Wednesday, April 29, 2009

One Play Meant Everything

Cornerback Ellis Hobbs was part of the 2005 draft class that include Logan Mankins, Nick Kaczur, James Sanders and Matt Cassell. Drafted in the third round, Hobbs emerged as a starter in his rookie season. He excelled on Special Teams and set and NFL record for a 108 yard kickoff return in 2007.

With the recent signing of free agents Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs, as well as the drafting of Darius Butler, it appeared Hobbs was in a battle for his starting position. That all ended when he was traded to the Eagle for a pair of 5th round draft choice. The Pats turned them into another trade with the Ravens for a 4th round pick which they used to select OL Rich Ohrberger from Penn State.

Hobbs was often the target of fan criticism for failing to make the big plays. He was outspoken at times. One thing for certain was that he played hurt as he did in 2008. In 2007, he played with a partially torn groin that would require off season surgery. Going into Super Bowl XLII, he was also playing with a torn labrum in his shoulder.

In the waning moments of the game, he was beaten by Plaxico Burress for the winning touchdown resulting in the Giants victory 17-14. He took a lot of criticism, but the fact is that he suited up for the game. Unfortunately, he will be forever known for that play.

It's interesting to note that if Rodney Harrison didn't get beat by the "helmet catch" of David Tyree, the Pats may have won the game. However, we can't change history and the Pats finished the season 18-1.

One play, one missed opportunity doesn't define a career, but try telling that to Bill Buckner.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Draft Comments

I think the Pats ran the table over the weekend, filling up the shopping cart with the groceries. Coach Belichick and his staff made the rest of the NFL look like amateurs with the way they wheeled and dealed their picks. Originally slated to pick #23 in the first round, the Pats traded first when the Ravens to drop to number 26 and then dealed with the Packers. In the end, they acquired another 2nd round pick (#41) and a pair in the 3rd round ( #73 & #83).

They filled one of their needs by selecting Patrick Chung, a safety from Oregon who is expected to fill the void created by Rodney Harrison. Using the 2nd round pick from the Packers, they acquired DT Ron Brace of Boston College who is expected to be backup to Vince Wilfolk.

Using their next 2nd rounder at #47, they snagged CB Darius Butler of UConn who many expected the Pats would draft in the first round! They completed the first day with OT Sebastian Vollmer of Houston. This pick puzzled many of the "experts" as they felt he would be available as an undrafted free-agent. Vollmer is interesting pick as the native of Germany never played football until he was 15. At 6'8" and 315 pounds, he projects to be a Stephen Neal type project.

Armed with a slew of 2nd day picks, Belichick and Company seem to take advantage of his competition. He traded one of their 3rd round picks (#79) to Jacksonville for their 2nd rounder in 2010 and one in the 7th round this year. They turned around and did business with the Titans and traded their 3rd round (#89) for the Titan's 2nd rounder in 2010. The Pats now have three 2nd round picks next year!

When they finally got to make a selection in the 3rd round , they chose WR Brandon Tate from UNC. Tate is an interesting pick as he suffered a serious knee injury last season and flunked a drug test during the NFL Scouting Combine. He could start the season on the PUP list, depending upon his recovery from the injury.

With their second pick in the 3rd round (#97) they selected OLB Tyrone McKenzie from South Florida. He is expected to be in the linebacker mix at the start of the season.

Many were surprised when the Pats dealt starting CB Ellis Hobbs to the Eagles for a pair of 5th round picks (# 137 & #141). Hobbs was expected to battle for his starting position this year, but the acquisition of free agents Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden, as well as last years picks Terrence Whealtley and Johnathan Wilhite appear to seal the fate of Hobbs. All we have left is the memory of Plaxico Burress torching him for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLII.

The Pats took those picks from the Eagles and traded for the Ravens pick in the 4th round (#124) and acquired Rich Ohrnbeger, a guard from Penn State. He has played left and right side
of the line. The Pats had brought him in for a pre-draft visit and Coach Belichick must have been impressed with the former lacrosse player.

They also got the Ravens 6th round pick (#198) and drafted long snapper Jake Ingram from Hawaii. It's comforting to know the Mel Kiper considered him to be the best prospect at that speciality!

They used their own pick to select OL Geogre Bussey from Louisville in the 5th round (#170). Bussey played guard and tackle and was a first-team All East selection last season.

In the 6th round they went with DL Myron Pryor from Kentucky, a four year starter, who suffered from numerous injuries during his time there.

Darryl Richard a DL from Georgia Tech was selected in the 7th round. (#234). He completed his bachelor's degree in three years and received his master's degree last December. Smart guy!

Using a 7th round pick (#232) from the Ravens, they selected Julian Edelman, a QB from Kent State. He is projected as a WR in the NFL and could be part of a "Wildcat" package. Last year at Kent State, he started all 12 games and led the team in rushing with 1,370 yards, the 2nd most in team history and ran for 13 touchdowns. He also threw for 1,820 yards and 13 TD's. He has "practice squad" written all over him or perhaps he might get a mysterious injury to hide him on the IR.

To cap the day, the Pats signed former Michigan State QB Brian Hoyer as an undrafted free agent.

It will certainly be interesting to see how all of these picks turn out! Some will make the team and others will disappoint. Only time will tell.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Draft Thoughts

I could speculate forever about who the Patriots will draft this weekend. Trying to predict Coach Belichick is like trying to invest in the stock market. I read an interesting article the other day in the Boston Globe about the four drafts where the Patriots had four picks in the first two rounds.

Those drafts produced stars such as Drew Bledsoe, Tim Foxx, Andre Tippet, Mike Haynes, Raymond Clayborn, Stanley Morgan, Chris Slade and Pete Brock. They also produced the likes of Tony Simmons,Trevor Matich, Ike Forte, Ben Thomas and Daryl Haley. This latter group of players contributed during their tenure with the team, but did not live up to their billing as a high draft choice.

There are two draft stories I always remember. In 1996, fans were told by a local sportscaster that we would love the 3rd round pick because his name sounded like "brewski." Number 54 has already punched his ticket to the Patriots Hall of Fame.

In 2000, many assumed that the QB drafted on the 6th round was a throw away pick. Already we had Drew Bledsoe entrenched as the starter, with the capable John Frieze as his back-up and fans were clamoring for more playing time for the incomparable Michael Bishop. Why did we need to draft that guy from Michigan, Tom Brady?

I find the draft to be very exciting. Who will be on the team on opening day? Will anyone have a major impact this season? Will we be talking about them five years from now? Will one of them have an emotional press conference some day to announce their retirement? Is anyone destined for Canton?

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Here Comes the Draft

I listened to Coach Belichick's pre-draft press conference and it was classic. The Pats have 11 picks, including 6 in the top 97. There are all different scenarios to deal with. I feel the Pats will trade some of their earlier choices to get a particular player on their draft board. I think an offensive lineman is definitely in the mix, as well as a quarterback, particularly one who might run the Wildcat. I see them using the middle rounds to draft a defensive back and linebacker.

How about some defensive line insurance in case they can't sign Vince Wilfolk, Richard Seymour or Jarvis Green? I think that's a definite. I agree with Coach Belichick in that some of the league's best players are not drafted on the first day.

The Pats have also found some nuggets in undrafted players including Mike wright and Pierre Woods. It's going to be quite a wekend. Who knows who the next star will be?

Friday, April 17, 2009

All Time Team - Part 4 TE

Two Tight Ends make this team any day: Russ Francis and Ben Coates

Russ Francis ( 1975-1980 & 87-88 ) - Former first round pick from Oregon in 1975 draft that included QB Steve Grogan and LB Rod Shoate. Anointed "All World Tight End" by the late Howard Cossell on Monday Night Football. Powerful blocker with great hands. Caught 207 passes for 3,157 yards. Averaged 15.3 yards per catch. Left the Pats to play six seasons for the San Francisco 49er's where he won a Super Bowl in 1984 against Dan Marino's only appearance.

Ben Coates ( 1991-1999 ) - Former 5th round draft choice in 1991 from Livingstone College. Five-time Pro Bowler who played an additional year with the Ravens. Teamed up with Drew Bledsoe in 1993 to become a lethal tandem. Leading receiver in receptions for 5 seasons with the Pats. Finished with 5,471 yards for 4th all time with the Pats. His 490 receptions rank 3rd. He had 50 receiving TD's to rank 2nd.

Monday, April 13, 2009

A Trip to a Shrine

The other day, I went with my two nephews to the Patriots Hall of Fame down at Gillette Stadium. First of all, I must say that I love Gillette. It's not a "little lyrical bandbox" like Fenway Park, but rather a massive behemoth of concrete, brick and steel that rises from the asphalt of the parking lot. This edifice was built for football.

As we walked through the outside concourse, I was struck by the eerie silence that is contrasted to the days in autumn and early winter when the place is filled with the electricity of 60,000 fans. In my mind, I could hear the strands of "O Fortuna" which is played when the Patriots emerge from the tunnel onto the the field to start the game.

I was wondering what to expect from a team that builds a Hall of Fame. The 15 minute introductory film was very well done and quite emotional. The exhibits were very impressive. I was really struck by the names that seem to roll out like ghosts from the past and present.

I've always said that the Bill Belichick era is an extraordinary ride that we should enjoy as we may never have one like this again. I have followed the team since 1966 when I first listened to the games on a transistor radio as a 13 year old. Going to the Super Bowl five times has been wonderful, but I enjoyed it all, even during the bleak years in the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's.

All of the players featured in the exhibits were once the fabric of the team. They were all young then. Time is very fleeting. NFL really does mean Not For Long.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

A New Cat In Town?

After being burned my Miami's "Wildcat" offense last season, are the Pats looking to incorporate it into their offense for 2009? The Pats will be hosting QB Pat White from West Virgina this week at Gillette. They have already held a private workout for him. He has been scouted by teams as a QB and WR and several teams project him as a returner on special teams.

At 6 feet, 197 pounds, he is small by NFL standards for playing QB, but is considered a top prospect for those teams wishing to implement the "Wildcat" offensive package. This was so effectively used by the Dolphins last season against the Pats with RB Ronnie Brown taking direct snaps from the center.

White is the first starting QB in NCAA history to lead his team to four bowl game victories and set an NCAA career rushing record by a QB with 4,480 yards. He set a Big East mark for touchdowns with 103.

This sounds a bit like Michael Bishop who use to go in for a few trick plays for Drew Bledsoe back in the 2000 season. Back then, a young 4th string QB held a clipboard and probably wondered when and if his time would ever come. That was Tom Brady.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

All Time Team - Part 3 WR

There are three wide-outs I would start any team with

Stanley Morgan - Former first round pick from Tennessee in 1977. Played 14 seasons, including 13 for the Pats. Career leader for the team with 10,352 yds, receiving TD's with 67, 2nd for receptions with 534 and averaged 19.4 yds per catch! Steve Grogan's favorite target. Blazing speed!!

Irving Fryar- Number 1 pick overall in the 1984 draft from Nebraska. Played 9 controversial years for the Pats before he was cut by Bill Parcells in 1993. Surfaced in Miami and redeemed his career by playing another 8 seasons, including stops in Philadelphia and Washington. Number 13 in NFL history with 12,785 yards and 13th for receptions with 851. Number two in Pats history for punt returns and yardage. He was a highlight film on Special Teams. Became a minister upon retirement.

Troy Brown - The ultimate overachiever. 8th round pick from Marshall in 1993 carved out a 15 year career including three Super Bowl Championships. Team career leader in receptions ( 557) and 2nd in yards 6,366, #1 for punt returns with 270 and yards with 2,625 yards. Fought his way onto the roster with Special Teams play and made himself a clutch receiver on third down.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

All Time Team - Part 2 RB

There are three running backs on my team: Jim Nance, Sam Cunningham and Curtis Martin

Jim Nance (1965-71) played on the old AFL Pats. He ranks 2nd on the team for yards (5,323), 2nd for carries (1,323), 1st in rushing TD's with 45 and had a 4.0 yd average. It's outrageous that he is not in the team's Hall of Fame. He was beaten out last year by TE Ben Coates. He died in 1992 after having a stoke and later heart attack.

Sam Cunningham (1973-82) is the career team leader in yards (5,453), carries (1,385), 2nd in TD's (43) and had a 3.9 yd average. He was at his best on the goal line ( Sam Bam). His receptions rank him 12th on the team.

Curtis Martin only played here from 1994-96 but ranks 4th for rushing with 3,799 yds, 4th for carries (958), 5th rushing TD's (32) and had a 4.0 average. After a big effort during his rookie season Coach Bill Parcells remarked to reporters: "Don't put him in Canton yet."

Monday, April 6, 2009

All Time Team - Part 1 QB's

The New England Patriots in conjunction with their 50th anniversary will be selecting an all-time team as well as teams of the decades. As a follower of the team since 1966, I will be making my picks starting with quarterback.

Tom Brady with 3 Super Bowl title is the obvious choice, but every QB needs a backup


Steve Grogan still holds the service record for playing 16 consecutive seasons from 1975-1990. As a member of the Patriots Hall of Fame, he held numerous passing records until many were broken by Drew Bledsoe. His emergence as a starter, after being drafted in the 5th round from Kansas State, allowed the Pats to trade Jim Plunkett. He is 15th on the all-time rushing list for the Pats with 2,176 yards and 4th for rushing TD's with 35 including 12 in 1976. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry while carrying 443 times. He battled for his starting position his entire career against the likes of Matt Cavanaugh, Tony Eason, Tom Ramsey and even a young Doug Flutie.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Bad Day for Former Pat's WR

On the morning of Saturday, March 14 former Pats WR Donte Stallworth struck and killed a pedestrian in Miami. Stallworth has been charge with DUI manslaughter and faces jail time. Stallworth will also be subject to further discipline by the NFL. He was previously involved in the NFL substance abuse program before he signed with the Pats prior to the 2007.

He has 6 years remaining on a 35M contract with the Cleveland Browns. The accident happened at 7am after a night of alleged drinking by Stallworth in Miami. On Friday, March 13, Stallworth was due to be paid a 4.5M roster bonus. Could this be the result of excessive celebration the night before on the part of Stallworth?

EXUBERANCE COUNTS IN SPORTS!

"Overflowing with eager enjoyment or approval" is one definition of exuberance. A Patriots player spikes a ball or jumps into the fans' awaiting arms after a touchdown or straight-out pumps with gusto after a sack. Are these kinds of acts what we want to be seeing from our players? To properly tackle this issue I need to switch into my Dr. Sigmund Fraud mode.

The great jockey Jerry Bailey once stated that he really didn't reach his peak until he learned how to enjoy winning. When victories become intensely enjoyable to an individual, those victories reinforce that person's motivation. Exuberance gives extra life to a moment thus marking that event as memorable. We can never get too much of a great thing or a great moment!

Motivation drives a team, a crowd, and an individual player. Exuberance adds spice to motivation. So if a Pats player wants to jump into the stands, tell him to jump my way! In the final analysis: WORD is, Score-ore-ore-ore-ore-ore!!!!

More Visitors Dropping By

An interesting pre-draft visitor to Gillette is DL Evander "Ziggy" Hood from University of Missouri. At 6'3" and 300 pounds, he has a great deal of experience playing in a "3-technique" and is projected to be a DE in a 3-4 defense if he winds up in Foxborough. He is expected to be available mid-late first round. It looks like the Pats might be trying to bolster the D line since Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork and Jarvis Green are entering the final year of their contract. There may not be enough money to sign all of them

QB Stephen McGee of Texas A&M is also dropping by. He is rather intriguing because he injured his throwing shoulder last season and was limited to three starts. This might be a medical "look under the hood."