I'm not sure what you're getting at here, and I don't want to sidetrack the thread since T.C. is just beginning, but I meant what I posted, and I really have hated pretty much every aspect of the team's offseason.
Well then, let's tackle this one at a time, shall we?
No Patriot fan appreciated Wes Welker more than I. Here is a post I made back in October of 2006, when he had a grand total of 733 career receiving yards:
I love Wes Welker. I would honestly be thrilled if NE gave Miami a third round pick for him, and I could probably talk myself into being happy sending a 2nd rounder. He just makes things happen. I could go on about it, but since he's still on Miami, I won't blow too much up there.
That said, after he had a hand in stalling at least three NE drives in the AFCCG, I turned to my brother and said, "Wes just played his last game as a Patriot." It was clear that NE wasn't going to invest top dollar in a WR who seems to get worn down over the course of the season and isn't nearly the same difference maker in the playoffs.
Am I happy he's gone? Of course not. But I get it, and I think the team can thrive without him.
As for the other lost FA's who is there to complain about? Lloyd? The team is better off without him. Deaderick and Love? I was surprised as anyone by their releases, but they were hardly difference makers, and since both were acquired with a sub 6th round investment, there is plenty of reason to believe that NE will pull another rabbit out of their hat.
I'll grant you that there is no homerun in there, but when has NE
ever done that? And don't we see every single year that some relative unknown becomes a solid or even excellent player? Kelly and Armstead fit perhaps the biggest need on the team, interior pressure. Wilson and Washington fill holes nearly as large. Amendola's resume far surpasses what Wes' was at this point in 2007, with injuries being the only problem.
This is precisely how NE plays every FA, with a few exceptions. And more often than not it works.
Draft pick decisions - sucked
I'll grant you that Harmon was a headscratcher, but what else is there to complain about? The trade back was a layup move and a decided win for NE. Collins fits a perfect need, a guy who is adept at both covering and rushing the passer. NE clearly needed WRs and got two. The secondary really needed a depth overhaul and got that.
Even if you don't like Harmon, most analysts had Buchanan as a 3rd round prospect, so just mentally switch them and it all makes perfect sense!
No, you'll have to provide more detail on this one before I'm buying it in the least. Tell me precisely what moves you didn't like and who NE should have taken instead.
offseason issues - sucked
Granted, but don't you want to see how the team reacts to it?
Kraft lying his his ass off - sucked
I'm calling BS to this one. When did he lie? I've seen you throw this one out before with nothing whatsoever to back it. Personally, I'd buy that he omitted facts in his presser about Hernandez, but you've been referring to Welker when saying this in the past and I just don't see it.
You can sometimes get on your high horse and I think this is one of those times. Everything BK said related to Welker sounded reasonable to me.
Gronk's transformation into crystal - sucked
Probably the most overblown story of the year. Two injuries in three years at the most injury prevalent position in the league and suddenly he's Bob Sanders? Please.
The arm issues are almost entirely due to the team rushing him back for the playoffs. Had he just gone on IR, he would have been healthy by February and the entire thing would have blown over.
And did you know that JPP had the same back surgery a few days after Gronk? Probably not, because for any other player it is a minor issue.
Counting out Gronk for 2013 is a fool's errand.
Manning-led Broncos team seemingly improved - sucks
Why? Because of Wes? What about the fact that their best defensive player is being suspended? How about losing Dumervil? What about the fact that they lost their leading rusher from last year, the only guy on the team who ran more than 20 times with at least 4.0 ypc? What about the fact that neither they nor their defensive coordinator have demonstrated the ability to hold the Patriots under 30 points? Or that their offseason issues are probably only exceeded by the Patriots?
Top NFC contenders in Seattle and SF seemingly improving - sucked
Well, only one of them can get there, and I'll take my chances if the Patriots lucky enough to face them. Really strange thing to complain about. :confused4:
Sorry, buddy, you are going way overboard on this one. Take a few deep breaths, regain some perspective and :rocker:.
