Keep This In Your Back Pocket

Posted by Adam Hart December 5, 2009 at 10:13 am

Bowl games have yet to be decided, but here is a nugget that could lead one to believe New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wouldn’t mind if Florida quarterback Tim Tebow fell into his lap in the 2010 NFL Draft. And vice versa. Read more

Time For Adalius Thomas To Respond

Posted by Adam Hart October 19, 2009 at 12:10 am

Of course, it all depends on how he reacts to Sunday’s health scratch. Read more

Brady, Offense (Jokingly) Hope 59-0 Quiets Belichick

Posted by Adam Hart October 18, 2009 at 11:32 pm

A few more weeks like this, and Patriots fans may forget the early season struggles had by New England’s offense. Read more

A ‘W’, But Work Remains

Posted by Adam Hart September 27, 2009 at 7:30 pm

Although the score was close for much of the game, it never seemed that way from watching the Patriots and Falcons square off in a 26-10 victory for New England. Read more

Love Letters

Posted by Randolph Charlotin September 24, 2009 at 11:18 am

Dear Jabar Gaffney,

 

I was watching highlights on t.v. when I saw that big catch and run you made against Cleveland. Overall you had a nice game: three receptions for 82 yards. I’d bet money that every catch was for a first down. Am I right?

 

So how’s life in Denver? We played against the Broncos in the past, but never at Invesco Field at Mile High. It must be an adjustment living at that high of an elevation. Are your lungs used to the thin air yet?

 

I can’t believe it’s been about six months since you left. It didn’t take long for head coach Josh McDaniels to sign you as a free agent (it still feels funny calling little Josh that). Coaching you for three years here in New England got McDaniels real familiar with what you can bring to a team, not just as a receiver, but for your veteran presence. You need to make a stronger impression on your teammate, WR Brandon Marshall, ha-ha!

 

I remember when the Patriots first signed you in 2006. It was after David Givens left for Tennessee and before Deion Branch was traded. You came in with Reche Caldwell, a pair of veteran receivers to replace the starting pass catchers. That was a lot of pressure on you two.

 

We had a good time that year, getting all the way to the AFC Championship. It’s funny, looking back at that year. Caldwell had the bigger numbers and made that big catch against San Diego to set up the game-winning field goal in the Divisional game. I remember thinking Caldwell was a better player than you.

 

But that drop against the Colts in the AFC Championship changed everything. I won’t forget that look on Caldwell’s face as he walked back to the huddle, knowing he dropped a probable touchdown pass. His eyes were as large as dinner plates! I lost all trust in him after that moment.

 

Thankfully we got rid of Reche and got some real receivers in Randy Moss and Wes Welker the following off-season. You hung around, Jabar, and showed your value as a third receiver. You caught so many first downs for us! I appreciated every one.

 

Joey Galloway is doing fine, in case you’re wondering. He’s working hard, trying hard. Joey doesn’t have a full grasp of the offense yet, but he will. We’re being patient with Galloway. He’s a veteran, so he’ll get it eventually.

 

I’m not complaining, but right now, Galloway has a way to go. He plays in your place, but he can’t replace you, Jabar. He doesn’t have any chemistry with QB Tom Brady, so Joey isn’t always where he’s supposed to be at the right time. What’s really disappointing are the drops. We’re starting to call Galloway the new Caldwell. It’s mean and a little unfair to him because it’s only two games into the season, but you were someone we could count on. I didn’t take you for granted, but I’m seeing exactly what we had with you now that you’re gone.

 

Sorry if I’m rambling a little bit. It happens when writing during a sleepless night J. I’m just frustrated, ya know? You did what was best for you and I don’t blame you for making the decision you did. I still believe the Pats will be OK in the long run.

 

Whoa! Look at the time! I really have to get going now. And I know, I know…you have things of your own to do. I don’t know if you’ll reply or call back, but if you do, please don’t rub it in our faces that your team has a better record than mine (ha-ha!).

 

Good luck, Jabar,

–Pats Fans

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Dear Richard Seymour,

 

I watched your first game as an Oakland Raider on Monday night. I was very impressed. You were nearly dominant in that game. Two sacks! You were in beast mode!

 

I tried not to think too much about you in the Silver and Black, but after watching you for eight years as a Patriot, it didn’t look right seeing you as a Raider. You don’t even wear  “93” anymore. You couldn’t get it with DT Tommy Kelly already wearing it and due to your last-minute arrival.

 

As stunned and surprised as I was that you were traded just a week before the season opener, I know it was 10 times more stunning to you. I hope you and your family are settled in on the West coast now. I’m sure it wasn’t easy to transition so quickly.

 

I guess you can say the team is holding up well without you. After a near embarrassing season opener, the defense put in a solid performance. I know you don’t have the time to watch us, but the pass rush doesn’t consistently apply pressure. Six sacks in two games sounds good, but for 60 minutes there isn’t consistent heat.

 

We saw first hand the difference constant pressure makes when the New York Jets came after Tom Brady down after down (do you still hate the Jets, or are you more concerned about the Denver Broncos? Be sure to give Jabar Gaffney a love tap for us if you get the chance, ha-ha!). I’m sure you would make a difference for us if you were still here.

 

In case you’re wondering, no, I’m not drunk right now. I just can’t sleep. Come on, I’m sure you had a couple of sleepless nights after you were traded.

 

I know head coach Bill Belichick said he traded you because he didn’t think he’d be able to re-sign you. How much did you want? I can’t predict what next year’s salary cap will be, nor do I know if the league and the player’s union will reach a new collective bargaining agreement. I know you’d probably want a fair market deal. But would you want so much that it would cost us NT Vince Wilfork?

 

I still can’t get over that you were traded for just one first round pick. And it’s not even next year! You better not re-sign with the Raiders after the season and make them a playoff team in 2010. We’re counting on that pick to be a top-5 selection. If you’re still there, you could play a big role in helping an Oakland turnaround. If it’s any less than the sixth pick overall (where you were selected back in 2001), then Belichick’s gamble would be a losing bet.

 

So tell me, and be honest. Do you get any satisfaction that your Raiders have the same record as the Patriots? Please don’t be bitter. Not all of us wanted to trade you. You know the business of the league.

 

Further proof that football is a business is that your number was just given away already. Can you believe it? We traded with Baltimore for LB Prescott Burgess, and he’s getting your “93”. I’m sure you know whose idea that was. Don’t take it personal. Belichick did the same thing right after Willie McGinest, Asante Samuel, and Ellis Hobbs all left. I’m sure there are others, but you get the point, right Richard?

 

I heard Raiders owner Al Davis smells like moth balls and formaldehyde. Is that true? If you’re one and done in Oakland, try and steal one of Al’s jogging suits for me. It could be worth something a few years down the road, ha-ha!

 

Anyway, good luck to you this year. It’s easy to say that when we probably won’t play against each other this year.

 

Hey, even though I really doubt it, would you be willing to sign with the Patriots when you become a free agent? I just had to ask. Alright, I’ve taken enough of your time. I’ll leave you alone now.

 

Best wishes, Big Sey,

–Pats Fans

 

For more by Randolph Charlotin, visit his New England Patriots blog at www.randolphc.com. He can be reached at talktome@randolphc.com.

Brady: Zero TDs Is ‘Unacceptable’

Posted by Adam Hart September 20, 2009 at 7:07 pm

The New England Patriots could not rekindle the magic of its Monday night come-from-behind victory over the Buffalo Bills, losing 16-9 to the New York Jets on Sunday. Read more

Patriots Defense? It’ll Be Fine

Posted by Adam Hart September 14, 2009 at 1:41 am

September 23, 2001: A young, “who’s that guy?” Tom Brady enters the game for an injured Drew Bledsoe. Three Super Bowls later, Brady is a legend in New England. Read more

Seymour In Oakland; Thanks Kraft Family

Posted by Adam Hart September 12, 2009 at 9:28 pm

Former New England Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour arrived in Oakland on Saturday night after spending five days sorting out family business. Read more

4-3 or Not 4-3? That Is the Question

Posted by Randolph Charlotin August 19, 2009 at 10:14 pm

People are talking about the Patriots playing their first preseason game in a 4-3 defensive alignment. Some even speculate that it could be a permanent switch to emphasize a strength, the defensive line, while reducing for a weakness, linebacker.

 

Slow down there, people. While the D-line is deeper than the LBs, that doesn’t mean head coach Bill Belichick is abandoning what butters his bread.

 

Before giving my take on the subject, I’ll analyze the perspective of the people.

 

The collection of linemen include three first round draft picks (Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, and Ty Warren), two second round draft picks (Jarvis Green and rookie Ron Brace), and the rest a collection of day two picks and free agents (Titus Adams, Myron Pryor, Darryl Richard, Steve Williams).

 

The next group are the hybrids, the guys that are classified as linebackers or defensive ends, based on the defense they will play: Derrick Burgess, Rob Ninkovich, and Tully Banta-Cain.

 

The names mentioned above are more accomplished than the list of true linebackers: Jerod Mayo, Tedy Bruschi, Gary Guyton, Shawn Crable, Pierre Woods, Erick Alexander, Vinny Ciurciu, Paris Lenon, and sometimes Tank Williams.

 

Most likely Belichick would use a heavy line (Seymour, Brace, Wilfork, and Pryor like last week) for run and switching out ends for pass rushers.

 

It makes sense for Burgess, Banta-Cain and Ninkovich. None would have to learn 3-4 OLB responsibilities and just focus on what they do best, which is rush the quarterback. They wouldn’t have to worry about dropping into pass coverage.

 

This gives the Pats lots of options to adjust and give different looks to opposing offenses, keeping them puzzled and off-balance.

 

Which is what the 3-4 already allows New England to do. A change in alignment won’t dramatically alter the pass rush or blitzes. And if the defense shuffles players in and out constantly based on situations, then it won’t be different from how the Pats would run the 3-4 this year. It’s a difference of rushing the passer from a three-point stance or a two-point stance.

 

Whether it’s a 3-4 or a 4-3, Belichick will put the players in position to make plays, period. If that means changing various personnel packages based on situations because so-and-so is better in coverage or this group rushes the passer better, then the Patriots will do it.

 

Running a 4-3 isn’t new for Belichick. He did it for the first Super Bowl championship season. Once he had enough players to switch to a 3-4, he did it. But that never stopped Bill from using it from time to time.

 

Over the years, we’ve seen 4-3, 3-4, safetys playing linebacker, and even a one down lineman look against the Buffalo Bills to really mess with Drew Bledsoe’s head. A 4-3 sometimes made an in-game appearance before the team returned to playing a 3-4. It’s really not a big deal.

 

For now Belichick is trying out a 4-3. It might fit the personnel better, but that’s to be determined on the field. They produced a good pass rush last Thursday, but the run defense wasn’t solid. There are three more games to find out for sure which front is better for the Patriots.

 

Randolph Carlotin writes a New England Patriots blog at www.randolphc.com. Any questions or comments can be sent to talktome@randolphc.com

A Burgess Believer

Posted by Randolph Charlotin August 7, 2009 at 3:20 am

OK, now I’m sold.

 

Since the end of the regular season I’ve been waiting for the Patriots to get a rush linebacker I could believe in. Whether it was a rookie day one draft pick, a free agent, or by trade, I wanted someone that could get to the quarterback better than Mike Vrabel did in 2008. His trade to Kansas City made the need urgent.

 

I had been hoping, praying, begging, pleading, making blood sacrifices, and negotiating with the Devil (my soul for eternity was asking too much) that sometime, somehow, a DE/OLB would join the Patriots and bring teeth to a pass rush that had just 31 sacks last season.

 

By finally completing a trade they’ve discussed with Oakland since the NFL Draft for DE Derrick Burgess, I finally believe the Patriots are a Super Bowl-caliber team.

 

This was supposed to be about my night at the training camp practice inside Gillette Stadium. A synopsis: players ran, caught, blocked, and did other football things, the end.

 

The Burgess trade made a pony show training camp practice practically insignificant.

 

A quick look at Burgess and his career might not generate much of a reaction. In six seasons (one season lasted on game, so I’m not counting it against him) Derrick had two double-digit sack seasons, both with the Raiders (16 in 2005 and 11 in 2006). The other four years combined he averaged just five sacks.

 

Overall, in 84 games, the soon to be 31-year-old Burgess has 47 sacks, a little better than one every two games. Stretch that average through 16 games, and that’s just about nine sacks.

 

The beauty of Burgess coming to New England is he doesn’t have to be outstanding. If he produces at his career average, that’s all the Patriots need from him.

 

For the sake of the argument, let’s say the Patriots pass rush this year matches 2008’s production of 31 sacks without Derrick’s contribution. As for Burgess, he bags the QB nine times. Add those two numbers together and you get 40 sacks, a respectable pass rush total.

 

Of the top five defenses in the league last year, four of them were in the top 10 in sacks. Nine of the top 10 sacking teams were in the playoffs. To be in the top 10 in sacks last year, all it took was 35 sacks.

 

Are sacks overrated? Probably. With Atlanta, Baltimore, and Arizona in the playoffs while being out of the top ten in sacks, a great point is made. But Arizona played in the NFC West (an easy as cake division – the Cardinals went 6-0 against a trio of teams with a combined record of 13-35), while Atlanta and Baltimore have productive pass rushers (Falcons’ John Abraham with 16.5 and Ravens’ Terrell Suggs with eight).

 

The sack total isn’t as important as the pressures it generates. As long as the opposing quarterback doesn’t feel comfortable, the pass rush is doing its job. With a consistent pass rush, quarterbacks won’t carve the secondary for 27 touchdowns, second most allowed in 2008.

 

As much as I want the holdovers to succeed, none has proven to be capable of getting to the quarterback quickly. Not Pierre Woods or Shawn Crable. Burgess has done it before and done so at a decent rate. Head coach Bill Belichick and the coaching staff often gets the most out of their players.

 

If Burgess can be half of what Randy Moss became after being traded from Oakland to New England, the Patriots got a heck of a player and another steal of a disgruntled Raider.

 

Burgess was holding out from Oakland’s training camp, hoping to get traded to a contender. He got his wish. I dearly wanted a pass rusher I could believe in. I got my wish. Now I can have championship dreams. Hopefully Burgess is having the same dreams.

 

Questions? Comments? send to talktome@randolphc.com

www.randolphc.com

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