Pats726

I also liked the Givens pick...although at the time, if I had to choose, I did think Branch would be one that would move into the starting role quicker. I don't think many have large expectations for a 7th rounder...anyone who could have predicted what a solid receiver he would become is certainly one who could be a scout. He's a hard worker and one of class. I really wish him well. Do I wish the team could keep both?? Of course..but I don't see that happening

Bill's Girl

Face it everyone, we are cheering for the laundry here. All of these FA players leaving for the cash prove that while these guys drink the Kool-Aid and say all the right things about TEAM, they are all selfish and have no concept about loyalty. To balance this out, keep in mind that Tedy, Tommy, Vrabes and Matt Light all signed under market value deals to stay here.

The one bright light in all of this is BB. He is well aware that players are going to leave his team for the brass ring so I am sure he has replacements lined up for David, Adam and Willie. It's all a matter of priorities. Tedy said that if he left, it would kill him to see 54 jerseys in our stands that were not his. He loves living here and loves playing for us and BB. He stayed to become part of something greater than just himself. I have NO DOUBT that Bill and the boys will find someone to replace David. He has sucessfully replaced Andruzzi, Patten, Washington and Milloy!

Honestly everyone, how many games do you think Cleveland will win this year??? They were 6-10 last year and 5 games out of the top playoff spot in their division. I don't see Pittsburgh getting any weaker. Cincinatti might have a tough time repeating their 11-5 season with Palmer's injury. We still have a great opportunity to make it 4 out of 6!

Buh-bye David enjoy your cash!

__________________
As we like to say in New England, it's not collecting talent, it's building a team. -Bill Belichick

rookBoston

For those of you who hate Givens today: did you hate him last week? Do you hate him in retrospect or only starting now? If you plan to hate every young player who leaves the team in free agency: better get used to it. You're going to have a lot of hate to carry around with you.

Givens has been the most productive and successful 7th rounder that I can remember. Depending on the details of his contract (and what we do in free agency), he's probably going to earn us a 3rd or a 4th round pick in the Compensatory Draft... which means his legacy on the team will outlast his personal tenure.

He's been a class guy, never b!tched to the media about playing time or money or not getting the ball. He's been a team guy, filling in when other players were hurt, playng any role needed of him, on ST, in the slot, as a blocker. Remember that his hands weren't all that good at first, and he worked hard to make himself a player.

And even when BB/SP made it clear to him that they basically dont want him back, he's been a pro's pro.

I've got nothing but respect. He's a self-made man, nothing handed to him, and he's come to the top of his sport.

__________________
"We want to build a big, strong, tough, smart, fast, disciplined football team that will consistently compete for a championship."
-- Scott Pioli, from the Patriots scouting manual

dhamz

I just don't get how people can be mad at Givens if he leaves when the Pats have not made an offer to keep him in over a year. This isn't Edgar Renteria leaving St. Louis who was willing to pay 4 years 39 million to go to Boston for 4 years 40. If he does soemthing like that, I'd get it. The Pats have not made him an offer and by most accounts are not planning to.

italian pat patriot

perfect and well said.

then...i do not really able to understand why if a player leave NE we should 'hate' this player...

why ?
of course it depends 'the way' a player goes out but, as we are talking about Givens, if he will play for another team (hopefully not Miami) i will still be glad he was with us, he helped us to win and he dressed our wonderfull uniform / colours.

he was a 'class guy', a nice player, a good person.
all the best David !

smg93

I hope you keep this statement in mind the next time another company offers you double (at least) what you're making now for the exact same job.

pats1

Don't undervalue Givens. It will come back to haunt the Pats.

patriotspride

i went to the link you provided and i cant find anything about givens .

smg93

They took it down already because it was an obvious mistake.

mcsully

In the thrad I made, Is Givens Really Gone?

there seems to be some denial of the signing now per

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

**reasons those websites don't work anymore **