PromisedLand
Virtual Internet Person
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2004
- Messages
- 3,367
- Reaction score
- 30
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/AFC/AFC+East/New+England/Features/2003/hanacek090303.htm
In my three years on board and in charge of the AFC East at Pro Football Weekly, never have I seen such a terrible roster move. The Patriots, who have left me in awe of the way they've mastered the free-agent wires and the salary cap for the majority of those three years, have made a flat out mistake this time.
Milloy's departure leaves a massive, massive void in defensive and team leadership. It's hard to emphasize that enough. He was one of those vocal leaders who demonstrated his leadership skills in the way he played on the field. He even demonstrated these things in practice. Milloy and Law had developed a trash-talking feud during practices with starting QB Tom Brady last year and used to get on each other during drills. Can you tell me that didn't make any of them better players in some way? Milloy's hard work in practice (he's been known to hammer his own teammates in the defensive backfield during drills) certainly sent supremely positive messages to any youngsters who had joined the Pats over the years.
Harrison might develop into another defensive leader, but he cannot step up and be a leader like Milloy was right away because he needs to inherit his teammates' respect first.