Good Read about the Patriots and FA

[cliaz]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writ...ex.html?cnn=yes

 

 

 

All Roads Lead to Foxborough

Patriots stockpiling players, gaining edge in AFC

 

The text messages from free-agent wide receiver Donte' Stallworth to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, began enthusiastically on the first night of his visit to New England, after Patriots quarterback Tom Brady happened by Stallworth's table at a Boston restaurant on March 5 to preach the team's gospel. By the next day, as Stallworth was meeting in Foxborough with Pats officials, the texts to Rosenhaus revealed a man whose mind was made up. I want to be here. Let's get it done. I don't want to leave here without a contract.

 

It should surprise no one that prime free agents would want to join a franchise that has won three of the past six Super Bowls. What is unusual is that they'd take less money to play for one with so much salary-cap room. And it's stranger still to see the Patriots playing the free-agency game as aggressively as coach Bill Belichick plays defense. In their eight years of team-building, Belichick and vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli have mostly been bargain-basement shoppers: The 20 free agents who formed the bedrock of the first championship team (such as linebacker Mike Vrabel) came from the lower and middle echelons.

 

But in the first 11 days of free agency this year the Pats signed five players off other rosters, including Stallworth, the Philadelphia Eagles long-ball threat, and linebacker Adalius Thomas of the Baltimore Ravens, the best linebacker on the market; traded for the Miami Dolphins' productive receiver-return man Wes Welker; re-signed three of their own free agents; and placed the franchise tag on cornerback Asante Samuel, all but assuring that the 2006 NFL coleader in interceptions (10) will be in New England for at least one more season. "I'm stunned," says a rival scout. "But it just goes to show you -- anytime you think you've got the Patriots figured out, they go and do something no one expects."

 

New England's flurry of activity doesn't signify a shift in philosophy. Rather it was the result of a perfect storm of team needs, available players, available cash ($23 million under a salary cap of $109 million) and a more conservative approach by teams such as the New York Giants and Jets, the Green Bay Packers and the Carolina Panthers that are usually aggressive bidders. "Believe me, we've made a lot of calls the first day of free agency every year," Belichick said last Friday. "This year was just different. We pursued guys we needed, and they wanted to come."

 

Belichick's linebacking corps looked old and slow when the Indianapolis Colts racked up 32 points and 311 yards in the second half of the Pats' AFC title-game loss. So they signed Thomas to a five-year deal at an average of $7 million a year, the same salary that three guards received in this off-season of NFL largesse. The 6'2", 270-pound Thomas is so versatile -- with Baltimore he could line up on the D-line and even in the secondary -- that some teams feared he might be less productive strictly as a linebacker. "We change what we do lots of weeks," Belichick says. "We're a game-plan team. For us, a player can't have too much versatility. We'll find a way to use him."

 

The San Francisco 49ers would have paid Thomas at least $1 million more per season, but his family didn't want to move to California -- and the seven-year vet had his own priorities. "The money wasn't going to make my decision," says Thomas, who had a career-high 11 sacks in '06. "Having a chance to win every year in a good place, with a coach and organization I can trust, those were the important things."

 

The Patriots ended last season with Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell and Troy Brown as their top three wideouts; they'll most likely start Stallworth and Welker in '07 and bring another free-agent signee, Kelley Washington of the Cincinnati Bengals, off the bench. New England traded a second- and seventh-round pick for Welker, who last year accomplished the exceedingly rare trifecta of leading his team in receptions (67, for 687 yards), punt returns (9.2 yards per attempt) and kickoff returns (22.2). "We've played against him twice a year, and he's killed us every game," Belichick says. "We couldn't cover him."

 

Stallworth, who averaged 19.1 yards per catch in '06, gives Brady his best deep threat ever. Pioli also built some insurance into the contract in case Stallworth is sidelined by off-field problems. (The Philadelphia Inquirer reported earlier this month that he was in the league's substance-abuse program and could be subject to a suspension for a subsequent violation.) Stallworth is slated to receive $3.6 million this year, but $1.6 million of that will come in roster bonuses of $100,000 per game; if the Patriots retain him for 2008, it triggers a longer-term deal with an $8 million bonus. The Dolphins and the Titans were both pursuing Stallworth, "but he wanted to play with Tom Brady," says Titans coach Jeff Fisher. "Who can blame him?"

 

With 2006 first-round pick Laurence Maroney ready to become a 300-carry-a-season running back, New England waived Corey Dillon and signed a better blocker and special teams player, Sammy Morris, from the Dolphins. And while their good, young blocking tight end Daniel Graham got $6 million a year from the Denver Broncos in free agency, the Pats signed a good, old blocking tight end, Kyle Brady of the Jacksonville Jaguars, for less than half that, $2.8 million a year.

 

Of course, projecting whether big-name free agents will improve a team is risky business. The Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings were the biggest movers in the market last year, signing presumed impact players such as receiver Antwaan Randle El (Washington), center LeCharles Bentley (Cleveland) and guard Steve Hutchinson (Minnesota). But all three teams went backward -- from a combined 25-23 in 2005 to 15-33 in '06. "I hope what we've done translates to the field," says Patriots owner Robert Kraft. "But you never know. Four years ago we had a major signing in [linebacker] Rosevelt Colvin, and he hurt his hip in the second game of the season and missed most of the year."

 

If New England has spent wisely, the AFC's balance of power could shift. At the end of last season the Colts, Patriots and Chargers were 1A, 1B and 1C in the conference -- the Pats just as easily could have lost the divisional playoff game in San Diego or won the conference title showdown at Indy. The Chargers, aside from re-signing top guard Kris Dielman, have been all but inactive during free agency. The Super Bowl champion Colts lost two of their best defenders, cornerback Nick Harper (to Tennessee) and linebacker Cato June (to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), plus running back Dominic Rhodes (to the Oakland Raiders), and have added no one. True, Chargers stars LaDainian Tomlinson and Shawne Merriman haven't left, nor has Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. But given the razor-thin margins between the AFC's elite clubs, New England might have edged ahead.

 

The Patriots were back in the business of managing expectations last weekend, having shifted their focus from free agency to the draft. "They don't hand out any trophies in the NFL for what you do in March or April," Pioli said. Speaking of which, guess which NFL team is the only one with two first-round choices on April 28.

 

In New England, the rich don't just get richer. They get smarter.

[hause62]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writ...ex.html?cnn=yes

 

 

 

Maybe they could not cover Wes Welker, because they only had one good corner and he was covering Chris Chambers. Or there line backers were using walkers on field. I'm just saying...

[jkc217]

Here's the deal. The Patriots adapt better than any other team in the NFL. If the situation calls for a specific need, they fill that need. This year all their finagling from years past gave them some $23 million to go out and get those impact players, filling the need. Those players WANT to play for N.E. based on results. That's all everyone wants....results. Players are even paying to go there (by taking less money) because they know they will get results.

 

It doesn't surprise me one bit that The Patriots switched up their philosophy THIS YEAR. The situation called for it. They adapt. Their old ways still work. It’s what gave them the ability to do what needed to be done this year. They bought cheap and saved, cut what they didn’t need and saved, realized they need more, had the money to go out and get what they need and got it. They will do whatever it takes to get into position to gain the players, and the coaches, and ultimately another championship. When they need to cut again, they will cut again; when they need to sign again they will sign again. But they will never jeopardize the franchise. It’s all done FOR the franchise. They have that all figured out.

 

The Patriots are the class of the league

[bigrocks]

Well then, why even bother with the 2007 season? Based on all the love the Pats have been getting from the sports media this off season, let's just hand them the Lombardi trophy now and dispense with all of those silly traning camps, preseason, regular season, and post season games. The league can give everyone the next 12 months off and start again in 2008.

[tonyr0802]

Here's the deal. The Patriots adapt better than any other team in the NFL. If the situation calls for a specific need, they fill that need. This year all their finagling from years past gave them some $23 million to go out and get those impact players, filling the need. Those players WANT to play for N.E. based on results. That's all everyone wants....results. Players are even paying to go there (by taking less money) because they know they will get results.

 

It doesn't surprise me one bit that The Patriots switched up their philosophy THIS YEAR. The situation called for it. They adapt. Their old ways still work. It’s what gave them the ability to do what needed to be done this year. They bought cheap and saved, cut what they didn’t need and saved, realized they need more, had the money to go out and get what they need and got it. They will do whatever it takes to get into position to gain the players, and the coaches, and ultimately another championship. When they need to cut again, they will cut again; when they need to sign again they will sign again. But they will never jeopardize the franchise. It’s all done FOR the franchise. They have that all figured out.

 

The Patriots are the class of the league

 

Fixed

[jkc217]

Fixed

 

Weak Weak Weak

[tonyr0802]

Weak Weak Weak

 

Yeah....but I couldn't resist it.

[hause62]

Well then, why even bother with the 2007 season? Based on all the love the Pats have been getting from the sports media this off season, let's just hand them the Lombardi trophy now and dispense with all of those silly traning camps, preseason, regular season, and post season games. The league can give everyone the next 12 months off and start again in 2008.

 

 

 

[peepinmofo]

Yeah....but I couldn't resist it.

 

As smart as they are, or whatever you wanna call them, I actually agree with Tony.

[jkc217]

Well then, why even bother with the 2007 season? Based on all the love the Pats have been getting from the sports media this off season, let's just hand them the Lombardi trophy now and dispense with all of those silly traning camps, preseason, regular season, and post season games. The league can give everyone the next 12 months off and start again in 2008.

 

 

 

Seems a lot of people confuse love with respect.

 

Why even bother with the 2007 season? In the immortal words of Herm, "You play to win the game. Hello, You play to win the game."

 

The games must be played. Now, how are the other teams gonna match up? That's the point. I respect how the Patriots keep doing what they do to match up and contend in this league. Seriously, the old arguement of "free agency has killed the dynasty" is not even applicable. The Patriots have proven this. They are a winnier, like it or not. They have a system and it works.

Edited March 22, 2007 by jkc217

[Sgt. Ryan]

Here's the deal. The Patriots adapt better than any other team in the NFL. If the situation calls for a specific need, they fill that need. This year all their finagling from years past gave them some $23 million to go out and get those impact players, filling the need. Those players WANT to play for N.E. based on results. That's all everyone wants....results. Players are even paying to go there (by taking less money) because they know they will get results.

 

It doesn't surprise me one bit that The Patriots switched up their philosophy THIS YEAR. The situation called for it. They adapt. Their old ways still work. It’s what gave them the ability to do what needed to be done this year. They bought cheap and saved, cut what they didn’t need and saved, realized they need more, had the money to go out and get what they need and got it. They will do whatever it takes to get into position to gain the players, and the coaches, and ultimately another championship. When they need to cut again, they will cut again; when they need to sign again they will sign again. But they will never jeopardize the franchise. It’s all done FOR the franchise. They have that all figured out.

 

The Patriots are the class of the league

 

 

 

Who the hell are you kidding. They play in the weakest division in football for the last decade, which has generally given them the home field in the playoffs. A bogus Tuck Rule, and ignornant coach Mike Martz not using his best weapon Marshall Faulk in the SB gave them their first title. Carolina should have beat them in the second, and the Birds McNabb choked in the third one. None of those games, showed NE to be the class of the NFL. The New England Pats victory over San Diego this playoff season is how I will always look at this franchise. They take advantage of others mistakes, and play in a doormat division. That the extent of their success.

 

 

Look at the 60 Packers, 70 Steelers and Cowboys, 80 Niners, 90s Cowboys. Those were dominant dynasties. You knew what was coming and you couldnt stop them. They were head and shoulders better than the rest of the league. This so called Pats dynasty is done with smoke and mirrors in the watered down version of the NFL. Could this Pats team talent and scheme wise even compete with the Packers in the 90s when they were the 3rd best team behind the Boys and 9ers. Probably not, and that can be said for every other decade of greatness. This decade is of mediocrity, and they are the tallest midget thus far in the 00's era

Edited March 22, 2007 by Sgt. Ryan

[Whiskey Pimp]

That's all everyone wants....results.

 

 

Not all players want results, just ask Edge.

[jkc217]

Who the hell are you kidding. They play in the weakest division in football for the last decade, which has generally given them the home field in the playoffs. A bogus Tuck Rule, and ignornant coach Mike Martz not using his best weapon Marshall Faulk in the SB gave them their first title. Carolina should have beat them in the second, and the Birds McNabb choked in the third one. None of those games, showed NE to be the class of the NFL. The New England Pats victory over San Diego this playoff season is how I will always look at this franchise. They take advantage of others mistakes, and play in a doormat division. That the extent of their success.

 

 

Playing in the weakest division? No. The tuck rule? I have to say when I saw it, it was a fumble. Interpret the rules and it looks right. But I still say it was a fumble. A player should have to keep control of the ball at all times. But if the ground can't cause a fumble then a ball coming out during a retract, even though hit during that retract is the same interpretation of a rule. A player should have to control the ball at all times.

 

You're confusing Martzs' and Carolina's and Eagle blunders with preparedness and composure on New England’s behalf. They capitalized on those teams mistakes and failings. That’s how you win championships. Call them playing in a weak conference if that's how you have to justify your disdain but they did beat every other team on the way to the Superbowl and those teams playing in the Superbowl.

 

But this isn't about all that. It's about their personnel moves and ability as a franchise. They are poised. It carries over to the squad the field. Attitude is contagious. This team proves that.

[Kid Cid]

Who the hell are you kidding. They play in the weakest division in football for the last decade, which has generally given them the home field in the playoffs. A bogus Tuck Rule, and ignornant coach Mike Martz not using his best weapon Marshall Faulk in the SB gave them their first title. Carolina should have beat them in the second, and the Birds McNabb choked in the third one. None of those games, showed NE to be the class of the NFL. The New England Pats victory over San Diego this playoff season is how I will always look at this franchise. They take advantage of others mistakes, and play in a doormat division. That the extent of their success.

Look at the 60 Packers, 70 Steelers and Cowboys, 80 Niners, 90s Cowboys. Those were dominant dynasties. You knew what was coming and you couldnt stop them. They were head and shoulders better than the rest of the league. This so called Pats dynasty is done with smoke and mirrors in the watered down version of the NFL. Could this Pats team talent and scheme wise even compete with the Packers in the 90s when they were the 3rd best team behind the Boys and 9ers. Probably not, and that can be said for every other decade of greatness. This decade is of mediocrity, and they are the tallest midget thus far in the 00's era

 

Not bitter are we Sarge?

 

Just like any other game, when the rules change, teams are forced to adapt. The Patriots have done that better than any other team in the last decade. It shows in their success. You may have reasons to not like a team, but you have to respect what they've accomplished.

[peepinmofo]

Playing in the weakest division? No. The tuck rule? I have to say when I saw it, it was a fumble. Interpret the rules and it looks right. But I still say it was a fumble. A player should have to keep control of the ball at all times. But if the ground can't cause a fumble then a ball coming out during a retract, even though hit during that retract is the same interpretation of a rule. A player should have to control the ball at all times.

 

You're confusing Martzs' and Carolina's and Eagle blunders with preparedness and composure on New England’s behalf. They capitalized on those teams mistakes and failings. That’s how you win championships. Call them playing in a weak conference if that's how you have to justify your disdain but they did beat every other team on the way to the Superbowl and those teams playing in the Superbowl.

 

But this isn't about all that. It's about their personnel moves and ability as a franchise. They are poised. It carries over to the squad the field. Attitude is contagious. This team proves that.

 

 

I gotta ask... are you a Pats fan?

[Sgt. Ryan]

Not bitter are we Sarge?

 

Just like any other game, when the rules change, teams are forced to adapt. The Patriots have done that better than any other team in the last decade. It shows in their success. You may have reasons to not like a team, but you have to respect what they've accomplished.

 

 

 

Hardly bitter, just sick of the love fest.

[Bring Back Pat!!!]

Hardly bitter, just sick of the love fest.

 

 

I'm sure you were sick of the love fest in the 90s for the cowboys too, right??

[tonyr0802]

I gotta ask... are you a Pats fanUgly Tuna?

 

 

I think this is what you meant.

[isleseeya]

Hate the pats or love the pats , they are a clever , well prepared organization that always finds a way to make sure they are competitive and playing for a title ...they are always in it , to win it ....I give them a lot of credit

[godtomsatan]

Maybe they could not cover Wes Welker, because they only had one good corner and he was covering Chris Chambers. Or there line backers were using walkers on field. I'm just saying...

 

 

Or maybe Bellichek is embellishing. Welker's played in 4 career games vs. NE. In 2005, he had a 2 catch game which included a 47 yard reception. In 2006, he had a 9 catch/77 yard game, the other two games he was a non-factor.

[hause62]

Or maybe Bellichek is embellishing. Welker's played in 4 career games vs. NE. In 2005, he had a 2 catch game which included a 47 yard reception. In 2006, he had a 9 catch/77 yard game, the other two games he was a non-factor.

 

 

 

Bingo!!! He was not worth a second and seventh round draft pick.

Edited March 22, 2007 by hause62

[cliaz]

Who the hell are you kidding. They play in the weakest division in football for the last decade, which has generally given them the home field in the playoffs. A bogus Tuck Rule, and ignornant coach Mike Martz not using his best weapon Marshall Faulk in the SB gave them their first title. Carolina should have beat them in the second, and the Birds McNabb choked in the third one. None of those games, showed NE to be the class of the NFL. The New England Pats victory over San Diego this playoff season is how I will always look at this franchise. They take advantage of others mistakes, and play in a doormat division. That the extent of their success.

Look at the 60 Packers, 70 Steelers and Cowboys, 80 Niners, 90s Cowboys. Those were dominant dynasties. You knew what was coming and you couldnt stop them. They were head and shoulders better than the rest of the league. This so called Pats dynasty is done with smoke and mirrors in the watered down version of the NFL. Could this Pats team talent and scheme wise even compete with the Packers in the 90s when they were the 3rd best team behind the Boys and 9ers. Probably not, and that can be said for every other decade of greatness. This decade is of mediocrity, and they are the tallest midget thus far in the 00's era

 

 

 

 

Sorry dude but you are talking out of your rear. You talk about their first run to the super bowl as if the “tuck rule” was the only reason they made it? I do believe they beat a very good steelers the following week and blocked a kick and returned it for a TD to seal the deal. The rams super bowl? What game were you watching? If that one fumble recovery for a TD wasn’t called back for holding the patriots would have won by 10 points. The rams were out coached and out played.

 

Carolina should have won that game? Maybe. But the Patriots earned their title run that year and beat Carolina by playing the best. You cannot compare Jake Delhomme to Brady and you can’t compare the Ds to each other that year.

 

The Eagles choked because they did not deserve the title. Plan and simple. They had all the weapons with TO and westbrook and McNabb but couldn’t play up to the Pats D.

 

You say look at the packers of the 60s, the Steelers of the 70s, the cowboys of the 80s and the niners of the 90s? okay what about them? I bet if you took the Patriots from their 2nd super bowl and put them against any one of those teams they would play them hard.

 

The fact that you say this pats “dynasty” is done with smoke and mirrors just cements that you have no clue what you are talking about. There are no teams that can win 3 of the last 6 super bowls in todays NFL with “smoke and mirrors”. Come on man with FA the way it is teams peek one year and fall hard the next.

Edited March 22, 2007 by cliaz

[Bill Swerski]

I'm sure you were sick of the love fest in the 90s for the cowboys too, right??

 

 

[DMD]

I'm sure you were sick of the love fest in the 90s for the Cowboys too, right??

 

 

I wasn't.

 

Besides, when the Cowboys actually had championship teams most every one spent all their time criticizing it and trying to tear it down. I cannot wait until the day when the Cowboys are actually good enough again to warrant being hated. I just hope it happens in my lifetime...

[Sgt. Ryan]

I wasn't.

 

Besides, when the Cowboys actually had championship teams most every one spent all their time criticizing it and trying to tear it down. I cannot wait until the day when the Cowboys are actually good enough again to warrant being hated. I just hope it happens in my lifetime...

 

 

 

I dont hate the Pats, I just dont think they deserve the genius label so many are putting on them. Have they made plays when plays have needed to be made, yes. But they win ugly, by just trying to stay close and steal it in the end. That is not a dominant team. At no position but QB could you say they have one of the best at their position in the NFL. Bruschi and Seymour get love, but neither are in the top 5 at their position. Though Maroney may be in a couple of yrs.