Facts are in about the 05-06 offseason

[Ring 6]

While there is this tremndous need from some to say the Pats had a bad off-season, with AV, Branch, Givens, McG leaving, we have already reached the point where the judgment on the off-season is a fact.
It was SUCCESSFUL.
We improved. We won 2 more regular season games, and are already a round deeper into the playoffs.

Of course the LEVEL of success is still to be determined. (We still judge success by rings)

But, the sum total of additions and subtraction has made the Patriots better in 06 than they were in 05, and it is indisputable.

Thanks, Mr. Belichick and Mr. Pioli.
(hopefully those that villified your indiviudal decisions will thank you as well for a good job of improving the team with the TOTALITY of those decisions)

 

[zippo59]

And we still have yet to cash in on our nifty extra first round draft pick.

 

[Ring 6]

And we still have yet to cash in on our nifty extra first round draft pick.

True.
I just found it interesting that so many people were lining up to criticize the off-season moves, and I have yet to see anyone recognize that the off-season moves made us a better team.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

It's ironic considering Rodney was out for half the season.

Also Maroney's addition has helped Dillon and the Pats have a legit running attack this year vs last year.

Ty Warren has had a break out season.

The secondary has been solidified even when Hobbs entered the starting lineup last year.

And the O-line is healthy and gelling.

 

[mgcolby]

True.
I just found it interesting that so many people were lining up to criticize the off-season moves, and I have yet to see anyone recognize that the off-season moves made us a better team.

Yeah, I miss those "Brady's prime is being wasted", SP and BB "have lost it", "The season is over" etc..threads. They seem to have fallen by the wayside. And fortunately for us as a group some of the biggest culprits of those threads don't feel the need to stop by anymore.

 

[arrellbee]

Outstanding point made, Andy.

I wish I thought that one more example of the success of Belichick and Pioli's approach (if you are paying attention) would silence all of the preseason judgments that they have really blown it 'this' year and the Patriots are doomed. Unfortunately, I don't hold out much hope. We are already seeing threads before the season is even over from folks who think we HAVE to sign certain players no matter what the cost - or, as you can easily guess, the Patriots are 'doomed' next year. Geeeeesh.

[Did you mean 2006 -2007 season ? (Or do you count offseason as part of 2005 maybe?)]

 

[PatsFanInVa]

Jumping on this bandwagon too. Well put, Andy, but it's a mere two weeks and a day until the Super Bowl... and whether we get there or not, whether we win it or not, you can predict with certainty an increasing influx of posters who say BB/SP have "gone too far," "jumped the shark," etc.

But another ring will go a long way toward keeping down the white noise.

PFnV

 

[spacecrime]

True.
I just found it interesting that so many people were lining up to criticize the off-season moves, and I have yet to see anyone recognize that the off-season moves made us a better team.

I was watching the Brown-Sehorn-George show the other night, and Eddie George said the biggest surprise to him was that teh patriots were still in it. Seems like they came out of nowhere.

I thought, wow, first you guys say the Pats dynasty is gone because they lost players, and then when it's shown the dynasty is alive and strong, rather than say, OOPS, GUESS WE ALL WERE WRONG, you say the Pats came from nowhere.

The Pats never left, Eddie and Jason. Just becasue you just thought they were doomed doesn't mean they were.

And the most absolute amazing thing to me is not only are we a better team, WE HAVE TWO FIRST ROUND PICKS FOR NEXT YEAR!

 

[PatsFanInVa]

I don't think we were ever "favored" except possibly smack in the middle of "the streak," although I think someone else had been annointed during that season too.

It's uncanny, the ability the Pats have to "come out of nowhere" and still never be considered a dynasty in a given year. It's like Clememceau said about America, that we'd gone from barbarism to decadence without the usual interval of civilization. The Pats went from aberration to declining dynasty without actually being a dynasty in these peoples' minds, except in retrospect.

Screw these guys. I for one am happy to be "that team that just won't go away." Embrace the dark side.

PFnV

 

[patpatriot]

Yes Andy you could justifiably say the BB/Pioli guessed right this time. Still I would feel a *whole* lot better if AV were still here instead of on the opposing sideline in a big game and that they had found some way of getting Javon Walker to get on that plane out of Denver.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Yes Andy you could justifiably say the BB/Pioli guessed right this time. Still I would feel a *whole* lot better if AV were still here instead of on the opposing sideline in a big game and that they had found some way of getting Javon Walker to get on that plane out of Denver.

how much is javon walker kicking himself as he's sitting at home watching the game tomorrow.

 

[zippo59]

Yes Andy you could justifiably say the BB/Pioli guessed right this time. Still I would feel a *whole* lot better if AV were still here instead of on the opposing sideline in a big game and that they had found some way of getting Javon Walker to get on that plane out of Denver.

It's really never enough for some people.

 

[patpatriot]

It's really never enough for some people.

No, some people are just truly objective about the situation.

 

[zippo59]

No, some people are just truly objective about the situation.

Teams can always get better, but realistically you can't always get every player that would help your team.

I guess we'll just have to settle for Jabar Gaffney who is leading all WR's in catches and yards in the playoffs, Stephen Gostkowski who has not missed a kick in the playoffs, as well as playing in the AFC Championship game for the right to go to the Superbowl.

 

[BruschiOnTap]

Andy, let me start by saying 'great post,' it was timely and relevant. I'm glad that posters on this board stop to smell the roses

But your eyebrows never raised even a liiiittle bit this past offseason?

 

[patpatriot]

Teams can always get better, but realistically you can't always get every player that would help your team.

I guess we'll just have to settle for Jabar Gaffney who is leading all WR's in catches and yards in the playoffs, Stephen Gostkowski who has not missed a kick in the playoffs, as well as playing in the AFC Championship game for the right to go to the Superbowl.

Be careful what you wish for...

 

[AzPatsFan]

We have talked about the great coaching jobs that Brian Daboll (WRs), and Josh McDaniels (OC), have turned in.

I'd like to assess the excellent job the FO has done. They entered the season from 2005 with little apparent CAP space only to have the new CBA add about $9 million in space.

They signed Seymour to a long term extension. All the big time players were locked up. This year they face Asante, Graham and TBC but thats all; with lots of money to address those FAs.

I'd like to review the draft.

Draft 2006:

1 LM is a franchise back, a keeper and a future Star.
2 CJ did little as a WR but showed that he will be a force in a year or two
3 David Thomas is a keeper and has definitely assumed the role that Fauria had, of pass catching TE, spot starter.
4 Mills INComplete.
4 Gostkowski is a Keeper and a rising star. Now 25 for 32 81.25% and has provided the Pats with a top five in KOs and touch backs. It helps that he has a two tackles too, and gives the coverage a real 11 on 11 versus most teams 11 on 10.
5 Ryan O Callaghan is a keeper at RT who has starts as a rookie on a good O line. It allowed the Pats to trade Brandon Gorin as surplus.
6 Mincey didn't make it,
7 Andrews was drafted as a ST performer and has won a position there, if he can keep it.
UDFA Pierre Woods is this years UDFA find and looks to have a depth position at OLB.
UDFA Andrew Spahn is another of this years UDFA find from NFLE as a ST gunner/DB.

Summary: Five future starters and nine good additions. The single cut is still in the NFL, so they didn't miss, but Woods won the job.

Veteran FA:

Several were brought in and ended up on IR but looked to be good additions in-the future.

1 Mel Mitchell will be a ST addition next season
2 Tebuckey Jones will be a ST addition next year and a reserve Safety who sees some snaps.
3 Barry Gardner was adding depth at ILB until he was hurt; will add depth in 2007
4 Reche Caldwell is a starter and a rising star
5 Jabbar Gaffney is a starter and a rising star
6 Jr Seau came looking for a Ring and earned the starting position at ILB for twelve games. He would be welcome back in 2007 if he wants it.
7 Kelvin Kight came from nowhere to fill the tail end of the WR corps and even had a start and catch.
8 Sauerbrun was signed and in his tried game served notice he can return to his pro bowl punting years. He saved the San Diego game, IMHO.

Summary: four starters and 8 keepers

Players who Broke through:

Warren played well enough to make the pro Bowl and people noticed.
Evans beefed up and dramatically improved his lead blocking.
Mankins made a couple of All Pro teams.
Britt stepped forward among the second team O linemen. As a soph he had a start or two and served notice there was now a backup at LOT.
Mike Wright got Jonathan cut, and confirmed he is a spot starter and good reserve on a spectacular D-line.

At the end of 2006 season the entire Offense is under thirty with but two reserves over thirty. (Dillon & Brown)

The Defense is younger too. There are only two starters over thirty, but several other experienced ex-starter vet FAs give good depth. (Jr., Harrison, Scott)

here we are in the AFCCG for the Lamar Hunt Trophy in a rebuilding year! Not bad at all.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

We have talked about the great coaching jobs that Brian Daboll (WRs), and Josh McDaniels (OC), have turned in.

I'd like to assess the excellent job the FO has done. They entered the season from 2005 with little apparent CAP space only to have the new CBA add about $9 million in space.

They signed Seymour to a long term extension. All the big time players were locked up. This year they face Asante, Graham and TBC but thats all; with lots of money to address those FAs.

I'd like to review the draft.

Draft 2006:

1 LM is a franchise back, a keeper and a future Star.
2 CJ did little as a WR but showed that he will be a force in a year or two
3 David Thomas is a keeper and has definitely assumed the role that Fauria had, of pass catching TE, spot starter.
4 Mills INComplete.
4 Gostkowski is a Keeper and a rising star. Now 25 for 32 81.25% and has provided the Pats with a top five in KOs and touch backs. It helps that he has a two tackles too, and gives the coverage a real 11 on 11 versus most teams 11 on 10.
5 Ryan O Callaghan is a keeper at RT who has starts as a rookie on a good O line. It allowed the Pats to trade Brandon Gorin as surplus.
6 Mincey didn't make it,
7 Andrews was drafted as a ST performer and has won a position there, if he can keep it.
UDFA Pierre Woods is this years UDFA find and looks to have a depth position at OLB.
UDFA Andrew Spahn is another of this years UDFA find from NFLE as a ST gunner/DB.

Summary: Five future starters and nine good additions. The single cut is still in the NFL, so they didn't miss, but Woods won the job.

Veteran FA:

Several were brought in and ended up on IR but looked to be good additions in-the future.

1 Mel Mitchell will be a ST addition next season
2 Tebuckey Jones will be a ST addition next year and a reserve Safety who sees some snaps.
3 Barry Gardner was adding depth at ILB until he was hurt; will add depth in 2007
4 Reche Caldwell is a starter and a rising star
5 Jabbar Gaffney is a starter and a rising star
6 Jr Seau came looking for a Ring and earned the starting position at ILB for twelve games. He would be welcome back in 2007 if he wants it.
7 Kelvin Kight came from nowhere to fill the tail end of the WR corps and even had a start and catch.
8 Sauerbrun was signed and in his tried game served notice he can return to his pro bowl punting years. He saved the San Diego game, IMHO.

Summary: four starters and 8 keepers

Players who Broke through:

Warren played well enough to make the pro Bowl and people noticed.
Evans beefed up and dramatically improved his lead blocking.
Mankins made a couple of All Pro teams.
Britt stepped forward among the second team O linemen. As a soph he had a start or two and served notice there was now a backup at LOT.
Mike Wright got Jonathan cut, and confirmed he is a spot starter and good reserve on a spectacular D-line.

At the end of 2006 season the entire Offense is under thirty with but two reserves over thirty. (Dillon & Brown)

The Defense is younger too. There are only two starters over thirty, but several other experienced ex-starter vet FAs give good depth. (Jr., Harrison, Scott)

here we are in the AFCCG for the Lamar Hunt Trophy in a rebuilding year! Not bad at all.

I would list Spann as a street FA since he was signed and sent to NFLE before becoming this seasons yoyo. Mays is a UDFA who has made a mark on STs with Woods giving the Pats both an ILB & OLB to groom.

Nice attempt to rub some people's noses in reality AJ! Alas, we have at least one in this thread who can't stand the sweet smell of reason.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

Exhaustive breakdown, Az. I have to say CJ can't be annointed a "future success" yet, but he's shown some flashes. The draft was a huge success in my book, with Gost, O'C, and Maroney making the most regular and obvious contributions. But as always, draft grades are still out at least for a year or two. The FA pickups gave HUGE bang for the buck, especially in the playoffs. We did hemmorage free agents this last offseason... but per the model, all except the players with the potential to change the game itself (Seymour/Brady, at present), we deemed to have a certain value, and to be expendable beyond that value. If we think it's hard to take as fans, how must it be to make those cold decisions every year?

That discipline and "hard-heartedness" is a big part of why we're in the AFC Championship game in a "rebuilding year." The challenge is remembering that this coming off-season.

PFnV

 

[mgteich]

The conclusion is spot on. We had a great off season. We had great pickup during the season. This team is stronger than last year as andy, box and I have agreed since we completed the draft. The FO did a GREAT job.

However, I disagree with the conclusions with regard to the wide receivers:

Jackson may or may not be a force in the next couple of years
Caldwell may or may not be a rising star
Gaffney may or may not be a rising star
Kight has done nothing as a receiver
I would add that Gabriel was Ok for a couple of game and then was cut
Also we traded a player under contract for a future #1

BOTTOM LINE
1) We spent almost nothing on the wide receiver position, saving cap money and securing a future #1 and #4 (the comp we should get for Givens). We have had HUGE success at this position considering what we spent. It is all about value. We can't spend the cap money at every position. This year we chose to use the available cap money to extend Seymour and bank $6M and a draft choice or two, not bad value at all.
2) To put it another way, as of now the top three wide receivers for the colts would be huge upgrades on our team. I would expect this would be the case for the rest of the careers of both sets of receivers.
3) Not adding a top or mid-level corner was a major failure in the offseason. However, we did sign Poteat, and extend Scott and later upgraded with Mickens during the season, enough to get us through so far.

Personally, I would have spent $6M of 2006 cap money on Ty Law. It is only my speculation, but my guess is that it was all about money. And if y'all think that this team would not be and is not better with Ty Law instead of Spann, I respectfully suggest that you watch some tape of Law playing this year, and listen to a couple of experts on this subject, the QB's and coaches who played against him.

And the team would look better with 2006 Milloy, but he was unavailable.

just my 2 cents