Today In Patriots History Feb 5, 2017: 28 to 3

[jmt57]

Today In Patriots History
28-3: Roger That!
Tom Brady gets retribution for Goodell's witch hunt
Solidifies any questions about his being the G.O.A.T.
Greatest comeback in pro football history​

Sunday February 5, 2017 at 6:30
Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium in Houston
New England Patriots 34, Atlanta Falcons 28
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Dan Quinn
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Matt Ryan
Odds: New England favored by 3; over/under 57
Patriots finish the 2016 season with a 17-2 record, winning their last ten in a row
Atlanta's eight-game winning streak is snapped, finishing 13-6 after a 7-5 start

Relive the Patriots' Amazing 25 point comeback in Super Bowl LI
13:42 Comeback Highlight Video



Super Bowl LI: Patriots vs. Falcons Mic'd Up | NFL Films | Sound FX
33:22 Mic'd Up SoundFX Video, via VFL Films:



NFL Films Presents: Super Bowl LI, The Greatest Comeback in Super Bowl History | NFL Films
21:35 Highlights Video, via NFL Films



Patriots Unbelievable Comeback in Super Bowl LI to Beat the Falcons | NFL Turning Point
41:24 Turning Point Video, via NFL Films



Super Bowl 51 FULL GAME: New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons
2:23:03 Full Game, via the NFL
​

Inside the Patriots' overlooked play that made 28-3 possible | Washington Post

“Tom Brady should be in Hollywood for the acting job he does,” Faulk said.​

The performance provided White enough cover to slip behind Andrews and over the goal line. The Patriots had sliced Atlanta’s lead to 28-20, the first time they had come within reach.​

Ride 34 Direct had again occupied a unique place in Patriots’ lore, a testament to the Patriots’ attention to detail. They had prepared all year, and over multiple seasons, really, just in case the appropriate situation arose. When it did, they executed flawlessly. It was a small play that explained so much giant success, a couple seconds that illuminated a decade-plus of football excellence.​

In the aftermath, the Falcons may have felt one specific regret. They could have identified the play simply by noticing White’s cozy alignment with Brady, the split Faulk had taken against Carolina all those Super Bowls ago. They could have seen what was coming.​

“But things are happening fast,” Koppen said. “And we ran it three times in 17 years.”​

5 key plays that made the Patriots' historic comeback possible

COMMENTARY In the course of this incredible run, maybe as remarkable as the five championships themselves are the incredible number of history-defining plays the Patriots have made over the past 15 years. From Adam Vinatieri in the snow, to Ty Law in the Superdome, to Malcolm Butler at the goal...

www.boston.com

4th and 3 at NE 46, 6:04, third quarter — Brady to Amendola, 17-yard completion​

3rd and 1 at ATL 36, 8:31, fourth quarter — Dont’a Hightower strips Matt Ryan, Alan Branch recovers​

2nd and 11 at NE 23, 3:56, fourth quarter — Ryan sacked for -12 yards by Trey Flowers​

3rd and 10 at NE 9, 3:17, fourth quarter — Brady pass to Chris Hogan for 16 yards​

1st and 10 at NE 36, 2:28, fourth quarter — Brady pass to Edelman for 23 yards​

Quote from @Palm Beach Pats Fan from an old thread:

1) Patriots 4th & 3 at NE 46 (6:04 - 3rd) (Shotgun) T.Brady pass short left to D.Amendola pushed ob at ATL 37 for 17 yards (D.Campbell). Failure would have meant turnover on downs, 25 points behind.​

2) Patriots 3rd & 8 at ATL 35 (4:49 - 3rd) (Shotgun) T.Brady scrambles up the middle to ATL 20 for 15 yards (R.Alford). Failure would have meant 4th and 8 and a 53 FG attempt or a low percentage 4th down attempt.​

3) Falcons 3rd & 11 at NE 42 (0:52 - 3rd) (Shotgun) M.Ryan sacked at ATL 49 for -9 yards (sack split by K.Van Noy and T.Flowers). Allowing even a short gain of 5 or more yards would have permitted a FG attempt with a reasonable chance of success.​

4) Patriots 4th & Goal at ATL 15 (9:44 - 4th) Stephen Gostkowski 33 Yd Field Goal. Missing this would have meant a lead larger than 2 scores.​

5) Falcons 3rd & 1 at ATL 36 (8:31 - 4th) (Shotgun) M.Ryan sacked at ATL 25 for -11 yards (D.Hightower). FUMBLES (D.Hightower) [D.Hightower], RECOVERED by NE-A.Branch at ATL 25. A.Branch to ATL 25. Conversion of 3rd and short would have cost 2+ minutes on the clock and would have cost 50+ yards of field position, relative to the fumble recovery.​

6) Patriots 3rd & 11 at ATL 26 (7:03 - 4th) (Shotgun) T.Brady pass short left to M.Mitchell to ATL 14 for 12 yards (C.Goodwin). Failure would have meant 4th and 11 and a very low percentage 4th down attempt.​

7) Patriots 2 point conversion attempt (5:56 - 4th). J.White rushes up the middle. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. Missing this would have meant 2 scores were required to win.​

8) Falcons 3rd & 23 at NE 35 (3:50 - 4th) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short left to M.Sanu pushed ob at NE 26 for 9 yards (L.Ryan). PENALTY on ATL-J.Matthews, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at NE 35 - No Play. If Chris Long had not drawn holding, ATL would have had a 43 FG attempt. The hold, plus a sack on the following play, prevented even trying.​

9) Patriots 3rd & 10 at NE 9 (3:17 - 4th) (Shotgun) T.Brady pass short right to C.Hogan to NE 25 for 16 yards (J.Collins). Failure would have meant 4th and 10 and a very low percentage 4th down attempt.​

10) Patriots 2 point conversion attempt (0:57 - 4th) T.Brady pass to D.Amendola is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. Missing this would have meant another score was required to win.​

OT there were no 3rd down or 4th down plays. One could say that the coin flip was pretty important, though!​

What are the chances of pulling off all 10 plays? Pretty low, I'd think.​

 

[jmt57]

 

[ctpatsfan77]

FWIW, over on Reddit, I celebrated this on March 28. . . .

 

[Hyped]

That game will always stay with me.

 

[sb1]

The emotional rollercoaster of this GDT...enjoy

Official Game Day Thread- Super Bowl LI - Pats vs Falcons

The game is finally here!!!! This has truly been a great year, let's wrap it up with a win and another Championship!!!!! If Tom get's time, we should be able to throw the ball on this defense and this game might be a Blount, ground and pound right down Atlanta's throat. So hyped for this...

www.patsfans.com

 

[signbabybrady]

I don't think Mahomes and Reid could pull it off

 

[TheRainMaker]

Wes Welker was by far a better WR than Edelman, but the effort in the most crucial situations from Welker has rubbed fans the wrong way.

While the late game pass by Brady in SB 46 could’ve been better, Welker alligator armed it. Then one year later you have the potential game changing drop that would’ve been a 3rd down conversion going into Ravens territory up 13-7 to start the 3rd quarter of the 2012 AFCCG. I think these two plays were one of the reasons Bill wasn’t aggressive re-signing him as a FA.

On the other hand, Edelman chased a tipped pass with two other guys chasing in that Atlanta game. The margin of error was so small at that point, had Edelman let that hit the ground or got intercepted, the game is probably out of reach.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Laurence Maroney turns 40​

Happy 40th birthday to Laurence Maroney
Born Feb 5, 1985 in St. Louis
Patriot RB, 2006-2009; uniform #39
Pats first round (26th overall) selection of the 2006 draft, from Minnesota
Pats résumé: four seasons, 4.2 yards per carry, 22 TD, plus 3 TD in the playoffs


The 2005 season was a bit of a letdown for the Patriots. After consecutive 14-2 seasons culminating in a Super Bowl championship, in '05 the Pats started 6-5, finished with four fewer wins at 10-6, and lost by 14 points in the division round. New England ranked 30th with 3.4 yards per rush, and a replacement for Corey Dillon would soon be needed. Dillon's rushing yardage dropped in half from 2004 to 2005, and his yards per carry fell from 4.7 to 3.5. He would turn 32 early in the 2006 season and his body was showing the wear from being tackled more than 2,600 times.

Laurence Maroney and Marion Barber formed one of the best college running back duos of the 21st century at the University of Minnesota. The pair rushed for 4,934 yards in 2003 and 2004, with Dallas drafting Barber in 2005. Maroney rushed for 1,464 yards in 2005, bringing his three year total as a Gopher to 3,933 yards and 6.0 yards per carry, with 33 touchdowns.

Maroney was the second running back taken in the 2006 draft, behind only Reggie Bush at #2. Unfortunately for the Pats other running backs selected later in the first (DeAngelo Williams, Joseph Addai) and second rounds (Maurice Jones-Drew) had more productive careers.


That's not to say Maroney was a bust. He was solid in the beginning, with over 900 yards from scrimmage in both of his first two seasons, and 13 touchdowns; he also averaged 28.0 yards returning kickoffs in 2006. Maroney had two very good games in the 2007 postseason, rushing for 122 yards and a touchdown against both Jacksonville and San Diego - but was able to gain just 36 yards on 14 carries in the loss to the Giants.

Maroney missed nearly the entire 2008 season after suffering a broken bone in his shoulder in week two. There was speculation that the Pats tried to hide the injury, as well as rumors that Maroney leaked that information to the press after being portrayed as being soft. Maroney returned in '09 poised to be the lead back in a running back by committee, sharing playing time with Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk and BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

In 2009 Denver was in dire need of a player to split carries with Knowshon Moreno after multiple injuries to their running backs, and the Patriots had such an excess at the position that Maroney was inactive for week one. The Pats sent Maroney to the Broncos to be reunited with Josh McDaniels in exchange for a fourth round pick.


Succint trade analysis by Mike Reiss:

Laurence Maroney trade analysis

Laurence Maroney, a 2006 first-round draft choice who never fully emerged, is getting a fresh start with the Broncos.Meanwhile, the Patriots are counting on veterans Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk to make it through the season healthy – and the continued development of BenJarvus...

www.espn.com

Maroney was entering the final year of his contract, so this is a sign that the Patriots didn’t expect him to be back in 2011.​

Maroney, who was limited by a thigh injury of late, was inactive for the team’s season-opening win. Yet even upon his return to health, he might have remained inactive as the 34-year-old Taylor had wrestled the No. 1 spot on the depth chart away from him.​

Also, Morris had leapfrogged Maroney because of his added value as a lead-blocking fullback, occasional ball-carrier, and contributor on special teams units.​

With Faulk entrenched as the team’s third-down back, that left Maroney fighting for the No. 4 spot on the depth chart.​

Because coaches often look for special teams value in that spot, Green-Ellis is a better fit than Maroney.​

Given that set of dynamics, plus the chance to pick up a fourth-round draft choice, the Patriots saw enough value in the deal to pull the trigger.​

Maroney played in just four games for Denver and was a healthy scratch for the final seven games. He was not re-signed the following offseason, never receiving a nice payday in free agency - and never again played in the NFL.

Laurence Maroney ranks 16th in franchise history with 2,430 career rushing yards (13th at the time he left New England), and is tied with Antowain Smith for 13th most rushing touchdowns by a running back with 21 (8th when he left). His 4.2 yards per carry ranks 12th among players with at least 250 rushing attempts, and sixth for those with at least 500 carries (formerly 4th and 1st at the time, respectively).


Michael Hurley retrospective on the 2007 AFCCG:

When Laurence Maroney Carried Tom Brady, Undefeated Patriots To The Super Bowl

The Chargers were not supposed to present any sort of real challenge for the undefeated Patriots. Little did we know ...

www.cbsnews.com

College Highlights:



2007 AFCCG versus San Diego:



​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Ron Sellers​

Happy 78th birthday to Ron Sellers
Born Feb 5, 1947 in Jacksonville, Florida
Patriot WR, 1969-1971; uniform #34
Pats first round (sixth overall) selection of the 1969 draft, from Florida State
Pats résumé: three seasons, 35 games (30 starts); 18.7 yards per catch, 13 touchdowns


Ron Sellers was a second team AFL All-Star (equivalent to a Pro Bowl honor) as a rookie, scoring six touchdowns and averaging 26.1 yards per catch while totaling 705 yards receiving. Over three seasons he played in 35 games with 30 starts, compiling 1,477 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns. Sellers averaged 18.7 yards per catch while with the Patriots; that ranks as the third highest in franchise history for players with at least 75 receptions, behind only Harold Jackson and Stanley Morgan. At the time he left New England his touchdown reception ranked sixth in club history (31st now).

After missing four games in 1971 due to injuries, on July 13, 1972 the Patriots traded Sellers to Dallas for a third round draft pick. He began the season as a backup for the Cowboys but eventually replaced former Olympian and future Hall of Famer Bob Hayes in the starting lineup. In a 1998 postseason playoff game Sellers caught the winning touchdown from Roger Staubach to defeat the 49ers 30-28, capping a 17-point fourth quarter comeback with 52 seconds left to play. His final NFL season was with Miami in 1973, earning a ring following their Super Bowl victory over Minnesota.

Sellers worked at a Boston-based regional stock brokerage during his offseason time in New England. In 1975 he opened his own life insurance agency, where he is still president and CEO. Ron Sellers was named to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1973, and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988.

​

Jingle Joints should be judged by his cover

Everybody knew Florida State would come out throwing. After all, Bill Peterson, the FSU coach, is a devout church member back in Tallahassee and a devoted

vault.si.com

"I don't know," said Sellers. "I think I just lull people to sleep with my long stride. They don't think I'm going as fast as I am, then pffft."​

People see Sellers for the first time, standing around or warming up, and invariably they are confused. How could this guy be so good? For sure, with his long, skinny bowed legs and thin frame, he's the most unlikely looking player on the field. Sellers can run 50 yards in 5.5 seconds, but always he looks as though at any moment his arms and legs will go flying off in entirely different directions. A Houston defensive back nicknamed him "Jingle Joints."​

About Us: Key Retirement Solutions

About Us

At KRS we have assembled an outstanding staff of professionals whose years of experience are matched only by their integrity and loyalty to clients.

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Ron has been inducted into 10 Sports Hall of Fames and was FSU’s first football player to be inducted into the National College Football Hall of Fame (1987). Ron was honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in all three post season bowl games during his career at FSU – the Gator Bowl, Peach Bowl and Sun Bowl.​

In 2007, Ron was honored by being named to The State of Florida’s “100 Greatest High School Football Players in Florida History.”​

Florida Sports Hall of Fame | Ron Sellers

flasportshof.org

Ron “Jingle Joints” Sellers played college football for Florida State University, where he was a two-time All-American (1967 & 1968). Despite being limited to a total of 30 games of regular season eligibility, Sellers still holds Florida State career records for receptions, receiving yards, and most 200-yard receiving games.. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988. A wide receiver, he played for the American Football League’s Boston Patriots in 1969, when he was an AFL All-Star, then for the NFL’s Patriots, Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins.​

Inductee | Ronald Franklin Sellers 1988

Ronald Franklin Sellers was a Wide Receiver for Florida State Universityand inducted into College Football Hall of Fame in 1988

www.cfbhall.com

Ron Sellers was the greatest college pass receiver of his time. In three seasons at Florida State he caught 212 passes for 3,598 yards. His career yardage was a national record in 1968 and lasted 19 years. When he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988, 20 years after his last game, he still held 16 school records. His best performance came in 1968 against South Carolina with 16 catches. In other games in his career he caught 14 passes (three times) and 13 passes (three times). His 14 receptions against Penn State in 1967 set a Gator Bowl record. Against Wake Forest in 1968 he caught five touchdown passes. Ron was twice a first-team All-America. Sports Illustrated named him Lineman of the Week; the Atlanta Touchdown Club named him Back of the Week. He tacked on five years as a pro with the Patriots, Cowboys and Dolphins and later moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, to head Ron Sellers Associates, insurance specialists. He was named to the board of trustees of Florida State University.​

FSU all-time countdown: #8, WR Ron Sellers

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, by the time Sellers was fielding college offers he had helped his high school win a state basketball championship and most people thought his athletic future would unfold on the hardwood. At 6-4 180, he was– by conventional standards– the wrong build to be a football player.​

"Funny," Sellers said in a 1968 Sports Illustrated article, "but if I hadn't been so thin I probably would have gone to college on a basketball scholarship. But people kept telling me I was too light to play football; that I'd get killed. It made me mad and I decided I'd show everybody. And so when FSU offered me a football scholarship, I took it."​

Ron Sellers Bio: Hall of Fame class, 1977 | Seminoles.com

College Football Hall of Fame - Ron Sellers

About Us - Sellers Benefits Group | Life | Group Benefits | Retirement

sellersbg.com

 

[lancerman]

I was in a mansion in the Colorado mountains watching this game with probably 200 Broncos fans and was dying inside. Then when I was ready to just be over it, the Patriots kept coming back and I got pulled in even more. Felt like I died and came back to life. Was weird as hell watching the entire house flip from loving the Pats getting steamrolled to wanting to see a historic comeback.

 

[Steve102]

Tom Brady's Justin Hammer moment.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

On the other hand, Edelman chased a tipped pass with two other guys chasing in that Atlanta game. The margin of error was so small at that point, had Edelman let that hit the ground or got intercepted, the game is probably out of reach.

Intercepted, yes, game over.

The Edelman pass was on first down, though, so an incompletion would've made things harder, but still very much winnable.

 

[sb1]

Still amazes me that Malcolm made that play. If he only knocked it down, it's going to Lynch next.

 

[scott99]

I was literally

I was in a mansion in the Colorado mountains watching this game with probably 200 Broncos fans and was dying inside. Then when I was ready to just be over it, the Patriots kept coming back and I got pulled in even more. Felt like I died and came back to life. Was weird as hell watching the entire house flip from loving the Pats getting steamrolled to wanting to see a historic comeback.

I was literally shaking after the game. The insanity of it all. We were supposed to eat at halftime, but obviously I had no appetite at that time, wound up eating after the game, but I was in a daze. I always take the day off after a Patriot’s SB, and luckily I do, I was up until 3:30am after that game. I was watching the highlights over and over again, every postgame show.

It was the best sports event I’ve ever watched. Can’t believe it was 8 years ago.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Cups of Coffee & more Feb 5 Birthdays​

Happy 74th birthday to Noe Gonzalez
Born Feb 5, 1951; from San Diego, Texas
Patriot RB, 1974; uniform #38
Signed as a free agent on Dec 5, 1974
Pats résumé: two games: a week 13 loss to Pittsburgh, and a week 14 loss at Miami

Noe Mio Gonzalez grew up in a small town (population 3,748) that is two hours south of San Antonio in southern Texas. He played his college football at Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) and was a 12th round (305th overall) selection by Oakland in the 1974 NFL draft. '74 was his one and only season of pro football.



Noe Gonzalez - Pro Football Archives




In memory of Eric Patterson, who would have turned 32 today
Born Feb 5, 1993 in Tampa
Died June 8, 2019 at the age of 26 in Tampa
Patriot CB, 2015 offseason
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 8, 2015
Pats résumé: one month of offseason training

Eric Patterson was only with the Patriots for a month, released prior to the start of training camp. He later spent time with the Colts, Rams and Browns, appearing in three NFL Games. Patterson was fatally shot by an intruder in his home on June 8, 2019.

Former Plant High football star Eric Patterson fatally shot by intruder in his Tampa home

TAMPA — Eric Patterson was a well-liked, standout football player at Plant High School who went on to play at Ball State University and then a short stint in the NFL.

www.tampabay.com

In memory of Gary Wood, who would have turned 83 today
Born Feb 5, 1942 in Taylor, New York
Died March 2, 1994 at the age of 52 in Dix Hills, New York
Boston Patriots 17th round (132nd overall) selection of the 1964 AFL Draft, from Cornell
Pats résumé: QB chose the NFL over the AFL

Gary Wood was a career backup, first to Y.A. Tittle and then to Fran Tarkenton, appearing in 61 games for the Giants and two with the Saints from 1964 to 1969. He was called on to start nine times, going 1-8, with 14 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. Afterwards he spent two seasons in the CFL.

Gary Wood (1979) - Hall of Fame - Cornell University Athletics

Gary Wood, Class: 1964 Induction: 1979 Sport(s): Baseball, Football - As a quarterback in 1962, Wood was third in the nation in total offense (1779 yards) and fourth

cornellbigred.com

As a quarterback in 1962, Wood was third in the nation in total offense (1779 yards) and fourth in the nation in rushing (889 yards). In 1963, he was first in the nation in kickoff return yardage (618 on 19 returns for a 32.5 average) and eighth in the nation in rushing (818 yards). He set five major Ivy League records: career total offense (3457 yards); career rushing (1867); single season total offense (1616 yards in '62); single season rushing (813 yards in '62); single game total offense (387 yards vs. Penn in '62). In 1962 and '63, he was the Ivy League's total offense and rushing leader.​

Gary Wood

Biography of Jewish NFL Quarterback Gary Wood.

www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org

In 1962, Wood led the nation in all-purpose yards, with 1,395 (155 yards per game). That season, he also set an Ivy League total offense record in a game against Penn with 387 yards (207 rushing, 106 throwing), and was named first team All-Ivy and to the AP All-East Team. He also lettered as a center fielder-second baseman-pitcher on the 1962 Cornell baseball team, batting .277 in 17 games, with a six-inning ERA of 1.49.​

In 1963, during his senior year, Wood was elected team captain, had 545 yards passing and 818 yards rushing (8th in the nation), was again named first-team All-Ivy, and was named to the Associated Press All-East team, and was elected to the National Honor Society. He was first in the country in kickoff return yardage (618 yards on 19 returns, for a 32.5 average).​

Today in Patriots History
Feb 5 Obituaries​

John Tanner (1945-2009); Pats LB 1973-1974

John Tanner Obituary (2009) - MERRITT ISLAND, FL - FloridaToday

View John V. Tanner Sr.'s obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

Jack Atchason (1936-2020); Pats End, 1960

Jack Atchason Obituary (2020) - Camp Hill, PA - Patriot-News

View Jack Atchason's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

obits.pennlive.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Feb 5 Trivialities​

February 5, 1962:
Fred Bruney is hired as a defensive backfield coach.
Bruney would coach with the Pats for two seasons, including 1963 when the team won the AFL East title. He went on to coach for 35 years, mostly with the Eagles and Falcons,
Fred Bruney - Pro Football Archives

Fred Bruney: Big on football and family

MARTINS FERRY —He is famous for all his gridiron exploits, and they were countless. Fred Bruney was more than just football — he was a dedicated family man. Bruney is regarded as one of the finest football players ever produced at Martins Ferry High— and with the Purple grid tradition — that...

www.timesleaderonline.com

February 5, 1975:
Joe Sweet is sent to the San Diego Chargers for "past consideration".
He was a WR who appeared in four games for the Pats in 1974, with no stats. Sweet played in 34 games with the Rams, Pats and Chargers from 1972-1975, with ten receptions and one touchdown.


February 5, 1982:
LeBaron Caruthers is hired as strength and conditioning coach.
He held that title for 13 years at the college level and 7 years in the NFL, before performing the same duties as a private business owner.

LeBaron Caruthers Resume - SimpliFaster

jobboard.simplifaster.com

February 5, 1992:
Pats sign free agent LB Reggie Clark, from North Carolina.
Clark never saw the field for the Pats, but did play in 15 games for the Steelers and Jaguars from 1994-96.


February 5, 1999:
Rookie RB Robert Edwards nearly had to have his leg amputated after blowing out his knee in a beach volleyball event in Hawaii, as part of the prelude to the Pro Bowl game.

PLUS: NFL -- PRO BOWL; Edwards Is Hurt In Game on Beach (Published 1999)

New England Patriots running back Robert Edwards undergoes surgery after injuring his left knee during flag football game for National Football League rookies on Waikiki, Hawaii, beach (S)

www.nytimes.com

Edwards Misses 1999 Season

Rushed For 1,115 Yards This Rookie Season

www.cbsnews.com

Doc Says Edwards' Return Doubtful

Found Nerve Damage In Lower Leg

www.cbsnews.com

PRO FOOTBALL; Patriots' Edwards Gets 'Pessimistic' Report (Published 1999)

New England Patriots' player Robert Edwards, injured in rookie flag-football game during Pro Bowl week, gets pessimistic report from surgeon who operated on his knee; photo (M)

www.nytimes.com

League agrees injured Edwards to get full pay

NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw reached an agreement by which seriously injured Patriots running back Robert Edwards will be paid his...

www.tampabay.com

ESPN.com - NFL - Pats' Edwards on road back

a.espncdn.com

February 5, 2008:

4 sign future contracts

The Patriots announced the signing of guard Dan Connolly, wide receiver C.J. Jones, offensive lineman Jimmy Martin and cornerback Tim Mixon to future contracts today. Connolly, Jones and Mixon all ended the season as members of the Patriots practice squad. This means all four players will be...

www.boston.com

The Patriots announced the signing of guard Dan Connolly, wide receiver C.J. Jones, offensive lineman Jimmy Martin and cornerback Tim Mixon to future contracts today.​

Connolly, Jones and Mixon all ended the season as members of the Patriots practice squad. This means all four players will be with the club once the 2008 league year starts in March.​

February 5, 2009:

Patriots place franchise tag on Matt Cassel

BOSTON — The New England Patriots placed the franchise tag on Matt Cassel on Thursday, making it tougher for other teams to sign the free agent quarterback.

www.seacoastonline.com

The New England Patriots placed the franchise tag on Matt Cassel on Thursday, making it tougher for other teams to sign the free agent quarterback.​

The Patriots might keep him if they have doubts that Tom Brady will be ready for the start of next season after sustaining a serious knee injury in the 2008 opener. If they're confident Brady will be ready, they could trade Cassel rather than pay him the $14.65 million offer for 2009 in the franchise designation.​

Cassel had a breakout season in 2008, starting 15 games after starting none the seven previous seasons — four with Southern California as backup to Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, and three after New England drafted him in the seventh round in 2005.​

For now, he remains a free agent, but the Patriots can match any offer made by another team or allow him to sign with that team in exchange for two first-round draft picks. The franchise tag value is the average of the top five paid NFL players at a particular position.​

If and when Cassel signs the one-year designation, he will be under contract to the Patriots and could be dealt.​

February 5, 2015:

Patriots Sign 11 Players to Future Contracts

The New England Patriots announced that they have signed 11 free agents: OL Cole Croston, OL Jake Eldrenkamp QB Danny Etling, DL Trent Harris, DL Frank Herron, DB A.J. Howard, OL Ryker Matthews LB Calvin Munson, DL David Parry, WR Damoun Patterson and OL Dan Skipper. Croston, Etling, Harris, Herron, Howard, Munson, Patterson and Skipper finished the season on the New England practice squad.​

February 5, 2019:

Patriots sign QB Danny Etling, 10 other players to futures contracts

The Patriots locked up some players at the end of their roster, including their young quarterback.

www.masslive.com

The New England Patriots mades their first moves towards setting up their 2019 team by locking up 11 players on the edge of the roster. The Patriots announced that they had signed 11 players to futures contracts, including quarterback Danny Etling, who was a seventh-round pick in 2018 before spending the regular season on the practice squad.​

Here’s the full list of players signed: OL Jake Eldrenkamp; DL Trent Harris; DL Frank Herron; DB A.J. Howard; OL Myker Matthews; LB Calvin Munson; DL David Parry; OL Dan Skipper; WR Damoun Patterson. Eight of the players signed to futures deals spent the 2018 season on the Patriots practice squad.​

February 5, 2025:
Mike Smith is hired as OLB coach, and the Pats formally announce their 2025 coaching staff.

Mike Vrabel retains Jerod Mayo’s brother on Patriots staff

Though Mike Vrabel has largely overhauled New England's coaching staff, Deron Mayo is sticking around.

www.masslive.com

Analysis: Breaking Down the Patriots Full Coaching Staff for the 2025 Season - Patriots.com

Offense Defense STs/Other OC - Josh McDaniels DC - Terrell Williams STC - Jeremy Springer PGC/TEs Coach - Thomas Brown ILB Coach - Zak Kuhr Asst. STs - Tom Quinn OL Coach - Doug Marrone Safeties Coach - Scott Booker VP of Football Ops and Strategy- John Streicher QB Coach - Ashton Grant CB Coach - Justin Hamilton Dir. of Sports Performance - Frank Piraino WR Coach - Todd Downing DL Coach - Clint McMillan Strength & Conditioning - Deron Mayo RB Coach - Tony Dews OLB Coach - Mike Smith Asst. Strength & Conditioning - Brian McDonough Asst. OL - Jason Houghtaling Sr. Def Asst. - Ben McAdoo Asst. OL - Robert Kugler Def Asst. - Kevin Richardson Off Asst. - Riley Larkin Def Asst. Vinny DePalma Off Asst. Chuckie Keeton Def Asst. Milton Patterson

Sunday February 5, 2012 at 6:30:
Super Bowl 46 at Lucas Oil Stadium
New York Giants 21, New England Patriots 17

While a loss is never fun - especially in a championship game - at least this one didn't sting like the one four years earlier. In my opinion the Pats vastly overachieved in the 2011 season; it was supposed to be rebuilding/reloading year. The worst part was having to read and listen to trolls yapping about how 'the Patriots can't win without cheating'.

AP/ESPN recap

Washington Post recap

Boston.com recap

Greg Bedard recap

 

[jmt57]

Today in NFL History
Feb 5 Trivia​

Feb 5, 2006:
Super Bowl 40 at Ford Field, Detroit Michigan
Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Seattle Seahawks 10
Head Coaches: Bill Cowher, Mike Holmgren
Quarterbacks: Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Hasselbeck
MVP: Hines Ward (5 catches for 123 yards, TD)

The Steelers won it all for the first time in 26 years, primarily due to two big plays. On the second play of the second half Willie Parker bolted 75 yards for a TD, giving Pittsburgh a 14-3 lead. Then with 9:04 left to play WR Antwaan Randle El hit Hines Ward on a 43-yard touchdown pass, giving the Steelers a 21-10 lead. On the ensuing drive Mike Holmgren elected to punt on a 4th-and-13 from the 48 rather than go for a first down, hoping to pin Pittsburgh deep. The punt went into the endzone for a touchback, and the Seahawks did not get the ball back until there were less than two minutes left to play.

Pittsburgh won despite Roethlisberger, who was in his second season, going 9-21 for 123 yards, 0 TD and two interceptions. Jerome Bettis - who was playing in his hometown - retired after the game. Bill Cowher finally won the big game in his 14th season as head coach; he would retire one year later after finishing with an 8-8 record.

The game capped off an improbable run for the Pittsburgh, who had lost three games in a row and fell to 7-5 before finishing the regular season with four straight wins. As the sixth seed, Pittsburgh had to win three games on the road to reach the Super Bowl - the first NFL team to pull off that feat.

Super Bowl XL - Seattle Seahawks vs. Pittsburgh Steelers - February 5th, 2006 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Seattle Seahawks 10 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 21 on February 5th, 2006 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

Happy 83rd birthday to QB Roger Staubach, born Feb 5, 1942 in Cincinnati
2x Super Bowl champ, 6x Pro Bowler, Super Bowl VI MVP and Hall of Famer.
Not too shabby for a guy who didn't enter the NFL until age 27, due to his military commitment after attending Navy.

Roger Staubach | Pro Football Hall of Fame | Pro Football Hall of Fame

Roger Staubach joined the Dallas Cowboys as a 27-year-old rookie in 1969 and became a Super Bowl MVP and also a league leading passer four times. Learn more today!

www.profootballhof.com

How ironic is it that two quarterbacks who were on the same team at the same time share a birthday?

Happy 82nd birthday to QB Craig Morton, born Feb 5, 1943 in Flint, Michigan
Led the NFL in yards per pass attempt 3x; 1977 UPI MVP, Sporting News Player of the Year, and PFWA Comeback Player of the Year.

Craig Morton | Colorado Sports Hall of Fame

Morton who came to the Broncos through a trade with the New York Giants in 1977, was Denver's starting quarterback for most of the period from 1975 to 1982 and led the team to its first Super Bowl berth in 1977, as he engineered the…

www.coloradosports.org

Happy 49th birthday to P Brian Moorman, born Feb 5, 1976 in Wichita, Kansas
2x All Pro and member of the HoF All-2000s Team played in 202 games from 2001-13.

Brian Moorman (2011) - Hall of Fame - Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association

Brian Moorman, Class: 1999 Induction: 2011 Sport(s): Football, Men's Track & Field - Brian Moorman Football/Track & Field Student-Athlete Pittsburg State (1995-99) Moorman

themiaa.com

Happy 30th birthday to Vita Vea, born Feb 5, 1995 in Milipitas, California
30½ sacks with the Bucs from 2018-present - as a nose tackle.

In a six degrees of Kevin Bacon manner, Vita Vea is linked to both Josh Allen and Duke Dawson
1) A month prior to the 2018 draft, Buffalo traded up, sending their #21 pick to Cincinnati for the #12 pick (eventually used on Vea).
The Bengals received LT Cordy Glenn (who had played well for the Bills but fizzled out after just 1½ seasons in Cincy), and a 5th in exchange for thir 6th.
2) On draft day Buffalo traded up again, sending that #12 pick to Tampa along with two 2nd round picks to move up to #7 - where they selected Josh Allen.
3) Buffalo owned the latter of those 2nd round pick via a previous trade, when they acquired Sammy Watkins from the Rams in 2017.
4) Back to the Bucs: they received a 1st (#12, Vea), a 2nd (#53), and another 2nd (#56) in the trade from Buffalo.
5) Tampa then traded down seven spots, sending #56 to New England for a lower 2nd (#63) and a 4th (#117).
The Bucs used those picks on CB Carlton Davis, a 7-year NFL starter who is now with Detroit, and S Jordan Whitehead, another 7-year starter who is till going strong in the NFL.
6) New England used that pick on a player that they felt so strongly about, that they traded up for, on the infamous CB Duke Dawson, the poster child for Bad Drafts during the end of the Belichick era. In case you have forgotten, Dawson never got on the field for a single snap with the Patriots. He was traded away along with a 7th round pick for nothing more than a 6th just a year later; he lasted two seasons with Denver (4 starts), and hasn't played a down since 2020.
. . . Apologies for the nightmarish memories . . .



C Rich Saul and Ron Saul, born Feb 5, 1948 in Butler, PA
The twin offensive linemen combined to play in 318 games from 1970 to 1981, with Rich going to six Pro Bowls.

https://www.profootballresearchers.org/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/19-05-715.pdf

TE Red Phillips (Feb 5, 1936 - March 25, 2015)
401 receptions and 34 TD were quite a bit for his position and era (1958-1967).

Jim Red Phillips - Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

ashof.org

Happy 74th birthday to TE Charle Young, born Feb 5, 1951 in Fresno CA
Named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons, Charle (not a typo) had 418 receptions and 28 TD from 1973 to 1985.

Inductee | Charles Edward Young 2004

Charles Edward Young was a Tight End for University of Southern Californiaand inducted into College Football Hall of Fame in 2004

www.cfbhall.com

 

[TheRainMaker]

Great write up on Maroney. His college highlights remind us why he was taken over D'Angelo Williams, Addai and Jones Drew.

Being fans of USC and UCLA, I watched Bush and Jones-Drew their entire careers. I loved watching both, but I had my concerns. While Bush was absolutely electric with the football, I didn't think he could be a bell cow-every down back and MJD was too small to handle the NFL. His small hands came up a lot. I had Kevin Faulk fears like when he first came into the league where it was clear he couldn't handle a full time load.

For Williams, I remember his workload at Memphis was a big concern. I don't remember much about Addai though.

Maroney was a frustrating player. He would show flashes, but he overall had really poor vision. In fact, I've never seen a player so quickly want to run into piles. You also see in his Pats highlights he didn't like switching the ball to the opposite arm in the open field which prevented him to get more yards.

 

[signbabybrady]

Great write up on Maroney. His college highlights remind us why he was taken over D'Angelo Williams, Addai and Jones Drew.

Being fans of USC and UCLA, I watched Bush and Jones-Drew their entire careers. I loved watching both, but I had my concerns. While Bush was absolutely electric with the football, I didn't think he could be a bell cow-every down back and MJD was too small to handle the NFL. His small hands came up a lot. I had Kevin Faulk fears like when he first came into the league where it was clear he couldn't handle a full time load.

For Williams, I remember his workload at Memphis was a big concern. I don't remember much about Addai though.

Maroney was a frustrating player. He would show flashes, but he overall had really poor vision. In fact, I've never seen a player so quickly want to run into piles. You also see in his Pats highlights he didn't like switching the ball to the opposite arm in the open field which prevented him to get more yards.

On Jules' podcast he was talking about how he always preferred carrying the ball on one side and he traced it back to highschool where they basically ran the same play over and over so he got used to carrying it based on that one play even when he got older. I forget if he said right or left.

 

[signbabybrady]