Cash For Being Active

When players get injured, we usually hear the same line about wanting to get back out the field with their teammates. In most cases, there is another reason because of game day roster bonuses.

Rob Gronkowski lost a $31,250 bonus when he sat out the season opener. Players will say how much they want to play, but it's really about that extra cash. There is certainly motivation to play when hurt.

Bill & Bavarro

It's always good to hear an interview with Coach Bill Parcells. He was talking about TE Mark Bavarro who is a finalist for the Hall of Fame.

Parcells said that he was one of the best he ever saw.  The Tuna emphasized that Bavarro was the complete package and could have played in any era.

His candidacy will be hurt by his short career of nine years and not putting up the gaudy numbers of today.

I think too much emphasis goes to the skilled offensive players who put up the numbers because of the way the game has evolved. It's tough to compare eras, but Bavarro was one of the best ever.

The Hall of Fame selection process is very flawed

The Axe For Two

The Pats always speak the same line about it being all about the team. That works fine as long as you are on the roster.

After Sunday, two players will lose their jobs when Tm Brady and Rob Ninkovich return. The released players could make it on to the practice squad, but that will come at the expense of two already there.

The roster and practice squad will look different on Monday.

Great Start For Blount

Coach Belichick is not one to dwell on statistics, especially when it coms to individual ones. LeGarette Blount is leading the league in rushing after three weeks. Some of his numbers are a result of running the ball to eat up time. He had several long runs which skew the total.

When Tom Brady returns, the running game will be less. Blount's opportunities to run will also decrease. The Pats need to know they can run the ball when they want to.

If Blount ends up with 1,000 yards on the season, it will be because it was in the best interest of the team.

Circus Rex

Rex Ryan brings his traveling circus to Gillette Stadium on Sunday when the Bills play the Pats. Everyone is awaiting his outlandish statements and predictions. He has already said that it will be a different game without Tom Brady.

At 1-2, Rex needs a win very badly in order to keep the critics at bay. If the Bills win, he will gloat about it. Most fans think he will make his usual mistakes, especially with clock management.

Jets Strayed Off Course

Last Monday, a reporter for the New York Daily News boldly predicted that the Pats would be looking at the Jets in first place in the Eastern Division when Tom Brady returns.

At the time of the story, The Pats were 2-0 and were planning on the last Thursday night's game against the Texans. The Jets were 1-1 with the Chiefs and Seahawks ahead on their schedule.

The writer felt that there was no way that Jimmy Garropolo or Jacoby Brissett could lead the Pats to first place in the Eastern Division in the absence of Brady.

We start this week with the Pats 3-0 and playing the Bills on Sunday. The Jets are 1-2 after today's loss to the Chiefs. The writer said they would win these two games. We will see about next week.

It doesn't look like the Jets will by in first place in Week 5 when Brady returns.

The Next Quarterback

The next week should be very interesting for the Pats with the news that QB Jacoby Brissett might need surgery for a torn thumb ligament on his throwing hand. We will never know the extent of the injury because the story keeps changing.

We are hearing that QB Jimmy Garropolo might be ready for the Buffalo Bills. Coach Belichick will play it close to the vest and say only what is required.

Who starts a week from Sunday?

Who Made Who?

It was 15 years ago today that the Tom Brady era began. Jets LB Moe Lewis took out Drew Bledsoe on a sideline play. It was the beginning of the end for Bledsoe's time with the Pats.

We always hear that Brady made Belichick the success that he is and vice versa.

A report shows that Bill's regular season record with Brady starting is 172-51 and a 77.2% winning rate. Without Brady, it's 13-5 and 77.2%.

The debate will continue.

One QB Tonight

Julian Edelman has probably dreamt of this day his entire life. He will be the backup quarterback tonight behind Jacoby Brissett. He will be one play away from leading the offense.

Coach Belichick certainly feels comfortable with his decision or he would have signed a veteran quarterback.

Nobody but Belichick would go into a game with only one real quarterback.

A Short Game

UMass struggles in its attempt to find its way at the BCS level. They are 24 1/2 underdogs at home against Mississippi State this Saturday. Nobody is giving them a chance.

Every school plays teams that are not on the same level. Schools have scheduled UMass for an easy win. Seven victories gets you into a bowl game.

I think its a sham when BCS teams schedule games with those from the FCS. It's always a mismatch.

Last Saturday, #4 Clemson beat South Carolina State 59-0 in a game that saw the second half quarters shortened to 12 minutes.

This should never have happened. Player safety is very important and can't be compromised. Games like this should not be played. It also deprives the fans when quarters are shortened.

The Ryan Watch

Rex Ryan is on the hot seat after two straight losses. Many think he will be fired before the season is over.

Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman interviewed for the job before Rex was selected. He was the most logical candidate to succeed Rex, in the event of his termination.

Rex went proactive and fired Roman while blaming the two losses on the team's weak offense. Rex and brother Rob are considered defensive geniuses, but the Bills defense is horrible right now.

Nothing is going right in Buffalo. Rex can't fired himself. He took the most logical step because he had to do something to keep the fans happy.

QB #4

Coach Belichick always said there is a backup plan for everything. It will be severely tested after losing QB Jimmy Garropolo and having only one left on the roster.

Everyone seems to think that Julian Edeleman is the emergency quarterback. Will they bring in someone from the streets for a game on Thursday night?

Belichick always said they manage the roster on a weekly basis. This will be a great example.