Today In Patriots History August 8: Horace Ivory

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Today in Patriots History
Horace Ivory​

Happy 70th birthday to Horace Ivory
Born August 8, 1954 in Fort Worth
Patriot RB/KR, 1977-1981; uniform #23
Pats 2nd round (44th overall) selection of the 1977 draft, from Oklahoma

Horace Ivory was part of one of the best draft classes in Patriot history. That '77 draft class included Raymond Clayborn, Stanley Morgan, Ivory and Don Hasselbeck. The draft pick used on Ivory was one of four acquired in the landmark trade with San Francisco for QB Jim Plunkett: Pete Brock, Tim Fox, Clayborn and Ivory.

Ivory was the 1B to Sam Cunningham's 1A on the 1978 Patriot team that set an NFL record that stood for more than forty years. That Pats team rushed for 3,165 yards; only two teams were within 500 yards of that mark. The Patriots also led the league with 30 rushing touchdowns (the rest of the league averaged 15.7), 180 rushing first downs (the next closest was 160) and 4.7 yards per carry (league average was 4.0).

Horace scored 11 touchdowns in that 1978 season, and 16 while with the Pats. Knee and hamstring injuries derailed what appeared to be a very promising football career though. With the arrival of Tony Collins in 1981, Ivory was deemed to be expendable and traded to Seattle. At the time Ivory ranked seventh in franchise history with 1,336 rushing yards (he ranks 27th now), and tied for fifth with Larry Garron with 14 rushing touchdowns (they now rank 19th) - despite more than 90% of his yardage coming in the two-year span of 1978-79.

In addition his 4.1 yards per carry ranks as twelfth best in club history among those with at least 300 rushes. During the 1978 season Horace Ivory set a single-season team record (later tied in 1995 by Curtis Martin) for consecutive games with two or more rushing touchdowns with three: two each in a week eight 33-24 win versus Miami; in a week nine 55-21 blowout over the Jets (on just seven carries); and in a 128 yard week ten victory at Buffalo, accounting for both touchdowns in a 14-10 game. Ivory had one TD the following week and two more the week after in a 19-17 win over the Jets; that gave him a total of nine touchdowns over five games.

In 1978 Horace Ivory averaged an incredible 4.9 yards per carry, even though opponents knew the Patriots were going to run the ball. That number has only been exceeded seven times in franchise history for players with at least 100 carries in a single season.

From page 37 of the 1981 Patriots Media Guide:

As the Patriots primary kickoff returner for the first time in his pro career, Horace was the NFL's top kickoff returner in 1980 . . . on his first kickoff return as a pro, he raced 46 yards against Seattle on 9-21 . . . on the day, he had five returns for 150 yards and maintained his league leadership for the balance of the year . . . his longest and most dramatic return came in the Patriots' come-from-behind win at Baltimore (10-19) . . . following a Baltimore score that put the Colts up 21-17, he took the ensuing kickoff and went 98 yards with the go ahead TD for the win . . . in only one season, he became the Patriots' eighth ranked kickoff returner and established a club record for career kickoff return average (27.6) . . . as a backup to Vagas Ferguson, he scored TDs against Seattle (9-21) and the NY Jets (11-2) and was the team's leading rusher with 111 yards . . . now ranks ninth on the club's all-time rushing list . . . missed the season opener vs. Cleveland (9-7) with a knee injury and the fifth game of the season (at NY Jets, 10-5) with a shoulder problem . . . the Patriots' second leading rusher in 1979 with 522 yards on 143 attempts, he missed five of the first six games with while nursing knee and ankle injuries while on injured reserve . . . during the 1979 season, he was the only Patriot to rush for over 100 yards in a game . . . he did so in rushing for 116 yards on 12 carries (9.7 avg.) vs. Baltimore (11-18-79) . . . Horace added 23 receptions for 216 yards to rank fifth in receiving on the Patriots' during '79 . . . he hauled in six passes for 57 yards vs. Miami (11-29-79) for the best day of his career in the receiving dept. . . . following a disappointing rookie year that saw a thigh injury limit him to spot duty in just five games, he rebounded for a sensational sophomore year . . . he was the club scoring leader with 66 points and his 11 rushing TDs fell just one shy of Steve Grogan's club record 12 set in 1976 . . . he also finished in the NFL TD race of '78 . . . his last minute heroics, including the game winning TD run (23 yards with 3:10 remaining) earned him CBS Star of the Week Honors in the Patriots' 33-24 win over Miami (10-28-78) . . . an elusive runner who has an uncanny ability to change speed, he was the 44th player selected in the 1977 NFL draft . . . Horace was chosen with a second round pick acquired from San Francisco in the Jim Plunkett trade . . . College: One of the best backs in OU history, Horace scored 16 TDs and rushed for 1,396 yards as a Sooner . . . he prepped for two years at Navarro (TX) J.C.


December 30, 2019:

A record in no rush to be broken

Moment of the Week | The Patriots Hall of Fame

www.patriotshalloffame.com

Week 15 - 1978​

Pats kicker David Posey missed a 42-yard, game-tying attempt early in the fourth quarter, but three plays later Tony McGee sacked Bills quarterback Joe Ferguson, forcing a fumble, which Ray Hamilton recovered at the Bills 20-yard line. The Patriots needed only one play to take the lead and did so when Horace Ivory scampered 20 yards for a touchdown and a 21-17 advantage.​

April 10, 2020:

Sports flashback: What is the best trade by a Boston team? - The Boston Globe

In April of 1976, the Patriots traded franchise quarterback Jim Plunkett. Where does that rank among great deals by a Boston team?

www.bostonglobe.com

Nov 6, 2020:

The Patriots of the '70s: Inside New England's forgotten era

Lost amid decades of bannerless football, in the 1970s the Patriots fielded two tremendous squads — before it all fell apart.

theathletic.com

 

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Today in Patriots History
Jerome Henderson​

Happy 55th birthday to Jerome Henderson
Born August 8, 1969; from Statesville, North Carolina
Patriot DB/PR, 1991-93 and 1995; uniform #36, #26
Pats 2nd round (41st overall) selection of the 1991 draft, from Clemson

From the 1993 Patriots Media Guide:

Pro Career: 1992- Played in all 16 games, with nine starts - the first six games of the season at free safety, one at strong safety (at Atlanta on 11/29) and the final two games of the season at cornerback . . . finished seventh on the team with 60 tackles (39 solos) and added 11 passes defensed ... tied (with Maurice Hurst) for the team lead with three interceptions - at Miami (10/18), at Buffalo (11/1) and at Indianapolis (11/15) ... had career-high 10 tackles (five solos) vs. San Francisco (10/11).

1991- Played in 16 games and had one start at cornerback during rookie season ... finished the season with 41 tackles (31 solos) and two interceptions ... led the club in punt returns with 27 for 201 yards (7.4 avg.) ... also recorded four special teams tackles ... began pro career by notching a team-high eight tackles at Indianapolis (9/1) ... made first career start and notched first career interception vs. Houston (9/22) by picking off Oilers QB Warren Moon ... returned a punt for a career-high 39 yards vs. Miami (10/6) ... grabbed second interception of the season at Buffalo (11/3) ... registered four solo tackles and two passes defensed at Cincinnati (12/22). Drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 1991 draft (41st player selected).

College: Four-year letterman at Clemson ... earned honorable mention All-America honors following senior season ... anchored a Clemson secondary as a senior that rankes sixth in the nation in pass defense, allowing only 87.9 yards per game ... started final 24 games of career at left cornerback for the Tigers ... played two years behind former All-America cornerback Donnell Woolford.


Jerome Henderson played in forty games in two stints with the Patriots. He had 107 tackles, seven interceptions plus a fumble recovery. Henderson also appeared in the three playoff games following the 1996 season: the 28-3 victory over Pittsburgh, the 20-6 AFCCG win against Jacksonville, and Super Bowl 31 versus Green Bay. Overall Henderson played in 98 regular season NFL games and seven postseason games from 1991 to 1998.

From 2006 to 2008 Henderson worked for the Jets, initially as their director of player development and later as the defensive backs coach. When Eric Mangini left New York in 2009 to become Cleveland's head coach he took Henderson with him, again as a defensive backs coach. Henderson held that position for three seasons with the Browns, then for four more years in Dallas. From 2016 to 2019 he was the defensive passing game coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. Since 2020 Henderson has been the defensive backs coach for the Giants. He interviewed to be their defensive coordinator in January; though he did not get that position, the club added the title of defensive passing game coordinator.

Jerome Henderson

5 things to know about Jerome Henderson

Giants announce promotions for Mike Kafka, Jerome Henderson, Shea Tierney

The Giants announced the promotions of three current coaches and the addition of two new members to the staff.

www.nbcsports.com

Giants coach who got passed over for promotion: ‘I put my best foot forward’

Giants coach who got passed over for promotion is not letting the situation bother him.

www.nj.com

 

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Today in Patriots History
The Hair Stylist who overcame Breast Cancer​

Happy 68th birthday to Paul Dombroski
Born August 8, 1956 in Sumter, South Carolina
Patriot CB, 1981-1984; uniform #47
Claimed off waivers from Kansas City on November 12, 1981


Paul Dombroski was a 'military brat' who was born in Sumter, South Carolina and grew up in Wahiawa, on Honolulu County on Oahu in Hawaii. He is the first person of Okinawan heritage to play in the National Football League, but that is just a small part of his unique story.

From page 32 of the 1984 New England Patriots Media Guide
Pro: Paul spent eight games on the injured reserve list in 1983 ... known for his aggressive play, Paul suffered a concussion when he attempted to run down Tampa's Theo Bell from behind in the Patriots' final preseason game ... he was active for the first regular season game of '83 but did not participate ... he was placed on injured reserve on 9-6 ... eight weeks later (11-4-83), he was activated and became a regular on special teams and played a prominent role in situational defensive schemes ... Paul was the Patriots' leading special teams tackler in 1982 ... for his efforts, he was named the 1982 1776 Fan Club's Special Teams Player-of-the-Year ... he was in on 30 tackles, recorded one pass deflection and recovered one fumble in '82 ... Ron Meyer says, "Paul is a leader on special teams who has a keen knack for finding the ball carrier on special teams" ... he also saw spot duty playing in Nickel and Six back defensive alignments in '82 ... Paul was claimed on waivers from Kansas City after nine games of the '81 season (11-12-81) ... played with the Chiefs during '80 and for five games in '81, but was hurt in a game against the Patriots (10-4-81) and was placed on injured reserve ... when the Chiefs attempted to reactivate him by placing him on procedural waivers, he was claimed by the Patriots.

College: Began his college career at Hawaii, but transferred to Linfield (OR) College, a Division II school to finish his career ... as a senior DB he tied for second in the nation with 13 interceptions ... named to the Kodak Division III and NAIA Division II first team All-America teams, as a senior.

Paul Dombroski played in 36 games over four seasons with the Pats, in a backup, sub package and special teams role. He made a key play in a 1984 week 3 game at Sullivan Stadium. Seattle was up 23-0 in the first half before the Patriot defense clamped down, and the Pats rallied to take the lead. Dombroski picked off a Dave Krieg pass on New England's 33 yards line and returned it 23 yards, essentially sealing the miraculous comeback. You can read a thorough description of this game here:

Eason Rallies Patriots from 23-0 Deficit to Beat Seahawks | fs64sports

Aug 28, 1984:

The New England Patriots placed three players, including All-Pro... - UPI Archives

The New England Patriots placed three players, including All-Pro punter Rich Camarillo, on injured reserve Tuesday and claimed three others on waivers....

www.upi.com

The New England Patriots placed three players, including All-Pro punter Rich Camarillo, on injured reserve Tuesday and claimed three others on waivers.​

The roster moves pared the Patriots' roster to the NFL's 49-player limit.​

Defensive back Paul Dombroski, a fifth-year pro, second-year linebacker Ed Reynolds, and tight end Brooks Williams, in his seventh season, were recalled after being waived by New England Monday.​

Placed on the injured reserve list along with Camarillo, a fourth-year pro, are second-year linebacker Johnny Rembert and second-year wide receiver Clarence Weathers. Camarillo and Rembert both have knee injuries; Weathers suffered a broken foot early in training camp.​

Aug 28, 1985: Transactions

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -- Cut defensive backs Rick Sanford and Paul Dombroski, defensive end Smiley Creswell, tight end Paul Ricker, nose tackle Milford Hodge and running back Tony Mumford. Placed tackle Darryl Haley on injured reserve.​

Dombroski had previously been with the Chiefs, and was later with the Bucs and the Browns. He appeared in 63 NFL games, plus one playoff game while with the Pats. Paul is also a survivor of breast cancer (yes, you read that correctly).

Paul Dombroski

I am a Former NFL Player, Business Owner, 25 year Hairdresser and Breast Cancer Thriver.

pauldombroski.com

I am a Former NFL Player, Business Owner, 25 year Hairdresser and Breast Cancer Thriver...​

Experience the Art of evolving, adapting and influencing.​

Paul Dombroski - The Trust

playerstrust.com

I have a different respect for women now when they get mammograms. I walked into the room and the technician gave me a puzzled look. Not knowing that men can get breast cancer, the experience of a mammogram really wasn’t on my radar. So, I’m looking at her, pointing at my breast, and wondering how I’m going to get it into that machine. I looked like a contortionist trying to get myself into it.​

Nov 24, 2015:

Paul Dombroski: Preparing for a Personal Cancer “War”

Healthy Hairdresser recently caught up with Paul Dombroski, the NFL-athlete-turned-stylist who was featured in an earlier Healthy Hairdresser article about his 2013 struggle with breast cancer. It’s an unusual story, and we wanted to know ...

www.modernsalon.com

March 24, 2020:

The Hawaii Herald - Hawaii's Japanese American Journal

www.thehawaiiherald.com

I remember it so clearly.​

It was a Sunday morning and the NFL Oakland Raiders were playing the New England Patriots. Dad and I were glued to the television set because Paul Dombroski — Dad’s nephew, my cousin — was playing defensive cornerback for the Patriots. His job that day was to defend against Cliff Branch, the Raiders’ three-time First Team All-Pro wide receiver.​

Paul’s going up against Branch attracted the attention of sportscaster “Dandy” Don Meredith. He introduced Paul to the millions of viewers by saying: “Paul’s claim to fame is that he is the only NFL player with Okinawan heritage.”​

 

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Today in Patriots History
Jarrett Stidham​

Happy 28th birthday to Jarrett Stidham
Born August 8, 1996 in Corbin, Kentucky
Patriot QB, 2019-20; uniform #4
Pats 4th round (133rd overall) selection of the 2019 draft, from Auburn


A little bit of trivia: Stidham and RB Damien Harris were youth football teammates for one season, going undefeated in the Madison County Youth Football League (just south of Lexington, Kentucky) in 2003. The two later competed against each other in college, and were both drafted by the Patriots in 2019.

In 2020 Stidham was a healthy scratch for the first three games of the season, and did not play in eight other games. He came in as a reserve in five games, going 22-44 for 256 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions. As a rookie the previous season he barely saw any action, going two for four in three games. Following off-season back surgery, Stidham began the 2021 season on the team's reserve/physically unable to perform list. He was activated on November 9, before the Week 10 game against the Cleveland Browns. Stidham was named the third-string quarterback behind rookie Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer, ultimately not taking the field for the entire year. He was traded to the Raiders and Josh McDaniels on May 12, 2022, to be the backup to Derek Carr.

Stidham signed with Denver on the first day of free agency in 2023. He got three starts at the end of the season after the Broncos gave up on Russell Wilson. It is expected that he will begin the year as their starter (ahead of Zach Wilson), with rookie Bo Nix taking over at some point in the season.

All told Stidham completed half of his 48 passes while with the Patriots, totaling two touchdowns, four picks, five sacks and a passer rating of 46.4.

July 28, 2021:

Report: Stidham has shoulder injury, may need surgery

Patriots backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham reportedly is dealing with an injury to his throwing shoulder and back that may require surgery.

www.nbcsports.com

July 29, 2021:

Report: Jarrett Stidham might need surgery, not expected back in 'near future'

Patriots back-up quarterback Jarrett Stidham is reportedly not expected back from the PUP list in the near future, as team brings in help.

www.boston.com

May 12, 2022:

Source: Patriots trading QB Stidham to Raiders

The Patriots are finalizing a trade of backup QB Jarrett Stidham to the Raiders, a source confirmed to ESPN, in a deal that also will see the teams flip late-round draft picks.

www.espn.com

The Patriots will also send Las Vegas a 2023 seventh-round draft pick in return for the Raiders' sixth-round selection.​

Stidham's time with the Patriots took several notable turns. The former Auburn star was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 draft and quickly ascended to the No. 2 role behind Brady in his rookie season.​

When Brady departed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency in 2020, Stidham seemed primed to elevate to the starting role before New England signed veteran Cam Newton in the weeks leading up to training camp. Newton quickly earned the No. 1 job, and veteran Brian Hoyer also beat out Stidham for the top backup spot.​

In 2021, Stidham's path was blocked again when the Patriots selected quarterback Mac Jones in the first round of the draft. Stidham's standing on the 2022 roster was placed in jeopardy when the Patriots selected Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe in the fourth round of the draft.​

Stidham has appeared in eight games over his three NFL seasons, all as a reserve. He has completed 48 of 124 passes for 270 yards, with two touchdowns and four interceptions.​

May 12, 2022:

What Reported Jarrett Stidham Trade Means For Patriots, Quarterback

The New England Patriots reportedly are trading Jarrett Stidham to the Raiders, reuniting the 25-year-old QB him with Josh McDaniels.

nesn.com

Once viewed as a potential successor to Tom Brady, Jarrett Stidham wound up never starting a game for the New England Patriots. Now, he gets a fresh start in a familiar system.​

A Stidham trade or release became an inevitability after the Patriots opted to draft Western Kentucky signal-caller Bailey Zappe earlier this month.​

As a fourth-round pick, Zappe will be locked into a roster spot as long as he's not an abject disaster in training camp. The Patriots also aren't cutting veteran backup Brian Hoyer after re-signing him to a two-year contract that included $3 million guaranteed, and carrying four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster would be an unwise use of resources.​

So Stidham, who logged eight relief appearances over his three Patriots seasons and didn't dress for a single game in 2021, quickly became the odd man out.​

The destination wasn't a surprise, either, as McDaniels' Raiders and Nick Caserio's Houston Texans always looked like the most logical suitors for the 25-year-old Auburn product. Stidham now will have an opportunity to battle Nick Mullens and fellow ex-Patriot Garrett Gilbert for the right to back up longtime Las Vegas starter Derek Carr.​

For the Patriots, the QB intrigue now shifts to the competition between Zappe -- who set NCAA records for passing yards and touchdowns last season and is renowned for his intelligence -- and Hoyer for the No. 2 spot behind Mac Jones.​

Stidham attempted a total of 48 passes in a Patriots uniform, completing 24 for 270 yards and two touchdowns with four interceptions. He's the second member of the Patriots' 2019 draft class to be shown the door this offseason (after edge rusher Chase Winovich, who was traded to Cleveland for linebacker Mack Wilson) and likely won't be the last.​

Wide receiver N'Keal Harry, cornerback Joejuan Williams, offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste and defensive tackle Byron Cowart all are on the roster bubble, and running back Damien Harris and punter Jake Bailey, though valuable Patriots contributors, could be trade candidates if some of New England's rookies impress this summer.​

Aug 6, 2024:

Broncos’ first unofficial depth chart lists QB Jarrett Stidham at top, but with a caveat: “Rookies are at the back of the line”

The Broncos’ first unofficial depth chart of training camp is out and Jarrett Stidham is listed first at quarterback. But there’s a bit of a caveat.

www.denverpost.com

Denver Broncos' Stidham profile:

Jarrett Stidham

 

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Today in Patriots History
Chuks Okorafor​

Happy 27th birthday to Chukwuma Okorafor
Born August 8, 1997 in Southfield, Michigan
Patriot OT, 2024-; uniform #77
Signed as a veteran free agent on March 7, 2024

Patriots reportedly sign former Steelers OT Chukwuma Okorafor

The Patriots reportedly signed former Steelers right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor on Thursday in order to bolster the team's O-line depth.

www.boston.com

The Patriots are reportedly adding some reinforcements to their beleaguered offensive line.​

New England agreed to terms on a contract with former Steelers offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor on Thursday, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.​

Okorafor, 26, has plenty of starting experience in the NFL. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound lineman logged 59 career starts over his six seasons with Steelers — with 55 of those starts coming over the last four years.​

A 2018 third-round pick out of Western Michigan, Okorafor primarily played at right tackle during his extended tenure in Pittsburgh. Signing Okorafor gives New England some much-needed depth at a critical area of the depth chart — especially with RT/RG Mike Onwenu expected to hit free agency next week.​

Okorafor was Pittsburgh’s primary starting right tackle for the last few seasons, but was replaced by rookie Broderick Jones midway through the 2023 campaign.​

The writing was on the wall that Okorafor was going to be expendable in Pittsburgh following Jones’ arrival, but the veteran was benched midway through the year for reportedly speaking out about the Steelers offense during a Week 8 loss to the Jaguars.​

A fresh start should benefit Okorafor in New England, while the Patriots will welcome the added depth at an area of the roster that hindered their offense throughout a miserable 2023 campaign.​

Patriots agree to terms with OL Chukwuma Okorafor

The Patriots have added a veteran offensive lineman.

www.nbcsports.com

Okorafor, 26, was a third-round pick in the 2018 draft. He appeared in 77 games with 59 starts for Pittsburgh over the last six seasons. He played 14 games with seven starts in 2023. Pittsburgh released him last month, making him free to sign with any team before the start of the new league year.​

Okorafor previously was a full-time starter for the Steelers, playing 100 percent of the club’s offensive snaps in 2022.​

Patriots Agree To Terms With Steelers OT Okorafor

The Patriots added a tackle on Thursday, with the club agreeing to terms with former Pittsburgh Steeler Chukwuma Okorafor ahead of free agency.

www.patsfans.com

While he’s not a top-tier player by any means, he at least provides a serviceable player at what’s certainly a position of need this offseason. That was an area where they were thin last season, and the former Steeler is young and seemingly has some upside, which is good news considering that New England needs as much help as it can get right now.​

Patriots sign former Steelers OT Chuks Okorafor

Chuks Okorafor was benched by the Steelers last season.

steelerswire.usatoday.com

Okorafor was the Steelers third-round pick in 2018 out of Northwestern. He assumed the starting right tackle job in 2020 and was there for three full seasons. But midway through the 2023 season, Okorafor got benched in favor of Broderick Jones after Okorafor was overheard trashing the team on the sidelines during a game.​

Okorafor definitely wasn’t the worst offensive lineman on the team last season but his release was as much about saving money as anything else. The Steelers still need to decide if Dan Moore Jr. is a starter or not but with a more fiscally conservative contract, Pittsburgh is willing to keep him around. Okorafor should compete for a start job immediately with the Patriots.​

Analysis: Patriots Agree to Terms With Free Agent OT Chukwuma Okorafor

The Patriots have made their first external free-agent addition this offseason, signing former Steelers OT Chukwuma Okorafor.​

New England enters free agency with a huge void to fill at offensive tackle. The Pats top two starters from a year ago, Mike Onwenu and Trent Brown, are free agents after the offensive line ranked second-to-last in ESPN's pass-blocking win rate metric in 2023. Although he's a priority to retain for de facto GM Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo, the Patriots need to improve their tackle depth even if the team brings back Onwenu.​

The skinny on Okorafor is that he has plus size at 6-6, 320 pounds with 34.5-inch arms that allow him to play to his length and power in his lower half to anchor against pass-rushers. Over the years, Okorafor has had some flashy wins thanks to powerful hands that can stun rushers. He also has adequate foot quickness to force rushers to go through him to protect his edge.​

On the flip side, Okorafor has struggled with sudden changes of direction and balance/body control in the run game. There are functional traits that allow him to stay afloat in his power, length, and initial quickness. But well-schooled rushers have given him problems with counters and forcing him to change directions while playing in space.​

Okorafor should be viewed as a high-end swing tackle or a low-end starter at right tackle. New England only has Conor McDermott, Vederian Lowe, Andrew Stueber, and Calvin Anderson under contract at offensive tackle. Okorafor is an upgrade over that group, with more experience and better physical traits to start games if necessary.​

From this perspective, Okorafor could have a similar season as the one he just had in Pittsburgh, where he starts the year before giving way to a rookie. The Patriots cannot be done at offensive tackle with this signing, as they still need a higher-end starter on the left side and should be in the market for tackles in a loaded class this draft cycle.​

Furthermore, we wouldn't connect the Okorafor signing to the Patriots ongoing negotiations with standout T/G Mike Onwenu. Onwenu is in a different tier of player than Okorafor, meaning this shouldn't deter the Pats from re-signing someone Wolf referred to as a "core" player. Instead, the Okorafor signing is more likely about upgrading from the Riley Reiff, Anderson, McDermott, and Lowe foursome that New England was overreliant on last season.​

The Patriots still have a long way to go to rebuild their offensive line, but Okorafor gives them better depth than they had in 2023.​

Player Signing - Patriots sign OT Chukwuma Okorafor

Solid move. Not the answer at tackle, but a big upgrade depth wise.

www.patsfans.com

April 18, 2024:

At Left Tackle, Eliot Wolf Views Chukwuma Okorafor As Patriots’ Current Starter

On a one-year deal, former Pittsburgh Steelers starter Chukwuma Okorafor is in the New England Patriots' plans at left tackle.

www.forbes.com

Left tackle proved to be a revolving door for the 2023 New England Patriots.​

From the opener through the finale, Trent Brown, Vederian Lowe and Conor McDermott took turns starting on the blindside of the offensive line. Additional names also rotated in there on the way to a 4-13 record.​

The depth chart has shifted since then. But as it stands in April, a March arrival in Chukwuma Okorafor projects atop of it.​

August 7, 2024:

Patriots’ offensive tackle competition unsettled as four options remain

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo hopes to have his offensive line settled by the team’s third preseason game. There are currently four options at offensive tackle.

www.courant.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More August 8 Birthdays​

Happy 30th birthday to Caleb Benenoch
Born August 8, 1994 in Lagos, Nigeria
Patriot QB, 2019; uniform #63
Signed as a free agent on September 17, 2019




Sept 17, 2019:

Patriots sign OL Caleb Benenoch following Isaiah Wynn's injury

Tuesday morning, Ian Rappaport reported that the Patriots are signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch. Former #Bucs OT Caleb Benenoch is signing with the #Patriots today, source said. He had 9 teams request to work him out, but wanted to play for OL coach Dante...

www.boston.com

The signing comes following the news that starting tackle Isaiah Wynn is considered “week-to-week” after being diagnosed with turf toe following the Patriots’ 43-0 win over the Dolphins Sunday. This makes Wynn the second Patriots tackle out with an injury in as many weeks with Marcus Cannon still recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in the season-opener against the Steelers.​

Benenoch is currently in his fourth season in the NFL after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of UCLA. He has played in 35 career games, all with the Buccaneers, including starting all 16 regular season games last season at right guard.​

Benenoch will be competing with Marshall Newhouse and Korey Cunningham, both of whom filled in for Wynn after he sustained his injury Sunday, for snaps in the coming weeks.​

The Patriots take on the win-less New York Jets this Sunday in Foxborough.​

Oct 1, 2019:

Patriots cut Cameron Meredith, Caleb Benenoch, release Scooby Wright from practice squad;

Benenoch was on the active roster, while Meredith was on the PUP list before the move.

www.masslive.com

NFL rumors: Patriots waive OL Caleb Benenoch, open roster spot

The New England Patriots have parted ways with a veteran offensive lineman. NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo reported Monday the Patriots have waived Caleb Benenoch. Benenoch signed with the Patriots a few days after their Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. He provided depth on the o-line with left...

www.nbcsportsboston.com

Benenoch signed with the Patriots a few days after their Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. He provided depth on the o-line with left tackle Isaiah Wynn and right tackle Marcus Cannon battling injuries. Cannon has since returned to action after missing Week 2 because of a shoulder injury. Wynn remains on injured reserve with a foot injury.​

Benenoch was inactive for New England's Week 3 win against the New York Jets and its Week 4 victory versus the Buffalo Bills.​

This move also makes room on the 53-man roster for veteran tight end Benjamin Watson, who's eligible to return in Week 5 against the Washington Redskins after serving a 4-game suspension to begin the regular season.​

Benenoch then signed with the Panthers, Cowboys and Lions during the 2019 season, but did not get on the field with any of those teams. The Patriots re-signed him to theeir practice squad on Sept 12, 2020. The Pats elevated Benenoch to the active roster on October 17 for the week 6 game against Denver Broncos, and reverted him to the practice squad after the game. He was placed on the Pats practice squad/injured list by the team on November 13, and was not re-signed to a future/reserve contract after the season ended. Since then he has signed with the Bills, Jets, Saints and CFL's Calgary Stampeders. Other than the 35 games with the Bucs from 2016-2019, his only other NFL action has been one game with New Orleans in 2021.

Happy 57th birthday to Mike Farr
Born August 8, 1967 in Santa Monica, CA
Patriot WR, 1993; uniform #81
Signed as a free agent on April 22, 1993

Michael Anthony Farr comes from one of the most well known families of pro football players. His father, Mel Farr, was a running back for the Lions from 1967 to 1973 and was named to two Pro Bowls. An uncle, Miller Farr, was a two-time All-Pro corner for the Oilers who once led the league with ten interceptions, and had five pick-sixes in a two-season span. And Mike's brother Mel was a running back who played briefly with the Rams.

At UCLA Mike Farr set a single season record for most receptions, with 62 in 1988. From 1990-92 Farr played in 42 games (30 starts) with the Lions, collecting 69 receptions for 716 yards. After suffering a preseason injury he was waived with an injury designation, and placed on injured reserve on August 31, 1993. The Pats released Farr on August 12, the last stop in his NFL career.

Other pro football players born on this date with New England connections:

- Blake Countess, 31 (8/8/93)
Patriots Draft Trade Trivia
In 2015 Houston traded WR Keshawn Martin plus the draft pick that was eventually used on Countess (2016 6th round, 196th overall) to the Patriots, for the Pats 2016 5th round pick.
The following April the Pats traded 6.196 and two other draft picks to Miami for their 5th. That fifth was then packaged with a seventh in a trade with Seattle for two draft picks, which turned out to be DE Deatrich Wise and WR Devin Lucien.

Countess is a safety from Michigan who played in 45 NFL games with four starts from 2016-21 for the Rams, Jets and Eagles.

-John Sullivan, 39 (8/8/95)
Raised in Greenwich, CT; Greenwich High School
The center from Notre Dame was a sixth round pick by Minnesota in the 2008 NFL draft. He has played in 153 games for the Vikings, Washington and Rams.

- Marcel Shipp, 46 (8/8/78)
Milford (CT) Academy; UMass
The running back had a couple very productive seasons for Arizona, gaining 2,261 yards from scrimmage with nine touchdowns for the Cardinals in 2002-03.

- Kalif Raymond, 30 (8/8/94)
Holy Cross
The wide receiver has spent time with the Broncos, Giants, Jets, and now Titans, playing in 35 NFL games during that time. Raymond is one of just three players from Holy Cross to make it to the NFL over the last quarter of a century.

Bubba Pena, 75 (8/8/49)
Born in Wareham; Lawrence High School; Dean College; UMass
The guard was a 4th round pick by the Browns in 1971. Per his twitter account, Bubba was on the 1972 NFL All Rookie Team, in the UMass Amherst Hall of Fame, and the Dean College Athletic Hall of Fame.

- Bob Scott (1895-1973)
Providence Steam Roller
The Alabama native was an offensive lineman who never played any college football, but did play in the NFL in 1926.




Some notable pro football players born on August 8 include:

- Bruce Matthews, 63 (8/8/61)
Hall of Fame offensive lineman was named to 14 Pro Bowls while playing in 311 NFL games for the Oilers/Titans; he is one of nine family members to play in the NFL.

- Jim Sweeney, 62 (8/8/62)
The center played in 228 games from 1984-1999, mostly with the Jets and Steelers.

- Brian Sipe, 75 (8/8/49)
Cleveland Browns QB was the 1980 MVP; in one two-year span Sipe engineered eight fourth-quarter comebacks and 11 game-winning drives.

- Fred Miller, 83 (8/8/40)
Three-time Pro Bowl DT was a ten-year starter for the Colts from '63-'72.

- Charlie McNeil (1936-1994)
His 349 yards on interception returns in 1961 set a single season record that stood for 43 years.

- Chuck Cherundolo (1916-2012)
Center and linebacker with the Rams and Steelers from 1937 to 1948.

- Anthony Becht, 47 (8/6/77)
In 2000 the Jets squeezed two first round picks out of Tampa Bay for WR Keyshawn Johnson, and the Bucs won the Super Bowl two years later. The Jets used those two picks on Becht and DE John Abraham. Both teams seemed to benefit dramatically from the win-win trade.

- Trev Alberts, 54 (8/8/70)
The fifth overall pick of the 1994 draft was a huge bust, starting just seven games over three seasons for the Colts. Alberts was fired from his job as a college football in-studio analyst after pouting about not being on ESPN's first team crew. He then took a job as the athletic director at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and created a stir when he announced the school would be dropping its wrestling program - just hours after the team won their third consecutive NCAA title. Earlier this year Alberts was hired to be Texas A&M's new athletic director.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Joe Milton's NFL Debut​

Aug 8, 2024:

Patriots Daily News Thread - Thursday Patriots News Thread 8/8

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Game Day Thread - OFFICIAL Preseason Game 1: NE vs CAR

We're about 45 mins out until game time:

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PostGame Thread - 2024 Preseason Game One: Patriots Win 17-3 over Carolina

All things considered, it finished in interesting fashion. Let's discuss it here.

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Six Thoughts Following the Patriots Win Over the Panthers

Some quick thoughts coming off of Thursday night's 17-3 preseason New England Patriots win over the Carolina Panthers.

www.patsfans.com

Aug 8, 2023:

Patriots reunite with former pass rusher Trey Flowers, reportedly signing him to deal

The New England Patriots have signed pass rusher Trey Flowers, who helped them win two Super Bowls in the 2010s.

www.boston.com

Flowers’ NFL career started with the Patriots, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He quickly became a core member of New England’s defense, ending his time as a Patriot with 203 tackles, 26.5 sacks, two Super Bowl rings, and a spot on the Patriots’ All-Decade Team for the 2010s.​

Trey Flowers reaches deal to reunite with Patriots

Veteran pass-rusher Trey Flowers, who won two Super Bowls with the Patriots from 2015 to 2018, has again signed with the team. He has 31.5 career sacks.

www.espn.com

In a reunion with their former draft pick, the New England Patriots have signed defensive end Trey Flowers, it was announced Tuesday.​

Flowers' deal is worth a maximum value of $2.5 million, with just $50,000 guaranteed, sources tell ESPN. The Patriots placed Flowers on the active/physically unable to perform list in training camp since he hasn't been cleared to practice.​

The 6-foot-2, 265-pound Flowers isn't projected as a lock to make the roster, but he provides veteran depth behind Deatrich Wise Jr. and second-round pick Keion White in the team's multiple defensive scheme.​

Flowers, who turns 30 next week, had 21 sacks in his first four seasons with the Patriots. He also had 5.5 sacks in nine postseason games for the Patriots.​

After missing his rookie season in 2015 due to injury, Flowers has 31.5 sacks, 265 tackles and 10 forced fumbles with 4 recoveries over his career.​

Reunion in New England: Patriots sign defensive end Trey Flowers

Trey Flowers is back where his NFL career began.

www.cbsnews.com

Flowers signed a five-year, $90 million deal with the Lions during the 2019 offseason but was never the dominant pass rusher he was in New England. He had seven sacks in his first year in Detroit, but just 3.5 sacks over just 14 games his next two seasons.​

He was released by the Lions last March and signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins, but played in just four games for Miami before landing on IR in early October.​

Now Flowers is back where it all began to give New England a little more depth on the defensive line. It will be interesting to see where the 29-year-old fits in the mix. Matthew Judon is the team's top pass rusher, and the Pats just drafted edge rusher Keion White in the second round to slot behind Deatrich Wise Jr.​

Flowers was released on October 24, never getting on the field in 2023, ending his NFL career.

Patriots waive Malik Cunningham, release Trey Flowers

Quarterback Malik Cunningham's stay on the Patriots' 53-man roster turned out to be a brief one.

www.nbcsports.com

Aug 8, 2022:

Patriots' Chasen Hines: Passes physical, off NFI

Patriots' Chasen Hines: Passes physical, off NFI

www.cbssports.com

Chasen Hines passed his physical Monday and was activated off the non-football injury list.​

Hines missed the final five games of his LSU career due to injury and remained sidelined during New England's offseason program before ultimately landing on the NFI list ahead of training camp. However, now healthy, the rookie sixth-round pick will look to carve out a role along the Patriots' offensive line ahead of the initial 53-man roster deadline.​

Aug 8, 2018:

Deatrich Wise’s next move? Opposing quarterbacks - The Boston Globe

The 275-pound pass-rushing specialist is ready for some real competition as the exhibition season begins Thursday night against Washington.

www.bostonglobe.com

The Patriots reached an injury settlement with guard Nate Theaker, leaving him free to sign with another team​

Aug 8, 2014

Patriots Preseason Star Receiver Brian Tyms Suspended To Start 2014 Season - NESN.com

FOXBORO, Mass. — Brian Tyms might have bought himself four extra weeks to prove he deserves a spot on the New England Patriots’ 53-man roster. The NFL announced on April 21 that Tyms is suspended four games to start the 2014 season — the Patriots signed the 6-foot-3 wide receiver on July 27...

nesn.com

Brian Tyms: 4-Game Suspension For Testing Positive For Adderall

Brian Tyms says his four-game suspension is due to a positive test for Adderall, which he has had a prescription for since he was nine years old.

www.boston.com

If wide receiver Brian Tyms is able to make the New England Patriots’ final roster, they will be without him for the first four games of the season.​

Tyms tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, which he says is a result of a prescription for Adderall that he failed to get cleared by the NFL.​

“Technically, I’ve had a prescription for it since I was nine,” he said. “Like I said, it costs money to get all that stuff situated, money which I didn’t have to spend. It was my fault. I should have brought it to the NFL and said, ‘hey, this is my prescription’ before it got to that point, but it wasn’t like I was using it as something to — I guess — boost my ratings, know what I mean? I’ve been taking it since I was nine — that and Ritalin.”​

Tyms was the Patriots’ leading receiver in their first preseason game, hauling in five catches on six targets for 119 yards and a touchdown. The second-year receiver stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 204 pounds, and is an ideal fit as a boundary receiver. He has flashed the long speed to test defenses vertically, and the ability to make contested catches with a defender draped all over him.​

Aug 8, 2012:

Patriots sign OL Kyle Hill

With one roster spot available after quickly signing and releasing a fullback earlier this week, the Patriots signed rookie offensive lineman Kyle Hill to bring the team's training camp roster to 90 players.

www.boston.com

With one roster spot available after quickly signing and releasing a fullback earlier this week, the Patriots signed rookie offensive lineman Kyle Hill to bring the team’s training camp roster to 90 players. Hill, 23, was a four-year starter at left tackle for Duke. He’s 6-6, 306 pounds.​

Probably more importantly, he was a healthy player for the Blue Devils. He started all 46 games for Duke since 2008.​

The Patriots now have 17 offensive lineman on the roster, a number of which have been unable to practice, including guard Logan Mankins, tackle Sebastian Vollmer, and tackle Markus Zusevics. Patriots guard Brian Waters, who continues to be absent from camp, does not count toward the team’s 90-man roster.​

Aug 8, 2011:

Patriots re-sign DL Gerard Warren; Release S Brandon McGowan

The New England Patriots announced today the re-signing of veteran DL Gerard Warren. In addition, the Patriots announced that they have released S Brandon McGowan.​

Warren, 6-4, 325 pounds, originally joined the Patriots as a free agent on April 24, 2010. Warren entered the NFL as a first round draft choice (3rd overall) of the Cleveland Browns in the 2001 NFL Draft out of Florida. Warren has played for the Browns (2001-04), Denver Broncos (2005-06) and the Oakland Raiders (2007-09). During his 10 NFL seasons, he has played in 151 games with 137 starts and has registered 303 total tackles, 35.5 sacks, 18 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.​

Last season with the Patriots, Warren played in 16 games with 10 starts and finished with 36 total tackles and 3.5 sacks.​

McGowan, 5-11 210 pounds, joined the Patriots in 2009 as a veteran of four NFL seasons, all with the Chicago Bears (2005-2008). He was re-signed by the Patriots on July 30, 2011. Originally signed by the Bears as a rookie free agent in 2005 out of Maine, McGowan missed all of the 2010 season with a chest injury.​

In his first season with the Patriots in 2009, McGowan saw action in a career-high 16 games with 11 starting assignments at free safety and set career-highs with 66 total tackles, 10 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.​

Patriots Sign Andre Carter

The Patriots have been quite active since free agency started, and they're not showing any signs of letting up after they added yet another defensive lineman Sunday night.

www.patsfans.com

Patriots sign veteran DE Andre Carter and DE Shaun Ellis

Pats add DEs Ellis, Carter, re-sign Warren

The Patriots signed defensive ends Shaun Ellis and Andre Carter and re-signed Gerard Warren on Monday.

www.espn.com

The New England Patriots continued to remake their defensive line, announcing Monday that they have signed defensive ends Andre Carter and Shaun Ellis.​

Ellis and the Patriots reached agreement on a one-year deal. Ellis will receive $4 million this season with a chance to make another $1 million in performance incentives.​

The defensive line won't be completely new, however, as coach Bill Belichick announced the team also has re-signed Gerard Warren.​

Warren spent the 2010 season with the Patriots, elevating into a starting role at left end when veteran Ty Warren was lost for the season in August with a hip injury.​

The Patriots have been looking to upgrade their pass rush. In 10 seasons split between the 49ers and Redskins, Carter has 66 sacks. He had only 2½ last season but 11 in 2009.​

Ellis has piled up 72½ sacks, ranking third on the Jets' career list behind Joe Klecko (77½) and Mark Gastineau (107½).​

The Patriots had looked thin at defensive end in training camp, with Jermaine Cunningham (second year) and Eric Moore (sixth year) running with the top group as part of a four-man line. There was a significant drop-off in experience after Cunningham and Moore, which the Patriots addressed, in part, with the signing of speed rusher Mark Anderson (6-foot-4, 255 pounds) on Friday.​

At 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, Ellis is more stout than the team's current ends from a run-game perspective, but also has shown the ability to generate a pass-rush. Ellis has played in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes in his time with the Jets.​

Now he has to adjust to playing on the other side of the rivalry.​

Aug 8, 2006:

WR Berlin signed

The Pats have signed free agent WR Eddie Berlin, who enters his 6th NFL season.

www.boston.com

The Patriots bolstered their wide receiving corps today, confirming the signing of veteran wide receiver Eddie Berlin.​

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Berlin is on the practice field for this afternoon’s session. He is wearing No. 81, last donned by Bethel Johnson.​

Now in his sixth season, Berlin spent the first four seasons of his career with the Titans. His best season was 2004, with 20 catches for 278 yards and one touchdown.​

Aug 8, 2006:

Patriots Trade OL Ross Tucker to Cleveland for an Undisclosed Draft Choice

Ross Tucker, 27, is a veteran of five NFL seasons and has played in 42 career games with 24 starts for Washington (2001-02), Dallas (2002), Buffalo (2003-04) and New England (2005). The 6-foot-4-inch, 316-pound offensive lineman was originally signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2001 season and played in three games as a rookie. He was waived by the Redskins and claimed by the Dallas Cowboys midway through the 2002 season and started the final seven games of the year for Dallas. He signed with Buffalo prior to the 2003 season and started 17 of 28 games for the Bills from 2003-04. He was released by Buffalo following 2005 training camp (9/4/05) and was signed by the Patriots on Dec. 13, 2005. He was with the Patriots for the final three games of the 2005 season and was listed among the gameday inactives for two games and participated as a substitute in the regular-season finale against Miami (1/1/06).​

Tucker has since proceeded to become a sports journalist with a penchant for dissing the Patriots in general, and more specically, the guy who fired him.



Aug 8, 2005:

Tight end released by Patriots a day after signing

FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots released tight end Matt Brandt on Tuesday, one day after they signed him. Brandt, who played at Miami (Ohio), had signed with the Super Bowl champions…

www.fosters.com

The New England Patriots released tight end Matt Brandt on Tuesday, one day after they signed him.​

Brandt, who played at Miami (Ohio), had signed with the Super Bowl champions on the same day they released tight end Andy Stokes, of William Penn, the last player chosen in this year's draft. The Patriots are deep at tight end with Daniel Graham, Benjamin Watson, Christian Fauria and Jed Weaver.​

Brandt was released in August 2004 by the Detroit Lions, who had signed him in April 2004 as an undrafted free agent after he caught 76 passes for 916 yards and nine touchdowns in college.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century Pats August 8 news​

Aug 8, 1994:
CB Ricky Reynolds is activated from physically unable to perform list


Aug 8, 1988:
OLB Ed Williams suffers a knee injury, which wouls cost him the entire season.

On the same date ILB Johnny Rembert, who played for ten seasons with the Patriots is re-signed. The Pats also re-signed linebacker Larry McGrew to a five-year contract, something that was a significant deal back then. McGrew played in 122 games for the Pats from 1980 through 1989.


Aug 8, 1985:
Gerard Phelan undergoes surgery on his left knee to repair dislocated kneecap, an injury that would curtail his pro football career before it had a chance to begin.


Aug 8, 1977:
New England releases John Rasmussen and Ken Smith, and also claims Mike McGraw off waivers from the Cardinals.


Aug 8, 1972:
New England releases eight players, most notably QB Mike Taliaferro
The seven others were:
- Jim Benien
- Steve Beryle
- Alan Durkovic
- Otis McDaniel
- Bob Renfrow
- Ed Rideout
- Roosevelt Thomas


Aug 8, 1969:
The Patriots sign first round draft pick Ron Sellers, wide receiver from Florida State that would be named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie.