"Surprising" offseason winners?

[farn]

Per Reiss :

Offseason program winners - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

Often, the board is littered with calls for Watson, Kaczur, and J. Sanders to be replaced. Obviously, they not only keep their roster spots, but they also get extra recognition from the coaches.

I think it is much like the "surprising" Cassel success last season - there is so much the fans don't see behind the scenes, that we cannot even begin to correctly guess who'll make the final roster.

 

[BTTA]

Re: "Surprising" offseason winners ?

I think it is much like the "surprising" Cassel success last season - there is so much the fans don't see behind the scenes, that we cannot even begin to correctly guess who'll make the final roster.

Agreed. The fans view is that of an iceberg - maybe 20% shows when the seas are calm. The press only gets closer so they can describe what's showing, but few of them see what's below the water line either.

 

[Kontradiction]

Nice to see Mayo on there. Looks like he's poised for a huge year in this defense. I am kind of suprised to not see Brady on there. He's been working his butt off all offseason.

 

[patchick]

Often, the board is littered with calls for Watson, Kaczur, and J. Sanders to be replaced. Obviously, they not only keep their roster spots, but they also get extra recognition from the coaches.

I fully expect those three to be major contributors this season, but the offseason award doesn't guarantee anything roster-wise. Just ask C.J. Jones.

Other stray thoughts...

- I love that the Gostkowski is establishing himself as a regular on this list. It's easy to overlook kickers, but is there any other PK in the league you'd rather have, factoring in range and consistency, field goals and kickoffs, fitness and attitude?

- Is this the first time we've seen Kaczur's name as an offseason winner? If so, is it too cynical to think that the summer before his contract year as a 30-year-old who will only get 1 chance at big FA money is the expected time?

 

[Rob0729]

Per Reiss :

Offseason program winners - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

Often, the board is littered with calls for Watson, Kaczur, and J. Sanders to be replaced. Obviously, they not only keep their roster spots, but they also get extra recognition from the coaches.

I think it is much like the "surprising" Cassel success last season - there is so much the fans don't see behind the scenes, that we cannot even begin to correctly guess who'll make the final roster.

Offseason award winners are based on participation in the offseason program. Winning the award does not guarantee you a starting position or even a place on the team. Watson isn't surprising since he is in a contract year and needs to make an impression to get a new job next year whether it is with the Pats or elsewhere.

 

[BelichickFan]

- Is this the first time we've seen Kaczur's name as an offseason winner? If so, is it too cynical to think that the summer before his contract year as a 30-year-old who will only get 1 chance at big FA money is the expected time?

It's not cynical at all, it's human nature and I'm convinced it plays a part in the Patriots not extending players early as often as the fans would like. To extend a guy early you'd better get a good deal (like Koppen and Warren) because you're losing out on their contract year which is often their best.

I don't care why Kaczur did it or if it means he leaves for big money next year, I'm just happy to see him there because I still say the OL is the critical element for the year. I don't think we will lose any games in which the OL plays well (meaning it does at least as well as the opposing DL).

 

[italian pat patriot]

i'm happy for Ben Watson

let's hope in a big year from him too

 

[farn]

Obviously it doesn't give you a "sure in", but in the case of the three I mentionned, I'm pretty confident. I suppose Kaczur could be a salary cut, but I'd be quite surprised.

 

[JSn]

Is this the first time we've seen Kaczur's name as an offseason winner? If so, is it too cynical to think that the summer before his contract year as a 30-year-old who will only get 1 chance at big FA money is the expected time?

My thought is that it's much more than a contract issue. At this time last year he was rehabbing from a drug addiction and after a slow start had an excellent year. People like to get on his sack, but that's a band-wagon with no factual evidence in existence. He's a very good RT.

So I this could also be an indication that football has returned to priority one. I'm super excited about how this line will play this year. Even the back-up's seem to be very good.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

- Is this the first time we've seen Kaczur's name as an offseason winner? If so, is it too cynical to think that the summer before his contract year as a 30-year-old who will only get 1 chance at big FA money is the expected time?

Perhaps not "too" cynical, but to counter that cynicism we can always look at what kind of effort it takes to be a four year starter for the NEP...

 

[farn]

14 999... ridiculous... whatcha got planned for post #15 000 ? Something special I hope.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

My thought is that it's much more than a contract issue. At this time last year he was rehabbing from a drug addiction and after a slow start had an excellent year. People like to get on his sack, but that's a band-wagon with no factual evidence in existence. He's a very good RT.

So I this could also be an indication that football has returned to priority one. I'm super excited about how this line will play this year. Even the back-up's seem to be very good.

I still think Kazcur has developed into our best run blocker on the OL, since Mankins has fallen off. I like run blockers with the flat back that can move people and Kazcur showed me that last season.

 

[patchick]

I still think Kazcur has developed into our best run blocker on the OL, since Mankins has fallen off. I like run blockers with the flat back that can move people and Kazcur showed me that last season.

Just to clarify, I've never been part of the anti-Kaczur brigade. I just considered him the most unexpected name on the list, based on previous reputation. Whether it reflects his contract status or more generally cleaning up and refocusing in his life, it's a very good sign for this season.

 

[stinkypete]

I think Kaczur has taken an unfair beating over the years from fans. Seems people here still have a looong memory of a rookie Kaczur being forced into a starter's role at LT when Light went down for the year. Truth is, Kaczur has been a very good RT for a few years now. If his offseason performance is any indicator, Kaczur in a contract year could be poised for a big season.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Just to clarify, I've never been part of the anti-Kaczur brigade. I just considered him the most unexpected name on the list, based on previous reputation. Whether it reflects his contract status or more generally cleaning up and refocusing in his life, it's a very good sign for this season.

I would think some combination of both reasons you stated above would be accurate.

If we reap the rewards of his newfound dedication then more power to him.