Andy Hart speculates as to what other organizational shake-ups might be in store this offseason.
Obviously the most common scenario in New England is all about promoting from within. That leads everyone to believe that either Matt Patricia or Pepper Johnson could be promoted to defensive coordinator. My money is on Patricia. But there is also a part of me – and this is pure speculation – that thinks we could see some more shakeup than that.
Unsubstantiated rumors have linked Bill O'Brien as possibly landing as the playcaller at Syracuse with Doug Marrone, a guy he worked with at Georgia Tech. I hope this doesn't happen because I think the oft-criticized O'Brien is a bright offensive mind and would like to see him get more time with Tom Brady and Co. But I also wouldn't be surprised if Pees isn't the only guy who's not back in New England next season. The next few weeks should shed some light, if there is any, in that area.
Albert Breer reports Tom Brady will miss Pro Bowl with undisclosed injury.
Patriots QB Tom Brady will -- as expected -- pull out of the January 31 Pro Bowl, after dealing with injuries through the 2009 season.
Brady dealt with rib and finger injuries right up through the end of the year, and he didn't miss a snap, showing a pretty substantial deal of toughness to get through.
He'll be replaced by Matt Schaub on the AFC roster. Right now, only Logan Mankins and Vince Wilfork will represent the Patriots in Miami.
TEAM TALK
- Ask PFW: Moving On. Reader mailbag Part I and Part II.
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The NFL announced the names of 53 players granted special eligibility for the 2010 Draft.
LOCAL LINKS
- Ian Rapoport informs us that Tom Brady has pulled out of participating in the Pro Bowl with an undisclosed injury. His spot will be taken by Houston's Matt Schaub.
- Adam Kilgore takes a look back at what has happened to the Patriots defense when Bill Belichick changes coordinators.
- Ian Rapoport notes that for now, the Patriots will hold on to Floyd Reese, a key member of their front office who missed out on winning the vacant Seahawks GM job.
- Ron Borges thinks Dean Pees might find trouble in Denver. He will take over a defense that improved 22 places in defensive ranking in one year under Nolan. Tough act to follow.
- Albert Breer hands out his own awards for the Patriots and Mike Wright takes the Most Improved Player honor after big fifth season.
- Laura London links to a year by year history of Bill Belichick's Draft picks.
- Mike Reiss looks at Penn State's DL Jared Odrick as a possible Patriots Draft pick at number 22.
- Jeff Howe says statistics don't tell the whole story of Tom Brady's 2009 season, and looks at the good, the bad and the ugly.
- Mike Reiss notes that there were only a few players on the roster who avoided volatile ups and downs and CB Leigh Bodden was one of them.
- Christopher Price presents a snapshot of where the team stands at runningback: Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
- Mike Reiss offers his 2009 positional review of the defensive line: Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Jarvis Green, Mike Wright, Myron Pryor, Ron Brace.
- Mark Farinella recalls Robert Kraft's press conference after firing Pete Carroll and sees the same declining trends in place now that led to the axe falling on Carroll.
- Mike Reiss tackles a bagful of off-season topics in this week's reader mailbag.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Tedy Bruschi (ESPNBoston) Bruschi thinks New England will choose an internal candidate to replace defensive coordinator Dean Pees.
- Dan Parr presents the Pro Football Weekly and the Professional Football Writers of America choices for the 2009 All-NFL team. Wes Welker is the only Patriot selected.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Gailey brings discipline to laid-back Bills.
- Peter King (SI) MMQB Tuesday edition: Four observations on bills hiring Gailey as head coach.
- Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Why the Bills should go after Michael Vick.
- Michael Lombardi (Nat'l Football Post) Diner morning news: Bills take ‘Raider-ish’ route.
- Aaron Wilson (Nat'l Football Post) Rex Ryan almost pulls a Namath, tells the N.Y. Daily News he would be "shocked" if the Jets don't win and go to the Super Bowl.
- Edward Lee and Kevin Van Valkenburg (Baltimore Sun) Harbaugh admits Flacco played hurt, despite being removed from the injury report.