New England Patriots Links 2/09/12 - Signing Wes Welker a Top Priority

by Marima on Feb 9, 2012 10:35 AM EST in New England Patriots Links

Young, undrafted CB Sterling Moore has shown enough to be a keeper in 2012.

Ian Rapoport points out the Patriots have had three seasons of 10-or-more wins, two number one seeds and a Super Bowl appearance all while rebuilding the defense.

"I like that they’re winning games," said [former Patriots VP Scott] Pioli, when asked what he likes about how the Patriots have changed on defense. "They’re still in transition. They’re developing players. The toughest thing to do is to win games while developing players. They’re doing that. They’ve got a very young team, particularly on defense. They’ve got a number of other guys they’ve kinda plugged in. But the impressive part is they’re developing players and winning while it’s going on."

"They’re rebuilding on the fly now," Pioli said. "What I know Bill is thinking is not only rebuilding it for the now, but making sure it sustains."

Christopher Price puts signing Wes Welker at the top of his laundry list of things to address in the coming months.

The wide receiver is the No. 1 priority this offseason, and while the franchise tag remains a possibility (a cost of roughly $9 million), you would have to think that Welker’s camp would love to lock down a multiyear agreement, something in the three to four-year range. Many people around the league believe that unless some team offers him a ridiculous deal, Welker will ultimately return, as he is more valuable in the New England offense than anywhere else. Welker’s reps als understand how good he has it with the Patriots. (One important thing to remember -- Welker changed agents to David Dunn and Athletes First in 2009, a group that represents other Patriots like Aaron Hernandez and Zoltan Mesko, and historically has had a good working relationship with New England.)

TEAM TALK

Andy Hart wonders if the Patriots will trade up to get some elite talent in this year's Draft.
Paul Perillo notes Bill Belichick will be playing as part of a foursome at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am tournament this morning.
Andy Hart reports Rodney Harrison has been critical of seeing the video of Rob Gronkowski and some teammates dancing after the Super Bowl.

LOCAL LINKS

Paul Kenyon reports on the free-agent questions the Pats will have to tackle as the offseason gets under way.
Jeff Howe reviews the quarterback position for NE and thinks they could possibly trade Brian Hoyer for a second or third round draft pick.
Karen Guregian talks about the tough task ahead for Bill Belichick, of getting the team past the loss and avoiding that hangover.
Karen Guregian looks at what happened to the last 14 Super Bowl losers, and says the numbers show bouncing back won't be easy.
Ian Rapoport says the Patriots have rebuilt their entire defense since the 2010 season opener and looks at how it was done.
Greg A. Bedard writes about how the entire offense dropped the ball Sunday, and helpfully offers a rundown of some of the miscues.
Christopher Price re-sets the Patriots 2012 Draft board.
Jeff Howe thinks Wes Welker fits too perfectly with the Patriots to let that Super Bowl drop affect his contract situation.
Tim Britton says the Super Bowl drop hasn't changed Welker - he wants to stay.
Jeff Howe notes Kevin Faulk's inactive status for the Super Bowl was a tough decision for Bill Belichick.
Mike Reiss joined Outside the Lines to discuss the impact of the Patriots' Super Bowl loss and a positive take on the team's future. (2.46 min. video)
Ian Rapoport Patriots Notebook: Tom Brady aggravated an existing shoulder sprain in the 3rd qtr, but did not suffer a major injury; Brian Hoyer couldn't believe Brady went back in the game without treatment; Bill Belichick is slated to play in the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am today.
CSNNE reports Patriots LB Dane Fletcher takes to Twitter to answer negative tweets from James Harrison and Ryan Clark of the Steelers.

NATIONAL NEWS

Rick Reilly (ESPN) It's only a game: The reaction to the Patriots' loss is out of line.
Howard Bryant (ESPN) Our mean-spirited Super Bowl reflex. "This is not about choking or legacy, but about the appreciation of competition."
Clark Judge (CBS Sports) Time to call a truce on Brady, Gisele.
Don Banks (SI) What's next for Giants, Patriots?
Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Franchise tag could be coming for Wes Welker.
Report (NFL.com) Brady aggravated shoulder sprain in Super Bowl.
Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Shed no tears for Tiquan Underwood. (1.58 min. video)
Omar Kelly (Sun-Sentinel) NFL salary cap projections for 2012 season.
Jack Bechta (Nat'l Football Post) Under the microscope: NFL Combine.
John Clayton (ESPN) Offseason promises to be wild.
Chris Burke (SI) Ranking the NFL's announcing teams.
Steve Wyche (NFL.com) Eleven things from 2011 that we may never witness again.
Gallery (Fox Sports) NFL's burning offseason storylines.
Report (ESPNNY) Brandon Jacobs ~~is an ass~~ sorry for comments.
Dave Dameshek (NFL.com) The Shame Report: SB XLVI. (4.46 min. video)

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Comments

I could finally make it to PP today

Marima you’re a saint for being able to read through everything after that.

Proud of the team, but not ready to watch/ read the four letter site yet

the artist formerly known as amadeus

'I don't make my living by making my living. My time is so important that I can't compromise my taste- or my idea of what's right- simply to match someone else's view of what's a good, calculated move"- Robert Plant

contributing writer at www.HeadkickLegend.com and www.PatsPulpit.com

by Austin Martin on Feb 9, 2012 11:35 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I hear ya - I took Monday and Tuesday off

And I haven’t watched ESPN or NFLN or CSNNE (except for the Celtics) either. The first three National articles offer some perspective on the unnecessary beating the Patriots have been taking in the press. It’s bizarre, the reaction of some ‘fans’ to losing. Seriously. I get the disappointment, but not the blind anger. I enjoyed Howard Bryant’s take on what happened to enjoying the journey and the competition. No need to hate on the losing team.

Anyway. I’m proud of this team too, and am especially appreciative of the way the defense stuck together through all the injuries, position changes, personnel changes and a season-long constant stream of negative publicity. This is a core group they can continue to build on this coming season.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Feb 9, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah, what looked like a lump of coal at the beginning of the year,

held together through all of the heat and pressure of the season to become a diamond in the rough during the post-season.

I’m just wondering what they could do with a little more polish and a couple more facets. Could this become a rock hard defense that shines? Time will tell.

What I do know is that our “inexperienced” defense has picked up some serious experience, and often the more useful experience comes from failure rather than success. They’ve had both last season. This season will be interesting.

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 9, 2012 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

changes to DL and FS are the only real necessities

Patriots have to weigh down these options:
1. McCourty looks better at Free Safety- He has both of his 2 INT’s from that spot
2. 4-3 or 3-4
3. Shaun Ellis
4. Sterling Moore looks better at corner than safety- his signature moments come as a CB
5. Who falls in the draft (because someone really talented will fall to 27 and BB says thank you Ill take him)

Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about being AFC Champs?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"

by freeland1787 on Feb 9, 2012 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

My takes.

1. The Safety class isn’t very deep this year. McC is a little raw at safety, but brings better value than he does at corner. Chung is solid at SS. It seems like a good year to ride with McC and Chung and hope for better luck in the draft next year. Pick up a CB instead to improve the depth.

2. They’ll always switch back and forth, but they’ve looked more solid to me in a 3-4.

3. If he’ll come back cheap, then I see him at camp. Hopefully someone beats him out before the 53 man limit.

4. Yeah I see McC essentially swapping roles with him. The fact that he can switch positions gives us depth at safety.

5. I’d hope for pass rusher, but it seems that never happens.

Additionally, Nink and Anderson can both get push in the 3-4. Carter rushes better as a DE in the 4-3, but he’s also older. We also have Cunningham coming back to camp. Is that enough depth? Probably. I guess I’d rather find more of a Seymour (young Gerard Warren) like guy at DE that can play both 3-4 and 4-3 to spend a higher round pick on. That’s going to make any outside pass rusher more effective anyway.

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 9, 2012 1:06 PM EST up reply actions

Again, thanks for the links, Marima.

It just makes my day better.

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 9, 2012 12:11 PM EST reply actions

Gronk...

I wish I was more like him. After the Pats lost, I laid on my couch moping and listening to music for a few hours. I should have just gone out partying (maybe not with my shirt off, cause nobody wants to see that).

I seriously have a lot of respect for the guy. The possible winning catch of the SB just slipped through his fingers and a couple hours later he’s all “Yo Soy Fiesta!” He gave the game everything he had, played injured, and I’m sure he wanted to win as bad as anybody other than possibly Brady. He’s an amazing, unique individual, who we could all learn a lot from.

"If you know how to cheat, start now." - Earl Weaver

by rebop on Feb 9, 2012 12:19 PM EST reply actions

back to the topic of defense

no overhaul necessary- just a few minor tweaks

Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about being AFC Champs?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"

by freeland1787 on Feb 9, 2012 12:44 PM EST reply actions

If our defense was a car, it would be perfectly functional, but not as high performance as we'd like.

I think we’re at a position where we can tune it, rather than replace it. Improving the depth will be a big goal.

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 9, 2012 1:10 PM EST up reply actions

from the mocks out there

some tasty morsels are waiting for us, lots of players that would fit nicely.

Come see the violence inherent in the system, help help I'm being repressed.

by sweetjesusihatethejets on Feb 9, 2012 1:40 PM EST up reply actions

Can't wait to put my draft hopes on a player

only to see him either stay on the board or get scooped up by another team before our pick, lol. It’s a tradition!

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Feb 9, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, but that fifth round TE we're getting will grow on you.

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 9, 2012 4:17 PM EST up reply actions

Haha

Those late rounders and undrafteds usually do, lol

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Feb 9, 2012 5:13 PM EST up reply actions

Anyone else catch that Ocho Cinco is changing his name back to Johnson?

On July 4th, when he gets married.

by nbradley07 on Feb 9, 2012 4:04 PM EST reply actions

Good 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 9, 2012 4:18 PM EST up reply actions