Thursday Patriots Notebook 3/19: League Trying to Squash Patriots' Tactics, Ninkovich Gets a Raise, More Notes
 Ninkovich reportedly received a raise recently. (USA TODAY Images) |
Last offseason the Patriots ended up having an effect on the rule book in the NFL and it appears that this year maybe another year where their suggestions could potentially be evaluated and implemented for the upcoming season.
Bill Belichick's suggestion to raise the goal posts was one change that came into effect in 2014, with the uprights being raised an additional five feet to eliminate some of the judgement calls that officials have to make on field goals. It actually ended up coming into play during one game this past season, with Denver kicker Brandon McManus' kick hitting the top of the uprights while the Patriots were leading 20-7. Had the ball instead crossed over the top, the Patriots would have seen their lead cut to 10 and it could have potentially changed the momentum of the game.
One rule that wasn't changed was the extra point attempt, which he had suggested be moved back last year and it seems he's making the same suggestion this offseason. According to ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss, the team has submitted three rule changes and once again, Belichick is suggesting that the kick be moved back to the 15-yard line, making the attempt a more competitive play.
He's also requesting that coaches be able to broaden what can be challenged on instant replay, with coaches being able to be given the ability to challenge anything, including penalties. As it stands right now the league already reviews scoring plays and turnovers automatically, so adding penalties would simply add to what is already being done to get the calls correct.
One other proposal that has been suggested is the addition of fixed cameras on the boundary lines to supplement camera angles already in use. In a situation like this it likely comes down to whether or not the investment would be made by owners, but in a league where money is measured in the billions, one would think they could scrape up enough money to make it happen.
One additional proposal that seems to be coming from elsewhere is the fact that it appears the tactic the Patriots used against the Ravens during their Divisional Playoff win in regards to ineligible receivers being used outside the tackle box may come into play. According to the Boston Globe, the proposal would allow any player who wears an eligible offensive number (1-49, 80-89) to line up in an ineligible position, but only inside the tackle box. Under the proposed rule change, if a player declares ineligible and lines up outside the tackle, he will be penalized 5 yards for illegal formation.
The latter rule seems frivolous considering it simply requires some additional thought and preparation in a league that doesn't always tend to think outside the box. Now that the Patriots have, it appears other teams are pushing for a change.
Rams coach Jeff Fisher, a known rival of Belichick, said the proposal would restore order to the rule being exploited.
“Unless we had some guidelines in place, this thing may get out of hand,” Fisher told the newspaper.
It's ridiculous, and hopefully they leave it alone.
NINKOVICH RECEIVES A RAISE:
Adam Caplan of ESPN first reported on Wednesday that Rob Ninkovich received an adjustment in his contract that will pay him more money.
According to Mike Reiss Ninkovich's compensation for 2015 was bumped up to $5 million, with $4.5 million fully guaranteed. He'll reportedly receive the remaining $500,000 in workout and roster bonuses. He was previously scheduled to earn $2.45 million.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- The Patriots added a couple of corners on Wednesday, signing Robert McClain to a one-year, $1.24 million deal, and Bradley Fletcher to a one-year deal with a reported maximum value of $2.5 per ESPN's Adam Caplan. McClain spent three seasons in Atlanta with the Falcons while Fletcher played four years with St Louis but has spent the last two in Philadelphia. Both were part of the four players to visit with the Patriots on Tuesday.
- Tom Brady joined Rory McIlroy at Augusta National last week but not at the golf course. Acccording to ESPN's Bob Harig, McIlroy ended up being surprised to find Brady along with Peyton and Eli Manning working out at the gym when the golfer got there. McIlroy said it was "inspiring' to see those guys being so dedicated. "I was just surprised he [Brady] was in there; the Mannings, too. It's their offseason," he told the website. "It was to see all those guys in the gym before their season starts. They're so dedicated and committed to what they do, especially those two guys, Peyton and Tom, they're both in their mid-30s and they want to prolong their careers as much as they can. To see them putting so much into it even after 15 successful years as a career and they're still doing it -- it was great for me to see, it was inspirational in some ways. ... It was just nice to be in that little world for a couple of days and experience it.''
- While former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss may be saying his coaching career is over, it appears his son may be working his way up through the ranks. According to the Tuscaloosa News his son, Charlie Weis Jr., has joined Alabama's football program as a support staff member. He had served in a similar position with his dad prior to Weis Sr.'s midseason firing last fall.
- Former Patriots LB Brandon Spikes took some parting shots on his way out the door when he left the team, and now that he's no longer a member of the Buffalo Bills he's apparently trying to mend some fences as he looks for a new employer. He spoke highly of his former coach, Bill Belichick, during an appearance on NFL AM, crediting him with the success the team has consistently year-to-year. “It’s the Hoodie. It’s Bill Belichick," said Spikes via CSNNE.com "He’s a genius. He just plugs guys in and his system works. My time there, I just learned how to be a true professional. It’s a first-class organization. They drafted me and a lot of teams passed on me. They gave me the opportunity and I’ll always be forever grateful for that.”
- Mike Reiss released additional details of the contract signed by Vince Wilfork in Houston, and it appears the veteran landed a pretty good deal for himself. The defensive tackle signed a two-year, $9 million deal that reportedly includes a $3 million signing bonus, $1 million fully guaranteed base salary for 2015 and a $1 million roster bonus (due March 24). Reiss reported that Wilfork has a $4 million base salary for 2016, which, depending on his performance, might be something to keep an eye on to see if he realizes the second year of the deal.
- The Sporting News offered up a pretty good "throwback Thursday" article this morning focusing on Tom Brady before he was drafted, who credited Drew Henson for pushing him to take his game to a higher level. It's interesting to hear a quote from Brady from back then about his fourth quarter mentality, with Brady telling the Sporting News at the time, "I think my best asset as a player is that in the fourth quarter, with the game on the line, I have the desire to win and the feeling that our team is not going to lose." Fifteen years and four Super Bowl rings later, he's certainly proven just how true that statement truly is.
