Former Patriots safety Lawyer Milloy is finding no market for his services during free agency. Milloy, 35, a former 2nd round pick of the Pats in 1996 was released by the Atlanta Falcons after three seasons with them. Milloy was a hard hitter on defense who played on the Pat's 2001 Super Bowl championship team. He was cut prior to the 2003 in what many saw was a salary cap issue. He was immediately signed by the Buffalo Bills.
When the Pats cut Milloy in 2003, they gave his starting position to one of their newly acquired free agents, Rodney Harrison.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Safeties Dropping by Gillette
The Pats will be hosting three of the top Safety prospects as part of their draft preparations. Each NFL team is allowed to bring in up to 30 players for interviews and workouts. The three include Patrick Chung (Oregon), William Moore (Missouri) and Louis Delmas (Western Michigan). With Rodney Harrison being a free-agent and perhaps at the end of the line, the Pats are rather thin after starters Brandon Merriweather and James Sanders.
Another interesting visit will be by University of Cincinnati DE Connor Barwin who could add strength to the pass rush. Barwin played his first three years at Tight End before converting to defense. Could he be a Mike Vrabel clone with his pass catching ability? All of Vrabel's 10 receptions resulted in touchdowns.
Another interesting visit will be by University of Cincinnati DE Connor Barwin who could add strength to the pass rush. Barwin played his first three years at Tight End before converting to defense. Could he be a Mike Vrabel clone with his pass catching ability? All of Vrabel's 10 receptions resulted in touchdowns.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Draft on Tap
The NFL announced that the Pats will get three additional compensatory picks in the upcoming draft as a result of the losing free agents Asante Samuel, Randall Gay and Donte Stallworth after the end of the 2007 season. They will get a 3rd rounder (97th overall) , 5th rounder (number 170 overall) and a 6th rounder (number 207 overall). The Pats now have six selections in the top 100. I feel they will trade some of them if they see a player they want earlier in the draft.
In 2000, the Pats had 3 picks in the 6th round and waited until their second pick to draft Tom Brady. A similar situation happened in 1006 when the Pats had three 3rd round picks and traded the first two before they used one on Tedy Bruschi.
In 2000, the Pats had 3 picks in the 6th round and waited until their second pick to draft Tom Brady. A similar situation happened in 1006 when the Pats had three 3rd round picks and traded the first two before they used one on Tedy Bruschi.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Get Your Popcorn Ready for Monday, Sept 14th
The NFL just announced that the Patriots will open their season and home schedule on Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills on Sept 14th. It will be Terrell's Owens first opportunity to display his gifted skills and show that his signing was a good idea. Owens already got off to an interesting start with the Bills this week as he skipped their first "voluntary" workout. Coach Dick Jauron must be wondering what his team got into.
An earlier post today from Mr Dan, praised the turnaround of Randy Moss. When rumor circulated in early 2007 that the Pats were interested in obtaining Moss, Rodney Harrison openly questioned how a player like Moss could fit on the team. Moss came to the Pats with a ton of baggage and talent. He had worn out his welcome in Minnesota, frustrating his mentor WR Chris Carter. Things got worse with the train wreck known as the Oakland Raiders.
Moss found redemption when he came to New England. Who would have thought that he would be elected a team captain in 2008? Will this happen to T.O?
An earlier post today from Mr Dan, praised the turnaround of Randy Moss. When rumor circulated in early 2007 that the Pats were interested in obtaining Moss, Rodney Harrison openly questioned how a player like Moss could fit on the team. Moss came to the Pats with a ton of baggage and talent. He had worn out his welcome in Minnesota, frustrating his mentor WR Chris Carter. Things got worse with the train wreck known as the Oakland Raiders.
Moss found redemption when he came to New England. Who would have thought that he would be elected a team captain in 2008? Will this happen to T.O?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Leadership Suits Randy Moss
Mr. Dan has been known to change his mind as often as he changes golf swings (daily). And he's changed his mind when it comes to his opinion of Randy Moss. This past season I believe Randy Moss turned into a leader (T. O. pay attention and maybe the Hitler videos will stop). Randy's mindset appeared to be all about the team. He was there all season long giving encouragement and working "with" the other players to do whatever it takes to win games. His press conferences were all about the team and what they needed to do to get better.
Leadership is a huge benefit that certain veterans can bring to a team. And Bill Belichick seems to stock up on veterans who are leaders. In Mr. Dan's opinion Randy Moss now fits that bill! And Mr. Dan is sticking to his guns on this opinion.....hopefully for longer than a day.
Leadership is a huge benefit that certain veterans can bring to a team. And Bill Belichick seems to stock up on veterans who are leaders. In Mr. Dan's opinion Randy Moss now fits that bill! And Mr. Dan is sticking to his guns on this opinion.....hopefully for longer than a day.
Nose Problem on the Horizon?
Nose tackle Vince Wilfork is entering the last year of his contract. For the past year, there has been talk about a long term deal. The Pats might be treading lightly knowing that 2010 will be an uncapped year due to the status of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Wilfork is looking for a big contract in light of the way money is getting tossed around in this year's free agency
Wilfork has been an integral part of Coach Belichick's 3/4 defense, anchored by him and with Richard Seymour and Ty Warren playing opposite. Vince has been a consummate Patriot and it's hard to imagine him sitting out part of training camp,but money is money.
Would the Pats be willing to let him go to free agency in 2010 to ca$h in big time? The Pats could opt to draft a Nose Tackle with one or more of their early picks. There are still some free agents out there.
I'm stating the obvious: "we need this nose real bad".
Wilfork has been an integral part of Coach Belichick's 3/4 defense, anchored by him and with Richard Seymour and Ty Warren playing opposite. Vince has been a consummate Patriot and it's hard to imagine him sitting out part of training camp,but money is money.
Would the Pats be willing to let him go to free agency in 2010 to ca$h in big time? The Pats could opt to draft a Nose Tackle with one or more of their early picks. There are still some free agents out there.
I'm stating the obvious: "we need this nose real bad".
Friday, March 20, 2009
I'm Starting to Feel a Draft
It's hard to believe, but the college draft is coming April 25th. The Pats are stacked with picks. Here are the rounds and the position number: 1st (23), 2nd (47th & 59th), 3rd (89th & 97th),
4th (121st), 5th (2 picks), 6th (1 pick) and 7th (1 pick).
I don't expect the Pats to keep all of them. Look for a trade of at least one of the 2nd round picks for future drafts or to move up. The Pats have needs in several areas. They have signed free agents to address that, but definitely need to get younger in most phases of the game. Coach Belichick is known to keep a close hand. He often brings in players he has no intention of signing as a smoke screen.
One very interesting player who stopped by at Gillette was QB Pat White of West Virginia. He reportedly worked out as QB and WR. Another Kordell Stewart? This could bring back the Michael Bishop disciples. Don't forget that he was ahead of Brady on the depth chart in 2000. The Pats carried Tom as a 4th QB.
Check out the blog in the side-bar. Some fan put together a real interesting mock draft for the Pats
4th (121st), 5th (2 picks), 6th (1 pick) and 7th (1 pick).
I don't expect the Pats to keep all of them. Look for a trade of at least one of the 2nd round picks for future drafts or to move up. The Pats have needs in several areas. They have signed free agents to address that, but definitely need to get younger in most phases of the game. Coach Belichick is known to keep a close hand. He often brings in players he has no intention of signing as a smoke screen.
One very interesting player who stopped by at Gillette was QB Pat White of West Virginia. He reportedly worked out as QB and WR. Another Kordell Stewart? This could bring back the Michael Bishop disciples. Don't forget that he was ahead of Brady on the depth chart in 2000. The Pats carried Tom as a 4th QB.
Check out the blog in the side-bar. Some fan put together a real interesting mock draft for the Pats
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Jason Taylor Dancing with the Pats?
DE Jason Taylor has gained his release from the Washington Redskins after he refused to participate in off-season workouts. He wanted to spend more time with his family. He will let Lawrence Taylor dance with the stars this season.
Could he show up in New England? It could be a good fit as Coach Belichick has routinely sung his praises. One of his best pals is Tom Brady. They regularly text each other. ( I wonder if Gisele minds).
Talor will be 35 when the season opens and might be a good option for a year or possibly two. Where does this leave Richard Seymour who carries a big cap number this year and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season?
Could he show up in New England? It could be a good fit as Coach Belichick has routinely sung his praises. One of his best pals is Tom Brady. They regularly text each other. ( I wonder if Gisele minds).
Talor will be 35 when the season opens and might be a good option for a year or possibly two. Where does this leave Richard Seymour who carries a big cap number this year and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Hochstein as the Fridge?
With the departure of free-agent Heith Evans to New Orleans, the Pats are left without a true full-back on their roster. Evans played primarily as a blocker on third down and short yardage situations. He could also be counted on to catch a short screen to convert on third down.
Coach Belichick views every spot on the 53 man roster as being critical and has employed various positional players in the full-back role. He doesn't necessarily want to go back to using Richard Seymour on goal-line situations. It doesn't look like Junior Seau will perform that role as he did in the 06 & 07 seasons.
The end of last season saw the emergence of Offensive Lineman Russ Hochstein as a powerful force in blocking situations as full-back. Hochstein played the position sporadically over the last few seasons, but was used a great deal in the last game against Buffalo. Perhaps we will see more of him in 09. It's hard to believe that Belichick would use a pick on a FB. Former Patriot LB/DL Joe Klecko has found a niche at FB with the Eagles last season.
It's interesting to note that the use of linemen at FB got a great deal of attention in 1985 when Chicago Bears Coach Mike Ditka used DL William "Refrigerator" Perry during a Monday night game with Walter Payton. He proceeded to score a touchdown and a legend was anointed by the late Howard Cossell. Ditka would use the "Fridge" to score a 1 yard TD in Super Bowl XX in their 46-10 win over the Pats.
I always remember Ditka was upset at the "Fridge" during the 1986 season. He said the "Fridge" would never carry the ball or be in the back-field as long as his weight was over 300. Hochstein uses his 305 pounds to clear space much to the praise of Coach Belichick.
Hall of Fame Guard John Hannah who starred for 13 seasons and retired after 1985, played his career at 275. He might have been able to line up at tight end in this era.
Coach Belichick views every spot on the 53 man roster as being critical and has employed various positional players in the full-back role. He doesn't necessarily want to go back to using Richard Seymour on goal-line situations. It doesn't look like Junior Seau will perform that role as he did in the 06 & 07 seasons.
The end of last season saw the emergence of Offensive Lineman Russ Hochstein as a powerful force in blocking situations as full-back. Hochstein played the position sporadically over the last few seasons, but was used a great deal in the last game against Buffalo. Perhaps we will see more of him in 09. It's hard to believe that Belichick would use a pick on a FB. Former Patriot LB/DL Joe Klecko has found a niche at FB with the Eagles last season.
It's interesting to note that the use of linemen at FB got a great deal of attention in 1985 when Chicago Bears Coach Mike Ditka used DL William "Refrigerator" Perry during a Monday night game with Walter Payton. He proceeded to score a touchdown and a legend was anointed by the late Howard Cossell. Ditka would use the "Fridge" to score a 1 yard TD in Super Bowl XX in their 46-10 win over the Pats.
I always remember Ditka was upset at the "Fridge" during the 1986 season. He said the "Fridge" would never carry the ball or be in the back-field as long as his weight was over 300. Hochstein uses his 305 pounds to clear space much to the praise of Coach Belichick.
Hall of Fame Guard John Hannah who starred for 13 seasons and retired after 1985, played his career at 275. He might have been able to line up at tight end in this era.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Panther Nation Growling Over Peppers
Fans of the Carolina Panthers are growling about rumors that All-Pro Defensive End Julius Peppers could end up in New England in a trade for the Pat's second round draft pick obtained from the Kansas City Chiefs in the Matt Cassel deal.
Peppers was slapped with a non-exclusive franchise tag shortly before free agency began. He is due to count 16.5M against the cap in 2009. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Peppers and his agent are allowed to talk to other teams about a contract.
The Pats are keeping a "no comment" stance, as usual. Panther fans are outraged that they might only get a 2nd round pick for the four-time All-Pro. The Panthers have little cap room left if they keep him. Peppers is said to prefer the 3/4 defensive scheme employed by the Pats rather than the 4/3 of the Panthers.
As Coach Belichick has often said " any decisions made are made in the best interest of the New England Patriots".
Peppers was slapped with a non-exclusive franchise tag shortly before free agency began. He is due to count 16.5M against the cap in 2009. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Peppers and his agent are allowed to talk to other teams about a contract.
The Pats are keeping a "no comment" stance, as usual. Panther fans are outraged that they might only get a 2nd round pick for the four-time All-Pro. The Panthers have little cap room left if they keep him. Peppers is said to prefer the 3/4 defensive scheme employed by the Pats rather than the 4/3 of the Panthers.
As Coach Belichick has often said " any decisions made are made in the best interest of the New England Patriots".
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Tuna still loves to "Buy the Groceries"
Former Pats Head Coach Bill Parcells at one of his last press conferences with the team said: "If you want me to cook the meal, I should be able to buy the groceries". This was a point of contention with owner Robert Kraft who felt that some of his purchases were too expensive.
Upon being hired as coach of the New York Jets, the late owner Leon Hess said that Coach Parcells would buy the groceries and "I will be the little boy pushing the carriage".
In his 2nd season as Head of Football Operations with the Miami Dolphins, Bill has certainly opened the owners wallet for free agent signings to the tune of over $120M . Only Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins, had a bigger spending spree of $200M.
These two guys make Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis look fiscally responsible! Who says these are trying economic times? Recession?
Many teams around the league are copying the Pats way of signing low-cost and "high-value" free agents.
The salary cap or "capology" is rather complex. I have attached a link in my side-bar to "Ask the Commish" which provides a very informative Q&A about the cap.
Upon being hired as coach of the New York Jets, the late owner Leon Hess said that Coach Parcells would buy the groceries and "I will be the little boy pushing the carriage".
In his 2nd season as Head of Football Operations with the Miami Dolphins, Bill has certainly opened the owners wallet for free agent signings to the tune of over $120M . Only Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins, had a bigger spending spree of $200M.
These two guys make Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis look fiscally responsible! Who says these are trying economic times? Recession?
Many teams around the league are copying the Pats way of signing low-cost and "high-value" free agents.
The salary cap or "capology" is rather complex. I have attached a link in my side-bar to "Ask the Commish" which provides a very informative Q&A about the cap.
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