This is not really so difficult

[tanked_as_usual]

Brady says he wants to play forever, he's talked about playing into his 40s, and I have no clue what his wife's career has to do with anything. So I have no idea where this assumption comes from.

Having said that much, Hoyer has looked quite good in limited action and deserves a chance to progress and improve. I'm comfortable with him as a #2 option for the next little while.

its called saying the right things........good professionals do that even if it is a lie....brady will say he plans to play forever until that day he just walks away....the assumption is a natural one....between the age of his family and other factors that have changed his life since he has gotten here, I would not be suprised for him to just up and say one day in the not oo distant future: 'I am done and walking away without a limp'

teams who are not prepared for the decline of their starting QB's suffer for a long time. how many years ago did the packers draft aaron rodgers?

to sit here and even ponder brady into his 40's is as silly as it gets.

 

[tanked_as_usual]

Good post. I would love to see Dansby lining up next to Mayo. Even if we keep the same OLB's that we had this year (third down specialist in TBC who was forced to be an every down guy, and AD who certainly underpeformed in this style of defense given what he was being paid), upgrading Guyton's spot would improve this defense all by itself. Imagine Dansby and Mayo lining up behind Wilfork, should we bring him back. It would be almost impossible to run up the gut of this defense. Maybe you're just talking about the LB's, but I believe you forgot about DE. IMO, trading up for McClain instead of taking a big bodied DE like Seymour who can take up two blockers to free up the OLB, stuff the run on his side of the line, and get push toward the quarterback on passing downs is of the biggest importance in this draft. You can agree with the Seymour trade if you want, but anybody that agrees with it should freely admit that Jarvis Green and the guys we put in there to replace him were simply not getting it done this season. Personally, I would like to see a guy like Dansby added through free agency or trade to shore up the SILB spot and concentrate our first pick on a DE (or OG, depending on the value available).

from what I've read, mcclain is penciled to be an ILB.......he seem redundant with dansby

I agree with pressing to get dansby, but then drafting LB jerry hughes, DL jared odrick, OG mike iupati, and WR jacoby ford....and in day 2, diggin up another LB like mike johnson from northern alabama, a running back and maybe another OLB-type like jermaine cunninghame from FLA

 

[Kontradiction]

from what I've read, mcclain is penciled to be an ILB.......he seem redundant with dansby

I agree with pressing to get dansby, but then drafting LB jerry hughes, DL jared odrick, OG mike iupati, and WR jacoby ford....and in day 2, diggin up another LB like mike johnson from northern alabama, a running back and maybe another OLB-type like jermaine cunninghame from FLA

I'm personally hoping that Dunlap falls to the second round. He would, essentially, be a replacement (finally) for Willie McGinest.

 

[mgteich]

While I agree moving Mayo over makes sense, the cost is way, way too high. With all the needs we have, you identified an upgrade at ILB as the ONE place to spend big bucks in free agency or alternatively, you you use our two top draft chocies. For me, then needs are just too many for this approach.

In the end, we have ZERO starting OLB's and are missing a starting DE, and you are suggesting upgrading a position that where we have Mayo, Guyton and a draftee we have yet to hear from.

Moving Mayo to the WILL has to happen. He's being wasted at SILB, and, as you say, it has a domino effect on the defense. Patrick Willis would be wasted playing SILB too.

Options include:

1. Bring in a FA SILB (Karlos Dansby)
2. Trade up for Rolando McClain
3. Play Tyrone McKenzie at SILB (not sure he's suited for the role)
4. Draft a rookie other than McClain (possible options include Brandon Spikes, Eric Norwood, and Micah Johnson, among others)

Jays52 has made a compelling argument that the biggest single thing that could be done to improve the Pats' defense is not to get impact edge rushers but to solidfy the inside pass rush:

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england.../308687-my-dilettant-defensive-treatise.html

I believe that a stud SILB, along with a couple of talented young pass rushers and a more aggressive DC, would totally transform our defense.

 

[Jangles]

I think we all assume Brady will be taken care of because, if they don't.........doom?

 

[mayoclinic]

While I agree moving Mayo over makes sense, the cost is way, way too high. With all the needs we have, you identified an upgrade at ILB as the ONE place to spend big bucks in free agency or alternatively, you you use our two top draft chocies. For me, then needs are just too many for this approach.

In the end, we have ZERO starting OLB's and are missing a starting DE, and you are suggesting upgrading a position that where we have Mayo, Guyton and a draftee we have yet to hear from.

Darn right I'm suggesting it. I'm suggesting that our defense could get more bang for the buck by moving Mayo to his natural playmaking position, getting a true SILB who can stack and shed and do the dirty work, and generate pressure up the middle, then anything else.

If the cost to trade up for McClain is too high, then go after Dansby in FA. Or get someone less rarified than McClain in the draft who you believe can play that role. If Brandon Spikes drops because of a lack of foot speed, he might be an option, or someone like Micah Johnson. I don't know who is best qualified, but you should be able to get a hard nosed SILB for less than an arm and a leg. Guyton doesn't fit the bill. McKenzie might, but we don't know for sure, and even if he does we'll need some depth at the position. Heck, if BB thinks AD can play that role then move him inside and let him take a pounding to help the team. But I wouldn't continue with Mayo at the Mike and Guyton at the WILL.

Again, I would try my hardest to execute some sort of plan that includes moving Mayo back to the WILL, and then adding a couple of DE/OLB pass rushers. There are lots of different options, but standing "pat" doesn't seem one of them to me.

And who said anything about it being the ONE place to spend resources this offseason? We'd better be prepared to address several key areas of need. The pass rush, the OL, an offensive playmaker and a #3 WR come to mind. Not a time to think small.

 

[Patspsycho]

the pats have him here for 2 more years. (one based on contract and one with a franchise tag should brady continue to want to play)

either way, at his age, a good replacement prospect needs to be identified now

Not sure I follow your line of reasoning.

Brady is not going to sign an one year contract. He, like any other player at his age wants long-term security. I would be surprised if he gets anything less than five years.

If he doesn't get that, he gets franchised, and then that's it for the face of this franchise.

 

[mayoclinic]

To continue the last thread, I'm tired of playing people out of position in ways that detract from their strengths. Playing Mayo at SILB and playing Meriweather at SS are two good options. We need playmakers, but we also need to use them in ways that allows them to make plays.

 

[Patspsycho]

To continue the last thread, I'm tired of playing people out of position in ways that detract from their strengths. Playing Mayo at SILB and playing Meriweather at SS are two good options. We need playmakers, but we also need to use them in ways that allows them to make plays.

It does work in some cases.. e.g., Edelman.. but it can only be pushed so far. I know Bruschi has said Guyton can be a 3 down LB, but I wonder if he is not more effective as a pass down specialist.. this allows Mayo the will. And hopefully we will get a mean son of a ***** for a mike. Someone who makes RB's second-guess.

 

[tanked_as_usual]

Not sure I follow your line of reasoning.

Brady is not going to sign an one year contract. He, like any other player at his age wants long-term security. I would be surprised if he gets anything less than five years.

If he doesn't get that, he gets franchised, and then that's it for the face of this franchise.

so brady is somehow immune to the franchise tag?

as for the face of any franchise, they change over time no matter how much you hold on....the celtics suffered for 20 years because they refused to change the face of the franchise.......the pats are much closer to then end of brady's career than the beginning......it would be very wise to plan for that....to not acknowledge this is foolish

 

[doesntmatter1]

There are many changes to be made but they should start with the easiest one: the punter. It is a known fact that situational football plays a large role in our gameplans and sometimes we win games on field position alone. Chris Hanson is downright one of our worst punters ever. Sometimes i just hope he'll kick a touchback from preventing him from kicking a 20 yarder that goes out of bounds at the 35 and giving the opponent an additional 15 yards or something like that. I know that punting is not the easiest thing in the world but why not draft someone or something. I remember the josh miller(a beast) and saubrun days.

I shouldn't even be aware of the long snapper or the punter during the game really. I know i went on a long rant; but seriously, can we not upgrade from Hanson.

 

[Kontradiction]

There are many changes to be made but they should start with the easiest one: the punter. It is a known fact that situational football plays a large role in our gameplans and sometimes we win games on field position alone. Chris Hanson is downright one of our worst punters ever. Sometimes i just hope he'll kick a touchback from preventing him from kicking a 20 yarder that goes out of bounds at the 35 and giving the opponent an additional 15 yards or something like that. I know that punting is not the easiest thing in the world but why not draft someone or something. I remember the josh miller(a beast) and saubrun days.

I shouldn't even be aware of the long snapper or the punter during the game really. I know i went on a long rant; but seriously, can we not upgrade from Hanson.

Yeah, Hanson is awful. That will definitely be one of the areas that the Pats will improve this offseason. I can't see how it won't be, really.

 

[mayoclinic]

Not sure I follow your line of reasoning.

Brady is not going to sign an one year contract. He, like any other player at his age wants long-term security. I would be surprised if he gets anything less than five years.

If he doesn't get that, he gets franchised, and then that's it for the face of this franchise.

I'm not sure I follow your reasoning, my psychotic friend.

First, I'm not sure what "long-term security" means for Brady. He's one of the richest players in the NFL. He plunked down $10M on California real estate in the past season. His wife makes millions on her own. He's already set for life.

Does he want the security of remaining a Patriot for the rest of his career? No doubt, but he's also realistic about what's best for the team and that the team comes first. I think he'll be our starting QB for the next 3-5 years, but 2012 is certainly not too soon to start grooming a true successor.

Playing under a 1 year $15+M contract for 2011 isn't too shabby, either. 5 years seems a bit much to give a 33 year old QB, unless the last 2 years are voidable.

By all means we should extend Brady. Absolutely. No question. Do it sooner rather than later. But I don't think we're up against any kind of deadline, and we have options.

 

[convertedpatsfan]

its called saying the right things........good professionals do that even if it is a lie....brady will say he plans to play forever until that day he just walks away....the assumption is a natural one....between the age of his family and other factors that have changed his life since he has gotten here, I would not be suprised for him to just up and say one day in the not oo distant future: 'I am done and walking away without a limp'

teams who are not prepared for the decline of their starting QB's suffer for a long time. how many years ago did the packers draft aaron rodgers?

to sit here and even ponder brady into his 40's is as silly as it gets.

It's still an assumption based on no evidence. Is it possible? Sure. So is predicting aliens could land on earth tomorrow. You never know.

A lot of guys have wives and get married. They don't retire a few years later. Despite all the jokes, marriage is not the end of your life.

I don't think he'll play until he's 40, but he wants to play as long as he can. Most players, even the great ones, love to play, and are often forced out of the game by injuries/age/deterioration of skills, but the passion to play is still there. Even an old geezer like Favre, who constantly talks of being done, but can't get it out of his system.

I just think this assumption is based on all of those talking heads filling Boston airwaves with nonsense about how Brady's got a beautiful wife and a wonderful life so he's gone soft and doesn't care anymore.

 

[satz]

What have i learned from most of the reply is once married life is over. time for brady,manning,rivers etc to start retiring as they are all married.Kurt even has 5 kids so man he is needs to not show up for the playoff.

------vince hold out is going to be very taxing as he played his bargain 6 yr bad contract. even he comes back aka asanta he is not going be thrilled and i real question what he is going to do once week 10 is passed and he has accurred the franchise year. Will he coast and play to not get injured after being screwed ?.I wonder how players feel about signing with a org like the pats moving forward.

------Brady - Play him this year and franchise him next. draft tebow and then in 2013 when brady is 35 let him go or trade him to denver .He can have maybe a elway type final run. I would love to see that as a great Brady fan 1 or 2 SB with Josh before retiring.

-----Do not resign MOSS as from i see we need a offence like the Jets or Baltimore.So we can as well save some money.

--- As we are saving money with no CBA do not resing FA just get alot of UDFA,bargain bin guys to play for a year to see where the CBA goes.

=========Yes i am pissed ====

 

[Patspsycho]

I'm not sure I follow your reasoning, my psychotic friend.

First, I'm not sure what "long-term security" means for Brady. He's one of the richest players in the NFL. He plunked down $10M on California real estate in the past season. His wife makes millions on her own. He's already set for life.

Does he want the security of remaining a Patriot for the rest of his career? No doubt, but he's also realistic about what's best for the team and that the team comes first. I think he'll be our starting QB for the next 3-5 years, but 2012 is certainly not too soon to start grooming a true successor.

Playing under a 1 year $15+M contract for 2011 isn't too shabby, either. 5 years seems a bit much to give a 33 year old QB, unless the last 2 years are voidable.

By all means we should extend Brady. Absolutely. No question. Do it sooner rather than later. But I don't think we're up against any kind of deadline, and we have options.

I understand your point, yes he is one of the richest players in the NFL, but compared to other QB's, especially Eli Manning who has one fluke SB to his name, he is severely underpaid.

I think Brady is smart enough to realize that he wants to stay with an organization that is very competent (i.e., building around him) and has long term stability and security. He will stay as long as BB and Kraft are around.

I have seen posters suggest he will end his career in SF or Denver, but McD doesn't have job security in Denver the way BB has here, and SF is not a well-run place at this point. He runs the risk of having to function behind an incompetent OL (Denver has a solid one, but where will it be in 5 years?).

In today's age and attention to diet/cardio/year-round training, you are going to see players careers really extend and start to go into their 40's. It was only 10 years ago that players in the offseason did nothing and used pre-season to get themselves in shape.

By no means do I think he will actually play until he is 40. He never was a freak athlete, but five years is, I think, reasonable.

 

[mgteich]

The open question revolving about how long Brady wants to be play and get beat up as he has been for the past two seasons.

It is NOT out of the question for Brady to play for only another 1-3 years, perhaps even with two as a franchisee.

All options are open.

 

[SeymourTrophies]

If you want Burgess for another season you are of the minority,Other than a few late games where he actually made the stat sheet,is he really worthy of another season?

Looks like he is one of too many who has no interest in being a difference maker....we need a post 2001 McGinest clone in here,not guys just here for a paycheck,dump the trash I say.

I think everyone would take him back at a much smaller price. His cap hit was like 5 mil this year. For half of that or less, I would have him back.

 

[mgteich]

I don't think anyone expects Burgess back at $5M a year. Half that is right.

I think everyone would take him back at a much smaller price. His cap hit was like 5 mil this year. For half of that or less, I would have him back.

 

[mayoclinic]

I don't think anyone expects Burgess back at $5M a year. Half that is right.

I believe Burgess's salary and cap hit were $2M this year.