New England Patriots thread (MOD WARNING - #4503)

Son Of A Vidic

The day after the club released defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene. Patriots defensive lineman Kyle Love has had his contract extended through the 2013 season. The extension has a total maximum value of $3.09 million and included a $500,000 signing bonus. Well deserved imo, he has put in the work and has looked very good in preseason so far.

Son Of A Vidic

Just seen the Pats - Bucs game, Brady getting sacked twice and taking another 4 hits is not something that can be allowed to continue. Marcus Canon was the weakest link in the O-line and was very poor all night. The running backs played well, but Ridley was particularly impressive I thought. Demps looked very promising and showed some blistering speed with a couple of carries.

Our run defence looked very formidable a times, with Mayo, Spikes and Hightower stopping the ground game for most of the night. Jones caught the eye yet again and was a handful all night. No surprise that the biggest weakness showed up in the Secondary. I was not impressed by some of McCourty's cover at times. The rookies did well and Nate Ebner looks better and better each time I see him. Marquice Cole stole the show in the Secondary, repeatedly breaking up and disrupting the Bucs passing game.

Most pleasing performer for me was Ryan Mallet. He played well in his last game against the Eagles, but he took it a step further in the 4th quarter. Completing two nice TD passes late in the game. What was impressive about both TD's, was the very good mobility he demonstrated in escaping the collapsing pocket, evading the sack and finding the end zone while moving under pressure.

His second TD was an excellent play under heavy pressure. Running out to the sideline to avoid the sack, he somehow twisted his upper body the opposite direction while still on the move and delivered a rocket low pass, in heavy traffic for a sweet score. In this sort of form he's the number 2QB for me. Big day tomorrow, the first cutdown to 75 players must be completed by 16.00hrs.

BaronVon

I'd agree with all that.

I never really rated Hoyer, I'd say Mallet will be number 2 this year.

Looking forward to the cuts, I would've thought Branch was in trouble at the start of pre-season, but he made plenty of catches in the last 2 games, so I reckon Stallworth's in trouble, dropped a few against Tampa

CoachTO

infacteh wrote: »

I'd agree with all that.

I never really rated Hoyer, I'd say Mallet will be number 2 this year.

Have to say I didn't see either Hoyer or Mallett as Franchise replacements to Brady. Both to me just looked like other Matt Cassels. Both serviceable QBs that will chug along nicely in the absence of Brady but now Mallet seems to have raised his level above serviceable. If he sticks out the Pats for as long as Brady has left in him we could have our Franchise QB in Mallet.

Looking forward to the cuts, I would've thought Branch was in trouble at the start of pre-season, but he made plenty of catches in the last 2 games, so I reckon Stallworth's in trouble, dropped a few against Tampa

Never liked Stallworth too many big drops in his days with the Pats in the past and with the amount of drops in pre-season I can see him gone also.

Our Oline is a problem Cannon for me the only real worry seems he is half a step behind all the time. For the rest of the line I think they will get it together its just finding the 5 guys to work together and finding balance. Id say by game 1 the 5 starters will get named and will gel. Protecting Number 12 is imperative.

CoachTO

Our fears over sealing a Hernandez long term deal are over we just secured him long term. Details to follow

Schefter just reported it now also. be interesting to see how long.

40m over 5 years.

me89

Contract extension for Hernandez

Son Of A Vidic

CoachTO wrote: »

Mallet seems to have raised his level above serviceable. If he sticks out the Pats for as long as Brady has left in him we could have our Franchise QB in Mallet.

I think you could be right. Mallett looks like he has really benefited from his first proper proper preseason and Belichick has already stated he's been impressed by him. But fúck, I was seriously impressed by his performance the other night. Leading at almost last minute comeback, he looked really commanding in the pocket and his mobility impressed me. There are very few QB's in the league that have his fantastic arm and he is also obviously benefiting from the Master himself.

CoachTO wrote: »

Our Oline is a problem Cannon for me the only real worry seems he is half a step behind all the time.

Another poster queried in thread here about how Canon was doing a while back. I think I said he was doing nicely in training camp. :eek: Christ after his preseason performances it's pretty safe to say he's been a disaster. No matter how good the rest of the O line is, once you got a weakness in it your're gonna have problems. Looking to the future and looking at the age of some of our offensive line, it's a priority area to address for the 2013 draft.

CoachTO

Corvus Maximus wrote: »

Another poster queried in thread here about how Canon was doing a while back. I think I said he was doing nicely in training camp. :eek: Christ after his preseason performances it's pretty safe to say he's been a disaster. No matter how good the rest of the O line is, once you got a weakness in it your're gonna have problems. Looking to the future and looking at the age of some of our offensive line, it's a priority area to address for the 2013 draft.

One of my concerns is finding a NFL ready Offensive lineman in the next draft class. There are a fair few of them that are being touted as ready but being real only about 4 of them that will actually be ready in my eyes. And if the Pats do well all the solid guys could be gone before they get to us. If we have a low pick again we need to trade up and unfortunately I cant see us doing that for an offensive lineman.

Son Of A Vidic

me89 wrote: »

Contract extension for Hernandez

Yesssssssss! Fantastic news, multiple site are now reporting it, nothing on the Pats site yet though.

There was a bit of chatter and speculation about a potential new contract yesterday, but I thought the Pats would wait and sort it out at the end of the season.

Hernandez is worth his weight in gold, we are so blessed to have such a tremendous talent.

Son Of A Vidic

CoachTO wrote: »

One of my concerns is finding a NFL ready Offensive lineman in the next draft class. There are a fair few of them that are being touted as ready but being real only about 4 of them that will actually be ready in my eyes. And if the Pats do well all the solid guys could be gone before they get to us. If we have a low pick again we need to trade up and unfortunately I cant see us doing that for an offensive lineman.

I'm not really up to speed on most college Offensive linemen at the moment. But as you said, a trade up would be unlikely. The trade ups for Jones and Hightower was a very, very rare move by us. If the talent in 2013 is limited as you are suggesting, then it looks like we can only hope they'll make the moves necessary to strengthen the line when the opportunity arises.

CoachTO

Stallworth is gonzo

BaronVon

Corvus Maximus wrote: »

Yesssssssss! Fantastic news, multiple site are now reporting it, nothing on the Pats site yet though.

There was a bit of chatter and speculation about a potential new contract yesterday, but I thought the Pats would wait and sort it out at the end of the season.

Hernandez is worth his weight in gold, we are so blessed to have such a tremendous talent.

Son Of A Vidic

infacteh wrote: »

And we all lived happily ever after.:D

Son Of A Vidic

Details emerging of the Hernandez contract extension, the Pats have finalized a five-year, $40 million contract extension and the deal runs through to the end of 2018 season. Hernandez received a $12.5 million signing bonus and $16.4 million guaranteed. That's a great piece of business by the Pats. Due to enter free agency in 2013, Aaron was very happy to tie things up quickly.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extra_points/2012/08/hernandez_locke.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The Welker situation is very interesting, although it's more likely he'll play out his final year. I wouldn't be surprised at all if there was a shock trade in the pipeline. When asked why he didn't play the other night, Welker said it was a personal issue. I just got a funny feeling that something is up.

bruschi

Corvus Maximus wrote: »

Details emerging of the Hernandez contract extension, the Pats have finalized a five-year, $40 million contract extension and the deal runs through to the end of 2018 season. Hernandez received a $12.5 million signing bonus and $16.4 million guaranteed. That's a great piece of business by the Pats. Due to enter free agency in 2013, Aaron was very happy to tie things up quickly.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extra_points/2012/08/hernandez_locke.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The Welker situation is very interesting, although it's more likely he'll play out his final year. I wouldn't be surprised at all if there was a shock trade in the pipeline. When asked why he didn't play the other night, Welker said it was a personal issue. I just got a funny feeling that something is up.

jeez I'd hope not. Yeah Gronk and Hernandez can give the slot option and the quick passes over the middle, but taking away Welker at this stage of the season would be a huge step backwards IMO. Personally, now that pretty much every player is signed thru 2014, I think there might be room now to sort out Welker on a 2 year deal after this season. It'll be dependent on form though.

CoachTO

Gaffney Released

Son Of A Vidic

The deadline for the first cutdown has now passed and the roster changes are........

Officially released - WR Donte’ Stallworth, WR Jabar Gaffney, DL Tim Bulman, DB Ross Ventrone and DL Gerard Warren .

Placed on injured reserve - DB Will Allen, S Josh Barrett and and FB Spencer Larsen.

Placed on the Reserve/Physical Unable to Perform list - TE Jake Ballard and DL Myron Pryor.

Placed on the Reserve/Non Football Injury List - Rookie free agent OL Markus Zusevics.

Claimed off waivers - WR Kerry Taylor from Minnesota. He was released by Minnesota on Aug. 25, 2012. He previously spent a week on the New England practice squad last September.

No real surprises in any of those moves aside from Taylor and Larsen. Placing Larsen on IR surprised me because I thought he was getting cut.

Son Of A Vidic

bruschi wrote: »

jeez I'd hope not. Yeah Gronk and Hernandez can give the slot option and the quick passes over the middle, but taking away Welker at this stage of the season would be a huge step backwards IMO. Personally, now that pretty much every player is signed thru 2014, I think there might be room now to sort out Welker on a 2 year deal after this season. It'll be dependent on form though.

I really can't see the Pats putting the tag on him for another season, because it will cost them $11.4 million dollars to do so. Specialist slot receivers devalue rapidly around Welker's age, so if he wants to stay, he has got to be financially realistic and maintain his performance.

I could be totally wrong, but I just got a vibe during Belichick press conference earlier today. When he was asked about Welker he just said his status was day to day. Of course we all know what Belichick (king poker face) is like with the media, so you never know what's going on.

Masked Man

http://www.csnne.com/football-new-england-patriots/patriots-talk/Hernandez-overwhelmed-by-emotion-followi?blockID=763851&feedID=3352

Thank god that man smoked some weed in college.

BaronVon

It's all good, Madden NFL 13 simulation has the Pats beating the Eagles 15-14 in the SuperBowl!

JaMarcus Hustle

Things getting pretty desperate in the secondary it seems.

CoachTO

Have to say this made some sense but didn't at the same time. Many suggestions that Mallet was doing well in camp and at times struggled but so did Hoyer. This article seems to suggest he was bad all the way through camp and pre-season.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000056490/article/ryan-mallett-struggles-in-bid-for-patriots-backup-job?module=HP11_headline_stack

Son Of A Vidic

CoachTO wrote: »

This article seems to suggest he was bad all the way through camp and pre-season.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000056490/article/ryan-mallett-struggles-in-bid-for-patriots-backup-job?module=HP11_headline_stack

That article is rubbish, Mallett's performance against the Eagles and Bucs spoke for itself. Against the Giants he had a second string offense on the pitch and was clearly asked to game manage a conservative game plan with the emphasis on the running backs.

I loved reading this bit from that article...

He does not look comfortable in the offense

I don't know what that guy Rosenthal is smoking, but he must have missed the preseason altogether. When Brady came off the pitch against the Bucs, Mallet took over, looked commanding in the pocket and lead an excellent late rally to nearly win the game. He demonstrated an excellent level of mobility escaping the sack for his two sweet TD passes. His second TD was simply fantastic. I described it in a previous post, so I'll not repeat myself.

Looking back further to the Eagles game, he really stepped up against an Eagles team loaded with starters. With terrible O-line protection, he handled the impressive Eagles pass-rush very well. Again showing good footwork and mobility under heavy pressure while leading three scoring drives.

The fourth preseason game is always a non-game really. Both QB's didn't really impress, but there was clearly a very conservative game plan in place for last nights game. I did think that Hoyer looked jumpy and tentative during preseason. And when he threw the interception that cost the game last night, McDaniels launched a tirade on the sideline and was not impressed at all.

Interestingly enough, the ESPN Pats page currently has a poll on who should be Brady's back up for 2012. At the moment 73% of fans are backing Mallett for the job.

CoachTO

Hoyer and Koppen Cut according to Boston Globe. News to follow

https://twitter.com/shalisemyoung/statuses/241584726090059776

JaMarcus Hustle

I'm guessing Bill definitely disagrees with that NFL.com article about Mallet then. Very surprising Hoyer is being cut.

(Also, Brian Water's spot in the locker room was fully stocked today with all the Nike gear. Hopefully that's a good sign )

Masked Man

Did not see that coming.

Masked Man

Patriots released WR Deion Branch.

Or that.

JaMarcus Hustle

Christ. Thought Branch was a lock with Gaffney and Stallworth gone.

On the plus side, hopefully that means we're keeping a roster spot for Waters.

CoachTO

Branch also cut

me89

CoachTO wrote: »

Branch also cut

Did not see that coming at all :-o

bruschi

jaysus, didnt see that at all. Well, no chance of a late trade of Welker now, but not leaving many options at WR with that many cut, despite them being veterans.

BaronVon

I would've thought Branch was safe once Gaffney was released. Thought Branch had a very good pre-season....

Masked Man

We can still resign players. Branch or Gaffney are possibilities.

Gronk's brother Dan is on waivers as well. More TEs!

JaMarcus Hustle

Ebert also released.

Jeff Demps put on IR.

CoachTO

JaMarcus Hustle wrote: »

Jeff Demps put on IR.

This is 100% a move to keep him in NE without cutting him or putting him in practice squad. His MRI showed no damage after injury. I going to go and say he has a minor injury but the Pats are going to stick him on IR to keep him around.

CoachTO

Here is the 53 man Roster well 52 man roster. Seems a spot is being held for someone :

Offense (22):
Quarterbacks (2): Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett
Running backs (4): Steven Ridley, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead, Brandon Bolden
Wide receivers (4): Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Julian Edelman, Matthew Slater
Tight ends (4): Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Daniel Fells, Visanthe Shiancoe
Offensive line (8): Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Marcus Cannon, Logan Mankins, Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell, Donald Thomas, Nick McDonald

Defense (27):
Defensive end (6): Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Jermaine Cunningham, Trevor Scott, Justin Francis, Jake Bequette
Defensive tackle (5): Vince Wilfork, Kyle Love, Brandon Deaderick, Ron Brace, Marcus Forston
Linebacker (6): Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont'a Hightower, Bobby Carpenter, Tracy White, Mike Rivera
Cornerback (6): Devin McCourty, Kyle Arrington, Ras-I Dowling, Sterling Moore, Marquice Cole, Alfonzo Dennard
Safety (4): Patrick Chung, Steve Gregory, Tavon Wilson, Nate Ebner

Special teams (3):
Kicker (1): Stephen Gostkowski
Punter (1): Zoltan Mesko
Long snapper (1): Danny Aiken

Reserve lists:
Injured reserve (9): RB Jeff Demps, FB Spencer Larsen, TE Brad Herman, OL Kyle Hix, OL Jamey Richard, LB Dane Fletcher, CB Ross Ventrone, S Will Allen, S Josh Barrett
Physically unable to perform (2): DL Myron Pryor, TE Jake Ballard
Non-football injury (1): OL Markus Zusevics
Did not report (1): Brian Waters
Left squad (1): Tony Fiammetta

JaMarcus Hustle

Hmmm, 52. It's as if there's one guy we're waiting for

Im confident Waters will be back in the next few days.

Son Of A Vidic

Missed all the excitement today because of a wedding . Branch getting cut was the only real surprise for me. After the fourth preseason game I just thought the writing was on the wall for Koppen. Despite the addition of Brandon Lloyd, our receiving corp does looks pretty thin. But I suppose with Hernandez, we have have an offensive weapon that can play anywhere. If he stays healthy, I really think he's going to have a phenomenal season. I'm really pleased to see Mallett get the back up QB job and I'll eat my socks if Waters isn't back in the locker room in the next few days.

JaMarcus Hustle

We've traded for Greg Salas. Interesting move, loved him in college and having worked with Josh before, it could be a good move.

Son Of A Vidic

JaMarcus Hustle wrote: »

We've traded for Greg Salas. Interesting move, loved him in college and having worked with Josh before, it could be a good move.

We were looking a bit thin with our receiver depth after recent cuts, so this move is welcome. At 24 years old, it's nice to see a young receiver coming in and his familiarity with the McDaniels offense is a big plus.

In other moves, the Patriots added the following seven players to the practice squad: OL Thomas Austin, FB Eric Kettani, WR Sam Kirkland, OL Matt Kopa, TE Alex Silvestro, LB Jeff Tarpinian and DB Malcolm Williams.

Goose_Hyypia

Corvus Maximus wrote: »

We were looking a bit thin with our receiver depth after recent cuts, so this move is welcome. At 24 years old, it's nice to see a young receiver coming in and his familiarity with the McDaniels offense is a big plus.

In other moves, the Patriots added the following seven players to the practice squad: OL Thomas Austin, FB Eric Kettani, WR Sam Kirkland, OL Matt Kopa, TE Alex Silvestro, LB Jeff Tarpinian and DB Malcolm Williams.

Hopefully Salas offers something. Just seems a strange move to me after having Branch, Gaffney & Stallworth. McDaniels must really rate him.

I assume the Patriots didnt think they'd get him on waiver, which is why they gave up a late pick in 2015 Draft.

Son Of A Vidic

Goose_Hyypia wrote: »

Hopefully Salas offers something. Just seems a strange move to me after having Branch, Gaffney & Stallworth. McDaniels must really rate him. .

His age is a big factor here I think along with his familiarity with Josh. He was also pretty productive until he broke his leg last season. So I think it's a good move. Josh obviously really likes the kids going by what he seen from working with him last season.

The only real shock for me was Branch, his locker is still right beside Brady's and apparently hasn't been touched. So watch this space, because he might be back in a Pats' uniform again.

Son Of A Vidic

I see Dont'a Hightower has been given the No.54 jersey, previously worn by the legendary Tedy Bruschi. Looks even less likely now that Brian Waters will return, because he wore it last season. At this point I actually hope he doesn't come back, with this dragged out stay away bullshít.

Goose_Hyypia

Corvus Maximus wrote: »

His age is a big factor here I think along with his familiarity with Josh. He was also pretty productive until he broke his leg last season. So I think it's a good move. Josh obviously really likes the kids going by what he seen from working with him last season.

The only real shock for me was Branch, his locker is still right beside Brady's and apparently hasn't been touched. So watch this space, because he might be back in a Pats' uniform again.

I also heard Gaffney may be back if he gets healthy ?

Son Of A Vidic

Goose_Hyypia wrote: »

I also heard Gaffney may be back if he gets healthy ?

He very well could, his injury was the only real issue behind the cut. When he sorts that out and when the window opens, he could come back alright. But I think Branch will be the first in line because his big game record is excellent.

ReacherCreature

Gaffney's going for a work out with the Dolphins. They're thin at WR so I think he'll sign there.

eagle eye

Corvus Maximus wrote: »

I see Dont'a Hightower has been given the No.54 jersey, previously worn by the legendary Tedy Bruschi. Looks even less likely now that Brian Waters will return, because he wore it last season. At this point I actually hope he doesn't come back, with this dragged out stay away bullshít.

I want him to come back. You seen our OL in preseason, we need all the help we can get and he is really good.

Son Of A Vidic

eagle eye wrote: »

I want him to come back. You seen our OL in preseason, we need all the help we can get and he is really good.

I'm just pissed with all the will he? won't he shyte? At the end of the day could you imagine if Brady, Wilfork or Mankins decide not to bother their arses attending training camp. They don't need to go because they are that good, but they are team players and always have been.

Then I suppose the Patriot way just flows through their veins. Listening to Brady speaking at the start of camp, must have been so inspiring and a wonderful example to younger players. Just listening to him speaking about competing and hoping to get a place on the roster, I mean the humility of the guy.

The difference is Waters is a 'me' first man, it's all about him. His behaviour and the example he sets is not the patriot way, his attitude couldn't be more different than that of Brady, Wilfork and Mankins. So we do need his skills but we don't need his attitude or the examples he sets.

Goose_Hyypia

Corvus Maximus wrote: »

I'm just pissed with all the will he? won't he shyte? At the end of the day could you imagine if Brady, Wilfork or Mankins decide not to bother their arses attending training camp. They don't need to go because they are that good, but they are team players and always have been.

Then I suppose the Patriot way just flows through their veins. Listening to Brady speaking at the start of camp, must have been so inspiring and a wonderful example to younger players. Just listening to him speaking about competing and hoping to get a place on the roster, I mean the humility of the guy.

The difference is Waters is a 'me' first man, it's all about him. His behaviour and the example he sets is not the patriot way, his attitude couldn't be more different than that of Brady, Wilfork and Mankins. So we do need his skills but we don't need his attitude or the examples he sets.

There are some personal issues at play here. Apparently he lives in Dallas, his family wont move, stuff like that.

CoachTO

Goose_Hyypia wrote: »

There are some personal issues at play here. Apparently he lives in Dallas, his family wont move, stuff like that.

I dont buy the personal issues. He is old and lazy when it comes to camp. He is not alone many older players in the league would miss camp if they had the choice and many hate it. Remember what Favre said about it. I can still see him turning up and we need him to be honest.