Eagles Land

Bill Belichick approaches every practice as if were their last. It was so informative to be at training camp today for the joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles. There was so much to see.

Trying To Avoid Five

Former WR Irving Fryar had a chaotic career with the Pats after they made him the first overall selection in the 1984 draft. His brilliant play on the field was marred by a number of controversial actions in his personal life.

He was accidently stabbed by his wife during the 1985 Super Bowl run and was involved in a drug controversy after the game in 1986. He made a lethal receiving tandem with Stanley Morgan during his time with the team.

Few thought that he would ever play 16 years in the league with stops in Miami, Philadelphia and Washington. After he retired, he became an ordained minister with a church near his hometown.

Now, he faces up to five year in prison if he accepts a plea bargain to resolve a case involving loan fraud charges. His mother also faces time for her part.

How did it go so wrong? Things seem to be going well for him in retirement.

The Gillette Eagles

I plan to attend the joint practice on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium between the Pats and the Philadelphia Eagles. They are very interesting to watch. I've seen a couple of them in the past.

It's hard to believe that there is order and planning in all of the drills, but it's very fluid. A lot gets done in the two hours.

There is always a huge turnout of fans. You get very close to the field and see it all.

Steve Gregory

Former Pats safety Steve Gregory abruptly announced his retirement from the NFL. He cited his new perspective on life after the recent birth of his daughter. Gregory mentioned that he was happy to leave the game on his own terms and in good health. He hopes to pursue a coaching career.

He had quite a ride in the NFL after being undrafted in 2006. He was signed by the Chargers and played six seasons before the Pats got him after the 2011 season. He played in 111 regular season games, but will always be remembered for his role in the Mark Sanchez "butt fumble" play against the Jets during the 2012 season. He picked up the ball and scored a TD.

The Pats released him back in February. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs and was expected to battle for a starting spot.

Your New Back-up

After one pre-season game, we can speculate about the back-up quarterback situation with the Pats. There is discussion after last night's loss to the Redskins.

Ryan Mallett and Jimmy Garropollo had mostly 2nd and 3rd stringers in front of them. If the team was trying to showcase Mallet, it didn't work last night. I don't think he has much trade value other than a late round pick. His future is not in Foxborough.

Garropollo looked good when he was in there. I think he will win the back-up job.

Pre-season Game 1

It's the start of the 2014 season as the Pats face the Redskins after three days of joint practices. There are so many things to watch for tonight.

Hopefully, nobody gets hurt. Gronk never made the trip. The starters won't play that much. Ryan Mallet will start and play most of the game.

We hear all the rumors of trading Mallet. What is his value to another team? Will the Pats take a 4th round pick in next year's draft?

It Was An Issue Once

Several teams around the NFL have ongoing competition for the starting quarterback job. Some teams have gone without a franchise QB for over a decade.

It's hard to believe that was the way of life in Foxboro before the Kraft era. The list the various starters is rather long.

Bill Parcells drafted Drew Bledsoe in 1993 to be the starter. Everything was going great until the infamous hit in 2001 by Moe Lewis against the New York Jets. The Brady era started and continues. The only controversy is determining the backup.

The Brady era will end eventually. I'm not sure what happens after that.

18 Last Year

There are two goals for every team as the preseason games begin: get a good look at players under competitive conditions and don't lose anyone to injury. Last year, 18 players suffered season ending injuries during the meaningless games.

The preseason is a necessary evil. Coach Belichick believes in them as a way of player assessment. It is often the only chance a player has to show that he belongs in the NFL.

No matter what happens, there will be players injured and lost for the season. It's part of the game.

The Roster

All teams face the problem of players getting hurt during the preseason. The Pats are no different. It's a small miracle if a team gets to opening day without losing someone to Injured Reserve.

We always see stories of marginal players being placed on IR. Some negotiate settlements with their team and remain as free agents.

There are about 1,800 players who are looking for a chance with a team. It might never happen for many of them. They all have their own story.

Jermaine Cunningham

The future looked so bright for LB Jermaine Cunningham when the Pats drafted him 53rd overall in 2010. He had a great rookie season, but it was all downhill from there. He was finally released after the first game of the 2013 season. He was able to catch on with the New York Jets. They liked him enough to sign him for this season.

It appears that he may have torn his Achilles tendon. That could end his season. It will force him into a long rehab process if he wants to return to the NFL.

Cunningham never lived up to the hype of a 2nd round pick. That doesn't surprise me. His career could be over. He is so replaceable.

There is too much emphasis put on where someone is drafted.

#37 For Brady

Tom Brady turned 37 today as he prepares for his 15th NFL season. He is ancient by NFL standards. Very few players make it to this point and play at his level. Brady does it all. It's a sight to behold.

How much longer will it go on? Nobody knows. It has been such a great ride.

No Chip Shots

I like the experiment being done during the first two preseason games involving the extra point attempt. The ball will be moved from the 2 yard line back to the 15. It will result in the equivalent of a 33 yard field goal.

This is in response to the controversy over the extra point. It has almost a 100% success rate. Some want to make it more exciting for the fans, rather than it being an almost automatic point.

The league will go back to the regular format for the rest of the preseason and regular season games. The Competition Committee will evaluate it again at the end of the season. There is also a proposal to make the two point conversion attempt from the one yard line.

Both of these ideas merit further consideration. The NFL is often slow to make any changes, but they are good ideas.