Bowl in 2002 and 2004 as a Special Teams player. He certainly had an impact on the team's success and three Super Bowl titles.
Izzo and will be reunited with Jeff Westhoff the former Special Teams coach with the Dolphins which was the team that signed him as an undrafted rookie in 1996 from Rice.
Izzo enters his 14th NFL season and has missed only one game in his career, spending the last 8 seasons with the Pats. In addition to his age, there may have been a concern that he faced possible suspension as a result of his testimony in the upcoming Barry Bonds trial. Izzo will be the only NFL player to testify. He will admit that Barry Bond's personal trainer Greg Anderson supplied him with PED's and instructions on how to use them prior to the 2003 season. Izzo had never admitted to using them, but the NFL could suspend him if it surfaces during the trial.
It sounds like the Pats did not want to risk loosing him to suspension during the upcoming season. Izzo made the Pro Bowl in 2002 and 2004 as a Special Teams player. He certainly had an impact on the team's success and three Super Bowl titles.
Izzo and will be reunited with Jeff Westhoff the former Special Teams coach with the Dolphins which was the team that signed him as an undrafted rookie in 1996 from Rice.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Free Agency
I expected the Pats to trade QB Matt Cassell, but was shocked when Mike Vrabel was part of the deal going to KC. The Pats needed to move Cassell to free up 14.5M in cap money. Vrabel was due a 1M bonus on March 1 and would have counted 4.5M on the cap. There was talk of his age and decline of play.This allowed them cap space to make additional free agent signings.
Considering the money money gets tossed during free agency, it's easy to see why LS Lonnie Paxtin, WR Jabbar Gaffney and FB Heath Evans signed elsewhere for much larger contracts.
The 53 man roster will certainly look different come game day. To paraphrase Coach Belichick: "The team this year is different from last year. On game day we can only dress 45. If we could dress 53, they would all play."
Considering the money money gets tossed during free agency, it's easy to see why LS Lonnie Paxtin, WR Jabbar Gaffney and FB Heath Evans signed elsewhere for much larger contracts.
The 53 man roster will certainly look different come game day. To paraphrase Coach Belichick: "The team this year is different from last year. On game day we can only dress 45. If we could dress 53, they would all play."
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