New England Patriots Discussion [Archive] - Page 18

Nalej

12-26-2010, 08:59 AM

Me too. I was holding out for the best but when he tackled Meriweather, that was it. I was furious.

So anyone know what kind of trade value we could get for him?
We got a 4th for Hobbs (I believe) and Meriweather >>> Hobbs
I can see him being traded on draft day just like Hobbs too.

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was among six players who were downgraded to out Saturday night for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Hernandez has a hip injury.

In addition, starting right guard Dan Connolly (concussion), outside linebacker Jermaine Cunningham (calf) and defensive linemen Mike Wright (concussion), Myron Pryor (back) and Brandon Deaderick (shoulder) have been ruled out.

Holy ****... who the **** is playing today?!
Our front seven is so ******* thin... I hope we win today so we can rest even more people next week.
We need to head in the playoffs a lot more healthy than we are now if we want to do some damage

Jvig43

12-26-2010, 10:13 AM

Ughhhhh that sucks, I really hope we come to play today. We need to get healthy.

RealityCheck

12-26-2010, 10:42 AM

Despite all these injuries, I feel confident we'll get a win, it's the Bills after all.

Jvig43

12-26-2010, 10:45 AM

These Bills aren't the same Bills of the last few years. We won by one score last time around and Fitz is proving to be pretty competent as a starter. Plus were dealing with some injuries and illness so nothing is certain. We lost to Miami in 2003 when they were just terrible.

RealityCheck

12-26-2010, 10:46 AM

Yeah, but I really don't see them beating us.

Of course it depends on what Pats will show up, the Pats who killed the Jets and the Bears or the Pats who sucked against Cleveland and GB.

Jvig43

12-26-2010, 10:48 AM

Actually I came away happy with the GB game. It showed we can respond when were down and not playing well, plus GB had a great defensive/offensive game plan.

devinhester=R.O.Y 2006

12-26-2010, 03:19 PM

Congrats boys! Nice job in wrapping up the East and the #1 seed. However, the job is not yet finished as the larger goal still needs to be met!

Nalej

12-26-2010, 04:30 PM

Nice win... so it looks. I didn't get to watch.
Anyone have some bullets of the game? Positives and negatives? Studs and duds?

Jvig43

12-26-2010, 07:26 PM

Hmmmm I'll give out a few

+ Running game was on it's A game, but expected going against the 32nd ranked run defense.

+ Gronk is so sexy, had a great great game today, made a really nice behind the shoulder catch in coverage today.

+ Defense created seven turnovers after giving up good chunks of yardage on the ground to Jackson. Really fought back from that opening drive.

- Welker dropped four passes and just looked really off of his game

-Front seven looked weak to start with so many injuries and illnesses.

Jvig43

12-26-2010, 11:37 PM

Forgot one more plus for us today:

+ Jets losing on a Sanchez interception.

- Ryan still being a ******* idiot and speaking like they just won the game during his press conference.

proshoota25

12-27-2010, 12:26 AM

- kyle arrington gave up two 40+ yard completions and gave up multiple passes. semi-made up for it by getting a strip that led to a fumble recovery

+ darius butler??? made a nice play to start the game to bat away the ball, got beat on a 4th and 5 in the red zone, but made a nice play to cause an incompletion. i honestly did not see a completion today against him.

Jvig43

12-27-2010, 12:41 AM

See I disagree, Butler got torched a bunch and was just fortunate the wr didn't get to it. Arrington was in position both times and the WR just made an amazing play on the ball. I recall one time he couldn't have done more then he did to get that ball down.

proshoota25

12-27-2010, 12:52 AM

it was just one play that butler blew, but he made up for it, and not allowing the WR to make the catch. no pass interference calls. he played very well IMO

descendency

12-27-2010, 02:04 AM

Other people's reactions to Tom Brady setting an NFL record for most pass attempts without an interception:

"I don't think he's a very good QB; I mean he doesn't even throw interceptions" - Jay Cutler

"I still don't think he's a pro-bowler." - Terrell Suggs

"I'm not going to kiss Brady's rings either. But his feet. . . " - Rex Ryan

"Represent. Michigan." - Charles Woodson

Jvig43

12-27-2010, 02:09 AM

Rex Ryan was too busy praising his team for losing and still making the playoffs to care. Literally the guy was just all happy about losing the three out four games in the last month. Yeah we got in the playoffs!

Nalej

12-27-2010, 08:57 AM

Let them be content. I like that we're still hungry.

Razor

12-28-2010, 02:40 PM

What does everybody here think about Eric Moore? I'd never heard of him before we signed him, but he has really flashed some potential on the field. He's quite old despite his limited experience (almost 30) so he's not a player for the future. But do you see him taking the place of for example Tully Banta-Fail. Imo he looks like a more explosive Ninkovich, although not with the same great motor or awareness (still pretty good in both areas from what I've seen though). He also played a bit at 4-technique against Buffalo, so he's versatile as well.

Nalej

12-28-2010, 03:17 PM

First time I saw him lined up, I thought he was lined up as a 5-tech
then the next time he was staning up playing on the outside.
Right there, I was like, this dude is versatile as hell.
He's got great size and fits BB's mold for OLBs perfectly.
I saw him get in a couple good bullrushes against an OT for a guy right off the UFL
I'd like to see him kept around the rotation. A starter opposite Cunningham should be the priority in the draft though

What Pro Bowlers from our team do you guys think?
My thoughts:

T.Brady
V.Wilfork
P.Chung
D.McCourty
B.Tate*
W.Welker*
S.Vollmer*

(no astrek): I think have a great chance
*: have somewhat of a chance but probably won't

Razor

12-28-2010, 03:22 PM

That list looks about right although there's a disturbing lack of Mayo there... Mayo has been a beast this year. He hasn't had a ton of sacks, INTs or FFs but he just makes plays both in the running game and in coverage. I'd say he's been one of the best linebackers this year. Mankins should be considered as well, although he hasn't played a lot. But my oh my, what a difference he makes for our OL. The way he plays the game is how it is supposed to be played: Nasty, aggressive, powerful, awareness, you name it. He has it all. I know that everyone likes to call Jahri Evans the best guard in football, but Mankins is right up there with him. No doubt about that.

Nalej

12-28-2010, 03:27 PM

I deserve a punch in the face for forgetting Mayo.... wow

I didn't mention Mankins bc of how many games he's played. Definitely playing at a Pro Bowl level, maybe even all Pro

ElectricEye

12-28-2010, 06:27 PM

Good win, well earned. Stoked we have the number one seed. I think at this point, anything less than an AFC title would be a disappointment for this team and we're well equipped to take it.

I'm also in on the **** Merri bandwagon. He's been so up and down this year, down the past few games. He really doesn't play within the scheme particularly well. When things are going well and he's picking off passes it's great, but when he's taking poor angles and not where he's supposed to be it sucks. He's really one of the more confusing players on the roster because let's be honest...he's no rocket science. Not saying everyone else in the locker room is, but we do put a huge value on intelligence and more importantly, football smarts. Merri isn't that type of guy.

Nalej

12-28-2010, 06:33 PM

Pro Bowlers

T.Brady
L.Mankins (Has he played enough? The offense is better with him though)
V.Wilfork
J.Mayo
D.McCourty
B.Meriweather (wtf?!)

ElectricEye

12-28-2010, 06:35 PM

Pro Bowlers

T.Brady
L.Mankins (Has he played enough? The offense is better with him though)
V.Wilfork
J.Mayo
D.McCourty
B.Meriweather (wtf?!)

All well earned, except for Merri as I said in my last post.

Nalej

12-28-2010, 06:36 PM

P.Chung got snubbed for his incompetent teammate... how sad

ElectricEye

12-28-2010, 06:38 PM

Yup, Chung has played far better this year. Hasn't been the same since the knee injury as he was playing like an animal early in the year.

McCourty is well earned. The power went out for a bit here after Christmas so I couldn't get on here, but last week was the first game of hopefully many he was given shut down cornerback treatment. The Bills outright threw away from him.

Matthew Jones

12-28-2010, 06:38 PM

Replace Meriweather with Gronkowski and it'd be a great list.

ElectricEye

12-28-2010, 06:39 PM

Replace Meriweather with Gronkowski and it'd be a great list.

Gronk will get there eventually. Bank on it. His role in the offense is growing so much. He's already a Pro Bowl caliber player as a blocker and he and Brady are really building chemistry as the year goes on(which I don't think they really had at the start of the year, more so than others).

proshoota25

12-28-2010, 09:14 PM

yeah i feel bad for chung, getting snubbed by his teammate who has sucked a fat one this year. chung and gronk will eventually get selected though, could be a blessing in disguise for motivation for these two to get continually better

ElectricEye

12-28-2010, 09:17 PM

Apparently the Ravens left Brady off their ballot. I can here the BB disrespect thing already.

Jvig43

12-29-2010, 12:36 AM

Apparently the Ravens left Brady off their ballot. I can here the BB disrespect thing already.

Haha maybe, I seriously doubt BB even aknowledges any of that **** tho.

ElectricEye

12-29-2010, 01:09 AM

Haha maybe, I seriously doubt BB even aknowledges any of that **** tho.

In the media? Of course not. But this team gets high off of **** like that. Always have, always will. That's our angle. We've used far more trivial things for motivation, like a few writers for Patriots weekly picking the Dolphins early in the year.

Jvig43

12-29-2010, 01:10 AM

In the media? Of course not. But this team gets high off of **** like that. Always have, always will. That's our angle. We've used far more trivial things for motivation, like a few writers for Patriots weekly picking the Dolphins early in the year.

If I was a Boston sports writer I'd pick the Dolphins every year if we could get this result.

AntoinCD

12-29-2010, 08:56 AM

Gronk will get there eventually. Bank on it. His role in the offense is growing so much. He's already a Pro Bowl caliber player as a blocker and he and Brady are really building chemistry as the year goes on(which I don't think they really had at the start of the year, more so than others).

I agree about Gronk. He's a better blocker than a lot of offensive linemen and he's really getting more looks in the passing game. He could be an all pro in a few years

FlyingElvis

12-29-2010, 09:20 AM

Gronk came on a bit too late in the season to make it so I can understand that one. I think Chung was listed as SS and only one spot is available there, which was awarded to Troy Polamalu so that's understandable as well.

Merriweather . . . wow. Name recognition from a very good season last year, I guess. Mankins is a surprise, and probably there for the same reason, despite being deserving.

Obviously Brady / Wilfork / Mayo / McCourty absolutely deserve the honor.

descendency

12-29-2010, 10:05 AM

B.Meriweather (wtf?!)

YES YES YES. Now his trade value just went up. :D

edit: The fact that Gronkowski wasn't a Pro-Bowler is a joke. Pat Chung just missed it because he gets burned in coverage.

descendency

12-29-2010, 10:24 AM

B.Tate*
(no astrek): I think have a great chance
*: have somewhat of a chance but probably won't

WHAT????

Um, no.

FlyingElvis

12-29-2010, 10:25 AM

WHAT????

Um, no.

Special teams.

Nalej

12-29-2010, 11:11 AM

Yea, ST as a KR. I thought that'd be obvious?
Did you think I meant at WR? Gimme some credit. I'm not a total tool

descendency

12-29-2010, 12:09 PM

Yea, ST as a KR. I thought that'd be obvious?
Did you think I meant at WR? Gimme some credit. I'm not a total tool

I realized you meant as a ST after I posted that, but he still isn't that good. He had 2 TD early on and since has struggled.

nhlkdog411

12-29-2010, 01:16 PM

J255979-11nine

12-29-2010, 01:20 PM

Apparently the Ravens left Brady off their ballot. I can here the BB disrespect thing already.

To be completely fair Brady does struggle against Baltimore.

FlyingElvis

12-29-2010, 02:37 PM

Actually, theres 2 SS, the starter is Polamalu and the backup is Meriweather. Chung was on the ballot as a FS im 99% sure but I know big bang clock was on there as an SS.

Based on the NFL.com Pro Bowl roster page - here (http://www.nfl.com/probowl/story/09000d5d81d470fb/article/2011-pro-bowl-rosters?module=HP_headlines) - Merri is backup FS (behind Reed - WFT, btw? lol) and Troy is the only listed SS.

I voted when if first opened and never made it back for a second vote late in the season. I think you're partially right if you're working from memory, as I think the safties were all lumped together and not broken out as S/F.

ElectricEye

12-29-2010, 03:24 PM

I agree about Gronk. He's a better blocker than a lot of offensive linemen and he's really getting more looks in the passing game. He could be an all pro in a few years

I really think for some reason Brady and he had issues clicking at first. They really seemed like they were on different pages early in the year. Part of that has to do with the fact Brady has never really had such a talented, true tight end to throw to before. It's all been guys like Ben Watson(hybrid type player, not so different from Hernandez but far less fluid and more sucky.), Chris Baker, and Kyle Brady. Never a true, complete tight end who can just out muscle guys for balls and still be a threat after the catch.

Don Vito

12-29-2010, 03:40 PM

Meriweather hasn't sucked, he didn't have a Pro Bowl season but he is a solid safety for us. He gave up some big plays but he can make plays in coverage and is an intimidating presence for receivers in his area. He plays the run well and can be a playmaker, I would not have expected him to make the Pro Bowl but he is a very good player for us.

nepg

12-29-2010, 04:40 PM

I really think for some reason Brady and he had issues clicking at first. They really seemed like they were on different pages early in the year. Part of that has to do with the fact Brady has never really had such a talented, true tight end to throw to before. It's all been guys like Ben Watson(hybrid type player, not so different from Hernandez but far less fluid and more sucky.), Chris Baker, and Kyle Brady. Never a true, complete tight end who can just out muscle guys for balls and still be a threat after the catch.
Gronk's routes weren't that great early in the year. He was rarely where he was supposed to be, and dropped some key passes. Also didn't help Gronk that Hernandez picked up the offense really quick and had an instant connection with Brady. The other factor is that Gronk was mainly used as a blocker until Moss was traded.

ElectricEye

12-29-2010, 04:44 PM

Gronk's routes weren't that great early in the year. He was rarely where he was supposed to be, and dropped some key passes. Also didn't help Gronk that Hernandez picked up the offense really quick and had an instant connection with Brady. The other factor is that Gronk was mainly used as a blocker until Moss was traded.

A lot of those drops had to do with poorly placed balls by Brady as well. The instant connection just wasn't there between those too and Gronk did make some very big mental mistakes as well. I'm happy to say the majority of that is gone though. I could see him putting up 700+ yards and over 10 TD's for us next year.

AntoinCD

12-29-2010, 04:49 PM

Gronk's routes weren't that great early in the year. He was rarely where he was supposed to be, and dropped some key passes. Also didn't help Gronk that Hernandez picked up the offense really quick and had an instant connection with Brady. The other factor is that Gronk was mainly used as a blocker until Moss was traded.

Yeah the thing with the offense is that it does have a lot of the same principles of Urban Meyer's spread scheme. Obviously more evolved in the passing game and not based on the run option but a lot of the same type of routes so it was easier for Hernandez to come up to speed. A lot also needs to be said about this year was Gronk's first action in a year due to his injury. It was bound to take time

ElectricEye

12-29-2010, 06:57 PM

Don Vito

12-29-2010, 07:09 PM

One things for sure; we're right up there with the top of the league in terms of tight ends now and it only took a six months to completely take a traditionally weak position for us into one of our best.

Yeah it really is quite amazing. There may be some better individual tight ends like Davis, Witten, and Gates; but I will take our collective group of Gronk-Crump-Hernandez over any group in the league. They all complement each other so well and have done so much for this offense.

ElectricEye

12-29-2010, 07:11 PM

I really hope we get a few more years out of Crumpler. Blocking specialists tend to be able to play their 30's, so we have that on our side.

Jvig43

12-30-2010, 12:00 AM

That pass that Gronk caught behind his shoulder last week was amazing. Gronk is already looking like what we were all hoping Watson would become.

devinhester=R.O.Y 2006

12-30-2010, 08:01 AM

Any word if anyone will be sitting out on Sunday?

ElectricEye

12-30-2010, 09:50 AM

Any word if anyone will be sitting out on Sunday?

It sounds like they'll play at least a half and a series in the third quarter, maybe less depending on the individual injuries they're dealing with.

Interesting article on Mankins;

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/patriots/view/20101230mankins_moment_but_will_all-pro_guard_be_back_next_season/

Don't want to get anyones hopes up, but it sounds a lot better than it did before he was playing for us.

FlyingElvis

12-30-2010, 10:58 AM

Unfortunately, I think it's pretty clear he wants the top dollar, #1 overall type deal. He won't get that here. Let someone else pay 50M for an offensive guard. Draft a solid replacement early and be done with it.

The best we can hope for is a wake up call via Branch's return. Maybe he and Deion chat about how much it sucks to play for a ****** team. Maybe that would be enough for Logan to realize the extra few million isn't worth playing for a terrible franchise. Personally, I would lmao if we slap the franchise tag on him this year.

ElectricEye

12-30-2010, 12:20 PM

FlyingElvis

12-30-2010, 01:22 PM

If there's a guard worth 50 Million, it's Mankins.

It would really, really suck if he walks but you are right. It's fairly easy to plug and play guys at the interior line, although we would be losing something. Dan Connolly earned himself a starting job at one of the guard positions next year, so we have that going for us at least.

True. I wouldn't mind paying him top dollar (ain't my money anyway) but we know that's just not how the franchise operates.

It would shock me to see him around next year. He seems like he has too big a problem with perceived disrespect. I still can't even begin to understand how he said the things he said . . . my only guess is that he's epically stupid. Football smart; otherwise epically stupid.

ElectricEye

12-30-2010, 01:45 PM

I think things are a bit different now that he's here and playing. He hasn't been a distraction or a cancer in the locker room like it was thought he could be and he's played at a very, very high level. The odds of the bridges thought to be burned earlier being repaired have certainly gone up. I think it's 50/50 he's back at this point with most of it depending on the labor agreement and cap situation.

proshoota25

12-30-2010, 05:56 PM

not for nothing, but mike reiss in his mailbag thinks the pats will resign matt light after the season

Nalej

12-30-2010, 06:57 PM

Not for nothing but I don't like Mike Reiss.

descendency

12-30-2010, 07:01 PM

Personally, I would lmao if we slap the franchise tag on him this year.

And pay a guard as a left tackle?

Razor

12-31-2010, 02:07 AM

Not for nothing but I don't like Mike Reiss.

Wait, what? How can you not love Mike Reiss? He could very well be one of the best beat writers in the NFL. There's no reporter that I respect more than Reiss..

Jvig43

12-31-2010, 02:19 AM

Reiss is ok, Ive grown to like him. As for Mankins, I highly doubt we pay him top dollar when their very well could be no NFL next year. We normally don't shell out money, and unless a new contract is agreed upon I doubt we will this year either. With that said, I want to keep Mankins so it will be interesting to see how this goes.

Also, I want to slap abaddon's face off after reading through more of his bs. Idk why people are defending him and saying he's a good poster, he said Orton this year of the 4-11 Broncos was just as valuable as Brady was to the division winning Pats last year. I don't care how nice he says it, it's still ******* nonsense.

nepg

12-31-2010, 12:33 PM

Wait, what? How can you not love Mike Reiss? He could very well be one of the best beat writers in the NFL. There's no reporter that I respect more than Reiss..
I hated him when he was with the Globe. He's grown on me a bit since then. He just states the facts and when someone asks him for his opinion, he defers to real analysts...which is what beat writers are supposed to do.

ElectricEye

12-31-2010, 01:31 PM

Mike Reiss is good. Smart guy, you can tell. A bit dull maybe, but he gets some cool facts put out there and is a good reporter.

Nalej

12-31-2010, 05:34 PM

My problem with Reiss is just that... he's dull. And usually, whenever he's asked a question- he states the obvious. Like, no ****!
Also, I don't agree with him a lot of things. I'm pretty sure he stated that M.Light has been playing great this year. I think he's still watching 04 re-runs

ElectricEye

12-31-2010, 05:35 PM

Nalej

12-31-2010, 07:24 PM

78 yd TD grab... 1st play from scrimmage ala DeSean Jackson. Book it!

LonghornsLegend

12-31-2010, 07:49 PM

nepg

12-31-2010, 08:18 PM

Reiss always struck me as more of a baseball style guy than a football one. Not entirely a bad thing.

Speaking of Reiss, apparently he just put out there we will have a potential Taylor Price sighting this weekend.
He'll probably be catching balls from Hoyer, but I'm really excited to see what Price has to offer.

ElectricEye

12-31-2010, 08:20 PM

I'm optimistic of course, but it is weird he hasn't found one occasion to contribute this year, not even on special teams.

Nalej

01-01-2011, 03:20 AM

Happy New Years fellas. Im wasted :)
Thank God for pregnant wives or I would have crashed by now

ElectricEye

01-01-2011, 11:44 AM

Yup, happy New Year folks.

Going to my first game at Gillette tomorrow. Pretty damned exciting, even if it is garbage time.

Nalej

01-01-2011, 12:46 PM

Yup, happy New Year folks.

Going to my first game at Gillette tomorrow. Pretty damned exciting, even if it is garbage time.

Nice! Have fun man. I'm sure it'll be a great time regardless.

ElectricEye

01-01-2011, 12:50 PM

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4690887/source-brace-likely-headed-to-ir

Brace to IR. Hurts, but he's expendable.

Nalej

01-01-2011, 02:17 PM

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4690887/source-brace-likely-headed-to-ir

Brace to IR. Hurts, but he's expendable.

Makes me sad. He's a great run stuffer.
Wright concussed still... I'm a bit scared of our depth right now. Weak.
I am excited about getting B.Spikes back though
Can we overcome all these IRs? We still look good but the Injury Report looks gloomy

ElectricEye

01-01-2011, 02:19 PM

We hardly ever play a base set defense anymore anyway. We have enough package guys with Eric Moore and Kyle Love to get by on smoke and mirrors for awhile.

descendency

01-01-2011, 04:31 PM

Our OL, DL, and OLBs are going to need 2-3 picks each in this draft. Our depth is weak (tons of people on IR too, though)

ElectricEye

01-01-2011, 10:32 PM

We have some room to play around the DL with Warren coming back. Wright is a legit starter for us at this point too, but he's better as a rotational guy. I actually think we've got really good depth there right now if you look at it. Brace hurts, but Kyle Love has played well in the same role.

Jvig43

01-02-2011, 12:12 AM

Just read that the decision to put Brace on IR was to make room for Spikes according to Reiss.

ElectricEye

01-02-2011, 12:23 AM

No, it was because of Brace's elbow injury he sustained against the Bills. It lets us keep someone along with putting Spikes back on the roster, but wasn't done for that purpose.

Nalej

01-02-2011, 12:26 AM

For what it's worth, I read the article by Reiss as well and I came away with the impression that it was for room for Spikes too

Jvig43

01-02-2011, 12:28 AM

For what it's worth, I read the article by Reiss as well and I came away with the impression that it was for room for Spikes too

Yeah thats pretty much what was said. I know he has had elbow problems but to be put on IR now after not seeing much playing time? I buy what he said.

ElectricEye

01-02-2011, 12:35 AM

This is a case of wording by the look of it. I can't see us creating a potential depth issue without choice. Love is playing well in limited looks, but I would feel much more comfortable IR'ing him over Brace even with last weeks game. If it is just to make room for Spikes, we must feel pretty good about Wright and Pryor's health situations. ****, we could IR/Cut Cohen rather than put a slightly banged up Brace on the IR for roster reasons.

Nalej

01-02-2011, 12:38 AM

Yea, I thought it basically meant that Wright and Pryor are close to returning.
Tomorrow doesn't mean **** and then we have a week off... so by the Div Round... depth won't be that big of an issue

ElectricEye

01-02-2011, 12:39 AM

Even still, I just don't think we would put Brace on the IR if he could potentially play. He's been situationally good this year and we have other pieces to shift around.

proshoota25

01-02-2011, 12:31 PM

man those rookies want those awards. mccourty with a pick to start the game, gronk with another TD. JULIAN EDELMAN sighting! my boy glad hes getting some PT

nepg

01-02-2011, 01:01 PM

I feel bad for Edelman. He doesn't have a place on the field when Welker's in the game, but I don't think he's much of a downgrade from Welker.

Razor

01-02-2011, 02:53 PM

Jebus, Butler sucks like a *************! I never imagined that he could be this bad!

J255979-11nine

01-02-2011, 03:09 PM

Christ, Taylor Price is both faster and more quick than I thought.

Razor

01-02-2011, 03:12 PM

Christ, Taylor Price is both faster and more quick than I thought.

Speed was never a question with Price. He looked fine in his first game, but let's not make a big deal about it. Still, I think the team played a great game today. I really liked that they were more aggressive on defense today, I hope that's a sign of things to come in the playoffs.

Nalej

01-02-2011, 03:23 PM

The TD Butler gave up was good D. Can't blame that on him. It was just a great left handed catch.

proshoota25

01-02-2011, 04:13 PM

you guys hate on butler way more than you should. he had a very good day today. the only play in which he sucked was the YAC with marshall. he had that int, and it should have stood, but the refs gave the phins a mercy flag. also, that td wouldnt have counted if that pick stood, but the WR made an insane catch and was good defense, was not his fault at all

nepg

01-02-2011, 05:01 PM

Jebus, Butler sucks like a *************! I never imagined that he could be this bad!
He's not bad at all... He's played well since having problems earlier in the year.

Jvig43

01-02-2011, 05:04 PM

I disagree, you guys give Butler too much credit. I could care less what position hes in if he doesn't end up doing jack ****. Hes the Sole reason we didn't get a shut out today, first by pushing off of Marshall for that PI call and then on the next play he gave up a TD, and I don't care how amazing the catch was. Last week he played well because he batted down one ball? He also got killed deep several times last week by no name Bills receivers and was lucky Fitz didn't get the ball where it needed to be. Butler is easily our worst DB right now, and that's including how poorly Merriweather has played this year.

ElectricEye

01-02-2011, 05:29 PM

Had a blast there!

Butler sucks. Even more so in person. The flag was complete ********, had a perfect angle on it from where I was sitting, but I watched him very closely at the end he got TOASTED on every single play. It's even worse when you have a wide angle. I honestly think he's playing himself out of playing corner. By no means a good day. Bess burned him on a double move and if Pigpen had seen it, it would have been an easy 30+ yards. He's fine when everything is in front of him, but he doesn't turn for the ball on the deep throws and he just isn't very natural running backwards. I think he could get some looks at safety if he can prove he can hold up against the run, but I have zero clue why you guys believe in him. I kid you not when I say he lost the battle every single time. The interception was the result of a poor throw. Marshall(I think?) was coming back for the ball and he had him beat but the ball was overthrown badly. The reason that flag got thrown was probably because he got away with one earlier. The Dolphins smelled blood too. You could literally see them finding Butler before the snap to try to get a good matchup on him and it worked every singe time. It's not like it's a small sample size anymore either. He gets worked. I would love to see someone try to explain to me why he's anything else than complete garbage in 1-1 man coverage.

Other stuff;

BJE got a very large ovation for breaking the century mark. A lot of the crowd had already left, but the rest of it was loud and proud about it. You could tell that the milestone was really important to him because he was in there playing well after most of the other starters had rested.

Edelmen was night and day different than what we've seen most of the year. I actually think he's partially been miscast as this Wes Welker clone when he really isn't He's a tough matchup underneath because of his quickness, but he's also got really good size and speed and can go down the field well. He's still got the find his niche in the offense though. It's mostly mental with him I think. He looks like a very intense guy and probably runs too high and too low at times. Bright future here though. It was really cool to see him get that return. Truly an electric play.

Taylor Price surprised me quite a bit. His speed jumps out and you and he's not a super small guy either. Had a few plays where it really looked like he could be something.

Gronk had a monster game. Not so much as a blocker, he basically had the week off there, but it was great to see him break Coats record and have his first hundred yard game. Bright, bright future as a tight end and a future multiple Pro Bowler in all likelyhood.

The best part; we escaped injury free. Woodhead got dinged and got what looked to be a concussion test on the sideline, but they showed him on the big screen multiple times and he looked absolutely fine. Pryor had some sort of eye injury, but none of it seems like it will keep them from playing in a few weeks.

nhlkdog411

01-02-2011, 09:16 PM

Edelmen was night and day different than what we've seen most of the year. I actually think he's partially been miscast as this Wes Welker clone when he really isn't He's a tough matchup underneath because of his quickness, but he's also got really good size and speed and can go down the field well. He's still got the find his niche in the offense though. It's mostly mental with him I think. He looks like a very intense guy and probably runs too high and too low at times. Bright future here though. It was really cool to see him get that return. Truly an electric play.

I've been thinking basically the same exact thing for quite a while now..i hope they expand his role as kind of an overall guy more than just a welker clone

nepg

01-02-2011, 09:26 PM

He's not a clone, he just doesn't have a place when Welker's out there because Welker occupies the same space on the field when he's running his routes.

ElectricEye

01-02-2011, 10:20 PM

Plus the days of the five wide receiver sets are dead. We do spread, but it's usually tight ends out wide or inside and there's almost always a runningback.

Still, Edelmen had his chances but for some reason didn't capitalize on them outside of the return game. He dropped some balls and was invisible at times. Really think it is a bit of a confidence thing. Without Welker and Branch out there he raised his game to another level today.

ElectricEye

01-02-2011, 11:39 PM

Oakland pick is going to be 17. Not as high as we were all hoping for, but hey, it's not something to take for granted either.

Jvig43

01-02-2011, 11:59 PM

Good to see Price doing well, sort of the forgotten man in this years draft. I didn't get a chance to see it, but one of the biggest concerns with him was getting off the line, any one catch that, from what I did see he didn't have much trouble. It would be great to get a speedster on our offense.

ElectricEye

01-03-2011, 12:05 AM

Most impressive thing Price did was make that catch in traffic. That was a pure 50/50 ball and he made the play. We don't have guys who do that enough at receiver. Don't expect him to do that consistently, but it's nice.

Jvig43

01-03-2011, 12:23 AM

Yeah he looked good from what I saw. Glad you had fun EE, that was a fun game to go to.

Also on a side note; Ryan running his mouth is motivation I can already see BB using if we have to see them again.

Nalej

01-03-2011, 12:34 AM

Hoyer to Tate was sex.
First, Hoyer stood in the pocket and delievered the strike knowing he was going to get creamed
Last, Tate stretched out and got under the ball.

Great throw and catch. Ran to perfection.

nepg

01-03-2011, 02:25 AM

With how Price looked, and how Tate and Edelman stepped up with Branch and Welker out... And the way Moore emerged and how everyone along that DL is stepping up every week... It's tough to decide what the Pats should do with those 6 early picks. Seems more and more likely that they'll be traded for more future picks. It's tough to see any of the QBs falling out of the Top 5 with how the draft order ended up, but if one does fall, #17 could easily be traded for a 2012 first round pick.

With people coming off of injuries, this is the deepest team in the NFL...crazy.

nepg

01-03-2011, 02:25 AM

Nalej

01-03-2011, 08:56 AM

I still would like a starting OLB and another body to start at DE
OL is definitely a biggie there too... WR might not be a big need but if a big field stretching stud is available.. why not?

Jvig43

01-03-2011, 10:53 AM

Yeah I still want a DE or OLB. I doubt jones or any other elite WR will be there at 17. Booooo raiders for winning games.

ElectricEye

01-03-2011, 10:53 AM

OLB is a priority pick.
DE is a priority pick.
C is a priority pick.

OL is an "if you can upgrade for good value, go for it" pick.
WR is a "if you get great value and talent, go for it" pick.
CB is a "if something catastrophic happens and Prince drops go for it" pick.

My thoughts.

proshoota25

01-03-2011, 02:28 PM

ElectricEye

01-03-2011, 02:46 PM

are me and RavenofProphecy the only ones who thinks Watt doesn't fit? I am getting sick of him getting mocked to us...

Does Watt have any resemblance to anyone on our line? Does he resemble both Warrens, Deaderick, Brace, Love?

We love our DLine HUGE. Watt does not fit whatsoever, unless for some reason u think he fits standing up, but i dont think thatd work.

End of Rant. haha

Watt is 6'6 292 pounds and has the frame to get up to 315. That's pretty huge.

Brace and Love aren't DE's unless it's a running down and really are pretty one dimensional at that position as well. Don't play the two gap well, just sort of push and hope the runningback is around.

Deaderick is actually smaller than Watt except thicker frame wise, and isn't a complete prospect as a 3-4 DE either.

Ty Warren is a very thick build guy who is nonetheless mobile. But if Watt were to come here and add some size, he really wouldn't be all that different in terms of build than Richard Seymour was. He's stout enough against the run and has the type of game that translates well into being effective in our scheme.

proshoota25

01-03-2011, 02:48 PM

Watt is 6'6 292 pounds and has the frame to get up to 315. That's pretty huge.

Brace and Love aren't DE's unless it's a running down and really are pretty one dimensional at that position as well. Don't play the two gap well, just sort of push and hope the runningback is around.

Deaderick is actually smaller than Watt except thicker frame wise, and isn't a complete prospect as a 3-4 DE either.

Ty Warren is a very thick build guy who is nonetheless mobile. But if Watt were to come here and add some size, he really wouldn't be all that different in terms of build than Richard Seymour was.

i think that all of the guys on the line have the versatility to play tackle or end. watt cant play DT. I think its a requirement that you need to play both positions on that line

ElectricEye

01-03-2011, 02:49 PM

i think that all of the guys on the line have the versatility to play tackle or end. watt cant play DT.

Watt DOES play DT already. Wisconsin lines him up inside all of the time and he actually looks best coming from that position in my opinion. Watch the Bowl game. You see plenty of that. No issues what so ever playing inside, even on run downs.

Also, Brace and Love REALLY, really don't have that versatility, we just put them at those spots situationally because we don't have a guy who can stay on the field and be a full time starter at that spot.

proshoota25

01-03-2011, 02:55 PM

Watt DOES play DT already. Wisconsin lines him up inside all of the time and he actually looks best coming from that position in my opinion. Watch the Bowl game. You see plenty of that. No issues what so ever playing inside, even on run downs.

Also, Brace and Love REALLY, really don't have that versatility, we just put them at those spots situationally because we don't have a guy who can stay on the field and be a full time starter at that spot.

he plays DT now, but I dont think he translates at DT well in the pros. he lined up at DE ALOT against TCU too

ElectricEye

01-03-2011, 03:21 PM

he plays DT now, but I dont think he translates at DT well in the pros. he lined up at DE ALOT against TCU too

He could play either depending on the scheme. He's not a pass rush specialist DE in the first place. He was the body as physical tools to be a 3-4 DE and would just need limited amounts of coaching. Small project, but not at all a hard one. Teaching a guy to do something is a lot easier than telling him to do something he can't.

proshoota25

01-03-2011, 03:24 PM

descendency

01-03-2011, 04:20 PM

All-Rookie 1st team honors (list generated by me and a few other fans from different teams):
Rob Gronkowski
Devin McCourty
Zoltan Mesko

2nd Team:
Brandon Spikes
Aaron Hernandez

The team used 1 QB, 1 RB, 2 WRs, 1 TE, 1 utility (either a RB,WR, or TE), 5 OL (2 OTs, 3 OG/C), 2 DE (1 34 OLB allowed), 2 DTs (34 DEs as well, one had to be a DT/NT though), 3 LBs (1 OLB, 1 ILB, 1 either), 2 CBs, 2 safeties.

So basically 5 of our picks are among the 4 best in their draft class. Pretty awesome year this was.

---

edit: Does anyone think I did Cunningham a dis-service by not getting him into the the top 4 DE/OLB from this class?

Don Vito

01-03-2011, 04:28 PM

I wouldn't say so. Cunningham will be a good one for us, but this year he really just showed flashes and gave us a lot to be excited about. He really didn't produce that much, he started and looked very good but the best is yet to come from him.

ElectricEye

01-03-2011, 04:53 PM

Jermaine Cunningham had stretches where he was invisible and had his playing time reduced by Eric Moore. Promising moments, but not a banner rookie season for him.

Babylon

01-03-2011, 04:59 PM

nepg

01-03-2011, 05:11 PM

Jermaine Cunningham had stretches where he was invisible and had his playing time reduced by Eric Moore. Promising moments, but not a banner rookie season for him.
I think Eric Moore got a lot more playing time because Cunningham has been dealing with an injury.

ElectricEye

01-03-2011, 05:13 PM

I think Eric Moore got a lot more playing time because Cunningham has been dealing with an injury.

...which did affect his level of play, yeah. But Moore outplayed him as a pure pass rusher. Cunningham could get into the backfield pretty easily, but had trouble finishing.

J255979-11nine

01-03-2011, 05:44 PM

I think if you like Aaron Smith of Pittsburgh (super bowl and pro bowl player) you'll love Watt. Similar player with i think better hands and speed.

Aaron Smith is second only to Seymour as the best 5 tech of recent memory. I think you're being too generous with that comparison.

luckyjackaubrey

01-03-2011, 07:10 PM

Boston Globe is reporting that Pats have "suspended" Brandon Deaderick for an undisclosed period or reason. WTF we already have a rag tag D-line as is. Anyone have a clue as to what he did? It doesn't appear to be a league thing.

ElectricEye

01-03-2011, 07:54 PM

Wow. The timing on that one is just...strange.

Don Vito

01-03-2011, 08:11 PM

Ughh...with Brace on IR that hurts. Wright is coming back but we are going to need G. Warren, Pryor, Cohen, and Love to step up. It really has been Wilfork surrounded by a revolving door this season, and our play is a testament to how amazing Vince has been this year. Wright and Spikes coming back will be huge, but we are scary thin up front.

ElectricEye

01-03-2011, 08:12 PM

We'll likely never hear about what actually happened either. Just "oh team policy blah blah". I can't see BB doing that unless it was absolutely something terrible or he was going to be slammed for the NFL on something and they preferred to deal with it internally.

Mike Reiss also said that he's not sure why the move went down/what it actually means. Could be some roster type stuff....but what?

luckyjackaubrey

01-03-2011, 08:58 PM

Has Wright been spotted anywhere in the past month? All the cloak and dagger stuff with player moves and health updates is a little frustrating. I get the whole don't give the opposition any info deal but, come on.

ElectricEye

01-03-2011, 10:57 PM

Nope. Wright hasn't played in awhile 6 games now. He HAS to come back now though...

Jvig43

01-04-2011, 01:22 AM

We should go out and sign Jarvis Green, I have been saying this all season. He's great as a rotational player in our system, and knows how it works. The dude has fallen off the face of the earth, no clue why. It seems odd we wouldn't try him out.

Don Vito

01-04-2011, 12:06 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/110104_tuesday_morning_quarterback&sportCat=nfl

Dan Koppen gets the annual Tuesday Morning QB non-QB/RB MVP award. He was great at getting to the next level and can still make plays in the run game, but he really really struggles with those big 3-4 NT's especially in pass protection. Koppen has played better this year and this is a joke award anyway, but still.

ElectricEye

01-04-2011, 03:40 PM

It's hard not to like Koppen...but he's hardly that good. Might be gone next year.

FlyingElvis

01-04-2011, 03:54 PM

Yeah, You have to like him but it's time to move on.

descendency

01-04-2011, 05:31 PM

Apparently the Patriots are "showing serious interest in Blaine Gabbert"

:(

ElectricEye

01-04-2011, 05:32 PM

Apparently the Patriots are "showing serious interest in Blaine Gabbert"

:(

Source? WAAAAAY too early for all this stuff. Anything you hear now is likely ******** writers made up out of boredom.

ElectricEye

01-04-2011, 09:12 PM

Cam Heyward won't be around at pick #33 anymore....

proshoota25

01-04-2011, 11:01 PM

Source? WAAAAAY too early for all this stuff. Anything you hear now is likely ******** writers made up out of boredom.

yes please give us the source, should be an entertaining read

ElectricEye

01-04-2011, 11:06 PM

Heyward is the best 3-4 DE in this draft and possibly ever(hyperbole). Really can't say enough about the game he's having tonight. Dominating. Urge everyone here to look at the highlights of him from this game if they get uploaded on Youtube.

Nalej

01-04-2011, 11:56 PM

I'm hoping that more QBs and WRs and OL and everything else besides OLB and DE keep rising so the likes of Kerrigan and Heyward fall. My evil plan!

Don Vito

01-04-2011, 11:58 PM

The whole game I was almost getting pissed that Heyward was playing so well because he boosted his stock so much. I really enjoyed seeing him mocked to us at the end of the first, that won't be happening anymore. If we get him it will be with the Raiders' pick, but who are we kidding that pick will be traded at least twice.

luckyjackaubrey

01-05-2011, 08:44 AM

Would you rather see BB bundle a few of these picks and move up for one impact/target prospect or do his usual shuffle backwards and turn a '10 into an '11 1st rounder?

With the team's success and the disdain he has for paying out big $$$ to high draft picks I can see him doing the later and ending up with with two firsts next year and being able to bundle them for a top five pick under the revised system where the rooks don't break the bank coming out.

So, is it bundle 17 and the late first rounder to move up into the 7-8 range or trade the Carolina pick (or our own late 2nd rounder) for a future #1? I cant see him keeping all these picks and am not sure which direction makes the most sense.

ElectricEye

01-05-2011, 09:05 AM

I think we need Cam Heyward. I'm pretty damn sure of that. Perfect fit for us. I was weary because he didn't produce much on the stat sheet, but he's as legit as they come. Honestly don't mind if we use the Raiders pick on him....if he's even there.

AntoinCD

01-05-2011, 09:09 AM

If the rookie wage scale is properly implemented I wouldn't be surprised to see the Pats go after someone they think could make a difference. Generally Belichick found the best value to always be between picks 20-50 due to the monetary issue. I wouldn't be surpirsed to see him maybe use pick 60-64 plus the Raiders first to move up to the high teens if someone he really likes falls. However, as we've seen in the past, if the value is not there he will do his best to get out of the pick. I think the 33 pick is way too valuable with the new format to trade away.

ElectricEye

01-05-2011, 09:12 AM

Pick #33 is what gives us a ton of leverage in this draft. Gives us room to play around. I would tend to agree it's too valuable to trade away.

AntoinCD

01-05-2011, 09:24 AM

I also agree with what someone said about possibly letting the clock go out on 32 if we have it. If Belichick can have the top 2 picks on the second day he could really rape some stupid teams of quality picks and/or players

luckyjackaubrey

01-05-2011, 09:59 AM

ElectricEye

01-05-2011, 10:05 AM

I believe this draft is the last under the old CBA so any new wage scale will not be applied until the next draft? That will be a major sticking point when we get there. THese kids will be drafted under the old system, the draft is in fact the last function of the 2010 "year", but will be signed either under (A) no CBA or (B) the new CBA. I can see that being a potential big mess where teams and agents are posturing on how to compensate the kids of this draft.

That's one of those things you hope there's some sort of system in place for, but possibly isn't. Could be very confusing.

AntoinCD

01-05-2011, 10:14 AM

ElectricEye

01-05-2011, 10:31 AM

Yeah, rookie wage sale is coming sooner rather than later. I'm pretty pumped about it actually. Means we'll use more of our draft picks.

Jvig43

01-05-2011, 01:24 PM

Yeah, rookie wage sale is coming sooner rather than later. I'm pretty pumped about it actually. Means we'll use more of our draft picks.

Yeah that's something I'm with Goodell 100%.

proshoota25

01-05-2011, 01:40 PM

Yeah that's something I'm with Goodell 100%.

i honestly think everyone agrees, minus incoming rookies

descendency

01-05-2011, 02:50 PM

descendency

01-05-2011, 03:26 PM

Source? WAAAAAY too early for all this stuff. Anything you hear now is likely ******** writers made up out of boredom.

I can't seem to find the link now. Maybe the story was pulled. Personally I hope the author was just making it up because the rumor to why McShay is so high on Gabbert is because a top 5 GM thinks he's the second best QB in the draft and is highly considering him (privately). How that information got out (or if it was an intentional leak to drive up his stock) is anyone's guess.

Anyways... I still think it's not unreasonable for Heyward to be available for the 32nd/33rd pick because the NFL doesn't just look at his last game. His games have been inconsistent.

proshoota25

01-05-2011, 03:32 PM

Actually, I think the Patriots may trade down more because of a rookie cap.

Picks will become more valuable as a top pick will no longer merit having a huge contract tied to it. More teams will be interested in those players, so the value will go up.

I don't think it's about money. I think Belichick values 2nd and 3rd round picks more than a first rounder.

you could also have the opposite feeling with trading up more now. honestly, there arent alot of spots open anymore because we have such a young team and loaded team due to the abundance of 2nd round picks the last few years. you could see BB trading UP in order to secure a guy who will have a bigger impact due to the lack of depth at a certain position, or a guy he simply falls in love with. we just have too many picks for roster positions open right now.

i dont think that is what is going to happen, but im just making a statement that a few people could think like that

ElectricEye

01-05-2011, 03:58 PM

I can't seem to find the link now. Maybe the story was pulled. Personally I hope the author was just making it up because the rumor to why McShay is so high on Gabbert is because a top 5 GM thinks he's the second best QB in the draft and is highly considering him (privately). How that information got out (or if it was an intentional leak to drive up his stock) is anyone's guess.

It's too early. BB likely hasn't even looked at prospects yet. Floyd Reese and some of the football operations guys likely have, but it's really too early to hear any information like that.

Luckily, Gabbert looks like he's going to be drafted top ten(which isn't the best idea IMO) so it won't be an issue even if we do have some sort of crush on him. I CAN see us liking him, for the record. Basically a more talented version of Kevin O'Connell who is familiar with the short passing offense(Even though he's not very good at it.).

Jvig43

01-06-2011, 12:21 AM

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/30742/mike-sandos-mvp-watch-34

Abaddon is that you?

luckyjackaubrey

01-06-2011, 09:32 AM

That's toio funny! I try to stay away from all homerisms on this site but there is NO question that Brady has had a most remarkable season when his team needed it most. Think back to the beginning of the year when the overwhelming theme of the chatter out there was that the Pat's run was over, the personnel that won all those big games was gone and the Pats were a potential 8-9 win team and trying to create a new cast of characters.

Well, they did. It is all new names aside from Brady, Welker and Wilfork (and of course BB). How can anyone vote otherwise? I put my homerism aside and expect the haters to be objective as well. Brady has the weight of his past performance and the expectations it creates on his back. He was slightly roasted for not spending as much time this off season in NE as in the past. Some questioned if Tom had lost some of the commitment to winning. Clearly his performance has put all that talk in the trash and made those who brought it up seem a bit foolish.

ElectricEye

01-06-2011, 09:58 AM

Half the roster is made of up of new players....enough said.

MizzouBig12

01-06-2011, 10:21 AM

im guessing me and you have completely different opinions on watt and his fit. but thats all good though, should def be something to watch down the stretch. he has all the makings of a patriot, minus the fit in my personal opinion. we shall see!I personally don't think that JJ Watt will end up being the Pats' pick, but that doesn't mean that he wouldn't be a good one. You state that he isn't "huge" enough to be a good fit for the Patriots line. By that reasoning, the Patriots would have passed on Ndamukong Suh, since he doesn't have that extra-rotund blob shape like Wilfork:wink:

FlyingElvis

01-06-2011, 10:26 AM

FlyingElvis

01-06-2011, 10:32 AM

i honestly think everyone agrees, minus incoming rookies
and the agents.

Razor

01-06-2011, 10:57 AM

DE is definitely a position BB feels is a strong fit for higher picks. Heyward @ DE would be fine by me at 17.

I don't see any reason BB would not move up to get a guy he really feels can be a difference maker. There were rumors that the Pats were looking to move up last year. But, as always, it's all about the value.

Personally, I just don't see room on our roster for 6 rookies and that's only the first 3 rounds worth of draftees. At this point I have come full circle back to "In Bill We Trust." There was a rough patch drafting but now we're clearly back to absolutely dominating the draft.

I agree 100%. We have a pretty good team right now. What we need are impact players. I don't care who we draft, as long as we take at least one OLB and one OL with our first three picks. In Bill I thrust. I think this draft should be about finding players that fit the Patriot Way more than anything. We have a deep team, but we could improve on top end talent imo.

ElectricEye

01-06-2011, 11:00 AM

As long as we don't give up a ton of picks to do it, fine, but I'm really not enamored with anyone that won't be available at pick 17 for us.

Jvig43

01-06-2011, 12:15 PM

I'm wondering if BB is satisfied with BJGE and chooses to wait to draft a running back in the later rounds. With all our vets we certainly need one, but wouldn't be surprised if we grabbed one early on.

Don Vito

01-06-2011, 12:17 PM

I don't want a RB in the first two rounds personally. BJGE and Woodhead have given us the best production out of the backfield we've seen in years, and they complement each other so well. They are doing it with essentially the same (only older) OL Maroney and others had as well.

Jvig43

01-06-2011, 12:19 PM

Woodhead while being in on more then just third down is basically our future faulk/third down back. BJGE fits our system well, doesn't fumble and doesn't get negative yards. I'm just thinking of what our offense would look like with a stud at rb, and I don't think that's Ingram for the record haha.

ElectricEye

01-06-2011, 02:02 PM

No point in taking a runner in the first two rounds, or even three, when we just got a thousand yards out of one guy. We had a top ten rushing attack this year overall too. The pass will always be first in our offense and we're set up to sustain that. Taking a 300+ carry a year back would mostly be a wasted pick because they'll never get said carries. Completely comfortable with Lawfirm and Woodhead going forward, in fact, I would prefer not to screw it up by adding any wrinkles.

Razor

01-06-2011, 02:22 PM

Some guys I'd really like us to take in the 3rd round or lower are:

Derrick Locke, Kentucky
Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma St.
Roy Helu Jr., Nebraska
Damien Berry, Miami (Fl.) (UDFA)

I'm fine with having Lawfirm and Woody being the featured backs for us, but we need some depth imo.

ElectricEye

01-06-2011, 02:45 PM

Do we really have the roster space for another scatback? Woodhead is here to stay and Faulk very well could be back as well. That rules out Locke and Hunter right away.

Helu would be nice, but will likely be a third round pick. Runningbacks not named Faulk, Woodhead, or Lawfirm combined for less than 75 carries and that number is only going to go down next year with an established situation. Is a third round pick really worth 50 carries that will mostly be meaningless?

FlyingElvis

01-06-2011, 02:56 PM

In Bill I thrust.

Freudian whip? er, slip? lol

luckyjackaubrey

01-06-2011, 03:02 PM

value dictates all. We spent a pick on a WR we knew would not sniff the field this year. I agree we need one new back next year and he needs to be a project so some extent. BJGE is really the only full time back on the roster next year. I love Woody but a sprain or minor injury to BJGE leaves you with a 5'6" lead back? scarry. If we keep all those picks a 3rd rounder or later for the right back with good all around skills makes sense.

Having said that, the pedigree of our two present backs proves that you can find viable options with late round picks, waiver pickups etc. I don't think you can go to that well too often at the same position. BB seems to buy into that philosophy and rarely goes too long without drafting each position on the team with a premium pick (1st three rounds). the only exception I can think of being QB. The second longest drought for such a pick behind QB? that would be center.

FlyingElvis

01-06-2011, 03:08 PM

^Very good points.

I'm thinking the same on RB. I love Danny & Ben but we still need depth there even if Morris sticks around. Woodhead's size worries me for durability & longevity and there's just no way we can ever expect him to step into the role filled by BJGE.

Razor

01-06-2011, 03:09 PM

Do we really have the roster space for another scatback? Woodhead is here to stay and Faulk very well could be back as well. That rules out Locke and Hunter right away.
I don't think size has anything to do with anything. Both Hunter and Locke are guys I could see as starters in the league down the line. Guys like MJD and Ray Rice have really opened my eyes: Smaller backs can make in in this league.

Freudian whip? er, slip? lol
Haha, no.. Not really. It's from PFW In Progress (Patriots webradio) if any of you guys listen to that?

ElectricEye

01-06-2011, 03:52 PM

I don't think size has anything to do with anything. Both Hunter and Locke are guys I could see as starters in the league down the line. Guys like MJD and Ray Rice have really opened my eyes: Smaller backs can make in in this league.

Size? No. Style of play yes. Besides, it's not that simple. 5'8 212 and 5'7 208 are by no means small. 5'9 190 and 5'8 197 are. MDJ and Rice are rare specimens. Absolute tanks. To see the difference between Locke and Hunter just looks at the legs and the film. We've always known guys like Rice and MJD can make it in this league and that's why they were drafted as high as they were. Rice didn't fall for size either, he fell for questions about his long speed. He came out and ran a blazing 40 time, but his film really did not justify that time and still doesn't. MJD had concerns about production and about carrying the load. Never broke 200 carries in his college career and had issues with injuries. Both were still taken in the second round, which is never a bad result for a runningback.

ElectricEye

01-06-2011, 05:43 PM

Patriots sign Atiyyah Ellison. Hasn't played yet this year and his only action came for Jacksonville in 2009. He was with Kansas City for a week in October, so he has SOME familiarity with the system, but not much. You have to be encouraged by how well these in season acquisitions have worked out so far, but our luck has to run out sometime.

luckyjackaubrey

01-06-2011, 05:51 PM

I was suprised they didn't sign LeKevin Smith (in for a tryout the same time as Ellison) or look into Jarvis Green ( he is free right now isn't he?). Right now it's looking like Wilfork, Warren, Pryor as starters and a bunch of waiver pickups heading into the playoffs....uhg....

Even if Mike Wright comes back he hasn't played in two months (or practiced). How effective can he be?

ElectricEye

01-06-2011, 05:57 PM

Jarvis Green can't sign with us because he's currently under contract by the Texans even though they're done...or something like that.

Don Vito

01-06-2011, 07:39 PM

Jarvis is done. He was a great situational pass rusher type behind Seymour and Warren but he showed last year that he isn't a full time starter, especially now with his age. He probably wouldn't bring anything to the table that we don't already have.

luckyjackaubrey

01-06-2011, 07:44 PM

I'm sure he is far less than he once was at this point. My thinking was that bringing in someone with an understanding of the system would add more value given the stakes.

Don Vito

01-06-2011, 08:09 PM

If we could take him I'm sure we would. especially considering how dinged up at the position we are. Plus we are known to bounce people in and out of here like we did with Seau.

ElectricEye

01-06-2011, 08:49 PM

diabsoule

01-07-2011, 03:37 PM

Pats put DL Mike Wright on IR, they announce. Has been out with a concussion

Nalej

01-07-2011, 03:43 PM

Pats put DL Mike Wright on IR, they announce. Has been out with a concussion

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Don Vito

01-07-2011, 03:46 PM

Son of a *****. That sucks.

ElectricEye

01-07-2011, 05:34 PM

God damn it.

Counter move is lifting Brandon Deaderick's suspension. Bit of a silver lining there.

nepg

01-07-2011, 05:36 PM

Well...they didn't have him for a very long stretch... But the idea of getting him back was something to look forward to. Oh well. Hopefully Deaderick bounces back from his suspension like a Patriot should.

ElectricEye

01-07-2011, 05:39 PM

Sounds like the only reason Deaderick was suspended was an issue with alarm clocks/possibly opening up a roster space to sign someone while we wait to see on Mike Wright. Good to see us take concussions seriously, but this is very bad news. One of our best defensive linemen this year against both the run and the pass. Would have been nice to see him get some action with our improved pass rush and see how he fit in there. Myron Pryor can do the same type of things he does for the most part and we have him back, but he doesn't do them near as well.

Jvig43

01-07-2011, 05:40 PM

This is really starting to concern me. Were most likely going to have to play a strong running team in the first matchup, we need a healthy Dline.

ElectricEye

01-07-2011, 05:43 PM

We've played the run better than we did with Mike Wright in. That's largely irrelevant to him and he can still help in that area, but still. Not a death blow for the run. More a bummer that he can't help.

nepg

01-07-2011, 05:55 PM

This is really starting to concern me. Were most likely going to have to play a strong running team in the first matchup, we need a healthy Dline.
Remember, the Pats had to deal with pretty decent running teams the last 4 weeks of the season without the #1 reason they became so good at stopping it this year... The Eye Gouger's back! I think his return has been soooo underrated, and definitely understated.

The Pats have dealt with injuries along the DL all year long, and while they'd be a ton better without the injuries, they've shown they get get **** done. They had some trouble without Spikes, though. Glad to get Pryor back. He's a huge upgrade over the fill-ins the Pats have used over the past few weeks. I love having a bye, but hate that we have to wait until next week to watch possibly my favorite Patriots team ever.

At least I get to watch the Chiefs this weekend (I also have to root for the Jets - FML)... And Babylon has his Seahawks... Sorry everyone else!

ElectricEye

01-07-2011, 05:58 PM

Guyton is what he is; a good player in doses. In our system, anyway. Spikes adds so much more in terms of stuffing the run. Really helps mitigate the loss of Brace. Plus we get Deaderick back, who did outplay Brace down the stretch.

Nalej

01-07-2011, 07:50 PM

What do you mean we get Deadrick back? He's suspended for the 1st game we play, no?
Makes no sense to suspend him for the off week.
I agree that Spikes back is a major plus. So is Pryor. Upgrade there, for sure

ElectricEye

01-07-2011, 09:17 PM

Suspension is just lifted, I guess. Wasn't an NFL job, internal thing. So it just never happened, basically.

Matt Light named to the Pro-Bowl as an alternate, proving that the system is an absolute joke.

ElectricEye

01-07-2011, 10:06 PM

Interesting article on the culture of the locker room right now;

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/patriots/view.bg?&articleid=1307925&format=&page=1&listingType=pats#articleFull

Gotta love grilling Shawn Springs and AT. Springs left a bad taste in my mouth after watching him on TV. He was asked to talk about the Patriots and you could just taste the contempt.

Nalej

01-07-2011, 10:22 PM

Yup... simply put... "In Bill We Trust"

Jvig43

01-07-2011, 11:32 PM

Go Chiefs, and Colts. I'd rather see the Jets lose and leave now and then the Colts get handled by the steelers. I'd love to play KC.

ElectricEye

01-08-2011, 09:33 AM

KC....eh. No. Not them. We've struggled traditionally against teams familiar with our personnel and system. Indy I could deal with. Jets I could deal with. Don't want any part of the Ravens.

Nalej

01-08-2011, 09:38 AM

I want no parts of Colts and Ravens. I'm confident in blowouts on the rest. We rock :)

ElectricEye

01-08-2011, 09:52 AM

Old news, but Vince is on the SI cover.
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extra_points/assets_c/2011/01/02COVv13_Promo-thumb-300x396-29719.jpg

Don't like the thing at the bottom though :/

nepg

01-08-2011, 10:23 AM

**** Peter King. I hate that guy.

nepg

01-08-2011, 10:25 AM

KC....eh. No. Not them. We've struggled traditionally against teams familiar with our personnel and system. Indy I could deal with. Jets I could deal with. Don't want any part of the Ravens.
Yeah, apart from other reasons, I see the Chiefs as the worst match-up for the Pats. They have a really good secondary, and can do what the Browns did on defense (or better) while having a more dynamic offense of their own.

This Patriots team thrives against aggressive defenses and QBs who panic when they have to go through more than 2 progressions.

ElectricEye

01-08-2011, 10:51 AM

Crennel can do just what Mangini did. Knows the system just as well if not better. Now, I think the Browns game was sort of fluky and short of Gronk playing the least focused game of football he's played in his life, we very well could have won..but still. Tamba Hali on Matt Light would be more than a bit of a nightmare.

Also, **** Peter King from me as well.

Jvig43

01-08-2011, 12:18 PM

I don't see it personally, KC had a cake walk of a schedule, their coming in on a home loss to Oakland that they wanted to win, their defense can be run on. Idk I just am not worried. I'm glad were all here to agree that the Ravens need to lose.

Also Happy Birthday Elvis.

ElectricEye

01-08-2011, 12:37 PM

Thing is; they can also run the ball.

Jamaal Charles scares the living **** out of me. Both as a runner and as a receiver.

Defensively, they match up well with us. They can get after the passer with Hali and Wallace Gilberry. Bring a lot of pressure from the second level too in spots, which has worked out fairly well for them. Not easy to run against either, finished in the top 15 in rushing defense and a lot of that has to do with the improved play along the defensive line and and the linebackers. They likely would have finished much better against the rush if not for the Oakland game, which was largely meaningless for them. No shame in giving up rush yards to the Raiders either; they can do that to anybody with how good that line is at run blocking and those backs.

Razor

01-08-2011, 12:42 PM

Happy birthday, FlyingElvis!

http://www.birthdaycakedesigns.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/happy_birthday_cake.jpg

descendency

01-08-2011, 12:42 PM

I want no parts of Colts and Ravens. I'm confident in blowouts on the rest. We rock :)

I want the Colts in Foxborough in the snow. We'll embarrass Manning.

ElectricEye

01-08-2011, 12:59 PM

I want the Jets again.

How I hope it goes down;

Jets beat Indy, play us automatically as the lowest remaining seed.

Baltimore beats KC, gives the Steelers the game they want.

We beat the Jets.

Steelers beat the Ravens.

We beat the Steelers in the AFC Championship game.

Win the ******* Super Bowl.

Jvig43

01-08-2011, 03:05 PM

I'm ok with that. I just think the Jets are not going to be an easy task, no way will they forget the beating they took last time. Idk I think we can win but the last two years weve lost some frustrating games to them. Hopefully all the youngens stay focused, I was glad to read wilforks statements about this weeks practice, and hell BB even gave the team the weekend off because of how well they practiced and came in to work. So Sounds like everything is going pretty well. I still have that bad taste in my mouth from last January, hopefully this team does too.

descendency

01-08-2011, 03:19 PM

I want the Jets to beat the Colts and owe the Chargers a second for Cromartie, but I want to play the Colts in Foxborough.

Such a tough choice.

Nalej

01-08-2011, 07:00 PM

Razor

01-08-2011, 07:02 PM

Rumors are that A.Maybin (Buf) is going to be released.
I'm assuming V.Gholston is going to be also.

Would you guys be willing to bring those two in for a workout? I sure as hell would.

If anything, just to get some info about the teams. Maybin could be an intruiging option as a situational pass rusher, but I don't think he'd take a paycut large enough to end up here. He could be a new Tully Banta-Fail. But still, I don't think I want him actually. Vernon Gholston? I loved him prior to the 2008 draft. Now? I don't want any part of him. Get lost, Vernon. Maybe he can go to Seattle and become a decent LDE, but he's not a 3-4 player imo.

Nalej

01-08-2011, 07:09 PM

If anything, just to get some info about the teams. Maybin could be an intruiging option as a situational pass rusher, but I don't think he'd take a paycut large enough to end up here. He could be a new Tully Banta-Fail. But still, I don't think I want him actually. Vernon Gholston? I loved him prior to the 2008 draft. Now? I don't want any part of him. Get lost, Vernon. Maybe he can go to Seattle and become a decent LDE, but he's not a 3-4 player imo.

Well, that's why I said "work out". I see that they've failed in their current situations
but if BB can make P.Woods, Ninkovich, TBC (who sucked in SF and then had a ten sack season with us), and that new guy from the UFL look solid
I'd at least like them to workout for BB and see if BB thinks he can do something with them
Gholston would have to shed some weight since NYJ's turned him into a 5-tech
Again, I'd like to see them in for at least a look...

ElectricEye

01-08-2011, 07:55 PM

Maybin, yeah. Ghloston no.

luckyjackaubrey

01-08-2011, 08:29 PM

Bring 'em in.....Oh Sanchez red zone FAIL !!!!!

descendency

01-08-2011, 09:33 PM

Maybin (as shocking as this is) is worse than Gholston.

Jvig43

01-08-2011, 10:12 PM

Well it's time to get to show the Jets who this division belongs to again. Please God don't let us lose to the Jets.

ElectricEye

01-08-2011, 10:25 PM

Match up locked; your New England Patriots versus the Puke Green New York Jets.

Jvig43

01-08-2011, 10:27 PM

Let the Ryan **** talk show start now haha.

Nalej

01-08-2011, 10:35 PM

I can't wait to see this upcoming game. The Jets adjustments to our new beast mode offense should be interesting.
I have no fear for Sanchez and that O. Frugg 'em!

devinhester=R.O.Y 2006

01-08-2011, 10:36 PM

I hope the Pats put up 74 on them!

Jvig43

01-08-2011, 10:37 PM

I highly doubt it's going to be anything close to last game. I think it's going to be very close to be honest.

BradysKnee

01-08-2011, 10:45 PM

I highly doubt it's going to be anything close to last game. I think it's going to be very close to be honest.

Not me, not a blowout, but pats by 14 or so. Colder, windier, the better. Sanchize can't handle the cold.

Nalej

01-08-2011, 11:10 PM

The Jet's O isn't the issue... I think the Jets' D making adjustments against our new TE oriented offense is the biggie.
I can see it being a low scoring game... 21-17 Pats... up 21-3 in the 4th and our soft (bend but don't break*) defense gives up two late TDs

proshoota25

01-09-2011, 12:02 AM

i think its gunna be a low scoring, very close game..... 21-17 NE. I really hope Brady uses Ryan's comments as motivation.

Jvig43

01-09-2011, 12:39 AM

My god is their any one who whines more then LT. Complaining about the Pats talking trash after the last game against the Jets, really LT? My god it's like a five year old in a mans body.

Razor

01-09-2011, 02:45 AM

Haha, that's classic LT right there. What a c***! I don't know what to think about playing the Jets. On one side I feel comfortable since we dominated them the last time around and Mark Sanchez sucks. On the other side I'm worried since their defense is pretty damn nasty if they show up. Also, the hype for this game is going to be un-*******-believable.

Jvig43

01-09-2011, 02:47 AM

I'm a little more on the worried side. I just hate losing to the Jets and if they ruin this season I will be so pissed, so thats really where my fear comes from. I have full confidence in this team, I just know it's going to be much closer this time around.

BradysKnee

01-09-2011, 08:44 AM

Kinda glad Jets won. I like the matchup, and it allows BB to start preparing today, rather than tomorrow if we had to wait for KC vs BAL.

Can get going immediately Monday on a gameplan.

descendency

01-09-2011, 10:45 AM

I know this is a huge long shot but trading Richard Seymour may net us more than a first round pick. If he had any influence on the Raiders in terms of wanting to win championships and not just play for money, it may net us Nnamdi Asomugha... not kidding:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/01/09/nnamdi-asomughas-contract-voids-heading-to-free-agency/

edit: Forgot about the top 8 rule, which applies in uncapped years.

luckyjackaubrey

01-09-2011, 10:56 AM

So Who is going to be the most important "step up" guy for this game in your opinion? My initial thoughts are Gerard Warren. I think the Jets D can show up and have buillt some confidence having beaten Manning. We won't put up 35-40 points but we should be able to get 20-27. I can't see them having an answer to Welker, the TEs, and BGE all told (and Brady's ability to take what's there).

First key for me is to be able to make the most of the scoring chances we get. Tom Brady's confidence and experience should be worth the 7-10 point increase we seek over what Peyton was able to produce with his limited weapon options.

Second key is the defense being able to stop that running attack. Our patchwork D line has to come up big. Warren has to be huge and physical up front helping Vince. The return of Spikes is right up there as well. Having him to shore up the run stop will help us get the ball back in Brady's hands.

I can only see the Jet's taking this if they get us to settle for FGs 1-2 times where we should punch it in and controling the clock and keeping our offensive possesions to a minimum.

I can't wait for this game!

ElectricEye

01-09-2011, 11:09 AM

Mine is Kyle Arrington/Second corner. I'm not worried about the run. We've shown the ability to take away one element of an offense. McCourty I'm pretty confident in, but whoever is playing on the guy on the other side of the field I worry about.

Nalej

01-09-2011, 12:01 PM

My worries is D.Keller. Our pass rush allows for QBs to scramble and extend plays leaving Keller to find the zone and get open.

Jvig43

01-09-2011, 12:19 PM

descendency

01-09-2011, 02:09 PM

As Shane said, the top 8 rule doesn't apply because no one can sign a FA until a new CBA is in place. The top 8 rule was only put in place to try to force the owners hands to fix the CBA before it expired.

descendency

01-09-2011, 02:11 PM

So Who is going to be the most important "step up" guy for this game in your opinion?

Dan Koppen. The Patriots need to stop the rushers up the middle and buy time for Brady to tear apart the Jets defense.

ElectricEye

01-09-2011, 02:13 PM

My worries is D.Keller. Our pass rush allows for QBs to scramble and extend plays leaving Keller to find the zone and get open.

Another good one. We need to pressure Sanchez into bad throws, not give him easy ones.

Don Vito

01-09-2011, 04:46 PM

Well one thing is for certain, the Jets are going to want this one very badly. Coincidentally so will we.

ElectricEye

01-09-2011, 05:07 PM

Sort of glad we took that first loss then. Very rare that you beat a team three times in a year.

Nalej

01-09-2011, 07:20 PM

Yea, that's true. If Indy's non-D can keep the Jets to 17 then I think we'll be just fine.
Although, they left alot of points on the table with all of Sanchez's overthrows.

ElectricEye

01-09-2011, 07:22 PM

Yea, that's true. If Indy's non-D can keep the Jets to 17 then I think we'll be just fine.
Although, they left alot of points on the table with all of Sanchez's overthrows.

Hopefully that won't be there and we'll be able to catch some of those overthrows.

proshoota25

01-09-2011, 07:51 PM

the last two games the NYJ have played in foxborough, they have been absolutely annihilated. in those two games "the sanchize" has thrown over 6 interceptions i believe. i really hope this continues on sunday.

ElectricEye

01-09-2011, 08:21 PM

We absolutely have to be on our toes. Rex Ryan's swagger/mouth really does give us a lot of ammunition motivation wise, but the Jets also feed off of it. Dangerous match up if they can figure out a way to run the ball on us.

But you have to be comfortable with the Cromartie match up on Welker/Branch. Absolute miss match every play.

proshoota25

01-10-2011, 12:05 AM

happy late bday elvis, mine is today.... so lets enjoy this with a pats victory on sunday!

Jvig43

01-10-2011, 01:59 AM

I feel like with three birthdays in a weeks span the Pats are obligated to route the Jets for us :)

Don Vito

01-10-2011, 02:08 AM

happy late bday elvis, mine is today.... so lets enjoy this with a pats victory on sunday!

Happy birthday proshoota, hopefully Sunday is a belated gift. I could not fathom losing to the Jets in the playoffs.

Jvig43

01-10-2011, 02:11 AM

Happy birthday proshoota, hopefully Sunday is a belated gift. I could not fathom losing to the Jets in the playoffs.

Just the fact that it's a probability bothers me.

BradysKnee

01-10-2011, 09:20 AM

Just the fact that it's a probability bothers me.

Possibility???

descendency

01-10-2011, 09:32 AM

losing to the Jets in the playoffs.

I asked Tom Brady what his thoughts on a possible loss to the Jets in the playoffs could mean.

Here's what he had to say:
http://sportsmed.starwave.com/media/nfl/2003/1019/photo/a_brady_il.jpg

FlyingElvis

01-10-2011, 09:39 AM

The AFC matchups are just ******* stellar. Pats / Jets & Steelers / Ravens. Should be some awesome football.

Honestly, the Jets matchup worries me the most. I know it's supposed to be the 'better matchup' compared to the Colts / Ravens, etc, but the 3rd dance in one season is always a toss up. Mostly, the issue for me is that I will totally freak out if the Jets manage to derail this season.

We better win this game.

I feel like with three birthdays in a weeks span the Pats are obligated to route the Jets for us :)
G'damm right!

Also Happy Birthday Elvis.

Happy birthday, FlyingElvis!

http://www.birthdaycakedesigns.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/happy_birthday_cake.jpg

happy late bday elvis, mine is today.... so lets enjoy this with a pats victory on sunday!

Thanks guys! Those quoted and those who wished well in the bday thread / rep / etc.

And Happy Birthday to you proshoota25. Also, I assume Jvig, too?