Ken, I never heard anyone say they would fall apart without Moss, what I remember was great support for the decision to trade him. And i would suggest that those who did say they were in trouble without Moss really weren't paying close attention to what was happening on the field, just as they aren't really paying close attention to what is actually happening on the field with Welker and are instead making abstract arguments to get rid of him based on some bizarre desire to replace him with a bigger WR. And in truth i honestly think his size has more to do with this issue than any other factor, as over and over and over again people have been clamoring for a big fast downfield WR to replace him while completely overlooking his production and importance to this offense.
There were a lot of people who were glad to see Moss go because of his outbursts during the season, but even some of those questioned the effect of loss to the offense, mediots and fans. I'm sure by that time BB knew what he had in Gronk/Hernandez, but we didn't...or didn't know for sure.
Yes, Ivan, a lot people are looking at players like AJ Green, Calvin Johnson, Adrian Johnson, Demetrious Thomas, etc, etc, and long for that kind of threat here. So do I. But I don't think any of us see that player as a replacement for Welker, but rather as a different kind of threat, that goes along with Welker.
welker does something no other reciever has been able to do for Brady, he gets open immediately and negates the ability for defenses to blitz the sh.t out of Brady because he will not only be free instantly but will make big yards after the catch and makes defenses pay all day long.
That's not true all the time, Ivan. Otherwise he'd have 170 catches. Some teams can effectively cover Wes and make him less effective. Every receiver can be shut down, but there is a cost
The Patriots have spent the last few offseasons rebuilding their defense, and it is now looking like that project is almost complete. couple that with the next few seasons being the end run of brady's career and it makes absolutely no sense in any way to get rid of his most productive abd reliable target as they embark on that stretch run. I have never suggested their offense will fall apart without Welker, it won't, it will still be very good, but I really see no reason to downgrade the best offense in history when there are Championships to be had the next 3-4 years. it simply makes no sense. you don't deliberately get worse when you can finish one of the greatest runs ever with more rings.
Here's the point you don't seem to get. Everyone wants Welker back. Everyone thinks Welker is worth the money (at least next year). But what you don't get is that its not JUST about Welker. Its about whatthe cost of that 4 for 40 deal will effect the rest of the roster. Who will the Pats NOT be able to re-sign because they signed Welker. Will the drop off from Volmer to Cannon be less than Welker to Edelman for example. Or will the drop off from Talib to Arrington/Coles be greater
I'm not sure we can sign everyone to what THEY want, unless we do those back end deals like the Jets always do where the first year's cap number is ridiculously low and 2 years later you're in cap hell. And if you do that, when it comes time to extend Jones, Hightower, and Dennard, you won't have the cap space for the defense you spent so much time trying to develop.
Believe me, Ivan, I don't know the right answer here. I just know that you CANNOT just say, "pay the man" Not without careful consideration of the consequences of that actioin.
Give him 4-40 and close out the Brady era with 2-3 more rings, that's what i want and how i see it, and i believe it is the best course of action for their team.
I don't think you can give him that much and still keep the other parts you need. just on the injury risk alone. I know he's been incredibly durable, but so were Brady and Mankins....before they weren't.
I'm not saying let Welker walk. I'm saying make him a fair offer that doesn't destroy your salary structure and let Welker decide if its enough to stay.
Let me ask you a question that is probably being asked in the Pats FO when they are planing what to offer the FA's. Which would benefit the Pats more? Having a top 10 defense, and only 3 great targets for Brady, or having the 25th best defense and having 4 great targets. Its not like the Pats are going to ask him to play for free. I'm sure their offer will be in the 6-8MM/yr rang with half guaranteed on a 3-4 year contract. That's NOT chump change.
BTW- thanks for presenting your arguments for your position without the rancor
