New England Patriots Links 2/10/12 - Team, Coaching Staff in Good Shape Heading Into Off-Season
by Marima on Feb 10, 2012 10:56 AM EST
in New England Patriots Links
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PrintPaul Kenyon wonders if Belichick will give Matt Patricia the defensive coordinator title this year.
One item worth following between now and the beginning of next season will be whether Belichick gives Matt Patricia the title of defensive coordinator. It was not until late in the season when Belichick acknowledged that Patricia was calling the defensive signals. In theory, at least, Belichick has kept the title of defensive coordinator for himself. Patricia, who played his football at Rensselaer Poly Tech in New York, has been with the Patriots for eight years. He has worked his way up from offensive assistant, to assistant offensive line coach, the linebackers coach and this past season as safeties coach.
Even if he decides to give Patricia the title of defensive coordinator, there is no doubt that Belichick will remain heavily involved with the defense, as he is with the entire organization. The coach turns 60 in April, but has shown no indication of slowing down.
Glen Farley says with free agency a little more than a month away, the Patriots are in good shape to participate.
According to league-wide figures compiled by Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Patriots are currently at a salary cap figure of $101.887,741. That’s eighth lowest in the NFL, giving them $20 million or more of wiggle room under the projected 2012 limit of $121-$125 million.
It goes without saying that a portion of team owner Robert Kraft’s bank account will be needed to retain Wes Welker’s services. If the two sides are unable to come to terms, the franchise tag at wide receiver would cost the Patriots $9.4 million.
There is also a need to upgrade the supporting cast at a position where Deion Branch is also a free agent (and, if retained, would best serve as the third option). Also – news flash! – the team isn’t about to pay Chad Ochocinco $3 million in base salary to return in 2012.
TEAM TALK
- Patriots Today - Painful transition on tap for Pats. (3.26 min. video)
- Timeline: The Evolution of the NFL. (1 min. clip)
LOCAL LINKS
- Tom E. Curran says the Patriots are 'primed' to make another run at a Super Bowl.
- Mike Reiss explores how the Patriots will approach contract negotiations with Wes Welker.
- Mike Reiss notes Wes Welker is ranked 18th on Pete Prisco's Top 50 free agents list.
- Christopher Price breaks down and rates the 53-man roster. Part 1.
- Jeff Howe reviews the running back position and sees a bright outlook for 2012.
- Jeff Howe reviews the wide receivers and says this position could look drastically different in New England next season.
- Glen Farley believes the Patriots must address pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball.
- Tom E. Curran explains why these Patriots don't deserve the level of bile being directed at them.
- Ian Rapoport notes why Josh McDaniels' father Thom was a conflicted man watching the Super Bowl, with players he coached on both teams.
- Christopher Price tells us which New England defenders did the best job of getting after the QB in the postseason.
- Mike Reiss tallies up the snaps played by defenders in Super Bowl XLVI and analyzes what it means.
- Christopher Price looks at who was Tom Brady's favorite and most dependable target this past postseason.
- Christopher Price breaks down the Patriots penalties for the 2011 postseason.
- Hector Longo lists five fatal flaws the Pats need to fix.
- Jeff Howe thinks Robert Kraft and the city of Boston should make a serious play to host a Super Bowl.
- Mike Reiss offers the transcript of his weekly online chat.
- Shalise Manza Young Patriots Notebook: Soundbites from players mic'd up during the Super Bowl; Gronkowski is still catching flak for partying after the loss.
NATIONAL NEWS
- James Walker (ESPN) Playing tag in AFC East.
- Gene Wojciechowski (ESPN) Bill Belichick remains his verbose self.
- Gregg Rosenthal (ProFootballTalk) On Brady and scapegoats.
- Bill Reiter (Fox Sports) Patriots way heading down rocky path.
- Don Banks (SI) 10 big questions this offseason.
- Steve Wyche (NFL.com) Twelve enticing storylines to follow in 2012.
- Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) Manning saga, questions about Patriots headline offseason storylines.
- Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) Ten-point stance: Peyton as a free agent still won't top Reggie circus; more.
- Sam Farmer (LA Times) With Super Bowl over, NFL's focus returns to that other Manning and more.
- Stephen Dubner (NFL.com) Football Freakonomics: Dough Bowl Awards.
- Bill Plaschke (LA Times) For the pro athlete, it's just a job.
- Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Top 50 free agents: Former top pick Williams is top player on open market.
- James Walker (ESPN) Even ref had no faith in Patriots' defense.
- Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Offseason training is crucial for NFL players.
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I'm not sure if money will be the big issue with Welker.
It might be length of contract. The Pats probably want 2-3 years and Welker will probably want more. A front loaded contract with the last years not paying as much will probably be the compromise as much as a 5 year deal with the big money in the first couple years.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 10, 2012 11:16 AM EST reply actions
I was thinking the exact same thing
It was similar with Wilfork – he wasn’t looking to be the top paid, but he wanted security and years.
Keep the faith!
Yeah, and unlike Chris Johnson who got paid and disappeared, Vince earned his money.
He should go spend some time at the pool…..
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 10, 2012 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
I don't know that there is a deal that can AND should be made here...
I wouldn’t mind having Welker back, on a deal somewhere along your lines (in fact, I would hate to see him leave)… siuch a deal would also leave room to keep Gronk and Hernandez later.
But then I look at the numbers and I have to question if he is worth it…
Franchising him would cost 9.5 million or roughly half of the available space under the cap. Giving him a deal commensurate with his value as one of the best receivers in the league is going to cost about that a year. And he deserves to be paid- he has earned it year in and year out, and I don’t have a problem with him getting that money.
But I have to question whether it is a good move for the Patriots, who have so many other needs to spend half of the money they have to keep him. Or would it be better to let him go, put Edelman in the slot, use some of the available money to sign a deep threat, and the rest to improve the defense. Thoughts?
And before anyone starts to tar and feather me on this subject, it is something that has been discussed (on this forum even) in the past, and the Super Bowl has nothing to do with it (one bad play does not trump 5 years of largely good ones)
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
i agree with you on most accounts
i think the tag on welker is a huge price to pay. that said, i love welker and i want him to be a patiriot for life. but the bottom line is that he’s 31, a slot receiver, post-knee surgery. he probably wants 5 years, and the pats probably want 3. i’d be willing to give him 4 years if he was willing discount due to longevity, paying him something in the $30 million range, guaranteeing $12-15 mill, which would break about $6mill to $7 mill per year.
as much as i’d hate to see him go, we already have two dominating forces between the hashes (gronk and herndo). i think this offense needs outside receivers MUCH more than slot receivers.and how much of his success is brady related? i’d say a lot. we don’t have trouble finding slot receivers, we do have trouble finding outside receivers.
by jamiesinnott on Feb 10, 2012 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
they'll pay him
i want the chance to see him play with dangerous outside receivers and a better running game, both of which I think are on the horizon.
Come see the violence inherent in the system, help help I'm being repressed.
by sweetjesusihatethejets on Feb 10, 2012 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
2007
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about being AFC Champs?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
by freeland1787 on Feb 10, 2012 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
I agree in part
I think that Welker is a very talented receiver, but has benefitted, to a large extent, from Brady and the offensive scheme the Patriots have used. That being said, I have no doubt that he could be successful elsewhere, particularly on a team that plays to his strengths.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Feb 10, 2012 5:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
His last year with the Phins, he was their top pass catcher.
Now their QB wasn’t in Tom’s league, so his numbers weren’t as high. He still did as well as he could given the situation as I’m sure he would do anywhere. His numbers might not be as high (but there are still elite QBs out there), but I’m sure he’d do as well as he could with his targets.
Really, you could say the same thing about Branch who disappeared when Tom wasn’t his QB, but everyone seems to have a soft spot for him.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 10, 2012 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
I totally agree
I have reading Football Outsiders for a number of years, and one of the tenets that has been ground into my head is that the success of a receiver is partly attributable to the quarterback (and vice versa). I have no doubt that Welker would play well, no matter where he goes- but to put up the type of production he has the last five years (even assuming continued health) also relies to an extent on quarterback and offensive scheme. Jerry Rice would not have been Jerry Rice without Joe Montana and Steve Young throwing to him.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Feb 10, 2012 8:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Not sure about that...
but it’s really beside the point anyway. The issue is what he has managed to do within the NE system, and what his value will be to the team going forward. Perhaps he couldn’t couldn’t completely replicate the success he has had with Brady elsewhere. But by the same token, the Pats can’t just plug any talented receiver into their system and expect it to work. Ocho is not the first talented receiver who failed to do well in NE. Welker’s success in NE is to a large degree a byproduct of a synergistic relationship and his chemistry with Brady. That does not diminish his importance to the team by a single cent.
"If you know how to cheat, start now." - Earl Weaver
The pats were a healthy Gronk away from a SB title.
Welker fits Brady. They have chemistry. Welker will be worth every penny for the next three years.
If it’s choice between Welker and an unknown, there’s no question.
The patriots had everything they needed to win a SB before Gronk got injured.
Yes. They need a new secondary and a deep threat.
by avery_t on Feb 11, 2012 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Brandon Lloyd
What do we think the chances are Lloyd comes here next year? I know he has expressed a desire to continue playing for McDaniels and moved from Denver to St. Louis with him.
At the very least he would be a worthwhile upgrade over Ochocinco Johnson.
"If you know how to cheat, start now." - Earl Weaver
I think they have to be considered good
but the one questionmark is Tom Condon, Pats does not like to deal with him for some reason I’m unfamiliar with.
If Lloyd wants a shot to play for McDaniels again and play for a legitimate contender he might take a little less to get here. I think he’s such an upgrade over Branch these days.
Let’s see (I’m dreaming wet dreams here I know) a lineup of:
Offensive line, Brady, a more experienced Ridley (with a full offseason under his belt), Gronkowski, Hernandez/Lloyd, Welker and Alshon Jeffery – I’m seeing 2007 all over again, apart from that last unmentionable game.
Couple that with a more experienced defense overall, and a few new additions.
Offseason is the best season for optimism!
Are you kidding! We're undefeated in the 2012 season! (Those playoffs were 2011 season)
’Tis the season of hope.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 10, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
sorry to crash the party
but the team hasn’t won any games either- 14-2 and a AFC Championship appearance is my expectation
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about being AFC Champs?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
by freeland1787 on Feb 10, 2012 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
To-may-to, to-mah-to
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 10, 2012 6:36 PM EST up reply actions
Patriots relationship with Tom Condon
went bad during the negotiations with Ben Watson as far as I know. The team has since signed a few of lower-round players who ‘belong’ to Condon, but the animosity began with Watson.
Keep the faith!
Don't forget Vereen
A much different back than Ridley, but the few times he played, I was absolutely blown away. We haven’t had a RB with that immediate home-run ability in quite some time. It’s hard to tell how the coaching staff will use both and which one they’re particularly higher on. Vereen’s entire 2011 season was impacted by that nagging hamstring, so he’s easy to forget.
Can I Scream?
Reggie Wayne is available too
If they’re around the same price Wayne is still the superior player IMO
Can we please actually do something this year
Besides gamble on elderly veterans and scrubs.
Would be nice.
Only if you plan on locking Hoodie in a closet while personnel decisions are being made.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
I’m in the 3rd year of my MBA program. Way to represent Matt! : ) GO RED
my dream offseason for offense is
draft konz, sign lloyd and laurent robinson, resign welker. vereen becomes every down back with ridley spelling him.
ill go konz, criner, and harrison smith in the draft
with lloyd, a veteran TE, and veteran DL as a good offseason
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about being AFC Champs?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
by freeland1787 on Feb 10, 2012 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
How healthy was Vereen in college?
He spent much of last year battling injuries, is this typical for him, or was last year an aberration?
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
healthy
2008 142 rushes 936 yds
2009 183 rushes 1196 yds
2010 231 rushes 1367 yds
+200 yds rec and 12 TD/year
2008/9 mostly backup to Best
Come see the violence inherent in the system, help help I'm being repressed.
by sweetjesusihatethejets on Feb 10, 2012 7:14 PM EST up reply actions
For me its
Sign Mario Williams, draft a coverage safety, everything else will work itself out. (And make a play for Wayne if we can afford it)
if laurent is too expensive
try jerome simpson if hes not gonna be suspended
Shit, he’ll be the most popular guy in the locker room :>
by quadruple option on Feb 10, 2012 10:48 PM EST up reply actions
juron criner is 6'2"220
not a burner (4.59 40-yd dash) but can catch (157 grabs the last 2 years with 22 TD’s). plus he played with one of the best college QB’s (Foles is #4 QB in my book)
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about being AFC Champs?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
by freeland1787 on Feb 10, 2012 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
He's also very stupid
My friend is a cowboys fan and complained about it constantly. If ochocinco can’t grasp the Pats offense I’d love to know how Laurent Robinson could
mark barron is getting surgery from a herniated disc in his back
he could drop to the 2nd round
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about being AFC Champs?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
not a disc..
it is when your guts try to break through your lower abdominal wall…
Come see the violence inherent in the system, help help I'm being repressed.
by sweetjesusihatethejets on Feb 11, 2012 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
The surgery was for a double hernia and was not back related
It was similar to the surgery that Ben Ijalana had last year and he went mid second round right about where he was projected. I don’t think it will impact him as he will be ready for rookie camp.
2013 FS class is better
I think we should wait until the 3rd or 4th to draft one
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
Class may be better, but no guarantee that the pats will get one- if there is a good safety for decent value in this year’s draft class, go for it!
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
well, even in a position’s good year it’s clear that BB doesn’t necessarily go in that direction. Last year’s OLB/DE class is clear evidence of that. One of the reasons I like reading all of the Mock drafts is because I can almost guarantee that BB is going to surprise everyone. Its fun to see how wrong everyone always is when it comes to Patriot picks.
First round picks are supposed to be used?!?
I thought the only reason a Pats fan watched the first round of the draft was to find out what exactly a lower first round pick was going for these days.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
I feel like Lloyd would be a slam dunk
He will easily be one of the best 4th receiving options the pats ever had. McDaniels knows exactly how to use him, Lloyd knows exactly what is going to be asked of him, he still got speed, hands, the works.
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
Damn u victor Cruz and Mario manninagham for ruining my grammy experience .
by alweezy61 on Feb 12, 2012 10:15 PM EST via Android app reply actions 1 recs
Thanks for making me glad that I skipped them this year!
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
All chips to be used buying the drafts in 2013 and 14.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
This is a very deep draft at cb
i would much rather draft a top cb and leave barron alone. he reminds me too much of merriwether. Id rather sign Dashon Goldson, and draft a cb, kirkpatrick minnifield and jenkins are all possibilities and are ballers. our cb situation with one of them and a healthy RAS I (which i know is a big if) would be spectacular. In that situation its possible mccourty becomes our 4th best cb, thats crazy, and if we dont sign goldson put DMcC at safety. DL an LB could be addressed as well in the draft but that is up to BB. he knows where carter, cunningham and fletcher are at better than we do, if he believes in them then we should be ok at LB. WR is such a tough hole to fix for us. I like laurent alot but if what J-ace said is true n hes not the smartest kid on the block, then he may not fit at all on our team. We definitely need players who get the system. as for lloyd he is a no brainer. we need him just as much as welker. he is a hugeeeeee upgrade over branch, its not even close. he makes some very tough catches, his catching radius dwarfs branch’s. brady threw some bad balls to branch in the last two drives of super bowl, but im sure lloyd would of caught at least one of them. But also brady has to be so spot on with guys like welker and lloyd that it puts a lot of pressure on him to be perfect. with a guy like lloyd there is less pressure, hence brady can just throw it in a spot only he can catch it and everybody wins.
Oh and as for goldson
he is the real deal, and not just as a baller, but a good guy. doesnt party and keeps his nose clean. Already speaks Belichick in interviews as well. He is a quality player who is tough, hits hard and knows how to play. definitely would be a great locker room presence, plus may help us beat san fran next year on our way to our second undefeated season.
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