Former Pats LB Junior Seau was at the Bruins opener the other night filming for a reality show that he is doing on the Versus network. He has expressed an interest in returning to the Pats.
He's already 40, but still has gas left in the tank. News reports indicate that he had a physical the other day from team doctors. That's usually the first step in making a return. I predict that he will be on the roster after the bye week of November 1.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Pats and Ravens Pre-Game Thoughts
All this week, Coach Belichick has discussed the tenacious defense of the Baltimore Ravens lead by linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs and safety Ed Reed.
Belichick has gone as far as saying Reed is one of the greatest safeties he has coached against.
Last year before the Ravens game, Tom Brady joked that Belichick was planning to kidnap Reed and bring him back to Foxboro on board the Pat's charter flight. Reed has 44 interceptions in his career and always seems to be around the ball. Belichick cited the difficulty in game-planning around him.
The Ravens defense leads the league in allowing only 51 yards of rushing per game. They have gone 38 games without a runner going over 100 yards. This will present a challenge to the Pats running back by committee of Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk.
Former Pats special teams standout Kelly Washington has emerged as the Ravens 2nd leading receiver after seeing few balls thrown his way during his time with the Pats.
I found it hard to believe that one of the experts on CBSSport.com tracked the play of Randy Moss last week and called him "one of the laziest" receivers in the league. We must have watched different games. He claimed that Moss failed to block on several plays and jogged his way through several routes.
Belichick discussed the play of Moss during one of his press conferences and pointed out the exceptional play of Moss in the the Falcons game that earned him the game ball.
Belichick has gone as far as saying Reed is one of the greatest safeties he has coached against.
Last year before the Ravens game, Tom Brady joked that Belichick was planning to kidnap Reed and bring him back to Foxboro on board the Pat's charter flight. Reed has 44 interceptions in his career and always seems to be around the ball. Belichick cited the difficulty in game-planning around him.
The Ravens defense leads the league in allowing only 51 yards of rushing per game. They have gone 38 games without a runner going over 100 yards. This will present a challenge to the Pats running back by committee of Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk.
Former Pats special teams standout Kelly Washington has emerged as the Ravens 2nd leading receiver after seeing few balls thrown his way during his time with the Pats.
I found it hard to believe that one of the experts on CBSSport.com tracked the play of Randy Moss last week and called him "one of the laziest" receivers in the league. We must have watched different games. He claimed that Moss failed to block on several plays and jogged his way through several routes.
Belichick discussed the play of Moss during one of his press conferences and pointed out the exceptional play of Moss in the the Falcons game that earned him the game ball.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The New Big Guy
With Vince Wilfork hurting his ankle against the Falcons, the Pats went out and signed another big guy. Terdell Sands was cut at the end of training camp by the Oakland Raiders was a free agent.
The eight year veteran can play all positions on the line, but is best suited as a nose tackle. He has a commanding presence at 6'7" and 335 pounds. He was a 7th round pick in the 2001 draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent time on their practice squad before a similar situation with Green Bay. He spent his last four seasons with the Raiders. He has 12 starts in 76 career games.
The eight year veteran can play all positions on the line, but is best suited as a nose tackle. He has a commanding presence at 6'7" and 335 pounds. He was a 7th round pick in the 2001 draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent time on their practice squad before a similar situation with Green Bay. He spent his last four seasons with the Raiders. He has 12 starts in 76 career games.
The Circle Game
First, Scott Pioli leaves the Pats to become the GM of the Kansas City Chiefs. He trades for QB Matt Cassell. The Chiefs already had two QB's in Brodie Coyle and Tyler Thigpen.
Last season, Thigpen was 1-10 as a starter. This year he loses the back-up job and is third on the depth chart.
Meanwhile, in Miami, Chad Pennington injured his shoulder last Sunday and was lost for the season. He will need his third surgery, putting his career in jeopardy. Pennington was drafted in 2000, one of several QB's who were picked before Tom Brady.
Former Pats Coach, Bill Parcells is the head of football operations for the Dolphins. He needs another QB. He trades with the Chiefs for Thigpen. It's interesting to note that Pioli is married to the daughter of Parcells.
I guess you can't say "no" to your father-in-law.
Last season, Thigpen was 1-10 as a starter. This year he loses the back-up job and is third on the depth chart.
Meanwhile, in Miami, Chad Pennington injured his shoulder last Sunday and was lost for the season. He will need his third surgery, putting his career in jeopardy. Pennington was drafted in 2000, one of several QB's who were picked before Tom Brady.
Former Pats Coach, Bill Parcells is the head of football operations for the Dolphins. He needs another QB. He trades with the Chiefs for Thigpen. It's interesting to note that Pioli is married to the daughter of Parcells.
I guess you can't say "no" to your father-in-law.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Playing With Passion
Talk radio has been buzzing about the antics of Tom Brady on the sideline during the Pats-Falcons game. After WR Sam Aiken seem to slow down on a route, Brady was yelling and screaming at him as they left the field. He continued his rant on the sideline.
Some callers were critical of him and even referred to him as diva. Are they afraid that it might effect the children who watch the game? I think this is misdirected. This is not youth football. This is the real thing. Tom Brady gets paid a ton of money to throw a football. I would expect hm to play the game with passion. As far as yelling and screaming, the game is very emotional. You don't last long in the NFL if you don't play with passion and fire. The day he stops playing like that is the day we need to look for a new QB.
Some callers were critical of him and even referred to him as diva. Are they afraid that it might effect the children who watch the game? I think this is misdirected. This is not youth football. This is the real thing. Tom Brady gets paid a ton of money to throw a football. I would expect hm to play the game with passion. As far as yelling and screaming, the game is very emotional. You don't last long in the NFL if you don't play with passion and fire. The day he stops playing like that is the day we need to look for a new QB.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Pat & Falcons Wrap
I thought the biggest play of the Falcons game was when the Pats were 4th and inches on their own 25 yard line and Coach Belichick decided to go for it. It kept the drive alive, although it stalled and the Pats got another of their 4 field goals. Six trips to the Red Zone, but only 2 TD's today. They were inside the 10 and couldn't punch the ball in.
Fred Taylor ran for one and Chris Baker caught a 36 yarder from Tom Brady who had great protection by the offensive line. The team got the running and passing game going with Brady throwing to 8 different receivers lead by Randy Moss with 10 receptions for 116 yards. Fred Taylor cracked 105 yards carrying the ball.
The Falcons committed a couple of costly penalties and were hampered by the Pats winning the battle of possession by 40-20 minutes.
Vince Wilfork was injured from having Mike Wright roll on his ankle. We will never know the extent of the injury no matter what is is.
Joey Galloway continues to drop balls. Tom Brady was seen yelling on the sideline after stalled drives. Timing still appears to be an issue with some of his receivers.
The Pats used a double and triple tight end formation on a number of plays. This certainly facilitated getting the running game going.
Fred Taylor ran for one and Chris Baker caught a 36 yarder from Tom Brady who had great protection by the offensive line. The team got the running and passing game going with Brady throwing to 8 different receivers lead by Randy Moss with 10 receptions for 116 yards. Fred Taylor cracked 105 yards carrying the ball.
The Falcons committed a couple of costly penalties and were hampered by the Pats winning the battle of possession by 40-20 minutes.
Vince Wilfork was injured from having Mike Wright roll on his ankle. We will never know the extent of the injury no matter what is is.
Joey Galloway continues to drop balls. Tom Brady was seen yelling on the sideline after stalled drives. Timing still appears to be an issue with some of his receivers.
The Pats used a double and triple tight end formation on a number of plays. This certainly facilitated getting the running game going.
Annointed by Belichick
Coach Bill Belichick always praises the next opponents. They are always good in all three phases of the game: offense, defense and special teams. They always have many skilled players. Such is the case with the Atlanta Falcons.
Belichick went to great length to sing the praises of FB Ovie Mughelli. On the surface, his numbers are very plain. Drafted in the 4th round in 2003, Mughelli signed with the Falcons as a free-agent in 2007. In his career he has 23 carries for 73 yards and 40 receptions for 310 yards. He called Mughelli one of the greatest full-backs he has ever seen, comparing him to Jim Braxton of the 1970's Buffalo Bills. Braxton was the lead blocker for O.J. Simpson.
He cited Mughelli for "always finishing the play" and being a vital aspect of the Falcons offense.These are interesting comments from Belichick, considering his years in the league and all of the great players he has seen.
Belichick went to great length to sing the praises of FB Ovie Mughelli. On the surface, his numbers are very plain. Drafted in the 4th round in 2003, Mughelli signed with the Falcons as a free-agent in 2007. In his career he has 23 carries for 73 yards and 40 receptions for 310 yards. He called Mughelli one of the greatest full-backs he has ever seen, comparing him to Jim Braxton of the 1970's Buffalo Bills. Braxton was the lead blocker for O.J. Simpson.
He cited Mughelli for "always finishing the play" and being a vital aspect of the Falcons offense.These are interesting comments from Belichick, considering his years in the league and all of the great players he has seen.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Stopping Gonzelez
One of the keys to Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons will be stopping the tight end. In this case it will be Tony Gonzelez. Since losing Rodney Harrison to a season ending injury last year, the Pats have done a dismal job in stopping the opposing teams tight ends. The trend has continued into this season.
The responsibility in Sunday's game will fall on one of the hybrids: Brandon McGowan. Harrsion excelled in tight end coverage. To shut down Gonzalez will be a monumental task. The former first round pick and 13 year veteran is the NFL career leader for receptions by a tight end (928), yards, (11,084) and TD's ( 78).
He was traded in the off-season to the Falcons from the Kansas City Chiefs where he spent his previous 12 seasons. Gonzalez requested a trade after missing out on the playoffs for many seasons. Coach Belichick denied any trade talks about acquiring Gonzalez prior to this season.
Although GM Scott Pioli accommodated Gonzalez's request, the Pats were not in the mix. Coach Belichick cited the salary cap impact of Gonzalez.
The responsibility in Sunday's game will fall on one of the hybrids: Brandon McGowan. Harrsion excelled in tight end coverage. To shut down Gonzalez will be a monumental task. The former first round pick and 13 year veteran is the NFL career leader for receptions by a tight end (928), yards, (11,084) and TD's ( 78).
He was traded in the off-season to the Falcons from the Kansas City Chiefs where he spent his previous 12 seasons. Gonzalez requested a trade after missing out on the playoffs for many seasons. Coach Belichick denied any trade talks about acquiring Gonzalez prior to this season.
Although GM Scott Pioli accommodated Gonzalez's request, the Pats were not in the mix. Coach Belichick cited the salary cap impact of Gonzalez.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A Fateful Day
On this day in 2001, the Pats were playing the Jets in the 2nd game of the season. It was a very emotional time as it was the first game after the attacks on 9/11. Starting QB Drew Bledsoe was already into his 9th season with the team and was piling up all sorts of team passing records. Tom Brady was a 2nd year player who had worked himself into being Drew's back-up after being 4th on the depth chart the previous year.
Early in the game, Bledose was trying to run out of bounds when he was suddenly hit by LB Moe Lewis. The hit knocked Bledsoe out of the game and nearly killed him. He spent several days in the hospital after suffering a sheared blood vessel in his chest. He lost a considerable amount of blood.
Brady took over and the team lost 10-3. The Pats would be 1-3 before turning it around and finishing 11-5. Bledsoe would not return until Brady hurt his ankle in the AFC Championship game. Coach Belichick went with Brady for the Super Bowl which they eventually won over the St Louis Rams.
On April 21, 2002, the team traded Bledsoe to the Buffalo Bills for their 1st round draft pick in 2003. That pick ended up being Ty Warren. Bledsoe would spend three seasons in Buffalo before being reunited with Bill Parcells in Dallas.
On that fateful day on September 23, 2001, two players had their lives changed forever. Brady would evolve to the superstar that he is today and Bledsoe would be discarded like old furniture in spite of what he did to revive the franchise when he first came to the team in 1993.
One play, one moment changed them forever .
Early in the game, Bledose was trying to run out of bounds when he was suddenly hit by LB Moe Lewis. The hit knocked Bledsoe out of the game and nearly killed him. He spent several days in the hospital after suffering a sheared blood vessel in his chest. He lost a considerable amount of blood.
Brady took over and the team lost 10-3. The Pats would be 1-3 before turning it around and finishing 11-5. Bledsoe would not return until Brady hurt his ankle in the AFC Championship game. Coach Belichick went with Brady for the Super Bowl which they eventually won over the St Louis Rams.
On April 21, 2002, the team traded Bledsoe to the Buffalo Bills for their 1st round draft pick in 2003. That pick ended up being Ty Warren. Bledsoe would spend three seasons in Buffalo before being reunited with Bill Parcells in Dallas.
On that fateful day on September 23, 2001, two players had their lives changed forever. Brady would evolve to the superstar that he is today and Bledsoe would be discarded like old furniture in spite of what he did to revive the franchise when he first came to the team in 1993.
One play, one moment changed them forever .
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Oh Captain
It appears that Jets coach Rex Ryan was trying to tweak the Pats during the pre-game coin toss when he sent his game captains out on the field. Teams either have captains for the season or select them on a game by game basis. Ryan has chosen the latter.
It seemed rather odd that he chose three former Pats to represent the Jets: Damion Woody, Larry Izzo and Kevin O'Connell. The inclusion of a 3rd string quaterback was certainly noticed by many. Would Ryan have chosen O'Connell if they were playing another team?
Third string quarterbacks usually carry a clipboard during the game and are not involved in the coin toss. It seems like one more effort by Ryan to make a subtle statement.
It seemed rather odd that he chose three former Pats to represent the Jets: Damion Woody, Larry Izzo and Kevin O'Connell. The inclusion of a 3rd string quaterback was certainly noticed by many. Would Ryan have chosen O'Connell if they were playing another team?
Third string quarterbacks usually carry a clipboard during the game and are not involved in the coin toss. It seems like one more effort by Ryan to make a subtle statement.
What Does He Mean?
During yesterday's press conference ,Coach Belichick was asked about the defensive communication on the field. This involves the communication device inside LB Gary Guyton's helmet. The coach indicated that there was vast room for improvement, but it was much better than last year. He was critical of last year's communication process saying that the bar had been set very low and at times was not as good as it should be.
Was this a snipe at former Pats LB Mike Vrabel who wore the device last year? Vrabel was contacted by reporters and replied that they would have to ask Coach Belichick. He didn't understand the coach's comments whether it was a problem with the device or the calling of the defensive play and the subsequent communication to Vrabel.
Coach Belichick gave a very vague answer which left many wondering what he actually meant by his comments.
Was this a snipe at former Pats LB Mike Vrabel who wore the device last year? Vrabel was contacted by reporters and replied that they would have to ask Coach Belichick. He didn't understand the coach's comments whether it was a problem with the device or the calling of the defensive play and the subsequent communication to Vrabel.
Coach Belichick gave a very vague answer which left many wondering what he actually meant by his comments.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Keys to a Loss
The jets 16-9 win over the Pats was not a shocker to some, especially Jets fans. The Pats caused their own demise.The inability of the Pats to covert on third down was apparent throughout the game. The Jets were able to convert with their chance and keep drives alive.
The Pats were in the Red Zone three times and only came out with three field goals. This was a deficient area last season.
They hurt themselves big-time with penalties involving illegal formations, holding and delay of game. They killed one of their drives with back to back delay of game calls.
The Jets came after Brady right from the start. Although they didn't sack him, the stats showed he was "knocked down" 5 times and"hurried" 15. I'm not sure what hurried means as they beat Brady up on all 20 of those plays.
The Pats were outplayed because of those factors. Brady didn't look "good", but the pass rush of the Jets dictated the tempo of the game. Joey Galloway was thrown to many times, but he and the ball were never in the same place.
The Pats were in the Red Zone three times and only came out with three field goals. This was a deficient area last season.
They hurt themselves big-time with penalties involving illegal formations, holding and delay of game. They killed one of their drives with back to back delay of game calls.
The Jets came after Brady right from the start. Although they didn't sack him, the stats showed he was "knocked down" 5 times and"hurried" 15. I'm not sure what hurried means as they beat Brady up on all 20 of those plays.
The Pats were outplayed because of those factors. Brady didn't look "good", but the pass rush of the Jets dictated the tempo of the game. Joey Galloway was thrown to many times, but he and the ball were never in the same place.
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