Today In Patriots History July 17: Peabody's Jerry DeLucca

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

We're getting close: only eight more days until training camp.
Unsurprisingly, there is not much in the way of Patriots history this time of year.

Today in Patriots History
The Pride of Peabody
Jerry DeLucca

In memory of Jerry DeLucca, who would have turned 90 today
Born July 17, 1936 in Peabody
Died January 28, 2017 in Danvers at the age of 80
Patriot OT/DT 1960-61, 1963-64; uniform #74 ('60-'63), #70 ('64)
Acquired in a trade with Buffalo on September 23, 1960
Pats résumé: four seasons, 31 games (27 starts)
1961 official All-AFL, second team

Jerry DeLucca was originally a seventh round (84th overall) selection by the Bears in the 1957 draft. He served in the Army in 1957-58, then played in Canada for the Toronto Argonauts. Chicago traded him to Philadelphia, and in 1959 DeLucca appeared in all 12 games for the Eagles, with nine starts. Dallas selected him as part of the 1960 expansion draft, but released him just before the start of the season.

DeLucca joined the Patriots on September 23, 1960 for their inaugural season and started at right tackle for the club's first two years. After Mike Holovak replaced Lou Saban as head coach, he opted to go with Milt Graham over DeLucca at right tackle and Jesse Richardson at defensive tackle, and traded DeLucca to Buffalo just before the start of the 1963 season.

DeLucca rejoined the Patriots in 1963, providing depth for two more seasons.

Jerry DeLucca played in 31 games for the Patriots with 25 starts from 1960 to 1964.

From 1961, the Boston Patriots offensive line: tackle Gerry DeLucca (74), guard Tony Sardisco (64),
center Walt Cudzik (54), guard Charlie Leo (63) and tackle Charley Long (76)

The link below provides an excellent in-depth seven-page bio on Jerry, and what it was like to be a pro football player back in the day:

Jerry DeLucca Biography - Pro Football Researchers

Under different circumstances, Jerry DeLucca might never have had much reason to leave his hometown of Peabody in suburban Boston. He was born there, grew up there, worked there, and died there. The only thing that kept DeLucca away from his family and friends in the region was football, which allowed him to see the continent. But even though he must have loved the game – no one is good enough to play at that level without a great deal of enthusiasm – he probably loved coming back home more.

Jerry stayed in Peabody through childhood and attended high school at Peabody Veterans Memorial. There he was part of the Tanners, the nickname of the sports teams, but you’d have to say the school wasn’t a football factory when it comes to outstanding players. Only two other players from there have reached the pros: Jack Donahue of the 1926 Providence Steam Roller, and Tom Alberghini of the 1945 Pittsburgh Steelers. The town’s most well-known athletic alumni might be hockey players: Bobby Carpenter and Reggie Lemelin, On the other hand, Peabody Veterans Memorial has six state football championships to its credit, so some talent must have passed through its front doors over the years.

DeLucca must have been one of the biggest players on the team when he was there in the early 1950s, and settled in to duty on the line. As a senior he played for coach John Bezemez on the 1952 team which went 7-2. Bezemez was one of the great names in college football history in that region. In 1942, he led Holy Cross to a memorable 55-12 win over Boston College, the top-ranked school in the nation. Bezemez went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. That ’52 Peabody team featured the future mayor of Peabody, Pete Torigian, at quarterback.

Jerry graduated from Peabody in 1953, and it was time to leave the nest of Massachusetts and head South. He arrived at the University of Tennessee to play football that fall. DeLucca probably thought he was going to be playing for the legendary coach of the Volunteers, Bob Neyland. The General had been around the school since 1926, and had a 173-31-12 record with four national championships. But before the 1953 season, Neyland resigned from the job due to health issues. . .

But DeLucca wasn’t around to see Majors finish his career. He had transferred to Middle Tennessee State. Charles Murphy was in the middle of a long run as the coach there, and the Blue Raiders enjoyed a successful season by any standard. They went 7-2 to win the Ohio Valley Conference title and qualified for the long-forgotten Refrigerator Bowl in Evansville, Indiana. Evansville called itself the refrigerator capital of the nation, since it was a center for manufacturing that particular product. Sam Houston came away with a 27-13 win in that bowl game, which was the last one ever played with that name.

The star of that Middle Tennessee team was Terry Sweeney, who was named a Little All-America at halfback. DeLucca was named an all-conference pick at tackle, one of five Blue Raiders to be selected. He was later called one of the best linemen in the school’s history.

That leads us to the fabled 1957 NFL draft, which was held in November 1956 (first four rounds) and January 1957 (remaining 26 rounds). You might recall that four Hall of Famers went in the first eight picks, including Paul Hornung, Len Dawson, Jim Brown and Jim Parker. Speaking of players inducted in Canton, Gene Hickerson went in the seventh round to Cleveland that year. Six players later, the Bears took DeLucca with the 84th pick overall. Jerry was listed on the MTSU roster as a junior during the 1956 season, but he must have been eligible for the draft because he transferred.

Jerry never played a game in Chicago. It was reported that DeLucca joined the military in 1957-58, but the dates of service are quite uncertain. The lineman was said to have talked with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in November 1957, but never signed there. About a year later, he turned up on the roster of the Argonauts, and played four games there. It’s not known how he came to play in the CFL; it could be assumed that the Bears waived his rights at some point. One of his teammates on that ’58 Toronto team was, oddly enough, Sam DeLuca, who turned up on the New York Jets in the 1960s.

In any event, the Eagles got a bargain in the deal. The 6-foot-2, 247-pound DeLucca played 12 games that season and started nine of them – mostly at left tackle, although he switched positions at times when necessary. Jerry had the chance to play with such names as Norm Van Brocklin, Chuck Bednarik and Pete Retzlaff that season. Philadelphia finished 7-5, building toward its 1960 NFL championship.

But there was no glory waiting for DeLucca after New Year’s Day. On March 13, 1960, the Dallas Cowboys took the tackle in the NFL Expansion Draft. Alas, he didn’t make it through the end of training camp and was cut by the first-year team. In most years, that would be a sign that it was time to move on with life. However, Jerry had a “Plan B” waiting for him in this particular year. The American Football League had started operations in 1960, and Boston had a team. DeLucca signed with the Patriots on September 23 – allowing him to return to his old neighborhood. Jerry slid into the starting lineup for the Patriots’ first year, and started 11 of his 12 games at right tackle. The team went 5-9 under coach Lou Saban, but life must have been pretty good for DeLucca at that point.

It was even better in 1961. Saban was shown the door in favor of Mike Holovak in midseason, and the Patriots turned a corner by finishing with a 9-4-1 record. DeLucca started all 14 games for Boston, and was a second team all-AFL selection. It looked as if Jerry had found a home. But those good feelings didn’t last. On the eve of the 1962 season, DeLucca was traded to the Buffalo Bills for a future draft choice. At least Jerry was reunited with Saban, who was named as the coach of the Bills early in 1962. DeLucca played in 14 games for Buffalo that season but didn’t start a contest. The Bills went 7-6-1. . .

Dallas traded him back to the Patriots for a draft choice on April 23 – probably another 12th rounder. DeLucca was home again. (Footnote: the Texans moved to Kansas City in May of that year.)

Then it gets confusing. DeLucca was cut by the Patriots on September 3, but apparently he was brought back at some point because of an injury to lineman Milt Graham. He played in three games for Boston that season, starting two of them. Pro Sports Transactions does have the Patriots cutting him on November 8 – thus he missed a trip to the AFL Championship game against San Diego. Jerry also turned up on the Buffalo roster for a couple of games somewhere in 1963.

DeLucca gave pro football one more shot in 1964, but was cut in training camp. Even so, the Patriots used him for a couple of games after signing him on November 27. And that was it. The final totals for the veteran: 59 games played with 37 starts, with three kickoff returns to his credit (on one for the Patriots in 1960, he ran for eight yards).

What was next for Jerry? Of course he stayed in the Boston area. DeLucca sold insurance for Allstate for a while, and then opened up his own insurance agency. No doubt he enchanted customers with tales of the original Boston Patriots. Jerry also used his size to his advantage in working on the security unit at Suffolk Downs racetrack.

DeLucca died on January 8, 2017. He had been married for more than 60 years to wife Mary. They had two children, Darrell and Cheryl.

1960 Boston Patriots: 2nd row, 3rd from left is Jerry DeLucca, #74

1961 Boston Patriots: 2nd row, center is Jerry DeLucca, #74

1963 Boston Patriots Media Guide:

Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home & Cremation Care

(978) 531-0472 Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home & Cremation Care | Peabody, MA. We are available 24/7. Call us anytime.

ccbfuneral.com

Born in Beverly, he was the son of the late Anthony and Stella (Koziski) DeLucca. He was raised and educated in Peabody and graduated from Peabody High School in 1953. He continued his education at Middle Tennessee State where he excelled as a lineman on the football team.

Following his college football career, Jerry played six seasons of professional football for the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots before retiring in 1964. After retiring from football, Jerry embarked on career selling insurance for All State Insurance and later owned his own insurance agency, Jerry DeLucca Insurance Agency in Peabody before he finally retired many years ago.

Jerry DeLucca Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Jerry DeLucca. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

profootballarchives.com

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeLuJe20.htm

Jerry DeLucca - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
The Seventies

July 17, 1971:
Denver trades FB Willis Crenshaw to New England for a 1972 sixth round draft pick.

Crenshaw had started twelve games for the Broncos in 1970, scoring six touchdowns. Prior to that he played for the St Louis Cardinals from 1964 to 1969, never missing a single game. His best season came in 1968 when he led St Louis with 813 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.

In 1971 John Mazur used Carl Garrett at halfback and Jim Nance at fullback almost exclusively, so even if Willis Crenshaw had made the Pats roster, he would have seen very little playing time. Younger players are generally more valuable on special teams, and John Mazur kept Jack Maitland (23 years old, in his second NFL season) as well as third-year RB Bob Gladieux and second-year RB Odell Lawson on the roster over Crenshaw, who had just turned 30 on July 16.

Crenshaw retired after not catching on with any other NFL teams. He finished his NFL career with a total of 18 touchdowns, playing in 96 games over seven seasons.

From the 1971 Patriots Media Guide:

July 17, 1971:
Pete Rozelle ruled that the contract that Joe Kapp signed in 1970 is 'non-regulation', and since Kapp refused to sign a standard player contract the previous day, he is prohibited from attending training camp.

Kapp later sued and started an anti-trust lawsuit vs. the NFL, claiming the standard NFL contract was unconstitutional and a restraint of trade. After four years of legal wrangling he won a summary judgement, the court ruling that Kapp's trade was indeed restrained. However, in a 1976 trial to determine compensation, the jury decided that Kapp was not damaged.

Even though Kapp himself was not awarded any damages, in 1977 the rules at issue in the Kapp case were later revised, a new system was instituted, and a multimillion-dollar settlement was made between the NFL and the NFL Players Association. That led to the bogus "Plan B Free Agency", which was thrown out by a jury in 1992, and the NFL's current version of free agency was introduced on March 1, 1993.

July 17, 1972:
Bill Atessis, who had been asked to drop weight in order to convert from defensive lineman to outside linebacker, 'voluntarily left camp with a bad heel'.

That decision apparently did not sit well with head coach Mazur: two days later Atessis was traded to the St Louis Cardinals for a 1973 fifth round draft pick. Atessis had played in five games for the Patriots in 1971.

Bad Heel Sidelines Bill Atessis

July 17, 1977:
The Patriots re-sign Shelby Jordan.

The big right tackle had been reinstated by Pete Rozelle on July 3, after his release from prison for selling cocaine and missing the entire 1976 season. Jordan had been sentenced to two years in prison on May 3, 1976.

Jordan played in 95 games for the Patriots over seven seasons, plus two postseason games. He then spent four years with the Raiders, earning a ring along with Jim Plunkett from their Super Bowl XVIII 38-9 victory over Washington's Joe Gibbs, Joe Theismann and John Riggins.

Shelby Jordan (2013) - Hall of Fame - National Football Foundation

footballfoundation.org

Inductee | Shelby Lewis Jordan 2013

Shelby Lewis Jordan was a Linebacker for Washington University in St. Louisand inducted into College Football Hall of Fame in 2013

www.cfbhall.com

College Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl XVIII champion OL Shelby Jordan dies at 70

Shelby Jordan, whose spectacular career at Washington University in St. Louis earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame and an 11-year NFL career, has died. He was 70.

www.nfl.com

The Patriots also signed three of their draft picks:
TE Don Hasselbeck, Colorado (2nd round, 52nd overall)
DB Sidney Brown, Oklahoma (3rd round, 82nd overall)
LB Ray Costict, Mississippi State (11th round, 303rd overall)

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
The Eighties

July 17, 1980:
11th round draft pick Mike Hubach of Kansas signs his rookie contract.

The previous year the Patriots used a fourth-round draft pick on top rated NCAA punter, Eddie Hare from Tulsa. Problem was that Hare underwhelmed, averaging 36.6 yards per punt with an abysmal net average of 29.8 yards on his 83 punts.

The best that can be said about Hubach is that at least he was not another early draft pick; he was an improvement over Hare, but not by much. His numbers were betters than Hare's, and the number of touchbacks decreased from 11 (13.3%) to two (3.2%). But his 38.0 yards per punt still ranked dead last in the NFL, and the net of 33.6 yards was nothing to write home about.

Hubach had been outperformed by Rich Camarillo in the 1981 training camp, but head coach Ron Erhardt overrode special teams coach Gino Cappelletti, and kept Hubach to start the 1981 season - because Hubach also handled kickoff duties, saving a roster spot.

After five games and a 38.2 yard average the Pats waived Hubach. Rather than sign Camarillo they turned to Ken Hartley of Dean Jr College, who was even worse and lasted only two games. The Pats finally signed Camarillo, who became one of the NFL's best punters in the eighties and nineties.

From October 7, 1981:

The New England Patriots, still trying to find apunter,... - UPI Archives

The New England Patriots, still trying to find apunter, waived Mike Hubach and signed free agent Ken Hartley to take over the team's punting chores....

www.upi.com

July 17, 1984:
Training camp did not get off to a particularly healthy start.

DE Smiley Cresswell, a 1983 5th round draft pick, departed with a torn MCL on his left knee. Cresswell spent all of 1983 and 1984 on injured reserve, was released at the end of camp the following year, and played in three games for the Eagles in '85. He was released by Philadelphia and re-signed by the Patriots - then landed on IR a third and final time on September 3, 1986.

Rookie LB Ed Williams, a 2nd round draft pick from Texas, is also injured - though not as severely. Williams suffered an ankle injury that would hamper him all season long, while only missing two games. Williams did not truly live up to his draft status thanks in large part to recurring nagging injuries. He finally became a starter in 1987, but again, a series of minor injuries to his ankle and groin limited Williams to seven starts while missing two games. In the 1988 offseason Williams suffered a serious knee injury, and he missed all of both '88 and 1989. He returned to play in 15 games in 1990 despite an ankle injury, but that was it for his pro football career.

July 17, 1987:
The Patriots sign their 12th round draft pick, RB Elgin Davis

Davis appeared in nine games with the Patriots over two seasons with the Patriots. The former UCF Knight averaged 4.8 yards on nine carries, and 21.8 yards on 11 kickoff returns.

Elgin Davis was the first player from the University of Central Florida to either be drafted by, or play for the Patriots. UCF began playing football as a Division 3 team in 1979, moved up to Division 2 in 1982, were coached by former Pats HC Lou Saban in 1983-84, moved up to 1-AA (FCS) in 1990, and finally 1-A (FBS) in 1996 - making them the first and perhaps only football program to play in all four divisions.

Patriots players from UCF:
RB Elgin Davis, 1987-88
WR Shawn Jefferson, 1996-99
CB Asante Samuel, 2003-07
WR Doug Gabriel, 2006
WR Kamar Aiken, 2012
DL Trysten Hill, 2023

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
The Nineties

July 17, 1990:
The Patriots sign three free agents: WR Glenn Antrum, G Chuck Pellegrini and DT Billy Keys

Antrum originally signed with the Pats as an undrafted rookie from UConn in 1989, and he spent most of the season on the team's developmental squad.

Pellegrini was a 6-4, 270 guard who was a first team All-Mid-American Conference in 1980 for Central Michigan. He too was signed as an undrafted rookie in 1989, and was back for a second training camp.

Keys was the only first-year player, an undrafted rookie from Virginia.

All three were released as part of roster cuts. Antrum was the only one of the group that ever played for the Patriots, in a 33-24 win over Buffalo in '89.

From July 22, 1989:

Receiver Is a Longshot to Make Patriot Squad

National Football League training camps no longer have the look of a movie production with a cast of thousands.

www.latimes.com

Antrum caught a Connecticut single-season record 77 passes last fall to lead all National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-AA receivers. He thought he would be drafted but he wasn’t, and he signed with the Patriots, the only team he contacted.

Antrum is bidding to become the second Connecticut player in the past two years to make the Patriots’ final roster. Last year free-agent linebacker Eric Naposki made the club. Naposki was left unprotected by the Patriots and signed with the Dallas Cowboys during the offseason.

But Antrum has almost no shot at making the Patriots, who have veterans Stanley Morgan, Irving Fryar, Cedric Jones and Sammy Martin returning at wide receiver. New England also took Hart Lee Dykes on the first round of the 1989 draft and Michael Timpson on the fourth. The team is expected to keep just five wide receivers.

From August 26, 1990:

Patriots cut 12 players - UPI Archives

The New England Patriots reduced their roster to 66 players Sunday, cutting 10 free agents and two rookies.

www.upi.com

July 17, 1993:
Bill Parcells makes a statement, releasing offensive linemen Keith Ballard and Reggie Redding.

The cases for and against Bill Parcells making the Patriots Hall of Fame

COMMENTARY He arrived a white knight and left wearing the blackest hat imaginable. And almost 25 years later, Bill Parcells is still that for a lot of New England fans and observers, without any hint of gray. If you’re aware that the former coach is once again up for the Patriots Hall of Fame...

www.boston.com

In his first training camp, Parcells immediately changed the culture, running a self-professed, since-outlawed “murderous” schedule of six consecutive two-a-day practices. When starting left guard Reggie Redding showed up overweight, Parcells cut him. Same with linebacker David Howard, New England’s second-leading tackler, after he sat out a practice with what Parcells thought was a minor toe injury.

They were two of 31 players from the ’92 team not on 1993’s initial 53-man roster; the three highest-paid players from the prior year, including all-1980s wideout Irving Fryar, were all traded. That was also a function of finances. Despite 1993 being the first year of true free agency in the NFL, Orthwein cut payroll nearly 10 percent, leaving New England outspent by everyone but Cleveland.

Kicking Butt

To every thing there is a season--and this is the season, courtesy of the federal courts, of free agency in the National Football League. Nineteen ninety-three is the year when everybody in the NFL seems to have changed teams--Super Bowl winners like quarterback Joe Montana (box) and running...

www.newsweek.com

But there has been no more intriguing move than that made by Bill Parcells, who won two Super Bowls as the hard-driving, tough-talking coach of the New York Giants. He climbed down out of the broadcast booth and back onto the field with the feckless New England Patriots, who have won just nine of 48 games over the past three seasons.

"Feckless" doesn't quite do justice to a sorry franchise that has had its fourth coach (and should soon have its fourth owner) in five years. Other NFL teams have endured drug scandals, but none that broke right after a Super Bowl in which the team had been stoned by five touchdowns. Other teams have had sex scandals, but none in their own locker room involving the harassment of a beat reporter for the local paper. Other teams have had troubled superstars, but none who crashed his car near the stadium during a game. "Just having Parcells gives this team more credibility than it has had in its entire history," says Will McDonough, The Boston Globe columnist who serves as NBC's football guru.

This is the new New England Patriots. Gone are the old red and white uniforms for blue and silver. Gone from the helmet is the cartoony Revolutionary War patriot for a soldier who looks as if he might fight in "Star Wars." And gone, too, are some of the Pats' biggest-name players; wide-receiver Irving Fryar, quarterback Hugh Millen and running back John Stephens were all dealt for draft choices before training camp even opened. When it did, Parcells quickly established the tenor. Reggie Redding, a starting guard last season, was cut after he showed up overweight and out of shape. Linebacker David Howard, the team's second leading tackler in 1992, was dumped when he couldn't practice with a toe injury that the brass didn't deem serious.

Those who remained quickly adjusted to a steady torrent of high-volume criticism. "When you screw up," says tight end Marv Cook, "everybody knows it--you, the whole team and any fans at the practice." Parcells's style is not that of the remote field general. His practices are pressure packed and Parcells almost singlehandedly provides the pressure. He shifts his attention from offense to defense to special teams, getting in everybody's face. Defensive line coach Romeo Crennel says Parcells was a little apprehensive the first day of camp--that perhaps the game had changed or that he was rusty. "But after a day he knew it was football and he could still coach," says Crennel, who has been alongside Parcells for 13 years. "He let loose on rookies, veterans, coaches, even the ball boys--anyone who wanted, needed it or deserved it."

July 17, 1994:
Two days after players reported to training camp and the team began practices, NT Mario Johnson was quickly waived.

Johnson was a 10th round draft pick out of Missouri in 1992, by the Jets. The Patriots claimed him off waivers on Sept 23, 1993, and he appeared in six games for the Pats. The Browns signed him, but he failed to make their roster, ending his NFL career.

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
More Nineties

July 17, 1996:
Patriots re-sign DT Troy Barnett, DE Ferric Collons and WR Will Moore.

Patriots also sign four rookie draft picks:
- 7th round guard J.R. Conrad of Oklahoma (12 games played)
- 5th round guard John Elmore of Texas (zero games played)
- 4th round guard Heath Irwin of Colorado (87 games played)
- 3rd round linebacker Tedy Bruschi (13 years, 189 games)

July 17, 1997:
Patriots sign their top draft pick, Kansas State cornerback Chris Canty

Patriots release CB Canty

FOXBORO, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced the release of cornerback Chris Canty, today.

www.patriots.com

CANTY’S RELEASE PROMPTED BY CAP

The Patriots released cornerback and former first- round draft pick Chris Canty in a salary cap move on Tuesday. Canty, 23, who was heading into the third year of a four-year, $7.5 million contract, started nine games last season before…

www.courant.com

July 17, 1998:

Patriots Sign Top Draft Pick

Five-year deal worth $5.7 million

www.cbsnews.com

Running back Robert Edwards, New England's first pick in last April's NFL draft, signed with the Patriots on Friday for a reported $5.7 over five years.

The team has three unsigned draft picks remaining: the other first-rounder, Tebucky Jones, a cornerback from Syracuse; second-rounder Tony Simmons, a wide receiver from Wisconsin, and fifth-rounder Ron Merkerson, a linebacker from Colorado.

Training camp begins Sunday.

Edwards, who played at Georgia, will be expected to help fill the role of Curtis Martin, the former rookie of the year who went to the Jets via free agency. Coach Pete Carroll said he wanted Edwards to share those duties with Sedrick Shaw, who played in just one regular-season game after being selected in the third round last year.

Edwards is part of a tradition of Georgia running backs that includes Herschel Walker, Garrison Hearst and Super Bowl MVP Terrell Davis. Despite missing nearly three full games last season with a sprained ankle, Edwards finished with 908 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns last season.

Previously, the Patriots had signed tight end Rod Rutledge of Alabama (a second-round pick), fullback Chris Floyd of Michigan (third round), defensive tackle Leonta Rheams of Houston (fourth round) and offensive lineman Jason Anderson of Brigham Young (seventh round).

On the same day the Patriots signed RB Harold Shaw, their sixth-round draft pick from Southern Miss. He was used sparingly on offense: in 35 games over three seasons in New England, Shaw had 18 carries for 35 yards and four receptions for 42 yards.

The only photos I could find of Harold Shaw running the ball were in an August 22, 1998 preseason
game against Washington in what was then a brand new venue known as Jack Kent Cooke Stadium.

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
The Aughts

July 17, 2000:
The Patriots release a pair of New England natives:
- OT Ed Ellis (born in New Haven, raised in Hamden CT)
- TE Kerry Taylor (born in Boston, raised in Mansfield)

Ellis was a 4th round pick out of Buffalo in 1997; over three season he played in nine games with one start for the Pats. Washington signed him a few days later; Ellis played in 12 games for the Redskins in 2000, and 33 games for the Chargers from 2001-03.

Taylor was an All-American tight end at UMass, and signed as an undrafted rookie by Detroit. After being cut by the Lions, Taylor was signed by the Pats and spent all of the 99 season on the practice squad. After being released by New England he spent the next six years playing in the XFL and Arena Football League.

Kerry Taylor Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Kerry Taylor. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Former UMass Gridiron Star Kerry Taylor Has Role In "The Game Plan" Movie - University of Massachusetts Athletics

Sept. 19, 2007 BOSTON, Mass. - Former UMass All-American tight end Kerry Taylor has a role in the new movie "The Game Plan" which opens nationwide on Sept. 2...

umassathletics.com

The movie was made by noted sports film makers Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray, who were previously responsible for such high-quality and inspirational sports films as "Invincible," "The Rookie" and "Miracle."

"THE GAME PLAN" stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Kyra Sedgwick. In the film, Johnson plays arrogant superstar pro quarterback Joe Kingman. At the height of Kingman's attempt to lead his team to the playoffs and a possible league championship, he finds out that he has a seven-year-old daughter that he never knew he had -- the product of a last fling with his then-wife just prior to their divorce. Kingman must then deal with this situation during the most important time of his professional football career. Sedgwick portrays Kingman's tough agent. A large portion of the movie was filmed in and around Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots' practice facility.

The football scenes in "THE GAME PLAN" were coordinated by Mark Ellis of ReelSports. For the film, all of the players in the movie attended a three-week pre-filming training camp run by Ellis. Similar to a real professional training camp, the players practiced offense, defense and special teams in preparation for filming.

July 17, 2002:

First Rookie Signs with Patriots

For the second straight day the Patriots inked a deal that makes the team a little greener. Just one day after making official the signing of former Jets safety Victor Green, the Patriots came to terms on a three-year, incentive laden deal with fourth rou

www.patriots.com

Jarvis Green's agent, Albert Elias, confirmed that while the two sides had been working on the deal for more than a month, they finally got the details worked out over the last couple days.

"We started negotiating early," Elias said. " I knew the Patriots do things a little bit differently when it comes to contracts. I thought it would be in our best interests to get started early and get it done. [Green] has the opportunity in minimum playing time to make the most money of any fourth round pick in the history of the draft on a three-year deal."

For his part the 6-foot-3-inch, 272-pound defensive end out of LSU was happy both with the terms of the deal and the fact that it was finalized in time as not to jeopardize his ability to enter camp on time when rookies report to Bryant College for training camp on July 22.

Patriots sign DL Daniel Benetka

Foxborough, Mass. - The New England Patriots signed defensive lineman Daniel Benetka today.

www.patriots.com

The New England Patriots signed defensive lineman Daniel Benetka today. Benetka, 27, played for the Frankfurt Galaxy during the 2002 NFL Europe season. He recorded seven tackles (6 solos) and five passes defensed with the Galaxy. Frankfurt was the top rated defense in NFL Europe this past season, yielding only 256.1 yards per game.

The 6-foot-4-inch, 295-pound defensive lineman attended the University of Idaho and was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as a rookie free agent, but was released prior to the 1999 regular season. He spent the 2001 NFL Europe season with the Galaxy and totaled 12 tackles, including one sack. Benetka then played with the Indianapolis Colts during the 2001 preseason, but was released prior to the regular season.

Benetka was one of several players waived on August 24 just ahead of the deadline to trim the roster to 65 players. He later signed with the Chiefs and Falcons, but never appeared in any regular season NFL games. He did play in 48 games over five seasons with Frankfurt in NFL Europe.

Daniel Benetka Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Daniel Benetka. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

July 17, 2006:
Pats sign fourth round draft pick Garrett Mills

July 17, 2007:
At the time there was a lot of chatter that it would not happen, but the Patriots did re-sign free agent Troy Brown. Bingo was on the PUP list for the first twelve weeks of the season and inactive for the next three. He got on the field for his final NFL game in week 15, a 28-7 victory over Miami where Troy averaged 9.2 yards on six punt returns.

On the same day the Patriots also signed two sixth-round draft picks: LB Justin Rogers of Southern Methodist, and RB Justise Hairston of Central Connecticut State.

Patriots re-sign veteran standout WR Brown

Troy Brown signed with the New England Patriots for a 15th season, giving the wide receiver a chance to increase his team record of 557 catches. Brown, 36, has spent his entire career with the Patriots since being drafted in the eighth round out of Marsha

www.patriots.com

Troy Brown signed with the New England Patriots for a 15th season, giving the wide receiver a chance to increase his team record of 557 catches.

Brown, 36, has spent his entire career with the Patriots since being drafted in the eighth round out of Marshall in 1993. He did not attend last month's minicamp where another former Marshall receiver, Randy Moss, worked out with his new team after he was acquired from Oakland in a draft day trade in April.

The Patriots have stocked up on wide receivers, adding Moss, Donte' Stallworth, Wes Welker and Kelley Washington in the offseason and Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney last season. But New England still can use Brown, who had 43 receptions last year and started nine of the 16 regular season games in which he played.

Brown, an offensive captain the past five seasons, holds team records for punt returns and punt return yardage and has filled in at defensive back. His three interceptions in 2004 ranked second on the club.

Last season, he passed Stanley Morgan's club record of 534 catches and moved into second place in total receiving yards with 6,366. Morgan is first with 10,352. With 191 games, Brown is tied for fourth with cornerback Raymond Clayborn. The team record of 212 is held by offensive tackle Bruce Armstrong.

July 17, 2008:

Patriots sign CB Jonathan Wilhite

The New England Patriots today announced the signing of fourth-round draft choice Jonathan Wilhite. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

www.patriots.com

The New England Patriots signed fourth-round draft choice Jonathan Wilhite today. The Patriots selected the cornerback with the 129th overall selection of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Auburn University.

Wilhite, 24, played in 34 games with 23 starts at cornerback over three seasons at Auburn, recording 101 tackles (77 solo), three interceptions, 14 passes defensed, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. As a senior in 2007, he played in 12 games with six starts while posting a career-high two interceptions in addition to 30 tackles (22 solo). He started all 10 games in which he played as a junior in 2006, finishing the campaign with 24 tackles (20 solo). His first season at Auburn came as a sophomore in 2005, when he started seven of 12 games and tallied a career-high 47 tackles (35 solo) and finished second on the team with seven passes defensed. Wilhite transferred to Auburn after spending his freshman season at Butler County (Kan.) Community College in 2004. During that season, he totaled five interceptions and earned National Junior College All-American honors.

July 17, 2009:
News breaks that the Patriots signed their second-round draft pick, DT Ron Brace, with the transaction being formally announced a few days later. The four-year contract was for $4,435,000, with $2,820,000 fully guaranteed.

Report: Patriots Come to Terms with Brace, Bussey - NESN.com

The Patriots have certainly been busy signing draft picks this week, and they kept right on rolling on Friday afternoon, locking up second-rounder Ron Brace and fifth-rounder George Bussey. Brace, a nose tackle out of Boston College, reportedly agreed to a four-year deal worth about $2.82...

nesn.com

The Patriots have certainly been busy signing draft picks this week, and they kept right on rolling on Friday afternoon, locking up second-rounder Ron Brace and fifth-rounder George Bussey.

Brace, a nose tackle out of Boston College, reportedly agreed to a four-year deal worth about $2.82 million in guaranteed money, according to agent Nate Haber's Twitter account (what would we do without Twitter?). He was selected with the 40th overall selection in the 2009 draft.

"Ron's very excited to get his deal done with the Patriots," Haber told the Boston Globe's Mike Reiss via email. "It's a dream come true for him. We have a lot of respect for their organization, and we look forward to watching Ron develop in New England."

Along with first-rounder B.J. Raji (who was scooped up by Green Bay), Brace led the Eagles to the ACC's top rushing defense in 2008, registering 27 tackles, three sacks and 11 tackles — good for second on the team.

Signing Brace was especially critical for New England, given the uncertainties surrounding the future of veteran nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

The Globe also reports that the Patriots came to an agreement with Bussey late on Friday afternoon. A source tells Chris Gasper that the offensive lineman out of Louisville agreed to a four-year deal.

The only second-rounder New England is still waiting on is Patrick Chung, the No. 34 overall pick in this year's draft and the Patriots top selection overall. They have yet to reach agreements with third-rounder Tyrone McKenzie and sixth-rounder Jack Ingram.

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
The 2010s

July 17, 2014:

Patriots Release WRs Jeremy Johnson, Reese Wiggins

Before training camp could even get underway, the Patriots felt the need to tweak the team's roster even more.

www.boston.com

Before training camp could even get underway, the Patriots felt the need to tweak the team’s roster even more.

Rookie wide receivers Jeremy Johnson and Reese Wiggins were both released on Thursday. They had both signed with the Patriots as undrafted free agents on May 27.

Johnson, 22, came to the Patriots from Southern Methodist while Wiggins, 23, played his college football at East Carolina. Both were prototypical slot receivers, weighing no more than 185 pounds, in a crowded position group.

https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4764924/pats-promote-ossenfort-to-scouting-director

When New England Patriots director of college scouting Jon Robinson departed in May to become director of player personnel in Tampa Bay, it created a notable void in the team's personnel department.

Now we know how the Patriots will fill it.

As expected at the time of Robinson's departure, the club has promoted former assistant director of college scouting Monti Ossenfort to the role.

Ossenfort enters his 13th NFL season and 10th with the Patriots, having worked his way up from personnel assistant, to area scout, then national scout and assistant director of college scouting. He was a four-year letterman and two-year starter at quarterback at Minnesota-Morris. He graduated in 2000 with a degree in economics and management, and then went on to earn his master's degree in business administration/sports management from Ohio University.

Ossenfort's promotion is the most notable change in the Patriots' scouting department in 2014.

Meanwhile, Michelle Martini has been elevated to the position of associate director of football operations. The Lexington, Massachusetts, native and Boston College graduate (Class of 2011) spent the last three seasons as a football operations assistant.

In the role, Martini coordinates all travel and accommodations for home and road games, training camp logistics, stadium operations, and played a key role in the team's office-renovation project.

2016 Patriots Media Guide:

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
The 2020s

July 17, 2021:

Tech announces 2024 Hall of Fame & Hall of Honor Class - Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Texas Tech Athletics Hall of Fame will welcome six new members with the additions of Danny Amendola (football), Cory Carr (men's basketball), Amanda Dowd...

texastech.com

Danny Amendola (2004-07)

Amendola represents one of the top wide receivers and return specialists since Texas Tech moved to its spread passing attack at the turn of the new millennium. Following in the footsteps of Wes Welker, Amendola continued Texas Tech's string of successful inside receivers, all while adding his own flare as a dynamic punt returner.

Amendola, a native of The Woodlands, Texas, was a three-time All-Big 12 honoree, earning first team accolades as a punt returner as only a true freshman in 2004. He remains one of the best wide receivers in school history after catching 204 passes for 2,246 yards and 15 touchdowns over his four seasons, ending his tenure in scarlet and black as one of only the five Red Raiders at the time to record 200 career receptions. Amendola closed his tenure with 109 receptions as a senior alone, which still ranks second all-time in the Texas Tech single-season history book. He piled up 1,245 receiving yards that season, the fourth-highest total in school history at the time and the eighth-highest still to date.

Amendola could change the game on special teams, too, as he returned 116 punts at an impressive 11.1 yards per attempt average over his career. Amendola still ranks as one of only three Red Raiders in program history to total more than 100 returns and 1,000 punt return yards in a career, joining two Hall of Famers before him in Welker and Tyrone Thurman.

Following his Red Raider career, Amendola found success in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls as a member of the New England Patriots. Amendola retired from the NFL following the 2021 season after catching 617 passes for 6,212 yards and 24 touchdowns as a member of the St. Louis Rams (2009-12), New England Patriots (2013-17), Miami Dolphins (2018), Detroit Lions (2019-20) and Houston Texans (2021). Amendola was named to the Patriots' All-Decade Team for the 2010s after helping New England to wins in both Super Bowl XLIX and LI, catching a touchdown in both of those victories.

July 17, 2022:
Charles Johnson, a wide receiver who played in 14 games with two starts for the Patriots in 2001, passed away at the age of 50 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Johnson was the 17th overall pick of the 1994 draft by Pittsburgh. He spent his first five years with the Steelers, appearing in a combined 82 games. While he may not have played up to his draft status, nonetheless he was still a reliable #2 WR.

After two years with the Philadelphia Eagles, Johnson joined the Patriots as a free agent in May 2001. He went on to make the 53-man roster as a rotational third option behind starters Troy Brown and David Patten.

Johnson had 14 receptions for 111 yards and one TD in '01, with two more catches while playing in all three postseason games. Those two receptions for 22 yards came in the Pats upset win in the AFCCG over Johnson’s original team, the Steelers.

https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/wake-county-news/super-bowl-winning-receiver-heritage-high-school-assistant-athletic-director-charles-johnson-dies/

Charles Johnson (1972–2022), Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver | News

Charles Johnson was a wide receiver with NFL teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots.

www.legacy.com

After playing college football for the University of Colorado Boulder, Johnson was a first-round pick for the Steelers in the 1994 NFL Draft. He played for the Steelers for five years before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2000, he led the Eagles with seven touchdown catches. The following year, in his single season with the Patriots, he earned a Super Bowl ring. Johnson finished his NFL career with a single season with the Buffalo Bills. In later years, he was assistant athletic director at Heritage High School in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Charles Johnson (1972–2022), Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver | News

Charles Johnson was a wide receiver with NFL teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots.

www.legacy.com

July 17, 2026:

Patriots Part Ways With Former 5-Star Recruit Who Left UNC Before Bill Belichick Arrived | NESN

New England has a full roster and had to make a tough decision.

nesn.com

Shaw's name is particularly relevant because in his high school class, he was a top-five recruit in the entire country among all positions. He got offers from Alabama, Clemson and USC but stayed home to play at the University of North Carolina.

The 6-foot-5, 335-pound defensive tackle spent three seasons with the Tar Heels, but he entered the transfer portal late in his junior season, before Bill Belichick actually arrived. Shaw played his final college season with the Texas Longhorns.

Shaw's best campaign was his final one at UNC, when he had 26 tackles in 13 games, including 4.0 tackles for loss, to go along with his only two career fumble recoveries. Shaw made 13 tackles (1.0 TFL) in the 2025 season with the Longhorns.

His raw size, as well as his recruiting pedigree, make him seem like someone who another team will give a chance with an offseason signing to potentially get a look at Shaw during training camp.

At least for now, the Pats didn't like what they saw enough to keep him around.

What waiving Travis Shaw means for the Patriots

The undrafted rookie was released by the Patriots ahead of training camp.

sports.yahoo.com

Loss of size

At 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, Shaw was both the tallest and the heaviest defender on the Patriots' roster at the time of his release. His profile plus his college career at North Carolina and Texas suggested that he might compete for the nose tackle job in training camp — one that has been left unoccupied ever since Khyiris Tonga left the club in March to join the Chiefs as an unrestricted free agent.

Shaw was a long-shot to earn a roster spot due to his UDFA status and lack of college production, but his physical profile nonetheless made him an intriguing player in that competition. The next defensive tackle down the line to offer similar attributes is 6-foot-3, 319-pound Eric Gregory.

8 DTs remaining

Shaw might have been the bottom layer of the Patriots' defensive tackle depth chart, but he nonetheless provided another body to be used in practice. Alas, it was not meant to be, and New England is now down to the following eight players at the position:

Interior defensive line (8):Milton Williams (97), Christian Barmore (90), Cory Durden (94), Joshua Farmer (92), Leonard Taylor III (93), Eric Gregory (95), Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98), David Blay Jr. (96)

Out of those eight, three players can be considered locks to make the roster this year. Milton Williams and Christian Barmore are the undisputed starters and one of the top interior duos in the NFL, while Cory Durden was a part-time DT3 in 2025 and seems ready to take on a more prominent role in his second season in the Patriots' system.

No salary cap impact

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
Brandon Gorin

Happy 47th birthday to Brandon Gorin
Born July 17, 1978 in Muncie, Indiana
Patriots OT, 2003-2005; uniform #76
Signed as a free agent to the practice squad on September 5, 2002
Pats résumé: four seasons, 31 games (18 starts)
seven postseason games (five starts); two super bowl rings

Brandon Gorin played in 32 regular season games for the Patriots, with 18 starts. The Pats went 6-1 in Gorin's seven playoff games, including the Super Bowl 39 victory over Philadelphia. Brandon played in a career-high 14 games with ten starts in that 2004 season, when Corey Dillon set the Patriots' single-season rushing record with 1,635 yards.

From the PatsFans message board on June 3, 2006:

No way that Brandon Gorin makes this team ...

using the most famous title IMHO of any post on this board.

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'No way that Brandon Gorin makes this team ...'

Jun 3, 2006

using the most famous title IMHO of any post on this board.

Brandon Gorin vs. Wesley Britt

Obviously, Light, Kaczur and rookie O'Callagan are 3 roster locks. If we take 4 tackles, who gets the last spot, Gorin (who plays exclusively at RT), or Britt (Height: 6-8 Weight: 314). I seem to remember hearing that Britt played some LT. Can anyone confirm?

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Brandon Gorin vs. Wesley Britt'

Jun 3, 2006

Obviously, Light, Kaczur and rookie O'Callagan are 3 roster locks. If we take 4 tackles, who gets the last spot, Gorin (who plays exclusively at RT), or Britt (Height: 6-8 Weight: 314). I seem to remember hearing that Britt played some LT. Can anyone confirm?

Aug 21, 2006:

Patriots Trade OT Brandon Gorin to Arizona for Undisclosed Draft Choice

The New England Patriots traded offensive tackle Brandon Gorin to the Arizona Cardinals today in exchange for an undisclosed draft choice.

www.patriots.com

Gorin, 28, is in his fifth NFL season and was originally drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round (201st overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-6-inch, 308-pound offensive lineman was listed as a game-day inactive for all 16 games as a rookie with the Chargers in 2001. He was released by the Chargers following their 2002 training camp and was signed to the Patriots practice squad on Sept. 5, 2002.

The Muncie, Ind. native spent the remainder of the 2002 season on New England’s practice squad and was signed to the Patriots’ active roster on Jan. 6, 2003. He made his NFL debut in 2003 for the Patriots and played in six regular season games and two playoff contests that season. In 2004, the Purdue product broke into the starting lineup at right tackle, starting 10 of 14 games and all three playoff contests as New England allowed just 26 sacks and averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry for the first time in 19 years.

Last season, he played in 12 games at right tackle and started the final eight contests of the regular season in addition to both of New England’s playoff games. He has played in played in 32 career games with 18 starts.

Super Bowl Champion Celebrates Failure - Inside INdiana Business

A National Football League player-turned pizza chain developer says broken relationships in his personal and professional lives have taught him to set expectations ahead of time to stay on the same...

www.insideindianabusiness.com

Brandon Gorin, who won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, is area developer for Marco's Pizza in the Indianapolis market. During a presentation at FailFest today in Fishers, Gorin said the only secret to success he has found as an entrepreneur is "intentional work over time."

Gorin was born and raised in Muncie. He attended Purdue University before being drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2001. He opened his first Marco's Pizza store in 2011. Since then, he says, while some of his stores have been successful and some have not, "all have taught me lessons." He is area developer for the Indy market, which includes 23 stores, with an additional four in development.

Football Phenomenon to Pizza Prodigy - NFL Player Engagement

SLICE OF SUCCESS: Forgotten Tom Brady teammate who was part of Patriots Super Bowl dynasty turned pizza prodigy in post-retirement career

Brandon Gorin - Owner - MP Indy LLC | LinkedIn

Owner - Stylemark Properties

Real Estate Developer and Investor

Hide the women and daughters: here are your 2005 New England Patriots offensive linemen

Brandon Gorin Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Brandon Gorin. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GoriBr20.htm

Brandon Gorin - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
Phil Bengtson

In memory of Phil Bengtson, who would have turned 113 today
Born July 17, 1913 in Rousseau, Minnesota
Died December 18, 1994 at the age of 81
Patriots interim head coach, 1972
Hired November 13, 1972
Pats résumé: 1-4 record as Head Coach;
one season as Administrative Assistant, one as Director of Pro Scouting

Phil Bengtson is most well known for having the unenviable role of replacing Vince Lombardi in Green Bay, just at the moment in time when the Packers roster was aging and retiring. Bengtson went 6-7-1, 8-6 and 6-8 with an over-the-hill Bart Starr at QB, before the Pack turned to Dan Devine as their next head coach.

He worked with the Chargers before being signed to clean up the remnants of the Clive Rush - John Mazur mess, winning one of the Pats final five games. It turned out just as well, as a late season turnaround may have meant a contract extension, rather than the Patriots hiring Chuck Fairbanks.

Bengtson remained with New England, working as the Director of Pro Scouting and as an Administrative Assistant in 1973 and then Director of Pro Scouting under Bucko Kilroy in 1974.

Phil Bengston Coaching Record

The trusted source for the pro football coaching record of Phil Bengston.

www.profootballarchives.com

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/BengPh0.htm

Phil Bengtson - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
Cups of Coffee

Happy 49th birthday to Justin Kurpeikis
Born July 17, 1977 in Allison Park, PA
Patriots linebacker, 2004-05; uniform #47
Signed to the practice squad on October 22, 2003
Pats résumé: two seasons primarily on the practice squad; five games played, three tackles

Justin Kurpeikis was undrafted out of Penn State, where he had been a 2000 All Big 10 Conference first teamer. He was first with the Steelers for three years, appearing in just nine games during that time. From 2004-05 Kurpeikis was with the Patriots, spending more time on the practice squad than on the 53 man roster. In the five games that he got to play for the Pats he had three tackles (one solo). Kurpeikis also spent time with Cleveland, Detroit, and Hamburg in NFL Europe.

Post-NFL Kurpeikis owns a physical therapy clinic, and has worked in sales of medical devices.

LB Justin Kurpeikis released from Practice Squad

www.patriots.com

Behind the Desk: Justin Kurpeikis

Address: 613 Valley View Blvd. Suite 200, Altoona. Also operates a State College location. Telephone number: 889-0310 Position: Owner/CEO Years with company: About 10 years; was a founding member Family: Wife, Kelly; and kids: Olivia, 11; Isabel, 9; Leonard, 7; and William, 5 What products or...

www.altoonamirror.com

Our Team -- Atlas Therapy

Justin Kurpeikis -- LinkedIn

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KurpJu20.htm

Justin Kurpeikis Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Justin Kurpeikis. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Justin Kurpeikis - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

In memory of Don Ratliff, who would have turned 76 today
Born July 17, 1950 in Baltimore; hometown Winchester, Virginia
Died April 26, 2023 at the age of 72
Patriots tight end, 1973 offseason/preseason
Signed as an undrafted rookie from Maryland in 1973
Pats résumé: one offseason and training camp

While at Maryland 6'6 Don Ratliff had an interesting combination of positions: wide receiver and defensive end. Signed as an undrafted rookie, Chuck Fairbanks split the difference - and worked him as a tight end. Two days after the Pats second 1973 exhibition game, on August 7, 1973 Ratliff was one of several Patriots waived, in order to get down to the NFL's initial roster limit of 60 players. He later played for the Philadelphia Eagles as well as in the WFL and CFL.

In his post-NFL career Ratliff had a lengthy and successful career in advertising.

Donald Eugene Ratliff - View Obituary & Service Information

Share Memories and Support the Family.

www.goodlifefuneralhome.com

Don was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended John Handley High School in Winchester, Virginia where he participated in honors chorus and lettered in 3 sports, football, basketball, and track before attending the University of Maryland in College Park. At Maryland he played wide receiver and defensive end for the Maryland Terrapins football team. He is ranked in the ACC pass reception leaders in 1972.

After Maryland, Don was a wide receiver and defensive end who played four seasons for the Florida Blazers, Detroit Wheels, and Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League. He was first selected in the NFL by the New England Patriots and then played for the Philadelphia Eagles. He completed his football career with the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League.

After his football career Ratliff was a businessman. He was president of Stackig Advertising in Washington, DC and spent 11 years with Earl Palmer Brown Advertising in Bethesda, Maryland. He also served on the Washington Ad Club board of directors and was awarded the Crystal Prism Award. In 1991 he moved to Orlando where he became president of Gouchenour Advertising. He later founded Synergy Sports Marketing which marketed events like The Arnold Palmer Golf Academy, Disney Golf Classic, NFLPA Super Bowl Tournament among others. He was elected president of the Orlando Advertising Federation in 1996.

Don was president of the Orlando chapter of NFLPA Former players. He helped raise money for various charities including Dr Phillips High School Sports Programs, Shepherds Hope, Special Olympics and St Jude's. He was a single parent who raised a beautiful daughter Stephanie. She is carrying his grandchild due in November.

Don Ratliff was our Maryland football team co-captain in 1972 was a fine player but an even better leader. This was our 5-5-1 turnaround year under Coach Jerry Claiborne, soon to yield great success. Don had endured some tough years prior and he was a remarkable example of leadership, grit, tenacity, and the voice of maturity to all of us as we rebuilt the Terps. Don's teammates and coaches respected him and one can only imagine what a great life this then-promising man had after graduating.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RatlDo20.htm

Don Ratliff - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Don Ratliff Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Don Ratliff. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Happy 72nd birthday to Myke Horton
Born July 17, 1954 in Portland, Washington; hometown Yakima WA
Patriots offensive tackle/guard, 1975 offseason; uniform #66
Selected in the 17th round (428th overall) of the 1975 draft, from UCLA
Pats résumé: one offseason

Myke Horton was the final player selected by the Patriots in the 1975 draft, the last eight of whom never played in the NFL. This was the same draft in which the Pats selected Russ Francis in the first round, Rod Shoate in the second and Steve Grogan in the fifth.

The Patriots waived Horton as part of final roster cuts on September 8. He then signed with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts, appearing in six games. Horton later signed with the Philadelphia, Washington and Kansas City, but never saw any action in the NFL. He then returned to Canada, playing for the Calgary Stampeders through 1980, and later played in the USFL for each of their two seasons.

Myke Horton - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

After his professional football career was curtailed by an Achilles tendon injury, Horton sought work in the entertainment industry. He was a game show contestant on Press Your Luck and Card Sharks. He is best known for appearing on five seasons of the television show American Gladiators as "Gemini" - the only one of the six original Gladiators in the pilot episode to stay with the series.

Myke Horton Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Myke Horton. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in New England Football History
Locals

Other pro football players born on July 17 with New England connections include:

- Stalin Colinet, 52 (born 7/17/1974);
Boston College.
The defensive lineman was a third round draft pick by Minnesota, and played in 68 games with 42 starts over six NFL seasons.

RandBall Q+A with ex-Viking Stalin Colinet: "We royally screwed that up."

Among other things.

www.startribune.com

- Art Statuto (7/17/1925-3/2/2011);
Saugus, Saugus HS.
The center from Notre Dame was the 292nd pick of the 1948 draft by the Eagles. Statuto played in the AAFC for the original Buffalo Bills in 1948-49, and with the Rams in 1950 after the league merged with the NFL, with a total of 38 games played (26 starts).

- Clyde Smith (7/17/1904-12/30/1982);
Providence Steam Roller.
A three-time all-pro center, Smith was part of the 1928 championship team from Providence that lost only one game and outscored their opponents by a 3:1 margin (128-42), with five shutouts in 11 games.

Season in Time: Providence Steam Roller 1928

- Ed Brawley Jr, (7/17/1884-5/1/1956);
born in Boston, Medford High School, Holy Cross, Peabody native.
Two guys from Peabody in one day? What!!!!!!!!!!

After a brief time in the NFL (where he played with Jim Thorpe), Brawley coached football, basketball, and baseball at Allen Military School in Waltham and Hillhouse High School in New Haven. From 1922 to 1926 he was the head football coach at Peabody High School as well as the University of Peabody, a semi-pro football team. Ed Brawley was the chair of Peabody High's history department until his death on May 1, 1956.

This photo from 1921 shows several members of the University of Peabody football team,
including Edward Brawley Sr (top right) who coached the team in the 1920s and 1930s.
Courtesy of Peabody Historical Society.

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Pro Football History
July 17 Birthdays

Some other notable pro football players born on this date:

- Daryle Lamonica (7/17/41-4/21/2022);
The Mad Bomber had a career record of 66-16-6 and may have been the league's best player over the final three years of the American Football League. In 1969 Lamonica led the AFL in passing yards, touchdowns, TD percentage, lowest sack percentage - and also had three 4th quarter game winning comebacks, leading the Raiders to a 12-1-1 record. For those old enough to remember, he was a blast to watch in the late sixties - early seventies when being a Patriots fan meant you were also a fan of the AFL over the NFL.

Raiders QB Daryle Lamonica, "The Mad Bomber"

True fans of the Silver and Black know that the Oakland, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas Raiders history at quarterback is amazing, including Daryle Lamonica

www.si.com

Prolific Raiders passer Lamonica dies at age 80

Daryle Lamonica, the deep-throwing quarterback who led the Raiders to their first Super Bowl appearance, has died at age 80.

www.espn.com

Daryle Lamonica - Obituary

View Daryle Lamonica's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

- Eric Moulds, 53 (7/17/73);
This three-time Buffalo Bills Pro Bowler was one of the NFL's premier wide receivers from 1998 to 2002. He had 764 career receptions and 49 touchdowns, with 12,310 all purpose yards. Moulds' career 12.8 yards per touch ranks 35th all time.

Eric Moulds reflects back on his Football Life

On the latest episode of Listen In With KNN on Fox Sports 1340AM, host Kelsey Nicole Nelson welcomed former Buffalo Bills wide receiver and three-time Pro Bowle

foxsports1340am.com

- Mike Thomas (1953-2019);
The running back was the 1975 offensive rookie of the year for Washington, but overuse (813 touches in his first three seasons) shortened his career.

Local football legend Mike Thomas dead at 66

Mike Thomas, a standout running back from Greenville who followed two older brothers into the National Football League, has died at the age of 66.

www.heraldbanner.com

- Bill Groman (1936-2020)
Groman is one of those old time players that would have benefited from modern medicine. In 1960 he led the AFL with 1,473 yards receiving and 20.5 yards per catch, then followed that up with a league-leading 23.5 yards per catch and 17 touchdowns. Injuries led to a massive reduction in production and a short career - but he was part of four championship teams: the 1960 and '61 Oilers, and the '64 and '65 Bills.

Bill Groman '58, NFL record holder, passes away - Heidelberg University

Bill Groman '58, an NFL record holder and an ardent supporter of Heidelberg University, has passed away. He was 83 years old.

bergathletics.com

Groman's long-standing NFL record broken after 63 years | Heidelberg University

It took 63 years, but someone finally dethroned Tiffin native Bill Groman '58. Groman, one of the most highly regarded athletes in Heidelberg history, had 72 receptions for a rookie-record 1,473 yards for the AFL's Houston Oilers in 1960.

www.heidelberg.edu

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
The Aughts

July 17, 2006:

Training Camp Competitions

QB(3) Brady, Cassel, Bramlett, Mortensen It will be interesting to see whether the braintrust brings a veteran into camp to compete with Bramlett and Mortensen. Accounts of the recent mini-camp were that Brady and Cassel stood head and shoulders ahead of either of the younger QBs. Going into...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 17, 2006

QB(3) Brady, Cassel, Bramlett, Mortensen
It will be interesting to see whether the braintrust brings a veteran into camp to compete with Bramlett and Mortensen. Accounts of the recent mini-camp were that Brady and Cassel stood head and shoulders ahead of either of the younger QBs. Going into camp without the QBs currently on the roster is a real vote of confidence in Cassel, and leaves the only drama in the competition between Bramlett and Mortensen for garbage duty.

RB(5) Dillon, Moroney, Faulk, Mills, Pass, Evans
I think the competition at training camp will...

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 17, 2006

One correction :

OG(3) Mankins, Neal, Mruczkowski, Stevenson, Yates, Tucker, Steitz

I also don't see any mention of Klecko or Gemera Williams (not like the latter matters!). You can also add Musinski, McGrew, Shelton, and Davis to the end of that WR list. Since a few more cuts (4) have to be made to accommodate rookies, I expect some of those could be shown the door.

I'd probably also flip-flop Chad Scott and Warfield. Scott doesn't have the best history in the Steel-city, either (my sources say he was a frequent burn victim). We didn't get to see too much of him last...

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 17, 2006

Great post Rook. Lots to think about, thank you!

rookBoston said:
OT(4) Light, Kaczur, Gorin, O'Callaghan, Britt, Roehl, Hand
The competition is for the 4th tackle position. I'm giving the nod to the oversized rookie, Ryan O'Callaghan, based solely on his size 6-7 330-- easily the biggest lineman on the roster. But, there are a number of prospects for the position who could easily claim it for themselves.

Just want to add that Big Britt is 6-8 and was 320 last year, before a year at the hands of Mike Woicik and crew (so who knows what he's at now), in addition he's got a year of Dante's...

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 17, 2006

RayClay said:
Great post. One thing, isn't Claridge an ILB?

He played outside some in minicamp.

Pierre Woods is an OLB though.

F

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 17, 2006

While superficially reasonable ... and even insightful ... this analysis must be deeply flawed.
It agrees in altogether too many particulars with my own current mock roster.

It may help to focus on the few positives.
For example, i am confident that the final OT spot goes to Britt (or Gorin) ...
while Mr. O'Callaghan's highest and best use is
on IR for a year - learning NFL
conditioning, strength, and technique.
Rook thinking otherwise is to his advantage.

Pats1 and i each rank Mruc above the unknown Stevenson ... and i imagine Mruc or Tucker
claiming that job ahead of...

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 18, 2006

rookBoston said:
WR(5) Branch, Caldwell, Jackson, Brown, Childress, Z.Smith, Stone
Z missed the end of NFLE with a knee injury, and while he did a decent job on PRs, it was hard to be overly encouraged by the rest of his game. Pats1 has already noted there are a few others hanging around for their shot.

OT(4) Light, Kaczur, Gorin, O'Callaghan, Britt, Roehl, Hand
I'll go along with the thought that Britt is a big enough lad and O'Callaghan needs some time with the trainers to develop his foot speed. When was Doherty cut?

OG(3) Mankins, Neal, Stevenson, Yates...

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 18, 2006

rookBoston said:
QB(3) Brady, Cassel, Bramlett, Mortensen
It will be interesting to see whether the braintrust brings a veteran into camp to compete with Bramlett and Mortensen.

I think it's a little late for additional camp competition at that position. And it's tough to keep 5 QB's occupied. What will be interesting to see is if they end up picking up a roster cut at the 11th hour to run the scout team or if they decide to go with just 2 QB's on the roster and let Cassel split scout duties with one of Bramlet or Mortenson operating off the PS.

RB(5) Dillon, Moroney...

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 18, 2006

MoLewisrocks said:
The snow angel is a lock. One or both of Mills or Thomas may earn the designation as emergency LS with the goal of never seeing them lined up in that awkward position. Or flumoxing a rookies kicks.

The Pats actually went in with only 3 RBs last year (Dillon, Faulk, Pass (FB), with Chapman on the practice squad until he was picked up by the Colts. In came Zereoue, Cloud, and Evans.

Evans has an uphill battle to fight, but Pass has and will remain the starting FB in this offense. Mills plays with a different dynamic, and I'd personally put him in with the TE group, not with the RBs...

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 18, 2006

Guss Scott may have gotten raves from BB in TC '05, but he looked abysmal in the RS games he played. Chad Scott might be asked to play some safety and he's a good tackler. With Antrell Hawkins and James Sanders ahead of Guss on the depth chart, IMO, and with the prospect of RH returning either in Sept or off the PUP list, I think Guss must show amazing progress to have a chance at making the roster.

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 18, 2006

rookBoston said:
Sullivan is a former top-10 draft pick, but doesn't realize how tough he has it in saving his career from the brink of disaster ... Getting busted with pot in his car is not a promising start-- he'll need to come into camp in shape and dedicated to proving he's not a bust, or he'll be flipping burgers for the next twenty years. He didn't even finish his degree at Georgia-- he came out early-- so he doesn't have much to fall back on, beyond his signing bonus.

You're not serious, are you, rook?

When Sullivan signed for us, the Saints picked up a $10 MILLION DOLLAR cap hit! With...

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 18, 2006

The big 3: OT, NT, ILB

Thanks, Rook...as I read this, there were just three positions where your analysis gave me pause: OT, NT and ILB. Then I noticed that many of the responses focused on those as well. All of which suggests to me that those are the three biggest stories/questions heading into camp.

OT: Let's assume we all write in Light and Kaczur as starters. Rook also has Gorin as a lock, which is understandable -- he's the sole veteran and has played in 25 games for the Patriots in the past 2 seasons. But has he ever faced competition like this in camp...

O

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 18, 2006

I haven't heard about the size of Sullivan's posse, but my guess is that most of that signing bonus has been snorted or smoked away.

The good news is that there are going to be several openings for beer vendors in Athens Georgia for work this fall.

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 18, 2006

Brady to Branch:

I may be the only one who suspects Sullivan of already having a part time job. One where he makes $4,000.00 at about 4:00 A.M.

I also may be the only one who thinks that if the cops had tracked him down an hour earlier, he might be going to jail for the next 5 years or so, under a mandatory minimum jail sentence.

And if the cops caught up with him an hour later, he may have had nothing in the car at all except about $4,200.00 or so.

Just a crazy theory of mine.

Post in thread 'Training Camp Competitions'

Jul 18, 2006

A few battles interesting to me-

QB- Bramlett makes team due to subconscious influence of matching initials with head coach. Whoops, that's Bonnie Bramlett the singer, this guy is named Corey. Well, then maybe he makes it because BB will be thinking about his CB's an awful this camp.

RB- I'm going out on limb here a bit, but if LoMo and Mills show they can pick the blitz in the backfield then I wonder if Faulk is on the bubble, not Pass. At some level BB has to be tired of Faulk's killer fumbles and he certainly is tradeable, though his cap hit for a part-time back is a bit high...

July 17, 2007:

Tom and Gisele fighting

http://www.nypost.com/seven/07172007/gossip/pagesix/special_stress_pagesix_.htm July 17, 2007 -- ALL'S not well with Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady. While the two have put up a happy front for the cameras - and his family is even said to be flying out to Italy to spend time at the villa in Rome...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

http://www.nypost.com/seven/07172007/gossip/pagesix/special_stress_pagesix_.htm

July 17, 2007 -- ALL'S not well with Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady. While the two have put up a happy front for the cameras - and his family is even said to be flying out to Italy to spend time at the villa in Rome she recently acquired - our spies say Bundchen is upset that Brady's ex, Bridget Moynahan, is due to give birth to Brady's son on Friday - Bundchen's birthday. The tension has grown so intense that the couple fought openly in front of hotel guests in Napa while staying at the five-star...

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

Re: Tom and Giselle fighting

I guess he brought up how polygamy is so misunderstood

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

Re: Tom and Giselle fighting

Seymour93 said:
I'm having a hard time believing that Gisele wouldn't let her lover witness the birth of his own child.

Not on her birthday!

C'mon! Are you kidding me?!

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

Re: Tom and Giselle fighting

Seymour93 said:
I'm having a hard time believing that Gisele wouldn't let her lover witness the birth of his own child.

Gisele is a b@tch, you think she cares about the "baby's Momma?"

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

That's it: Induce the Labor, make them both happy. Clutch Brady strikes again.

P

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

How dare you have sex with her nine months before my birthday before we ever met!

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

Pujo said:
Think Kraft might be the real father? Seems like he's hiding something.

No way....Krafty is Mr. Perfect!

P

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

Danny Boy® said:
No way....Krafty is Mr. Perfect!

He's been flying under the radar for so long; time's ripe for a surprise I'm-the-father-of-my-quarterback's-former-girlfriend's-child accouncement.

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

PATSNUTme said:
On behalf of all the people who don't give a crap, I would like to say I don't give a crap.

If you really didn't give a crap why put the energy into writing you don't give a crap. If you really didn't care you would not even open the thread.

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

Pujo said:
Think Kraft might be the real father? Seems like he's hiding something.

FOXBORO -- Rumors that Robert Kraft is actually the real father of Bridget Moynihan's baby are patently false, according to team sources. Head Coach Bill Belichik finally addressed the issue in the afternoon press conference, hoping to clear the air, but only raised more questions. "You know, Bridget can do a lot of things, and, you know, when she -- when was that, around October, maybe the Vikings game, you know, conceived, that was one of those things she's built for. She's, at least we think she's smart...

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

PatsFanInVa said:
FOXBORO -- Rumors that Robert Kraft is actually the real father of Bridget Moynihan's baby are patently false, according to team sources. Head Coach Bill Belichik finally addressed the issue in the afternoon press conference, hoping to clear the air, but only raised more questions. "You know, Bridget can do a lot of things, and, you know, when she -- when was that, around October, maybe the Vikings game, you know, conceived, that was one of those things she's built for. She's, at least we think she's smart, she thinks about things while they're, during the event. You know you talk about...

P

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

Pats Fanatic said:
If you really didn't give a crap why put the energy into writing you don't give a crap. If you really didn't care you would not even open the thread.

Sometimes people who don't give a crap have to stand up and let their voices be heard or no one will know they don't give a crap. After that, they can go back to not giving a crap.

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

Does anyone think that maybe, just maybe Brigette was possibly impregnated by a robot?

Post in thread 'Tom and Gisele fighting'

Jul 17, 2007

PatsWickedPissah said:
Does anyone think that maybe, just maybe Brigette was possibly impregnated by a robot?

from the future...

July 17, 2008:

Leave it to Dungy

to butt his nose in and pull out his soapbox so he can preach his opinion to the national media.:o When players do it, I think of it as just another athlete running his mouth, but when coaching or management says it, I feel it's downright rude and unprofessional. LINK...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Leave it to Dungy'

Jul 17, 2008

to butt his nose in and pull out his soapbox so he can preach his opinion to the national media.

When players do it, I think of it as just another athlete running his mouth, but when coaching or management says it, I feel it's downright rude and unprofessional.

LINK:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8352562/Dungy-sides-with-Packers-over-Favre

Post in thread 'Leave it to Dungy'

Jul 18, 2008

BelichickFan said:
Just be glad the douchebag wants to join the church after football . . . if he stayed in football you know he'd end up as the commissioner; after all he knows and judges everything.

Ouch BF...I'm not a fan of Dungy's either. I don't hate the guy, I just think he's a huge phony with false humilty.

I couldn't stand the film clip of him telling Seymour he had the heart of a lion...what a crock. and then Seymour telling him "I always respected you coach"...My question is "for what?"

M

Post in thread 'Leave it to Dungy'

Jul 18, 2008

Getting Dungy to keep his mouth shut would be like trying to get Chuck Finley to go to a Tawny Kitaen film festival.

M

Post in thread 'Leave it to Dungy'

Jul 18, 2008

unoriginal said:
I don't find his comments to be that outrageous.

It's not that they're outrageous, it's that he always has an opinion and he's a coach, no one cares what he has to say about other players or teams. (See the whole Belichick/Bonds comparison from last year.) He's a hypocrite. He wants to be known as this soft-spoken, Christian, nice guy, but he's an self-righteous ugly looking prick.

You'd never hear Belichick talking about the Brett Favre situation, and you never heard Belichick complain when Dungy whined and got the rule changed in his team's favor. He just coaches his...

Post in thread 'Leave it to Dungy'

Jul 18, 2008

And it's always the same two guys, Ladainian and Dungy, the go-to guys if you want someone to chime in.

Post in thread 'Leave it to Dungy'

Jul 18, 2008

While I don't disagree with what he said per se, it does seem silly for him to comment on a situation that has nothing to do with him. He reminds me of my relatives. They just love to butt into everyone's business.

Post in thread 'Leave it to Dungy'

Jul 18, 2008

ManningOverratedHick said:
It's not that they're outrageous, it's that he always has an opinion and he's a coach, no one cares what he has to say about other players or teams. (See the whole Belichick/Bonds comparison from last year.) He's a hypocrite. He wants to be known as this soft-spoken, Christian, nice guy, but he's an self-righteous ugly looking prick.

You'd never hear Belichick talking about the Brett Favre situation, and you never heard Belichick complain when Dungy whined and got the rule changed in his team's favor. He just coaches his team and wins.

While I don't particularly care for...

R

Post in thread 'Leave it to Dungy'

Jul 18, 2008

ManningOverratedHick said:
I thought he had quiet strength?

Perhaps if he paid as much attention to his son as he does to other team's business, he'd still be alive.

Come come now don't be too hard on Phoney Tony. He's going to be making a special attempt to get back home to his kids in Tampa more often during this coming footabll season even though he lives and works and makes big money in Indianapolis and the saint is making this tremendous sacrifice because "I'm all about family".
It's hilarious how the mediots buy the Phoney one. But then again that's why they're mediots now isn't it?

R

Post in thread 'Leave it to Dungy'

Jul 18, 2008

upstater1 said:
And it's always the same two guys, Ladainian and Dungy, the go-to guys if you want someone to chime in.

You didn't hear upstarter1? LaDainian is no more.
After last years lay down in the playoffs she's changed her name to LaTisha Tomlinson.
She's always had the earrings but now she has the name to back up her game.

July 17, 2009:

Meet TE Ben Watson on July 25th

www.patsfans.com

The New England Patriots motto for 2009 - Pick one or make your own

What should the motto be for the 2009 Patriots? I have my list of 9 - If you agree with one of mine pick one,If not tell us yours....

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'The New England Patriots motto for 2009 - Pick one or make your own'

Jul 17, 2009

What should the motto be for the 2009 Patriots?

I have my list of 9 - If you agree with one of mine pick one,If not tell us yours....

Post in thread 'The New England Patriots motto for 2009 - Pick one or make your own'

Jul 17, 2009

Deus Irae said:
GFY - The Reunion Tour

Not bad

Post in thread 'The New England Patriots motto for 2009 - Pick one or make your own'

Jul 17, 2009

HEY BRO! WHAT UP? said:
How about this one, be the best team in the league but find a way not to win another super bowl?

I was gonna suggest, Super Bowl Champs in July.

Post in thread 'The New England Patriots motto for 2009 - Pick one or make your own'

Jul 17, 2009

Deus Irae said:
GFY - The Reunion Tour

Where have I heard this before?

Post in thread 'The New England Patriots motto for 2009 - Pick one or make your own'

Jul 17, 2009

Bradynator - The Resurrection.

Post in thread 'The New England Patriots motto for 2009 - Pick one or make your own'

Jul 17, 2009

I like 4 in 44....since I started saying it back in January.

Post in thread 'The New England Patriots motto for 2009 - Pick one or make your own'

Jul 17, 2009

Moe said:
"The next one is the best one"

Which is close to being a quote from a coach or trainer when they were asked which of their several rings was the "best one". I forget who that coach or trainer was.

Michigan Strength and Conditioning coach when Tommy was there.

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
The 2010s

July 17, 2010:

Saturday Patriots Headlines - July 17th

Here are today's New England Patriots headlines for July 17th, 2010.

www.patsfans.com

ESPN's John Clayton has the Patriots running backs "On the Radar" this morning, taking a look at how New England is going to need for someone to step up this season and take the pressure off of their passing game.

Syracuse.com has a feature on former Patriots coach **** MacPherson, who like Troy Brown is being enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame this weekend.

The Charlotte Observer reports that former Boston Patriot Dennis Byrd is in the hospital with a heart problem, although no real word is available in the article on his condition. Byrd was drafted No. 6 overall in 1968, and played two seasons with the Boston Patriots before a knee injury forced him to retire.

The Salem News reports that former Patriot David Givens joined several Boston College players last weekend for a youth football clinic in Peabody, Massachusetts. It apparently was a big hit for the 139 kids who were on hand for the event.

The Los Angeles Times has an entertaining read on an upcoming plot of HBO's 'Entourage', which apparently involves the NFL potentially moving back to LA. It includes a mention of owner Robert Kraft, along with some other funny storylines.
Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald has a blog entry talking about Kraft and how he manages the challenges the team faces every year going into training camp.

Ricky Doyle of NESN.com has more on yesterday's report of Randy Moss hiring new agent Joel Segal. Segal is also the agent for wide receiver Brandon Tate and defensive lineman Gerard Warren, and according to Doyle is considered an expert in helping players secure endorsement deals, which Moss recently said he was looking for.

Cross Terrell Owens off your wish list. According to Adam Schefter, who reported this via Twitter, Owens isn't coming to New England. If Schefter says it, it must be true.

Christopher Price of WEEI.com has an interesting blog entry on Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who appeared on Dennis & Callahan on Friday. Carroll claims that "one guy" took down USC, and has more on the scandal that is currently plaguing the university.

NFL.com reports that commissioner Roger Goodell will be visiting some of the league's training camp sites next month, and will be paying a visit to seven teams. Considering the fact the New York Jets will be on HBO's Hard Knocks, I'm kind of surprise Goodell isn't paying them a visit purely for the sake of getting some television face time.

And finally Green Bay Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league's substance-abuse policy - which is an understatement to say the least. The Green Bay Press-Gazette has the most information I've seen on this story, with court records stating that Jolly "bought, sold, funded, transported and aided in the buying, selling, funding and transportation of illegal narcotics including cocaine and marijuana." The league handed down the most severe punishment we've seen so far without a conviction, but it appears after doing their due diligence and looking at the evidence - there didn't seem to be much working in Jolly's favor.

July 17, 2011:

Mankins could hold up NFL settlement

Logan Mankins could hold up settlement by demanding free agency | ProFootballTalk

www.patsfans.com

C

Thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

Logan Mankins could hold up settlement by demanding free agency | ProFootballTalk

Post in thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

Wolfpack said:
Let the record show that this PFT article was written based solely on a Ron Borges article.

'Nuff said.

And Borges article was 100% speculation.

Post in thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

flasox27 said:
I recall that when Reggie White won his case, the Eagles received a first round pick as compensation for him becoming a free agent. Give the Pats a first round pick and we will be happy to pack his bags for him

I'd be ok with that! Rather keep him, but if he is going to whine (i know it is speculation), I'll be happy with a first!

Post in thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

flasox27 said:
I recall that when Reggie White won his case, the Eagles received a first round pick as compensation for him becoming a free agent. Give the Pats a first round pick and we will be happy to pack his bags for him

I think your recollection is incorrect. White became a FA in 1993 because he won the lawsuit he had filed and his Eagles deal was up and they didn't offer him a deal and they weren't allowed to use the tag on him as part of the settlement of that case.

The difference here as even Florio pointed out is this case has never advaned to trial because the appeals court...

Post in thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

Wolfpack said:
Let the record show that this PFT article was written based solely on a Ron Borges article.

'Nuff said.

Yup. Looks like someone needed copy and just dashed off something without thinking it through.

Post in thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

AndyJohnson said:
And Borges article was 100% speculation.

It was worse than that, it was agenda driven pot stirring. He's basically extolling Mankins to hold the league and his peers up while he attempts to extort his particular franchise...

Post in thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

If Mankins or any of the named plantiffs for that matter, hold this up for selfish reasons, they can screw themselves.. Seriously. The idea that anything anti-trust has gone on outside of the agreed terms is BS.

If Mankins TRULY wanted free agency, I don't think he'd be working out with Brady and the rest of the team during those workouts.

Post in thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

MoLewisrocks said:
I think your recollection is incorrect. White became a FA in 1993 because he won the lawsuit he had filed and his Eagles deal was up and they didn't offer him a deal and they weren't allowed to use the tag on him as part of the settlement of that case.

The difference here as even Florio pointed out is this case has never advaned to trial because the appeals court basically ruled it's remained a labor dispute... White was fighting for FA for his class. These guys were basically fighting for leverage in a labor negotiation...

And let's not forget that the White lawsuit was filed in...

F

Post in thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

I, for one, am so blankety-blank sick of every few years the Union turning around and saying "we'll hit you with an anti-trust suit if we don't get what we want." Have the owners turn around and say "at the end of this agreement we're closing down shop if you can't think of a way where this BS doesn't come up every time, then you go buy some stadiums, you pay for the health care, the retirement, see how you like it."

I know there'll be one or two greedy businessmen who have always wanted to have their own football team but a two or three team league will put a lot of Union guys out of...

Post in thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

AndyJohnson said:
And Borges article was 100% speculation.

That's a tautology.

D

Post in thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

So let me get this straight: Borges has no scource and is just speculating, Florio picks it up and now fans are blaming Mankins for possibly holding up the settlement talks of the antitrust case?

Post in thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

flasox27 said:
I agree that the legal cases are not identical. My point was that if Mankins status may become the sticking point in the CBA deal as Borges indicates the league has a way toresolve the matter which is fair to the Pats.

No, they don't... Unless you consider caving under duress and releasing the franchise tagged plaintiff's to immediate UFA free of compensation this year. In which case it would not only suck for us but mankind since Polian would then sue everyone like he threatened to in 2006!!!

Post in thread 'Mankins could hold up NFL settlement'

Jul 17, 2011

Schefter is reporting that the NFLPA has begun reaching out to the plaintiffs to discuss a settlemment. The NFLPA cannot technically negotiate one for them (since they are negotiating the CBA and have to recertify as a union to finalize that but won't be able to vote on a deal to end the lockout until they get the lawsuits settled). They can settle the Doty/TV case because that arose out of a union grievance. If any of their star plaintiffs should cause the lockout to continue or make it impossible to stay on the timeline and vote by the end of this week so FA can commence and then...

July 17, 2012:

Patriots Roster Breakdown - Linebackers

Spikes plays downhill and is best suited to the 4-3, where he can make one read and fire into the play. He provides the mean, nasty, in-your-face presence in the middle of the defense and can be a big play-maker in the middle.

www.patsfans.com

Linebackers on the roster as of July 1: Bobby Carpenter, Jermaine Cunningham, Dane Fletcher, Dont'a Hightower, Niko Koutouvides, Jerod Mayo, Rob Ninkovich, Mike Rivera, Trevor Scott, Brandon Spikes, Jeff Tarpinian, Tracy White

The Patriots finally have the depth they've been looking for at the linebacker position, the team has a group of versatile linebackers that can play a traditional 3-4 base defense or any of the sub-packages they use.

While health was a problem last year, now with a better base group and healthy, the linebacker position can now be one of the strengths of the defense. The team lacked depth both inside and outside and addressed those concerns with veteran Trevor Scott and through the draft with Don't'a Hightower. Chandler Jones and Jake Bequette will eventually play some OLB as well.

Mayo Remains Key-
Jerod Mayo is the only Patriots linebacker to ever record 100 or more tackles in his first four years on the team. He is signed through 2017 so he's not going anywhere. The Patriots now, with the new pieces in place have the ability to move Mayo around a bit.

They may very well do that, Hightower, who can also move around a bit as well would be best suited to anchoring the middle next to Brandon Spikes at least initially. Hightower is big hitter who is a downhill style player and has the versatility that Bill Belichick loves. ILB or OLB in the base 3-4, he can play the SAM in the 4-3 look, can be a much better cover linebacker in the nickel packages than either Spikes or Mayo and can even put his hand down and rush from a DE position.

Watch Spikes-
Brandon Spikes showed a glimpse of what his potential can be down the stretch and into the playoffs last season. He's had his moments of being off the field with injuries and suspension the first two years to be a head scratcher at times, but once he got healthy for the stretch run, his play was immense.

Spikes plays downhill and is best suited to the 4-3, where he can make one read and fire into the play. He provides the mean, nasty, in-your-face presence in the middle of the defense and can be a big play-maker in the middle. The one thing this defense lacks since Rodney Harrison left is an intimidator. Spikes can fit that role to a tee. The most instinctive player among the Patriots linebackers, he and Hightower should immediately feed off one another. It all comes down to staying healthy.

Paying Stud RBs....the new NFL "norm"?

Don Banks of SI has an interesting article here: Matt Forte, Ray Rice latest top running backs to net big-money contracts - Don Banks - SI.com A pertinent quote: - - - - - And here's the real news flash that Monday's developments underlined: That kind of big-money move at running back...

www.patsfans.com

I

Thread 'Paying Stud RBs....the new NFL "norm"?'

Jul 17, 2012

Don Banks of SI has an interesting article here: Matt Forte, Ray Rice latest top running backs to net big-money contracts - Don Banks - SI.com

A pertinent quote:
- - - - -
And here's the real news flash that Monday's developments underlined: That kind of big-money move at running back is becoming something of the norm, not the exception. And such moves are shooting holes -- or perhaps more accurately, zeros -- in the perception that the league won't pay handsomely for rushing talent.
Consider what has transpired in the elite running back market since 2011:
-- The Vikings...

Post in thread 'Paying Stud RBs....the new NFL "norm"?'

Jul 17, 2012

I think if BB had an exceptional talent at RB he'd pay them. Right or wrong he gave CD $10m in guarantees after the 04 season.

Post in thread 'Paying Stud RBs....the new NFL "norm"?'

Jul 17, 2012

I believe RB is a fairly interchangeable position, as I've pointed out a number of times we won 2 super bowls with Antowain Smith. That said, if I had a shot at having a weapon like Foster, Forte, or Rice for $8M per season I'd have to strongly consider that (especially on a short term deal). I think that's a fair number for the impact they could have have on this offense, especially after seeing the difference in our offense from 2003 to 2004.

I

Post in thread 'Paying Stud RBs....the new NFL "norm"?'

Jul 17, 2012

robertweathers said:
I think if BB had an exceptional talent at RB he'd pay them. Right or wrong he gave CD $10m in guarantees after the 04 season.

Maybe. But he's had the opportunity to acquire exceptional talent and hasn't appeared to be very interested in it. He could have had Ingram in the draft. He could have (if the rumors are true) traded for Forte. Some free agents that have been available in recent years include: DeAngelo Williams, Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas, Fred Jackson, Marion Barber, Michael Turner, and Jamal Lewis, to name a handful. They all cost a pretty good amount of money...

B

Post in thread 'Paying Stud RBs....the new NFL "norm"?'

Jul 17, 2012

Plan A....great QB
Plan B....great RB or great WR

Teams that can't execute Plan A settle for plan B. Gotta give the fans a star to root for. Besides....teams have to spend now....so someone gets the bulk contract.
(Flacco should start to worry)

July 17, 2013:

Gronk family interview with CBS This Morning

Gronk continues his media stonewall about Hernandez and almost walks out upon further pestering of questions... his dad refuses to talk about the issue as well. Gronkowski Nearly Walks Out On CBS Interview When Asked About Aaron Hernandez « CBS Boston The timing of the Gronk family book...

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S

Thread 'Gronk family interview with CBS This Morning'

Jul 17, 2013

Gronk continues his media stonewall about Hernandez and almost walks out upon further pestering of questions... his dad refuses to talk about the issue as well.

Gronkowski Nearly Walks Out On CBS Interview When Asked About Aaron Hernandez « CBS Boston

The timing of the Gronk family book tour is unfortunate, but I'm glad he's taking the tunnel-vision media approach right now. Anytime Gronk has opened his mouth and said something silly it's usually about his partying when his responses are usually harmless - even he isn't stupid enough to go against what is probably a gag...

Post in thread 'Gronk family interview with CBS This Morning'

Jul 17, 2013

Salva135 said:
Gronk continues his media stonewall about Hernandez and almost walks out upon further pestering of questions... his dad refuses to talk about the issue as well.

Gronkowski Nearly Walks Out On CBS Interview When Asked About Aaron Hernandez « CBS Boston

The timing of the Gronk family book tour is unfortunate, but I'm glad he's taking the tunnel-vision media approach right now. Anytime Gronk has opened his mouth and said something silly it's usually about his partying when his responses are usually harmless - even he isn't stupid enough to go against what is probably a gag...

J

Post in thread 'Gronk family interview with CBS This Morning'

Jul 17, 2013

... don't tell me the big galoot has grown up and learned to keep his pie hole shut!?!?

B

Post in thread 'Gronk family interview with CBS This Morning'

Jul 17, 2013

Strange seeing a mature Gronk!

I like it!

S

Post in thread 'Gronk family interview with CBS This Morning'

Jul 17, 2013

Frankly I can understand Gronk getting ready to leave after he answered twice he wasn't discussing the topic, and the interviewer had the audacity to ask his dad right next to him... he immediately wanted to leave the room, and I can totally understand... "I won't answer a question, so you're going to question my dad right in front of me? F_uck you!" I applaud Gronk for his approach to things so far. He's trying to spend his free time promoting a book and he has no obligation to address Hernandez questions in these circumstances.

July 17, 2014:

Defensive Tackle

Reiss posted an article today re-setting the DT personnel http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4764909/re-setting-the-patriots-dt-personnel As of now we have the following players, this is a little piece from his article: -------------- Vince Wilfork (6-2, 325)...

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Thread 'Defensive Tackle'

Jul 17, 2014

Reiss posted an article today re-setting the DT personnel

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-.../4764909/re-setting-the-patriots-dt-personnel

As of now we have the following players, this is a little piece from his article:

--------------

Vince Wilfork (6-2, 325): Captain and 11-year veteran is making progress in his return from a ruptured Achilles last September. Looks to be moving well.

Tommy Kelly (6-6, 310): Another 11-year veteran, he took another step in his return from a torn ACL by participating in 11-on-11 drills at...

Post in thread 'Defensive Tackle'

Jul 17, 2014

We ended last year with Siliga, Jones and Vellano. All 3 have a year's experience and a full offseason under the belt, and should be better, and all 3 will be behind Wilfork, Easley and Kelly going into training camp and likely the regular season. Chandler Jones, Will Smith and possibly Zach Moore could also all get some inside snaps in sub packages (Armstead's retirement clears a path for 5 DTs and 5 DEs). I don't think it's that bad a situation.

Post in thread 'Defensive Tackle'

Jul 17, 2014

I like Siliga, Jones and Vellano a lot...as rotational players.

As starters, if we are talking about fielding a top 3 defense, things change a little bit.

I'm curious to see if Hightower can show some versatility.

Post in thread 'Defensive Tackle'

Jul 17, 2014

I am okay with the DTs we have for this year. I think the top 5 with Vellano as a PS guy isn't a bad option. I am just hoping we get a DT next year in the draft that can be a true starter. I am happy with the depth overall.

Post in thread 'Defensive Tackle'

Jul 21, 2014

Oh, geez...Vellano is about one injured player away from making the squad at this point. Luckily, there will be a ton of roster cuts and cap casualties to help prevent this from happening.

I appreciate the effort that he gave last season, but wasn't expecting him to be making a second appearance.

P

Post in thread 'Defensive Tackle'

Jul 23, 2014

Of all the excitement I show of our teams talents and potential, DT is a concern. Kelly we should feel lucky if he is even a serviceable big body who occupys blocks. We hoped to squeeze one more year of mileage from his tank. He got injured and another year of good production at his age is not likely considering he showed slight declining skills before we got him.Wilfork I'm a fan but he is turning 33/34 and big wide body's seem to decline rapidly at that age. Factor in he is coming off a major injury and I think he can be serviceable but nothing of impact. He to showed some struggles...

July 17, 2015:

SI: Brady is Pissed and There WILL Be Blood

Enjoy! http://mmqb.si.com/2015/07/17/tom-brady-new-england-patriots-nfl-deflategate-the-mmqb-100/ Rodney Harrison: "“You’ve got way over $100 million in the bank. You’ve got a beautiful wife. You’ve got a beautiful family. The natural tendency would be to say, ‘I can lie in my silk sheets and...

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Thread 'SI: Brady is Pissed and There WILL Be Blood'

Jul 17, 2015

Enjoy!

http://mmqb.si.com/2015/07/17/tom-brady-new-england-patriots-nfl-deflategate-the-mmqb-100/

Rodney Harrison: "“You’ve got way over $100 million in the bank. You’ve got a beautiful wife. You’ve got a beautiful family. The natural tendency would be to say, ‘I can lie in my silk sheets and just enjoy life now. I don’t need football.’ But I’m telling you: This is the best thing that could have happened to Tom Brady. This will rejuvenate him. The rest of the league better look out. This year, he’s going to make everybody pay for what’s happened.”

Post in thread 'SI: Brady is Pissed and There WILL Be Blood'

Jul 18, 2015

FourierSeries said:
I guess you missed the postseason. I suggest you check it out sometime.

Thanks for the tip! I never knew what happened, so it was good to go find out.

I especially enjoyed late in the Super Bowl when a certain someone posted here on this website:

"We're not winning this one. Good year for the most part but no SB = failure, in my opinion."

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...-49-game-thread.1116065/page-121#post-4107747

Sorry, you missed the end of that one. You'll never...

Post in thread 'SI: Brady is Pissed and There WILL Be Blood'

Jul 17, 2015

Man, every time I hear Harrison talk like he's a human (as opposed to whatever he does on NBC) I wish he was 10 years younger. A pissed off Brady on offense and a pissed off Harrison on defense was a beautiful thing.

Post in thread 'SI: Brady is Pissed and There WILL Be Blood'

Jul 18, 2015

supafly said:
And possibly more importantly, the 2007 defense gave up 17.1 points per game, something that often gets overlooked due to the prolific offense that season provided.

Reading things like this just remind me of how upset I am about that season. That 2007 team is the best team ever. Hands down. The 72 Dolphins can get in line.

The Giants played a great SB but there are certain plays that should have been flagged that would have resulted in perfection.

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
The 2010s

July 17, 2013:

The Turning Point Of The Patriots Dynasty Through My Eyes

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Before we look forward to the new Patriots season, I wanted to take a look back at a time when the Patriots started to create their Dynasty. There was a game that I attended that I truly believe was a sign of the great things to come. On November 2nd, 2003 the Patriots won an epic game against the Broncos at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado on Monday Night Football. I truly believe this victory represented the turning point of the Patriots Dynasty.

The Patriots in 2003, were coming off of a bad 9-7 season and missed the play-offs. The season got off to a rocky start, but heading to Denver, the Patriots were 6-2, and this was their last game before their bye week. A loss in Denver would not have been the end the world, but to beat the Broncos at a place where the Patriots had struggled, turned out to be a positive step of what the future would bring.

This was the first road Patriots game I have ever attended, and I have to say that Invesco Field is an extremely loud home field advantage. I was lucky enough to sit ten rows behind the Patriots bench on the 50 yard line. I had prime viewing for this Patriots game that is the most memorable I have seen in person. I have been to play-off games, and other incredible victories, but nothing touches that night in Denver.

The Patriots started slow and got behind early 7-0, but they came back with a 66 yard bomb from Tom Brady to Deion Branch, that was one of the best deep balls I have ever seen him throw in person.

At half-time the Patriots trailed 17-13, and I remember talking to a Broncos fan that brought up comments from Shannon Sharpe several years prior making fun of the Patriots. I can tell you that he wasn't the only confident Broncos fan I saw that night at half-time. Well, the Broncos fans changed their tune at the end of the game, but I will get to that a little later.

The second half was fascinating, and the craziness really began with 3:40 left in the 3rd quarter. With the Patriots leading 20-17, they were forced to punt, and the Broncos punt returner took it back for a touchdown to take the lead 24-20 at that point. However, the Patriots would edge closer with a field goal by Adam Vinatieri making the score 24-23 with 11:09 left in the game.

With less than three minutes to go in the game, I saw something I have never seen in a football game before. Patriots long snapper Lonnie Paxton snapped the ball back on a punt that hit the upright for a safety. As we found out later, this was intentional, but at the time I really had no idea what just happened.

With the game now being 26-23 Broncos, the Patriots punted it back, and now it was up to the Patriots defense to make a stop on defense, and get the ball back. Well, they accomplished that goal, and this drive eventually led to Brady throwing a 16 yard pass to Kevin Faulk to put the Patriots in field goal range.

I truly believe the Patriots were setting this game up to go into overtime. Well, I was wrong, because on the very next play, Brady found David Givens in the corner of the end-zone for the winning touchdown with just 30 second left in the game.

The Patriots held on for the dramatic 30-26 victory, and I have to tell you, nothing was sweeter than watching Broncos fans leave with their heads down, and just Patriots fans left celebrating. Let me tell you, there were a ton of Patriots fans at this game.

Now, why was this game the turning point for the Patriots Dynasty? There are several reasons I feel this way. First, to win a game on the road in such a hostile environment like Denver shows character. The Patriots won in dramatic fashion in Miami, but you cannot compare the crowds. The atmosphere in Denver was electric, and all I heard was noise for three hours.

Second, the ability to fight through adversity, when you are down, and find a way to win, is a trait of a champion I feel. It would have been easy to pack it in on the road late in the game, but the Patriots never gave up, and found a way to win.

Third, to be able to make a key stop on defense, when you absolutely needed it, showed me again, that the Patriots were building something. After the Safety and the punt back to the Broncos, the Patriots defense needed to come up with a three and out, and that is exactly what they accomplished.

Fourth, to have the ability to make a critical decision during a tough situation showed me that the coaching staff was ready to take their game to the next level. It was a gutsy call by Head Coach Bill Belichick to call for the safety, but he turned out to be right, and he would make other tough decisions just like that one later on in the Dynasty years.

Finally, the ability of Brady to win the game when he had the chance, showed his development as a quarterback and a leader. I thought Brady took his game to the next level against Denver, as he was 20-35 for 350 yards, and threw three touchdown passes. However, it was his decision making, and will to win that shined through in this game, and this trait has continued to show itself throughout the rest of his career.

All of these reasons that I have just mentioned would become building blocks of the Patriots Dynasty. They were all on display at Invesco Field that night, and I truly felt there was something special about this Patriots team.

The next morning I left with my wife to go back to Boston, and as we were getting on the plane to take us home, my wife asked Boston Globe sportswriter Nick Cafardo if the Patriots were going to the Super Bowl, and he answered that it certainly looked that way. On November 2nd in Denver Colorado in 2003, the New England Patriots made the turn towards building the Patriots Dynasty.

Red Sox Not Only Team That Hates Yankees

Are there other teams out there who hate the Yankees too?

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#10 - Rays
The Rays hate the Red Sox more than they hate the Yankees. But make no mistake, the Yankees get under their skin, too. Though their fans would not make you believe such, the Rays want to be where the Yankees are. The Yankees are just as much a division rival to them as the Red Sox are. 2008 remains the franchise's one moment of high glory, but they lost the World Series to the Phillies in 5 games that year.

If the Rays are to attain the sustained greatness they wish to have, they will tell you that it is the Yankees they aspire to be like, not the Red Sox. The record unfortunately bears that out. Since 1996, the Yankees have finished first in the AL East in all but four seasons. In two of those four seasons, it was the Rays that got first place. The Rays suddenly came of age in 2008 when they dropped the name "Devil" from their brand, and can match the Yankees pitcher for pitcher. Once they get offense and fan support like the Yankees and Red Sox have, watch out.

July 17, 2014:

Patriots Huddle: Thursday's Media Links 7/17

Here's a quick rundown of this morning's Patriots links.

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BOSTON .COM:
Uncertainty Behind Starters at Linebacker in Patriots 2014 Training Camp Battle - Erik Frenz: Frenz takes a closer look at the linebacker position heading into training camp.

With Release of Patriots Media Guide, Coaching Positions Become Clear - Zuri Berry: Berry notes who replaced defensive coach Pepper Johnson, noticing that Patrick Graham is the one who filled his shoes after Johnson's departure this offseason.

FORBES:
New England Patriots Tickets Up 31.1% Since Last Season - Jesse Lawrence: Lawrence cites prices from TiqIQ that show the prices for games at Gillette Stadium puts New England as the fifth most expensive in the NFL.

ESPN BOSTON:
Pats promote Ossenfort to scouting director - Mike Reiss: Reiss Reports that the team has filled the void left by the departure of director of college scouting Jon Robinson by promoting his former assistant, Monti Ossenfort.

Resetting the Patriots' DT personnel - Mike Reiss: Reiss takes another look at the defensive line following Armond Armstead's retirement on Wednesday.

D-lineman Armond Armstead retires - Mike Reiss: Reiss has his story on Armstead's retirement, which he writes likely didn't come as a surprise to the Patriots.

CBS BOSTON:
Patriots Quarterbacks Preview: Tom Brady To Provide Another Year Of Excellence, But Who's His Backup? - Michael Hurley: Hurley takes a look at the Patriots' quarterback situation and wonders whether or not the team will keep three quarterbacks by the time camp comes to an end.

MASSLIVE:
New England Patriots Roster Bubble Watch: The price tag for G Dan Connolly presents a problem - Nick O'Malley: O'Malley writes that the high price tag for Connolly could make him a casualty by the time the season starts.

New England Patriots training camp position previews: Linebackers - Nick O'Malley: O'Malley also has his position preview of the linebackers, and feels this year's group will be better than the 2013 version.

PROVIDENCE JOURNAL:
Donaldson: Defensive depth a concern for the Patriots - Jim Donaldson: Donaldson looks at the team's depth on defense and feels the team lacks good depth up front behind Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly.

July 17, 2015:

Patriots Training Camp Primer – Linebackers

The Patriots have three talented starting linebackers in Collins, Hightower and Mayo but the other slots are wide open for competition in training camp.

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There are currently 14 players on the roster competing for probably six slots. With the three starters basically locked into slots providing they're healthy to start the season, the numbers game is making life difficult for these remaining players.

The one good thing about the situation is that with a renewed emphasis on the front seven and many of the players known strictly for their special teams acumen, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to carve out a role for themselves.

It isn't known if the injuries/off-season surgeries to Hightower and Mayo will have them ready for training camp. If they aren't ready to go on July 30, it just gives more reps to be divided up amongst the rest of the crew.

Roster Locks: Jamie Collins, Dont'a Hightower, Jerod Mayo

Collins is rapidly becoming one of the best linebackers in the league. He can do it all; be stout against the run, cover tight ends or blitz up the A-gap. He's so uber-athletic that there isn't much he can't do. Recently a video surfaced showing Collins doing eight back flips in a row (check out our video section). He does everything so well, that the team is probably still scratching the surface on his potential in his third season.

Hightower had a break-out season in 2014 and really came into his own once Mayo went down with a season-ending injury. With great size at 6'3, 270, Hightower is very good at stuffing the run and like Collins is very effective at blitzing up the A-gap. He chipped in with six sacks, two passes defensed and a forced fumble last season.

Hightower played down the stretch with a torn labrum in his shoulder that required off-season surgery. Even still, he played every snap in the Super Bowl and his tackle of Marshawn Lynch at the 1 yard line with less than a minute to go saved a touchdown and set the stage for Malcolm Butler's game-winning interception.

Near Locks: Dane Fletcher, Chris White

Fletcher was brought back to New England after spending a year in Tampa Bay. Fletcher played in 38 career games with the Patriots with six starts totaling 81 tackles with four sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles. The 6'2, 245 Fletcher was a popular player in his time here, playing in sub-packages and asked mainly to cover backs out in the flat and tight ends.

With the release of Brandon Spikes this spring, Fletcher's stock had to rise in the coaches' eyes as he has plenty of experience in the defense and he can lend an aura of veteran savvy and leadership to the younger players. He played in all 16 games last season for the Bucs and logged 30 total tackles and 10 special teams tackles.

White was claimed off waivers from Detroit in 2013 and has been a core special teams player for the past two seasons. He's not going to contribute much on defense as a linebacker but more of a STs player but he has a leg up on the competition being in the system for the past few seasons.

On the Bubble: James Morris, Darius Fleming, Jonathan Freeny, Dekoda Watson, Matthew Wells, Xzavier ****son, Rufus Johnson, Eric Martin, D.J. Lynch

Morris is an intriguing case; He was signed as an UDFA last spring, suffered a blood clot in his leg and was released. He was brought back during training camp and even wore the green dot communication device during a pre-season game against the Giants before suffering a season-ending injury. In his second season, he'll get some reps with Mayo and Hightower on the mend with their respective injuries.

Fleming was signed by the Patriots last season and was active for five games playing mostly on STs appearing in all three playoff games. He recovered a fumble on a punt return in the AFC Championship Game. He's entering his fourth season in the NFL after suffering injuries in his first two with the Niners.

Watson, Freeny and Martin are all trying to latch on with the Patriots after playing in the league mainly as STs players.

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
The 2010s

July 17, 2016:

New England Patriots News 7-17, AFC East Notes | PatsFans.com

But make no mistake, Deflategate isn't over. The players association braces for the fight that is coming when the next CBA comes due in 2020.

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Brady’s role in Deflategate Ends, The Battle Will Recommence in 2020:
In a surprise move on Friday, Tom Brady capitulated to the NFL and will not be part of the NFLPA’s petition to the Supreme Court if indeed they continue the case. In opting to give in and accept his punishment, Brady will serve his four-game suspension.

But make no mistake, Deflategate isn’t over. Brady’s portion of it is. He’ll sit out Weeks 1-4 in what has to be the most overblown league generated fiasco ever. So while the legion of Pats haters does a victory lap, the players association braces for the fight that is coming when the next CBA comes due in 2020.

And you can bet there will be a work stoppage because the league and Roger Goodell are not going to give up the absolute power that he now holds over the players. And they, at least the smart ones know that he can suspend any of them whenever he wants because the courts say he has the power to do so. And evidence-smevidence… who cares about that. Goodell doesn’t need any. So Deflategate ISN’T over.

Brady’s Decision Was His but Not Necessarily the Best One:
No one knows what kind of strain Brady has gone thru for the past 18 months. But one can only imagine what a tough, roller coaster the past two seasons have been like. First dealing with the calls of he was done and no longer a top NFL QB. Then after catching fire and on the verge of returning to the Super Bowl, having your integrity and legacy called into play? And playing last season with a suspension looming over his head.

So if he just got worn down by the entire fiasco and mentally couldn’t put up with any longer, then so be it. We don’t sit in his shoes and can’t imagine what it’s been like for him.

We also heard that IF the Supreme Court agreed to hear his case, and a stay was issued that a ruling against him could impact him later in the season and even during the playoffs. While that scenario would be a nightmarish one for the Patriots 2016 season, it is exactly why he should have stayed in the fight.

This is not only about the ridiculous 4-game suspension that Goodell levied, nor just about his legacy but about how this will effect NFLPA members down the road. Goodell’s power trip will affect many players down the road and this is an opportunity to fix that without going thru a work stoppage in the future. This case would be a benefit to all NFL players, present and future. Regardless of how difficult this fight wouldn’t have been to win; this was one that should have been seen thru to the end.

You don’t just fight the fights you can win; you fight the fights that need fighting. He should have stuck it out.

Did Kraft Blast the League or Did His Words Ring Hollow?
After Brady announced his decision not to contest his suspension, Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a statement that seemed to put the hammer down on the league.

Kraft wrote, ““From day one, I have believed in Tom and given him my unwavering support in his pursuit to rightfully clear his name of any wrongdoing. That support extends throughout our organization and has only grown more steadfast as the preponderance of scientific evidence has exonerated Tom. Unfortunately, this stopped being about air pressure a long time ago.” (emphasis is mine)

He further added, “This entire process has indelibly taken a toll on our organization, our fans and most importantly, Tom Brady. His reluctant decision to stop pursuing further action and to put this situation behind him is what he feels is best for the team in preparation for this season and is fully supported by me and our entire organization.”

Kraft called the sham investigation of Ted Wells, “flawed and biased from the start,” and said that Brady wasn’t given due process. Strong stuff.

So it is difficult to compare those strong words with some of the confusing actions on his part. Because, as popular as he is as an owner, and he’s been the best this organization has ever seen, he’s played both sides of the fence.

After coming out like gangbusters before the Super Bowl and demanding an apology, he went to the owners meeting and finding no support among the Jones, Rooneys, and Maras…who wanted their pound of flesh, he caved. He caved quicker than a paper house in a typhoon. In a statement, he meekly accepted the NFL’s punishment of losing two draft picks, a $1,000,000 fine and having his QB get socked with a 4-game suspension.

He flipped-flopped again telling the media and fans that it was wrong for him to have put his trust in the league. But the pull of the billionaire boys club is strong and both he and Goodell have been seen schmoozing for the press on a number of occasions since.

Now this latest statement after Brady’s decision doesn’t feel like the slam that fans and some of the media are saying it was. Those words are ringing a bit hollow. One has to wonder what Brady truly feels about all of this. We’ll probably never find out.

July 17, 2016:

Opinion Thread: When do we draw the line?

**before this gets started, I'd just like to please ask that we all be respectful of each other's opinions. Everyone has a different one and would like to hear them all** Good evening, everyone. I had this discussion with a fellow Pats fan at work Friday afternoon, and I am curious on...

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B

Thread 'Opinion Thread: When do we draw the line?'

Jul 17, 2016

**before this gets started, I'd just like to please ask that we all be respectful of each other's opinions. Everyone has a different one and would like to hear them all**

Good evening, everyone. I had this discussion with a fellow Pats fan at work Friday afternoon, and I am curious on everyone's opinions. When do you consider what we are doing as "acting against the NFL" and when does someone cross the line to "no longer a Pats fan"?

This is my reality right now: I am stationed in IL, so I cannot watch the Patriots every week on local TV like most who live in New England. I have had...

Post in thread 'Opinion Thread: When do we draw the line?'

Jul 18, 2016

blackglass3 said:
**before this gets started, I'd just like to please ask that we all be respectful of each other's opinions. Everyone has a different one and would like to hear them all**

Good evening, everyone. I had this discussion with a fellow Pats fan at work Friday afternoon, and I am curious on everyone's opinions. When do you consider what we are doing as "acting against the NFL" and when does someone cross the line to "no longer a Pats fan"?

This is my reality right now: I am stationed in IL, so I cannot watch the Patriots every week on local TV like most who live in New England. I have had...

Post in thread 'Opinion Thread: When do we draw the line?'

Jul 18, 2016

Once the Pats start supporting ISIS is where I draw the line.

Post in thread 'Opinion Thread: When do we draw the line?'

Jul 18, 2016

I am a long time season ticket holder. I am mad at the NFL for acting fraudulently in this case and at Bob Kraft for being a wuss more interested in maintaining his cash cow than his loyal player's reputation. I am not going to attend or watch any games where Tom Brady is suspended and not playing. I am not going to watch opening night or other games that don't involve the Patriots, at least during the time he is suspended. I boycotted the draft (we made an impact there) and I plan to boycott the preseason. I am not going to purchase any NFL merchandise and I am going to limit my...

P

Post in thread 'Opinion Thread: When do we draw the line?'

Jul 19, 2016

blackglass3 said:
**before this gets started, I'd just like to please ask that we all be respectful of each other's opinions. Everyone has a different one and would like to hear them all**

Good evening, everyone. I had this discussion with a fellow Pats fan at work Friday afternoon, and I am curious on everyone's opinions. When do you consider what we are doing as "acting against the NFL" and when does someone cross the line to "no longer a Pats fan"?

This is my reality right now: I am stationed in IL, so I cannot watch the Patriots every week on local TV like most who live in New England. I have had...

P

Post in thread 'Opinion Thread: When do we draw the line?'

Jul 22, 2016

get yourself amazon Fire TV, watch youtube for instructions to install KODI and never miss ANY game ever.

July 17, 2017:

New England Patriots Training Camp Primer: Defensive Line | PatsFans.com

Flowers, like many others in the Pats defense, is versatile and can rush from the edge or push inside as an interior pass rusher.

www.patsfans.com

The team lost defensive ends Jabaal Sheard and Chris Long this spring, but drafted two younger guys in Derek Rivers and Deatrich Wise, while picking up Kony Ealy from the Panthers in a steal of a trade during the NFL Draft. The team also picked up the versatile and underrated Lawrence Guy from Baltimore. Trey Flowers was arguably their best DL down the stretch and into the playoffs and Alan Branch was outstanding all season.

Roster Locks: Trey Flowers, Kony Ealy, Rob Ninkovich, Derek Rivers, Deatrich Wise, Alan Branch, Malcom Brown
Everything starts with the big men in the middle and Branch and Brown were very good in 2016. Branch frequently plays over the center and is outstanding at stuffing the run. Brown is as well. Their job is to force everything outside where the defensive ends and linebackers are supposed to clean it up. They each got a little bit of push in the passing game but that is something that Brown could do a bit more of as well as be more consistent in 2017.

Funny Andrew Hawkins story

Very clever Coming Up Short | The Players' Tribune

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Thread 'Funny Andrew Hawkins story'

Jul 17, 2017

Very clever

Coming Up Short | The Players' Tribune

Post in thread 'Funny Andrew Hawkins story'

Jul 17, 2017

Reminds me of the story of WR Mike Siani.

Before the conditions were as tightly controlled as they are at the combine, he moved the markers for the 40 yard dash, and posted an eye catching time.

It worked so well the Raiders selected him in the 1st round.

T

Post in thread 'Funny Andrew Hawkins story'

Jul 18, 2017

borg said:
The sham begins much earlier than college.

My friend's son was a big time local high school athlete (not football) who was recruited by Notre Dame starting in 9th grade. Because of the heavy interest by Notre Dame and a half dozen other big time programs, the young man basically lived his sport 24/7/365 throughout high school and took the bare minimum and easiest courses possible that guaranteed both graduation and a high enough GPA necessary to get into his 1st choice...Notre dame. He rarely attended classes, taking online courses instead and during his senior year he only had to...

July 17, 2018:

PHOTO: Malcolm Butler Receives 2017 AFC Champions Ring | PatsFans.com

Malcolm Butler shows off his 2017 AFC Championship ring.

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Patriots 2018 Training Camp Primer - Linebackers | PatsFans.com

The healthy return of Hightower is an absolute priority, we wrote last year he was the one guy on defense they could not replace with anyone on the roster

www.patsfans.com

There was arguably no position that got more grief than the linebackers last year. Dont’a Hightower, Harvey Langi, and Shea McClellin were placed on IR. Kyle Van Noy was then put in the unenviable position of being asked to do too much. David Harris proved the Jets were right when they thought he was done. Elandon Roberts was boom or bust and proved to be a liability in coverage. Marquis Flowers played meaningful snaps on defense in sub-packages and played well. The team brought in veteran James Harrison at the end of the season and he was arguably the team’s best linebacker in the playoffs.

This spring the Patriots got back Hightower and Langi and concussions forced McClellin to retire. The drafted two linebackers, Ja’Whaun Bentley in the fifth round and Christian Sam in the 6th. We thought they’d address the position earlier in the draft but they passed.

So, with that in mind who are locked in and who’s on the bubble?

Roster Locks: Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy

The healthy return of Hightower is an absolute priority this spring, we wrote last year he was the one guy on defense they could not replace with anyone on the roster. Hightower is a run-stuffer inside who has shown the knack for being a good disruptor and blitzer on the edge as well as up the A-gaps. The question is, do they move him back to the inside or let him go back to the edge where they had him early last season.

OT: Cooks signs 5-year extension with Rams

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Thread 'OT: Cooks signs 5-year extension with Rams'

Jul 17, 2018

July 17, 2019:

Patriots 2019 Training Camp Guide - Tight Ends | PatsFans.com

What they won’t be able to replicate is the amount of coverage that Gronkowski would consistently draw away from the other receivers.

www.patsfans.com

The Patriots have been forced to totally revamp their tight end position this season as all three players on the roster from last year are gone. Rob Gronkowski retired and although rumors are that he’s coming back later this year, he’s not walking thru that door anytime soon…if at all. Dwayne Allen left via free agency and Jacob Hollister was traded.

The team was beginning with a clean slate. And there were/are questions all around. Old friend Ben Watson was brought back to the team after briefly flirting with retirement, the team also picked up Matt LaCosse with a two-year, $2.8 million dollar deal during free agency.

The team also signed Austin Seferian-Jenkins during the spring, but he had some personal issues to be worked out and was given his release. Would he be welcomed back if those issues are behind him? No one really knows, but I wouldn’t bank on his return this year.

Watson is suspended for the first four games of the season due to testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. LaCosse has appeared in 22 games in his career and had 24 catches for 250 yards and a touchdown for the Broncos last year in 15 games.

The only holdover was practice squad player Stephen Anderson who was called up to the active roster at the end of the season. The team also has Ryan Izzo who spent the year on IR and UDFA Andrew Beck.

With the state of the position, everyone had the Patriots dipping into the 2019 NFL draft early for one of the premier tight ends that were coming out. And true to form, Bill Belichick did the opposite, eschewing all of them. Many of the journalists who cover the NFL had the Patriots trying to swing a deal for a tight end, with Viking Kyle Rudolph at the top of the list. There have also been persistent rumors about them trying to make a deal for the Tampa Bay Bucs, Cameron Brate. But as of now, that’s all it has been, being rumors.

Brady and his beach ...

Photographed in Costa Rica yesterday, Tom looks buff. I wonder what Gisele is searching for in his back pocket.

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Thread 'Brady and his beach ...'

Jul 17, 2019

Photographed in Costa Rica yesterday, Tom looks buff. I wonder what Gisele is searching for in his back pocket.

Post in thread 'Brady and his beach ...'

Jul 17, 2019

Meanwhile...on Choctaw Beach in Fraudly, Louisiana...

Post in thread 'Brady and his beach ...'

Jul 17, 2019

A little creepy to me. The guy is enjoying a vacation with his family.

Post in thread 'Brady and his beach ...'

Jul 17, 2019

nabwong said:
A little creepy to me. The guy is enjoying a vacation with his family.

I f-ing hate paparazzi. Bunch of annoying pervs.

Post in thread 'Brady and his beach ...'

Jul 17, 2019

Why isn’t he training for the 2019 season? Disappointed...we’ll never win with an attitude like this.

Post in thread 'Brady and his beach ...'

Jul 17, 2019

TommyBrady12 said:
Why isn’t he training for the 2019 season? Disappointed...we’ll never win with an attitude like this.

See above... that is training. Working on his grip & hand dexterity.

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
The 2020s

July 17, 2020:

NFL wants to take financial hit from pandemic in 2020-21

This is terrible news if it comes to pass. Apparently the owners want all of the losses from Covid to be absorbed THIS season and next. $40 mil could come off the cap this year. NFL wants to take financial hit from pandemic in 2020-21 - ProFootballTalk

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Thread 'NFL wants to take financial hit from pandemic in 2020-21'

Jul 17, 2020

This is terrible news if it comes to pass. Apparently the owners want all of the losses from Covid to be absorbed THIS season and next. $40 mil could come off the cap this year.

NFL wants to take financial hit from pandemic in 2020-21 - ProFootballTalk

Post in thread 'NFL wants to take financial hit from pandemic in 2020-21'

Jul 17, 2020

DropKickFlutie said:
I don't get it. How can they Change this year's cap ?? It's way too close to the season

.

I am not sure. It would totally tank the season if they did it. Florio seems to think the CBA prevents this from happening this season but in the end it is the owners money.

Post in thread 'NFL wants to take financial hit from pandemic in 2020-21'

Jul 17, 2020

I really doubt there's a season due to politics/media pressure. Depending on how the NBA does, the bubble may be the only solution.

P

Post in thread 'NFL wants to take financial hit from pandemic in 2020-21'

Jul 17, 2020

Yeah, If I was the owners I would just cancel the season, The players union can't do anything about it, next spring the owners will be able to get whatever concessions they want from the union.

Post in thread 'NFL wants to take financial hit from pandemic in 2020-21'

Jul 17, 2020

TheRainMaker said:
I really doubt there's a season due to politics/media pressure. Depending on how the NBA does, the bubble may be the only solution.

Media/political pressure vs. the NFL’s wallet pressure. (For Owners and players)

I think this battle is much closer than people realize.

S

Post in thread 'NFL wants to take financial hit from pandemic in 2020-21'

Jul 18, 2020

F the NFL. I’ve really had it — between this nonsense, the constant stupid rule changes, the league office driven witch hunts, the Now-constant political bullsh1t.... I’ve been blessed to experience the entire Brady/Belichick saga, that epoch is over, and I’m really not sure I need it any more. There are better and less frustrating ways to spend my time. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.

S

Post in thread 'NFL wants to take financial hit from pandemic in 2020-21'

Jul 18, 2020

Patsgofor4 said:
Another spoiled late 90s to 2020 Pats fan whose football sun rose and set around Tommy.

Fan since around 1978, so GFY... I just like my sports politics and ******** free. Like they were back in the 80s.

July 17, 2022:

Patriots News 07-17, Harry's Trade Was Overdue, Interior DL Questions | PatsFans.com

“To me, I think one of the next steps that he needs to take is who is his go-to guy going to be?” Pioli said

www.patsfans.com

N’Keal Harry Traded To the Bears, A Year Too Late?

Patriots fans mostly reacted with glee when the news broke that the team moved Harry to the Chicago Bears for a 2024 7th-round draft pick. That is a big drop for a player that was taken with the final (32nd overall) pick in the 1st round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

There was plenty of blame for why Harry failed in New England, and should be shared equally. Harry most definitely didn’t live up to expectations or his draft status. But the coaches (Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels) deserve their share of it.

The most common lament was that “Harry isn’t getting any separation,” which was true. However, a look at his college tape would have told you the same thing. Harry was a big (6’4) wide receiver who made 19 contested catches in his final college season. But rather than use him in that role, the coaching staff decided to use him differently.

Was it all on Belichick for going against his scouts’ advice, and who wanted someone else? Or was it McDaniels who tried using Harry in a different manner? Probably a bit of both. Belichick was spending more time with the defense after losing Brian Flores to the Dolphins, and it was up to McDaniels to get him ready.

During the first week of training camp, Harry worked with Troy Brown during side sessions as well as with Tom Brady and McDaniels, as I wrote at the time. But like many WRs in their first year with the team, he was slow to pick up the intricate Patriots route tree.

He caught two passes for 36 yards against the Lions but suffered an injury that forced him to miss the season’s first eight games. By the time he returned, he was way behind the rest of the WR group. And as we’re all well aware, if a WR doesn’t fit into Brady’s small circle of trust, he isn’t getting the ball. And Harry was frozen out. He made just 12 catches for 105 yards and 2 TDs. And yes, we all remember the TD against the Chiefs that wasn’t.

2020 Year Was a Difficult One:

The 2020 season was the Year of COVID and major change. Brady was gone to Tampa, and Cam Newton was in. and he struggled mightily trying to run the Patriots’ offense. Harry’s targets were still in the very short area close to the line of scrimmage; although he caught 33 passes, he went to a QB that had trouble getting him the ball after being frozen out the year before.

Requests Trade:

Prior to the 2021 season, Harry could see that he no longer fit into the Patriots’ plans and that they weren’t going to make him a viable part of the offense. So, his agent requested a trade. That should have been the time to move on for both parties.

Instead, the team kept him around, although he became sort of a WR in name only. They used him mainly as an extra blocker, something he did well at. We don’t know if he was complaining behind the scenes, but he embraced his role at least outwardly. He was targeted just 22 times last year and caught just 12 passes for 184 yards (15.3 YPR).

Harry has to share his side of the blame, but the coaches, who normally put players in the best position to succeed, didn’t do so in his case. It was in the best interests of everyone to move on and especially for Harry to get a fresh start elsewhere, on a team that really needs WR help.

Will he be able to regain his confidence and become a good WR? Time will tell. But at least with the Bears this year, he should get plenty of opportunities to succeed. That wasn’t happening in Foxboro this year, or last.

But after the trade, the Patriots’ WR depth remains solid:

Kendrick Bourne
DeVante Parker
Jakobi Meyers
Nelson Agholor
Tyquan Thornton
Tre Nixon
Kristian Wilkerson
Lil’Jordan Humphrey
Malcolm Perry
Ty Montgomery (also plays RB)

Quick Hitters For the Patriots and the NFL:

Jason McCourty: The 13-year NFL vet and twin brother of Patriots captain Devin has announced his retirement. Originally a 6th-round draft pick of the Titans, McCourty carved out a very successful career. He spent eight years with Tennessee, then spent the 2017 season with the winless Cleveland Browns. But in 2018, he came to New England and won a Super Bowl with the Patriots.

After beating the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game in Kansas City, the two twins had a memorable moment embracing each other, in the first season that they were able to play together in the NFL.

Fans will remember his breakup of a Jared Goff pass in the end zone to Brandin Cooks, saving a touchdown and the Rams taking the lead. McCourty flew over from the right side and knocked the ball away from Cooks at the last second to save the lead.

“These past 13 seasons have been one hell of a journey,” Jason McCourty said on his Instagram page. “And as I reflect and look back on my career, I have far surpassed any and every expectation I set for myself back in 2009 — and that’s what I’m most proud of when I look back at my career.”

Mac Jones: The Patriots’ starting QB has said that he made strides in his diet during this offseason. However, Jones was dishing out ice cream on Friday at the Hood Creamery in Charlestown, Mass. And no…it wasn’t avocado ice cream that Tom Brady liked (and it wasn’t bad, as the Patriots dished it out one year on Brady’s birthday).

But Jones’ flavor was called “The Mac Attack” and was a mix of vanilla ice cream and blue cookie dough chunks.

Scott Pioli: Speaking of Mac Jones…The former Patriots front office executive was on the NFL Network and was asked what Jones needs to do to make that big Year 2 jump.

“I think Mac Jones and the Patriots’ coaching staff would be the first to tell you that there is a lot of next steps that he has,” Pioli said. “I mean, he had a very, very strong rookie year, but that doesn’t mean anything in New England when you’re a quarterback.”

“To me, I think one of the next steps that he needs to take is who is his go-to guy going to be?” Pioli said. “He went out and saw players. He spent time with them. What he needs to do is cultivate those relationships, deepen them so to speak, and find out who is his most dependable teammates are going to be.

“Who is the guy that he can count on?” Pioli added. “Let’s remember, chemistry in football is absolutely critical. Tom Brady always had a go-to guy, and those guys were generally versatile, smart, and dependable. Mac needs to find out who those guys are, or who that singular guy is in order to make things go to the next level for him at the quarterback position.”

My early bet on who that will be? Kendrick Bourne.

BIg Summer For the Interior Defensive Line:

There was surprise among fans and media when the Patriots didn’t select a linebacker in the draft, but arguably an even bigger surprise was the fact that the Patriots didn’t select a defensive lineman until the 6th round of the draft this spring.

Davon Godchaux was signed to be the big two-gapping nose tackle. And it was a position that he seemed to struggle in during the 2021 season. Godchaux carries a $10.25 million cap hit this year, and the team needs him to improve.

With a lighter linebacking crew, their defensive philosophy may change a bit at times (we know the defense will always be mulitiple). This could signal them being a little bit more aggressive and allow their interior linemen to penetrate.

Another player that needs to step up is Lawrence Guy, who was not his usual solid, consistent self in 2021. He’s at that age where many of the big defensive linemen begin to wear down. He’ll bear watching, as will veterans Henry Anderson, Byron Cowart, and Carl Davis. Deatrich Wise is a solid interior pass rusher but has improved against the run. Daniel Ekuale is suspended for the first two games of the season. Bill Murray, who has been on the practice squad for the past two years is in a make-or-break summer.

One player who should have a big year is Christian Barmore. I was a guest on the SI Locked-On Patriots podcast with Mike D’Abate, and both of us agree that Barmore is going to be the defense’s “X-Factor” this season. With a year in the system, he should be able to dominate in 2022.

I’m intrigued to see what Sam Roberts (D-2, Defensive Player of the Year) and UDFA LaBryan Ray from Alabama can bring to the table. Roberts dominated against lesser competition, and Ryan came highly recruited to Nick Saban’s program. But he has never been able to stay healthy.

There are a lot of veterans in place, but a dose of youth wouldn’t hurt if they show they can play. But after ranking 25th in yards per carry in 2021, there is a lot of room for improvement this year.

James White is having hip discomfort

James White is having hip issues https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/07/17/james-white-still-has-uncomfortable-gait-after-hip-injury/

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Thread 'James White is having hip discomfort'

Jul 17, 2022

James White is having hip issues

James White still has "uncomfortable gait" after hip injury

Patriots running back James White, who will be entering his ninth NFL season in 2022, may still be dealing with the aftermath of a hip injury that limited him to three games in 2021.

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

Post in thread 'James White is having hip discomfort'

Jul 17, 2022

If his hip is that bad, maybe he should retire.

Post in thread 'James White is having hip discomfort'

Jul 17, 2022

I think the team is going to give him all the time he needs to give himself a shot to make the roster. He's earned that.

Unfortunately, my gut tells me he retires before the season starts. That's a really tough injury to come back from at his career point.

Post in thread 'James White is having hip discomfort'

Jul 18, 2022

Seem to remember the average career for an NFL player is something like 3.5 years, White is in his 9th season. He has been a long time asset, but torn labrum in the hip are difficult to come back from.

White had a legendary career with the Pats, we were lucky to have watched him excel at his craft. We will forever remember him in Super Bowl LI: 14 passes for 110 yards, 29 rushing yards on six carries, and scored three touchdowns (one was the game winner) in that 28-3 comeback.

Post in thread 'James White is having hip discomfort'

Jul 18, 2022

Not a great sign. It's been about nine months right? I'll echo what I said about Edelman last offseason, it's better to retire while you still have reasonable function. If this is it for James, he goes into that pantheon of guys like Edelman, Brown, Faulk, etc. Guys who weren't usually the "superstars" on the team, but that they 100% don't win Super Bowls without.

They could start him on PUP and if he just never gets better they move him to IR and he retires after the season. Not the best use of a cap hit, but they've done guys who were "their" guys solids like that before, and if...

Post in thread 'James White is having hip discomfort'

Jul 18, 2022

Sicilian said:
Not a great sign. It's been about nine months right? I'll echo what I said about Edelman last offseason, it's better to retire while you still have reasonable function. If this is it for James, he goes into that pantheon of guys like Edelman, Brown, Faulk, etc. Guys who weren't usually the "superstars" on the team, but that they 100% don't win Super Bowls without.

They could start him on PUP and if he just never gets better they move him to IR and he retires after the season. Not the best use of a cap hit, but they've done guys who were "their" guys solids like that before, and...

jmt57 · Jul 17, 2026

Today in Patriots History
The 2020s

July 17, 2023:

Monday Patriots Notebook 7/17: News and Notes | PatsFans.com

Some New England Patriots news and notes for Monday, July 17, 2023.

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Hopkins Fallout Continues

There was some noise on Sunday after Doug Kyed broke the news that DeAndre Hopkins had opted to go to Tennessee over New England, which was certainly disappointing for most fans that were hoping to see him catching passes from Mac Jones this season.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the deal Hopkins received was a 2-year, $26 million deal that, with incentives, will potentially make it worth up to $32 million. That essentially pushes his salary closer to the $15 million mark O’Dell Beckham Jr. received, which is reportedly what Hopkins was seeking.

However, despite some reports that the Patriots didn’t reach that threshold, that apparently wasn’t true. SI.com’s Albert Breer reported on Sunday night that the Patriots were right there with the Titans, but the difference appears to be in how the incentives were structured, which seems to have been the deal-breaker.

“Based on where it was, the Patriots didn’t go to the level that the Titans did,” said Breer on NBC Sports Boston’s Sports Sunday via Darren Hartwell. “My understanding is, the max of (the Patriots’) offer was $15 million for this year — so they matched what the Titans did for this year — but a much higher percentage of it was in incentives.”

“Whereas the Titans were $12 million base (salary), $3 million in incentives, the Patriots’ offer was structured a little like the Chiefs offer going back to before the draft. The Chiefs’ offer at the time was a $4 million base with a chance to make up to $10 (million).

“So, they were willing to give (Hopkins) the max that the Titans offered, but they were going to make it much harder for him to get there.”

Orlovsky Views Tight Ends as the Key

Dan Orlovsky of ESPN posted a video following the news of Hopkins landing in Tennessee and while he believes it’s a big loss for the Patriots, he feels like the tight ends might ultimately make up the difference in how successful they potentially are this season.

Orlovsky believes it’s an offense that’s certainly under a lot more pressure, but with their defense, he’s confident that they’ve still got a shot.

“Congrats to Tennessee on getting D-Hop, I did not expect that,” said Orlovsky. “It gives them a chance to win the [AFC] South now if D-Hop is who we have grown accustomed to him being and [Mike] Vrabel as their head coach.”

“The more obvious thing for me is, two things. Number one, it feels like a massive missed opportunity and loss for the Patriots and Mac Jones going into a huge year. Number one, because just look at the division. They are worst in the division when it comes to overall skill talent by far and bottom three or bottom four in the conference.”

“So now you’re going to expect your offense to have enough firepower to compete against the Jets and the Dolphins and the Bills and basically everyone in the AFC, and you don’t, and you also expect your quarterback to take a big step and he’s got not nearly the amount of weapons that other quarterbacks have.”

“The second thing I think of, there is tremendous pressure now on Bill O’Brien, their play-caller – who’s awesome – but also Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki. It makes me think that New England will major, not minor, major in 12 personnel – one back, two tight ends – and absolutely live in that. Because they don’t have the people on the outside wide receiver-wise to really contend firepower-wise scoring points with everyone they have to.”

“So it feels like this is a big missed opportunity for New England and Mac Jones. But if those two tight ends play together and they become one of the, if not the top 2, 3 duos in the Conference, they’ve got a shot with great defense. But it’s a lot of pressure on those two units.”

White and Gonzalez Remain Unsigned

Rookie first-round pick Christian Gonzalez and fellow second-round selection Keion White have reportedly yet to sign their rookie deals, which remains something to keep an eye on.

Mike Reiss reported in his Sunday column that while the contracts themselves are set due to the league’s rookie slotting season, the issue may be tied to either the timing of payments or guaranteed money.

Just For Fun--Your Guess

Before the training season starts, just for fun, based on what you know about the Pats to date 6/17/23, what do you think the season-end win-loss record will be and why. The pre season Bruins and Celtics are boring. The Red Sox are tied for last in the East. Nothing to get excited about with the...

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Thread 'Just For Fun--Your Guess'

Jul 17, 2023

Before the training season starts, just for fun, based on what you know about the Pats to date 6/17/23, what do you think the season-end win-loss record will be and why. The pre season Bruins and Celtics are boring. The Red Sox are tied for last in the East. Nothing to get excited about with the Patriots other than the new OC and OL coach.

My thought: 8-9. Tough schedule, too tough for our defense to turn into a winning season. Our offense is a plus between the 20s. Our offense is field goals. Mac Jones has an improved season, with short passes between the 20s, over last season. Like his...

Post in thread 'Just For Fun--Your Guess'

Jul 17, 2023

Brewskies said:
Before the training season starts, just for fun, based on what you know about the Pats to date 6/17/23, what do you think the season-end win-loss record will be and why. The pre season Bruins and Celtics are boring. The Red Sox are tied for last in the East. Nothing to get excited about with the Patriots other than the new OC and OL coach.

My thought: 8-9. Tough schedule, too tough for our defense to turn into a winning season. Our offense is a plus between the 20s. Our offense is field goals. Mac Jones has an improved season, with short passes between the 20s, over last season. Like...

Post in thread 'Just For Fun--Your Guess'

Jul 17, 2023

12-5, book it!

LFG!!!

Post in thread 'Just For Fun--Your Guess'

Jul 17, 2023

Hyped said:
12-5, book it!

LFG!!!

No, please God! I have yet to see any good ever come of 'booking it'!

Post in thread 'Just For Fun--Your Guess'

Jul 17, 2023

RobertWeathers said:
As they are today, I like this team but man their schedule is tough.

9-8, maybe 10-7

Strength of schedule in July and strength of schedule in January usually are very different.

Post in thread 'Just For Fun--Your Guess'

Jul 17, 2023

Brewskies said:
Before the training season starts, just for fun, based on what you know about the Pats to date 6/17/23, what do you think the season-end win-loss record will be and why. The pre season Bruins and Celtics are boring. The Red Sox are tied for last in the East. Nothing to get excited about with the Patriots other than the new OC and OL coach.

My thought: 8-9. Tough schedule, too tough for our defense to turn into a winning season. Our offense is a plus between the 20s. Our offense is field goals. Mac Jones has an improved season, with short passes between the 20s, over last season. Like...

July 17, 2024:

Wednesday Patriots Notebook 7/17: News and Notes | PatsFans.com

While disgruntled 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk may have formally requested a trade, it sounds like San Francisco - as usual - isn't prepared to acquiesce to his request.

www.patsfans.com

Patriots Inquired on Aiyuk

While disgruntled 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk may have formally requested a trade, it sounds like San Francisco – as usual – isn’t prepared to acquiesce to his request.

However, that apparently didn’t stop the Patriots from kicking the tires on what the 49ers might have been seeking. According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, New England has inquired on Aiyuk, but was told he was not being traded.

Anderson said that discussion took place “within the last couple of weeks,” which is when the 49ers rebuffed the Patriots’ interest.

Not that there’s any real surprise there. Trading Aiyuk likely isn’t a consideration, especially for both GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan, who are each likely feeling some heat when it comes to trying to get that team over the hump.

After two failed Super Bowl appearances in a city that now has significant expectations, moving a player who could potentially play a part in helping them win a championship probably isn’t on their to-do list.

At the same time, something has to give. According to reports, the talks stalled back in May, and the 49ers apparently haven’t made any further offers since. That has Aiyuk, who is currently slated to earn just over $14 million after the club exercised his fifth-year option, extremely frustrated.

He’s reportedly seeking a salary worth $30 million annually, with the deal signed by Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown being the benchmark for a potential new deal.

Patriots Announce Personnel Department Additions

The Patriots announced five new additions to their personnel department on Tuesday, along with four in-house promotions.

According to the team, Alonzo Highsmith – a long-time key colleague of Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf – was officially hired as a senior personnel executive. Highsmith and Wolf previously worked together both in Green Bay and Cleveland, with the two experiencing a fair amount of success together over that span. The fact they were reunited here was no surprise, and Highsmith’s addition quietly remains one of the more underrated moves of this offseason.

The team also hired Casey Belongia as an area scout, while Bob Kronenberg was added as a pro scout. Both A.J. Richardson and Landon Simpson were also named scouting assistants.

The club also promoted four staff members, with Patrick Stewart being named director of pro personnel, while Sam Fioroni has been promoted to assistant director of pro personnel. The team also promoted Marshall Oium to director of football strategy, while Marquis ****erson was promoted as a pro scout.

The moves now bring the personnel department to 27 staff members, up from 22 in 2022 and 25 in 2023.

Odds and Ends

The Patriots have seemingly made an addition to their international staff, with Lara Magalhaes announcing on her Instagram account that she’ll be managing the expansion efforts of the team in Brazil. “The opportunity to lead the Brazilian soil expansion of one of the most successful teams in the NFL, showcase my expertise and management skills in a highly competitive environment will never be something simple,” she wrote on Instagram (as translated). “Through my presence as manager of the New England Patriots in Brazil I have as one of main goals to inspire other women to pursue careers in the sport and show that there is no limit to what they can achieve. I aspire to be an example of female leadership and empowerment, contributing to diversity and inclusion in the world of sports.”

If Schuster Looks Good In Camp

If Schuster looks good in camp (top 3), it would seem somehow wrong to lose cap money to cut him. One option is to trade Osborn. As another posted noted, Osborn was sign to a 1-year contract when we had almost no one. Since then, we've added Polk and Baker, plus Shuster is looking good (and...

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M

Thread 'If Schuster Looks Good In Camp'

Jul 17, 2024

If Schuster looks good in camp (top 3), it would seem somehow wrong to lose cap money to cut him.

One option is to trade Osborn. As another posted noted, Osborn was sign to a 1-year contract when we had almost no one. Since then, we've added Polk and Baker, plus Shuster is looking good (and perhaps even Thornton is looking good).

We have Bourne and the 3 kids. We have room for one veteran to be a starting WR. There is no need for any more WR's unless we keep someone while Bourne is not yet available.

Post in thread 'If Schuster Looks Good In Camp'

Jul 17, 2024

If he shows well, trade him. I'd take draft picks for next year.

Post in thread 'If Schuster Looks Good In Camp'

Jul 17, 2024

whos on the Juju train..

H

Post in thread 'If Schuster Looks Good In Camp'

Jul 17, 2024

If Schuster looks good in camp-trade him. There’s a strong likelihood he will break down again, so try to pick up a mid round pick for him, and go with the young guys, or use his spot to keep a player at a different position that they really don’t want to release.

Post in thread 'If Schuster Looks Good In Camp'

Jul 17, 2024

mgteich said:
If Schuster looks good in camp (top 3), it would seem somehow wrong to lose cap money to cut him.

One option is to trade Osborn. As another posted noted, Osborn was sign to a 1-year contract when we had almost no one. Since then, we've added Polk and Baker, plus Shuster is looking good (and perhaps even Thornton is looking good).

We have Bourne and the 3 kids. We have room for one veteran to be a starting WR. There is no need for any more WR's unless we keep someone while Bourne is not yet available.

I'd rather have Osborn.

M

Post in thread 'If Schuster Looks Good In Camp'

Jul 17, 2024

Stu Pidassle said:
It is weird, I know that I kept waiting for him to get more playing time. I believe that he was in the first game as an injury replacement so it wasn't a total shock that he was replaced in subsequent games. The fact that he never really got another chance is baffling. Given his reputation I am afraid that he was not working with the coaches to earn game time.

Boutte should gets lots of playing time. After all, he's our 9th best WR and he had a fine freshman year in college.

July 17, 2025:

Patriots Daily Notebook 7/17: McLaurin Trade Rumors Continue, Key Domino Falls For Draft Pick | PatsFans.com

Many are hoping that the New England Patriots will make a move to bring Terry McLaurin to Foxboro. With the club trying to build a talented nucleus around Drake Maye, adding McLaurin would definitely do that.

www.patsfans.com

1) Rumors continue to swirl when it comes to the Washington Commanders’ Terry McLaurin, with the wide receiver still without a contract heading into training camp.

Many are hoping that the New England Patriots will make a move to bring him to Foxboro. With the club trying to build a talented nucleus around Drake Maye, adding McLaurin would definitely do that.

The Washington receiver is coming off an incredible year. He finished with his fifth-straight 1,000-yard season, catching 82 passes for 1,096 yards (13.4 avg). But in 2024, what was even more impressive was what an unbelievable scoring threat he was for the Commanders.

He scored a career-high 13 touchdowns, which accounted for 44.8% of Washington’s 29 touchdowns through the air in 2024. That was nearly double the amount of the next closest player, which was tight end Zach Ertz (7).

4) Seth Walder of ESPN recently gave out grades for all 32 teams based on their offseason moves, and apparently he wasn’t impressed with the Patriots.

He gave New England a C+ for their moves this offseason. However, Walder appeared to like the moves they made, but not necessarily the cost it took to get each player.

“There’s no question that the Patriots significantly improved their roster, spending big in free agency to bring in Milton Williams, Stefon Diggs, Harold Landry III, Robert Spillane, Carlton Davis III, and Morgan Moses,” writes Walder. “The Patriots needed this upgrade — there’s no sense in waiting when you have a good QB under a rookie contract. At the same time, I disliked the value on almost every deal.”

“Williams earned a contract that, after adjusting for cap inflation, is comparable in fully guaranteed money ($51 million) to what Chris Jones received in 2020, Jonathan Allen in 2021, and Javon Hargrave in 2023. Although he’s a nice player, Williams also played only 47% of Philadelphia’s snaps in 2024 while playing next to other stout defensive linemen.”

He really isn’t a fan of the addition of Davis, who at $18 million per season, he believes, “is a worse player” than D.J. Reed. Reed is the player expected to replace Davis with his former team, the Lions, in Detroit.

As for the teams that graded out the best, Los Angeles (A), San Francisco (A-), Arizona (A-), and the Broncos, each took the top spots.

The team that finished with the worst grade was the Saints, with New Orleans receiving a “D.”

2025 Record Predictions

Here's my super optimistic pre-camp, pre-preseason prediction. Best 12-5, Realistic 10-7, Worst 9-8 W - vs Raiders W - at Dolphins (50/50 loss) L - vs Steelers W - vs Carolina L - at Bills W - at Saints W - at Titans W - vs Browns W - vs Falcons L - at Buccaneers W - vs Jets L - at Bengals W...

www.patsfans.com

Thread '2025 Record Predictions'

Jul 17, 2025

Here's my super optimistic pre-camp, pre-preseason prediction. Best 12-5, Realistic 10-7, Worst 9-8

W - vs Raiders
W - at Dolphins (50/50 loss)
L - vs Steelers
W - vs Carolina
L - at Bills
W - at Saints
W - at Titans
W - vs Browns
W - vs Falcons
L - at Buccaneers
W - vs Jets
L - at Bengals
W - vs Giants
W - vs Bills (50/50 loss)
L - at Ravens
W - at Jets
W - vs Dolphins

Post in thread '2025 Record Predictions'

Jul 18, 2025

8-9 against one of the easiest schedules in the league

Post in thread '2025 Record Predictions'

Jul 18, 2025

jdlboot14 said:
Here's my super optimistic pre-camp, pre-preseason prediction. Best 12-5, Realistic 10-7, Worst 9-8

L - vs Raiders
L - at Dolphins
W - vs Steelers
W - vs Carolina
L - at Bills
W - at Saints
W - at Titans
W - vs Browns
W - vs Falcons
L - at Buccaneers
W - vs Jets
L - at Bengals
W - vs Giants
L - vs Bills
L - at Ravens
W - at Jets (50/50)
L - vs Dolphins

9-8, unless we start seeing something special in camp/preseason...

gotta see if we can score some points before putting .500 ≈ behind us...

Post in thread '2025 Record Predictions'

Jul 18, 2025

Wait! There are 17 games now?
Who knew?
9-8

S

Post in thread '2025 Record Predictions'

Jul 19, 2025

Froob said:
worse case definitely shouldn’t be 9-8. Few bad breaks and we could be 5-12. I’m optimistically looking for 8-9 and anything more is gravy.

What the Commanders did is not the norm and should not be the expectation.

What the Commanders did is just about the norm for one team per year.

If it's not us, it will be Jacksonville, or Vegas, or Carolina, or some other perceived crappy team.

Post in thread '2025 Record Predictions'

Jul 19, 2025

From 4-13 to 9-8 would be a huge win IMO. I know that many think playoffs are the goal, but they just are not with how bad the roster was last year. We might make the playoffs with help from other teams. The goals should be playoffs next year, and then contend for the division title the following year. Once there, anything can happen.

H

Post in thread '2025 Record Predictions'

Jul 19, 2025

Sam Bam Cunningham said:
8-9 against one of the easiest schedules in the league

Someone’s in a great mood.

H

Post in thread '2025 Record Predictions'

Jul 19, 2025

Froob said:
i’d be very happy to be in the hunt in december not the not mathematically eliminated in the hunt but like actually in the mix

This is exactly where I’m at. My goal for them for this year is for them to be in the race for a WIld Card spot in December. **** can go wrong a million different ways, Maye could be down, the OL or DL could be decimated, Efton Chism III could be injured, or other MAJOR issues could occur, but if their games in December are meaningful they will have taken a big step forward.

Post in thread '2025 Record Predictions'

Jul 21, 2025

10-7 thats my story and i'm sticking to it

Post in thread '2025 Record Predictions'

Jul 21, 2025

jdlboot14 said:
Here's my super optimistic pre-camp, pre-preseason prediction. Best 12-5, Realistic 10-7, Worst 9-8

W - vs Raiders
W - at Dolphins (50/50 loss)
L - vs Steelers
W - vs Carolina
L - at Bills
W - at Saints
W - at Titans
W - vs Browns
W - vs Falcons
L - at Buccaneers
W - vs Jets
L - at Bengals
W - vs Giants
W - vs Bills (50/50 loss)
L - at Ravens
W - at Jets
W - vs Dolphins

Speaking for myself.. I have a hard time seeing more than 7,8,9 losses. With Mac Jones in 2021 at one point we had a 9-3 record. We imploded after the bye week thus giving us 7 losses. This team has upgraded...

12	429

16	301

13	289

Today In Patriots History July 17: Peabody's Jerry DeLucca

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Loss of size​

8 DTs remaining​

No salary cap impact​

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Loss of size

8 DTs remaining

No salary cap impact