Random Thoughts - Christie to Klecko

[rhubma]

- the longer the search for a kicker goes on the more I think that bringing Steve Christie in (as rumored) for, at least, competition makes sense (cold wx kicker, accurate, playoff experience) even though he's been out of football for awhile and may need kickoff help. Could the Pats keep a long snapper and a KO specialist?

- BB and SP took advantage of the last time they didn't win the Super Bowl to get younger and faster - maybe that is part of the plan with Willie, etc. Change has to come and it is (slightly) easier to justify when coming off a playoff loss. If this is true then most of the changeover of the team this year will come in the draft. And the Bioli beast is very good at the draft...

- Speaking of Willie - how many of us thought that he was the odd man out when Rosie was signed 3 years ago with Vrabes on board? Now that Rosie is healthy again maybe a way of looking at the last few seasons is to view them as a wonderful, unexpected extension of Willie's Pat's career

- Also, with TBC and Klecko now in their 3rd (or so) years, maybe part of the thinking was that one or both had to get a potential position and letting Willie go gives them something to shoot for. They either get solid roles as coverage/pass rushing OLBs or they are let go. They may be a stop gap for 1/2 a season or full season until a day one draftee is ready to go.

- Vrabes stays inside IMO. And stays there for the rest of his career.

- Even though losing some fan favorites this off-season hurts (I think that AV should be one of those rare players that absolutely should only wear one uniform... but if Bobby Orr can change teams anyone can), hasn't it recharged your interest? Watching the building of a team is fascinating stuff for many of us on this site. IMO this offseason will be one of the most intriguing in awhile.


Your thoughts?

 

[DaBruinz]

- the longer the search for a kicker goes on the more I think that bringing Steve Christie in (as rumored) for, at least, competition makes sense (cold wx kicker, accurate, playoff experience) even though he's been out of football for awhile and may need kickoff help. Could the Pats keep a long snapper and a KO specialist?

I hadn't heard that Christie was an option. Though, I don't think he really is much of an option.

- BB and SP took advantage of the last time they didn't win the Super Bowl to get younger and faster - maybe that is part of the plan with Willie, etc. Change has to come and it is (slightly) easier to justify when coming off a playoff loss. If this is true then most of the changeover of the team this year will come in the draft. And the Bioli beast is very good at the draft...

Yes they are.

- Speaking of Willie - how many of us thought that he was the odd man out when Rosie was signed 3 years ago with Vrabes on board? Now that Rosie is healthy again maybe a way of looking at the last few seasons was a wonderful, unexpected extension of Willie's Pat's career

I thought that it would be a great rotation.

- Also, with TBC and Klecko now in their 3rd (or so) years, maybe part of the thinking was that one or both had to get a potential position and letting Willie go gives them something to shoot for. They either get solid roles as coverage/pass rushing OLBs or they are let go. They may be a stop gap for 1/2 a season or full season until a day one draftee is ready to go.

TBC and Klecko are actually in their 4th years. I think that TBC has a better chance at sticking than Klecko does. Unless the Klecko to ILB project is resurrected.

- Vrabes stays inside IMO. And stays there for the rest of his career.

Many of us have thought this as well.

- Even though losing some fan favorites this off-season hurts (I think that AV should be one of those rare players that absolutely should only wear one uniform... but if Bobby Orr can change teams anyone can), hasn't it recharged your interest? Watching the building of a team is fascinating stuff for many of us on this site. IMO this offseason will be one of the most intriguing in awhile.


Your thoughts?

I thought last season would have had the team re-charging more, but it seems that it will be this season. Regardless, the rest of free agency, the draft and camp are going to be fun and exciting for the Pats and fans of the Pats.

 

[Flying Fungi]

I think that this is going to be a good year to learn about some young talent on the Patriots that was heretofor referred to as 'depth'.

 

[DSal]

- the longer the search for a kicker goes on the more I think that bringing Steve Christie in (as rumored) for, at least, competition makes sense (cold wx kicker, accurate, playoff experience) even though he's been out of football for awhile and may need kickoff help. Could the Pats keep a long snapper and a KO specialist?

- BB and SP took advantage of the last time they didn't win the Super Bowl to get younger and faster - maybe that is part of the plan with Willie, etc. Change has to come and it is (slightly) easier to justify when coming off a playoff loss. If this is true then most of the changeover of the team this year will come in the draft. And the Bioli beast is very good at the draft...

- Speaking of Willie - how many of us thought that he was the odd man out when Rosie was signed 3 years ago with Vrabes on board? Now that Rosie is healthy again maybe a way of looking at the last few seasons was a wonderful, unexpected extension of Willie's Pat's career

- Also, with TBC and Klecko now in their 3rd (or so) years, maybe part of the thinking was that one or both had to get a potential position and letting Willie go gives them something to shoot for. They either get solid roles as coverage/pass rushing OLBs or they are let go. They may be a stop gap for 1/2 a season or full season until a day one draftee is ready to go.

- Vrabes stays inside IMO. And stays there for the rest of his career.

- Even though losing some fan favorites this off-season hurts (I think that AV should be one of those rare players that absolutely should only wear one uniform... but if Bobby Orr can change teams anyone can), hasn't it recharged your interest? Watching the building of a team is fascinating stuff for many of us on this site. IMO this offseason will be one of the most intriguing in awhile.


Your thoughts?

The kicker competition will be interesting to watch. I think BB will bring in anyone he thinks may have a chance to help the team regardless of age or experience. I think, in the end, however, our next kicker wil come from the draft.

Regarding Willie and Adam, Belichick said at some point last year that he doesn't beleive in the saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". He felt that philosophy was the wrong approach to keeping a football team competitive, that if you wait until one or more aspects of the team are broke, it's too late. I think he truly felt that now was the time to replace Willie and Adam. He has probably seen some slippage or knows something medically that told him not to invest heavily in these 2 players and that now was the time to start fixing these areas of the team before they broke.

He's been working with TBC, Klecko and others for a couple of years now. He must feel that there time is now. Will they work out? Who knows? But you've got to figure that Belichick knows a hell of a lot more than any of us do and sees something in these guys that's favorable.

 

[Pats726]

- the longer the search for a kicker goes on the more I think that bringing Steve Christie in (as rumored) for, at least, competition makes sense (cold wx kicker, accurate, playoff experience) even though he's been out of football for awhile and may need kickoff help. Could the Pats keep a long snapper and a KO specialist?

Interesting that Christie would be mentioned...I do not think the 2 kicker spots is bad...(but BB may not like that..so it may not happen..) It may give a young kicker a chance to come on gradually instead of being thrown into the fire..working with a vet etc..may help.

- BB and SP took advantage of the last time they didn't win the Super Bowl to get younger and faster - maybe that is part of the plan with Willie, etc. Change has to come and it is (slightly) easier to justify when coming off a playoff loss. If this is true then most of the changeover of the team this year will come in the draft. And the Bioli beast is very good at the draft...

I do think this year the team will be younger..NOT bad at all.

- Speaking of Willie - how many of us thought that he was the odd man out when Rosie was signed 3 years ago with Vrabes on board? Now that Rosie is healthy again maybe a way of looking at the last few seasons was a wonderful, unexpected extension of Willie's Pat's career

WIllie talked about retirement a few times..since 01 even..so?? That has to scare any FO with a contract over a number of years. VERY possibly...I hope he retires AS a Patriot.

- Also, with TBC and Klecko now in their 3rd (or so) years, maybe part of the thinking was that one or both had to get a potential position and letting Willie go gives them something to shoot for. They either get solid roles as coverage/pass rushing OLBs or they are let go. They may be a stop gap for 1/2 a season or full season until a day one draftee is ready to go.

I think it will be interesting for both of those players..to step up or not.

- Vrabes stays inside IMO. And stays there for the rest of his career.

I think it depends on if they get a true ILB or OLB high in the draft or FA.

- Even though losing some fan favorites this off-season hurts (I think that AV should be one of those rare players that absolutely should only wear one uniform... but if Bobby Orr can change teams anyone can), hasn't it recharged your interest? Watching the building of a team is fascinating stuff for many of us on this site. IMO this offseason will be one of the most intriguing in awhile.
Your thoughts?

I agree...it will be very interesting..and with all the negative pub..even better!!!

 

[rhubma]

I agree with you DaB that TBC has a better chance of sticking than Klecko. I had meant to add to my original post though that I believe that the best that Klecko has looked in the brief glimpses that he has shown over the years has been as a hustling outside pass rusher. He bull rushes very well. I thought he had a shot as a fullback 2 years ago - but last year he looked SLOW. Personally I think he is headed for the Jets after a training camp cut - but I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Pats726]

Personally I think he is headed for the Jets after a training camp cut - but I hope I'm wrong.

May be right...I wish they could find a position for him..I think he is a player...

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Well, it was Klecko's first year back from knee injury and he was heavier with the weight they wanted him to gain as a reserve NT - I've noticed that slows people a bit. He is incredibly quick off the snap, and when he subbed in at NT and DE he looked good on tape. I'd give Klecko a shot at Willie's old job, between him, TBC, Claridge, and possibly Beisel, there is going to be some interesting competition, even before the draft.

 

[Mosi Moose]

I would be shocked if BB is planning on anyone he drafts this year stepping in and contributing on defense (unless we go with Carpenter or Lawson at #21). Which would mean that Vrabes and Tedy are inside and Rosie and TBC will be outside. TBC has been a fun "project" but it's time to find out if he will be a player in this league or not, right now. If we draft Lawson (or that type) I don't think it bodes well for TBC, IMO. Who knows what's up with Klecko. I'd love to see him play alongside Tedy, but I don't see that happening.

 

[AzPatsFan]

- the longer the search for a kicker goes on the more I think that bringing Steve Christie in (as rumored) for, at least, competition makes sense (cold wx kicker, accurate, playoff experience) even though he's been out of football for awhile and may need kickoff help. Could the Pats keep a long snapper and a KO specialist?

- BB and SP took advantage of the last time they didn't win the Super Bowl to get younger and faster - maybe that is part of the plan with Willie, etc. Change has to come and it is (slightly) easier to justify when coming off a playoff loss. If this is true then most of the changeover of the team this year will come in the draft. And the Bioli beast is very good at the draft...

- Speaking of Willie - how many of us thought that he was the odd man out when Rosie was signed 3 years ago with Vrabes on board? Now that Rosie is healthy again maybe a way of looking at the last few seasons is to view them as a wonderful, unexpected extension of Willie's Pat's career

- Also, with TBC and Klecko now in their 3rd (or so) years, maybe part of the thinking was that one or both had to get a potential position and letting Willie go gives them something to shoot for. They either get solid roles as coverage/pass rushing OLBs or they are let go. They may be a stop gap for 1/2 a season or full season until a day one draftee is ready to go.

- Vrabes stays inside IMO. And stays there for the rest of his career.

- Even though losing some fan favorites this off-season hurts (I think that AV should be one of those rare players that absolutely should only wear one uniform... but if Bobby Orr can change teams anyone can), hasn't it recharged your interest? Watching the building of a team is fascinating stuff for many of us on this site. IMO this offseason will be one of the most intriguing in awhile.


Your thoughts?

It is possible that clearing the decks was one of the reasons that they let Willie go. They also let Chatham walk too, and he was good depth. Willie was jsut offered too muchmoney by RAC who needs a defensive leader liek Andruzzi did for him on Offense. I think they are making room for several new Patriot LB rookies....

 

[arrellbee]

The kicker competition will be interesting to watch. I think BB will bring in anyone he thinks may have a chance to help the team regardless of age or experience. I think, in the end, however, our next kicker wil come from the draft.

Or an undrafted rookie free agent ?

 

[fgssand]

Well, it was Klecko's first year back from knee injury and he was heavier with the weight they wanted him to gain as a reserve NT - I've noticed that slows people a bit. He is incredibly quick off the snap, and when he subbed in at NT and DE he looked good on tape. I'd give Klecko a shot at Willie's old job, between him, TBC, Claridge, and possibly Beisel, there is going to be some interesting competition, even before the draft.

TBC is very good on special tems- a big plus for him. Klecko is really a puzzle, so many differing opinions on whether he can play for us, where he would play and how effectve will he be. Claridge may be a very good player - this will be like his rookie seaon though.

I think where Vrable will play will depend on how the above players progress along with what the draft will bring our way and one last point - will Beisel figure it all out.

What great depth to be able to have the ability to use Vrable inside or outside depending on need - he is a vital cog in the wheel.

 

[rhubma]

Or an undrafted rookie free agent ?

Like some other positions on the team that a player occasionally has to make an isolated crucial end-of-the-game play (QB, P, even LB), it is hard to believe that BB would trust the PK to a true rookie (even AV had some Europe experience when he went up against Bahr), especially on club with championship aspirations. The Jets did it last year with the K from Ohio State and while he did ok they did not - I thought that was nuts. This is one reason that I think a kicker like Christie for awhile while grooming a rookie KO person makes some sense. Takes up a huge roster spot though.

One other random thought about focusing on the draft this year. BB has gone into the "bunker" (like old times with Tuna). The main spottings of him have been recruitment trips. I like this for 2 reasons. 1) After 2 SB years (and personal issues) - he hasn't had much down time. I hope he is recharging his batteries a bit and 2) The last time BB and SP had extra time to review draft candidates 3 years ago - they had a terrific draft.

 

[NE39]

Where did you hear about Steve Christie?

I always have liked the guy and he had a pretty good year for the Giants in 2004, but he is 38 (will turn 39 during the season). Christie had a big leg when he was younger, but I find it hard to believe that he would be the guy to kickoff at this point. He did kickoff for the Giants in 2004.

Perhaps that means they will carry 2 kickers. Christie would be a vet who could handle most of the FG and they could draft or bring in a young K to handle kickoffs and long FG (on those rare occasions they try them). That would allow you to develop a guy while having an experienced insurance policy along in Christie. If the kid lights it up and does well, then you thank Christie for his effort and go with the kid.

I like that idea a lot. Reminds me of what they did with Matt Bahr/Vinatieri (and Scott Sisson before him).

 

[primetime]

(and Scott Sisson before him).

The only thing I remember about Sisson is him missing a FG to lose a game to the Panthers, I believe. In fact, that might have even been the Scott Secules game.

 

[IcyPatriot]

- Speaking of Willie - how many of us thought that he was the odd man out when Rosie was signed 3 years ago with Vrabes on board? Now that Rosie is healthy again maybe a way of looking at the last few seasons is to view them as a wonderful, unexpected extension of Willie's Pat's career

I think many forget that Rosie ignited a fire under Willie's butt and willie went to the next level. Had Rosie not gotten hurt...who is to say he wouldn't have pushed Willie aside 2 years ago. Not saying he would have...but Rosie did come here to increase competition...it worked from willie's angle and now he made more money...a win-win if you ask me.

 

[Pats726]

Where did you hear about Steve Christie?

I always have liked the guy and he had a pretty good year for the Giants in 2004, but he is 38 (will turn 39 during the season). Christie had a big leg when he was younger, but I find it hard to believe that he would be the guy to kickoff at this point. He did kickoff for the Giants in 2004.

Perhaps that means they will carry 2 kickers. Christie would be a vet who could handle most of the FG and they could draft or bring in a young K to handle kickoffs and long FG (on those rare occasions they try them). That would allow you to develop a guy while having an experienced insurance policy along in Christie. If the kid lights it up and does well, then you thank Christie for his effort and go with the kid.

I like that idea a lot. Reminds me of what they did with Matt Bahr/Vinatieri (and Scott Sisson before him).

Two kickers is a plan..but it eats a roster space...

 

[cubedoggy]

- the longer the search for a kicker goes on the more I think that bringing Steve Christie in (as rumored) for, at least, competition makes sense (cold wx kicker, accurate, playoff experience) even though he's been out of football for awhile and may need kickoff help. Could the Pats keep a long snapper and a KO specialist?

One reason to watch NFLE is for possible K candidates...

- BB and SP took advantage of the last time they didn't win the Super Bowl to get younger and faster - maybe that is part of the plan with Willie, etc. Change has to come and it is (slightly) easier to justify when coming off a playoff loss. If this is true then most of the changeover of the team this year will come in the draft. And the Bioli beast is very good at the draft...

Yes, they are...it's going to be interesting to see what they do w/ those two 6ths that they can't trade.

- Speaking of Willie - how many of us thought that he was the odd man out when Rosie was signed 3 years ago with Vrabes on board? Now that Rosie is healthy again maybe a way of looking at the last few seasons is to view them as a wonderful, unexpected extension of Willie's Pat's career

- Also, with TBC and Klecko now in their 3rd (or so) years, maybe part of the thinking was that one or both had to get a potential position and letting Willie go gives them something to shoot for. They either get solid roles as coverage/pass rushing OLBs or they are let go. They may be a stop gap for 1/2 a season or full season until a day one draftee is ready to go.

I though Willie was done when he tore up his groin 10 years ago...all of it has been a bonus since then, IMO.

I'm really interested to see what TBC will do w/ more playing time. If DK can stay healthy, I think he may have a spot on this team, particularly w/ Chatham gone...though Claridge is an X factor.

- Vrabes stays inside IMO. And stays there for the rest of his career.

Quite possible; I think TC play will show whether he's needed more at OLB, but I'd lean in the ILB direction

- Even though losing some fan favorites this off-season hurts (I think that AV should be one of those rare players that absolutely should only wear one uniform... but if Bobby Orr can change teams anyone can), hasn't it recharged your interest? Watching the building of a team is fascinating stuff for many of us on this site. IMO this offseason will be one of the most intriguing in awhile.

This should prove to be the most interesting offseason in a while, and I think that's why folks are so antsy about seeing FAs signing elsewhere.

If you think about it, what players were out there that have already signed that we really needed anyway?

BB & SP have a track record as slow starters in FA, and lots of fun (especially if you like to see Kiper squirm) at Draft time.

Great post!

 

[rhubma]

Where did you hear about Steve Christie?
.

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find the link to original discussion.


The jist was: if one of the previously FA kickers that were signed (I think it was Longwell and the Vikes), hadn't signed, then that team was going to go after Christie - who had been out of football, but was working out to get back into shape. Christie is 38 years old, but kickers have stayed around into their 40s.

Right now, with Mare (sp?) not free yet from the Phins - I could be comfortable with Christie as a mentor/1 or 2 season stopgap. Edinger had a bad year in a dome last year and nobody else seems to make sense (Brown as an RFA probably would cost too much).

 

[RayClay]

If Klecko continues to occupy a roster spot I'd have to believe those photos off BB he has are very kinky.