Brady Should Thank Him

Wes Welker has proven to be a reliable target for Tom Brady, catching 76% of the balls thrown to him this season. Going into the Saints game, he has 79 receptions for 854 yds. for a 10.8 yd. average.

From the line of scrimmage he averages 5.3 yds. The telling stat is his yards after the catch. He has piled on 435 yards on his own. He leads the league in this category. In fact, during his three years with the Pats, he has more yards after the catch ( 1,833 ) than at the point of reception ( 1,361 ). This is the best in the NFL over the last three years.

Tom Brady is one of the beneficiaries of his tenacious running skills as he has already passed for 3,049 yards this season with six games to go. Welker's value to the team can never be underestimated.

Don't Cry for Charlie

Former Pats Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis was fired by Notre Dame after leading their football program for the last five years. He finished his 2nd consecutive 6-6 season. He was under contract through 2015.The school will reportedly pay him a buyout of $18M. His immediate plans are unclear, but leaving the Pats after their 3rd Super Bowl win was a great move financially.

They Drafted the Wrong Guy

Coach Belichick is quick to sing the praises of Wes Welker. At a press conference the other day, he admitted that he could not defense against him when Welker was with the Dolphins. He said he traded for Welker for that reason. He mentioned about"if you beat him, then join him".

Pointing out that Welker went undrafted in 2003, the coach admitted that the team made a mistake in drafting his team's QB instead of him.

Kliff Kingsbury was drafted in the 6th round, the 201st player selected. While playing with Welker at Texas Tech, he set 39 school, 16 Big 12 and 17 NCAA records, including a 83.05% career completion record.

At the Pats 2003 training camp, Kingsbury was Brady's 3rd backup behind Rohan Davey and Damon Huard. He was placed on Injured Reserve before the end of camp with a "shoulder injury".

Released in 2004, he was signed to the New Orleans Saints Practice Squad. After the season, he did the same with the Denver Broncos in 2005. He got a break when the New York Jets signed him to their 53 man roster for the end of the season.

Onto NFL Europe in early 2006, he was later signed by the Buffalo Bills where he served as a back-up, but saw no action.

A stint in the CFL in 2007 ended his career after being traded from Montreal to Winnipeg.

He is currently in his second season as the Offensive Quality Control Coordinator for the University of Houston football squad.

Meanwhile, his former undrafted target fought his way into the NFL and is a vital cog of the Pats offense. He also gets paid pretty well.

So much for making the right draft picks.

The Train Wreck

As the season gets to its most crucial point, the injury reports get rather bleak. QB Marc Bulger of the Rams is a case in point. In Sunday's loss to Carolina, he sustained a broken leg and had concussion symptoms. He also underwent two MRI's for groin and hamstring injuries, as well as a swollen knee.

In spite of this beating, the team feels he will only be out 3-6 weeks and decided not to place him on season ending Injured Reserve. I wonder what it would take to put him out for the season.

Nunn More

It's always a risky venture when a team attempts to keep a player on their practice squad with the hope that no other team signs them.

WR Terrence Nunn of Nebraska went undrafted in 2008 and subsequently took the year off from football. He came back in 2009 and impressed the coaching staff enough to earn an invitation to training camp. He was able to survive the final cut and was signed to the practice squad.

Under league rules, teams can acquire players from another team's practice squad as long as they are signed to the 53 man roster. Tampa Bay exercised that right and signed Nunn.

This is a great break for Nunn who was passed over by Branden Tate when the team was low on receivers a few weeks ago.

Upset Rex

Coach Rex Ryan of the Jets is quite unhappy with the Pats for driving for another score late in Sunday's game. He thought the long toss to Randy Moss, with Tom Brady working out a shotgun formation, was an attempt to run up the score of 31-14. There was less than 30 seconds left in the game.

Apparently, it angered Coaach Rex enough to shout obscenities on the sidelines and take a time out with 5 seconds left in the game for one more pass by QB Mark Sanchez.

As long as I've followed the NFL, its teams and players have placed great emphasis on the issue of "respect". It's nothing new and it won't change. Piling up points is one of Coach Belichick's trademark beliefs. You can never have enough points. Tom Brady often compares his coach with a driver with his foot on the gas pedal to the floor.

Coach Rex and others must realize that teams put the offense on the field to score points. With the fast and violent nature of NFL play, anything less than full speed would be a hazardous way to play the game.

This is not youth football. Everyone doesn't get a trophy at the end of the season. There is only one trophy. Maybe the Jets might need to wait at least another year to make their trip to the White House.

Post Game Thoughts on the Jets

RB Laurence Maroney fumbled the ball in yesterday's win against the Jets. It was the second consecutive week where he fumbled. Prior to this season, he had only coughed up the ball once in his time with the Pats.

The TD reception by Randy Moss gave him 144 for his career and tied him for 5th all-time. He continues to make his personal assault on NFL receiving records. He had a challenging day with CB Darrell Revis. Late in the 4th quarter, he was called for offensive pass interference. The replay showed that he had his arms around Revis.

Leigh Bodden enjoyed a career day with three interceptions. I heard an interview with him on Friday. He appreciates his time with the Pats as he spent last season in Detroit on a team that went winless.

WR Julien Edleman continues to emerge as a Wes Welker clone. His gritty reception and run after the catch on 3rd and 4 kept a drive alive. Maroney subsequently scored on a 1 yard run.

Safety Brandon Merriweather continued his emergence as a force on defense with a critical interception in the 4th quarter.

LB Tully Banta-Cain recorded his 5th sack of the season, stripping the ball from QB Mark Sanchez with Derrick Burgess recovering the fumble.

As expected, Coach Belichick was a different person in his post-game press conference. He even made the memebers of the media laugh.

A Bad Gamble

When the Pats face the Jets today, Gang Green will be without RB Leon Washington. He was lost for the season after breaking the lower two bones in his leg in a game against the Raiders. It was a bad injury and has a recovery time of 6-12 months. It was a very unfortunate twist of fate for Washington who was earning $535,000 in the last year of his rookie contract.

Prior to the season, he had gone through extensive negotiations with the Jets for a contract extension. He walked away from an offer that would have included $5M in guaranteed money. Now, he must wait to see if the Jets make him any offer after the end of the season.

Washington was well on his way to being a dangerous runner, with the ability to gain yards on running, pass and return plays. Last year, he gained 2,337 all-purpose yards. It remains to be seen whether he ever does that again for the Jets or any other team.

The Book on Isaiah

WR Isaih Stanback was recently promoted from the practice squad for the Colts game last week. He has a fascinating story. He was drafted in 2007 by the Dallas Cowboys in the 4th round and was with them until the final cut this year.

During his senior year at Washington, he was on his way to being a contender for the Pac-10 Player of the Year when he suffered a devastating foot injury on October 14, 2006 in a game against Oregon State. The broken bone in his Lisfranc joint in his foot is often a career-ending injury for a player. It caused him to miss the all-star collegiate games, as well as the NFL Scouting Combine. He dropped to the 4th round where the Cowboys selected him.

Ironically, all of his play at Washington was at QB. Dallas converted him to a receiver. During his first two seasons, he was active in only 10 games due to injuries to his knee and shoulder.

When the Cowboys released him at the start of the season, he had 10 teams to choose from before signing with the Pats. Apparently, the team had him on its radar during the 2007 draft. He was a valuable member of the practice squad taking snaps at receiver and QB. Now that he is on the roster, he can also fill the role as the backup 3rd QB and 3rd receiver. Two roster spots for the price of one. Coach Belichick likes those kind of players.

Will He Play?

During the Colt's game, RG Stephen Neal took a knee to the back of his head after Tom Brady threw an interception. He came out of the game and didn't return. The team has been somewhat silent on his condition. It was ruled as a "head injury". There are reports that it might be a concussion. This has to be treated very seriously by the team. They only need to look at the tragic ending to LB Ted Johnson's career and his subsequent medical problems due to his numerous concussions that he experienced during his time with the Pats.

RB Brian Westbrook of the Eagles suffered his 2nd concussion in three weeks and has been undergoing extensive tests to determine if he can play again this season or perhaps at all. Too many players go on the field every week because they are afraid of losing their job due to injury. The NFL needs to do better job in addressing injuries.

Wildcat Tamed?

The Miami Dolphins suffered a devastating loss when they placed RB Ronnie Brown on Injured Reserve due to a season ending foot injury. Brown has been the catalyst for the highly successful Miami Wildcat offense, taking the direct snap from the center and leading the offense.

RB Rickie Williams has rejuvenated his career while playing an integral part of it as a decoy, blocker and ball carrier. Rookie QB Pat White has been seeing a lot of action as the season progresses and appears to be the heir apparent to Brown's role.

No matter how it works out, the Dolphins (4-5) face an uphill battle for a playoff spot and need a win tonight against the Carolina Panthers in order to stay in the hunt.

Upon Further Review

Fans and the "experts" just won't let go of the issue of 4th & 2 against the Colts. Coach Belichick has always stated that whatever he does is in the best interest of the team. You either believe that or you don't. It's always easy to second guess someone when it doesn't work out.

The coach has stated that his decision was based on wanting to keep the ball out of the hands of Peyton Manning. The best chance of winning the game was to have Brady lead the offense to try and get less than two yards. It wasn't asking to much from such a potent offense that had moved the ball at will up to that point. Throwing the ball to Kevin Faulke was a no-brainer as he has been so dependable throughout his career. He made the reception, but his forward progress didn't get him past the yard marker according to the spot of the ball.

Can you imagine the outcry if the pass had been incomplete or if Brady took a sack? You live and die with these calls. What really bothers me is that this has given people an opportunity to pile on Belichick because they feel he was being arrogant. I'm not sure what he was being arrogant about. If the team can't make less then two yards when the game is on the line, maybe they aren't good enough to go deep in the playoffs.

These same fans will be the ones jumping on the bandwagon if the team makes a run in the playoffs. Maybe the coach should appoint a committee of fans to critique his decisions during the game. They could sit up in the booth with Belichick advisor Ernie Adams.

The Case of Sean Morey

WR Sean Morey of the Arizona Cardinals was drafted in 1999 in the 7th round by the Pats. The former Brown University start saw no action that year. He was cut when Coach Belichick arrived in 2000. Morey quickly learned that his only route of survival in the NFL would be through special teams. Although he continued to appear as a receiver on depth charts, it would be his special teams play that would let him carve out an 11 year career with four teams, including the Pats, Steelers, Eagles and Cardinals. He gained All-Pro status on special teams following the 2008 season.

Special team players are often those who are on the edge of the roster. There is tremendous pressure to perform. If you miss a game, there is someone behind you waiting to take your place. Many play on Sundays with injuries.

The NFL has begun to recognize one of its dark secrets. There are a tremendous amount of head injuries, particularly concussions, which lead to debilitating conditions later on in life. Morey was recently named as co-chair of the NFL Players Association committee for concussion and traumatic brain injuries. He joined a growing list of current and former players who have agreed to donate their brains for research upon their death.

Morey recently admitted that he played in the previous week's game against the Bears in spite of suffering a concussion a week earlier. He admitted being less than truthful with the team's medical staff and was able to get clearance to play.

His case is just one example of how players put their life and limb on the line every time they get on the field. There is a code of silence for discussing injuries. Once their career is over, they are often on their own to deal with their medical issues. The league doesn't do enough to take care of its former players or recognize the probelms they face.

I'm Listening to the Shows

It's the morning after a tough loss. No doubt the Pats had a chance of winning the game. Coach Belichick made a very gutsy call. I was surprised, given the amount of time left in the game.

The talk shows are getting ridiculous. Naturally, nobody agrees with the call. If the Pats had converted, everyone would be in agreement. It's going to be a very long week. I think I'll be turning the radio off at times as I can only take so much of the piling on.

Everyone is anointing the Colts as being undefeated for the rest of the season. Why play the rest of the schedule?

Here We Go

Now that the Pats have lost to the Colts, it seems like everyone who hates Coach Belichick will come out now. If the team converts on 4th & 2 , the game is over. It didn't happen and now it's going to get ugly this week on the sports shows. Be prepared to hear a lot of stupid comments.

Change Didn't Help Them

Every year there is a turnover on every roster in the NFL. This year was no exception for the Pats with retirements, trades and losses to free agency. CB Ellis Hobbs and FB Heath Evans both left the team. Hobbs was traded to the Eagles on draft day for two fifth round picks. Evans went to the Saints as a free agent.

Both players were seeing additional playing time, particularly Evans who was carrying the ball more and was a bigger part of the offense than when he played for the Pats. He recently suffered a season ending injury when he tore his ACL. He will face an uphill battle when he returns due to his age and competition from younger players.

Hobbs also ended up on Injured Reserve when he injured his neck last week against the Cowboys. He will undergo surgery and his career is in question due to the nature of the injury.

I always get a kick out the "experts" when they say that Brady has 3-5 years left on his career. If they know that much about the future, I should contact them and maybe get some tips on the stock market. Maybe they can tell me about my future.

Why Play the Games?

I was reading a story in the news today by one of the team's beat writers. The upcoming game with the undefeated Colts is the biggest one of the season and has big playoff implications. I don't doubt that. However, I dispute the writer's implication that the Pats should have a record somewhere between 13-3 and 11-5. The Colts record "should be" 15-1 to 12-4.

Anyone can make these types of predictions. He also feels the Broncos will be 11-5 to 10-6, Bengals 11-5 to 10-6, Steelers 13-3 to 11-5 and Chargers 10-6. I guess he's 100% certain on the Chargers and they will go 5-3 the rest of the way.

The Pats have "possible losses" with the Colts, Saints and Dolphins. He assumes the Jets will roll over and play flat. It's not worth talking about Buffalo, Jacksonville, Houston or Carolina. The Pats will beat them. All they have to do is show up.

This is the type of nonsense that Coach Belichick refuses to get involved in. I think It's stupid and moronic to think that the Pats have any wins guaranteed. You need confidence to play in the NFL, but every week there are upsets.

If that writer is such an expert, he should quit his day job and devote his time to betting on the games. He obviously can beat the spreads as well as the "over an under".

Listen to the Coach

If fans and "experts" listened to what Coach Belichick says in his press conferences, they wouldn't say some of the things they say. Others would be out of a job.

When asked about the running of Laurence Maroney, he gave a simple explanation. He said Maroney has "run hard" throughout the season. The holes have not been there for him. It's not the job of the running back to create the holes. That belongs to the offensive line. Without a hole, there is no place to go. According to the coach, Maroney has run well when given the opportunity.

The dancing at the line of scrimmage is more of a myth created by the media. You can't go anywhere, if there is no running room.

At the Game

I got to watched the Pats & Dolphins in person at Gillette Stadium . I love going to one game a year. It's always a great time, although not cheap. The seats were perfect, but had a $169 face value. Nothing is cheap about going to a game.

We left at 8am for a 1pm kick-off. Tailgating started by 10. Always too much to eat. Fans really get into it. I saw a woman down a shot of booze and then hurl it up onto empty grill. Party time. I don't drink at games as I want to watch everything and don't want to spend time going to the bathroom.

I was inside the stadium 20 minutes before the start. There was a moment of silence honoring the GI's killed at Fort Hood, as well as a Veteran's Day ceremony. The flyover by four Black Hawk helicopters was awesome.

You can see so much at the game that you don't see on tv. Special teams is one in particular. The ball is punted so high. Stephen Gostowski was kicking the ball out of the end zone to keep it away from Ted Ginn Jr. Those kicks were going 80+ yards.

Randy Moss caught a short pass from Brady and turned it into a 71 yard TD. It was all Moss to the end zone. He was able to turn it on and beat his defender by stiff-arming him. His 140th career receiving TD ties him with Terrell Owns for 2nd place all-time. Jerry Rice leads with 197.

There were more stats for Moss. He passed Chris Carter and Henry Ellard for 7th on all time receiving yards. His 13,913 career yards rank 7th behind Rice's 22,895.

LB Joey Porter was shut out for tackles. The stat was flashed on the Jumbotron late in the game. It resulted in a chant of "Joey Joey" by the fans. I find in ironic when fans mock an opponent. RandyMoss took a lot of ridicule for some of his bone-head antics earlier in his career, but now he is revered around here.

LB Junior Seau stood on the sideline throughout the game, usually one yard off the line of scrimmage. He looked poised to go in on every play. When his number was finally called for a substitution in the 4th quarter, he ran onto the field, but was quickly called back.

I stayed around to watch the post-game handshakes and embraces between the players. Coach Belichick gave an extremely long embrace and hug to LB Jason Taylor. Judging by the way they hugged on the field, it seems that Taylor is destined to play here some day if a contract can be worked out at the right price for the Pats. They look like long lost pals.

Pats & Dolphins

Coach Belichick was singing the praises of Bill Parcells at his press conference yesterday. The two are so intertwined with their careers. So much success together with the Giants.The Super Bowl year of 1996 with the Pats. Leaving the team for the Jets from 1997-1990. They certainly made each other successful.

There was a great interview by Scott Zolak on Patriots All Access with the coach. It's interesting to note that Zolak was the back-up QB in 1999 with the Jets and would have worked the offense against Belichick's defense in practice. The starting QB on those Jet teams was Vinny Testaverde, formerly with Belichick in Cleveland. Vinny would show up with the Pats in 2006 before finishing his career in 2007 with Carolina.

The special teams of the Pats must stop the lethal Ted Gwinn Jr. Last week, he returned two kicks for TD's. Among the special teamers trying to contain him will be LB Pierre Woods. Ginn and Woods went to the same high school in Ohio.

What About Brace?

It came as a surprise this week to hear that DL Jarvis Green had surgery on his knee. The extent of his injury is unknown. That's not unexpected as the Pats have not indicated which knee was operated on or how long Green will be out. It appears to be a cartilage issue and a "clean-up" procedure.

This leave the Pats rather thin on the D-Line. Expect Mike Wright to get much more playing time. He leads the team with 4 sacks. Wright has been a great addition, making the team as an undrafted free-agent in 2005.

Maybe this is a chance for 2nd round pick Ron Brace from Boston College. Brace has been invisible this season. He arrived here as a possible replacement for NT Vince Wilfolk, but has made no impact. He is behind 6th round draft pick Myron Pryor who fought his way onto the roster and has seen considerable amount of playing time in substitutional situations.

Brace was seen as a potential first round pick, but has a slow start to his career up to this point.