Fencer

1. Would a Tom Brady led team made the playoffs?

Sure. One more win would have sufficed.

2. What was the play or the decision that had the most impact on not making the playoffs?

3rd-and-15 in OT vs. the Jets.

3. Who was the biggest surprise in 2008?

Guyton. I'd been saying for years that high-pick LBs were good bets, so I expected Mayo.

4. Who was the biggest disappointment in 2008?

Not counting injuries, David Thomas.

5. Should the Pats franchise Matt Cassel? If yes, should they keep Cassel or trade Cassel?

Franchise him. Whether to keep him depends on Brady's health.

6. Will Tedy Bruschi or Rodney Harrison return in 2009?

Yes and yes, but perhaps not Opening Day.

7. What position is in need of the biggest upgrade of in 2009?

CB, but I'm optimistic about the rooks.

8. Will the Pats make a big splash in FA?

No, except that they'll spend a lot on locking up their own players if Cassell's cap hit permits.

9. Which player will not be on the 2009 roster that will be a big surprise?

None. Has there been a really surprising cut since Otis Smith?

10. Will Josh McDaniels be the OC next year?

No. He'll be a HC, the cautionary examples of Weis, Crennel, Mangini, and Saban notwithstanding.

rabthepat

1. Would a Tom Brady led team made the playoffs?
-No, "Superbowl Loser Jinx" had the Pats doomed before the season started.

2. What was the play or the decision that had the most impact on not making the playoffs?
-Besides the "Superbowl Loser Jinx", a combination of poor Special Teams play and a weak secondary.

3. Who was the biggest surprise in 2008?
-Matt Cassel, he turned out not to be a "deer in the headlights".

4. Who was the biggest disappointment in 2008?
-Jabar Gafney, he did not step up when giving the opportunity.(ex. Colts game)

5. Should the Pats franchise Matt Cassel? If yes, should they keep Cassel or trade Cassel?
-Show some moxy, keep Matt and trade Tom. Send Tom to Hollywood where he wants to be.

6. Will Tedy Bruschi or Rodney Harrison return in 2009?
-Yes, to both. The Pats are becoming the Old Folks Home for aged football players.

7. What position is in need of the biggest upgrade of in 2009?
-Cornerback.

8. Will the Pats make a big splash in FA?
-No.

9. Which player will not be on the 2009 roster that will be a big surprise?
-Maroney.

10. Will Josh McDaniels be the OC next year?
-Yes.

DocE

Questions about the past and about the future. I have inserted by answers below.

1. Would a Tom Brady led team made the playoffs?

Yes, and we would be thinking championship with the weak state of the NFL this year.

2. What was the play or the decision that had the most impact on not making the playoffs?
I would say 3rd and 15 against the Jets in OT, but the Dave Thomas penalty at Indy also deserves mention

3. Who was the biggest surprise in 2008?
Matt Cassel performing well at QB

4. Who was the biggest disappointment in 2008?
I would say the draft class outside of Mayo. Have to have more rookies come in and contribute immediately.


5. Should the Pats franchise Matt Cassel? If yes, should they keep Cassel or trade Cassel?
Yes, but only if they can determine that there will be an active trade market for his services. Trade him

6. Will Tedy Bruschi or Rodney Harrison return in 2009?
I think Rodney knows he's done. Bruschi will be back in the rotation at ILB, but will be on the field even less than he was in '08

7. What position is in need of the biggest upgrade of in 2009?
CB- An ESTABLISHED cornerback is a must acquistion this offseason. The Pats have to add a CB that they know can play, versus someone they hope can play. A pass rusher is also a pressing need.

8. Will the Pats make a big splash in FA?
No, my prediction is the Pats use one of their 2nd round picks to trade for a veteran defender at LB or CB.

9. Which player will not be on the 2009 roster that will be a big surprise?
I can't think of a huge shock, but I'll go with Benjarvus Green-Ellis. The Pats backs will be Maroney, Morris, Jordan, Faulk, and Evans.


10. Will Josh McDaniels be the OC next year?

No, there will be too many job openings and the fact that the Patriots are not in the playoffs means he will be able to interview at any time.

patsfan55

1. Yes, however Cassel was not the main reason we lost any of those 5 games

2. Dave Thomas' penalty vs the colts

3. The obvious answer is Cassel. Other than him, probably Benjarvus Green-Ellis and Guyton

4. Maroney

5. I would love to be able to franchise and trade him, but if there are any setbacks with Brady's injury we might need to try and convince him to stay with a short contract (almost impossible to get done)

6. I feel like it's yes and yes. However, Bruschi should retire. He honestly has nothing left. Rodney still plays at a decent level, when healthy.

7. Linebacker still. We'll get AD back, but him and Vrabel have definitely been good but not great lbs the last couple yrs, and in our defense we need lbs that can make more plays.

8. Probably not, although there will probably be rumors of Nnamdi

9. Maroney

10. Probably not, after what he did with the offense the last 2 yrs someone will give him a shot as the hc somewhere.

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“My favorite ring? I've always said, you know, I always said the next one. The next one is the best,” Brady says.

KontradictioN

1. Would a Tom Brady led team made the playoffs?
Yes

2. What was the play or the decision that had the most impact on not making the playoffs?
The Colts game. Combine the Gaffney wide open drop with the late Thomas block and some unusual decisions from BB. We could have won that game and, if we had, we'd be trying to figure out what this team needs to do in order to beat down Baltimore next week.

3. Who was the biggest surprise in 2008?
Cassel without a doubt. Most thought he should have been cut in training camp. Now we're looking at receiving tons of compensation for him in a trade. Next up would be Randy Moss.

4. Who was the biggest disappointment in 2008?
It's hard for me to single someone out here, but I'd have to say Deltha O'Neal although I didn't have huge expectations for him coming into the season.

5. Should the Pats franchise Matt Cassel? If yes, should they keep Cassel or trade Cassel?
Yes. To expound, it's pretty simple. If Brady is healthy and is ready to go for opening day, trade him and see what you can get draft pick wise. If he is not and the rumors about a setback are true, keep him.

6. Will Tedy Bruschi or Rodney Harrison return in 2009?
I can see Bru returning for one last season but not Rodney. That injury just looked devestating. His career is likely over.

7. What position is in need of the biggest upgrade of in 2009?
Secondary, LB corps (particularly a pass rusher), blocking tight end (Graham), and offensive line. In that order.

8. Will the Pats make a big splash in FA?
Hard to say. I think if they do it would probably be on the offensive side of the ball while improving the defense through the draft. Personally, I'm really hoping to see Darren Sproles in a Patriot uniform in 2009. I don't think we're going to be in the running for Asomughua.

9. Which player will not be on the 2009 roster that will be a big surprise?
My guess is Seymour. His contract year and Wilfork's contract year are both here I think. If it's between the two, I can see us giving Wilfork the nice extension and playing Jarvis Green (not a bad alternative) in his place while drafting a possible replacement.

10. Will Josh McDaniels be the OC next year?
Again, hard to say. I thought his year to leave was last year but he will probably get offered a HC job with a fat contract since he proved he doesn't have to rely on Brady in order for his offense to execute.

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Hey Kerry, you suck!

stinkypete

1. Would a Tom Brady led team made the playoffs?
Yes. Cassel has had a brilliant year, but Brady probably would have converted at least one of those red zone drives into a TD in the Indy game. The question is moot, though.

2. What was the play or the decision that had the most impact on not making the playoffs?
To me, it was the timeout called in the Indy game on what would have been a first down.

3. Who was the biggest surprise in 2008?
Guyton. I liked him as a special teamer but didn't expect him to crack the rotation. He looks like a potential starter at a position that has been miscast for years.

4. Who was the biggest disappointment in 2008?
The special teams coverage units. That element of the game was MIA over the first 60% of the season. Killed us in the Jets game. We were not getting the field position that we regularly had in 2007. It made a difference early in the season.

5. Should the Pats franchise Matt Cassel? If yes, should they keep Cassel or trade Cassel?
No. It will not be possible to keep Cassel here long term. He has earned a full time starting job and the team can't dedicate 20% of its cap space to one position. Even a tag/trade deal will cripple the team at the start of free agency, where there is some substantial linebacker and corner talent available. The only way this could work is if there was a handshake deal in place before the start of free agency, a la Asante Samuel.

6. Will Tedy Bruschi or Rodney Harrison return in 2009?
I don't think so. I think the time is right for both players and for the team to move on. I'll always love 'em.

7. What position is in need of the biggest upgrade of in 2009?
Cornerback by a longshot. I would have said safety a month ago, but Meriweather has torn it up since and is looking like a legit starter.

8. Will the Pats make a big splash in FA?
I see them more likely to bring in someone cut or to make a trade for a player. I don't think there is a big free agent that fits into the Patriots scheme or price range. They are not going to pay Suggs or Asomugha. They'll make a move but it will be after the peak of free agency.

9. Which player will not be on the 2009 roster that will be a big surprise?
Most likely a high 2008 draft pick like Wheatley or Crable. What other big surprise cut would there be? Maroney? Too much upside and too inexpensive.

10. Will Josh McDaniels be the OC next year?
Probably not. There will be a lot of openings this offseason and McDaniels may have the luxury of picking up a team that is in decent shape, personnel wise. We're looking at potential openings in New York, Buffalo, Cleveland, Indy (if Dungy retires) Oakland, Philly, Tampa, St. Louis, Seattle...it's going to be hard to say no to this market.

condon84

1. Would a Tom Brady led team made the playoffs?

Yes. We win at least one of the games against the Jets at home or at Indy, maybe both. Brady would have also led scoring drives against MIA and SD so the complexion of those games might have been different. I think against Pittsburgh, the elements, Light getting beat like a drum, and bad drops, I don't knolw if it really would have mattered if Brady was in there.

2. What was the play or the decision that had the most impact on not making the playoffs?

This is a loaded question. So many ways to answer. The obvious one is Brady getting injured. Then you look at key plays like the 3rd and 15 in OT against the Jets. Dave Thomas' bonehead penalty. Gaffney's drop against Indy and Watson's fumble against the Jets. One key play that gets overlooked is when Adalius gets hurt. That play wasn't replayed enough but the repercussions was staggering. Our pass rush was not consistent, but at least with AD, there was always a threat and he did put pressure on in critical moments during games. With him out, our pass rush completely disappeared and our pass defense got totally exposed.

3. Who was the biggest surprise in 2008?

No brainer. Cassel. Threads were made of him on these boards of him being cut in favor of Goots in the preseason. Now he will be the most sought after FA in the offseason. Unbelievable!

4. Who was the biggest disappointment in 2008?

Chad Jackson. So much expected of him coming into the season and he doesn't even make the team even though he had another year in his contract. Biggest bust in the BB/Pioli era.

5. Should the Pats franchise Matt Cassel? If yes, should they keep Cassel or trade Cassel?

If we Franchise Cassel, the mandatory compensation is 2 first rounders. That's a high price for any team. Very risky in franchising Cassel in hopes for getting a trading partner. Best case scenario is to sign and trade. This way, the other team isn't stuck in having to give up 2 first rounders. I've read it somewhere (maybe Mike Lombardi's blog) that the Pats best scenario is to contact a team and have that team work out an agreement/contract with Cassel, have Matt sign the contract with the Pats, then trade him to that team. The reasoning would be that the other team prevents Cassel from going into the open market and thus maybe going to the highest bidder. This scenario would work out if Cassel agrees to help the Pats out.

6. Will Tedy Bruschi or Rodney Harrison return in 2009?

I think Tedy will try. I hope if he does return, BB gives the younger guys equal opportunity to usurp him in the starting lineup. I'd love for Guyton to be the starter next to Mayo.

7. What position is in need of the biggest upgrade of in 2009?

CB. Wheatley looked pretty good and Wilhite competes, but we need depth back there since CBs getting injured in NE is an annual thing.

8. Will the Pats make a big splash in FA?

I don't think so. We have players on our team who's contracts need to be addressed.

9. Which player will not be on the 2009 roster that will be a big surprise?

Bruschi. He'll give it a shot but will lose his starting spot in the preseason and I think he'll give it up when he realizes he will no longer be the starter.

10. Will Josh McDaniels be the OC next year?

Yes. Too many other coordinators ahead of him that other teams will give jobs to (Spagnulo, Schwartz, Rex) and ex head coaches (Cowher, Marty, Fassel, Martz).

TheBostonStraggler

[quote=hallfamebrady;1227284]Like everyone else, I am disappointed in the outcome of this season but proud of their performance. I am still amazed an 11 - 5 team failed to make the playoffs. In 2001, 11 - 5 got a first round bye.

Questions about the past and about the future. I have inserted by answers below.

1. Would a Tom Brady led team made the playoffs? (Yes, MC's development in the beginning likely cost us a win or two)

3. Who was the biggest surprise in 2008? (Easily MC. Notable mention for Mayo)

4. Who was the biggest disappointment in 2008? (Easily, Maroney. )

5. Should the Pats franchise Matt Cassel? If yes, should they keep Cassel or trade Cassel? (Franchise then trade him for the best deal possible. That's a no brainer.)

6. Will Tedy Bruschi or Rodney Harrison return in 2009? (neither will be back though Bruschi is an outside chance. Rodney has too many injury issues to overcome plus he seems to have a solid after football plan from what i have read)

7. What position is in need of the biggest upgrade of in 2009? (no brainer, CB and LB)

8. Will the Pats make a big splash in FA? (depends on the Cassell/Brady Situation. Likely they will to a very measured extent)

9. Which player will not be on the 2009 roster that will be a big surprise? (no big surprises coming. Heath Evans, Gaffney or Izzo are staples and they may not be back. None would qualify as big surprises)

10. Will Josh McDaniels be the OC next year? (80% chance he'll be back. He needs more seasoning, and unlike Mangini, I think he will realize that. That said, if a great situation presents itself, he'll be gone)

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"to a New Yorker like you, a hero is some kind of weird sandwich."

ausbacker

1. Would a Tom Brady led team made the playoffs?
Yes, I'd estimate 14-2.

2. What was the play or the decision that had the most impact on not making the playoffs?
2 for me. Dave Thomas penalty against the Colts and the Jets converting 3rd and 15.

3. Who was the biggest surprise in 2008?
Matt Cassel

4. Who was the biggest disappointment in 2008?
Ben Watson

5. Should the Pats franchise Matt Cassel? If yes, should they keep Cassel or trade Cassel?
Yes. An insurance blanket until we are 95% sure of Brady's rehab completed.

6. Will Tedy Bruschi or Rodney Harrison return in 2009?
I hope so, as part of the rotation.

7. What position is in need of the biggest upgrade of in 2009?
Either cornerback or outside linebacker stud.

8. Will the Pats make a big splash in FA?
I'd rather seem them make good business decisions based on value to the team that lavish Cowboy acquisitions. If that big splash is Asomugha then throw what I have said out the window.

9. Which player will not be on the 2009 roster that will be a big surprise?
Maybe Bru... and he is my all time favourite.

10. Will Josh McDaniels be the OC next year?
Ofcourse he will. He'll stay with BB to learn how to coach defenses as part of his general head coach grooming.

Sean Pa Patriot

[quote=hallfamebrady;1227284]Like everyone else, I am disappointed in the outcome of this season but proud of their performance. I am still amazed an 11 - 5 team failed to make the playoffs. In 2001, 11 - 5 got a first round bye.

Questions about the past and about the future. I have inserted by answers below.

1. Would a Tom Brady led team made the playoffs?

2. What was the play or the decision that had the most impact on not making the playoffs?

3. Who was the biggest surprise in 2008?

4. Who was the biggest disappointment in 2008?

5. Should the Pats franchise Matt Cassel? If yes, should they keep Cassel or trade Cassel?

6. Will Tedy Bruschi or Rodney Harrison return in 2009?

7. What position is in need of the biggest upgrade of in 2009?

8. Will the Pats make a big splash in FA?

9. Which player will not be on the 2009 roster that will be a big surprise?

10. Will Josh McDaniels be the OC next year?

1. No doubt, I think the Miami Indy and Sd games would have been wins, who knows about Pitt.. Cassel was on a learning curve...

2 Matt Slaters fumble in the pitt game it gave momentum..

3 Gary Guyton

4 Ben watston- 2 years in a row

5 No , the defense needs fixing dont tie up money unless Brady somehow does not play

6 Bruschi yes- Harrison no

7 CB

8 No

9 I thought about putting Richard Seymoer ,because its a guy I think they could live with out..But it could be Vrabel.

10 NO

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"We are going to win this game"

Tom Brady Sept 14 2009



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