Sign the Beast XL: Pats trying to trade for Philadelphia Eagles G Evan Mathis

Joker said:

OK...it's all about balance.

If you're gonna blather on about "sign the beast!", then when he doesn't work out I want you to post the corresponding "cut the yeast!"...yin/yang. Bring the board into equilibrium ,so to speak.

Or screw it....just sit there and get all pizzed off. Works for me...

Click to expand...

I say "ferment the sugars with the yeast!"

PatriotsReign said:

I am so sick of reading and hearing the term "Beast", I'm gonna puke the next time someone posts it!

Hey, the guy's a BEAST!

Click to expand...

Sign that LARGE WILD CREATURE!!!!!

Patstopia said:

It's not hate, it's more of a realistic view of an average OG. And great should be used to describe something great. He did however play well, or well enough for an JAG!
As Brady gets into his final years he needs better than average. He really will need great.

Click to expand...

Solder and Connolly's streakiness were far bigger issues for our OL last year than Wendell and honestly that's nitpicking because our OL was pretty good from week 10 on. Wendell does have a known weakness and we all know it is giant NTs. But not playing at C helped him out there a lot.

The line as a whole couldn't run block worth a damn. If Brady doesn't get the ball out in under 3 seconds he get squashed. There was a lot of room for improvement from both guard positions and left tackle. They needed to bring in Fleming way to often just to protect Brady.

No, but Brady gets knocked down way to often even when he gets rid of the ball in 2.5 seconds. Just saying it would be a nice to have him have some time without having Fleming and Hooman in to pass protect for longer routes.
I certainly can't complain about the end results of the current line! I just would like a ferocious OL for the remainder of Brady's career.

Ross12 said:

Ooooh now that would be interesting, if the
Pats could get him without giving up compensation.

Click to expand...

No it would be better to give a late round pick for him. His contract is about as friendly as it gets, and we would most likely lose a bidding war if he hit the open market.

Id be pretty surprised if he cleared waivers to be honest.

Doesn't mean it wouldn't be likely to happen, just means I'd be surprised

Well they seem to be having some difficulty re-signings connoly

He wouldn't have to go through waivers.

Danger Zone said:

Id be pretty surprised if he cleared waivers to be honest.

Doesn't mean it wouldn't be likely to happen, just means I'd be surprised

Click to expand...

meatface said:

Well they seem to be having some difficulty re-signings connoly

Click to expand...

I'd fully support moving on from Connoly if we could land Mathis.

VectorPrime said:

I'd fully support moving on from Connoly if we could land Mathis.

Click to expand...

Of course, but that's an awfully big "if."

I'd be okay with bringing Connelly back as well, as it may provide more value. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have Mathis from a talent standpoint, but I'm guessing the odds may be low + the cost high(er).

kennyb said:

He wouldn't have to go through waivers.

Click to expand...

This surprises me!

Good to know.

VrabelJr said:

Solder and Connolly's streakiness were far bigger issues for our OL last year than Wendell and honestly that's nitpicking because our OL was pretty good from week 10 on. Wendell does have a known weakness and we all know it is giant NTs. But not playing at C helped him out there a lot.

Click to expand...

Solder's play got better once there was some stability at the LG position, which Connolly brought. With that Mathis is obviously a clear upgrade over Connolly. I'd be ecstatic having one of the best Guards in football protecting Brady, and drafting a guard or 2 this years draft to groom behind him.

No ones gonna confuse Wendell for being an All pro guard, but just his experience and versatility is important to the group.

Patstopia said:

The line as a whole couldn't run block worth a damn.

Click to expand...

They were an average group. Not horrible but certainly not a power-running one which has been the case here for 15 years.

Patstopia said:

If Brady doesn't get the ball out in under 3 seconds he get squashed.

Click to expand...

Most QB's do get squashed at 3 seconds. To put it in context, there were 27 teams that allowed more sacks than the Pats and 14 teams that allowed more Qb hits. The line was above average in pass protection.

Keep in mind, you don't want to release the ball too early. Receivers need time to run their routes. The line needs time to create passing lanes. Every play has a different timing element to it. I think you might find this article informative. Seems 2.4 seconds was reasonable but less than that was good and bad- depending on the matchup and play call of course.

http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports...se-time-leads-to-patriots-super-bowl-win-mvp/

Patstopia said:

There was a lot of room for improvement from both guard positions and left tackle. They needed to bring in Fleming way to often just to protect Brady.

Click to expand...

What was wrong with Vollmer? Solder settled down in the 2nd 1/2 of the season as well.

I don't think they brought in Fleming in primarily to protect TB. They brought him in to run block. He was also out for a number of games with an ankle issue and the pass blocking was fine.

We can all agree that the team has a chance to upgrade both guard spots with younger, more physical players. The question is...will they be better players.

I saw this on Walterfootball.com NFL Free Agency Rumors

3/24: "Evan Mathis remains on the trade market. Although teams may be reluctant to give up anything for a player the Eagles could eventually release." - Jeff McLane, Philadelphia Inquirer
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/freeagents2015rumors.php#8L9ZRk0Q85X6T0o6.99

Click to expand...

back to back pro bowls but 33 with a 6.5 million dollar cap hit is right up there with Mike Iupati and Mankins so no one is going to trade for him and he still may get 4 million on the market if he is cut so I don't see the pats getting him

How much did we spend to get Brian Waters?

VectorPrime said:

How much did we spend to get Brian Waters?

Click to expand...

I think just over 2 million per

Man, Waters was an absolute steal for us that year. He was easily our best OL that year, particularly in pass protection. Shame he didn't want to play here afterwards. Also shows how under-appreciated the RG position is, and how important it is to have someone with good pass protection attributes on that side of the line.

patsfan-1982 said:

back to back pro bowls but 33 with a 6.5 million dollar cap hit is right up there with Mike Iupati and Mankins so no one is going to trade for him and he still may get 4 million on the market if he is cut so I don't see the pats getting him

Click to expand...

Mathis actually wants a raise