Bill the Patient, Bill the Relentless

The Jeff Demps reported signing is yet another example of how systematically relentless BB is in addressing all the areas of this team, yet at the same time how he doesn't panic or rush to fill needs. The Pats reportedly showed interest in Demps before he decided not to enter the draft in order to pursue his Olympic dream, and now they've apparently snuck under the radar once again to edge out other teams for a potentially dynamic return player with a ton of upside.

This isn't about whether or not Demps works out, much less turns out to be a "savior". He may, or he may not. Just like Tavon Wilson and Steve Gregory at the safety position, Chandler Jones and Jake Bequette at the DE/OLB position, and numerous other examples. What is clear is that regardless of the result, BB will (1) be absolutely relentless in assessing the skills of the team and in systemically addressing weaknesses to the best of his ability, and (2) that he will be patient and won't panic. If one option doesn't work out, he'll plug holes as best he can and try again when an opportunity presents itself.

That's not to say he's perfect. We've seen more than one personnel move not work out. Chad Brown and Monte Beisel, Duane Starks, Deltha O'Neal, Albert Haynesworth, Jonathan Sullivan, Joey Galloway, Chad Johnson, etc. But just as BB kept trying with the TE position until he hit gold with Gronk and Hernandez, it seems like he is continuing to try with the all-purpose back position and kick returner. Demps is just the latest, and he may or may not be part or all of the answer, but clearly BB is committed to solving the problem.

I had guys all-purpose guys like Ryan Broyles (Detroit, 2nd round, #54 overall), Chris Rainey (Pittsburgh 5th round, #159 overall) on my short list this year, and Dexter McCluster (Kansas City, 2nd round, #36 overall in 2010) and Randall Cobb (Green Bay, 2nd round, #64 overall in 2011) in previous years. Guys like Jacoby Ford (Oakland, 4th round, 2010) and Trindon Holliday (Texas, 6th round, 2010) were drafted almost exclusively because of their return ability. BB didnt use a draft pick, and has picked up a player certainly in the Ford-Rainey-Holliday class, and potentially better.

It's also a good lesson for those who are bemoaning the current state of the OL. BB will be ruthless in assessing weaknesses on the team, and relentless in addressing them. OT is thin right now, and the interior line uncertain. I'm guessing things will change over the course of the season.

Well stated, and the laser focus of BB conveys to this team at all levels. I understand why so many of my Ravens, Steelers, Jets (yes, I have Jets friends despite their obvious deficit), and Redskins friends have developed a strong bordering on passionate resentment for the Patriots. It comes with the territory, and the HC is the best in the game at staying in the moment and focusing only on those things of most importance to the team.

Great insightful topic as always.

BB is always looking for niches to improve the team. He's not afraid to innovate and take risk. You mention several examples of how his attempts have failed but as we know his record of productivity (wins) and wise ownership allows him to continue to innovate without having to answer to others.

It's hard to know what's happening inside the Foxboro Steel Curtain but I hope he's relentless having advisors explore methodologies to improve the injury situation. A small improvement could be the difference between a ring and early golf.

I was listening to the Jets radio network on my way to the casino last night and they were discussing that there was some major talk about the Jets having huge interest in Demps and getting close to talking to him seriously.

I bet Bill knew this too and scooped him up quickly.

PatsWickedPissah said:

Great insightful topic as always.

BB is always looking for niches to improve the team. He's not afraid to innovate and take risk. You mention several examples of how his attempts have failed but as we know his record of productivity (wins) and wise ownership allows him to continue to innovate without having to answer to others.

It's hard to know what's happening inside the Foxboro Steel Curtain but I hope he's relentless having advisors explore methodologies to improve the injury situation. A small improvement could be the difference between a ring and early golf.

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BB's made some aggressive stealth moves in the past 2 months:

- The Jake Ballard situation. The Pats caught everyone by surprise snatching Ballard off of waivers.
- The Visanthe Shiancoe signing. The Pats and Philly were apparently the finalists, and most people felt that Philly would either offer more money or offer a better opportunity for playing time for Shiancoe. Between that and the Ballard move, the Pats are clearly interested in more than just depth at the TE position.
- The Demps signing. Tampa Bay was the rumored frontrunner, with the Jets the second most mentioned team. Though the media speculated about Demps as a fit for the team, there was no overt indication out of Foxboro of any interest until today.

All of this on top of a very aggressive offseason and draft.

Agree completely, and I'm not worried about the OL because Belichick will find players and Scarnecchia will absolutely coach them up. As offseasons go it's hard to find many that would top this one. They didn't go the mario Williams route but added quality and depth and were really aggressive in the draft, which was frigging awesome. I'm looking forward to this season like few before it.

jets talk about it.

Patriots do it.

As usual.

PATRIOTSFANINPA said:

I was listening to the Jets radio network on my way to the casino last night and they were discussing that there was some major talk about the Jets having huge interest in Demps and getting close to talking to him seriously.

I bet Bill knew this too and scooped him up quickly.

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Upsetting Jet fans is almost by itself reason to like this. Almost.

mayoclinic said:

Chris Rainey (Pittsburgh 5th round, #159 overall) on my short list this year, and Dexter McCluster (Kansas City, 2nd round, #36 overall in 2010) and Randall Cobb (Green Bay, 2nd round, #64 overall in 2011).

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Loved all of them coming out and also Demarco Murray as a 3 down back who could catch the ball and a return guy.

As much of a turd as he turned out to be. Bethel Johnson helped us win two very important games in 03. The reg. season game in Indy. Gave us home field. His returns were unreal. And, the bomb early against Tennessee in the Div. round game. Someone with this type of speed can make plays nobody else on our roster could. Wouldn't mind tossing the ball out to Mr. Demps on a slip screen on 3rd and long, a couple of good blocks and a good move he can take it all the way.

I just think it's mindboggling that, with such depth at O Back, Tight End, and Wide Out, he was able to to beat out all 31 other teams with less Depth to win the services of Jeff Demps. Absolutely amazing!! :rocker:

BB spoils us, we are very fortunate that Mr. Kraft put his faith in him.

Off The Grid said:

I just think it's mindboggling that, with such depth at O Back, Tight End, and Wide Out, he was able to to beat out all 31 other teams with less Depth to win the services of Jeff Demps. Absolutely amazing!! :rocker:

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As with rookied UDFA Brandon Bolden and veteran Visanthe Shiancoe, both of whom had several teams chasing after them for their services, I kind of wonder what it is that BB says to some of these guys to convince them to come here even though they face a deeper roster and more competition. Is it some kind of Sith mind trick ("those aren't the teams you want to play for")? Do they simply appreciate the fact that they will have a fair competition to earn a spot?

DarrylS said:

BB spoils us, we are very fortunate that Mr. Kraft put his faith in him.

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WWLLD

What would Larry Lucchino do?

PATRIOTSFANINPA said:

I was listening to the Jets radio network on my way to the casino last night and they were discussing that there was some major talk about the Jets having huge interest in Demps and getting close to talking to him seriously.

I bet Bill knew this too and scooped him up quickly.

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I don't think Belichick signing this guy had anything to do with the Jets interest.

aluminum seats said:

I don't think Belichick signing this guy had anything to do with the Jets interest.

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Agreed. BB doesn't care. It's just a pleasant byproduct for this board that they had interest!

mayoclinic said:

As with rookied UDFA Brandon Bolden and veteran Visanthe Shiancoe, both of whom had several teams chasing after them for their services, I kind of wonder what it is that BB says to some of these guys to convince them to come here even though they face a deeper roster and more competition. Is it some kind of Sith mind trick ("those aren't the teams you want to play for")? Do they simply appreciate the fact that they will have a fair competition to earn a spot?

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I can't for the life of me remember the interview, but one of our former players who came here talked about his interview with Coach Belichick, and why he turned down other tems to play for New England and at less money than he might have made elsewhere.

His comments were along the line of Coach being straight up with him, of not talking any BS or trying to chat him up, etc. he said that Belichick told him that "this is how we see you being used for us, this is where we see your strengths, weaknesses, and this is how you'll fit in to our schemes if you want to play here", etc.

The guy was bl;own away because NO OTHER coach had talked to him like that. All the others had been trying to chat him up, say how much they thought he was still a great talent, how he was just the guy they needed, etc. In short, they were buttering him up whereas New England was all business, and he appreciated that. He liked the honesty, and when he talked to other players, he was amazed about the one thing that they all said, that no one there was going to lie to you. if they said something, they meant it.

I think that that speaks volumes about where Coach Belichick's leadership strengths lie, and it also goes straight back to his days with his dad at the Naval Academy. Straight and honest talk. Constructive criticism. Professionalism. Treat the players like men.

We are in a true Golden Era with this team, and I do so appreciate what we have.

Gwedd said:

I can't for the life of me remember the interview, but one of our former players who came here talked about his interview with Coach Belichick, and why he turned down other tems to play for New England and at less money than he might have made elsewhere.

His comments were along the line of Coach being straight up with him, of not talking any BS or trying to chat him up, etc. he said that Belichick told him that "this is how we see you being used for us, this is where we see your strengths, weaknesses, and this is how you'll fit in to our schemes if you want to play here", etc.

The guy was bl;own away because NO OTHER coach had talked to him like that. All the others had been trying to chat him up, say how much they thought he was still a great talent, how he was just the guy they needed, etc. In short, they were buttering him up whereas New England was all business, and he appreciated that. He liked the honesty, and when he talked to other players, he was amazed about the one thing that they all said, that no one there was going to lie to you. if they said something, they meant it.

I think that that speaks volumes about where Coach Belichick's leadership strengths lie, and it also goes straight back to his days with his dad at the Naval Academy. Straight and honest talk. Constructive criticism. Professionalism. Treat the players like men.

We are in a true Golden Era with this team, and I do so appreciate what we have.

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I'm sure it happened with other FA signings, but I believe you're referring to Rodney Harrison recounting his experience when he visited the Pats.

ClevTrev said:

I'm sure it happened with other FA signings, but I believe you're referring to Rodney Harrison recounting his experience when he visited the Pats.

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I believe you're correct. For the life of me I couldn't remember who, but that interview story has stuck with me all this time.

Not only Rodney but Rosey as well. I knew he and Rodney were the right fit attitude wise when they first joined the Pats and both made comments about BB being "all about football".

Ex-Bear Colvin: I can get better - Chicago Tribune

SI.com - Pro Football - Patriots sign ex-Bear Colvin - Wednesday March 12, 2003 12:08 PM