Some callers on local talk shows are really scratching their heads over the draft picks of the Pats. So far they have a lineman, cornerback, two running backs and one quarterback. The front seven has not been addressed. They have traded down during several of their selections.
I understand their logic. They don't want to draft just any player. Fans don't realize that. They want to get players with the big reputation and stats.
Once the NFL starts their free agency again, I would expect the Pats to be quite active. They have needs to be addressed and free agency or trades will be the only way, at this point.
For now, we are destined to listen to fans moan abut why the team didn't take DE Da'Quan Bowers in spite of his questionable medical history.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Soldering On
After listening to sports talk shows, I don't think any pick would have made fans happy. I thought it was a good idea to select Nate Solder with the 17th pick in the first round. With Matt Light being a free-agent, the Pats need a huge body to step into his spot. If the team resigns him, they will most likely move him over to the right side.
Many fans were clamoring for them to select RB Mark Ingram with the 28th pick, but they traded with the Saints who ended up selecting him. Some fans want the Pats to select a big name player whether or not he fits into their scheme.
The Pats have loaded up with another 2nd round pick. They have many options tonight and will probably make some more moves that fans will question.
Many fans were clamoring for them to select RB Mark Ingram with the 28th pick, but they traded with the Saints who ended up selecting him. Some fans want the Pats to select a big name player whether or not he fits into their scheme.
The Pats have loaded up with another 2nd round pick. They have many options tonight and will probably make some more moves that fans will question.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Final Draft Thoughts
The Pats are in the same predicament as the other NFL team because of the labor issues. They have been unable to sign free agents. As a result, their decisions in the draft will be severely impacted.
The Past probably know who they will try to keep. What to they do about Matt Light? Do they plan to resign him? Will they use one of their top picks to draft a lineman?
I don't see them signing Fred Taylor again. Will they select a running back in the early rounds? Coach Belichick has not tipped his hand, but I bet they already know what their long range plans are.
I predict that they will get an offensive lineman and running back early in the draft. I'm sure there will be quite a few surprises.
The Past probably know who they will try to keep. What to they do about Matt Light? Do they plan to resign him? Will they use one of their top picks to draft a lineman?
I don't see them signing Fred Taylor again. Will they select a running back in the early rounds? Coach Belichick has not tipped his hand, but I bet they already know what their long range plans are.
I predict that they will get an offensive lineman and running back early in the draft. I'm sure there will be quite a few surprises.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
A Long Snapping Career
As a fan of the game, I have always been intrigued by players who are able to last in the league for a long extended period. Sometimes it works for certain positions such as punters, kickers and long snappers.
David Binn of the San Diego Chargers is a prime example. He came into the league in 1994 and is the only players left from that Super Bowl team which lost to the San Francisco 49er's.
Last year, he suffered a hamstring injury during the opening game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The team placed him on Injured Reserve. Prior to that, Binn had missed one game in his entire career. He played a total of 256 during his 17 seasons.
His plans for 2011 are still undecided. There is work for guys like him, although not too many jobs open up. Being a consistent long snapper is one way to have a long career.
David Binn of the San Diego Chargers is a prime example. He came into the league in 1994 and is the only players left from that Super Bowl team which lost to the San Francisco 49er's.
Last year, he suffered a hamstring injury during the opening game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The team placed him on Injured Reserve. Prior to that, Binn had missed one game in his entire career. He played a total of 256 during his 17 seasons.
His plans for 2011 are still undecided. There is work for guys like him, although not too many jobs open up. Being a consistent long snapper is one way to have a long career.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Ingram In the Second
The draft gurus are working overtime in coming up with different scenarios for the Pats in the first round. One local writer insists that the team should take RB Mark Ingram with one of their first round selections in spite of some durability questions because of knee injuries.
After being burned in 2006 for selecting Laurence Maroney in the first round, I think the team is quite cautious about spending a first round pick on a RB. They know they found Benjarvis Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead who were not even drafted.
I think they feel that the RB's will fall to the second round. Nowadays, it seems like so many defensive players become the early selections. I think most teams are willing to take a cautious route on a position that has a shorter career span than others.
I could see them taking Ingram in the second round, but they have more needs to fill with their two selections in the first round. I look for them to trade one of them for at least a 2nd rounder and a 3rd. I doubt they will make two selections in the first round.
After being burned in 2006 for selecting Laurence Maroney in the first round, I think the team is quite cautious about spending a first round pick on a RB. They know they found Benjarvis Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead who were not even drafted.
I think they feel that the RB's will fall to the second round. Nowadays, it seems like so many defensive players become the early selections. I think most teams are willing to take a cautious route on a position that has a shorter career span than others.
I could see them taking Ingram in the second round, but they have more needs to fill with their two selections in the first round. I look for them to trade one of them for at least a 2nd rounder and a 3rd. I doubt they will make two selections in the first round.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Dry On Opening Day
Since there is no football going on except for the draft, the NFL slipped this announcement under the radar. Fans have not had a chance to react.
On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the NFL will join MLB in prohibiting beer sales inside the stadium during the game. This is also the opening of the season on Sunday.
This will come as a shock to NFL fans. Some will probably linger out in the parking lot to tailgate. They will miss the pre-game ceremonies associated with the remembrance.
I think it's a good idea to honor that day. Some fans will disagree about the ban, but one alcohol free game won't hurt anyone.
On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the NFL will join MLB in prohibiting beer sales inside the stadium during the game. This is also the opening of the season on Sunday.
This will come as a shock to NFL fans. Some will probably linger out in the parking lot to tailgate. They will miss the pre-game ceremonies associated with the remembrance.
I think it's a good idea to honor that day. Some fans will disagree about the ban, but one alcohol free game won't hurt anyone.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Only Four At One
The NFL released their regular season schedule. The Pats only have four games at 1pm. Due to their success, they are a great draw on television. Three of their 1pm games come at the end of the season during the "flex schedule" period which allows the networks to shift the times of the games.
Eight of their games will be on Sunday at 4:15. They will have two Sunday night games as well as two on Monday night.
It's great that the team is being showcased nationally. This is a product of their success. However, I still prefer to watch them at 1pm on Sunday afternoon. I have always felt that this is the traditional time of day to play football.
In the end, television drives almost all of the decisions that are made related to the schedule.
Eight of their games will be on Sunday at 4:15. They will have two Sunday night games as well as two on Monday night.
It's great that the team is being showcased nationally. This is a product of their success. However, I still prefer to watch them at 1pm on Sunday afternoon. I have always felt that this is the traditional time of day to play football.
In the end, television drives almost all of the decisions that are made related to the schedule.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Trading At #28?
The NFL draft gurus have all sorts of scenarios for the Pats and other teams. Many are picking that QB Cam Newton becomes the first overall selection by the Panthers. I would not make that selection.
One writer mentioned that the Pats will select DE J.J Watt from Wisconsin with the 17th pick. This would make reasonable sense.
I thought it was interesting when the writer said that the team would flip their pick at number 28 to the Vikings who would then select QB Jake Locker of Washington. The Pats would get a first rounder in 2012 and a subsequent pick in 2011. It's interesting to note that Locker visited Foxborough last week.
With the draft in prime time on Friday, things should really heat up this week.
One writer mentioned that the Pats will select DE J.J Watt from Wisconsin with the 17th pick. This would make reasonable sense.
I thought it was interesting when the writer said that the team would flip their pick at number 28 to the Vikings who would then select QB Jake Locker of Washington. The Pats would get a first rounder in 2012 and a subsequent pick in 2011. It's interesting to note that Locker visited Foxborough last week.
With the draft in prime time on Friday, things should really heat up this week.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Bryant Has The Suits
Many Pats fans were disappointed last year when the team traded their first round spot to the Dallas Cowboys so they could select WR Dez Bryant. Many thought he was the perfect receiver for Tom Brady.
Bryant's rookie season has been marred by lawsuits from creditors. He is a shining example of the problems that young men run into when they get sudden wealth. He just settled a lawsuit with a Dallas jeweler for $267,000. Among the items purchased was a $60,000 charm bracelet. In one visit, he spent $144,000.
He still has an outstanding suit from another jeweler seeking $600,000 for jewelry, tickets for sporting events and cash advances given to him prior to being drafted by Dallas.
It looks like Bryant is destined to be the type of player who is broke by the time his career ends.
Bryant's rookie season has been marred by lawsuits from creditors. He is a shining example of the problems that young men run into when they get sudden wealth. He just settled a lawsuit with a Dallas jeweler for $267,000. Among the items purchased was a $60,000 charm bracelet. In one visit, he spent $144,000.
He still has an outstanding suit from another jeweler seeking $600,000 for jewelry, tickets for sporting events and cash advances given to him prior to being drafted by Dallas.
It looks like Bryant is destined to be the type of player who is broke by the time his career ends.
Friday, April 15, 2011
The Forgotten One
The Pats announced the three finalists for the team's Hall Of Fame: Drew Bledsoe, Bill Parcells and Houston Antwine. Many in the media are viewing this as a two man race between Bledsoe and Parcells. Antwine is an afterthought, although he is a finalist for the third consecutive year.
With the fans voting, most emphasis will go to Parcells and Bledsoe because they are from the modern era. Antwine played 11 seasons from 1961-1971. He lead the team in sacks from 1967-1969. Most fans don't remember him, especially anyone born after 1960.
This is why a different selection process needs to be put in place. Antwine is a very deserving candidate, but he cannot compete with those candidates with Super Bowls on their resumes. This will continue to happen as more players from those glory years become eligible for induction.
With the fans voting, most emphasis will go to Parcells and Bledsoe because they are from the modern era. Antwine played 11 seasons from 1961-1971. He lead the team in sacks from 1967-1969. Most fans don't remember him, especially anyone born after 1960.
This is why a different selection process needs to be put in place. Antwine is a very deserving candidate, but he cannot compete with those candidates with Super Bowls on their resumes. This will continue to happen as more players from those glory years become eligible for induction.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
QB Visitor
I really struggle to have a great understanding of the NFL draft every year. Since I don't follow college football very much, I have a lot of problems with identifying players at every position.
The Pats are bringing in University of Washington QB Jake Locker for a two day workout. He was expected to be one of the top three QB selections last year if he had left after his junior year. He bypassed the draft and now the "experts" say he might slip to the 2nd or 3rd round this year because of his 2010 season. I've seen a couple of other sources that report differently.
There are so many variables with the draft. Everyone seems to have a different evaluation of a player. Are the Pats prepared to use a high round draft pick for him or are they just trying to create interest so that other teams will trade with them?
I enjoy the intrigue of determining who the team drafts. I wish I knew more of the players.
The Pats are bringing in University of Washington QB Jake Locker for a two day workout. He was expected to be one of the top three QB selections last year if he had left after his junior year. He bypassed the draft and now the "experts" say he might slip to the 2nd or 3rd round this year because of his 2010 season. I've seen a couple of other sources that report differently.
There are so many variables with the draft. Everyone seems to have a different evaluation of a player. Are the Pats prepared to use a high round draft pick for him or are they just trying to create interest so that other teams will trade with them?
I enjoy the intrigue of determining who the team drafts. I wish I knew more of the players.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
On the Schedule
It was almost funny to see the NFL announcing their pre-season schedule today. Their labor situation isn't going anywhere. The league needs to conduct some business as usual. Schedules must be set up. Travel plans need to be made by teams.
It's hard to conceive that games could be canceled. There doesn't seem to be any sense of urgency on the part of the owners to resolve this. I predict that this will drag into at least June at the minimum.
It's hard to conceive that games could be canceled. There doesn't seem to be any sense of urgency on the part of the owners to resolve this. I predict that this will drag into at least June at the minimum.
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