Tuesday New England Patriots Links 2/22
After a quick spin around the internet this morning, it's a quiet news day, but here are today's Patriots-related headlines.
DJ Bean of WEEI.com has an article about the fact that despite an impressive NFL Combine showing there is always the potential for those players to end up as busts. It's an interesting write-up, so if you follow the draft be sure and check it out.
Mike Reiss breaks down the Patriots vs. Ravens drafting in the first three rounds over the past few years, and it's interesting to note what a solid job Baltimore has done in grabbing guys who have made an impact.
Following up on an earlier report that was mentioned here on Friday, NESN.com reports that former Patriot Brian Cox has officially joined the Miami Dolphins coaching staff as the team's pass rush coach.
Former Patriot Ellis Hobbs will reportedly call it a career following his second serious concussion. According to Fox Sports' Adam Kaplan, Hobbs is set to retire following a neck injury that will force him to hang it up after just six NFL seasons.
"The veteran cornerback will retire because of his second serious neck injury in the past two seasons. This one, a source said, will end his career because it’s higher up in his neck. He has a pretty good career in broadcasting waiting if he wants to pursue it. He gave excellent analysis during the season on Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia after he got hurt."
Our friends over at NEPatriotsDraft.com will be airing a scouting combine preview tonight beginning at 6:30pm. They're currently taking questions for the broadcast, so if you have any to submit, be sure and do so.
For fans who want information on what type of drills that are run, along with the names of guys who hold the records in each one, this link to a page at ESPN.com provides a lot of that information, along with a list of who's invited to this year's event.
OTHER NFL HEADLINES:
Albert Breer of NFL.com has a good report this morning on yet another day of mediated talks between the NFLPA and the Owners. Breer reports that executive committee member Charlie Batch sounded fairly upbeat last night as he was leaving following a day of discussion.
"Things are going well right now," Batch said, while climbing into a car bound for an airport Monday afternoon. "We'll see how things progress over the last couple of days. Any time that you're talking, you have to feel better."
Should there be a lockout, the New York Daily News reports that the Jets will institute a furlough policy for their employees. Citing VP of business operations Matt Higgins, the Jets will reportedly require employees to take a one-week, unpaid leave each month until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.
The Daily News also reports that the Jets have taken over the top spot as the most popular team in the social media world. They point out that according to NM Incite, a Nielsen company that analyzes social media, the Jets are generating more "buzz" than any NFL team.
Tim Graham of ESPN looks at the recent Carmello Anthony trade that involved 15 players, and reminds fans of the famous Herschel Walker deal that involved 18 players and is encouraging fans to try and come up with an interesting deal that could involve a huge player such as Tom Brady.
And finally the Business Insider has a heartbreaking story on former Viking Fred McNeill. Coming off of the story about Chicago Bear Dave Duerson committing suicide by shooting himself in the chest so his brain could be preserved for study, this story talks about the tough shape he's in, and how important this issue really is.
That's it for this morning. Hope everyone has a good day, and we'll have more later on.
