Training camp opens in one day. A new season and so many new players. The Pats have tried to retool their defensive backfield through the draft and free agent signings.
Two areas need improvement if the Pats want to get to the playoffs. Last season, they finished 26th of 32 teams for 3rd down defense. Opponents converted on 44.4% of opportunities. The defense was on the field way too long and effected time of possession.
Red zone defense is another area of concern. Opponents scored on 42 of 45 opportunities, including 31 touchdowns. That Past finished 31st of 32 teams.
It will be interesting to see who starts when September rolls around.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Sir Elton as Captain
When the Pats play Tampa Bay in London on October 25th, Elton John will be an honorary team captain. The Pats were selected to play a game in London this year as the NFL attempts to market their brand in Europe.
Elton John is a very close friend of the Kraft family and recently shouted out their praises to them at one of his concerts. He performed at the 40th anniversary party for Robert and Myra Kraft and has been a guest of the family during the Super Bowls.
Elton John is a very close friend of the Kraft family and recently shouted out their praises to them at one of his concerts. He performed at the 40th anniversary party for Robert and Myra Kraft and has been a guest of the family during the Super Bowls.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Bill's Fashion Statement
Coach Bill Belichick is noted for his trademark gray hoodie with the sleeves cut halfway to his elbows. He has been criticized by some for a poor appearance on game day. Yet, he is abiding by league regulations by wearing Reebok apparel on the sideline.
In a statement released by Reebok yesterday, the company reported that replicas of Belichick's hoodie are a huge selling item among Pats fans. I have seen them in stock at the Pats store for the bargain price of $75. It seems rather odd that a gray hooded sweat shirt sells for $75, but sometimes you can't compete with fashion.
In a statement released by Reebok yesterday, the company reported that replicas of Belichick's hoodie are a huge selling item among Pats fans. I have seen them in stock at the Pats store for the bargain price of $75. It seems rather odd that a gray hooded sweat shirt sells for $75, but sometimes you can't compete with fashion.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Cassell Cashed In
Last season when Tom Brady suffered a season ending injury, it proved to be the chance of a lifetime for Matt Cassell. After his great season, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. They announced the signing of the QB to a 6 year $60 million contract.
With the complexities of the salary cap, the first two years guarantee Cassell $28 million with the likelihood of the third year reaching a total of $40.5 million. The contract places Cassell in the upper echelon of QB salaries. It has many wondering how it will effect Tom Brady as his contract needs to be restructured at some point.
With the complexities of the salary cap, the first two years guarantee Cassell $28 million with the likelihood of the third year reaching a total of $40.5 million. The contract places Cassell in the upper echelon of QB salaries. It has many wondering how it will effect Tom Brady as his contract needs to be restructured at some point.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Stallworth Already Out
Former Pats WR Donte Stallworth was released from a Florida jail after serving 24 days of a 30 day sentence for pleading guilty to a charge DUI manslaughter.
Stallworth was at the wheel of a car that struck a pedestrian on March 14, 2009. He had been completing a night of partying when he struck the victim shortly after 7am.
He recently completed a $5M financial settlement with the victim's family. The case has drawn wide spread criticism for the light sentence that Stallworth received. He remains suspended indefinitely by the NFL and Cleveland Browns.
Stallworth was at the wheel of a car that struck a pedestrian on March 14, 2009. He had been completing a night of partying when he struck the victim shortly after 7am.
He recently completed a $5M financial settlement with the victim's family. The case has drawn wide spread criticism for the light sentence that Stallworth received. He remains suspended indefinitely by the NFL and Cleveland Browns.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Demise of Steve MCNair
The first few weeks of July are traditionally the slowest news period of the year for the NFL. Rosters are being tweaked with he signing of draft choices and free agents. Otherwise, there is not much going on.
The murder-suicide of Steve McNair and his girlfriend was a story that jumped from the pages. The former QB of the Tennessee Titans was found dead in his Nashville condo along with his 20 year old accomplice.
As police investigated, a clearer picture began to emerge. McNair was married and the father of four sons. After he retired, he opened a restaurant in Nashville, where he was viewed as a local icon. He met his girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, at another restaurant where he often dined with his wife and family.
McNair had allegedly told friends that he would be divorcing his wife and moving in with Kazemi. Two days before their deaths, Kazemi was stopped by Nashville police for DUI in a car owned by McNair, who was also a passenger.
McNair,who was not arrested, put up bail money to gain the release of his girlfriend. It was also on this day that Kazemi purchased the weapon used in the shootings.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 4, McNair returned to the condo after a night out on the town. Kazemi was already there. What transpired is unknown, but the facts show that McNair was shot twice in the head and chest. Kazemi was found with a single gun shot wound to her head. No signs of forced entry or robbery. Everything points to an apparent case of murder-suicide.
McNair was known for his charitable work and was considered a model teammate by players and coaches. He was very popular in Nashville where he played his entire career for the Titans and former Houston Oilers.
The murder-suicide of Steve McNair and his girlfriend was a story that jumped from the pages. The former QB of the Tennessee Titans was found dead in his Nashville condo along with his 20 year old accomplice.
As police investigated, a clearer picture began to emerge. McNair was married and the father of four sons. After he retired, he opened a restaurant in Nashville, where he was viewed as a local icon. He met his girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, at another restaurant where he often dined with his wife and family.
McNair had allegedly told friends that he would be divorcing his wife and moving in with Kazemi. Two days before their deaths, Kazemi was stopped by Nashville police for DUI in a car owned by McNair, who was also a passenger.
McNair,who was not arrested, put up bail money to gain the release of his girlfriend. It was also on this day that Kazemi purchased the weapon used in the shootings.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 4, McNair returned to the condo after a night out on the town. Kazemi was already there. What transpired is unknown, but the facts show that McNair was shot twice in the head and chest. Kazemi was found with a single gun shot wound to her head. No signs of forced entry or robbery. Everything points to an apparent case of murder-suicide.
McNair was known for his charitable work and was considered a model teammate by players and coaches. He was very popular in Nashville where he played his entire career for the Titans and former Houston Oilers.
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