So what can be done to fix this (1-2 start)?

DaBruinz said:

Don't know where you've been for the last 3.5 weeks, but Mason was already given a 5 year extension.

Report: Patriots Sign Shaq Mason To Five-Year Contract Extension

Flowers is the only one without one and they are likely to get it done, imho.

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I wish there was "JFC, this genius is still missing the point somehow" rating, because you'd rack up a ton of them. See, if you actually read my post rather than frantically scrambling for the disagree button and a snippy-but-ultimately-useless retort, you might have noticed that I directly referenced his extension in my post.

The Patriots signed him to a 5 year extension. Have you ever heard of an extension? Do you know what that word means? It means that his current contract is being extended (really tricky, I know, but I'm sure you can follow along). Hence why his five year extension has him under contract for the next six seasons, through 2023. Because it's tacked on to the last year of his rookie deal, which he is currently playing out (plus pro-rated signing bonus). This is why his base salary quadruples next year, and it's also what the Patriots do with almost every home-developed FA that they extend off of a rookie contract. Not sure how you managed to be a Pats fan for this long without being aware of it. I've now directly referenced this in two posts, and you've twice plowed on ahead with your standard 'way-more-conviction-than-intelligence' response.

And the really weird thing that's kinda head-scratching to me is that if you decide that for whatever reason having pro-rated signing bonus on the cap means he shouldn't count as a guy on a rookie deal, it actually makes my overall point even more compelling: because we have only a few good players on rookie deals and he's one of them. Subtract him out and we're getting even less production from rookie contracts.

Do you understand now, or you do I need break it down into even simpler terms to spoonfeed to you?

Sources:
Shaq Mason

Shaquille Mason Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Report: Shaq Mason, Patriots Agree to 5-Year Contract Extension Worth Up to $50M

Patriots make Shaq Mason one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL

JarOfMayo51 said:

If he's making that much of a difference, then they better start clearing cap room now otherwise he'll be another free agent and 3rd round compensatory pick

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They’re currently projected to have about 26m in cap room, but that’s only with 42 guys under contract and no gameday receivers who aren’t named Edelman. Actually, Berrios is the only other WR who is even under contract, period.

DaBruinz said:

That's what the Franchise tag is for..

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If the concern is that we’ll need to free up some cap space for a big name DE hitting free agency, placing what will be an 18-19m dollar one year franchise tag rental on him isn’t going to do anything to alleviate the worry. You still need the availabile cap space.

BradyFTW! said:

I wish there was "JFC, this genius is still missing the point somehow" rating, because you'd rack up a ton of them. See, if you actually read my post rather than frantically scrambling for the disagree button and a snippy-but-ultimately-useless retort, you might have noticed that I directly referenced his extension in my post.

The Patriots signed him to a 5 year extension. Have you ever heard of an extension? Do you know what that word means? It means that his current contract is being extended (really tricky, I know, but I'm sure you can follow along). Hence why his five year extension has him under contract for the next six seasons, through 2023. Because it's tacked on to the last year of his rookie deal, which he is currently playing out (plus pro-rated signing bonus). This is why his base salary quadruples next year, and it's also what the Patriots do with almost every home-developed FA that they extend off of a rookie contract. Not sure how you managed to be a Pats fan for this long without being aware of it. I've now directly referenced this in two posts, and you've twice plowed on ahead with your standard 'way-more-conviction-than-intelligence' response.

And the really weird thing that's kinda head-scratching to me is that if you decide that for whatever reason having pro-rated signing bonus on the cap means he shouldn't count as a guy on a rookie deal, it actually makes my overall point even more compelling: because we have only a few good players on rookie deals and he's one of them. Subtract him out and we're getting even less production from rookie contracts.

Do you understand now, or you do I need break it down into even simpler terms to spoonfeed to you?

Sources:
Shaq Mason

Shaquille Mason Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Report: Shaq Mason, Patriots Agree to 5-Year Contract Extension Worth Up to $50M

Patriots make Shaq Mason one of the highest-paid guards in the NFL

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You're a joke and don't even realize it. The "Extension" superceded his contract because it gave him bonus money THIS year. That's why the pro-ration for THIS YEAR went up. So, he's no longer on his "rookie contract" despite your claims.

Maybe if you weren't so hot to trot and get all defensive because you made a stupid blunder and just admitted to making a mistake like most other people on this board do, You wouldn't have felt the need to show everyone just how much of a jackarse you truly are with your post. Great job.

OH. BTW. Your claim that I have done something for two straight posts of yours is complete BS. In fact, it's an outright lie. But, hey, you clearly think your hot sh!t.. Reality is quite different.

Joey007 said:

I want some general dialogue here. What can be done offensively and defensively to fix our issues?

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I'm mostly joking, but how about fixing our issues by tanking? Now that the Browns are 1-1-1, if we lose our remaining games and the Raiders, Texans, and Cardinals pull off a few wins, we'll have the top pick.

Have Brady get a scratch each week due to an injury to his pride and put Hoyer in there with Michel and Gronk after all going on a bender. And leave the defense as is.

With some high draft picks and a dart to throw against a board to make the picks (rather than whatever algorithm we're currently using), we'll have a great roster in no time at all.

In all seriousness, I think Belichick focusing on coaching and a new GM selected by him calling the shots is the way to go. A new player or two isn't going to "fix" this club. We need an infusion of talented young players much like we saw a few years ago.

MainePatsFan26 said:

I'm mostly joking, but how about fixing our issues by tanking? Now that the Browns are 1-1-1, if we lose our remaining games and the Raiders, Texans, and Cardinals pull off a few wins, we'll have the top pick.

Have Brady get a scratch each week due to an injury to his pride and put Hoyer in there with Michel and Gronk after all going on a bender. And leave the defense as is.

With some high draft picks and a dart to throw against a board to make the picks (rather than whatever algorithm we're currently using), we'll have a great roster in no time at all.

In all seriousness, I think Belichick focusing on coaching and a new GM selected by him calling the shots is the way to go. A new player or two isn't going to "fix" this club. We need an infusion of talented young players much like we saw a few years ago.

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Aside from retiring, Belichick isn’t going to give up his duties as de facto GM. He’s taken this team to 8 Super Bowl appearances, so I don’t think he should, either.

In the recent past, there weren’t many open roster spots, and positions were generally well stocked or addressed. This year was much different. This year we could’ve had first round picks at almost any position and it would’ve made sense. This year I realized that things had caught up rather quickly. We’ve seen this before, and we’ve seen Belichick right the ship. It may be like a 2005, 2009 team, but I would expect to see a more competitive team again for 2019 and 2020, assuming that Brady will play one year past his current deal. Belichick got caught napping and had some injuries, attitude problems, poor fits, and two stolen picks. I wouldn’t expect that to signify the end as some have suggested, though. He’s not going to go out like that.

MainePatsFan26 said:

I'm mostly joking, but how about fixing our issues by tanking? Now that the Browns are 1-1-1, if we lose our remaining games and the Raiders, Texans, and Cardinals pull off a few wins, we'll have the top pick.

Have Brady get a scratch each week due to an injury to his pride and put Hoyer in there with Michel and Gronk after all going on a bender. And leave the defense as is.

With some high draft picks and a dart to throw against a board to make the picks (rather than whatever algorithm we're currently using), we'll have a great roster in no time at all.

In all seriousness, I think Belichick focusing on coaching and a new GM selected by him calling the shots is the way to go. A new player or two isn't going to "fix" this club. We need an infusion of talented young players much like we saw a few years ago.

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Yesterday your plan was “to make a few calls”. Before that it was “a purge” of “players that dont want to be here”.

Now its tanking a season. After week 3. At 1-2.

You are a clown.

Absolutely no confidence in the notion that BB would engineer a tanking of this season for a high round draft pick, he has never done this before in NE and will probably not do it now..

Our O will get a major boost when Edelman returns and Gordon gets to speed.. pity the team that has to defend Gronk, Edelman, Gordon and White... Michel looks like he missed most of the preseason, and will probably get up to speed as the season progresses..

When BB moves on he will forever be linked to this organization as some sort of consultant to this team..

Bradyking12 said:

BB says it's an execution issue so hopefully they get it together soon.

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REPORTER: "Coach, what do you think about the execution of the offense?"

BB: "I'm in favor of it."

Vindicate said:

Rowe is better than whoever underneath him.

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There are at least 5 DBs on the roster who have been objectively better in coverage this season than Rowe, and better tacklers. That pretty much leaves only Cyrus, JCJ and Crossen "below" him.

Also, Rowe has lost 15 games due to injuries over the last two seasons - 8 games last year to a groin injury, which is what he has now (talk about "oft-injured").

Lack of consistently demonstrated ability on the field. Available only about half the time. Not a good recipe for hanging onto a roster spot.

I am not panicking... nope I am not!

maineman209 said:

There are at least 5 DBs on the roster who have been objectively better in coverage this season than Rowe, and better tacklers. That pretty much leaves only Cyrus, JCJ and Crossen "below" him.

Also, Rowe has lost 15 games due to injuries over the last two seasons - 8 games last year to a groin injury, which is what he has now (talk about "oft-injured").

Lack of consistently demonstrated ability on the field. Available only about half the time. Not a good recipe for hanging onto a roster spot.

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He’s not very good. So overrated by many coming into the season, although I think it’s becoming quite obvious to everyone at this point.

PatriotSpy said:

You have to want to fix something first in order to fix something. I don't think BB wants to fix it this year. I think he wants to expedite Brady's retirement. He traded cooks, tried to trade Gronk. Let amendola walk. He wanted to get rid of Brady's weapons. He wants a high draft pick to draft his replacement.

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If this isn't sarcasm, it's the dumbest thing I have ever heard.

supafly said:

He’s not very good. So overrated by many coming into the season, although I think it’s becoming quite obvious to everyone at this point.

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Well, not quite everyone here, apparently.

Honestly, I was excited when the Pats acquired him from Philly. He was one of my binkies during his draft - length and elite measurables.

I was disappointed in 2016 that he wasn't able to stay on the field much, but he seemed to show some potential to be a solid RCB for the Pats, allowing Ryan to take over the slot full time.

After last season, I still thought he had potential, but that his development had been derailed by yet another injury (groin) that kept out half the season. "If he can just stay healthy," I thought.

Well, he didn't make any tangible progress over this past off-season and Camp, and now he's back in the tub with his going injury. Time to cut bait.

MainePatsFan26 said:

I'm mostly joking, but how about fixing our issues by tanking? Now that the Browns are 1-1-1, if we lose our remaining games and the Raiders, Texans, and Cardinals pull off a few wins, we'll have the top pick.

Have Brady get a scratch each week due to an injury to his pride and put Hoyer in there with Michel and Gronk after all going on a bender. And leave the defense as is.

With some high draft picks and a dart to throw against a board to make the picks (rather than whatever algorithm we're currently using), we'll have a great roster in no time at all.

In all seriousness, I think Belichick focusing on coaching and a new GM selected by him calling the shots is the way to go. A new player or two isn't going to "fix" this club. We need an infusion of talented young players much like we saw a few years ago.

Click to expand...

The first pick overall would be great, BB could work his magic and turn it into 3 safeties who were projected to go undrafted

supafly said:

He’s not very good. So overrated by many coming into the season, although I think it’s becoming quite obvious to everyone at this point.

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I’m definitely in that category. Oops.

DaBruinz said:

Hmmm..
2017 - Rivers and Wise (jury is still out on them)
2016 - Thuney, Brissett, Mitchell, Valentine, Hill, Roberts, Karras, C. Jones.
2015 - Malcolm Brown, Trey Flowers, Shaq Mason, G. Grissom, Joe Cardona, D. Roberts
2014 - Garoppolo, Stork, White, Fleming
2013 - Collins, Ryan, Harmon.

Just because Hill and D. Roberts are with other teams doesn't mean they were bad picks. The Pats wanted them on the PS and they couldn't sneak them there.

Brissett was traded for Dorsett. Dorsett looks like he'll be a competent #3/#4 WR.
Garoppolo was traded for a 2nd rounder that became Thuney and Mitchell. How was BB supposed to know that Mitchell's knees would let go after a season. Not to mention that without Mitchell, we don't beat Atlanta in the SB.

And how, pray tell, was BB supposed to know that Wynn, Berrios, Sam, Izzo, and Dawson would all get injured and have to be IRed..

2015 - You have 4 starters if you include Cardona since he's your Long Snapper.
2016 - Thuney is a starter. Roberts is a #4/#5lb. Karras is a damn good reserve and has shown he can spot start at Center.

It is idiocy to say that Kraft should take the GM duties away because BB doesn't do it by himself. He has Caserio and the entire scouting department.

5 SB rings. 8SB Appearances in 17 years. This idea that BB is somehow incompetent shows the kind of absolute arrogance that certain Pats fans have developed.. It's ridiculous and only shows badly on yourself.

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Doesn't change the fact that BB isn't good at drafting and that is why the D(and receivers) looks like it does. He trades Collins and Jones for draft picks and blows the draft picks. This has been going on for years. Defense clearly has holes so what does he draft? A RB in the first round.

I'm sure he's not the only one drafting but the end of the day it's his team in his decisions. He is supposed to be this defensive genius yet his this is D he has been rolling out the past 2 seasons.

Hightower is done, there is no pass rush, LB are slow and the secondary is weak. It's going to take years to fix this D.

I don't even have to get into the fact that Brady, at age 41, hands down has the worst group of receivers in the NFL by a million miles.

I hate to say it but . . . big picture "fix this" . . .maybe we need to consider doing a "Danny Ainge" by trading away Brady and Gronk for a ton of draft picks.

Let's see how these next 2 games go first.

ensoul said:

Doesn't change the fact that BB isn't good at drafting and that is why the D(and receivers) looks like it does.

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Based on what? Nailing every pick? If you deem success to be nailing ~2 starters and ~2 role players every draft hes on par with every other GM in the past 8 years. Couple the fact they've had 2 1s taken away and most always pick in the late 20s and 30s you will be challenged to have the same level of talent as teams always picking in the top 10.

ensoul said:

He trades Collins and Jones for draft picks and blows the draft picks. This has been going on for years.

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Trading Collins was a masterstroke. Look at him now. If you keep Jones you don't land Gilmore. There is a salary cap. Teams need to adhere to it.

ensoul said:

Defense clearly has holes so what does he draft? A RB in the first round.

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The need running backs. Lewis left, White cant run the ball. Burk is a role player. If you can't run the ball your QB becomes a target.

ensoul said:

I'm sure he's not the only one drafting but the end of the day it's his team in his decisions. He is supposed to be this defensive genius yet his this is D he has been rolling out the past 2 seasons.

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The finished #1 and #5 in points allowed the last 2 years. In case you haven't noticed, there is no such thing as a dominant NFL defense anymore.

ensoul said:

Hightower is done, there is no pass rush, LB are slow and the secondary is weak. It's going to take years to fix this D.

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Hightower is coming off injury, they've never had a pass rush. They are not playing well no question. Years to fix. Thats panic talking.

ensoul said:

I don't even have to get into the fact that Brady, at age 41, hands down has the worst group of receivers in the NFL by a million miles.

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If JE and Gordon perform as we hope they will be in the upper 1/2.

I suggest you practice patience and let the season play out and evaluate the talent after the season and not after 3 games.

PatriotSpy said:

You have to want to fix something first in order to fix something. I don't think BB wants to fix it this year. I think he wants to expedite Brady's retirement. He traded cooks, tried to trade Gronk. Let amendola walk. He wanted to get rid of Brady's weapons. He wants a high draft pick to draft his replacement.

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I had to go back to the original post, and break this down, just in case it's not sarcasm. Let's look at your points.

1) Traded cooks. Foxboro never pays top of market for WRs. They just don't do it, it's their business model, like it or not. So they rented Cooks for a year, who was coming off his rookie deal, and moved up 9 spots in the draft in the process. Again, you don't have to like it, but this is their business model. Draft picks are commodities with value, and they increased their value AND had Cooks for a year.
2) Tried to trade Gronk. Gronk is arguably the best TE ever. Certainly best in the game currently. He's a pain in the ass of biblical proportions off the field, and, most importantly, became a contrarian voice by with his social media posts, his moto cross presser antics, his I'm retiring rhetoric, and by jumping on the Alex Guerrero Pliability train AND being vocal about it. If you look at the history of guys in this locker room, BB moves on from them when they either a) squawk about money (Moss, Milloy) or b) become a contrarian voice to what the coaches are trying to do. (Adailus Thomas, Jamie Collins) The exception is when guys are exceptional, like Ty Law and yes, Gronk. But I will venture a guess and say Bill can live with a violation of A but not B, and a violation of B gets you shipped out of town fast.
3)Let Amendola walk. See #1. They would never pay 12m to a guy that has never had more than 700 yards receiving. Add to that Amedola's age, and it was a forgone conclusion that Amendola would walk after 2017. Good for him getting the money.

If you're point was sarcasm, then...

Deus Irae said:

1. Duct tape
2. Gorilla glue
3. Flex seal
4. WD-40
5. Paper clip
6. Elastic band
7. Chewing gum

That'll fix pretty much everything

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You left out Scotch tape. It's important to use with the chewing gum.