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.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Mike Haynes - New Position
CB Mike Haynes, former first round draft choice in 176, and a member of the Football Hall of Fame has a new position. He was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and has become the national spokesperson for the American Urological Association Foundation in an effort to create a greater awareness of this disease.
He currently serves as a special advisor to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and will be involved in public service announcements about prostate cancer. They will be shown during NFL games and on NFL.com
He played for the Pats from 1976-1982 and finished his 14 year career with the L.A. Raiders from 1983-1989. He played in nine Pro-Bowls and was selected to the Patriot's Team of the Century in 2000.
He was the first player in franchise history to return a punt for a touchdown with an 89 yard return against Buffalo on November 7, 1976.
He currently serves as a special advisor to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and will be involved in public service announcements about prostate cancer. They will be shown during NFL games and on NFL.com
He played for the Pats from 1976-1982 and finished his 14 year career with the L.A. Raiders from 1983-1989. He played in nine Pro-Bowls and was selected to the Patriot's Team of the Century in 2000.
He was the first player in franchise history to return a punt for a touchdown with an 89 yard return against Buffalo on November 7, 1976.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Stallworth Pleads Guilty
Former Pats WR Donte Stallworth pleaded guilty to DUI Manslaughter in the death of a pedestrian in Miami on March 14, 2009. His 30 day jail sentence drew outrage from many groups. In addition, he will be on probation for eight years and must serve 2 years of house arrest, although he will be free to play football.
He faces a lifetime driving ban, but may apply for a "hardship licence" after five years. He must also perform 1,000 hours of community service. The day before his plea, he reached an out of court financial settlement with the victim's family, avoiding civil litigation.
He faces further discipline by the NFL. The day before the crash, Stallworth received a $4.5 million dollar roster bonus from the Cleveland Browns.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Pats Pass on Pass
The Pats released veteran FB Patrick pass who was re-signed by the team just last week. Pass was with the team from 2000-2006 and was part of the three Super Bowl Championships. He was released after the 2006 season and spent time in training camp with the Houston Texans before being released prior to the 2007 season. He played one game in the 2007 season for the New York Giants before they released him. He sat out the 2008 season for "personal issues".
He remained in the area and recently contacted Coach Belichick about a possible return to the NFL. He was signed and attended the recent mini-camp, but released on Thursday.
The Pats selected him as one of their three 7th round picks (239th) in the 2000 draft. As a blocking FB and special teams player he was able to carve out a seven year NFL career with the Pats which included 11 starts in 78 regular season games.
He finished his Pats career with 128 carries for 526 yards and three touchdowns.
He remained in the area and recently contacted Coach Belichick about a possible return to the NFL. He was signed and attended the recent mini-camp, but released on Thursday.
The Pats selected him as one of their three 7th round picks (239th) in the 2000 draft. As a blocking FB and special teams player he was able to carve out a seven year NFL career with the Pats which included 11 starts in 78 regular season games.
He finished his Pats career with 128 carries for 526 yards and three touchdowns.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Pio Sagapolutele
Pio Sagapolutle,39, died on June 7th from a massive stroke and heart attack. The former Pat was the starting right tackle in Super Bowl XXXI against the Green Bay Packers and coached by Bill Parcells. During the 1996 season he played in 15 regular season games, starting 10.
Born in American Somoa and raised in Hawaii, Sagapolutle attended San Diego State before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 4th round in 1991. After spending five years with the Browns, he signed with the Pats for the 1996 season and completed his career with the New Orleans Saints the following year. He leaves a wife and three young children.
Born in American Somoa and raised in Hawaii, Sagapolutle attended San Diego State before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 4th round in 1991. After spending five years with the Browns, he signed with the Pats for the 1996 season and completed his career with the New Orleans Saints the following year. He leaves a wife and three young children.
What a Drive
The Pats held their annual charity golf tournament yesterday at the International Country Club in Bolton, Mass. Tedy Bruschi won the longest drive competition over Tom Brady 287 yards to 281. Last year, Rodney Harrison was the winner with a shot over 300 yards. Size doesn't really matter when it comes to golf.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Fall of a Star
Former RB John Stephens was in the news recently, but not for anything positive. He was arrested in Louisiana for the rape of a 51 year old woman after meeting her while she was looking for an apartment.
Stephens was a first round draft choice in 1988 from Northwest Louisiana State. His great running style earned him 1,168 yards his rookie year and a trip to the Pro Bowl as well as Offensive Rookie of the Year. The team finished 9-7 under Coach Raymond Berry and 5-11 in 1989. His backfield included Robert Perryman and Reggie Dupard. The quarterbacks included Steve Grogan, Tony Eason and Doug Flutie; throwing to receivers such as Stanley Morgan and Irving Fryer.
After his rookie year, his production dropped dramatically. He lead the team in rushing in 1989 and 1990 with back to back seasons of over 800 yards. By now, the team was transitioning to the Rod Rust (1-15) and Dick McPherson ( 6-10 , 2-14) years. During his final two years in 1991 and 1992 he teamed up with Leonard Russell. His production dropped to 163 and 390 yards for those respective seasons.
When Bill Parcells came on board in 1993, that meant the end of Stephens. He played 12 games that season for Green Bay and Kansas City and gained a total of 191 years. Until his recent arrest, he had fallen from the radar of Patriots Nation.
He is currently the 6th all-time leader rusher in team history with 3,249 yards on 891 carries and 42nd in receptions; 100 for 781 yards.
Stephens was a first round draft choice in 1988 from Northwest Louisiana State. His great running style earned him 1,168 yards his rookie year and a trip to the Pro Bowl as well as Offensive Rookie of the Year. The team finished 9-7 under Coach Raymond Berry and 5-11 in 1989. His backfield included Robert Perryman and Reggie Dupard. The quarterbacks included Steve Grogan, Tony Eason and Doug Flutie; throwing to receivers such as Stanley Morgan and Irving Fryer.
After his rookie year, his production dropped dramatically. He lead the team in rushing in 1989 and 1990 with back to back seasons of over 800 yards. By now, the team was transitioning to the Rod Rust (1-15) and Dick McPherson ( 6-10 , 2-14) years. During his final two years in 1991 and 1992 he teamed up with Leonard Russell. His production dropped to 163 and 390 yards for those respective seasons.
When Bill Parcells came on board in 1993, that meant the end of Stephens. He played 12 games that season for Green Bay and Kansas City and gained a total of 191 years. Until his recent arrest, he had fallen from the radar of Patriots Nation.
He is currently the 6th all-time leader rusher in team history with 3,249 yards on 891 carries and 42nd in receptions; 100 for 781 yards.
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