Michael Vick Isn't Walking Through That Door

Michael Vick is now confined to home detention and faces the issue of reinstatement once his prison sentence winds up in July. NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell will need to decide Vick's future. The rumors have already started that he could end up with the Pats.

I don't see it happening for several reasons. I don't think he is a good fit for the offense which relies on a solid passing and running game. Vick is too much of an improviser. He had success in Atlanta in piling up statistics, but his team never went deep into the playoffs. The Pats are not about to switch to a Wildcat offense. We have already been through the Michael Bishop experiment.

He is also a public relations nightmare. Corey Dillon and Randy Moss came him with reputations as being selfish players, but their sins were far less than Vick's. Dillon never had any legal problems and Moss was a victim of his own bad actions for marijuana use and assaulting a traffic cop.

Whoever signs Vick will need to face the protests from animal lovers who are likely to stage some type of action. The Pats don't need or want this type of distraction. If they didn't sign a veteran quarterback after losing Tom Brady last year, they are not about to do it now.

Who Will Be Out?

With the expected return of Tom Brady and the elevation of Kevin O'Connell as his backup, there should be some spirited competition for the third spot between third year veteran Matt Guttierrez and undrafted free agent Brian Hoyer of Michigan State.

Guttierrez has seen little action other than in games when he was running out the clock in place of Tom Brady. Kevin O'Connell was Matt Cassell's backup last year and saw some action.

This could be a make or break year for Guttierrez as Hoyer has drawn the attention of the scouts and coaches with his play ability at Michigan State. Although he went undrafted, the Pats signed him right away.

With the passing camp on the horizon, it should get interesting. The Pats show no inclination of bringing in a veteran QB, although there are several out there looking for work.

Inside or Outside

As the Pats start their first OTA, one group to look at are the linebackers. With Mike Vrabel gone and free agent Jason Taylor signing with Miami, the Pats hope to find a proper mix of six linebackers for four starting positions and substitution.

It looks like Tedy Bruschi and Jerod Mayo on the inside while Adelius Thomas and Pierre Woods will fill the roles on the outside. Both Woods and Thomas ended up on Injured Reserve last season. Bruschi is starting to show his age. Mayo was Defensive Rookie of the Year.

They have already lost Tyrone McKenzie, one of their draft choices, for the season with a knee injury. Shawn Crable, a 3rd round pick last year also ended up on IR in 2008, but hopes to battle for time on the outside. Tully Banta-Cain was signed as a free agent from the 49er's and was a contributor when he was previously here. Gary Guyton and Vice Redd showed some promise last year.

Eric Alexander is probably on the bubble. The often injured former LSU star has been bitten buy the injury bug in his years here. Recent free agents include veteran Vinny Ciurciu of Boston College who saw playing time with the Vikings the last few years. Antonio Appleby from Virginia and Angelo Criag from University of Cincinnati round out the roster as undrafted free agents.

Right now there are 12 linebackers on the roster along with hybrid Tank Williams. Probably half will be gone by the final roster cut.

Tight Competition

The Pats finally begin their long journey to the 2009 season on Monday when they hold their passing camp in Foxborough. There should be some good competition for Tight End roster spots this season. The team usually carries three already has veterans Ben Watson, David Thomas, Tyson DeVree and Brad Lisorti from last year. In the off season, they signed free agent Chris Baker from the Jets and traded a 2010 5th round draft choice to Tampa for Alex Smith.

Watson is in the final year of his contract and carries a pretty big salary cap number. Devree and Lisorti saw limited action last season. Baker and Smith are both experienced veterans.

Smith might look familiar to many fans once he is on the field. He will be wearing number 80, previously worn by Troy Brown.

Taylor's Dancing is Over

Free-agent DE Jason Taylor has ended his dancing and flirtation with the Pats. The former
All-Pro has signed a one year contract with the Miami Dolphins, his former team. This reunites him with Bill Parcells who not happy last year when Taylor skipped off-season workouts to rehearse for "Dancing With the Stars". This resulted in his release and subsequent signing by the Washington Redskins.

Taylor was seen as being able to make the adjustment to the 3-4 defense of the Pats. There was some question as to whether he could fit within the salary cap of the team. Look for the Pats to bring in a couple of veteran bodies on defense as teams will be releasing players to avoid guaranteed payments after June 1. The Pats are at the league limit of 80 players, plus their 12 draft choices.

Maybe Nunn

The Pats announced the signing of free-agent WR Terrence Nunn of Nebraska. He is an interesting signing as he was undrafted in 2008 and did not play football last year. He was a four year starter at Nebraska and holds a school record for 32 consecutive games with a reception. He is number two all-time for Nebraska in receptions and yardage behind the legendary Johnny Rodgers.

Nunn was also a return specialist and was named to the All Big-12 team his senior year. Various scouts projected him to be a slot receiver and kick returner in the 2008 draft, but he did not catch on with any team in the NFL.

With the depth at receiver , his best opportunity appears to be for special teams. His speed is definitely a selling point.

Where's Rodney?

Although Rodney Harrison remains unsigned and recovering from a season ending injury, it appears that time and available roster spots might spell his end. In the off-season, the Pats signed free agents Shaun Springs and Leigh Bodden. They already had starters James Sanders and Brandon Merriweather, along with subs Ray Ventrone and Antwain Spann. They recently selected Patrick Chung in the draft and just signed free agent Brandon McGowan, formerly with the Bears.

There are already too many safeties and that doesn't include Rodney who continues to workout while keeping his options open. He did some excellent color commentary on the NFL Network during the Super Bowl and appears to have that broadcasting option available.

NFL - Not For Long

It is s often said that NFL means "Not For Long". The game is played at a high rate of speed with violent collisions. Careers can end on one play or be drastically altered (see Tom Brady).

The Rookie Mini-Camp is suppose to be an opportunity for draft choices and undrafted free agents to acclimate themselves to the coaching staff and their respective side of the ball. There is minimal contact.

While participation in a drill, linebacker Tyrone McKenzie a 3rd round pick from South Florida, suffered a torn ACL and will be placed on Injured Reserve, ending his season before it even started. One can only imagination the amount of money he lost, since he had not signed his rookie contract yet.

These players are afforded minimal financial protection. McKenzie is just another example that one's career can change forever on any given play.

Who are these NAVY Guys?

Yesterday, the Pats announced the signing of eight undrafted free agents. Thee were three intriguing names among them. All are seniors at the Naval Academy and have a five year military obligation awaiting them.

Coach Belichick has a long history with the Naval Academy as his father coached there for 33 years. As recently as 2007, the Pats had FB Kyle Eckel on their roster who subbed in the backfield and played on special teams. Eckel was able to leave the Navy before the end of his commitment. He played last season with the Eagles. The three players are interesting

Eric Kettani stated as fullback and played in the Senior Bowl. He was invited to the NFL Combine, but the Navy did not allow him to attend.

Shun White was signed as a receiver, but excelled as a running back. He is very quick; 4.36 for the 40. Last season, he gained 1,092 yards on 132 carries for an astounding 8.2 yd average. Against Towson State, he set a Navy single game rushing record with 348 yards on 19 carries.

Tyree Barnes was signed as receiver and averaged 20 yards per catch last season.

It remains to be seen whether they get to training camp. The team can retain their rights under a military exemption.

All Time Team - Part 5 Offensive Line

In the words of John Madden this team is made up of "big ol linemen".

Jon Morris - Played 130 games at center from 1964-74. Drafted in the 4th round from Holy Cross. Selected "All-Pro" seven consecutive seasons. Currently a candidate for Patriots Hall of Fame. Member of Patriots 10th & 35th Anniversary Teams.

Tom Neville - Played 160 games at tackle from 1965-77. Drafted in the 7th round from Mississippi State. Played in the legendary 1976 playoff loss to the Oakland Raiders. Member of Patriots 35th Anniversary Team.

John Hannah - Member of Pro-Football Hall of Fame (1991). First round pick in 1973 from Alabama in a draft that included Daryl Stingley and Sam Cunningham. Started every game at guard he played in; 183 ( 7th all-time for Pats). Only missed five games due to injury. Selected All-Pro 10 times, including nine consecutive seasons. Member of Patriots 35th Anniversary Team and NFL 75th Anniversary Team. NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year four times ( 1978-1981). Selected in 2000 to the Patriots Team of the Century.

Pete Brock - Played 154 games at center from 1976-1987. Drafted in 1976 in the first round from Colorado that included other first rounders Mike Haynes and Tim Fox. Latter part of his career was marred by knee injuries. Selected in 2000 to the Patriots Team of the Century.

Bruce Armstrong - Played from 1987-2000. All-time Pats leader at games played and started at 212.Drafted in the first round from Louisville. Selected All-Pro six seasons. Played in the "dark years" of 1989-91 prior to the arrival of Bill Parcells. Member of Patriots Hall of Fame, Patriots 35th Anniversary Team and Patriots Team of the Century.

A Stephen Neal Clone?

A surprising player at the Pats Rookie Camp this weekend was Jermail Porter from Kent State. The camp includes all their draft picks draft and various undrafted players invited to participate in a tryout. What makes Porter unique is that he never played football in high School or college.

Like Stephen Neal, he was a wrestler. Neal has carved out an eight year NFL career so far. Porter wrestled during his four years at Kent State and finished 6th in the NCAA championships last season.

At 6' 5"' and 301 pounds, he is being looked at on the offensive line. Coach Belichick talked about him during his press conference Friday. Porter possess enough attributes and skills to have gotten him this far.

Who knows how this will work out? It remains to be seen whether he gets an invitation to training camp in July. Right now it's an interesting story. I have a feeling this might work.

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.