Dan Connolly re-signed.

[BadMoFo]

That's good. so long Koppen?

 

[BadMoFo]

Greg A. Bedard ? @GregABedard


The Patriots have a center for next season: the team has reached an agreement to re-sign Dan Connolly, according to a league source.

 

[resdubwhite]

Excellent news.


Well done Dan.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Were heating up now

 

[DefenseRules]

Now this is good news. :rocker:

 

[BradyManny]

Good stuff. Had to happen.

 

[Gronkandez]

Is he the "Starting Center" or a rotational interior lineman? Pats still need to draft a Center either way.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Great news! One less worry.

 

[DonBlackmon55]

That's good. so long Koppen?

Most likely. Thanks for the memories Dan Koppen !
good move to get Connolly in the fold

 

[Rob0729]

Is he the "Starting Center" or a rotational interior lineman? Pats still need to draft a Center either way.

I don't know about that. Connolly played pretty well at center. He could play under center for another two to three years.

 

[VinnyPatrollie]

I don't know about that. Connolly played pretty well at center. He could play under center for another two to three years.

Agreed. Nice to address one area of concern.

 

[Gronkandez]

I don't know about that. Connolly played pretty well at center. He could play under center for another two to three years.

If he's the starter, they still need a backup Center. There's no one on the roster that I know of who could fill that role. A 5th rounder would be fine.

 

[UK_Pat37]

If he's the starter, they still need a backup Center. There's no one on the roster that I know of who could fill that role. A 5th rounder would be fine.

Wendell? We were playing with McDonald at center and it didn't look like we'd skipped a beat pass protecting. I think we could have been more consistent blocking for the run game a bit better all year but, then again, we're never renowned for our run blocking lines.

Think we will draft a Center in the draft though. Somewhere late.

 

[Sciz]

The Pats supposedly think highly of both Wendell and McDonald, so it wouldn't surprise me to see those be the 3 centers on the roster.

 

[pdangle]

Yes good news for sure. I wasn't particularly troubled when DC took over for the injured Koppen in game #2 as Koppen had rated out lower third among starting centers the past few seasons. I'm sure we all remember at least a few instances when he got smashed onto his back, which to me seemed like every other or third game or so. So in a way I was kinda happy the injury forced our hand to try some new players. Although DC wasn't great, almost by default, he was better than Koppen (who, not to read me wrong, I would still take back, only as a reserve. However I expect some bottom dwelling team will outbid us enough and pry him away). Anyway I prefer DC even more now considering the experience he received, how he performed, his positional flexibility and age. I'm sure the Pats viewed him as their primary option for starting C next season, but were playing it close to the vest.

This is a key re-signing IMO.

 

[eagle eye]

Delighted to hear this, and I'd guess he will become the starting center after doing an excellent job last season.

 

[Gronkandez]

Wendell? We were playing with McDonald at center and it didn't look like we'd skipped a beat pass protecting. I think we could have been more consistent blocking for the run game a bit better all year but, then again, we're never renowned for our run blocking lines.

Think we will draft a Center in the draft though. Somewhere late.

Oh yeah, I guess those guys are serviceable for a game or two here and there.

 

[JDot]

Great news. Connolly did a heck of a job last year.

But I really hope Bill stops wasting Danny's talents and let's him return some kicks this year..


Patriots Lineman Dan Connolly 71 Yard Kickoff Return - Patriots vs. Packers 2010 - YouTube

 

[patsfan13]

Good signing wanted to see him back...


Some will be disappointed because he isn't a star.....

 

[Tunescribe]

Agreed. Nice to address one area of concern.

Yes, now we have our kick returner locked up. :singing: