Fencer
Pro Bowl Player
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2006
- Messages
- 14,293
- Reaction score
- 3,986
Leaving out guys who clearly are still elite players -- e.g. Brady -- it's interesting to try to guess which of the aging vets will or won't come back. My early thoughts are:
Kevin Faulk -- it's a pity, but he's done, as is evidenced by his difficulty making the active roster, and by some of his teammates' comments.
Lousaka Polite -- when a fullback misses his blocks, his career prospects aren't great.
Brian Waters -- yes, his family lives far away, but he really liked it here, and seems likely to come back.
Dan Koppen -- he's lived here since he was 18 years old. He'll make the deal to stay, as Matt Light did.
Chad -- asta la bye-bye. If he didn't get the playbook by the end of the season, he's not a good bet to get it next year either. On the other hand, he really rehabilitated his personal reputation, which will help him get a job elsewhere.
Deion Branch -- here in training camp. Reasonable fans can differ as to whether he'll make the final roster. (I lean yes, but not strongly.)
Andre' Carter -- back. He flourished here. Pay no attention to the line of reasoning that says the Pats must have a LESS flexible defensive system than they had this year, in which he might not fit.
Shaun Ellis -- makes a few plays a year. Not enough. Gone.
Gerald Warren -- at best, on the verge of losing a numbers game. But without Haynesworth and Ellis around, might stick.
Mark Anderson -- not old enough to fit this list. Also, I'm guessing he'll command enough money elsewhere that the Patriots will be outbid.
Kevin Faulk -- it's a pity, but he's done, as is evidenced by his difficulty making the active roster, and by some of his teammates' comments.
Lousaka Polite -- when a fullback misses his blocks, his career prospects aren't great.
Brian Waters -- yes, his family lives far away, but he really liked it here, and seems likely to come back.
Dan Koppen -- he's lived here since he was 18 years old. He'll make the deal to stay, as Matt Light did.
Chad -- asta la bye-bye. If he didn't get the playbook by the end of the season, he's not a good bet to get it next year either. On the other hand, he really rehabilitated his personal reputation, which will help him get a job elsewhere.
Deion Branch -- here in training camp. Reasonable fans can differ as to whether he'll make the final roster. (I lean yes, but not strongly.)
Andre' Carter -- back. He flourished here. Pay no attention to the line of reasoning that says the Pats must have a LESS flexible defensive system than they had this year, in which he might not fit.
Shaun Ellis -- makes a few plays a year. Not enough. Gone.
Gerald Warren -- at best, on the verge of losing a numbers game. But without Haynesworth and Ellis around, might stick.
Mark Anderson -- not old enough to fit this list. Also, I'm guessing he'll command enough money elsewhere that the Patriots will be outbid.