Gasper: We're witnessing a breakdown in communication - New England Patriots Forums

***Deus Irae*** · 12-12-2009, 01:52 PM

There's some interesting commentary in the article. Here are a few points:

Quote:

We have seen uncharacteristic breakdowns from the Patriots this season in just about every phase of the game, and now we're witnessing a breakdown in communication between Belichick and some of his players.

Belichick can't just dictate to his subservient subjects, not when the team is 7-5, and has lost three of four for the first time since 2002, and not when he has a team chock full of impressionable young players and veteran hired guns who didn't reside on Patriots Way when it was the path to three Super Bowl titles earlier this decade.

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There has been an undercurrent of ferment in Foxborough all season long. It started with the team's decision to exile outspoken defensive end Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders on Sept. 6, eight days before the season-opener against Buffalo. That trade was an eye-opener to a lot of the Patriots' rank-and-file, a reminder that what is in the best interest of the team doesn't necessarily take into account their interests at all.

Throw in the fact that nose tackle and defensive captain Vince Wilfork, the team's best defensive player, is being held to a bad, six-year rookie contract and has been unable to come to terms on a new deal, and that the Patriots are a team with a lot of Hessian soldiers like Thomas, the most expensive free agent in team history, who have experienced NFL life as members of less totalitarian teams and the Patriot Way has given way to the Patriot Wayward.

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The reality is that not everyone in the locker room is simply downing the Patriot Kool-Aid without looking anymore. Some guys are grabbing the cup, sniffing it, and pouring it out when no one is looking.

Time to communicate - Christopher Gasper's Blog - Boston sports news - Boston.com

***KontradictioN*** · 12-12-2009, 01:59 PM

Watch. If Wilfork goes in the offseason, we'll see the same people that are complimenting Wilfork on his attitude toward the contract negotiations now saying that he was "always a cancer" and "chasing the almighty dollar" if/when he goes to another team and speaks out. It's almost a travesty that he hasn't been re-signed yet.

emoney_33 · 12-12-2009, 02:14 PM

I suspect that there isn't a lot different in "communication", aside from that one bad seed who continues to go to the media. We lost a lot of leaders in the locker room for sure, but others will step up, the team will improve and this will be another "they hate their coach" memory.

emoney_33 · 12-12-2009, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KontradictioN

Watch. If Wilfork goes in the offseason, we'll see the same people that are complimenting Wilfork on his attitude toward the contract negotiations now saying that he was "always a cancer" and "chasing the almighty dollar" if/when he goes to another team and speaks out. It's almost a travesty that he hasn't been re-signed yet.

Oh OK except there is no evidence to suggest that will be the case. Unless you have examples of specific posters being hypocritical like this, then it's not fair to lump 2 arguments into one and accuse them as coming from the same person.

RhodyPatriot · 12-12-2009, 02:17 PM

Gasper the Friendly Ghost can't do better than this??
This team is 7 - 5 because the virtually intact offense has struggled this season with a new coach in Bill O'Brien on the sidelines and a QB coming back from a year off and a significant injury. Do you notice how the media refuses to train their eyes on Tom Brady and this O??
Vince Wilfork and his contract isn't the problem at all right now and Dick Seymour's presence would not have changed the outcome of a single game this team. How do we know that?? Dick producted 1 and 1/2 sacks in the 5 losses the Patriots had last season to the Jets, Dolphins, Colts, Steelers and Chargers and did so when 1 on 1. The days of Double Team Dick have been over for a couple of years at least. Dick doesn't save his best games for the biggest opponents. Seymour as a team leader is also highly overrated. Dick was a guy known for playing hard when the smell of money inspired him. Hardly leadership qualities.
Jerod Mayo and Brandon Meriweather are the future leaders of the D. BB needs to rid the team of cancers Thomas and Springs so these leaders can blossom.

***KontradictioN*** · 12-12-2009, 02:24 PM

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Originally Posted by emoney_33

Oh OK except there is no evidence to suggest that will be the case. Unless you have examples of specific posters being hypocritical like this, then it's not fair to lump 2 arguments into one and accuse them as coming from the same person.

I don't recall anyone spewing venom about Richard Seymour last season the way people have lately. I know you read the thread so I don't believe I have to list specific examples for you.

RhodyPatriot · 12-12-2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KontradictioN

Watch. If Wilfork goes in the offseason, we'll see the same people that are complimenting Wilfork on his attitude toward the contract negotiations now saying that he was "always a cancer" and "chasing the almighty dollar" if/when he goes to another team and speaks out. It's almost a travesty that he hasn't been re-signed yet.

I hope we do re-sign Vince but if we don't I've got no problem with him. Vince Wilfork plays hard, keeps his mouth shut and doesn't strut around like a rooster in heat telling anyone and everyone who will listen how he's a "man" ala Dick Seymour.
I was critical of the Big Overrated when he was here so my critique of him now that he's gone is no different. I've got no issue with Vince Wilfork and if he leaves I'll wish him well. Terrific player and a hell of a guy who will be missed if he does leave.

Garbanza · 12-12-2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KontradictioN

Watch. If Wilfork goes in the offseason, we'll see the same people that are complimenting Wilfork on his attitude toward the contract negotiations now saying that he was "always a cancer" and "chasing the almighty dollar" if/when he goes to another team and speaks out. It's almost a travesty that he hasn't been re-signed yet.

I completely agree

RhodyPatriot · 12-12-2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KontradictioN

I don't recall anyone spewing venom about Richard Seymour last season the way people have lately. I know you read the thread so I don't believe I have to list specific examples for you.

I'm proud to say I've had the same low opinion of Dick the Big Overrated Seymour for at least a couple of years now and have freely shared those thoughts with my fellow Patriot brethren on this site. And I've had company that's been in agreement with me for those couple of years.

SVN · 12-12-2009, 02:38 PM

so many reactionary articles about the entire season. Brady doesnt throw and INT in miami in the EZ and gasper would have to shut this article up for a few more weeks. I hate this timely crap. If players had issues with seymour being let go and and you as a report want to write a story then do it then . Dont do it when its convenient for you .