John Stephens, who played five seasons with the Pats from 1988- 1992 was killed in a single car crash in Louisiana. Police said Stephens was speeding and not wearing a seat belt when his car veered off the road and he was ejected.
Stephens was a first round draft choice ( 17th overall ) in 1988 and won offensive Rookie of the Year honors as well as trip to the Pro Bowl after rushing for 1,168 yards. He was 6th all-time on the Pats rushing list with 891 carries for 3,249 yards.
He was cut during the first training camp of Coach Bill Parcells in 1993. He finished out the season playing for Green Bay, Atlanta and Kansas City.
Trouble followed Stephens in recent years. This blog featured a story on him on June 3, 2009 which discussed his recent arrest for raping a 51 year old woman while he was looking at a vacant apartment.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Damon Huard Again?
The "experts" are saying that QB A.J. Feeley of the Eagles will be cut and end up with the Pats. That might not be a bad choice, but Damon Huard has been released by the 49er's. The 13 year veteran played the last five seasons with Kansas City and saw considerable starting action. He just couldn't nail down the starting job.
Prior to that, he spent the 2001-03 seasons with the Pats where he served as Tom Brady's back-up. He left the team after the 2003 season because he had a chance at the big money and a starting job with the Chiefs. He also has served as Dan Marino's backup in Miami.
In Huard, the Pats would have a QB who is familiar with their system and a proven NFL veteran. I wouldn't be surprised if he had a visit to Gillette in the near future.
Prior to that, he spent the 2001-03 seasons with the Pats where he served as Tom Brady's back-up. He left the team after the 2003 season because he had a chance at the big money and a starting job with the Chiefs. He also has served as Dan Marino's backup in Miami.
In Huard, the Pats would have a QB who is familiar with their system and a proven NFL veteran. I wouldn't be surprised if he had a visit to Gillette in the near future.
Thoughts on Kevin O'Connell
The sports talk shows were buzzing yesterday with the signing of Kevin O'Connell by the Detroit Lions. "Experts" were saying that the Pats wasted a 3rd round pick on O'Connell by drafting him that high and then giving up on him so early. Given his game day status last season, he was not eligible for the practice squad this season.
Coach Belichick and his staff have seen something that the rest of us have not. Matt Cassell had a bad camp last year and was almost run out of town. He turned out to play well in the absence of Tom Brady. They saw something in Andrew Walter and Brian Hoyer that made them release O'Connell.
Maybe O'Connell will resurrect the Lions and play 14 seasons. Perhaps he will be released in the final roster cut. Evaluating talent is difficult using training camp and pre-season games. Just ask Tom Brady, a 6th round draft pick in 2000.
Coach Belichick and his staff have seen something that the rest of us have not. Matt Cassell had a bad camp last year and was almost run out of town. He turned out to play well in the absence of Tom Brady. They saw something in Andrew Walter and Brian Hoyer that made them release O'Connell.
Maybe O'Connell will resurrect the Lions and play 14 seasons. Perhaps he will be released in the final roster cut. Evaluating talent is difficult using training camp and pre-season games. Just ask Tom Brady, a 6th round draft pick in 2000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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