Monday, August 31, 2009

A Tale of Two PLayers

It caught me off guard hearing of Tedy Bruschi's retirement. Earlier last week, he was talking about how he was caring a new role for himself with them team. He played Friday night in the game against the Redskins. The team had to reduce the roster to 75 by 4pm today. What transpired between the end of the Redskins game and Sunday night when the news first broke.

As I watched Bruschi at his press conference today, he seemed very happy and had come to terms that his career was over. I think he knew it earlier this summer. He had missed a significant amount of practice time. Yet, last week he was talking about his role with the team.

As a fan, I knew this day was coming, but hoped that it never would. Watching Coach Belichick become extremely emotional was something I was not expecting. It would have been very difficult to release Bruschi after all his has done for the team.

The Pats carried Troy Brown on the PUP list during the 2007 rather than release him. He made a cameo appearance in the last game of the season, but was inactive for the playoffs. Bruschi could have done the same. The game against the Redskins must have finalized his decision. He had a great career and accomplished so much, but I think we all wanted more. It wasn't going to happen.

The team also released 2nd year QB Kevin O'Connell, a third round draft pick from last year.
O'Connel and Bruschi were both 3rd round picks. Bruschi played in 5 Super Bowls during his 13 seasons. O'Connell was the backup to Matt Cassell after Tom Brady got injured last year.

Today it ended for both of them. Two players with much different careers. O'Connell might hook on somewhere else and have a great career. Maybe not. Only time will tell.

It also ended for long snapper, Nathan Hodel, a seven year veteran who was released. Jake Ingram, a sixth round pick, has apparently made the team as the long snapper.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

C for D

Although the Pats secured a victory in the closing minute against the Redskins, the team still has a long way to go on defense.

The secondary has come under much scrutiny and fared no better in this game. Redskins QB's were able to complete 19 of 34 passes for 290 yards. At times, they completed passes at will. Jonathan Whilhite was able to intercept a pass on the goal line and return it 99 yards for a touchdown. However, there continues to be inconsistent play.h Coach Belichick was trying various nickel and dime packages throughout the game.

The Redskins ran the ball 31 times for a total of 116 yards. One positive note was that the Pats stopped the Redskins on three straight possessions with three and out which resulted in no yardage.

The final game against the Giants will be a last audition for many players as the team will be reducing the roster from 75 to 53.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Did Brady Get Hurt?

I don't think we will know for a few days whether Tom Brady hurt his throwing shoulder during the game with the Redskins. He was thrown to the ground by Albert Haynesworth. He was shown grimacing and grabbing his shoulder.

He later looked ok on the sidelines, but was no where to be found in the locker room after the game. Various sources are reporting that he may have suffered an injury. Coach Bill Belichick referred to Brady as having "the usual bumps and bruises."

In the next few days the Pats will be circling the wagons and keep everyone in the dark as to Brady's status. He probably would have only played one series in the finale against the Giants on Thursday.

With a little over two weeks before their opening game, the QB picture just got a little fuzzy unless there is an immediate clarification by the team.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Vince Wilfork's Contract

The pre-season has been consumed with the issue of Vince Wilfork's contract extension. There is no doubt of his value to the defensive line and team overall. From what I've been hearing and reading, I think the Pats will let Wilfork play through this season without addressing his contract.

The NFL CBA expires after next season. This will lead to an uncapped year. Without a new CBA ,here could be a lockout for the 2011 season.

The Pats have the option of slapping the franchise tag to Wilfork after the season is over. He will be a free and will command top dollar. To complicate matters, the contracts of Brady and Seymour expire after the 2010 season.

A long range plan needs to be done, but with the unclear picture of the CBA, I think the Pats will wait until the last minute to make decisions on player contracts.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Depth on the Line

I was surprised with the trade of Offensive Lineman Russ Hochstein to the Denver Broncos. He had been with the team since 2002 and was very versatile at all of the offensive line positions.

In 2007, he started the final eight games of the seasons at center when Dan Koppen was injured. Last year, he stated the last two games at full-back and played the position numerous times in goal line and short yardage situations. He was also used as a 3rd tight end.

During Coach Belichick's press conference on Wednesday,he reiterated how invaluable Hochstein was to the team. There is a logjam on the offensive line with the team likely to carry only eight on the 53 man roster.

Coach Belichick stated that the team has Ryan Wendell, Dan Connolly and Billy Yates in the back-up role as center. The team was able to get a 7th round draft pick for a player they might have cut.

Times Runs Out For Williams

The Pats announced the release of Safety/Linebacker Tank Williams. He missed all of last season due to an ACL injury during a pre-season game. He had practiced very little this season. When he was signed last year, he was seen as a hybrid who could switch between the linebacker and safety positions.

Williams was originally drafted in 2002 by Tennesee Titans in the 2nd round. He missed part of the 2004 season with a knee injury and was signed by the Minnesota Vikings in 2006. He subsequently missed the 2006 with a knee injury before being released in 2007.

He was facing an uphill battle for a roster spot as both linebacker and safety are full of depth.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Trading with Denver

The Pats announced the trading of OL Russ Hochstein to the Denver Broncos for draft considerations. Coach Bill Belichick has been quite candid about being open to dealing with Coach Josh MacDaniels.

The trade works great for both sides. Hochstein was being squeezed for a roster spot and was primarily a backup. He also played fullback on goal line formations. By trading Hochstein, they are able to pick up another draft pick . Hochstein may have been a casualty on the roster, but now they have some value in return. Denver gets a proven player as Coach MacDaniels was very familiar with him.

Hochstein joined the Pats as a practice squad player in 2003. He was able to make the active roster the following year. He was an important backup lineman in his eight year tenure, appearing in 91 games. He was also the backup long snapper.

Monday, August 24, 2009

What Does Vince Think?

Vince Wilfork has been involved in a protracted negotiation to get an extension on his contract which expires after this season. He will earn $2.2 million in the final year of his six year contract.

Considered one of the best nose tackles, he is often compared to Albert Haynesworth whose recent extension will earn him over $9 million a year. Team officials, including owner Robert Kraft, have continued to discuss the uncertainty of things as the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement expires after the 2010 season.

That has not stopped the team from reaching out to left tackle Nick Kaczur for a contract extension. Like Wilfork, his contract will expire after this season. He is schedule to earn $2.27 million. Although terms are not being discussed, the size and length of the contract is vastly different from what Wilfork is looking for.

The team has more than a dozen players entering the final year of their contract including Richard Seymour, Logan Mankins, Stephen Gostkowski and Kevin Faulke. In the end, it will come down to financial considerations as the team will do things in a financially prudent manner.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Game 2 - Comments

The Pats played an uninspired pre-season game #2 and lost 7-6 to the Bengals. There were several performances to note

Tom Brady played two series, completing 4/8 for 57 yards resulting in one field goal. Last week, he expressed a desire to take a hit. He got his wish as he was knocked down twice.

Kevin O'Connel finished the first half and played into the third period. He was 5/10 for 69 yards during four series. The net result was another field goal.

Brian Hoyer played most of the 2nd half completing 11/19 for 112 yards. He lead a 4th quarter drive from their own 5 yard line until a fumble by BenJarvis Green-Ellis on the Bengal's 12 yard line with 3:43 left. This essentially ended the game.

Safety Ray Ventrone saw action as a receiver and caught four balls for 39 yards. Terrence Nunn looked good with four catches for 53 yards.

Wes Welker saw action and caught 1 ball for 32 yards, but looked great running with the ball after the catch. Kevin Faulke showed his usual versatility catching two screens for 35 yards.

Fred Taylor started in the backfield and carried 7 times for 16 yards. Laurence Maroney was dancing around and did his usual 3 carries for 6 yards. The team was able to put up 108 yards.

The defense came out in a 3/4 with Adelius Thomas and Pierre Woods playing left and right outside respectively. Tedy Bruschi saw his first action, although Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton got the starts at inside.

A lot of work remains for the defense. The Bengals were able to run the ball for a 4.9 yard average with 35 attempts gaining 173 yards. Passing picked up 186 yards from 12 completions.

It was interesting to note that the Bengals had 346 yards offense compared to 336 for the Pats. They were almost equal in time of possession with 29:51 for the Bengals and 30:09 for the Pats.

Coach Belichick was not overly enthused about his team's performance and indicated there is a long way to go.

One of the game highlights was the kicking of WR Chad Ochocinco. With their regular kicker out, Ochocinco converted the point after and did the next kickoff.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Game 2

Look for Tom Brady to play a couple of series tonight against the Bengals and then get pulled so that Andrew Walter and Kevin O'Connell can battle for the backup position. Brian Hoyer's best possibility is to make the practice squad. The backup slot is still up in the air.

TE Ben Watson is not expected to play. Time is starting to work against him for a roster spot. Alex Smith needs to show more of his ability, if given the opportunity.

WR Julian Edelman continues to capture attention on special teams and with his newly found pass catching skills. He is knocking on the door and fighting with Sam Aiken for the 5th receiver spot.

Punter Chris Hanson has missed the last several practices. With no other punter on the roster, the role goes to Steven Gotskowski.

The team continues to play a 4/3 defense. Rookies Myron Price and Ron Brace drew praise from Coach Belichick for their efforts against the Eagles. Price played almost the entire defensive series against the Eagles. Both should both see a significant amount of playing time.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Roster Moves

CB Mike Richardson was released by the club. The 2007 6th round pick from Notre Dame was facing an uphill battle for a roster spot. His early release allows him the opportunity to sign with another team. Brandon Merriweather is now the only pick left from the 2007 draft.

Richardson's release cleared a roster spot for the team to sign RB Chris Taylor. He visited the team last week, but here was no spot for him. Coach Belichick has stated that he wanted six RB's in camp. Sammy Moriss has missed practice since the Eagles game. It became a necessity to sign him in order to have at least five healthy backs. Taylor was released by the Houston Texans last October and had been out of football. He has seen limited action after signing as a free agent in 2006.

The team traded DE LeKevin Smith to Denver for a 5th round draft pick. Smith was in a precarious position to make the team due to recent signings and the 2009 draft choices. The trade allows the team to pick up a fifth round pick which will be flipped to Oakland as part of the Derrick Burgess trade. The Raiders also received the Pats 3rd round pick in next year's draft.
Smith was drafted in the 6th round by the Pats in 2006. He saw action as a reserve last season and 2007. He was only active for three games in 2006.

The team also placed WR Shun White from Navy on the Military Reserve list. He is the third Navy player signed as a free agent, along with RB Eric Kettani and WR Tyree Barnes, to have their rights retained by the team for a three year period.

Roster Talk - Tight Ends

Ben Watson did not play against the Eagles. He is considered to be on the "bubble" as there are five tight ends in camp. It's unlikely the team will keep all of them. Watson is in the last year of his contract. Some feel that he has not live up to his first round hype. He is injury prone and has missed parts of camp.

David Thomas was praised by Coach Belichick for his effective blocking for Laurence Maroney against the Eagles. He lined up as a blocking fullback for several plays. Since the Pats have no true fullback on their roster, look for them to employ a tight end for this assignment.

Chris Baker solidified his roster spot with two TD receptions. Alex Smith and Tyson Devree also had significant playing time.

If all stay healthy, there will be some difficult decisions to make in the final roster cut.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Tedy Bruschi on the Bubble?

Tedy Bruschi practiced yesterday for the first time. The 14 year veteran is staring down Father Time as he attempts to gain a roster spot at the age of 36. Age and a younger group of players have refined his role with the team.

Potentially, six linebackers are ahead of him for playing time: Adelius Thomas, Pierre Woods, Jerod Mayo, Derrick Burgess, Gary Guyton and Shawn Crable.

Every roster spot counts. Coach Belichick might keep seven, but dress only six on Sundays. It's important that Bruschi stays healthy and able to fight for playing time. The final roster will be critical for the season opener. Some experts say that Bruschi is on the "bubble."

Coach Belichick has been questioned about the "bubble" in the past and denied its existence. He felt it was a creation of the media.

Time is chasing down number 54. ......To paraphrase Coach Rick Pitino: "Tedy Bruschi from "Desert Swarm is not gonna come walking through that door."

I expect him to make the roster, but he might be the odd guy out at times.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Post Game Thoughts

A few thoughts from the Pats 27-25 win over the Eagles.

Brady looked real sharp completeing 10/15 passes for 100 yards, 2 TD's and one interception.

Both of his TD passes, thrown from the shotgun in the first half, were to TE Chris Baker. Brady's first completion was to rookie WR Julien Edelman. Brady played until the final minutes of the first half before being relieved by Andrew Walter.

Edleman had a stellar game, leading receivers with 5 catches for 37 yards. He also ran back a punt for 75 yards after great coverage by rookie CB Darius Butler. Edeleman also made the game's opening tackle on special teams. He had a considerable amount of playing time as the coaching staff is trying to see why he should not be on the team.

It was interesting to note that the Pats played primarily a 4/3 defensive scheme. Coach Belichich has been using this in practice and seems willing to use it during the season, depending upon the personnel situation of the game.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Game Night

Tonight marks the start of the 2009 pre-season schedule. Tom Brady and the first unit should see a couple of series tonight before going to the bench.

The games are a necessary evil in the NFL. Inevitably, players get hurt and sometimes lost for the season. The Pats have a 1989 game to keep in mind as they lost three defensive starters to Injured Reserve in a meaningless game. The loss of Andre Tippett, Garin Veris and Ronnie Lippett contributed to an eventual 5-11 record.

Coach Belichick believes the games are the only was to prepare for the season and to give players experience. The NFL is looking to expand the season to 17 or 18 games. Most feel there is a need for these games no matter the length of the regular season.

I believe there is a need for them. However, season ticket holders and fans must buy these tickets at regular prices. I have no solution to this problem as the owners know that the games produce valuable revenue for their teams.

By game four, very few starters end up playing. It's a good opportunity to see everyone play as long as you don't have to pay the premium prices at Gillette Stadium.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Another Trip to Camp

I attended the afternoon practice session this past Monday. The temperature hovered close to 9o. I noticed that many of the players wore long sleeve Under Armour t-shirts under their practice jersey in spite of the heat.

The team practiced a lot on the kicking game. Various players are still being tried at the return position ,with Julian Edelman getting considerable time. He also took many snaps with the first string offense as a receiver.

The offense worked on third down situations. In one drill, Tom Brady completed a pass at the goal line which resulted in the entire defense running a lap around the practice field.

In two consecutive plays, Russ Hochstein was called for offside and was forced to run a lap. The same was for Adelius Thomas and Derrick Burgess on separate plays.

Punter Chris Hanson was free-kicking the ball 60-70 yards in the air. It's a lot easier without a rush coming in to block.

Coach Belichick continued his practice of resting players. Randy Moss and Wes Welker were not present, as well as Tedy Bruschi and Richard Seymour.

Safety Ray Ventrone and WR Matthew Slater continue to work on the opposite side of the ball. Ventrone with his number 41 looks like a running back lining up as receiver.

Earlier this season in rookie camp, 3rd round draft pick Tyrone McKenzie was lost for the season with an ACL tear due to getting tangled up in a drill. It's easy to see how this happens. Although the players don't always make direct contact, there were numerous times when they fell and banged into each other.

Practice lasted an extra 10 minutes as the team worked on goal line situations.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Pass Rush Improved

Coach Bill Belichick recently said that you can never put enough pressure on the quarterback or have enough of a pass rush. There were questions about this going into the 2009 season.

The team addressed this concern with the recent acquisition of Derrick Burgess from the Oakland Raiders. Although the details have not been finalized, the team is expected give Oakland a 3rd and 5th round pick in next year's draft.

Coach Belichick has prior experience coaching Burgess during the Pro Bowl following the 2006 season. He recruited Adelius Thomas at the same time. In four seasons with the Raiders, Burgess totaled 38.5 sacks, including a league-leading 16 during the 2005 season.

The role of Burgess will be determined according to Belichick. He could play outside linebacker in the 3/4 or defensive end in the 4/3. There has been concern about the pass rush with the absence of Richard Seymour and Ty Warren from practice since the start of training camp.

Burgess is signed through the 2009 season. He was unhappy with his Raiders contract and had requested a trade.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Roster Talk - Part 1

With the first pre-season game coming up next week against Philadelphia, there appears to be some interesting roster situations.

The Pats have five running backs on the roster: Fred Taylor, Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk and Bennjarvis Green-Ellis. They have no full-back with the departure of Heath Evans. Coach Belichick will probably rotate tight ends or players such as Russ Hochstein into the fullback slot unless one is signed. This season appears to be a make or break for Maroney who is the last year of this contract and has the label of being injury prone.

The team is carrying five tights ends: Ben Watson, David Thomas and Tyson Devree from last year as well as Chris Baker who was signed away from the Jets and Alex Smith who was acquired from Tampa Bay through a trade.

I can't see the team carrying more than three tight ends. Watson is in the last year of his contact and Thomas is still recovering from his costly penalty in last season's loss against the Colts.

It doesn't appear that the team can keep all of the players on the 53 man roster or the 45 game day one without impacting another position.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Stories From Training Camp - Part 2

Every NFL team has ball boys who perform a variety of functions. They are usually high school players that have some type of connection with someone on the team. They often catch tosses from the 3rd and 4th QB's. They wear gloves on their hands. It's easy to see why. The ball is fired at up to 60 mph. You can hear the impact it makes on their gloves. It's a good way to dislocate a finger.

After I left practice on Saturday, the team released rookie punter Tom Malone. He was on the practice squad last season. It appears that the team will go with veteran Chris Hanson. Since only 80 players can be on the roster, it allows the team to bring in additional players at key positions. Unless Malone signs with another team, he will be waiting for a call from the Pats in case Hanson gets injured.

It's amazing to watch Randy Moss accelerate from the line of scrimmage. He makes his cuts so gracefully. He can change his speed as needed. I think that's why some think that he doesn't play every down at full speed.

Change in QB's

The Pats announced the release of QB Matt Guttierrez and the signing of Andrew Walter who was released from the Oakland Raiders.

Walter has some game experience having started 8 of 12 games in 2006. During that season, he completed 147/276 passes for 1,676 yds. and 3 TD's. He attended Arizona State and was drafted in the 3rd round in 2005. His career stats show 174/333 for 1,919 yds. and 3 TD'S.

Guttierrez of Idaho State was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He appeared in 5 games in 2007, mostly in the final minutes. Last year, he slipped to 3rd on the depth chart behind Matt Cassell and Kevin O'Connell.

This is an indication that Coach Belichick is looking to improve the depth behind Tom Brady. The competition is on-going with Walter, O'Connell and undrafted free agent Brian Hoyer.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Stories From Training Camp - Part 1

Yesterday, I attended the 3:45 pm practice. There is so much to observe and things going on. It was a hot day with over 4,000 fans in attendance. The Patriots provide food and drink concessions at game day prices. I bought a water for $3.75 and a small grilled chicken sandwich for $7.50.

Tom Brady was the last player to walk on the field. He got a huge ovation. He was carrying his shoulder pads with his red practice jersey draped over them. In one quick motion, he pulled everything over his head and was now ready to practice. He got another ovation

It was quite interesting watching the return game. Although it was 11 on 11, the kicker pulled away at the last minute. Instead, Special Teams coach Scott O'Brien used the "Juggs" machine which sends the ball down the field like a rocket. It allows the return team time to set themselves up.

Many of the "experts" seem to think WR Matthew Slater and DB Ray Ventrone are fighting for their roster spot. Coach Belichick played Slater with the defense and Ventrone with the offense. In the past, he has spoken of their versatility, especially Ventrone.

OL Sebastian Vollmer ( 2nd round pick ) is listed at 6'8" 315 lbs. and looks every part of it. He actually appears rather lean. He will have a roster spot.

The offense of this team is centered around Tom Brady and Randy Moss. Everything is built around them. There are a lot of weapons for Brady to use this year, but it's all about getting the ball to Moss in key situations.

To see Randy Moss up close was really impressive. He is listed at 6'4" and 210. He is so lean! He has a gigantic stride and can turn it on in varying speeds. In the past, he has been accused of "taking plays off". When you watch him run, you realize that he is a very special athlete and one of the best to ever play that position. Watching Brady, Moss and Belichick is like watching another Big 3 for the Hall of Fame.

The offense practiced on the field closest to the fans. It's harder to watch the defense. Tedy Bruschi was not in uniform. Coach Belichick spend the first hour with them.

He came over to the offensive field, along with the defense. As he walked to
mid-field, Special Teams was still doing its "Juggs" practice. Julien Edelam, a 7th round pick from Kansas State was one of the players fielding the balls. He had caught a bunch of them during the drill. This time the ball fired off the front of his helmet. I wonder what Belichick was thinking.

I expect Edeleman to make the team as either a roster spot, practice squad, or stashed away on injured reserve. He put up some huge numbers playing QB at Kent State in both passing and running the ball. The Pats drafted him with the idea of converting him to WR or a kick returner.

You could hear Brady calling the signals and Belichick's comments. At one point he said to the players: "If you aren't in this play, go over to the sideline".

Belichick was in game shorts and pull-over windbreaker. He was very tanned. Sometimes he has looked very tired during the season. He looked like he enjoyed his off-season.