I was never a fan of Drew Bledsoe. As a child my TV only had reception for CBS and the AFC was on NBC. I remember telling my first grade teacher that I was rooting for Bears in the Super Bowl against the Patriots because I liked Ditka, "The Fridge," and the Super Bowl Shuffle. I watched alot of Giants games, and became a big fan of Lawrence Taylor, Harry Carson, and Bill Parcells. I loved ball control offense and good defense. By the time Parcells came to New England to coach, my family had gotten a satelite dish but I didn't like the Patriots. I liked ball control teams that played good defense like those old New York Giant teams did, not the Patriots and Bledsoe who always seemed to be trying to win the game himself and who always seemed to be getting sacked. I liked the San Diego Charger team coached by Bobbie Ross with "Natrone Means Business" at running back and Junior "The Tasmanian Devil" Seau at linebacker. Bledsoe was not for me. In the 1996 Super Bowl I was rooting for the Packers. After college, 2001, I moved to Chicago and drank in a Bears bar. Bears had a great year. The Bears won a bunch of games on good defense, improbable turnovers and special teams scores. But a little homesick for New England, and now spending every Sunday in a bar with the Sunday Ticket, I also became a Patriots fan for the first time in my life. The Patriots were coached by the defensive coordinator for those old Giant teams I loved, and in the second game of that season, Drew Bledsoe got hurt, which was okay by me. Brady did not try to win every game himself but rather just made short, conservative passes, took care of the ball and let his teammates make plays in the clutch. And I suppose the Patriots winning the Super Bowl, allowing me to brag to everybody in Chicago that would listen (including Ditka himself!) didn't hurt my loyalty either. 2003 was great. In the playoffs the Patriots beat the Eddie George and Steve McNair Titans by a field goal and some clutch defense. Patriots then beat the statistically spectacular Colts in a game where Brady was solid and Payton threw 4 interceptions. Then Pats beat Carolina with Brady taking what the defense gave him and allowing Vinateri to make a clutch field goal. 2004 the Patriots beat up Manning and the Colts again. Manning threw for more yards than Brady but the Patriots recovered two fumbles and intercepted one Manning pass. Brady and the Patriots had no turnovers and won the game. The next game against the Steelers Big Ben threw for more yard than Brady but he also threw three interceptions where Brady threw none. In the Super Bowl Brady threw no interceptions while Philadephia turned the ball over three or four times. Patriots won. Brady had nine wins to zero losses in the playoffs. Because Brady was clutch, he didn't win games himself, and he didn't turn the ball over. In 2005 my heros fell apart. Kevin Faulf fumbled. Troy Brown muffed a punt. Tom Brady threw two interceptions. Turnovers killed the Patriots. Tom Brady's unbeaten playoff record was tarnished. The Patriots were beat by the Broncos, who were beat by the Steelers in the following week, who went on to win the Super Bowl. In 2006 I felt like maybe the Brady playoff magic was back. Pats beat the Jets and then the very talented and very easy to hate Shaun Merriman, LaDanlian Tomlinson Chargers. Against the Colts, in the first half, Manning was Manning, throwing a pick six to Asante Samuel, and Brady was Brady, giving up no turnovers. But in the second half the Colts stopped turning the ball over and did not stop scoring. With the Patriots with the ball and a three point lead with just a few minutes left to play, Brady couldn't find anyone on offense to make a play and get a first down. Peyton Manning did not try to win the game himself but rather Joseph Addai ran straight at Eric Alexander and into the end zone for the games final points. In the desperate, closing seconds Brady had threw a forced pass that was interception. That was the worst I have ever felt after a New England loss. In the clutch, no Patriots had made a play. Brady's playoff magic was gone. Now I feel like Brady has had some statistically significant seasons. In the payoffs I thought Brady looked like Drew Bledsoe or 2003 2004 Peyton Manning on that interception in the end zone when he was targeting Matthew Slater against the Ravens, or on that interception in the Super Bowl where he was targetting Rob Gronkowski. What do other people think?

after hearing all of the blasting over the last week or so by pats haters and fairweather fans, i felt it only proper to dedicate a small article to this beloved 2011 team. and i say that with sincerity. if you did not love this 2011 team, you are not a true patriots fan. with a shortened offseason, a slew of injuries, a revolving door of secondary players, and way too much youth all around (especially on defense), we simply expected to be compettive, and didn't even think of a superbowl run. then, this year happened.

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Just read that Reggie Wayne would be open to playing with the Patriots. I know BB is high on him and says he is one of the hardest receivers to play against. What do you all think about that or another receiver like B. Lloyd, V. Jackson, M. Colston? It would be interesting a line up of one of those long threats, Welker, Gronk, and Hernandez. You wouldn't be able to double everyone and then draft a young talent at WR in the draft to add youth as well.

Hello fellow pats fans,

As with many of you, I have been dealing with a lot of "brady haters" lately... I created this short movie (7 Minutes) that details the pathetic history of "brady hating" and it why it should be considered a mental disorder. It is even starting to affect our own community... This is contagious and can make you sick in the head...

The title of the film is called "Tom Brady Hating" The Growing American epidemic.

Brady hating epidemic

Warning: Contains strong language...

let me know what you think...

-FUTD1981...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e3ag7cYHU0

Brian Hoyer will be a Restricted Free Agent as the Patriots move into the 2012 League Year. The 6'2" 215 pound back up QB has been a constant presence on the Patriots sideline for 3 years. Hoyer was an UFA out of Michigan State. In 2009 NFLDRAFTSCOUT had ranked him as the 9th best QB in the draft. Once again the Patriots found a diamond in the rough similar to Brady and Cassel in the past. The Patriots have three choices:

1) They can sign him to a multiyear contract

2) They can tender him and allow him to negotiate with other teams in exchange for a draft pick

3) They can sign him or tender him and trade him before the Draft.

Hoyer will turn 27 during the 2012 season and has shown the potential to be either a starter or a solid backup in the NFL. Mike Lombardi from the NFL network felt that Hoyer presented a better value for teams then Kevin Kolb last year. Here is an excerpt from Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Michael Lombardi believes Patriots backup Brian Hoyer makes a better trade target for quarterback-needy teams than Eagles backup Kevin Kolb.

That's not to say Lombardi believes Hoyer is a better QB, just that the Eagles believe they can get "a great price" for Kolb. "If teams evaluate New England's Week 17 game against Miami," said Lombardi, "they'd see that Hoyer demonstrates the skills needed to be a starter." In 42 career attempts, Hoyer has posted a 61.9 completion rate, 6.3 yards per attempt, and 77.9 passer rating. His passer rating in preseason games is just north of 95.0.

This season Hoyer went 1-1 for 22 yards to Gronk. While his limited role might cause some team to pass, he has value in many non-starting ways as well. He has been widely praised for his ability to mimic other QBs on the scout team to prepare the Defense for the upcoming week. He has shown the ability to grasp a complex offense. Finally, he has studied under Belichick and Brady.

"I think the more experience you get, the more you can focus on the defense as opposed to trying to think about what the play is so you can react more," Hoyer said. "And I think that's what comes with more experience, but, like I've always said, there's nothing that compares to real game experience. To get out there for the first game and have some success feels good."

If the Patriots sign Hoyer to a multiyear contract it would likely mirror the salaries of some other backups in the NFL. Matt Lienhart signed for 2 years 5.5MM with the Texans. Vince Young signed for 1 year 4MM with the Eagles. Charlie Whitehurst signed for 2 years 8MM with the Seahawks. Hoyer's most recent contract paid him 1.19MM for 3 years. To lock him up for the next 2-3 years the Pats would most likely need to pay him an average of 3MM per year. This fits within the current Patriots salary cap without issue. Ryan Mallett signed a 4 year 2.948MM contract in 2011. The big question comes down to who do the Patriots see as the better long term backup.

If the Patriots tender Hoyer it would be with a First Round Tender (at 2.611MM and retain first refusal) or a Second Round Tender (at 1.835MM and also retain first refusal).

The Patriots are expected to tender restricted free agent QB Brian Hoyer "at least" at the second-round level in March. The Pats are stacked at the position with 2011 third-rounder Ryan Mallett also developing, but Bill Belichick won't risk losing an asset with a low tender. That won't prevent the Patriots from listening to trade offers, however. Hoyer will draw more league-wide interest in 2013 when he reaches unrestricted free agency. Feb 8 - 11:17 AM Source: ESPN Boston

The most similar situation to Hoyer is Charlie Whitehurst. He was tendered at a Third Round pick last year and then traded to Seattle for a swap of Second Round positions (40th and 60th pick) and a 2011 Third Round pick. This year there is no Third Round Tender. I might be alone in my thought process, but I think a team like Denver (Quinn is on the way out), Green Bay (Flynn is all but gone), or even San Diego (Volek will be 36 in April) might have interest in a quality backup with no baggage. He represents good value at this point because he's not an Unrestricted Free Agent and the Tender value will impact his ability to negotiate.

The Patriots could mimic the Chargers and trade him for the best offer after he signs the Tender as well. I'd be looking for a Second Round pick or maybe a Third and conditional Second in 2013. This would be a good deal for both sides and put Hoyer in a better position for a future starting role as well. I believe Mallett is the better and cheaper backup option for the Pats for the next three years. I'd also be excited if the Patriots maneuvered in the draft to pick up Case Keenum in the Sixth or Seventh Round.

This is my first post and I'd be interested in your thoughts.

I enjoy reading the in depth knowledge of the Pulpiteers concerning draft prospects. If the sports media knew half as much as some of our contributors maybe they wouldn't be so incredibly lame.

What can we learn about the drafting ways of Belichick? He isn't going to tell us. We can revel in the folly of trying to predict what players he is going to choose. One can only attempt to discern his methods.

Last year I was convinced he was going OLB/DE. They were logical spots to address. A couple pass rushers and we would be complete. In our simple linear world there were no other alternatives. He went OT/CB/RB/RB/QB/OL. A chorus of anger and bewilderment ensued. We need a GM, Hoodie lost it etc. etc. We know BB isn't stupid, what can we learn from these actions?

Teams were reaching for pass rushers. BB wasn't going to join the lemmings running over the cliff. Let us look at the 2011 pass rushers by draft position and sacks, simplistic as it is,

2 Miller 11.5
7 Smith 14
11 Watt 5.5
14 Quinn 5.0
16 Kerrigan 7.5
20 Clayborn 7.5
24 Jordan 1.0
31 Heyward 1.0
37 Sheard 8.5
39 Ayers 2.0
42 Reed 6.0
51 Bowers 1.5


Miller and Smith were clearly on the top of the food chain and there were certainly other good players. Trading four or five picks to get in the top 7 is debatable. BB decided to fill the pass rush need through free agency. Carter and Anderson each had 10 sacks. Ninko had six. Just as many as Clay Matthews.

He had more needs than OLB/DE. Why not address those needs? The offense can't rely on TFB/Welker forever. Even with Gronk/A-Bomb this side of the ball was incomplete. They needed to pour the foundation for their running game. We begin to see the transformation away from the pass only offense. The seeds have been sown to produce balance, to take the pressure off TFB.

How many holes do we have on offense now? Center? Not a huge hole. WR no doubt. There are a dozen big WRs available in this year's draft? Plus several free agent candidates. The Pats will not have to spend a lot of assets to have a fine offense.

Therefore we have the means to obtain defensive players. There are worthy players in the first two rounds. Is it a coincidence that this draft is deep in CB/OLB and WRs? Really? Aren't we lucky.

To see BB's draft philosophy we have to look beyond the clichés. If you draft in the high 20's every year eventually your talent is going to be in the high 20's. So he moves to get the players he wants and gets future picks. He must take chances. Playing it safe guarantees mediocrity. I also think he has improved drafting in recent years. It has been reported that he is far more engaged in the process since 2009.

Will all the picks work out? No. Will we be able to point at good players we didn't draft? Yes. Is the draft a crapshoot? No. It is much more complex. Dice produce a finite number of outcomes. Predicting human performance is an exponentially more difficult endeavor.

I normally like to talk about players that some people have not heard of. Perhaps it was the way BB drafted the last few years that sometimes had us scratching our heads. Perhaps I like to give the no name guys that caught my eye some recognition. When looking at lower round DT/DE's, Akiem Hicks caught my lovely eye.

Akiem is 6'5", 325 lbs (according to nfldraftscout.com), and is projected in the 4th-6th round. He has a long wingspan of 84", and his 40 time (as if its really relevant on DTs right? lol) clocks in around 5 seconds, and again, according to nfldraftscout.com, his lowest 40 time was 4.89. For a guy his size, that's pretty impressive. You can view more here.

Akiem was touted as a prospect who is raw, but has Tons of potential. In his 2011 season, he recorded:

29 solo/42 total tackles

8 Tackles for loss for 56 yards

6.5 sacks for 54 yards

He recorded 2 FF, and broke up 3 passes

You can view this, and his background here.

It says on reginacougars.com that he was drafted by the UFL team Omaha Nighthawks with the 48th overall pick. But this was in 2010, and as far as I know, he hasn't signed yet. The Nighthawks also drafted Mark Herzlich in 2010, so perhaps Hicks is going to follow Herzlich to the NFL.

Here is some video on Hicks:

Akiem Hicks - DL 2011 Regina Rams (via uofrrams)

A few things you will notice is that he plays EVERYWHERE on the DL. It seems the Regina Rams play both a 3-4, and 4-3 as well, and Hicks is playing at both tackle positions, and both end positions. Looks very versatile.

You'll also notice how he is making everyone look like highschoolers. He doesn't look 325 in the video imo either. lol

So my quick thoughts are that he has a very good push, and has a great motor. he doesn't look like he ever gives up, and he sheds blocks pretty dang well for a guy his size. His closing speed surprises me too. For a guy his size, he has pretty damn good burst. He looks like he uses his hands well, and has pretty good vision.

The one downside I can come up with, is that he hasn't played against top competition. He was with LSU for a while, but he went to Omaha in 2010, leaving no standout performances (I don't think he even played that much) at LSU.

Bottom line, he is a 4th-6th rounder. he has tremendous size and upside that is worth looking into. I wouldn't mind drafting him in the 5th, but I can see him slipping into the 6th round because of how raw and truly untested he is. He was invited to the East-West shrine game, and he was a popular topic amongst NFL Observers.

To quote Greg Gabriel of the National Football post:

“At this stage of his development he may not be a draft choice but at least he is a priority free agent,” wrote Greg Gabriel of the National Football Post. “You have to look at this player as a big block of clay that is still waiting to be moulded into a work of art. If done right, in the end you MAY have a masterpiece!”

Poll

Would Hicks be a solid pickup in the 6th round?

• Yes
• No

  37 votes | Results

Let's start with Brian Hoyer. Pats are reportedly shopping him to try and get a second-round pick, so let's assume they get a third round pick.

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Welcome one and all to the OTA - Off-Topic Activities or Open To Anything or Oughtta Talk Alot or Open Thread All!. The best place to not discuss football at Pats Pulpit.

This is a thread for anyone who would like to enjoy some pleasant conversation that may or may not be football related. This is a place where some of us can get to know each other a little bit better, and on a slightly different level than other places on the site. A thread that may contain at times humorous dialogue, quotes, pictures, or anything else that might entertain. Remember to have a good time! But also please remember to keep it somewhat clean. We'd prefer innuendo over gory details.

Rules

All the rules are based on this: Have fun, but don't keep other people from having fun.

a) Don't troll each other, or attack other members. You learned this in kindergarten.

b) If a picture is NSFW (Not Safe For Work), do not post it as a picture. Instead post it as a link.

c) Be kind to newbies, and help them fit in. Remember to share your crayons.

d) If someone asks you nicely to steer clear of a topic, find something else to talk about.

e) Any and all other SBN and PatsPulpit rules apply. In other words, this ain't Vegas.

Rec this thread, so it stays atop the most rec'd fanposts. Unrec it when another thread is made.

Below is a guide to certain slang, lingo, nicknames, or any kind of term that we use here at the Pulpit.

Format: Term – Definition/ Explanation [Creator of term/First to use]

Citgo – a place where irrelevant people especially in sports will be/ are working.
examples:
What is HC Mangini/a doing now?-Working @ the citgo
What is Adiaulus Thomas doing right now-Working at the citgo.

DDR- Moniker for Lawrence Maroney which describes his tendency to "dance" at the line of scrimmage, in comparison to the style in which players dance of the arcade game "Dance Dance Revolution" (AtomicDawg)
Fredo/Mangina - Nicknames for ex-Pats assistant coach Eric Mangini (creator/first to use term unknown)
Toy Story/Woody/Buzz – Nicknames for RB Danny Woodhead (Richard Hill)
The Executioner- Nickname for Devin McCourty (Comedic.Sans)
Steal This Thread/Jack A Thread – (SlotMachinePlayer/NinjaZX6R) A predecessor of this thread.
Hoodie & BB– Nicknames for HC Bill Belichick; derived from the many hooded sweatshirts he wears in public
GRONK – usually typed in capital letters, nickname in short for TE Rob Gronkowski

Da Gronk - Dan Gronkowski
Herndo/A-Hern/H-Bomb – Nicknames for TE Aaron Hernandez
Law Firm/Benny– Nickname for RB BenJarvis Green-Ellis; derived for the many combined names he has, which is similar to any law firm made up of 3 or more people
Seabass – Nickname for RT Sebastian Vollmer
Space Emperor of Space – Nickname for P Zoltan Mesko
Smurfs — Nickname for the Patriots’ collection of undersized position players (primarily Branch, Woodhead, and Welker, but may also include Faulk and Edelman) -Created by Comedic Sans
Mini Missile/ Ka-Chung!!!!!!- Nickname for our Strong Safety Patrick Chung.
BoB / BooB-Bill O' Brien - Pats offensive Coordinator- Bob; When He is on fire; BooB when He is just sucks.
Todd Light- Matt Light- CBS's Jim Nanz calls him that lol

RaID - Ras-I Dowling - Raiding a receiver near you.

Boomerang/Boomer - Ross Ventrone - A player thats gotten thrown off the active roster repeatedly yet keeps returning to the practice squad, then active roster, then practice squad....

Many thanks to all that have made these threads possible and popular in the past.

Let's make this a series of interesting free agents for the Patriots to look at.

Without knowing the definite specifics I would say the team will have cap space to make a few splashes if they need to.

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