Today In Patriots History Antwan Harris, 2001 postseason clutch performer

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Antwan Harris​

Happy 48th birthday to Antwan "Pudding" Harris
Born May 29, 1977 in Raleigh, North Carolina
Patriot safety/special teamer, 2000-2004; uniform #23
Pats sixth round (187th overall) selection of the 2000 draft, from Virginia
Pats résumé: five seasons, 52 games (two starts); three playoff games; three super bowl rings


Antwan Harris is the answer to the trivia question of 'who did the Patriots select with their original pick in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft'? Harris played in 52 games for the Patriots, plus all three playoff games in 2001. He is most well known for two plays, both in that 2001 postseason.


Harris was a special teamer and backup safety to Lawyer Milloy and Tebucky Jones as a rookie. In the AFCCG at Pittsburgh the Patriots led 14-3 in the third quarter, but the Steelers, favored by ten, were still confident. Tom Brady had been sidelined with an ankle injury and the Pittsburgh defense had just forced a four-and-out turnover on downs - this coming after the Patriots had to punt on each of their first five possessions in the first half.


Kris Brown lined up for what appeared to be an easy 34-yard field goal, but the Patriots got great pressure right up the middle. Brandon Mitchell was able to block the kick and the ball shot straight back, rolling towards midfield. Troy Brown scooped the ball up but the kicker immediately had him in his grasp. Troy looked to his left and saw Harris running right next to him, and alertly lateraled the ball to his teammate. Antwan took it to the house, giving the Patriots a 21-3 lead - with what turned out to be the game winning points. Pittsburgh would score touchdowns on each of their next two possessions before Jones and Milloy had back-to-back fourth quarter interceptions. The result was a 24-21 victory that left the Yinzers slack jawed and speechless, crying into their yellow towels.

​

Next up was Super Bowl 36, with New England 14 point underdogs to St. Louis. Late in the second quarter Harris popped Rams receiver Ricky Proehl - who had infamously looked into a camera on the sideline and proclaimed 'tonight a dynasty is born' - forcing him to fumble. Terrell Buckley recovered and five plays later Tom Brady hit David Patten in the end zone for a touchdown an 8-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds remaining in the first half, to give the Patriots a 14-3 lead.

While Harris never had that type of major impact again, he continued to be a steady performer on special teams and in his reserve role. He did not play in the 2003 postseason, and went unsigned by any team after becoming a free agent on June 1, 2004. On January 12, 2005 the Pats re-signed Harris after Eric Alexander was placed on injured reserve, just prior to the AFCCG against the Colts. Harris did not play in that game and was released 11 days later. Even so, he still picked up two more rings for Super Bowls 38 and 39. On August 2, 2005 Harris signed with the Browns, where his old defensive coordinator, Romeo Crenel, had become Cleveland's new head coach. A month later Harris suffered a shoulder injury, and was placed on IR prior to week one of that season - and never played pro football again after that.


3:30 Video:

Antwan Harris talks Super Bowl :: WRALSportsFan.com

Raleigh native, former New England Patriots defensive back and two-time Super Bowl champion Antwan Harris talks about what it is like to prepare for the NFL championship and who he thinks will win Sunday's game.

www.wralsportsfan.com

Tom E. Curran's 100 plays that shaped a dynasty: Brown at his best

We’re into the Top 20 now. These are the plays of the Bill Belichick Era you best never forget. And probably can’t. They’re the ones that led directly to championships — most for New England, a couple for the other guys. Or they’re plays that signified a sea change in the way the New England...

www.nbcsports.com

The Steelers were about to finish off a drive with a 34-yard field goal when defensive lineman Brandon Mitchell got a paw on the attempt. Brown then followed the “scoop and score” directives of the Pats coaching staff. The teaching point? Loose balls in the kicking game should always be advanced because of the slow, sloppy field goal-protection units and the fact that – because it’s fourth down – the defending team will get the ball either way. So Brown scooped, took off and – when wrapped up briefly – lateraled to Antwan “Puddin’” Harris who took the ball the distance for a touchdown that made it 21-3. The Steelers would score touchdowns on their next two drives – scores which would have put them ahead if not for the “scoop and score.”​

Jan 12, 2005:
Patriots Sign DB Antwan Harris; Place LB Eric Alexander On Injured Reserve -- Patriots.com

Jan 13, 2005:
Patriots Notebook: Making secondary additions -- Patriots.com

Aug 4, 2005:
Former Patriots Harris, Kelley join Browns -- Patriots.com

Antwan Harris Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Antwan Harris Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Antwan Harris Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Antwan Harris Transactions

Antwan Harris - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Sean Smith​

Happy 58th birthday to Sean Smith
Born May 29, 1967 in Cincinnati; hometown Wyoming, Ohio
Patriot defensive end, 1990-1991; uniform #97
Pats 11th round (280th overall) selection of the 1990 draft, from Georgia Tech
Pats résumé: two seasons, 17 games (one start); 1½ sacks


6'7, 280 lb Sean Warfield Smith played in 15 games with one start as a rookie, making 15 tackles and 1½ sacks. A leftover from the Rod Rust regime, Smith was waived three weeks into the 1991 season by new head coach **** MacPherson, following a 20-0 loss to Bill Belichick's Cleveland Browns. Sean later signed with Atlanta, but never saw any more NFL action. While getting to play in the NFL is a dream come true for an athlete, it probably was not a whole lot of fun for Smith; the Patriots were 2-15 in the games he played in.

Sean Smith Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Sean Smith Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Sean Smith Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Sean Smith Transactions

Sean Smith (defensive end) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jim Fraser​

In memory of Jim Fraser, who would have turned 89 today
Born May 29, 1936 in Philadelphia
Died April 18, 2020 in Lansdale, Pennsylvania at the age of 83
Patriot punter/linebacker, 1966; uniform #51
Acquired on Jan 29, 1966 from Kansas City in exchange for RB Ron Burton
Pats résumé: one season, 14 games (three starts)


James Gallagher 'Jim' Fraser appeared in all 14 games in '66, with 55 punts at an average of 37.2 yards, and a long of 68 yards. On defense Jim also had one interception. Prior to joining the Patriots, Fraser was a linebacker and punter with the Denver Broncos, twice leading the league in punting, and was a three-time AFL all-star. He was also noted for what was very unorthodox at the time: his soccer-style kicks.


1966 Patriots Media Guide -- page 92

Jim Fraser LB 29 6'3” 235 Wisconsin​

Does two things exceptionally well . . . backs up line with fierce purpose . . . and punts a football as far as anyone in the game . . . came to Boston from Kansas City in exchange for Ron Burton . . . Chiefs had previously sent flashy Abner Haynes to Denver for Fraser . . . reputations of Haynes and Burton reflect value of big Jim . . . was AFL punting champ in ‘62, ‘63 and ‘64 . . . co-holder of league punting record at 46.1 yards per kick . . . kicks with unusual sideways follow-through, a carry: over from his soccer-playing days . . . also kicks in standard fashion . . . had 57½ yard field goal in pre-season inter-squad competition . . . was AFL All-Star linebacker at Denver in ‘62, ‘63 and ‘64 . . . has good size . . . real hard hitter . . . off-field Madison Avenue appearance belies Gentleman Jim’‘s on-field ferocity . . . his wife Judy is former TV Romper Room personality in Madison, Wisconsin . . . Jim could be Pats’ and AFL’s best golfer . . . looking forward to joining the Boston blitz.​

After finishing his pro football career in 1968 with the New Orleans Saints, he moved into coaching, serving as an assistant coach at Cornell University, the University of Illinois, and Trinity Valley Community College in Texas. For more than 20 years, he served in the same role at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Jim Fraser later became the athletic director at Middlesex School in Concord as well as a longtime counselor and official at Camp Tecumseh on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Overall he spent 70 summers at 'Lake Winnie' as a camper, counselor and coach. Jim died April 18, 2020 from complications of the coronavirus, a month shy of his 84th birthday.

James Fraser, 83, pro football player, lifetime camper

He played six seasons of pro football in the 1960s and left a 70-year legacy as a camper, counselor and official at Camp Tecumseh in New Hampshire.

www.inquirer.com

Jim Fraser Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Jim Fraser Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Jim Fraser Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Jim Fraser Transactions

Jim Fraser (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Dave Preston​

Happy 70th birthday to Dave Preston
Born May 29, 1955 in Dayton, Ohio
Patriot running back, 1977 offseason; uniform #??
Pats 12th round (333rd overall) selection of the 1977 draft, from Bowling Green
Pats résumé: one offseason, training camp and preseason


Dave Preston spent the 1977 on the taxi squad, and then signed with the Broncos. He was with Denver for six years, with his best season coming in 1981 when he accumulated 1,147 yards from scrimmage. Since 2012 he has worked as a Senior Project Manager for Servpro Industries in Boulder, Colorado.


1977 Patriots Media Guide -- page 33

RICHARD DAVID (DAVE) PRESTON HB​

5-11 , 198 Bowling Green (D-12, 77)​

Born 5-29-55 at Dayton, Ohio . . . rushed far 1007 yards as high school senior . . . strong, fluid runner wha has great balance . . . three year starter at BG who had thirteen 100-yard games during career . . . during four seasons he rushed for 3423 yards and scored 246 points ... sophomore season with 1414 yards and 114 points was his best . . . set 10 conference records . . . numerous football and academic honors (NCAA Post-Graduate scholarship winner in 1976) . . . Patriots 12th round choice in '77, he was 333rd of 335 players taken in the draft.​

Dave Preston (1982) - Hall of Fame - Bowling Green State University Athletics

Dave Preston, Class: 1977 Induction: 1982 Sport(s): Football - Dave Preston was a leading rusher in Bowling Green football history and also played for the Denver

bgsufalcons.com

As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,414 yards and scored 19 touchdowns, finishing fifth in the nation in both rushing and scoring. He was a first team All-MAC selection and received honorable mention All-American honors. Preston missed three games as a junior with injuries, yet still rushed for 875 yards and scored 14 touchdowns to earn second team All-MAC honors. He was again a second team All-MAC pick as a senior when he rushed for 989 yards and scored eight touchdowns. He was also named second team Academic All-American as a senior. ​

​

Preston, who ended his career with 10 MAC career records, was drafted in the 12th round by the New England Patriots. He spent the 1977 season on he Patriots' taxi squad before joining the Broncos in 1978.​

Dave Preston Broncos Keynote Speaker

Dave Preston has a long history of success, playing six seasons as a running back with the Broncos and recognized as Special Team MVP as a rookie.

www.effectivepresentations.com

Dave Preston (“Sarge”) has a history of success, stemming back to his college days, where he earned both academic and athletic All-American honors at Bowling Green State University. Preston graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and was awarded a Post-Graduate Scholarship by the NCAA. He was also selected by the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft that year and elected to forgo an MBA program to pursue a career in professional football.​

Dave Preston Highlights
7:01 Highlight Video
​

LinkedIn -- Dave Preston

Dave Preston Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Dave Preston Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pro Football Archives -- Dave Preston Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Dave Preston Transactions

Dave Preston (American football) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

One other Patriots-related birthday today:

Ebenezer Ekuban, 49 (May 29, 1976)
Draft Pick Trade
April 17, 1999: Patriots trade up three spots, sending their 1st round draft pick (20th overall; Ebenezer Ekuban), a 1999 3rd round pick (82nd overall, Karsten Bailey) and 1999 6th round pick (191st overall subsequently traded, James Dearth) to the Seattle for the Seahawks' 1999 1st round pick (17th overall, Damien Woody)

Ekuban went on to play in 122 games for the Cowboys, Browns and Broncos, with the defensive end collecting 36½ sacks. Considering Woody's inability to master the shotgun snap, that was a lot of draft capital to forego, even if the Pats did win Super Bowl 36 with him.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century May 29 News​

May 29, 1971:
The Boston Patriots re-signed WR Charley "The Razor" Frazier

Frazier had come to the Pats in a big trade in 1969, when the Houston Oilers received CB Leroy Mitchell in exchange for Frazier, RB Sid Blanks, LB Ronnie Caveness and CB Larry Carwell. Frazier was an AFL All-Star in 1966 when he averaged 19.8 yards per receptions, for 1,129 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. He scored seven TDs for the Pats in 1969, but the following season the 31 year old former track star had slowed down, as did his playing time. Near the end of that season he was placed on what was then called the 'move list', which meant he was still a Patriot but could not play for the rest of the season for the Patriots. Despite that designation the Pats elected to re-sign him - but he was waived before the start of the 1971 season. Frazier made one last comeback three years later for the short lived World Football League in 1974. He later worked as a high school teacher and coach in his native Teaxas, as well as a coach at Rice and Tulsa.

Frazier Move List

Clipping found in The Boston Globe published in Boston, Massachusetts on 12/12/1970. Frazier Move List

www.newspapers.com

Texans Ambassador Profile: Charlie Frazier

www.houstontexans.com

TSU Athletics Mourns The Passing Of Track Legend/Pro Football Standout Charlie Frazier - Texas Southern University Athletics

The Texas Southern University Department of Athletics mourns the passing of TSU track & field and pro football great Charlie Frazier.

tsusports.com

The Texas Southern University Department of Athletics mourns the passing of TSU track & field and pro football great Charlie Frazier.​

A native of Angleton, Texas, Frazier was a track star at Texas Southern as he paired with fellow TSU great Homer Jones. Frazier ran the 100-yard dash in a time of 9.4 and 20.8 in the 220. In 1961, Frazier paired with Jones, Barney Allen and Lester Milburn to win the sprint medley (3:22.4) quarter-mile (41.2) and half-mile (124.4) relays at the Drake Relays.​

What made Frazier's feat remarkable was the fact that he earned an opportunity to play in the NFL despite never playing football at TSU.​

Frazier played seven years at wide receiver with the Houston Oilers before moving on to the Boston Patriots for two seasons. He finished his high school career with 3,452 receiving yards, 207 receptions and 29 touchdowns. He was also named an AFL All-Star in 1966 while also playing in the World Football League.​

Frazier, 83, was honored by TSU in 2015 as a part of the Tigers in the NFL – A First and Goal Celebration.​

1971 Patriots Media Guide -- page 45

led team's receivers in touchdowns (7) in '70 . . . also added impressive scoring ratio with a touchdown for better than every three receptions . . . had healthy 16.2 yards per catch . . . his speed and experience added new deep pass receiving threat to Pats' offense . . . has been one of the fastest men in pro football . . . has been clocked in 9.4 for the 100 . . . in 1961 ran on world record setting 400 meter relay team that defeated Russians in dual meet . . . his 57 receptions for 1129 yards placed him fourth in the AFL in 1966 . . . 12 touchdowns placed him second in league.​

May 29, 1973:
The Patriots waive WR Hubie Bryant, lost DB Art McMahon on waivers to the Oilers, and lost LB Stan Cherry on waivers to the Colts.
Bryant was with the Pats for two years, used mostly as a punt and kick returner.
McMahon was with the Pats from 1968-1972 in a backup role.
Cherry never got on the field for the Pats but did play briefly for the Colts.




May 29, 1998:

Pats Terminate Meggett's Contract

Had three years left on his contract

www.cbsnews.com

Dave Meggett, the NFL's all-time leading punt returner, had his contract terminated Friday by the New England Patriots, who are upset about charges of sexual assault against him in Canada.​

In a prepared statement, team officials said the move was in the best interests of the club. But coach Pete Carroll had indicated as long ago as last March that Meggett's tenure with the team was in doubt because of the charges.​

Meggett, also an outstanding receiver during his nine NFL seasons, six with the New York Giants and the last three with New England, had three years left on his contract at an average of about $1 million per year. By cutting him before June 1, the Patriots will absorb Meggett's salary in their cap for the 1998 season.​

Had they waited until after June 1, they could have spread it over two years.​

Meggett, 31, and defensive lineman Steve Brannon were arrested and charged with sexual assault in February after a woman complained to police that she was assaulted at Toronto's Royal York Hotel. Meggett was also charged with robbing the woman.​

"If you see a pattern developing, at some point you have to decide if that pattern is taking you down the wrong road," Carroll said in March. "We can't dictate behavior, but we can decide whether we want somebody to be part of what we're doing," Carroll said.​

Meggett is also facing a paternity claim from the mother of one of his five children. She is the fourth woman to have a child with Meggett.​

Patriots get rid of Meggett

FOXBORO -- The New England Patriots announced yesterday that they have terminated the contract of running back and kick returner Dave Meggett, who is involved in a sexual assault case in Toronto. I…

www.southcoasttoday.com

Besides his legal problems, Meggett suffered a broken bone in his foot during the Patriots' Jan. — playoff loss at Pittsburgh which eliminated the team for the season. New England reportedly will pay Meggett about $200,000 for releasing him while injured.​

He recently underwent surgery on that foot and, according to the Patriots, faced a four- to six-month recovery.​

Meggett is also facing a paternity claim from the mother of one of his five children.​

April Estabrook, 21, of Jupiter, Fla. sued Meggett in September for support of her son, Nathanael Lee, who was born Jan. — in Palm Beach County. A court-ordered blood test showed with 99.996 percent certainty that Meggett was the father.​

She is the fourth woman to have a child with Meggett.​

In 1990, when he was playing for the New York Giants, Meggett was charged with lewdness and soliciting a prostitute after allegedly offering to pay an undercover Baltimore police officer for sex.​

A year later, a South Carolina woman sued for support for their two children, 15-year-old Charmaine and 14-year-old David Jr. In New Jersey, 3-year-old Gabrielle Angelica Meggett-Barone won annual support and a trust fund. And Meggett has testified he is the father of a 6-year-old boy, Davin, in Maryland.​

Last year Meggett finished fourth on the team in rushing with 60 yards and a touchdown in 20 carries and ranked ninth in receiving. He is the league's career leader in punt returns and last year averaged 24.7 yards on 33 kickoff returns, and 10.4 yards on 45 punt returns. He joined the Patriots after playing six seasons with the New York Giants.​

Incredibly, when googling for articles about the transaction, this shows up near the top of the search:

Dave Meggett New England Patriots Starter Jersey - Etsy

Size: Medium Brand: Starter Color: Blue Made In: Korea Length: 28 Chest Width: 23 Vintage Condition Notes: - Item is generally in good condition. Like all vintage clothing, it shows some signs of wear, but there are no outstanding flaws.

www.etsy.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
21st Century May 29 News​

May 29, 2003:
Patriots waive CB Ricklan Holmes and LB Matt Word -- Patriots.com

The New England Patriots waived non-drafted rookie free agents Ricklan Holmes and Matt Word today.​

Holmes, 23, was signed by the Patriots as a non-drafted rookie free agent out of Oklahoma State on May 1, 2003. The 5-10, 196-pound cornerback was a four-year letterman for the Cowboys and finished his collegiate career with 56 total tackles in 39 games.​

Word, 23, also signed with the Patriots as a non-drafted rookie free agent out of Iowa State on May 1, 2003. The 5-11-, 233-pound linebacker was a three-year starter at Iowa State and compiled 330 tackles, including six sacks, during his career.​

May 29, 2007:
Patriots re-sign ERFA LB Eric Alexander

Alexander’s no longer an unknown LB

FOXBORO – No one quite knew who Eric Alexander was, or the finer points of his back story, until he showed up in the biggest game of the year last season. Patriots coach Bill Belichick appeared to have pulled Alexander out of a hat,…

www.bostonherald.com

No one quite knew who Eric Alexander was, or the finer points of his back story, until he showed up in the biggest game of the year last season. Patriots coach Bill Belichick appeared to have pulled Alexander out of a hat, because the special teamer was a surprise starter at inside linebacker for the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts.​

​

It didn’t take long, however, to find more about the LSU product. . .​

May 29, 2009:

Chris Hanson stands alone at punter

Rookie punter Aaron Perez waived, leaving veteran Chris Hanson as the lone punter on the roster.

www.boston.com

In a move that leaves veteran Chris Hanson as the lone punter on the roster, the Patriots released rookie Aaron Perez today.​

Perez had been signed by the Patriots as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 4. The 22-year-old played for four seasons at UCLA from 2005-08.​

From Gridiron to Goalkeeper: The Aaron Perez Story – FiftyFive.One

Every player on their way to Minnesota United has a different journey. Some (like Brent Kallman or Ismaila Jome) grow up and leave, only to...

fiftyfive.one

However, only one player in the clubs history can boast that Bill Belichick is one of his former coaches. Goalkeeper Aaron Perez was signed by Minnesota United this year on February 19. Born and raised in California, Perez spent the past few years with Orange County Blues in USL. He played keeper as a kid, sticking with the sport through high school and landing with a USL side by the age of 26. As a whole, his story seems fairly standard for an American keeper.​

However, Perez had a pretty sweet hobby in his back pocket. After high school, he faced a tough decision about his next step. “I was fortunate to have been offered scholarships to UCLA and Duke as a punter. It forced me into a tough spot – stick with soccer and pay for school or go full-time with football and get an education paid off. For me, it was an easy decision.”​

Perez didn’t disappoint once he broke with UCLA. After redshirting his freshman year – the incumbent, Chris Kluwe, ended up becoming a regular with the Minnesota Vikings for six seasons – Perez took over the starting role, setting UCLA records for most punts attempted as well as average distance (42.4 yards). These numbers caught the eye of a few NFL teams, and eventually, he was offered a pre-season deal with the dynastic New England Patriots.​

“For kickers and punters, the NFL is a whole different challenge. Realistically, everyone is competing for 32 jobs. NFL Europe had just folded when I graduated, and the Canadian Football League looks for guys who do all three. I didn’t kick in college, so I needed to stick as a punter. I had a great time in New England, but I was beat out by an 11-year veteran. In the end, Bill Belichick was the one to sit down and cut me. It was cool that he took the time to make it personal and wish me well.”​

May 29, 2012:
Patriots Sign Three; Release WR Anthony Gonzalez -- Patriots.com

The New England Patriots announced the signings of unrestricted free agent OL Jamey Richard, rookie free agent TE Nick Melillo and seventh-round draft choice DB Alfonzo Dennard. Terms of the contracts were not announced.​

In addition, the Patriots released WR Anthony Gonzalez.​

Richard, 27, is a veteran of four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts after joining the Colts as a seventh-round draft pick (236th overall) in 2008 out of the University of Buffalo. The 6-foot-5 inch, 295 pounder has played in 48 regular season games with 11 starts. He has also played in four postseason games, including Super Bowl XLIV when the Colts played the Saints. Richard has played center and guard during his career. Last season, he played in nine games as a reserve and on special teams.​

Melillo, 23, is a rookie free agent from Kentucky. The 6-foot-2 inch, 226 pounder played in 32 games over the last three seasons for Kentucky after transferring from Lindenwood University. He played in 32 games and caught 23 passes for 240 yards with one touchdown during his Kentucky career.​

Dennard, 22, was selected by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft with the 224th pick overall. The 5-10, 205-pound defensive back from Nebraska was named the 2011 Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and First-Team All-Big Ten after his senior season. Last season, Dennard started in all 10 games that he played and finished the year with 31 total tackles and six passes defensed. After playing in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2008, he moved into the starting lineup early in the year as a sophomore in 2009.​

Gonzalez, 27, was signed by the Patriots as an unrestricted free agent from Indianapolis on March 17, 2012. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. In five seasons with the Colts, the 6-foot, 193-pound wide receiver started 12 of 40 games and had 99 career receptions for 1,307 yards and seven touchdowns.​

May 29, 2024:
Here is what we were discussing 365 days ago.
Nine weak positions are/were too many; defensive backs turned out to be the least of the 2024 Patriots problems.

M

Thread 'Nine Weak Positions On A Non-playoff Team - Not Bad'

May 29, 2024

I see us with these weak positions, many fewer than one would expect from a team likely to finish 4th in their division and in the bottom ten of the league. Note that some of these are the bottom player of a position group (TE3, RB3 and S4). Also, I consider nickel back as a separate position and in solid shape with Jon Jones and Marcus Jones (and even Wade if we choose to keep him).

WEAK POSITIONS
LT
LG
WR1
RB3
TE3
CB2
CB3
S4
K

IMO, we should be considering addressing some of these in free agency, now or anytime through Week 2, including RB, CB and S.

• mgteich
• Replies: 27
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

M

Thread 'Are We Really Ready At Defensive Back?'

May 29, 2024

How many of the 6 competing for 3 spots would you want on a Top Five Defense? Note that I presume 6 corners and 4 safeties.

MY TOP SEVEN FOR NOW
CB: Gonzo, Wilson (a 3-year starter who is an upgrade to Bryant)
NB: Jones, Jones
S: Dugger, Peppers, Hawkins

COMPETING FOR THREE ROSTER SPOTS (the backup outside corner is the only "key" position)
Austin
Bolden
Wade
Bledsoe
Hearn
Dial

In a sense, the bottom line is that we lost Phillips, Mills and Bryant. We then added Hawkins. I would add two more, at least for camp competition. My choices would be Gilmore and a free safety (even if the...

• mgteich
• Replies: 147
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Interesting to re-read commentary about Javon Baker now:

Wednesday Patriots Notebook 5/29: News and Notes

Zolak believes seven is possible, while Marc Bertrand put his ceiling at six games. But the more interesting part of the discussion came as the former Patriots quarterback hinted that not everything is 100% perfect as Jerod Mayo continues trying to prepare his young team for this season.

www.patsfans.com

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
Jim Fraser​

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century May 29 News​

May 29, 1971:
The Boston Patriots re-signed WR Charley "The Razor" Frazier

 

[p8ryts]

Today in Patriots History
Antwan Harris​

Happy 48th birthday to Antwan "Pudding" Harris
Born May 29, 1977 in Raleigh, North Carolina
Patriot safety/special teamer, 2000-2004; uniform #23
Pats sixth round (187th overall) selection of the 2000 draft, from Virginia
Pats résumé: five seasons, 52 games (two starts); three playoff games; three super bowl rings


Antwan Harris is the answer to the trivia question of 'who did the Patriots select with their original pick in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft'? Harris played in 52 games for the Patriots, plus all three playoff games in 2001. He is most well known for two plays, both in that 2001 postseason.


Harris was a special teamer and backup safety to Lawyer Milloy and Tebucky Jones as a rookie. In the AFCCG at Pittsburgh the Patriots led 14-3 in the third quarter, but the Steelers, favored by ten, were still confident. Tom Brady had been sidelined with an ankle injury and the Pittsburgh defense had just forced a four-and-out turnover on downs - this coming after the Patriots had to punt on each of their first five possessions in the first half.


Kris Brown lined up for what appeared to be an easy 34-yard field goal, but the Patriots got great pressure right up the middle. Brandon Mitchell was able to block the kick and the ball shot straight back, rolling towards midfield. Troy Brown scooped the ball up but the kicker immediately had him in his grasp. Troy looked to his left and saw Harris running right next to him, and alertly lateraled the ball to his teammate. Antwan took it to the house, giving the Patriots a 21-3 lead - with what turned out to be the game winning points. Pittsburgh would score touchdowns on each of their next two possessions before Jones and Milloy had back-to-back fourth quarter interceptions. The result was a 24-21 victory that left the Yinzers slack jawed and speechless, crying into their yellow towels.

​

Next up was Super Bowl 36, with New England 14 point underdogs to St. Louis. Late in the second quarter Harris popped Rams receiver Ricky Proehl - who had infamously looked into a camera on the sideline and proclaimed 'tonight a dynasty is born' - forcing him to fumble. Terrell Buckley recovered and five plays later Tom Brady hit David Patten in the end zone for a touchdown an 8-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds remaining in the first half, to give the Patriots a 14-3 lead.

While Harris never had that type of major impact again, he continued to be a steady performer on special teams and in his reserve role. He did not play in the 2003 postseason, and went unsigned by any team after becoming a free agent on June 1, 2004. On January 12, 2005 the Pats re-signed Harris after Eric Alexander was placed on injured reserve, just prior to the AFCCG against the Colts. Harris did not play in that game and was released 11 days later. Even so, he still picked up two more rings for Super Bowls 38 and 39. On August 2, 2005 Harris signed with the Browns, where his old defensive coordinator, Romeo Crenel, had become Cleveland's new head coach. A month later Harris suffered a shoulder injury, and was placed on IR prior to week one of that season - and never played pro football again after that.


3:30 Video:

Antwan Harris talks Super Bowl :: WRALSportsFan.com

Raleigh native, former New England Patriots defensive back and two-time Super Bowl champion Antwan Harris talks about what it is like to prepare for the NFL championship and who he thinks will win Sunday's game.

www.wralsportsfan.com

Tom E. Curran's 100 plays that shaped a dynasty: Brown at his best

We’re into the Top 20 now. These are the plays of the Bill Belichick Era you best never forget. And probably can’t. They’re the ones that led directly to championships — most for New England, a couple for the other guys. Or they’re plays that signified a sea change in the way the New England...

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The Steelers were about to finish off a drive with a 34-yard field goal when defensive lineman Brandon Mitchell got a paw on the attempt. Brown then followed the “scoop and score” directives of the Pats coaching staff. The teaching point? Loose balls in the kicking game should always be advanced because of the slow, sloppy field goal-protection units and the fact that – because it’s fourth down – the defending team will get the ball either way. So Brown scooped, took off and – when wrapped up briefly – lateraled to Antwan “Puddin’” Harris who took the ball the distance for a touchdown that made it 21-3. The Steelers would score touchdowns on their next two drives – scores which would have put them ahead if not for the “scoop and score.”​

Jan 12, 2005:
Patriots Sign DB Antwan Harris; Place LB Eric Alexander On Injured Reserve -- Patriots.com

Jan 13, 2005:
Patriots Notebook: Making secondary additions -- Patriots.com

Aug 4, 2005:
Former Patriots Harris, Kelley join Browns -- Patriots.com

Antwan Harris Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Antwan Harris Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

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Pro Football Archives -- Antwan Harris Player Profile

Pro Football Archives -- Antwan Harris Transactions

Antwan Harris - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

This game is one of my all-time favorites. Won it with defense, special teams and great coaching.