Trading RB Laurence Maroney to the Denver Broncos, along with a 2011 6th round draft choice in exchange for Denver's 4th rounder next year, is a win for everyone.
I was surprised that Maroney made it to the opening day roster. However, he had a sore thigh and sat out the opening game against the Bengals. Things were not looking good for him because of the other four backs on the roster.
He will be reunited with Josh MacDaniels, who must believe that Maroney still has something left in the tank. It was a relatively low risk trade for them by giving up a 4th rounder.
A change of scenery might do Maroney good. As the team's first round draft pick in 2006, he was viewed as a disappointment by many, especially because of his running style.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Moss Erupts
Randy Moss really let loose during his post-game press conference yesterday. It was his first time addressing the media this season. He certainly spoke with a great degree of emotion and honesty.
I find it puzzling that the team has not initiated any prior contract talks since he will be a free agent at the end of the season. Perhaps his days are over here because of the high cost to retain him and Wes Welker whose contact expires after the 2011 season.
Moss was just being honest when he said that there is a perception that he is a bad guy. When he started to answer questions, he became agitated and probably said things that will get spun by the media.
Given his long history of media problems, it seemed inevitable that there would be a day like this. His comments appeared to be self-centered and took attention away from a great effort by the team.
Was he being honest when he said that he wanted to get this off his chest and not be talking about it during week 10? Fans should hope this is the case. Maybe silence from Moss for the rest of the season is the best route to take.
It will be interesting to see how the front office responds to his comments. He indicated that he wants to stay here and doesn't want to play for another team.
He will be under a microscope for the rest of the season. Somehow, I don't think this has ended. It might get messy before it's over. It remains to be seen where this all ends.
I find it puzzling that the team has not initiated any prior contract talks since he will be a free agent at the end of the season. Perhaps his days are over here because of the high cost to retain him and Wes Welker whose contact expires after the 2011 season.
Moss was just being honest when he said that there is a perception that he is a bad guy. When he started to answer questions, he became agitated and probably said things that will get spun by the media.
Given his long history of media problems, it seemed inevitable that there would be a day like this. His comments appeared to be self-centered and took attention away from a great effort by the team.
Was he being honest when he said that he wanted to get this off his chest and not be talking about it during week 10? Fans should hope this is the case. Maybe silence from Moss for the rest of the season is the best route to take.
It will be interesting to see how the front office responds to his comments. He indicated that he wants to stay here and doesn't want to play for another team.
He will be under a microscope for the rest of the season. Somehow, I don't think this has ended. It might get messy before it's over. It remains to be seen where this all ends.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
A Season of Hope
It's three hours until the Pats kick off their season against the Bengals. It's a season filled with hope and promise, as well as reality. The team has already lost players to injury for the season. The roster of today will not be the one that finishes the season.
The team lost Tom Brady for the 2008 season when it was just minutes old. You never know what will happen to players. It can have such an impact on the team.
So much has been said and written about the team's chances this year. It's a clean slate for every team. There will be surprises and disappointments around the league.
As Coach Belichick has often said: "only one team wins the last game of the season".
The team lost Tom Brady for the 2008 season when it was just minutes old. You never know what will happen to players. It can have such an impact on the team.
So much has been said and written about the team's chances this year. It's a clean slate for every team. There will be surprises and disappointments around the league.
As Coach Belichick has often said: "only one team wins the last game of the season".
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Vegas Speaks
The season needs to start as soon as possible. We have listened to the "experts" for too long. Some predict a dire outcome for the Pats season. Others have them winning the AFC East. There are questions about the depth of the offensive and the inexperienced corners.
I feel quite optimistic about the season. The team is certainly a lot younger. There are 16 games to be played. The official line in Las Vegas has the over and under of 9.5 wins. I'm not sure how you win .5 of a game, but most "experts" give them a 9 or 10 win season.
It remains to be seen if they will win the Division or even make the playoffs. That's why the games are played according to Coach Belichick.
I feel quite optimistic about the season. The team is certainly a lot younger. There are 16 games to be played. The official line in Las Vegas has the over and under of 9.5 wins. I'm not sure how you win .5 of a game, but most "experts" give them a 9 or 10 win season.
It remains to be seen if they will win the Division or even make the playoffs. That's why the games are played according to Coach Belichick.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Bill Is The Best
I was watching an interview with Coach Belichick on "Patriots All Access". He certainly has critics, but there is nobody else I would want coaching this team. He is the best in all phases of the game. I can't imagine what it will be like when he doesn't coach the team any more.
I have followed the team since 1966, starting with the old AFL. This is the greatest time ever. Some of this is a byproduct of our 24/7 media world. No doubt, other coaches such as Chuck Fairbanks never had the media exposure of today.
Belichick brings such a passion to the game. He is criticized for his mundane and droning press conferences, but I think they are so informative. The media tries their best to pry information about the team. He is so good at dealing with those questions.
As we start the new season, all I can say is that I hope this ride never ends, but it will.
Belichick said it himself in the past: "nobody plays this game forever."
I have followed the team since 1966, starting with the old AFL. This is the greatest time ever. Some of this is a byproduct of our 24/7 media world. No doubt, other coaches such as Chuck Fairbanks never had the media exposure of today.
Belichick brings such a passion to the game. He is criticized for his mundane and droning press conferences, but I think they are so informative. The media tries their best to pry information about the team. He is so good at dealing with those questions.
As we start the new season, all I can say is that I hope this ride never ends, but it will.
Belichick said it himself in the past: "nobody plays this game forever."
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Lawsuits In Motion
The story of Tom Brady's car crash continues to evolve. So far, he appears to be ok. It will be interesting to see if he has any physical ramifications from it. One thing for certain is that he will be involved in a civil lawsuit with the other driver suing him for injuries, pain and suffering.
It has not been determined who was at fault, but one of the people in the other car had to be extricated by first responders. Rumors report the person as being unconscious. Between Brady's celebrity and the passenger's injuries, look for a huge lawsuit being filed with a settlement being made eventually.
Lawyers will be tripping over each other to get the business of the other driver. 33% of any settlement will be a huge payday for even Perry Mason.
It has not been determined who was at fault, but one of the people in the other car had to be extricated by first responders. Rumors report the person as being unconscious. Between Brady's celebrity and the passenger's injuries, look for a huge lawsuit being filed with a settlement being made eventually.
Lawyers will be tripping over each other to get the business of the other driver. 33% of any settlement will be a huge payday for even Perry Mason.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Roster Talk
The 53 man roster of today will not be the same that finishes the season. There is no doubt about that.
Players on the Pats know that "roster decisions" can be made that leave them off the team at any given time. That has been proven to players like Tyrone McKenzie who now resides on the practice squad.
More changes will be made to the roster before they kick the ball off against Cincinnati.
Players on the Pats know that "roster decisions" can be made that leave them off the team at any given time. That has been proven to players like Tyrone McKenzie who now resides on the practice squad.
More changes will be made to the roster before they kick the ball off against Cincinnati.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Randy Speaks
Randy Moss is finally spoke to the media. He discussed his contract status as he enters his final year with team. He expressed frustration that nothing has happened to re-sign him. He will make $6.4 million this season.
At the age of 33, he still preforms at a high level, based upon his three years with the Pats. He seems quite durable up to this point. He has been a fine citizen during his tenure. This is in stark contrast to some of his bad actions.
Given the status of the CBA, the team may go to the end of the season without Moss or Tom Brady signed to a new contract. Randy said he understands the nature of the business, but still feels that the team doesn't want him.
A lot remains to be seen. I agree with some of his comments, but until the labor situation is cleared up, I don't think you will see him or Brady with a new contract.
At the age of 33, he still preforms at a high level, based upon his three years with the Pats. He seems quite durable up to this point. He has been a fine citizen during his tenure. This is in stark contrast to some of his bad actions.
Given the status of the CBA, the team may go to the end of the season without Moss or Tom Brady signed to a new contract. Randy said he understands the nature of the business, but still feels that the team doesn't want him.
A lot remains to be seen. I agree with some of his comments, but until the labor situation is cleared up, I don't think you will see him or Brady with a new contract.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Surprising Cuts
The Pats needed to release 17 players to get to the mandated 53 man roster. They went above and beyond by releasing 22 and placing Brandon MaGowan on season ending Injured Reserve.
Several of the players should be back on the practice squad, assuming they are not claimed by another team. Overall, there were 704 players released around the league.
Apparently, Derrick Burgees is done with the team after costing them a third and fifth round draft pick when they traded for him prior to last season. He never lived up to their expectations.
With the emergence of the young linebackers, it sealed the fate of Special Teams player Eric Alexander. I was surprised to see them release Pierre Woods.
By releasing extra players, the Pats are able to sign several players released by other teams. A lot of dust still needs to settle before the roster takes its final look.
Several of the players should be back on the practice squad, assuming they are not claimed by another team. Overall, there were 704 players released around the league.
Apparently, Derrick Burgees is done with the team after costing them a third and fifth round draft pick when they traded for him prior to last season. He never lived up to their expectations.
With the emergence of the young linebackers, it sealed the fate of Special Teams player Eric Alexander. I was surprised to see them release Pierre Woods.
By releasing extra players, the Pats are able to sign several players released by other teams. A lot of dust still needs to settle before the roster takes its final look.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
The Grim Cut-down
All teams in the NFL will trim their rosters to 53 players today. They must release 17. Tomorrow, they can announce their practice squad of 8 players. This time of the year always brings a great deal of surprises for veteran players.
The Past have their own veteran son the bubble. Will Laurence Maroney and James Sanders stick around? Will any of the Pats 2009 draft choices be given their walking papers.?
Around the league, there are many questions. What about LaDainien Tomlinson, Adam Vinitieri, Joey Galloway, Terrell Owens, Antwaan Randle El, Matt Leinart and Trent Edwards? So many great players from past seasons, but time and younger players catch everyone eventually.
Very few players ever get to end their careers on their own terms. There will be a lot of unhappy players after 4pm today.
The Past have their own veteran son the bubble. Will Laurence Maroney and James Sanders stick around? Will any of the Pats 2009 draft choices be given their walking papers.?
Around the league, there are many questions. What about LaDainien Tomlinson, Adam Vinitieri, Joey Galloway, Terrell Owens, Antwaan Randle El, Matt Leinart and Trent Edwards? So many great players from past seasons, but time and younger players catch everyone eventually.
Very few players ever get to end their careers on their own terms. There will be a lot of unhappy players after 4pm today.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Tickets Available
After watching the Pats play the Jets in their new Meadowlands Stadium, it becomes apparent that the Jets will face an uphill battle to sell out their home games and avoid a local television blackout.
Jets owner Woody Johnson has vowed that Jets fans will not be subject to a blackout. There are 4,000 ticket available for the first two home games. There are also 2,000 that require the purchase of a Personal Seat License.
The Jets may end up buying their own seats for their first two home games. The PSL has proved to be a disaster with many lifelong season ticket holders giving up their seats.
The Jets will probably never give the actual live attendance last night. They may have sold the seats, but the stadium looked quite empty.
Jets owner Woody Johnson has vowed that Jets fans will not be subject to a blackout. There are 4,000 ticket available for the first two home games. There are also 2,000 that require the purchase of a Personal Seat License.
The Jets may end up buying their own seats for their first two home games. The PSL has proved to be a disaster with many lifelong season ticket holders giving up their seats.
The Jets will probably never give the actual live attendance last night. They may have sold the seats, but the stadium looked quite empty.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Keep An Eye On Ocho
Chad Ochcinco has tweeted that he has a very unique celebration if he scores a touchdown during the Bengals and Pats game at Gillette on opening day.
He plans to grab a rifle from one of the ceremonial Minutemean and fire it, much like the group does after every time the Pats score.
If he pulls it off, it will definitely get him national exposure as well as an enormous fine from the league. The Pats have not indicated whether any extra security will be in place to prevent Ochocinco from grabbing one of the rifles. One would assume that none of the Minutemen would willingly turn his rifle over to number 85.
Perhaps the best way to prevent this potential debacle is to have the defensive backs shut him down and keep him out of the end zone.
He plans to grab a rifle from one of the ceremonial Minutemean and fire it, much like the group does after every time the Pats score.
If he pulls it off, it will definitely get him national exposure as well as an enormous fine from the league. The Pats have not indicated whether any extra security will be in place to prevent Ochocinco from grabbing one of the rifles. One would assume that none of the Minutemen would willingly turn his rifle over to number 85.
Perhaps the best way to prevent this potential debacle is to have the defensive backs shut him down and keep him out of the end zone.
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