Today In Patriots History July 2: Happy 55th Birthday to Troy Brown

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Troy Brown​

Happy 55th birthday to Troy Brown
Born July 2, 1971 in Barnwell, South Carolina
Patriots WR/PR/KR/DB, 1993-2007
Uniform #80 (and #86 in 1994)
Pats 8th round (198th overall) selection of the 1993 draft, from Marshall


After initially being cut at the end of his rookie training camp, thankfully no other NFL team bothered to check in on "Bingo". Bill Parcells re-signed the extremely versatile Troy Brown in mid-October, and the rest is history.


Troy Brown has so many iconic and legendary plays they are too numerous to remember and list all of them. A few that come to mind though are his crucial 23-yard catch and run on the final drive of Super Bowl 36; his play in the previous game, the AFCCG at Pittsburgh when he returned a punt for a 55-yard touchdown and followed that up by picking up a blocked field goal attempt, and alertly lateraled to Antwan Harris for a TD; on a sweltering hot and humid day in south Florida catching a sideline pass and racing for an 82-yard overtime game-winning touchdown, thus ending a 13-game losing streak at Miami; the time he alertly caused Marlon McCree to fumble an interception back to the Patriots in the AFCCG versus the Chargers; or being called upon to play defense in mid season - and finishing second on the team with three interceptions.

A walk off (sprint off?) humidity buster that left the locals speechless in Miami (while their stadium sounded like a Pats home game).


Troy Brown celebrating the iconic punt return touchdown with Antwan Harris in the 2001 AFCCG versus Pittsburgh.​

Rather than go on, I highly recommend taking a few minutes to check this piece on number 80's career. Along with a lengthy resume of impressive statistics there are some great quotes from Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft. Bingo indeed...

Fans vote Troy Brown as 2012 Patriots Hall of Fame inductee

The Patriots announced today that Troy Brown has been voted by fans as the 18th player and 19th member to enter the Patriots Hall of Fame.

www.patriots.com

Troy Brown's Patriots Hall of Fame Nomination Almost Never Happened, As Receiver Reflects on Nearly Giving Up on Football - NESN.com

FOXBORO, Mass. — No one looked at Troy Brown in October 1994 and saw a Patriots Hall of Famer. About a year and a half earlier, the Patriots took Brown in the draft's eighth round, a round that ceased to exist after that season. Then, Brown was cut in his second training camp with New […]

nesn.com

PRO FOOTBALL; Patriots End Miami Drought In Overtime (Published 2003)

New England Patriots defeat Miami Dolphins, 19-13, in overtime (M)

www.nytimes.com

Dolphins Falter in Overtime

MIAMI -- The New England Patriots needed two missed field goals and their longest pass play of the season to finally win in the Miami heat. Tom Brady hit Troy Brown on an 82-yard scoring play in ov…

www.theledger.com

Troy Brown worked his way into Hall

FOXBORO — Standing inside The Hall at Patriot Place, Troy Brown tried on his red Hall of Fame jacket for the first time. “It feels good,” he said yesterday, standing next to a large black-framed photo of himself. Tomorrow, the former wid…

www.bostonherald.com

Troy Brown: New England Patriots Of The Past - Last Word On NFL

Troy Brown was one of the earliest players to perfectly encapsulate the Patriot Way. A key piece of three championships, Brown spent 15 years in New England

lastwordonsports.com

Troy Brown | The Patriots Hall of Fame

www.patriotshalloffame.com

Patriots WR Troy Brown retires - UPI.com

Troy Brown, the all-time leading receiver for the New England Patriots, has retired after 15 years in the NFL.

www.upi.com

Troy Brown, the all-time leading receiver for the New England Patriots, has retired after 15 years in the NFL.​

He owns New England records for receptions (557), punt returns (252) and punt return yardage (2,625). Brown spent his entire career with the Patriots.​

Known for his versatility, Brown filled in at defensive back for the Patriots in 2004 and is the only New England player to have both a reception and interception in the same game.​

He was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 2001 season in which he amassed 1,119 receiving yards on 101 catches.​

Dec 20, 2003: Troy Brown fends off Jets corner Ray Mickens during the fourth quarter.
The Pats won 21-16 to improve to 13-2, while Herm Edwards' Jets were eliminated and clinched a losing season.



December 6, 2001: Punt returner Troy Brown (#80), eludes Cleveland's Ryan Kuehl (#87), as Lawyer Milloy (#36), at far right, lays out the Browns Dwayne Rudd (#57) with a killer block that helped spring Troy on the way to this 85-yard second quarter punt return for a touchdown that broke a 10-10 tie, and ultimately provided the winning points in New England's 27-16 victory, their fourth in a row.



Nov 30, 1997: Wide receiver Troy Brown makes an 18-yard catch for a touchdown as defensive back Ray McElroy of the Indianapolis Colts misses the tackle.
The fourth-quarter play gave the Pats a 20-10, providing the winning margin in a 20-17 game at Foxboro Stadium

Troy Brown Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Checkout the latest stats for Troy Brown. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, college, draft, and more on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Troy Brown Pro Football Record

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

profootballarchives.com

Troy Brown - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[WhatJustHappened]

Wouldn't he be 55 if born in 71?

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
20th Century News​

July 2, 1971:
Patriots sign free agents Jack Maitland and Rocky Bleier

After playing in ten games as a 16th round draft pick in 1968 for the Steelers, Rocky Bleier was drafted by the Army to fight in Viet Nam. While there he was shot in the left thigh and took shrapnel from a grenade in his right leg. After multiple surgeries he was discharged in July of 1970 and began to work out with Steeler teammates, though doctors had told him to not expect to ever play football again.

Bleier could not walk without any pain, went on injured reserve and was later released. The Patriots took a flyer on the Notre Dame running back as he was attempting to get back into football shape. In October Pittsburgh owner Art Rooney called Billy Sullivan asked Billy Sullivan if he could have Bleier back, now that his rehab was nearly complete. Heading into the second season after the AFL and NFL merged, Sullivan was eager to please one of the old time NFL owners and obliged, getting virtually nothing of any value in return. Bleier went on to play ten more seasons as a lead blocker for Franco Harris, winning four Super Bowls - while the old guard NFL owners continued to look down their noses at Sullivan and the rest of the old AFL owners and their teams.

As for Jack Maitland, he was also a running back selected in the 16th round, but by the Baltimore Colts in 1970, out of Williams. Maitland played in all but one game for the Pats from 1971-72 in a backup role and on special teams. He scored one touchdown, with 26 carries and five receptions.

A side note on Rocky Bleier: his cousin Bob Bleier was a quarterback out of Richmond that was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted rookie in 1987. After being cate late in training camp, Bob was re-signed as the team's QB for the three 1987 replacement games.





July 2, 1973:
New England signs Brian Dowling to a contract. BD had been an 11th round draft pick in 1969 by Minnesota, with the Vikings trying him at quarterback, wide receiver and running back in training camp before releasing him. He played for the Bridgeport Jets of the Atlantic Coast Football League in 1969 at QB and WR while teaching math at Cheshire Academy and serving as an assistant coach at Yale. Dowling was on the Pats taxi squad in 1970-71, then got some playing time in '72 as a backup to Jim Plunkett and holder on kicks.

From September 29, 1969:

Ex-Yalies Hill and Dowling Shine on Professional Teams | News | The Harvard Crimson

Calvin Hill, one of the best players on Yale's football team last year, carried 23 times for 138 yards and

www.thecrimson.com

Calvin Hill, one of the best players on Yale's football team last year, carried 23 times for 138 yards and two touchdowns to help the Dallas Cowboys edge the New Orleans Saints, 21-17 on Sunday. Last week Hill was the NFL Offensive Player of the Week.​

Meanwhile, Brian Dowling is second-string quarterback for the Bridgeport Jets of the Atlantic Coast Football League. Dowling. who was often compared to the legendary Frank Merriwell and was featured last fall in the CRIMSON's "Making of a Hero" was the starting quarterback for the winless Jets until they acquired an NFL veteran.​

From November 20, 1977:

Dowling Gets Phone Call And New Chance to Play (Published 1977)

www.nytimes.com

Brian Dowling, the former star quarterback for Yale who is now 30 years old, was watching the Minnesota-Cincinnati game on television last Sunday as a temporary resident in the Boston home of his wife's parents. Fran Tarkenton of the Vikings had a broken a leg. So had Lynn ****ey of the Packers, the announcers said, and Bill Munson of the Chargers; Brian Sipe of the Browns was out with a fractured shoulder and Terry Bradshaw had left the Steelers’ lineup with a bruised shoulder.​

Dowling's response was less than imperturbable. The pulse may have quickened. Would anyone remember him? Perhaps the telephone might ring for him one more time.​

It did.​

Dowling had spent eight years since he had left Yale after so much acclaim - trying to find a place in pro football with little success. He had been with seven teams in four leagues.​

The evening phone call was from **** Corrick, the Packers’ director of pro personnel. Would Dowling fly to Green Bay on Monday and join the team?​

He would and he did.​

The Packers play the Redskins tomorrow at Washington in the weekly Monday night game and in place of ****ey they will start David Whitehurst, a rookie from Furman who has been in two games briefly, attempting five passes, completing two. Dowling will be the backup quarterback for the Pack.​

Dowling's recent past is illustrative of the dislocation the marginal professional athletes endure in the add-and-subtract process of the varsity squads. He had been the third quarterback of the Redskins last summer and was dropped when Washington made its final squad cut.​

On Oct. 25, the last date the Redskins could re-sign him as a free agent this season under the league rules, came and went as did Nov. 1. So the Dowlings packed up and went home to Boston, moving in with her parents. Dowling began working again with a life insurance company. Short of a miracle or a disaster, the game he had loved to play for much of his life was behind him.​

After Yale, where he starred with Calvin Hill, he had spent one training camp with the Minnesota Vikings, the club that drafted him in 1969; one season with the Bridgeport Jets of the Atlantic Coast League; four with the New England Patriots behind Jim Plunkett; one with the New York Stars-Charlotte Hornets of the World Football League, plus a trial in 1976 with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian League.​

Corrick and other personnel directors keep lists of free-agent players who might be useful in emergencies like one would of backup doctors or dentists.​

“Dowling played against us last summer in our exhibition game with the Redskins,” said Corrick. “We were impressed and remembered him.”​

The Packers had two quarterbacks, and after ****ey was hurt Corrick had to move quickly. He reached Tim Temerario, the Redskins’ personnel director, who was glad to help out. Not all rivals are so obliging. Temerario had an inoperative Virginia phone number for Dowing, but there was a referral to a number in Boston.​

“It may take some doing,” said Corrick, “but you can almost always track them down.”​

Dowling said last week: “I had pretty much considered myself retired. I wasn't going to have an identity crisis if I didn't play again.”​

Looking back, he had no regrets about the eight years. “So much of this business,” he said, “is getting the opportunity—being in the right place at the right time. I'll be ready Monday and if I do play I expect to do well.”​

•​

Reference was made here last week that the television film of “The Godfather” had captured the rating competition on Monday night against the football game, Dallas-St. Louis. When the national figures were available, they showed that the shares of the audience for the movie and the game were almost the same, 42 percent to 40, respectively. It was the highest rating and the largest audience the Monday night game had ever attracted.​

From 2001:

Dowling, Brian - Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame

Brian Dowling is an athletic legend at St. Ignatius High School. He led his team to a City Basketball title, sinking four clutch free throws in the title game’s last 34 seconds to turn a 13 point deficit into a 53-50 victory. He also made the state tennis doubles finals as a sophomore and the […]

www.clevelandsportshall.com

Brian Dowling is an athletic legend at St. Ignatius High School. He led his team to a City Basketball title, sinking four clutch free throws in the title game’s last 34 seconds to turn a 13-point deficit into a 53-50 victory. He also made the state tennis doubles finals as a sophomore and the regional singles finals as a senior. But it was as a football quarterback that Dowling achieved bigger-than-life status. In six high school and college seasons he played in just one losing game, when, as a prep junior in 1963, injuries sent him to a hospital at half-time of the City Championship Charity Game. He avenged that loss in the following year’s Charity Game, breaking loose for a 71-yard TD run and passing for four touchdowns in a 48-6 rout. At Yale, his teams were 21-0-1 in games he played and 5-6 in games he missed with injuries. The tie came in his final collegiate game when Harvard scored 16 points in the final 42 seconds to earn a 29-29 draw and a share of the Ivy League title with Yale. The previous year, his 66 yard touchdown pass with 2:16 left had beaten the Crimson 24-22 for the Ivy League Crown. An honorable mention All-American and the Outstanding Player in New England as a senior, he currently lives in Lowell, Massachusetts.​

July 2, 1973:
The Pats also re-signed Reggie Rucker, who started at wide receiver for the team from 1972-74 on this date

The former BU Terrier had 126 receptions for 1,884 yards and ten touchdowns in his 43 games with the Patriots. He then went on to play seven more seasons with the Browns, and 12 years overall in the NFL.

Reggie Rucker, ex-Cleveland Brown who stole from anti-violence nonprofits, files for bankruptcy

Former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Reggie Rucker and his wife filed for bankruptcy, claiming they owe hundreds of thousands to the IRS, creditors and the attorney who represented him when he was prosecuted for embezzling from his anti-violence nonprofits.

www.cleveland.com

]​

July 2, 1975:
The Patriots acquire Bob Howard from San Diego in exchange for a 1976 fifth round draft pick

The cornerback was a second round draft pick in 1967 from San Diego State and had played in 102 of a possible 112 games for the Chargers from 1967 to 1974. Howard took over as the starting left corner in '75, with John Sanders moving from CB to free safety. Bob was a three year starter in New England, missing just one game while picking off ten passes. Over 13 NFL seasons Bob Howard played in 169 games with 147 starts, registering 37 interceptions and ten fumble recoveries.

Former SBHS star dead

The San Diego Chargers wore light blue uniforms trimmed in gold and had lightning bolts on their helmets in 1968 when they played the Los Angeles Rams in an August preseason game. John Hadl was zinging passes for the Chargers, Lance Alworth…

www.pasadenastarnews.com

July 2, 1989:
Willie Banks passes away at the age of 43 from arteriosclerosis.

Banks was a backup guard who played in 13 games for the Patriots in 1973.

Willie Banks, a guard who played for...

Willie Banks, a guard who played for the Washington Redskins, New York Giants and New England Patriots in a six-year pro football career, died Sunday of arteriosclorosis at his home in Brentwood, Md.

www.latimes.com

July 2, 1999:
Part time scouting assistant Matt Walsh is given a full time job in the Pats video department.

Nothing to see here, I'm sure nobody would ever hear his name again.

Ex-Patriots employee Walsh sends eight videotapes to league

The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more.

www.nfl.com

Former Patriots video assistant hints at team's spying history - BSPN, Feb 1, 2008

Spygate revisited: How Patriots scandal, false Rams connections impacted legacies | Sporting News

How Patriots Spygate scandal, false Rams connections impacted legacies

www.sportingnews.com

 

[jmt57]

Wouldn't he be 55 if born in 71?

Yes, correct; good catch.

I had it right in the title but wrong in the post.

Thanks

 

[SammyBlueCat]

He was born a few days before me

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
News from the Aughts​

July 2, 2000:
The New England Patriots hire 24-year old Bob Quinn as a player personnel assistant.

Quinn grew up in Norwood, cheering the Pats on. His only prior experience was as a grad assistant in the athletics department of UConn. After two years at that entry level administrative support position organizing scouting reports and managing databases, Quinn was promoted. He spent two more years as a Pro Scout, four seasons as a Regional Scout, and one as a National Scout. The Patriots promoted Quinn to Assistant Director of Pro Personnel in 2009, and Director of Pro Scouting from 2012 to 2015.

The Detroit Lions hired Quinn to be their General Manager, from 2016 to 2020. He spent five more years with the Browns, and in January followed former Cleveland HC Kevin Stefanski to the Atlanta Falcons, where he will be their Senior Advisor to the Head Coach.

July 2, 2001:
Patriots sign Leonard Myers

The cornerback from Miami was the Pats sixth round pick of the 2001 draft. Myers played primarily on special teams, appearing in 15 games with one start. He had 17 tackles, two pass deflections and one fumble recovery over two seasons in New England. He also later played briefly for the Saints, Jets, Lions and CFL's Ottawa Renegades. Myers died from cancer at age 38 on Feb 17, 2017.

Former Patriots CB Leonard Myers passes away

The New England Patriots are deeply saddened to learn the loss of Leonard Myers, a cornerback for the Patriots from 2001-02 who lost his battle with cancer this morning.

www.patriots.com

"We learned of Leonard's illness when we invited him back to attend our 15th anniversary celebration of the 2001 Super Bowl Championship team," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "No one was more excited to attend than Leonard, nor more disappointed to inform us that he wasn't going to be able to make it back as the December date approached.​

Most recently, he began to pursue a career in coaching, sparked by a desire to help young athletes pursue the same football dreams he once had. He worked on the coaching staff at Emporia State in Kansas during the 2014 season and served as the wide receivers coach at New Mexico Highlands University in 2015. Myers was also named to the NFPLA Collegiate Bowl coaching staff in 2016.​

July 2, 2005:
Video intern Matt Estrella is hired to a full time position as Video Assistant.

Estrella would continue to work with the Patriots through the 2008 season. His name was often in the news in 2007 during the spygate witch hunt, though not to the extreme that attention whore Matt Walsh's was. According to his LinkedIn profile Estrella now works as a Senior Operations Manager at Catapult Sports in Wilmington, an international sports performance analytics company that uses electronic vests and video analysis as part of their client offerings.

Reports tab New Bedford native as Pats' covert cameraman - New Bedford Standard-Times

FALL RIVER — New England Patriots video assistant and New Bedford native Matthew Estrella has been identified by multiple news sources as the cameraman who allegedly videotaped signals by New York Jets coaches in Sunday's season opener for both teams.​

Both NBC and ESPN identified Estrella, 26, in their news reports as the cameraman who allegedly recorded defensive signals by Jets coaches.​

Feb 2014:

Spygate videographer's ring auctioned off for nearly $16K

The Super Bowl ring belonging to the New England Patriots video assistant involved in the infamous Spygate scandal was auctioned off Saturday for $15,810. What other championship hardware was sold?

www.nfl.com

Matt Estrella -- whose camera was confiscated by the NFL after the Patriots were accused of filming the New York Jets' sideline signals in 2007 -- no longer owns his Super Bowl XXXIX championship ring, which went for $15,810 after 21 total bids, according to Goldin Auctions. The Baltimore Sun first reported the news.​

An affidavit signed by Estrella stated that the video assistant sold the ring in May 2012 to the person who subsequently consigned it to the New Jersey-based auction house, per ESPN.com. The Goldin Auctions website describes the 48.64-gram ring as being neither the same style nor size that the players received. In addition, it contains cubic zirconia crystals rather than authentic diamonds.​

July 2, 2006:
Monti Ossenfort returns to New England as an Area Scout

Ossenfort began his NFL career as an intern with the Vikings in 2001, joined the Patriots as Personnel Assistant in 2003, then spent two seasons with the Texans as a scout. He would remain with the Patriots through 2019, the last three years as Director of College Scouting. Since 2023 he has been the General Manager for the Arizona Cardinals.

Afc East : who you dislike more ?

sometimes we make a point on it... so let's start and taste the fans... who you dislike more ? for me: 1 - Miami (surely at n.1 - no doubt) 2 - Jets (i do not like them too but Dolphins have a strong advantage) 3 - Buffalo (if i have to be honest i really do not dislike the...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Afc East : who you dislike more ?'

Jul 2, 2006

sometimes we make a point on it...

so let's start and taste the fans...

who you dislike more ?

for me:

1 - Miami
(surely at n.1 - no doubt)

2 - Jets (i do not like them too but Dolphins have a strong advantage)

3 - Buffalo (if i have to be honest i really do not dislike the Bills and i really hope for their fans they will remain too in Buffalo)

the Patriots ? absolutely love and passion !

• italian pat patriot
• Replies: 72
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'Afc East : who you dislike more ?'

Jul 2, 2006

I know a lot of Bills fans in my area and they are all obnoxious...I dislike the Fins right now because they have a legitimate shot at being good. So Jets would be #3, Bills are #2 and Fins are #1.

• drpatriot

July 2, 2007:

A football minor league...thoughts????

PFT has had a number of articles over the past week as NFL Europe has gone the way of many other leagues...Ron Del Duca wrote an artivle about that 4 years ago with an interesting proposal.. http://www.profootballtalk.com/minorleague.htm in fact it's really a thought that many NFL execs might...

www.patsfans.com

P

Thread 'A football minor league...thoughts????'

Jul 2, 2007

PFT has had a number of articles over the past week as NFL Europe has gone the way of many other leagues...Ron Del Duca wrote an artivle about that 4 years ago with an interesting proposal.. http://www.profootballtalk.com/minorleague.htm
in fact it's really a thought that many NFL execs might be able to finally implement. I like the idea of minor league football...and having 15 players from each team would really help the situation. Playing in teh fall also would NOT interfere with the off season programs and having games in the fall would mean the players would still be available...

• Pats726
• Replies: 63
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'A football minor league...thoughts????'

Jul 2, 2007

The NCAA runs a minor league system for the NFL. It is wildly successful. I think any attempt at a true league affiliated minor league would be as unsuccessful as NFLE was. Too few people like watching second half pre season or small college games as it is. For the most part those who can play out of college make their way to the NFL. And half of those who make it that far simply don't have the requisite minimum talent or fail to develop beyond that to catch on as more than jags.

The concept of the league controlling the coaching at that level would pretty much negate developmental...

• MoLewisrocks

July 2, 2008:

ESPN: Favre in talks with Packers over comeback

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/02/mort-favre-contemplating-comeback/ There's a surprise.

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'ESPN: Favre in talks with Packers over comeback'

Jul 2, 2008

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/02/mort-favre-contemplating-comeback/

There's a surprise.

• pats1
• Replies: 82
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

D

Post in thread 'ESPN: Favre in talks with Packers over comeback'

Jul 2, 2008

This will simmer over the long weekend allowing Favre to get maximum press.
Then he will announce it is all untrue even though he is the one that leaked it.

Then in a month, it will start again and he will announce his glorious return.

• dhamz

July 2, 2009:
Patrick Stewart is promoted to Area Scout

Stewart worked with the Patriots from 2007 through 2017. He then worked for the Eagles for two seasons and three with Carolina, where he was the Vice president of Player Personnel. In 2025 Pat Stewart began working as General Manager of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team.

University of Nebraska - Official Athletics Website

The Official Athletic Site of the University of Nebraska, partner of WMT Digital. The most comprehensive coverage of the University of Nebraska on the web with rosters, schedules, scores, highlights, game recaps and more!

huskers.com

Pat Stewart is in his second season as General Manager for the Husker football program in 2026. In his role at Nebraska, Stewart leads the Huskers’ roster management and player acquisition efforts, including high school and transfer portal recruiting, evaluation and retention.​

Stewart joined Coach Matt Rhule’s staff after spending two seasons as the director of pro personnel for the New England Patriots. Stewart has a long history in personnel and scouting in the National Football League, including working with the Carolina Panthers from 2020 to 2022, while Rhule served as head coach. The majority of Stewart’s time in the NFL was spent in the Patriots organization, where he was a part of two Super Bowl Championship teams.​

New England Patriot Matt Light Takes Aim to Keep Kids on Target

www.patsfans.com

The Light Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2001 by New England Patriot Matt Light, announced today the date for its signature fundraising event. The 2009 Matt Light Celebrity Shoot-Out will be held on Tuesday, September 29th, at Addieville East Farm in Mapleville, Rhode Island.​

The Shoot-Out, now in its fifth year, offers participants the opportunity to match their shooting skills against Light, his teammates, and a host of local and national celebrities including comedian Lenny Clarke and Olympic skier Bode Miller. And you don't have to be a crack shot to have a great time. Instructors at the Rhode Island course will teach rookies the basics of sporting clay shooting and provide all the necessary equipment. Proceeds from this one-of-kind event benefit the Light Foundation, a youth-based organization that strives to instill honesty, accountability and responsibility in young people through unique outdoor learning experiences that include a character development football camp, a financial literacy program offered at area schools, and academic scholarships. In the eight years since the organization was founded, it has raised over $1.2 million to support these important programs.​

A couple of bad news posts for Jets fans on Florio's new site - Pace Suspended

First the big blow: Calvin Pace Suspended Four Games | ProFootballTalk.com Looks like their best OLB will be out for September. Gholston's Summer Was "Not Encouraging" | ProFootballTalk.com And his replacement looks to be showing that last year was no fluke.

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'A couple of bad news posts for Jets fans on Florio's new site - Pace Suspended'

Jul 2, 2009

First the big blow:

Calvin Pace Suspended Four Games | ProFootballTalk.com

Looks like their best OLB will be out for September.

Gholston's Summer Was "Not Encouraging" | ProFootballTalk.com

And his replacement looks to be showing that last year was no fluke.

• Rob0729
• Replies: 71
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'A couple of bad news posts for Jets fans on Florio's new site - Pace Suspended'

Jul 2, 2009

Re: A Couple of bad news posts for Jets OLBs on Florio's new site - Pace Suspended

BTW, Ryan's defense is all about putting pressure on the QB. If the Jets' best outside pass rusher will miss a month and their first round disapointment looks to be quickly heading to All Time Bust category, this could be a very bad start to the season for the Jets. Couldn't happen to a nicer team.

At least Crowder can say that eventhough Rex Ryan doesn't know who he is, Ryan at least knows where he could find Crowder on game day. He can't say that about his own player in Pace.

• Rob0729

 

[jmt57]

He was born a few days before me

And he had cat-like quickness.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Early 2010s​

July 2, 2010:

Friday Patriots Headlines - July 2nd

Things are fairly quiet this morning heading into this holiday weekend, but here are today's New England Patriots Headlines for July 2nd, 2010.

www.patsfans.com

We'll kick off this morning with an article from Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com, who takes a look at how the Patriots cornerbacks compare with the rest of the National Football League. Reiss points out that the success of this group this season rests squarely on the shoulders of how Darius Butler and Devin McCourty develop.


Patriots defensive back Leigh Bodden and Chad Ochocinco have been going back and forth on Twitter, and Albert Breer of the Boston Globe takes a look at the online rivalry that's already started before these two teams face off for their season opener on September 12th in Foxboro. The entry has a great photo of Ochocinco stiff-arming Bodden back when he was with Cleveland. The Boston Herald also has a follow up entry on the topic with more banter between them. Needless to say it should make for an interesting game when these line up against each other.


Reiss also had a piece on defensive line coach Pepper Johnson, who told Sirius radio that he feels the team has 17 starters on defense. Ian Rapoport of the Herald had a mention on Johnson yesterday, who also said he's been getting phone calls with interest from other teams.


CBSSportsline.com has a piece on Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who in his quest to transform that team into a championship contender is facing all kinds of challenges. What's interesting about this article is he talks a little bit about why he feels he'll be more successful this time around in the NFL compared to when his last coaching job in New England didn't work out.

"I didn't know who the heck I was as a football coach," Carroll said the day he was introduced. "Everybody has a philosophy, you just might not know how to describe what it is ... What transformed for me, between New England and SC, was really I had an epiphany of what was most important to me as a football coach.

Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms was arrested recently for being under the influence of marijuana. According to the New York Post the story becomes more interesting as Simms was apparently smoking weed with his pregnant wife in the car - which may be the more unfortunate part of this story. Simms' lawyer is trying now to change the story, but the spin doesn't hold up against what public reports have shown.

"My client never admitted to smoking marijuana that night. He said he was smoking cigarettes that night," insisted his lawyer, Nathan Semmel, who claims two other passengers were in the car and are "responsible for the marijuana odor."

According to police reports, Simms and his wife were the only two in the car - so the other two passengers would be the wife and the fetus - go figure.


We'll end on a sad note. Former San Diego head coach Don Coryell died at the age of 85 yesterday. He spent 14 seasons as an NFL head coach, five with St. Louis and nine with San Diego. His famed 'Air Coryell' offense led the league in passing yardage every season from 1978 through 1983. The LA Times has his obituary this morning, with a look back at his legendary coaching career.

Tom Martinez,the Quarterback Whisperer of Tom Brady

Tom Brady still listens to QB whisperer - AFC East Blog - ESPN Great story of Brady and his off the field QB coach,some things we don't hear about much from the media or the team when it comes to the past and present success of our future HOF QB...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Tom Martinez,the Quarterback Whisperer of Tom Brady'

Jul 2, 2010

Tom Brady still listens to QB whisperer - AFC East Blog - ESPN

Great story of Brady and his off the field QB coach,some things we don't hear about much from the media or the team when it comes to the past and present success of our future HOF QB...

• PATRIOTSFANINPA
• Replies: 5
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'Tom Martinez,the Quarterback Whisperer of Tom Brady'

Jul 2, 2010

Damn, if you paid any attention to the media, you woulda thunk that Tom Brady only ever spent time with his super model wife, not go out of his way to improve his throwing motion!

• Sciz

July 2, 2011:

The Lee Smith conundrum

here we have it... just as I suspected. Prolly won't make roster unless he LS or plays T... I love how we keep Crump (old) and probably let his successor go who is far younger and more important for the long haul of this organization. Crump just leave. 1 yerar and your gone. too bad you...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'The Lee Smith conundrum'

Jul 2, 2011

here we have it... just as I suspected. Prolly won't make roster unless he LS or plays T... I love how we keep Crump (old) and probably let his successor go who is far younger and more important for the long haul of this organization. Crump just leave. 1 yerar and your gone. too bad you were not done this last yr.


Lee Smith - TE - Patriots

The Boston Herald's Ian Rapport thinks the Patriots are going to have a hard time squeezing fifth-round pick TE Lee Smith onto their 53-man roster.
Smith is a huge (6-foot-6, 266 pounds) blocking tight end, and Rapport believes he could...

• TheSolderKing
• Replies: 198
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'The Lee Smith conundrum'

Jul 2, 2011

here we have it... just as I suspected. Prolly won't make roster unless he LS or plays T... I love how we keep Crump (old) and probably let his successor go who is far younger and more important for the long haul of this organization. Crump just leave. 1 yerar and your gone. too bad you were not done this last yr.

Yes, the Pats have made mistakes with the numbers game in the past (i.e., keeping Kaczur on the 53 when they could have kept Larson, etc.), but if the Pats think a lot of Smith, they'll find a way to keep him; after all, they basically "wasted" a roster spot on...

• ctpatsfan77

July 2, 2012:

Pats Individual Game Tickets Go On Sale July 17

Pats single game tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. These tickets always sell out in a matter of minutes leaving many fans frustrated, but a lucky few will be able to score some tickets and see their favorite team play this season.

atp.patsfans.com

Former Pats LT Matt Light heading to work on TV

Former Patriots left tackle Matt Light is apparently headed towards a new career in front of the camera. His combination of intelligence, humor, outgoing personality should make him a natural to succeed, and share his insight from eleven years in the NFL.

atp.patsfans.com

Pats Individual Game Tickets Go On Sale July 17

Pats Individual Game Tickets Go On Sale July 17 By: John Morgan Pats single game tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. These tickets always sell out in a matter of minutes leaving many fans frustrated, but a lucky few will be able to score some tickets and see their favorite...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Pats Individual Game Tickets Go On Sale July 17'

Jul 2, 2012

Pats Individual Game Tickets Go On Sale July 17
By: John Morgan

Pats single game tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. These tickets always sell out in a matter of minutes leaving many fans frustrated, but a lucky few will be able to score some tickets and see their favorite team play this season....

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS STORY​

• PatsFans.com Article
• Replies: 28
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'Pats Individual Game Tickets Go On Sale July 17'

Jul 2, 2012

At this point the Pats would sell out Michigan stadium in Ann Arbor in a matter of minutes. There just isn't a facility with large enough seating for the demand of the product this last decade.

• Patriot Missile

July 2, 2013:

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: A Look at the Patriots Offense in Short Yardage Situations Last Season

With the offense currently in transition, here's a look back at how the Patriots fared in short yardage situations last season.

www.patsfans.com

After doing some digging through our Stats Database, I looked at the numbers when Tom Brady and the offense were in situations where they faced less three yards or less, and the results were fairly interesting.

Tom Brady was surprisingly just 29-of-52 for 335 yards (56%), although every completion was a first down including 9 touchdowns (the NFL scorekeepers consider a touchdown a first down). However, when running the ball the Patriots were fairly effective, converting 73 first downs including 19 touchdowns, giving them a 65% conversion rate running the ball. Overall New England definitely favored the ground game, carrying 112 times compared to the 52 where they decided to throw the football in those situations.

Breaking it down by receiver, here is how the numbers looked:

Wes Welker: 9 Targets, 8 Receptions, 80 Yards, 8 First Downs, 2 TD's . . . . .

Down inside the Red Zone, there were some additional numbers that stood out. When it came to throwing the ball down down in scoring territory, in situations where they needed to convert 3 yards or less to sustain the drive Brady overall was 10-of-17 for 59 yards along with 10 first downs, 9 touchdowns and one interception.

Here's a breakdown of the numbers:

Rob Gronkowski: 6 targets, 3 receptions, 6 yards, 3 first downs, 3 touchdowns

Wes Welker: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 5 yards, 2 first downs, 2 touchdowns . . . . .

INSIDE THE FIVE YARD LINE: Here's where it gets a little interesting. When they got inside the opponent's 5 yard line, Ridley had eight touchdowns, while Woodhead had two. Tom Brady also accounted for 4 of the team's 18 touchdowns from this distance.

A couple of things to point out, inside the 5 yard line of his 19 carries, Ridley surprisingly was tackled 8 times for a loss as well as 2 carries for no gain, which means more than half of his rushing attempts failed to gain any yardage. Out of the entire group, Vereen was the only running back who managed to avoid losing yardage, albeit on just 4 carries.

What new player do you really hope hits it big?

Of all the new players - free agents, draftees, UDFAs, trades - who do you most want to succeed big-time in 2013? For me, it comes down to the following people: - WR Dobson - I think he has the potential to be a special talent, and I'd love to see him, at his size, become a dominant outside...

www.patsfans.com

I

Thread 'What new player do you really hope hits it big?'

Jul 2, 2013

Of all the new players - free agents, draftees, UDFAs, trades - who do you most want to succeed big-time in 2013? For me, it comes down to the following people:

- WR Dobson - I think he has the potential to be a special talent, and I'd love to see him, at his size, become a dominant outside WR for the Patriots.

- DT Armstead - When they signed him, I got excited, because he has a ton of ability. It would be great for the Pats to get big-time push on the pocket from the inside, which will make a guy like Chandler Jones even more dangerous.

- WR Amendola - Not surprising to...

• ivanvamp
• Replies: 86
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'What new player do you really hope hits it big?'

Jul 2, 2013

Collins..."Flacco drops back and looks downfield...as usual, the big Gawk ignores the rush and 'WHAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!", Jamie Collins from off the edge smashes the Gawk into another Twilight Zone 4 for 9, 36 yard passing performance...SOF..."

• Joker

July 2, 2014:

ESPN article claims NFL execs still think Brady is top QB

Tom Brady Tops ESPN's List Of QBs Ranked By Anonymous NFL Insiders | NESN.com Tom Brady Tops ESPN’s List Of QBs Ranked By Anonymous NFL Insiders ESPN.com has changed its mind — Tom Brady is a top-five quarterback after all. Brady tied for No. 1 on ESPN’s list of starting quarterbacks ranked...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'ESPN article claims NFL execs still think Brady is top QB'

Jul 2, 2014

Tom Brady Tops ESPN's List Of QBs Ranked By Anonymous NFL Insiders | NESN.com

Tom Brady Tops ESPN’s List Of QBs Ranked By Anonymous NFL Insiders

ESPN.com has changed its mind — Tom Brady is a top-five quarterback after all.

Brady tied for No. 1 on ESPN’s list of starting quarterbacks ranked by anonymous NFL insiders. The New England Patriots quarterback tied with the Denver Broncos’ Peyton Manning, Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers and New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees.

ESPN’s Mike Sando asked 26 anonymous NFL insiders (eight general managers, two former GMs...​

• 203Pat
• Replies: 19
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'ESPN article claims NFL execs still think Brady is top QB'

Jul 2, 2014

Full quote from one of the assistant coaches:

One offensive assistant shared this sentiment with Sando, "Brady might be the best because he does it with the least every year, just about. To me, there is no falloff with that guy. If he played with what Rodgers and Peyton and Brees have played with, it would not even be close."

It's a relief to know he doesn't suck as bad as Sam Monson thinks he does.

• BradyManny

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Latter 2010s​

July 2, 2015:

Antonio Gates Caught Cheating

Now I know this isn't something as important as an equipment violation (and by "equipment violation" I mean "equipment obeying the laws of physics") but I thought it was worth mentioning Antonio Gates got 4 games for performance enhancing substances.

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Antonio Gates Caught Cheating'

Jul 2, 2015

Now I know this isn't something as important as an equipment violation (and by "equipment violation" I mean "equipment obeying the laws of physics") but I thought it was worth mentioning Antonio Gates got 4 games for performance enhancing substances.

• XLIX
• Replies: 59
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'Antonio Gates Caught Cheating'

Jul 3, 2015

let's stay classy. don't stoop down to their level.

"If you ain't cheating you ain't trying."
-LaClassian Tomlinson

• Froob

Post in thread 'Antonio Gates Caught Cheating'

Jul 3, 2015

Wells and Experian to conduct scientific studies regarding the chemical structures of what he took and their half lives to determine whether it is more probably than not he took banned substances

• patriot1136

July 2, 2016:

Brady Helping Celtics Recruit Kevin Durant

Kinda cool, actually...

www.patsfans.com

G

Post in thread 'Brady Helping Celtics Recruit Kevin Durant'

Jul 2, 2016

KD is apparently a fan...

• Gator Mike

Post in thread 'Brady Helping Celtics Recruit Kevin Durant'

Jul 2, 2016

In a world where professional sporting teams, inside their own cities, compete for attention, seeing an NFL star and an MLB star attempt to recruit an NBA star is something special.

Don't take this lightly kids. It's a big deal and speaks volumes about the camaraderie of Boston sports. If only the media wasn't so hell bent on pitting them against one another or attempting to tear down franchises...

• ausbacker

Post in thread 'Brady Helping Celtics Recruit Kevin Durant'

Jul 3, 2016

People are ruthless giving him crap because it's Reggie Lewis number. But I would say they are the dumb ones as I'm sure he knows that because it probably says Lewis on the back as I doubt he ran out and had a 35 KD Jersey custom made. The internet mobs are almost always rejects.

Reportedly, Reggie Lewis' mother is on record that she'd be fine with Kevin Durant wearing #35

• patfanken

July 2, 2017:

New England Patriots News 7-2, AFC East Notes | PatsFans.com

“I've got very ugly feet," Edelman said. No words can describe them. They look like grim reaper feet. Tales of the crypt. Remember "Tales From the Crypt"?”

www.patsfans.com

Which Veterans Could be on the Bubble?
This year could find some veterans on the bubble come cut-down time. With the recent addition of LB David Harris, Jonathan Freeny who has been a valuable special teams’ contributor and a starter at times on the defense, could be on the outside looking in. He began the 2016 season as a starter on defense in Arizona but ended up on IR with an injury. We’ll be watching him closely this summer.

Brandon Bolden, who also has been a terrific player on special teams for many years could be on the outside looking in with all of the running back depth now on the team with the additions of Mike Gillislee, and Rex Burkhead.

Patriots 2017 Offseason, Belichick’s Best Ever? Time will Tell:
There was an intriguing column by ESPN’s Mike Reiss the other day, mentioning the off season that the Patriots have had and how it ranks among Bill Belichick’s best. And the most interesting part? Reiss doesn’t use the 2007 season as the benchmark, which seems to be the year most people point at, but the 2001 offseason.

He pointed out in the short but really good read, that at the time, nobody thought much of the additions running back Antowain Smith, guard Mike Compton, receiver David Patten, fullback Marc Edwards, quarterback Damon Huard, cornerback Terrell Buckley and linebackers Mike Vrabel, Bryan Cox, Roman Phifer and Larry Izzo. The first round (6th overall) draft pick of Richard Seymour was panned as well. But those players became the core of three Super Bowl winning teams.

The ultimate test of this season’s offseason acquisitions will be made at the end of the 2017 season, but at least on paper, it seems like this group could give 2001 a run for their money.

Brady speaks

On ESPN, Tom Brady addresses Gisele Bundchen's concussion comments, his mom's health, more | weei.com The soon-to-be 40-year-old was asked how long he plans on playing, and he gave the same answer he's given in the past -- his mid-40s. “There’s always a disclaimer. My mid-40s I have always...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Brady speaks'

Jul 2, 2017

On ESPN, Tom Brady addresses Gisele Bundchen's concussion comments, his mom's health, more | weei.com

The soon-to-be 40-year-old was asked how long he plans on playing, and he gave the same answer he's given in the past -- his mid-40s.

“There’s always a disclaimer. My mid-40s I have always said, so naturally that is 45, but football is a contact sport," Brady said. "I don’t think you can take anything for granted in football. Things happen. It’s just part of the sport. I would love to continue playing at that level. As long as I keep playing well and committed to it, I will keep...

• Ring 6
• Replies: 85
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'Brady speaks'

Jul 2, 2017

Because saying 45 means that he doesn't have to deal with a blitzkrieg of questions like Favre did. And it's been quite effective thus far. Again, do you expect him to come right out and tell the world when he plans to retire or announce it? You think he's that kind of guy?

Do you think he is the kind of guy that would spend years just telling repeated bald faced lies about the subject? (Including lying to his father in the quote in my signature)

• XLIX

Post in thread 'Brady speaks'

Jul 2, 2017

On ESPN, Tom Brady addresses Gisele Bundchen's concussion comments, his mom's health, more | weei.com


Can we stop the nonsense on this board now?

I posted the ESPN version of this article (it's from months ago, we all missed it) in the thread next door... something GOAT related or even a side-track in the E-lie memorabilia thread.

You should go to the full ESPN article to enhance your already turgid support of TFB.

This settles one thing for sure: Tom Brady intends to play football for a long time.

The longer ESPN article gives you a great idea of just how humble the guy...

• PatsFanInVa

Post in thread 'Brady speaks'

Jul 3, 2017

Me and my wife made an agreement to smoke a cigarette after sex....I have the same stale pack since 2001....she's up to 3 packs a day...something's fishy

• Joker

July 2, 2018:

Jerod Mayo's Lost Dog - RIP 'Knox'

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Jerod Mayo's Lost Dog - RIP 'Knox''

Jul 2, 2018

• IcyPatriot
• Replies: 104
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'Jerod Mayo's Lost Dog - RIP 'Knox''

Aug 6, 2018

Update: the trainer killed Mayo’s dog

Jerod Mayo's dog, Knox, found in trainer's apartment | Boston.com

• SHOWTIME15

Post in thread 'Jerod Mayo's Lost Dog - RIP 'Knox''

Jul 18, 2018

Since we are talking about our pets, let me introduce Bruschi. He turned 1 in March and already owns the neighbourhood (in his mind).

I’m from Vancouver, Canada so I get a lot of strange looks when I tell people his name. The usual reply is “cute, you named him after beer” which I respond “no, he’s named after a football player who played like a ferocious Bulldog”.

• Boomer B

Post in thread 'Jerod Mayo's Lost Dog - RIP 'Knox''

Jul 2, 2018

I’m looking forward to seeing PatsFans turn this into a political argument.

• TB_Helmet

July 2, 2019:

Pats Trivia: Who is the only AFC team the Pats have never faced in the playoffs?

??? The Patriots are likely the only team in the league that can say they’ve faced all but one team in their conference in the playoffs at some point in their history. But there is still one team they’ve never faced. I think it’s a pretty incredible accomplishment and shows the consistency...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Pats Trivia: Who is the only AFC team the Pats have never faced in the playoffs?'

Jul 2, 2019

???

The Patriots are likely the only team in the league that can say they’ve faced all but one team in their conference in the playoffs at some point in their history. But there is still one team they’ve never faced.

I think it’s a pretty incredible accomplishment and shows the consistency we’ve maintained.

• Joey007
• Replies: 46
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

B

Post in thread 'Pats Trivia: Who is the only AFC team the Pats have never faced in the playoffs?'

Jul 2, 2019

We're not on to Cincinnati?

• Bonzo

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The 2020s​

July 2, 2020:

NFL Cuts Preseason in Half as League Begins Adjusting For Coronavirus | PatsFans.com

In a move that will probably make a few people happy, the league decided on Thursday to cut the number of preseason games in half for the 2020 exhibition season.

www.patsfans.com

In a move that will probably make a few people happy, the league decided on Thursday to cut the number of preseason games in half for the 2020 exhibition season.​

According to ProFootballTalk.com, the NFL has scrapped week one and week four from the schedule, cutting the number of games down to two. That works out well for coaching staffs who can instead use the extra time while working with players in preparation for the regular season, while also limiting travel for both players and personnel.​

More importantly, it also limits the potential exposure for the players to the coronavirus, which is seeing an increase in various states across the country.​

VIDEO: S**t Pats Fans Say - Cam Newton Edition | PatsFans.com

Fitzy and Kipp react to the New England Patriots signing of Cam Newton in an all new "S**t Pats Fans Say" video.

www.patsfans.com

VIDEO: Julian Edelman Reunites With Danny Amendola In Ad For "NERF" | PatsFans.com

Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola create music video for NERF in latest commercial spot.

www.patsfans.com

ICYMI: Cam Newton and Mohamed Sanu Already Working Out Together In LA | PatsFans.com

Cam Newton and Mohamed Sanu share video over social media of their workouts together in Southern California.

www.patsfans.com

Cam Newton Speaks About His Contract Over Instagram "It's Not About The Money" | PatsFans.com

Cam Newton shares reasoning behind contact agreement with Patriots in post to Instagram.

www.patsfans.com

Throwback Thursday: A Look Back At The Career Of Mike Haynes | PatsFans.com

A "throwback thursday" look back at the career of cornerback Mike Haynes as he celebrates his birthday this week.

www.patsfans.com

Tom Brady "Football's Fun again"

Tom Brady Says ‘Football's Fun Again' With Buccaneers Sounds like Brady taking a dig against Belichick.....or maybe he isn't,maybe hes just saying that because Gronk is back at his disposal......no one knows but it seemed to me well before this that Tom has not been a happy camper in New...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Tom Brady "Football's Fun again"'

Jul 2, 2020

Tom Brady Says ‘Football's Fun Again' With Buccaneers

Sounds like Brady taking a dig against Belichick.....or maybe he isn't,maybe hes just saying that because Gronk is back at his disposal......no one knows but it seemed to me well before this that Tom has not been a happy camper in New England for at least last season if not a few years before.

• PATRIOTSFANINPA
• Replies: 209
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'Tom Brady "Football's Fun again"'

Jul 2, 2020

I'm sure Belichick is a ton less fun to play for than the Arians.

It's probably also going to be a lot more fun to be golfing in January than watching Cam host a Lombardi.

• fnordcircle

B

Post in thread 'Tom Brady "Football's Fun again"'

Jul 3, 2020

I wonder if some part of Brady, who was quietly grumbling to everybody would listen about his weapons last year, is sweating bullets right now about the prospect of Cam making this offense hum.

(The optimist in me still contends that the collective health of Edelman / Sanu / Harry -- who knows, maybe even Michel and Wynn -- had a bigger impact than the team let on.)

• Bonzo

C

Post in thread 'Tom Brady "Football's Fun again"'

Aug 14, 2020

Another report saying Brady was pi$$ed about Antonio Brown getting cut...the dude deserved it and he's suspended 8 games because he threatened that woman...not sure I understand Brady here.

Tom Brady Reportedly Held a Beef Against Patriots For Cutting Antonio Brown | FM 96.9 The Game | FOX Sports Radio

Also, Montana came out and said earlier this week that Tom told him that the Pats were not listening to him when they asked him for his advice...

I guess multiple reasons for why Brady wanted to go elsewhere...

Not sure I understand what's so hard to understand...It's...

• captain stone

July 2, 2021:

Front Seven

I’m going to be interested in how well the defensive front seven plays this year. I’m worried that there aren’t enough playmakers there. I mean, it’s a deep group, but there aren’t any potentially elite players. My biggest hope is that Judon will flourish and take that next step and become a...

www.patsfans.com

H

Thread 'Front Seven'

Jul 2, 2021

I’m going to be interested in how well the defensive front seven plays this year. I’m worried that there aren’t enough playmakers there. I mean, it’s a deep group, but there aren’t any potentially elite players. My biggest hope is that Judon will flourish and take that next step and become a pass rushing terror in the Pats’ system. But so far he’s just been a “pretty good” NFL pass rusher.

Beyond that, we’re just hoping for a lot from the 31-year olds (Van Noy, Hightower, and Guy). Hightower is the only one I have pegged as an elite enough athlete to possibly be a PB caliber player...

• HetfieldFogerty
• Replies: 63
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'Front Seven'

Jul 2, 2021

I don't think we signed Judon specifically to be a 15+ sack guy. Edge players in this system have never been primarily asked to be "pass rushing terrors". I can deal with "pretty good" pass rushing if the other aspects of his game are just as competent.

I share the same concerns about our reliance on relatively old players, but the early reports are that the year off had a positive effect on Hightower's physical abilities. We'll see how that turns out, it certainly isn't settled yet.

Overall, I think we're looking at an improved unit from 2020. You can't understate the difference...

• jah

S

Post in thread 'Front Seven'

Jul 2, 2021

I think Bill is already salivating. The QB is never going to know where (or from what level) the pressure is coming from. Welcome to stunt city. And Barmore is capable of generating interior pressure on his own - something we've been lacking for years now. The fact that our leading pass-rusher last year (Winovich) might well not make the team tells you something. And don't sleep on the rookie Perkins - his Oklahoma DE coach said: "You don't see many guys come in and take over a game from that [defensive end] position, but he's the best player on the field. You can't take your eyes off him."

• SlowGettingUp

Post in thread 'Front Seven'

Jul 3, 2021

I loved the Perkins pick too.. But it’s a rare 2nd day pick that starts on this D. Winovich showed a ton as a rookie pass rusher, but he wasn’t getting starts to my recollection. He and Barmore make me excited about a year or two from now, but I don’t expect a huge contribution in Year 1 (unless we burn through depth or multiple players underperform above him on the depth chart.)

I believe the issue with Winovich is his inability to "hold the edge", we will see this year if he has improved in this area...

• DarrylS

Post in thread 'Front Seven'

Jul 3, 2021

Assuming healthy, they should be better (on paper). The defense overall last year was middle of the road statistically. Everything that went wrong for them started as a result of very poor run defense. Teams not only ran for first downs, but created constant 3rd and shorts, which completely negated the strength of the defense (the secondary). So looking at the front seven compared to last year, considering run D first:

IDL - We lost Butler, who was never considered much of a run defender. We added three guys who, while not Ted Washington, were all rated highly in run D in 2020...

• Sicilian

July 2, 2022:

Wide Receivers depth chart

Just saw this story that Meyers is hoping to sign a long-term deal. Looking at the stories out of mini camp and the overall depth in the wide receivers room, what do you think his prospects for that really are? I like him, but I’m not sure he’s in a strong position. Here is the depth chart...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Wide Receivers depth chart'

Jun 9, 2022

Just saw this story that Meyers is hoping to sign a long-term deal. Looking at the stories out of mini camp and the overall depth in the wide receivers room, what do you think his prospects for that really are?

I like him, but I’m not sure he’s in a strong position.

Here is the depth chart, as I see it. The original source was Patriots.com unofficial depth chart. I re-arranged it to update as I see it after the minicamp. Feel free to discuss that as well as Meyers’ long term deal prospects. I think the first two are likely to stick in those slots, at most they may swap positions...

• n1997y
• Replies: 716
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'Wide Receivers depth chart'

Jun 9, 2022

Harry will make the 53. He will not go away. I have feeling this is his year.

• Betterthanmost

Post in thread 'Wide Receivers depth chart'

Jul 20, 2022

On the one hand, kind of nice to not have Julian's number out there yet. On another, seeing a bigger bodied outside WR wearing #1 might take me a while to process the PTSD.

• Sicilian

July 2, 2023:

Patriots News 7-02, Parker, Bentley Get Paid, Belichick Quotes on SB XXVI | PatsFans.com

"He is very smart and knows the entire defense. He's fast, big, strong at the point of attack. He's just a great player, Mayo said of Bentley.

www.patsfans.com

Dante Scarnecchia: The long-time Patriots’ coach has been honored by the NFL Hall of Fame this week. Scarnecchia will receive the Pro Football Hall of Fame Award of Excellence after learning earlier this spring that owner Robert Kraft announced that Scarnecchia will join the Patriots’ team Hall of Fame this year.

Coach Scar’s time with the Patriots goes back to Ray Berry and Ron Meyer, culminating in five Super Bowl victories with Bill Belichick. Anyone who attended training camps at Gillette Stadium will remember Coach Scar doing the hill sprints with his offensive linemen after practice sessions in the July/August heat.


Dalvin Cook: The former Vikings’ running back has been rumored to be possibly headed to New England. A sports betting site has the Patriots as the odds-on favorite to sign both Cook and DeAndre Hopkins this summer. However, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport threw some cold water on that report.


Suzy Kolber/Todd McShay: Kolber, who has worked for ESPN for 27 years, announced on Twitter Thursday that she was being let go by the network in the latest of a run of layoffs by the media giant.

Kolber was a fixture on ESPN and was the host of Monday Night Countdown among her many duties covering the NFL for the network. Kolber posted on Twitter this short message: “Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off. Heartbreaking-but 27 years at ESPN was a good run. So grateful for a 38 yr career! Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of.

McShay has been with the network for 17 years, focusing mainly on the NFL Draft and analysis. Originally brought on board in the event that ESPN lost Mel Kiper, he and Kiper would act as foils for one another during draft season.

Other well-known football commentators let go by ESPN on Friday include Steve Young, Matt Hasselback, and Keyshawn Johnson.


Jonathan Jones: The Patriots’ cornerback pushed back on the NFL’s gambling policy after several players were suspended for violating the league’s rules on gambling.

“I understand rules are rules,” Jones said in a Twitter post, “but I can risk my life so that my team wins, but I can’t risk 1k on my team winning.”


Parker, Bentley Get New Deals —

The Patriots signed DeVante Parker, who was entering the final year of his contract to a new deal that will carry him through 2025. As part of his new contract, Parker can reportedly earn up to $33 million, although much of that is tied up with incentives and roster bonuses.

The Patriots also extended linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley to a two-year extension that is worth an estimated $18.75 million, with $9 million fully guaranteed. Bentley, who turns 27 in 2023, is a 6’2, 245-pound thumper in the middle who is outstanding in run support and has used his speed and athleticism to become a much better coverage backer.


Did Belichick Diss the 2001 Super Bowl-Winning Patriots?

On the “33rd Team Podcast,” Bill Belichick made some comments that drew the ire of former Patriot linebacker and now television analyst Ted Johnson. To be fair, most of what Belichick does these days also is slammed by Johnson, but Belichick’s comments deserve a look.

“When the opportunity came in 2000, even though this team was nowhere near the team that we left in ’96, it had declined quite a bit, there were still a few pillars here that we could build with,” Belichick said. “And I’d say by ’03 — even though we won in ’01 — by ’03, this was a pretty good football team in all three phases of the game. It kind of took the same basic four-year window that it took in Cleveland. Again, we were fortunate to win in ’01, but I’d say by ’03, ’04, we had one of the better teams in the league.”

“It amazes me that he would devalue or discredit the 2001 Super Bowl team,” Johnson said. “I know we were 14-point underdogs, but it’s weird. I would think he would be more proud of that Super Bowl than any of them. I take issue with these comments.”

None of what Belichick said there was truly inflammatory. The 2001 Patriots started off badly and then lost QB Drew Bledsoe, who had signed a $100 million contract. That team then remarkably pulled together and got hot at exactly the right time. However, they entered Super Bowl XXXVI as 14-point underdogs. That wasn’t an oversight, and no one gave them a chance. But the defense overachieved, and Tom Brady emerged as Mr. Clutch for the first time.

Thread 'NEW ARTICLE: Patriots News 7-02, Parker, Bentley Get Paid, Belichick Quotes on SB XXVI'

Jul 2, 2023

Patriots News 7-02, Parker, Bentley Get Paid, Belichick Quotes on SB XXVI
Steve Balestrieri
"He is very smart and knows the entire defense. He's fast, big, strong at the point of attack. He's just a great player, Mayo said of Bentley.

The post Patriots News 7-02, Parker, Bentley Get Paid, Belichick Quotes on SB XXVI appeared first on PatsFans.com.

Continue reading...

(If you enjoyed this entry - hit the Thumbs Up/If not, hit the Thumbs down in this thread)

• PatsFans.com Article
• Replies: 7
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'NEW ARTICLE: Patriots News 7-02, Parker, Bentley Get Paid, Belichick Quotes on SB XXVI'

Jul 3, 2023

Yeah in the ESPN layoffs thread no mention was made of McShay being among them; that's a shame.

I wonder if they'll continue to use Scouts Inc for their rankings/profiles...

Maybe Josh will hire McShay as the GM of the Raiders? Worked out well last time for Gruden

• One-If-By-Sea

Post in thread 'NEW ARTICLE: Patriots News 7-02, Parker, Bentley Get Paid, Belichick Quotes on SB XXVI'

Jul 4, 2023

Can always count on Ted Johnson to show his hatred for bill.

TJ will always have an opinionated view on BB as they had a riff for a long time..

• Real fan 02

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More 2020s News​

July 2, 2024:

Patriots sign former Lions LB Jahlani Tavai to three-year deal after 2023 breakout, per report

Tavai started 16 games for New England last year

www.cbssports.com

The Hawaii native enjoyed a breakout in 2023 with five tackles for loss, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Originally a second-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions in 2019, Tavai spent the first two seasons of his NFL career in Motor City, logging 16 combined starts, primarily at middle linebacker. He signed to the Patriots' practice squad in 2021 and emerged as a staple of the linebacker corps the following year.​

Sources: Pats give extension to emerging star LB Jahlani Tavai

The Patriots and LB Jahlani Tavai have agreed on an extension as the emerging star was entering the final season of his 2022 deal, after first joining New England on the practice squad.

www.espn.com

- New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai, who tied for second on the team in tackles last year while emerging as a key cog for one of the NFL's top-rated defenses, has agreed to a three-year contract extension, league sources told ESPN.​

The extension has a base value of $15 million that can be worth up to $21 million, per sources.​

Tavai was entering the final season of the two-year extension he signed in November 2022 worth up to $4.4 million. He was scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.625 million in 2024.​

The extension continues an offseason trend for the Patriots under first-year executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and first-year head coach Jerod Mayo -- first re-signing many of the team's top unrestricted free agents in March, and now moving on to sign players who still had a year remaining on their deals -- a group including running back Rhamondre Stevenson, center David Andrews, defensive tackle Christian Barmore and now Tavai.​

Tavai has appeared in all 17 regular-season games each of the past two seasons, with 28 starts. His 107 tackles in 2023 tied with safety Kyle Dugger behind only linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley (114).​

Tavai's physicality and intelligence, along with his versatility to play inside and outside linebacker and on the punt protection unit, has contributed to him carving out an important niche.​

PATRIOTS NEWS - Patriots Agree to 3-year Extension with Tavai

Per Mike Reiss:

www.patsfans.com

PATRIOTS NEWS Thread 'Patriots Agree to 3-year Extension with Tavai'

Jul 2, 2024

Per Mike Reiss:

• Ian
• Replies: 118
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

PATRIOTS NEWS Post in thread 'Patriots Agree to 3-year Extension with Tavai'

Jul 2, 2024

Think some of you are underestimating Tavai’s performance last year. He was very good. This is actually a solid deal.

• Joey007

C

PATRIOTS NEWS Post in thread 'Patriots Agree to 3-year Extension with Tavai'

Jul 2, 2024

LOL, I'm more excited about the all-caps expletives from @captain stone coming later today.

A minimum-wager could perform in similar fashion to the Jalopy. Waste of ****ing money.

This is a signing of which Little Billy Notgoat himself would approve, and for which he would've been Justifiably lambasted.

Never seen so many re-signings/extensions from a 4-13 team.

Keeping dudes whom the HC "likes": Meet the New boss...

• captain stone

July 2, 2024:
Former Patriots director of pro scouting Steve Cargile signs with the Houston Texans.
The Pats had let him go in May.

Texans hire ex-Patriots exec Steve Cargile as senior personnel executive, promote DJ Debick to director of pro scouting

Texans add to personnel department

www.click2houston.com

The Texans hired former New England Patriots director of pro scouting Steve Cargile as a senior personnel executive and assistant director of pro scouting.​

The Texans promoted DJ Debick to director of pro scouting as the replacement for former director of pro scouting Ronnie McGill, whose contract had expired and wasn’t renewed, per league sources.​

Debick, like general manager Nick Caserio, is a fellow John Carroll University football alum.​

Cargile is a former Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety as the 6-foot-2, 215-pound former Columbia University Ivy League standout played in 16 career games in the NFL after going undrafted.​

McGill was previously with the Patriots as a scout, including contributing to three Super Bowl winning teams, before joining the Texans.​

McGill was a scouting assistant for New England for two years, joining them in 2010, before being promoted to pro scout.​

McGill started his NFL career as a seasonal intern for the Tennessee Titans’ scouting department in 2009.​

From May 14, 2024:

Two Patriots front office members won't return in 2024 | Sporting News

Changes are already happening under Eliot Wolf.

www.sportingnews.com

The New England Patriots officially named Eliot Wolf the team's executive vice president of player personnel on Saturday, and there are already changes coming to the front office under him.​

According to Inside the League's Neil Stratton, Patriots director of pro scouting Steve Cargile and area scout Taylor Redd will not be back with the team for the 2024 season.​

Cargile, 41, is a former NFL safety who joined the Patriots front office in 2011 and took on the role of pro scouting director in 2021.​

MORSE: Pre-Training Camp Patriots Roster Projection | PatsFans.com

Patriots 2024 53-man Roster Projection – Pre-Training Camp

www.patsfans.com

Offensive Line (9): Chuks Okorafor, Mike Onwenu, Sidy Sow, David Andrews, Caedan Wallace, Layden Robinson, Calvin Anderson, Jake Andrews, Nick Leverett

PUP/IR (1): Cole Strange

Cuts (6): Vederian Lowe (PS), Atonio Mafi (PS), Tyrone Wheatley, Michael Jordan, Charles Turner (PS), Zuri Henry (PS)

I am very concerned about the Offensive Line. Potential starters are Okorafor LT, Sow LG, D, Andrews C, Onwenu RG, and Wallace RT. If and that is a big if, they can gel, this could be a very good Offensive line. The question marks is whether or not Okorafor can move from Right Tackle to Left Tackle; Sow filling in for Cole Strange and can he make the transition from RG to LG; Michale Onwenu moving back to RG and rookie Caeden Wallace starting at RT. According to Greg Bedard, Onwenu looked out of shape at Spring workouts and that needs to be monitored. Onwenu got paid this year and this is how he shows up to off season workouts?

I am not sold on Jake Andrews but the team does not have a proven backup Center. Could Undrafted rookie Charles Turner put pressure on him for the backup spot?

Tuesday Patriots Notebook 7/2: News and Notes | PatsFans.com

Former Patriots defensive back Jack Jones' time in New England was certainly short to say the least, and it sounds like the club closed the book on the Arizona State standout, at least financially.

www.patsfans.com

Patriots Settle Grievance With Jones​

Former Patriots defensive back Jack Jones’ time in New England was certainly short, to say the least. Fortunately, it sounds like the club finally closed the book on the Arizona State standout, at least financially.

According to Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan, the former 2022 fourth-round draft pick finally ended his salary grievance, receiving $23,889 in cash this offseason, which stemmed from the suspension he received from the team back at the end of the 2022 season. Benzan points out that sum is 1/18th of the $430k salary for Jones that year.

Jones’ grievance originated from the disagreement over the team’s punishment, which happened after he suffered a knee injury that season but missed team-mandated appointments during his rehabilitation process. He ultimately ended up on injured reserve at the end of the season.

MMQB analyst Albert Breer appeared on NBC Sports Boston after things unfolded and talked about the embattled defensive back’s situation, which he claimed also included an issue between Jones and then-head coach Bill Belichick.

“My understanding of the way that went is, (Jones) was late to rehab sessions, he missed rehab sessions,” said Breer back in January. “And I think he even talked back to Bill a little bit about it, to the point where Bill felt like he had to address it in a team meeting two Fridays ago.”





July 2, 2025:

Patriots News 7/2: What Will the McDaniels Effect Be? | PatsFans.com

In today's edition of Patriots news, Josh McDaniels has been in the spotlight as of late, with many wondering just what kind of impact he'll have on the team this season.

www.patsfans.com

1) Josh McDaniels has been in the spotlight as of late, with many wondering just what kind of impact he’ll have on the team this season.

The hope is that we’ll see a return of an offensive performance closer to what we saw in 2020 and 2021, when he managed to get the best out of both Cam Newton and Mac Jones.

Prior to moving on to Las Vegas, McDaniels’ final season in New England certainly saw the Patriots’ offense click. New England finished that season sixth in the NFL in scoring, which saw them break the 40-point threshold three times, including two games where they scored 50.

Heading into 2025, the gap compared to their peers a year ago was massive. Both the Lions and Bills led the league in scoring last season, with Detroit finishing the regular season having scored 564 points, while Buffalo put up 525.

Obviously, Buffalo sits here within the Division and thus far appears to be the favorite. The Dolphins and Jets ranked in the bottom half of scoring last year, putting up 345 and 338 points, respectively.

New England scored just 289 last season, and it felt like a struggle just to reach that number.

That’s a far cry from the 462 points they scored under McDaniels in 2021. The hope now is that with a physically more gifted quarterback in Drake Maye and a better cast than a year ago that they can get back to being competitive again on offense.

Fun Fact: Patriots Led NFL in Point Differential for 4 Weeks in 2021, Finished 3rd Overall

Was digging around and looking at the point totals in 2021, and after clicking, noticed that from Week 11 through Week 14 (despite being idle that week), they were at the top of the league in point differential: They actually ended up finishing third in the NFL that season in that...

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Fun Fact: Patriots Led NFL in Point Differential for 4 Weeks in 2021, Finished 3rd Overall'

Jul 2, 2025

Was digging around and looking at the point totals in 2021, and after clicking, noticed that from Week 11 through Week 14 (despite being idle that week), they were at the top of the league in point differential:









They actually ended up finishing third in the NFL that season in that category:

2021 NFL Point Differential Totals

2021 NFL Point Differential Totals Points By Quarter and Season Point Differentials.

www.patsfans.com

You can click around on the weeks, which will show you week-to-week how things played out.

I either didn't realize or had forgotten about it, but it was surprising to see...

• Ian
• Replies: 11
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

Post in thread 'Fun Fact: Patriots Led NFL in Point Differential for 4 Weeks in 2021, Finished 3rd Overall'

Jul 2, 2025

That was a weird team. They weren't a very good and should've been dead to right after starting 2-4. The talk of BB getting exposed was getting loud. The same thing was happening in the NFC with the 49ers as Shanahan's seat was getting extremely hot going 2-4. Both teams making the playoffs with that start was very unusual. The Pats had a stretch of an easy schedule ripping off 7 straight wins. After they won in Buffalo, they were the #1 seed and it was theirs to lose. The slide started in Indy going 2-3 after the win in Buffalo.

• TheRainMaker

Post in thread 'Fun Fact: Patriots Led NFL in Point Differential for 4 Weeks in 2021, Finished 3rd Overall'

Jul 2, 2025

That was a weird team. They weren't a very good and should've been dead to right after starting 2-4. The talk of BB getting exposed was getting loud. The same thing was happening in the NFC with the 49ers as Shanahan's seat was getting extremely hot going 2-4. Both teams making the playoffs with that start was very unusual. The Pats had a stretch of an easy schedule ripping off 7 straight wins. After they won in Buffalo, they were the #1 seed and it was theirs to lose. The slide started in Indy going 2-3 after the win in Buffalo.

Yep.

Fortunate to make the playoffs at all. The...

• sb1

Post in thread 'Fun Fact: Patriots Led NFL in Point Differential for 4 Weeks in 2021, Finished 3rd Overall'

Jul 2, 2025

Also think Ernie Adams retiring hurt a lot.

It was the whole franchise turning over. An insane amount of experience and brain power had left by this time. But like we saw with Mayo, who came in with no one, we saw BB not have anyone he felt like he could rely on because he had only been in one place for the past 20 years.

Very difficult task to conquer. He couldn't do it. He really fumbled it. Even on his way out, players said he was still just as right as he ever was from a scheme perspective, but the staff changes, losing TB, losing his FO over the two decades, it all got back...

• Vindicate

July 2, 2026:

Mack’s off season grind

Patriots posted a few video clips of Mack Hollins doing the off season grind. Noticed his coach is also barefoot, iirc that’s where Mack picked up the unshod style some years ago,

www.patsfans.com

Thread 'Mack’s off season grind'

Today at 12:01 AM

Patriots posted a few video clips of Mack Hollins doing the off season grind.

Noticed his coach is also barefoot, iirc that’s where Mack picked up the unshod style some years ago,

• n1997y
• Replies: 15
• Forum: PatsFans.com - Patriots Fan Forum

 

[NCPATSFAN1971]

Yes, correct; good catch.

I had it right in the title but wrong in the post.

Thanks

Once again, I love the Patriots History Review.

BTW, Troy Brown is one of my favorite of all time players. Not only did he usually make a clutch play at just the right time but he was also humble. I'll never forget an interview that he had after he had made an outstanding clutch play during a game and the sportscaster was praising him and Troy just said " nah, Im just a football player".