Today in Patriots History
News from the 2010s
July 8, 2010:
Here are today's New England Patriots headlines for Friday July 9th, 2010.
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We'll kick off this morning with an article from Jeff Howe of NESN.com who
expects a big year from wide receiver Randy Moss, pointing out that the last time Moss was in a contract year (2007) he had a record breaking season.
For any Charlie Weis fans out there, UHND.com has
a look back at Weis' first season with Notre Dame. Weis had a tough go of it in the college ranks, finishing with a Career Record: of 35-27 before being fired by the University.
Caylan Davis of NESN.com takes a look at wide receiver Wes Welker, and wonders
if he will indeed be ready to go by the time the Patriots are ready for their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The West Virginia Metro News has an article on former Patriot Troy Brown, who is set
to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame next week.
Fans tend to get excited whenever there are any uniform changes, and apparently the Patriots are making changes to theirs this year. No changes are coming on the gridiron, but according to the Boston Herald
it appears that the cheerleaders are getting an upgrade to theirs this year.
OTHER NFL HEADLINES:
After his recent arrest, JaMarcus Russell is actually getting some support from media outlets who are blaming the Oakland Raiders who they feel treated Russell badly during his tenure with the team. The Raiders are firing back, and
claiming they did all they could for the troubled quarterback.
"We did all that we could to intervene and assist with a myriad of issues with JaMarcus Russell. NFL policy restricts our ability to comment publicly at this time. Therefore, those in the media who declare what the Raiders knew or should have known or what the Raiders did or should have done, are reckless, irresponsible and offensive and do a disservice to all concerned, including the public."
More evidence is coming out regarding the Michael Vick shooting incident. WAVY.com reports that surveillance footage showed that Vick had left the scene of his 30th birthday party just minutes before the shooting at Virginia Beach Town Center took place. The video does show that he was involved in an altercation, but
left the scene before the incident took place. Vick went on to say recently that "there never should have been a party".
As first pointed out
earlier today by the Herald's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots defensive back wrote an entry a couple of days ago and gave some insight into his thoughts about this offseason, along with his time living here in New England.
Like the majority of fans who are excited for the start of training camp, Butler also sounds like he's excited for this season.
"It seems like forever since I last played a game,"
writes Butler in his blog. "In college, you have a bowl game in January, and by March you're already having spring practice. It seems like so long since I played a football game, I really can't wait until the season starts and I can get back on the field again."
2010 Patriots Player Rankings http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/columns/story?columnist=reiss_mike&id=5363317 _________________________________________________________ Reiss' rankings are primarily based on four factors: 1. Talent. 2. Importance in the short and long term...
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2010 Patriots Player Rankings
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/columns/story?columnist=reiss_mike&id=5363317
_________________________________________________________
Reiss' rankings are primarily based on four factors:
1. Talent.
2. Importance in the short and long term (which projects development).
3. Positional value.
4. Economic value.
-------------------------
Jeez. Some of the players I have in my squad dont match who he has. And I certainly wouldn't have Mike Wright as my 20th most valuable player. (At least 15 positions too high IMHO). And Fred...
A 60-man squad is appropriate at the moment. After all, there will be injuries. Welker and Mankins may or may not have roster spots gor Game One. I find his ratings of Wright, G. Warren and Taylor especially interesting.
Some notes, nitpicks and surprises
OFFENSE (25)
If Welker and Mankins are back, I guess his roster is fine. He does have only 8 OL's and Larsen as the backup center. I would include Connolly, but I'm fine with Connolly at 54. A roster spot will open. If not (and we have Welker and Mankins), then we're fine in any case.
I'm fine with Aiken and Slater as two...
July 8, 2011:
A 2: 41 highlight video of Virginia rookie defensive back Ras-I Dowling
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cstjohn raised an interesting question in the Pass Rusher thread - I thought we could break it out and have a separate discussion. Who should be the slot corner? The Patriots are in the nickel a lot. The base 3-4 was used less than half the time in 2010. Let's assume the Patriots don't...
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cstjohn raised an interesting question in the Pass Rusher thread - I thought we could break it out and have a separate discussion.
Who should be the slot corner?
The Patriots are in the nickel a lot. The base 3-4 was used less than half the time in 2010.
Let's assume the Patriots don't add any significant defensive (not special teams) corners in free agency.
In the primary nickel defense, who would be the slot corner?
Roster:
Devin McCourty - 5-11 193, 4.48
Leigh Bodden - 6-1 193
Ras-I Dowling - 6-1 198, 4.39
Kyle Arrington - 5-9 192
Darius Butler - 5-10 183, 4.38...
cstjohn raised an interesting question in the Pass Rusher thread - I thought we could break it out and have a separate discussion.
Who should be the slot corner?
The Patriots are in the nickel a lot. The base 3-4 was used less than half the time in 2010.
Let's assume the Patriots don't add any significant defensive (not special teams) corners in free agency.
In the primary nickel defense, who would be the slot corner?
Roster:
Devin McCourty - 5-11 193, 4.48
Leigh Bodden - 6-1 193
Ras-I Dowling - 6-1 198, 4.39
Kyle Arrington - 5-9 192
Darius Butler - 5-10 183, 4.38...
This might be a cop-out, but I think all four players will be given the chance to compete for that role, and whoever does best in training camp will get it. I also think it's silly for people to write off Dowling because of his skillset. Yes, he might be better suited for the outside, but if he can cover NFL recievers and bring the nessesary amount of phyiscality to the position, I wouldn't be surprised to see him win the job.
This might be a cop-out, but I think all four players will be given the chance to compete for that role, and whoever does best in training camp will get it. I also think it's silly for people to write off Dowling because of his skillset. Yes, he might be better suited for the outside, but if he can cover NFL recievers and bring the nessesary amount of phyiscality to the position, I wouldn't be surprised to see him win the job.
Sure, they'll all be given the chance. If you had to pick somebody and read the tea leaves, who would it be?
I'd say Wilhite and Arrington are the safe...
July 8, 2012:
Last year Wes Welker said that he did not want to have any contract negotiations take place once the season began. Was that really the right decision to get a deal done - and was that really the right decision to avoid distractions?
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Normally I would completely agree with Welker in his desire to avoid the possibility of contract negotiations becoming a possible distraction during the season. In retrospect however, I think he and his agent should have reconsidered this decision given the very unique circumstances that the lockout had on working out a contract extension that would have been acceptable to both parties. Their hard stance on the topic may have resulted in their painting themselves into a corner in regards to getting a long term deal done, and the peace of mind from the added financial security that it would have provided.
Did anyone get their tickets yet (if so... when)??? I am curious on when they are being sent out.
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Did anyone get their tickets yet (if so... when)???
I am curious on when they are being sent out.
July 8, 2013:
I've been on leave now for the past week which is the reason for all of my posts, I am bored. But I want to know people's take on Aaron Dobson, the rookie WR and what his role will be in the offense. I feel as though, he is slightly being underappreciated and overlooked being the attention and...
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I've been on leave now for the past week which is the reason for all of my posts, I am bored. But I want to know people's take on Aaron Dobson, the rookie WR and what his role will be in the offense. I feel as though, he is slightly being underappreciated and overlooked being the attention and press that other receivers taken before him are getting and half of them aren't even as good IMO. I like this guy's size, hands, route running, deceptive speed and again, great hands. Made a few one handed grabs including that great one that always scores the highlight reels. But what I also...
it will take this kid a few years to get the system. he won't be a 1000 yard receiver next year, which sucks because the team has really no one else at WR other than Amendola (if he's even healthy).
If we can get 40 catches and 500 yards and 5 TDs outta him, I'd be thrilled.
it will take this kid a few years to get the system. he won't be a 1000 yard receiver next year, which sucks because the team has really no one else at WR other than Amendola (if he's even healthy).
We can pretty reasonably guess that, and manage expectations accordingly, but we're seeing WRs come in and make impacts far faster than we used to, due to the increasing complexity of college offenses. If he comes in and plays as the credible #1 wideout this year, it shouldn't shock anyone.
Different positions, but people were saying the same things about Jones, Solder, and...
We can pretty reasonably guess that, and manage expectations accordingly, but we're seeing WRs come in and make impacts far faster than we used to, due to the increasing complexity of college offenses. If he comes in and plays as the credible #1 wideout this year, it shouldn't shock anyone.
Different positions, but people were saying the same things about Jones, Solder, and McCourty just over the past few years. The Patriots are pretty good at getting immediate production out of their early picks.
also keeping my eye on cordarelle patterson and making sure that he pats didn't...
July 8, 2014:
Here are this morning's New England Patriots news and notes on this Tuesday.
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ARRINGTON MAKING THE MOST OF HIS OPPORTUNITY:
Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington has worked hard since arriving in New England, and he's quietly become an important asset to the Patriots' secondary.
The former standout from Hofstra recently admitted that coming from a small program in college and living the dream of playing of the NFL proves that anything is possible. He's going to be hosting his newly formed "Kamp Kyle" football camp, which will take place July 19th in Plainfield, Connecticut working with players from ages 7 to 18 years old.
"To be in this position, I am a prime example, a real-life example of whatever your dreams are or aspire to be, with undeniable faith, determination, resilience, what can happen. It is possible," Arrington
told Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal. "To be in a situation where I can have a positive impact on just one life, it makes it all worthwhile."
Heading into training camp Arrington knows that the competition will be tougher than it's been in recent years with Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner now in the mix, but he told the newspaper he's looking forward to it.
"Oh man, that's what it's all about in this game. It's all about competition, and we have a great group of guys," Arrington said. "The guys you just mentioned, Revis, Browner … their body of work speaks for itself. I'm definitely looking forward to training camp. When things get full throttle, things should get interesting and be fun."
EDELMAN SET TO DRIVE THE PACE CAR FOR A NASCAR EVENT:
Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman will be taking part in an upcoming event this weekend in New Hampshire for NASCAR's Camping World RV Sales 301 Sprint Cup Series.
Edelman will reportedly be driving the pace car for the event, although unfortunately for the Patriots receiver he won't be driving a glitzy race car during the event. Edelman will be driving a Toyota Camry SE, but he's still excited about participating.
As a punt returner in the NFL, I know all about teamwork, high-speeds and collisions on Sundays," said Edelman
in a media release. "But my goal on Sunday, July 13 will be to get those guys around the track safely before they drop the green flag for what is sure to be a highly-competitive race. I am honored to be chosen to drive the pace car at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and I can't wait to take in my very first NASCAR race from what will certainly be the best seat in the house.
GRONK ON TRACK FOR WEEK ONE RETURN, SPOTTED IN CHICAGO RECENTLY:
After the uncertainty that surrounded him in the early part of last season, the Patriots were forced to live without Rob Gronkowski as he continued recovering from an infection in his forearm, as well as offseason back surgery at the start of 2013.
Heading into training camp we'll be spotlighting players throughout the Patriots' roster, with this edition focusing on running back Stevan Ridley.
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Heading into training camp we'll be spotlighting players throughout the Patriots' roster, with this edition focusing on receiver Kenbrell Thompkins.
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Heading into training camp we'll be spotlighting players throughout the Patriots' roster, with this edition focusing on cornerback Logan Ryan.
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Stephen Houston is the latest members of the Pats to don the number 36; here is a look at those who have preceded them to wear that jersey over the years during the franchise history of the Patriots. For most fans, you are going to first think of a pair of safeties when you see a player in this...
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We should field the best secondary in the AFC in 2014 but the one question mark is the spot opposite Devin McCourty at safety. We have several candidates – - Pat Chung – 2009 second round draft pick - Tavon Wilson – 2012 second round draft pick - Duron Harmon – 2013 third round draft pick -...
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We should field the best secondary in the AFC in 2014 but the one question mark is the spot opposite Devin McCourty at safety. We have several candidates –
- Pat Chung – 2009 second round draft pick
- Tavon Wilson – 2012 second round draft pick
- Duron Harmon – 2013 third round draft pick
- Logan Ryan – 2013 third round draft pick (played CB as a rookie)
I know Harmon is the favorite to win the job, but Chung started and played well for us in 2010 and 2011, Wilson played well at times as a rookie in 2012, and Ryan had a fantastic season as a rookie CB last year.
This is a poll so...
Harmon has already as a rookie outplayed Wilson who I don't think makes the team this year. A dark horse is Brandon Browner. Especially if Ryan steps up as a top #2 corner. If you think about it many Top SS's are converted big physical corners like Lott/Rod Woodson. Think bout it, Browner is a thumper tackler,physical in coverage,a sure tackler and if you watch his highlights he is great in space and breaks on many passes with explosion. You won't find a ss in the NFL that can cover like he can yet possess the height to match a TE or big WR. Many top SS's in the NFL like Byrd/ward lack the...
Chung had a good season in 2010, and was a key player down the stretch in 2011.
In both 2012 and 2013, he was probably the worst starting safety in the league for the brief period that he was allowed to start (before he was benched for being terrible).
My guess would be Harmon, with some possibility that the rumors about Ryan making the switch might be true. If they are, then I wouldn't be surprised to see him start. I'd be pretty surprised if Wilson turned it around in year 3, though, and shocked if it's either Ebner or Chung.
As I see it, Harmon's the safe pick at this point...
Starting safety next to McCourty will be Harmon in all likelihood, but I could easily envision a scenario where that "starter" is only on the field for 50-60% of the snaps. They other 40% or so will be filled by other players who excel (relative term, please don't take it too literally here) at various assignments, such as Chung on some running downs and Ryan for some underneath zones.
I do feel a number of those snaps will be filled without an official second "safety" on the field, where you'll have McCourty single high with four corners lined up in man coverage (or variations). It...
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