Today In Patriots History March 4, 2005: Patriots trade for CB Duane Starks

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats trade for CB Duane Starks​

March 4, 2005:
Six days after releasing 31-year old Ty Law, the Patriots completed a deal for his replacement.

To say that Duane Starks did not live up to expectations - never mind playing at Ty Law's level - would be like saying that Hurricane Katrina was a bit of rain.


Starks had been the 10th overall pick of the 1998 draft, and had a clutch interception in Baltimore's Super Bowl 35 victory over the Giants in the 2000 postseason. He signed with Arizona but dealt with injuries there, missing six games in 2002 and the entire 2003 season. While not as expensive as Law, he was about to turn 31 himself. Starks was beat for touchdowns repeatedly in the first half of the season, and landed on IR with a shoulder injury after a 40-21 home loss to the Colts. The Patriots performed better in games without Starks (7-2) than they did in games he played (3-4).

Starks did not register a single interception in 2005, and he was released on February 25, 2006. He signed with Oakland but played in just three games before being released. The Raiders re-signed him in 2008, after being out of football for an entire year, but he failed to make their roster, mercifully ending his pro football career.



Patriots add to secondary, acquire Starks -- Patriots.com

A trade that has been rumored for several days became official Friday morning, when the New England Patriots announced they have acquired cornerback Duane Starks from the Arizona Cardinals.​

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The Patriots made the trade official by releasing a statement that states they will receive "draft considerations" in April's NFL Draft. Numerous published reports are saying in exchange for Starks, the Patriots will send a third-round pick in the 2005 draft to Arizona and will also swap fifth round picks.​

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After releasing veterans Ty Law, Troy Brown and Roman Phifer in the last week and losing two unrestricted free agents - guard Joe Andruzzi to Cleveland and wide receiver David Patten to Washington - the Patriots made their first offseason addition.​

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"Duane is an experienced player with good production throughout his career," said Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. "Along with our returning defensive backs, we look forward to deepening our secondary with Duane's addition."​

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The acquisition of Starks gives the Patriots a high-profile replacement for veteran Law and an experienced veteran to add to a secondary that was depleted by injuries in 2004. Law, a four-time Pro Bowler in his 10 seasons with the Patriots, suffered a season-ending foot injury against Pittsburgh in Week 8 and was released last week in a move that removes $12 million from the team's 2005 salary cap. Veteran Tyrone Poole, who turned 32 after the season, started four of his five games before he was placed on the injured reserve with a knee injury.​

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The injuries forced the Patriots to turn to two inexperienced cornerbacks - second-year player Asante Samuel and rookie Randall Gay - along with veteran receiver Troy Brown as the main contributors over the second half of the season. Samuel, who had one career start entering 2004, overcame a mid-season shoulder injury of his own to make eight starts during the regular season and all three playoff contests, including Super Bowl XXXIX. Gay, who went undrafted out of Louisiana State University, started eight of the final nine regular season games and joined Samuel in the lineup throughout the playoffs.​

Oct 2, 2005: Reche Caldwell catches a 28-yard pass from Drew Brees, with Duane Starks defending.
The late 3rd quarter score put the Chargers up 31-17 in a game that was tied at halftime, 17-all.​

Starks comes to Patriots in trade

FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) – Duane Starks sees similarities between himself and the cornerback he’ll try to replace in New England’s secondary.Starks has nearly as many interceptions as Ty Law, and both have returned one for a touchdown in the Super Bowl.“I think I’ll fit right in,” Starks said Friday...

www.sunjournal.com

Starks' recent past is marred by injuries, making the trade a calculated risk for the Patriots. After four productive seasons in Baltimore (1998-2001), Starks has missed 23 games over the past three seasons in Arizona. In his first season with the Cardinals in 2001, he was limited to 10 starts with groin, knee and leg injuries. He missed the entire 2003 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in preseason game against Chicago. His 2004 season was slowed by a dislocated shoulder, which limited him to eight starts in 15 games.​

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Starks, who has yet to start all 16 games in a season, finished with 58 tackles, 12 passes defensed and three interceptions in 2004. Once considered to be one of the elite cover corners in the NFL, he has three different seasons with at least five interceptions and has 25 career interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns.​

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The 5-foot-10, 174-pound Starks was drafted by Baltimore, the 10th overall selection in the 1998 draft and the second overall cornerback chosen behind Oakland's Charles Woodson (fourth overall). His career took off quickly in Baltimore, as he became a full-time starter in his third year with the Ravens and started 43 of 62 games over his first four seasons. He collected 175 total tackles, 20 interceptions and 87 pass break ups during that span.​

Despite the injury concerns, it's thought that a healthy Starks would have an immediate impact on the Patriots. The extent of Poole's knee injury is an unknown, and it's not considered a lock that he will return next season. Samuel and Gay both battled through injuries to gain valuable experience, but have started only 18 games collectively.​

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In order for the trade to New England to be consummated, Starks reportedly agreed to restructure the final two years of his current Arizona contract. He signed a five-year, $23 million contract with the Cardinals as an unrestricted free agent in March of 2002, which was scheduled to pay him $3.6 million in base salary in both 2005 and 2006.​

Oct 2, 2005:

Patriots Outmanned, Outclassed By Chargers

On Sunday, the Chargers took it to the Patriots and clobbered them.

www.patsfans.com

To praise (Antonio) Gates for his great day may turn out to be disrespectful towards Drew Brees. The Charger quarterback (Philip Rivers simply has to go) dazzled the Patriots with 19 of 24 passing for 248 yards, two touchdowns and a 137.5 passer rating. He found eight different receivers, was never sacked, and had time to throw on most every play. He carved up a Patriot secondary which was forced to go with Duane Starks and Asante Samuel as the starters. Playing largely a zone defense, Brees was able to find zone seams pretty much all game long.​

Oct 16, 2005:

Tough Opening Stretch Mercifully Over

The Patriots just went through the toughest opening six games in NFL history.

www.patsfans.com

Offensively, the Broncos found a fish in Duane Starks. Jake Plummer torched him frequently in the first half, and the results were disastrous for the most part. On the second play of the second quarter, Rod Smith ran a deep slant right pattern, running right by Starks and taking it 72 yards to the Patriot 5. Tatum Bell took it in from the 4 two plays later. On the second play of the next drive, Ashley Lelie ran the same pattern on Starks and took it 56 yards to the Patriot 17. Denver made it 14-3 three plays later when Plummer found Smith on a 7-yard fade pattern, again with Starks defending.​

Nov 8, 2005:

The End Of An Era

Not this year kids...

www.patsfans.com

Perhaps most nauseating was the successful 3rd and goal touchdown pass from Peyton Manning to Reggie Wayne when everyone in the stadium knew the ball was coming Wayne's way once it was evident that Duane Starks was out there by himself in coverage.​

There are plenty of ways to slice a Patriots defensive blame pie but Starks probably should get the biggest piece. In the first half his primary responsibility, Wayne, had six catches for 65 yards. Starks didn't see the field in the second half and likely won't see practice on Wednesday. Where art thou, Earthwind Moreland? We miss you.​

Feb 25, 2006:

The honeymoon's over: Pats cut CB Starks

Less than a year after surrendering a third-round draft choice to acquire him in a trade, the New England Patriots on Saturday released veteran cornerback Duane Starks.

www.espn.com

The move means the Pats will save the $3.6 million base salary that Starks was due in 2006. He will still count about $1.5 million against this season's salary cap because of past bonuses.​

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The former University of Miami standout, chosen by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round in the 1998 draft, played in seven games and started six contests. He registered 28 tackles and five passes defensed but did not have an interception. New England nearly released Starks at mid-season, then held off and kept him, but he ended up being moved to the injured reserve list in November, ending his season.​

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With the development of cornerbacks such as Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs, and Randall Gay, the Patriots feel there is sufficient young talent on hand. It will not be surprising, as well, if the Patriots add to their cornerback corps with a high-round pick in the April 29-30 draft.​

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There is speculation the Pats may jettison another veteran cornerback, Tyrone Poole, rather than pay him a roster bonus due next month.​

April 14, 2006:

Secondary Solid If Harrison Comes Back

No Harrison, no Law. That explains everything, right?

www.patsfans.com

The Patriot secondary took it on the chin for a lot of the 2005 season, and many people pointed to (Rodney) Harrison's injury as the main reason. Eugene Wilson was not nearly the free safety he was with Harrison back there, making the calls on assignments and adjustments. Duane Starks, Ty Law's replacement at cornerback, looked simply awful in getting beat on deep pass plays, but he complained about coverage assignments and asserted all along that he was merely being used in the wrong way, rather than him being burned badly.​

Sept 21, 2023:

Eight Worst Patriots Trades Of Bill Belichick Era

There are plenty of opportunities to second-guess trades Bill Belichick has made during his time with the New England Patriots.

nesn.com

Duane Starks Doesn't Fill Void In Secondary
The Patriots took a major risk by releasing Pro Football Hall of Famer Ty Law following the 2004 season. Part of the plan to make up for the loss of Law was trading for Duane Starks, but he did little to fill the void.​

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New England gave up a pretty good haul to the Arizona Cardinals to land Starks, too. The Patriots traded away 2005 third- and fifth-round picks in return for Starks and a 2005 fifth-round pick.​

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Starks, who got surpassed on the depth chart by rookie Ellis Hobbs, appeared in just seven games and recorded no interceptions during his one and only season with New England. The Patriots certainly felt Law's departure with Starks doing very little on the field.​

PatsFans discussion on the above article here:

Best and Worst trades of the BB era

https://nesn.com/2023/09/eight-worst-patriots-trades-of-bill-belichick-era/ Saving you the click. In no particular order 1. Trading Up In 2006 NFL Draft To Select Chad Jackson 2. Giving Away Top Draft Capital For Mohamed Sanu 3. Patriots Get Next To Nothing For Chandler Jones 4. Derrick Burgess...

www.patsfans.com

Duane Starks Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Duane Starks - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Pape]

His nickname should have been "charcoal" because he got burnt so much...

absolutely horrible signing...

ranks right up (down?) there with Monty Beisel.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

This and the Sanu trade are probably the worst player evaluations of the BB era off the top of my head. And I give Sanu some level of pass because they were so desperate to salvage Brady's obvious last year. And I mean already in the NFL players, because obviously draft picks are a different beast. He was so terrible and it wasn't even like he had been great in AZ. They gave up real value for him and he was a total disaster.

 

[jmt57]

This and the Sanu trade are probably the worst player evaluations of the BB era off the top of my head. And I give Sanu some level of pass because they were so desperate to salvage Brady's obvious last year. And I mean already in the NFL players, because obviously draft picks are a different beast. He was so terrible and it wasn't even like he had been great in AZ. They gave up real value for him and he was a total disaster.

I agree on both counts. I'm not as harsh as most are about Mohamed Sanu, because the Patriots were in a desperate situation - and all 31 other GMs knew it. Josh Gordon going on IR a couple days later, Antonio Brown long gone - that left the Pats with Edelman, Colts draft bust Phillip Dorsett, a useless rookie (N'Keal Harry), and an unproven, undrafted rookie (Jakobi Myers). There was zero help at TE as well; (how old was Ben Watson at that point, 40?) and a couple of other stiffs so obscure I can't remember their names.

The passing game just had to have another option other than Jules and James White out of the backfield. Sanu had a 10-catch game against the Ravens, but then had an ankle injury a couple weeks later. I have a feeling it was far worse than what we were led to belive, because he never looked the same after his return.

Bad results on the trade for sure - but with the context of the roster situation, plus the injury, I don't rate this trade quite as bad as others.


The Kony Ealy trade - which I'll admit I didn't mind at the time - was flat out bad. Granted the Patriots didn't lose much (lost a 2nd round pick, gained a 3rd), but come on - Ealy didn't even make the roster!

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats sign DT Marcus Stroud​

March 4, 2011:
Patriots officially announce the signing of DT Marcus Stroud
Stories had been circulating for three days prior to th organization making the formal announcement.


Patriots.com press release:

Patriots sign veteran DL Marcus Stroud

The New England Patriots announced today the signing of veteran DL Marcus Stroud.

www.patriots.com

Glen Farley comments, March 1:

Patriots reportedly add veteran Stroud to defensive line

At 32, Marcus Stroud isn’t the player he once was, but the three-time Pro Bowler could add some depth to the New England defense.

www.enterprisenews.com

At the age of 32, Marcus Stroud isn’t the player he once was.​

Back in the day, the 6-foot-6, 310-pound defensive lineman was nothing short of dominant.​

Now? Think of him more along the lines of a guy who can provide depth.​

That has to be the thought process of the New England Patriots, who on Tuesday reportedly reached agreement on a two-year contract with the former Jacksonville Jaguar and Buffalo Bill.​

“A declining player with 10 years in the NFL” is how the Buffalo News described Stroud at the time of his release from the Bills on Feb. 16.​

Still, Stroud could provide some depth in New England where there are questions surrounding the two Warrens – Ty missed all of last season with a hip injury; Gerard was operating on a one-year contract – and Mike Wright, who was limited to 10 games in 2010 due to a concussion.​

Patriots and Stroud in reported deal

Defensive lineman Marcus Stroud, released by the Buffalo Bills last month, will stay in the AFC East. He signed a two-year deal yesterday with the New England Patriots, according to ESPN.com. Stroud,…

www.telegram.com

Due to earn $4.5 million in 2011, Stroud was released by the Bills after struggling last season while making the transition from tackle in a 4-3 scheme to end in a 3-4 defense that ranked dead last in the NFL against the run.​

Stroud’s release was also tied into a youth movement by the Bills, who selected defensive linemen (Central Florida’s Torell Troup; Alex Carrington from Arkansas State) in the second and third rounds of the 2010 draft.​

At one point, Stroud was the kind of lineman a team would build its defense around.​

A first-round pick in the 2001 draft (13th overall, the Georgia product went seven picks after the Patriots selected his teammate, Richard Seymour), Stroud earned consecutive Pro Bowls with the Jaguars from 2003-2005 while excelling at tackle alongside John Henderson.​

Acquired from Jacksonville by the Bills in 2008 for third- and fifth-round selections in that year’s draft, Stroud was credited with 150 tackles, 17 pass deflections and 71/2 sacks in 46 games over three seasons in Buffalo.​

Tom Curran comments, March 1:

What can Stroud do for Patriots?

By Tom E. Curran CSNNE.com It’s not official as of 1 p.m. Tuesday, but there is confirmed interest on the part of the Patriots in signing Marcus Stroud. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports it will bea two-year deal when it’s all said and done. The 32-year-old Stroud was released by Buffalo last week...

www.nbcsportsboston.com

The 6-foot-6, 312-pounder made three Pro Bowls (2003-05) as he and John Henderson formed one of the league's best defensive-tackle tandems in Jacksonville. He was traded to the Bills in 2008 and started 45 of the 46 games he played. He's coming off a shoulder surgery. Buffalo made the move a) to get younger and b) because Stroud's contract had him making 4.5 million in 2011 - highest on the Bills roster.​

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With Stroud coming in, it casts further intrigue into the future of the Warrens. Ty Warren is coming off hip surgery and is due to make over 3 million in salary this year. Gerard Warren is a free agent who played well for the Pats in a pinch in 2010. Meanwhile, it also makes you wonder about the health of Mike Wright who was laid low by a severe concussion last year and struggled to get back. We'll keep working to hear what the skinny is on the level Stroud can be expected to play at and contribute.​

Jeff Howe comments, March 1:

Marcus Stroud's Signing Shouldn't Prevent Patriots From Retaining Gerard Warren - NESN.com

Tuesday's reported signing of defensive lineman Marcus Stroud could mean a number of different things for the Patriots, and that's why it's tough to rush to judgment on the transaction. Stroud has traditionally been a defensive tackle in 4-3 defenses in Jacksonville and Buffalo, and that's...

nesn.com

Tuesday's reported signing of defensive lineman Marcus Stroud could mean a number of different things for the Patriots, and that's why it's tough to rush to judgment on the transaction.​

Stroud has traditionally been a defensive tackle in 4-3 defenses in Jacksonville and Buffalo, and that's likely where he'll fit in the Patriots' four-man fronts in sub packages. But he'll probably move down the line when the Patriots play in three-man fronts. In the 3-4, Stroud is better suited to play at end, but he could switch to tackle when Vince Wilfork shuffles to the outside.​

Stroud, who turns 33 in June, hasn't been all that impressive during his last two seasons in Buffalo, and he won't be much more than a rotational player who can add depth in New England. Plus, while it's possible that Stroud's play dropped off late in seasons due to his age, it's also likely he lost interest in playing for a team that had no aspirations for the playoffs, and he should play with added motivation with the Super Bowl contenders in Foxboro. Plus, the Bills continued to shift between the 3-4 and 4-3 last season, and their identity crisis could have added to Stroud's potential discontent and poor play.​

It was surprising to see the Patriots sign Stroud, mostly because defensive lineman Gerard Warren is still a free agent. (Since Stroud was cut by the Bills, he was free to sign with a new team before the impending lockout. Warren, meanwhile, can only negotiate with the Patriots until Thursday, when the collective-bargaining agreement expires.)​

Warren surpassed expectations in 2010 during his only season with the Pats, and he played well in a variety of roles along the defensive line, particularly as a part-time tackle who helped Wilfork flourish at end. The signing of Stroud doesn't necessarily mean the end of the line for Warren, as Stroud could simply provide competition in training camp, much like Damione Lewis did in 2010.​

Tuesday's signing also gives the Patriots flexibility in a draft that is loaded with talented defensive linemen. It could afford the Pats to take a risk with the 17th pick — maybe with an offensive lineman, running back or outside linebacker — and then hope to address a defensive lineman at Nos. 28 or 33. And if they don't get one of the players they want, at least they've got the added depth with Stroud.​

This will be a curious move if the Patriots use Stroud as a substitution for Warren, but until the Patriots' (potential) corresponding moves go down, Stroud's signing deserves an incomplete grade.​

In regards to the draft picks that Jeff was referring to, the Patriots did use #17 on an offensive lineman: Nate Solder. Then they traded down with the Saints from #28 (RB Mark Ingram), receiving #56 (RB Shane Vereen) and a 2012 1st

As for #33, they did take a risk - a bad one. The Pats used that on Ras-I Dowling.

As for the 2012 1st, a year later the Pats traded up from that pick, landing Chandler Jones.



Back to Marcus Stroud. He was let go at the start of training camp, which led to a low-risk trade (5th round pick paid at vet minimum with no guaranteed money) for an infamous replacement that did not pan out:

Patriots cut Marcus Stroud

Hours after the New England Patriots worked out a trade for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, they sent another defensive tackle packing.

www.nbcsports.com

Hours after the New England Patriots worked out a trade for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, they sent another defensive tackle packing.​

Ian R. Rapoport of the Boston Herald reports that the Patriots have released Marcus Stroud, who signed with the team in March.​

Stroud apparently isn’t completely healthy: Stroud had shoulder surgery in January that he had described as “minor,” but Rapoport reports that his shoulder has not healed six months later.​

The 33-year-old Stroud started 45 games over the last three seasons with the Bills. Before going to Buffalo in 2008 he spent seven seasons with the Jaguars and was a three-time All-Pro.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Ryan Wendell​

Happy 39th birthday to Ryan Wendell
Born March 4, 1986; from Diamond Bar, California
Patriot C/G, 2008-2015; uniform #69 and #62 (2010-15)
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 2, 2008
Pats résumé: 8 seasons, including one on PS; 79 games (49 starts); 12 playoff games (7 starts); Super Bowl 49 ring; 2015 co-captain


Ryan Wendell is one of many successful undrafted grauduates of the University of Scar. After filling in as a sub and on special teams, he took over Dan Koppen's position as starting center in 2012, and shifted to RG in 2014 after Bryan Stork was injured.

Wendell spent most of 2015 on injured reserve, and was released the following offseason. He has been a successful line coach since 2019, with the Buffalo Bills (2019-22) and Los Angeles Rams (2023-present). While the fact that he has been with good teams helps, it shouls also be noted that all six of those teams have gone to the playoffs with at least ten wins each season, with a cumulative record of 67-32, plus five postseason victories.

I can recall some chatter about the Pats possibly signing Wendell to be their OL coach, when he moved from being an assistant with the Bills to the OL coach for the Rams. Too bad that never materialized; it would have been far superior to the OL coaching fiasco that ensued with the Patriots (James Ferentz filling in for an absent James Ferentz) - though doing so probably would have ruined his coaching career.


2015 Patriots Media Guide - page 232

Career Highlights​

★ A versatile offensive lineman, Wendell has played and started at three different positions along the offensive line - left guard, center and right guard.​

★ Elected co-captain for the first time in 2015.​

College​

★ Played center at Fresno State and was part of an offensive line set a school record for fewest sacks surrendered with 12.​

★ Earned All-WAC and Academic All-WAC honors.​

★ In 2004, he helped school finish as the nation's fifth-ranked offense, scoring more than 38 points per game.​

Personal​

★ Attended Diamond Bar (Calif.) High School where he had his jersey retired and was named to the school's hall of fame.​

★ Selected first-team All-CIF Southern Section as a defensive lineman as a senior, and as offensive lineman as a junior.​

★ Named the Sierra League's Most Valuable Player.​

★ An excellent student, who won the California Governor's Scholar Share Award.​

Jan 29, 2013 -- Q&A with Erik Scalavino, Patriots.com

Inside the Helmet... Ryan Wendell

Get to know Patriots center Ryan Wendell in this week's edition of Inside the Helmet.

www.patriots.com

When we make the Ryan Wendell life story movie, whom would you want cast as you?
Probably Kevin James.​

Does he share your sense of humor?
Oh, we share… a waistline (laughs).​

If you could be in any band or musical group…?
I would go with Metallica.​

Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Well, people get on my case because I used to love shows that shouldn't be for guys like me. I used to love "The O.C.," Great show. "Glee," excellent show. I don't watch them anymore. I just didn't like the way the story lines were going.​

Last book, other than your playbook, that you read and enjoyed?
The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough. It's a story about the building of the Panama Canal.​

July 29, 2014:

Ryan Wendell Reflects on Journey from Practice Squad to NFL Center

Patriots offensive lineman Ryan Wendell never loses sight of the hard work and tireless dedication he put into becoming an everyday NFL center.

www.boston.com

In 2012, Wendell’s journey as an undrafted free agent from Fresno State culminated with 16 starts as the team’s center, playing 1,379 snaps – the most of any NFL player.​

Last season, Wendell repeated as the Patriots’ starting center. Before Tuesday’s training camp session began, coach Bill Belichick heavily praised the improvements Wendell has made.​

Belichick went as far to compare Wendell to Stephen Neal – the Cal State-Bakersfield wrestler-turned-NFL-guard who won three Super Bowl rings as part of a prolific 10-year professional football career in New England.​

“When Ryan first got here, he couldn’t even make our practice squad,” Belichick said.​

“He has worked his way from there on to a consistent practice squad player to a roster player to playing more plays, or whatever it was, played as many plays as anybody in the league did. I’d say it’s been about as big of a progression as really any player could have, any player I’ve had or any player could have – maybe Steve Neal, but it’s the same kind of thing, guys that weren’t even on the practice squad that eventually became starting players in the NFL. That’s a pretty big jump. It took a lot of time, a lot of hard work and he’s certainly done his part and worked hard. It’s a great story. It’s a great example of perseverance and dedication and hard work with good results; I love to see it.”​

As Wendell made his journey from the practice squad to his role as an everyday starter, he was privileged to be under the tutelage of standout offensive linemen like Neal and Logan Mankins.​

“I just do what the older guys did for me when I came here,” Wendell said. “Guys like Dan Koppen, Steve Neal, Russ Hochstein, Logan Mankins, all those guys helped me out so much by telling me what was expected of an offensive lineman of the New England Patriots.”​

DB High Alumnus Playing In Super Bowl XLIX

By Kelli Gile Diamond Bar – Check out Diamond Bar High School 2004 graduate, Ryan Wendell, when the New England Patriots face off against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX on February 1…

anapr.com

Ryan Wendell -- LA Rams website

Ryan Wendell enters his second season with the Los Angeles Rams as the offensive line coach. Before joining the Rams, he spent three seasons as an assistant offensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills.​

Under Wendell's leadership in 2023, the Rams offensive line allowed the lowest sack total since the 2020 season. The unit finished the regular season ranked seventh in quarterback sack rate (5.5%) and pressures allowed (213). The Rams offensive line also paved the way for an elite rushing attack in 2023, finishing 11th in rushing yards (2,045), 12th in yards per rush attempt (4.3), and eighth in rushing touchdowns (18).​

Offensive Lineman Steve Avila had a stellar rookie campaign in 2023. With 1,094 snaps played, Avila played the most snaps for a Rams offensive lineman since 2021 and the most by a Rams rookie since Cooper Kupp in 2017. Among rookie offensive linemen, Avila finished second in snaps played and was the only Rams player to play every offensive snap last season.​

When I saw this photo, I didn't even recognize Wendy​

Wendell also mentored Offensive Lineman Kevin Dotson during his first season with the Rams. According to Pro Football Focus, Dotson finished the season with the second-best offensive grade (85.2) and the best run-blocking grade (88.8) among all guards. Additionally, Offensive Lineman Alaric Jackson finished tied for first in sacks allowed (1.0) among tackles that played more than 500 snaps on the season.​

During the 2022 season, Wendell helped the Bills' offensive line finish eighth in fewest sacks allowed (23) and sack rate (5.4%), 11th in pressures allowed and 11th in average time to throw (2.86 seconds). Wendell's group also helped the Bills' offense finish fourth in yards per game (397.6), seventh in rush yards per game (139.5), second in yards per rush (5.2), seventh in pass yards per game (258.1), and third in offensive points scored per game (26.88). Bills' tackle Dion Dawkins received Pro Bowl honors under Wendell's mentorship that season.​

In 2021, the Bills' offensive line finished second in fewest sacks allowed (27) and sack rate (4.0%), and fifth in average time to throw (2.9 seconds). The Bills' offense also finished the 2021 season sixth in rush yards (2,209) and yards per rush (4.8), and seventh in rushing touchdowns (20).​

Under Wendell's guidance in 2020, the Bills' offensive line ranked ninth in sacks allowed (27), seventh in sack rate (4.3%), and 11th in rushing first downs (119). He served as a coaching assistant in his first year as a coach at the NFL ranks in 2019.​

Ryan Wendell Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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

www.pro-football-reference.com

Ryan Wendell - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
March 4 Trivia​

March 4, 1980:
Patriots sign free agent LB Jack Lazor

The all-time leading tackler at Kent State never played in the NFL, spending an offseason with the Pats in '80 and the Giants in '81.

John "Jack" Lazor (1987) - Hall of Fame - Kent State Golden Flashes

Kent State Golden Flashes

kentstatesports.com

March 4, 1998:
ERFA Devin Wyman is re-signed

Wyman was a 6th round draft pick by the Pats in 1996, from Kentucky State. The DT played in 15 NFL games with four starts (all with the Patriots) from 1996-97, with 18 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. He now works as a youth life coach/motivator.

Devin Wyman | The Youth Alliance

theyouthalliance.com

Former NFL Player Devin Wyman Bends Bars-and Minds-at Assemblies - Exeter Township School District

Former NFL player Devin Wyman opened his assembly at Exeter Township Junior High this morning by asking students a thought-provoking question: “What size dream did you wake up with today?” And for the next 45 minutes, he showed students how small choices they make each day–with their friends...

exetersd.org

March 4, 2003:
Patriots sign veteran unrestricted free agent Tyrone Poole

The CB started every game in 2003, with six interceptions as the Pats won SB38.

Patriots, Poole strike a deal

www.milforddailynews.com

The Patriots have taken their first two swings at free agency. The results: one hit, one miss.​

They connected on their bid to get veteran cornerback Tyrone Poole, a defensive back who's played for the Panthers, Colts and Broncos. A 1995 first-round draft pick from Fort Valley State, the 5-foot-8, 188-pound Poole has agreed to terms on a four-year contract. The actual signing is expected to take place today.​

Poole opted to come to New England rather than going to Kansas City or remaining in Denver, where he was a starting cornerback for the final five games of 2002.​

Poole, 31, played in all 16 games for the Broncos a year ago, even though he was out of football the previous season. He finished with 51 tackles, a sack and 10 deflections.​

He spent the first three years of his career with the Panthers -- who drafted him in the first round (No. 23 overall) -- before being traded to Indianapolis, where he started for three seasons. He signed with Denver prior to the 2001 season but decided to retire to spend time with his family rather than remain with the team during the regular season. After one year, he decided to return to the game.​

His career numbers: 330 tackles, 10 interceptions, 93 deflections and five sacks in 108 games, 89 of them as a starter.​

Poole will compete with veterans Otis Smith and Leonard Myers for the starting right cornerback position across from Ty Law.​

Poole signs with Pats

According to ESPN.com, veteran cornerback Tyrone Poole has signed a four-year contract with the New England Patriots. Poole rejected an offer to return to the Denver Broncos, where he finished the …

www.southcoasttoday.com

Also yesterday, the Patriots re-signed restricted free agent cornerback Ben Kelly.​

Kelly, 24, appeared in seven games for the Patriots in 2002 and was credited with four defensive tackles and one special teams stop. He was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 14 due to an ankle injury. The 5-foot-9-inch, 185-pound corner was originally drafted in the third round of the 2000 NFL draft (84th overall) by the Miami Dolphins.​

The Patriots claimed him off waivers from the Dolphins on Nov. 2, 2001 and he returned seven kickoffs for 123 yards in two games with the Patriots that season.​

Kelly was a two-year starter at Colorado and was credited with 132 tackles, 11 interceptions and 34 passes defensed during his career. He also averaged 10.1 yards as a punt returner and 28.1 yards as a kick returner, establishing school records in each category. As a senior, he earned first-team all-conference honors as a cornerback and kick returner.​

March 4, 2004:
Pats re-sign 31-year old unrestricted free agent Don Davis

The linebacker played in 59 games for the Patriots from 2003-2006.

Dr. Don Davis | Motivational Speaker & Thought Leader

Dr. Don Davis is the Senior Director of Player Affairs for the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and is responsible for advancing and overseeing the management of varying aspects of player labor issues. Prior to joining the NFLPA, Don enjoyed a successful 11-year playing career an

www.realdondavis.com

March 4, 2008:
New England signs 8-year veteran free agent Jason Webster
Webster played in thre games for the Patriots in '08, his final season in the NFL.

Patriots start to rebuild secondary by signing CB Webster -- NFL.com

With cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Randall Gay leaving as free agents, the New England Patriots began rebuilding their secondary on Tuesday by signing cornerback Jason Webster.​

The 5-foot-9, 187-pound Webster has 393 tackles and 11 interceptions in 87 career games, 74 of them starts. He played in one game last season for Buffalo before being placed on the reserve/injured list with an arm injury on Sept. 13.​

The eight-year veteran was a second-round draft pick of San Francisco in 2000 and played four years with the 49ers before signing as a free agent with Atlanta, where he played for three years.​

Patriots coach Bill Belichick says Webster is "an experienced veteran who will add good depth to our secondary."​

March 4, 2010:
Patriots release TE Chris Baker

IIRC, when the Pats signed Baker a year earlier he stated that he wanted a team to show how much they want him monetarily, or words to that effect. Problem was that Baker, who had spent the previous seven seasons with the Jets, was underwhelming - even for a blocking tight end: 14 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns.

Patriots Tight End-Less After Releasing Chris Baker - NESN.com

It’s a good time for the start of free agency, because the Patriots don’t have any tight ends on their active roster right now. New England surprisingly released Chris Baker on Thursday on the eve of the NFL’s free agency period. Baker was a steady block-first tight end who caught 14 passes for...

nesn.com

March 4, 2013:
OL Kyle Hix is released

The Pats had signed Hix as an undrafted rookie out of Texas in 2011. He ended up spending both the 2011 and 2012 seasons on injured reserve. Apparently Hix has since returned to Texas, working as a landman (researching land ownership records, negotiating with landowners, and securing mineral rights such as oil and gas leases) for a mineral company there.




March 4, 2016:
OLB Darius Fleming is released

Fleming was originally a 5th round draft pick by the 49ers in 2012, from Notre Dame. He played in 11 regular season games for the Pats from 2014-15 while bouncing between the active roster and practice squad. Fleming also appeared in five playoff games, earning a ring from the SB49 victory over Seattle.

Patriots LB Darius Fleming saved woman from burning car, played vs. Chiefs with 22 stitches (video)

Patriots linebacker Darius Fleming saved a woman from a burning car last week.

www.masslive.com

Darius Fleming: ‘People are quick to try and bring you down... so sad’

Darius Fleming was dubbed a hero on Wednedsay -- before immediately having his heroics questioned.

www.boston.com

TMZ incorrectly disputes Darius Fleming heroic injury account

There was some pretty amazing news dropped today when it was reported New England Patriots linebacker Darius Fleming played in Saturday’s playoff win over the Kansas City Chiefs with 22 stitches in his right leg which were apparently a result of saving a woman from a smoking car a just a mile...

awfulannouncing.com

March 4, 2019:

Patriots release Dwayne Allen and Darren Andrews

The New England Patriots have released tight end Dwayne Allen

www.boston.com

Dwayne Allen played 29 games for the Patriots over the past two seasons, catching 13 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. He previously spent five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, where he was more productive, catching 45 passes as a rookie in 2012 and then finishing with eight touchdowns in ’14.​

The Patriots also released receiver Darren Andrews. He signed with New England as a rookie free agent and spent his rookie season on the injury list.​

March 4, 2020:
The Pats exercise their team contract option on Jason McCourty, through the 2020 season

The 'other' McCourty played in 44 games (33 starts) with the Patriots from 2018-2020 - as well as in all three playoff games in the 2018 postseason, when the Patriots defeated the Rams 13-3 in SB53.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Loved the Tyrone Poole signing in 2003. He had his best season as a Pro that year. Injuries derailed the rest of his career.

Duane Starks was another Ravens defensive player that flamed out elsewhere. He was awful in 2005. That season was a missed opportunity and the start of many chances the Pats to win another Super Bowl, but couldn’t.

 

[Real fan 02]

Loved the Tyrone Poole signing in 2003. He had his best season as a Pro that year. Injuries derailed the rest of his career.

Duane Starks was another Ravens defensive player that flamed out elsewhere. He was awful in 2005. That season was a missed opportunity and the start of many chances the Pats to win another Super Bowl, but couldn’t.

Yes..injuries derailed his career. Losing Ty in 05 we could never get adequate replacement at CB opposite Asante. Hobbs was serviceable but no Tyrone Poole.

 

[Steve102]

I agree on both counts. I'm not as harsh as most are about Mohamed Sanu, because the Patriots were in a desperate situation - and all 31 other GMs knew it. Josh Gordon going on IR a couple days later, Antonio Brown long gone - that left the Pats with Edelman, Colts draft bust Phillip Dorsett, a useless rookie (N'Keal Harry), and an unproven, undrafted rookie (Jakobi Myers). There was zero help at TE as well; (how old was Ben Watson at that point, 40?) and a couple of other stiffs so obscure I can't remember their names.

The passing game just had to have another option other than Jules and James White out of the backfield. Sanu had a 10-catch game against the Ravens, but then had an ankle injury a couple weeks later. I have a feeling it was far worse than what we were led to belive, because he never looked the same after his return.

Bad results on the trade for sure - but with the context of the roster situation, plus the injury, I don't rate this trade quite as bad as others.


The Kony Ealy trade - which I'll admit I didn't mind at the time - was flat out bad. Granted the Patriots didn't lose much (lost a 2nd round pick, gained a 3rd), but come on - Ealy didn't even make the roster!

And Starks was a locker room issue with Thomas. Horrible.

I always felt Sanu was a placate Brady move, that he had zero patience for the two rookies.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

And Starks was a locker room issue with Thomas. Horrible.

I always felt Sanu was a placate Brady move, that he had zero patience for the two rookies.

Starks didn't play with Thomas. I think Sean Springs is who you're thinking of.

 

[Steve102]

Starks didn't play with Thomas. I think Sean Springs is who you're thinking of.

Yup that's it.

 

[jmt57]

Starks didn't play with Thomas. I think Sean Springs is who you're thinking of.

Yup that's it.

Duane Starks was on the 2005 Pats. Rookie Ellis Hobbs took his place, with a young Asante Samuel at the other corner.
Pats traded a 3rd round pick for a guy who got burnt over and over - and then blamed it on his 'not being used properly'.


2009 was the Season of Discontent, led by Shawn Springs and Adalius Thomas.

 

[Pape]

Loved the Tyrone Poole signing in 2003. He had his best season as a Pro that year. Injuries derailed the rest of his career.

Duane Starks was another Ravens defensive player that flamed out elsewhere. He was awful in 2005. That season was a missed opportunity and the start of many chances the Pats to win another Super Bowl, but couldn’t.

one of the three truisms of football... Three very well known rules that I just totally made up (except for the first two, which, on balance are absolutely true)

1. don't draft an Alabama QB
2. don't draft a Penn St RB (though Barkley has put a dent in that one)
3. don't sign a Baltimore Raven DB... (they are as bad at drafting DB's as we are WR's)