shmessy

No complaints about MacMullen, she's one of the best and is just doing her job and getting the scoop, but I can't believe Samuel is talking about this to the media the day before the playoffs.

http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal...07/payment_due

The other unbelievable part is his clueless friend, Benny Sapp playing for Hermie Edwards (every player's best buddy who pays top dollar for our FA's, but turns in pathetic performances every year - all ya have to do is watch last night's game for the most recent example).
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"It would be a shame if he has to leave. Asante has fallen in love with the place. I know he'd rather stay, but he also knows it's business. They make that pretty clear up there. They just don't pay their players like other teams.

"My question is, why wouldn't you pay a guy who has been consistent every year? This is his fourth season and he keeps getting better and better.

"I don't know what's going on with the Patriots, but let me tell you this: Forget all that talk about the 'system.' The system doesn't make the player; the player makes the system. That's not why he's picked off all those balls."
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Yeah, Benny, there's a problem with the NE system.......Herman Edwards, however is on the right track - - too funny.

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"They (Patriots) may be the greatest team ever" - Chris Mortenson, January 18, 2005 on espn.com

PATSNUTme

I don't care about this. Let Samuels play in the playoffs like he deserves a big contract.

I'll worry about his leaving in the off season. There is too much to think about right now.

MrBigglesWorth

I don't think he has been consistent. He has steadily improved every year and this year had a breakout year.

Last year he was flagged for alot of PI calls.

shmessy

EXACTLY.

So why is he talking about this, in these terms, to the Boston Globe at this time?

Shut up and play, Asante.

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"They (Patriots) may be the greatest team ever" - Chris Mortenson, January 18, 2005 on espn.com

fgssand

Franchise his ass....Patriots helped in no small way to make him what he is. He is coming across ungrateful.

shmessy

They'll probably franchise Graham. The top 5 TE's don't make what the top 5 CB's make.

Somehow (sarcasm) the Pats will find a way to survive without Asante Samuel.

In the meantime, #22, shut up and play. Quit running to the media on the eve of the playoffs with your contract gripes.

I have a problem anytime a player under contract starts complaining about the NEXT contract with the media. The issue is compounded when he does it the day before the playoffs start. That is the proverbial kick to the groin - - he knew what he was doing.

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"They (Patriots) may be the greatest team ever" - Chris Mortenson, January 18, 2005 on espn.com

RayClay

Get paid? LOL! He'll enjoy the Redskins.

Guess that extra 1st round pick will come in handy. Maybe we'll hit with another 4th rounder.

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Mainefan

I think intercepting 10 passes is a great achievement, but I would like to know the numbers concerning Samuel's other achievements:

What percent of passes against him were completed?

How many yards were gained by opponents by passing in his direction?

How many touchdowns did he allow?

How many tackles did he have and how many did he miss?

My point is that there is a lot more to judging a cornerback than the number of interceptions he comes up with.

Interceptions are certainly nice and very useful, but some of them are pure luck--the tips, the stupid passes from quarterbacks who can't tell which jersey color is there, etc. The interception number is suggestive, but not conclusive.

In my opinion, if we look at Asante Samuels' body of work, his entire career, what we see is a capable although somewhat inconsistent CB, but not a superstar. The best thing we can say about him is that he's gotten better over time.

So, I don't think we should do any financial acrobatics to retain him. Offer him what he's worth. And if he walks, there's no reason to go into mourning. We'll find a replacement. At this point in time, he is NOT a core member of the team.

shmessy

My point: Is this guy even a "Patriot" for griping to the Boston Globe about his next contract THE DAY BEFORE THE PLAYOFFS START?

For that alone, screw him.

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"They (Patriots) may be the greatest team ever" - Chris Mortenson, January 18, 2005 on espn.com

LloydBraun

Mainefan hit it on the head. The guy is good, but has had an up and down career to date.

Do teams shy away from throwing his way? NO

Is he a shut down? NO

Is he a good young corner, benefitted by being on a good team? YES

Samuel will get a bunch of cash from the Jets or Packers in the offseason and he will leave.

I think the pats should extend Graham right away, then franchise Samuel and trade his rights. perhaps a #2 and a #4 from the Packers?