Patriots Daily News Thread NEW ARTICLE: Wednesday Patriots Notebook 5/22: News and Notes

[PatsFans.com Article]

Wednesday Patriots Notebook 5/22: News and Notes
Ian Logue
Third-year New England Patriots offensive lineman Cole Strange is coming off of late-season knee surgery and it sounds like it may be a while before he next sees the field.

The post Wednesday Patriots Notebook 5/22: News and Notes 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)

 

[jmt57]

Wait, this was the guy that certain forum members thought that the Patriots should trade for?
And that certain members of the media thought would cost a team a first round pick to trade for?

Fields Situation in Chicago was Toxic​

There was a lot of discussion this offseason from people who believed the Patriots should have potentially been in the mix for former Bears quarterback Justin Fields, but a recent report certainly makes the club’s decision not to go that route look a little wiser.​

​

According to a report from NFL.com’s John Breech, he was part of a quarterback room that became toxic, and part of it seems to be to his detriment.​

​

The Bears brought in two veterans in both Andy Dalton and Nick Foles, with the two having been experienced and fairly successful players in the league. In theory, having two veterans to help the young rookie appeared to be a smart idea on paper. However, Fields apparently often ignored whatever guidance they tried to provide, leading to frustration from his fellow quarterbacks.​

​

Former Bears director of player personnel Josh Lucas said earlier this offseason that Fields essentially wasted the help of the two players, which he believes didn’t help the situation.​

​

“The part you don’t like about it is that there’s a teachable moment in every point of practice,” Lucas said. “There’s teachable moments in the building during the day, how you carry yourself as a quarterback. There’s teachable moments at press conferences. There’s teachable moments every snap on Sunday. When you’ve got two guys that have won as much as Nick and seen as much as Andy, and you don’t take that information in, because you’re a little standoffish and a little abrasive, you’re wasting that opportunity.”​

​

Foles and Fields’ relationship appeared to be where things were the most tense. It apparently reached a point where the two essentially “could not stand each other,” which only further complicated the situation.​

​

Another report by Tyler Dunne of Go Long revealed a moment that summed up their relationship, which reportedly “reached rock bottom” following a discussion between the two where Foles was trying to teach something to Fields, only to turn around and realize that Fields wasn’t paying attention.​

​

That’s something that will absolutely infuriate any veteran player who is trying to help a younger teammate, and it definitely explains how things reached such a low point for the Bears in recent seasons.​

​

Now, Fields is in Pittsburgh, having been traded this offseason. Hopefully he’s learned from the mistakes he made in Chicago, with Fields now set to compete at quarterback with fellow newcomer, Russell Wilson.​

​

However, from a locker room standpoint, if the reports are accurate, it feels like New England definitely made a wise choice by not getting involved in bringing him to Foxboro.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Julian Edelman

Sometimes trading down works better than one could have possibly hoped for.

On April 26, 2009 the Patriots traded their third round pick (3.73) to Jacksonville, for a Jaguars seventh round pick (7.232) and a second round pick in the following year's draft (2010 2.44)

Jacksonville drafted Derex Cox, a solid but not spectacular corner who had a five year NFL career.

The Patriots drafted a quarterback from Kent State that they planned on transitioning to another position: Julian Edelman.

The following year the Pats drafted Rob Gronkowski with that second round pick.

​

Happy 38th birthday to Julian Edelman
Born May 22, 1986 in Redwood City, California
Patriot WR/PR/DB, 2009-2020; uniform #11
Pats 7th round (232nd overall) selection of the 2009 draft, from Kent State

​

- Holds the career postseason franchise record for receptions with 115, which ranks second-most in NFL history (behind only Jerry Rice).
- Holds the career postseason franchise record for most games with 100+ yards receiving with six; (also second-most in NFL History behind Rice).
- Caught the winning touchdown in Super Bowl 49 with 2:06 to play.
- MVP of Super Bowl 52 vs the Rams; one of just seven wide receivers to win that award.
- Three-time Super Bowl champion has been in 19 playoff games (13-6 record).
- Holds NFL postseason record for longest pass completion by a non-QB (51 yard TD to Danny Amendola vs Baltimore in AFC Divisional game, Jan 10, 2015).
- Ranks second in NFL history with 1,442 career postseason yards receiving.
- Patriots All-Decade Team of the 2000s at both WR and PR.
- Holds the franchise record for longest punt return (94 yards).
- Holds the career franchise record with four punt return touchdowns.
- Holds the career franchise record in punt return average (minimum 75) at 11.2 yards per return.
- Holds the career franchise record for most rushing attempts by a WR with 58.
- Holds the career franchise record for most rushing yards by a WR with 413.
- Holds the franchise record for longest rush by a WR (47 yards vs Colts in 2012).
- Is one of only two players in club history with multiple 100+ catches in a single season.
- Is one of only three players in club history with consecutive seasons of 90+ receptions.
- Is one of only six players in club history with multiple seasons of 1,000+ yards receiving (3rd, with three).
- Ranks 2nd in team history with 620 receptions.
- Ranks 4th in team history with 6,822 receiving yards.
- Ranks 9th in team history with 36 receiving touchdowns.
- Ranks third in team history with 177 punt returns.
- Ranks third in team history with 1,986 punt return yards.
- (15) regular season 100-yard receiving games, plus (6) postseason 100-yard games.
- (8) regular season 10-reception games, plus three postseason 10-reception games.
- 6-6 for 128 yards and one TD passing, for 21.3 ypa and a perfect 158.3 passer rating (plus a 51-yard TD in the playoffs).

Games With Names

Hosted by former Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman, Games with Names is a podcast on the search to find the greatest games of all time. From the infamous to the unforgettable, we dive back into the classic matchups and eras across all of sports history. Joined by the players, coaches, and celebrity...

www.youtube.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Alex Smith, Sergio 'thrown out of the club' Brown,
and other Pats May 22 birthdays​

Happy 85th birthday to Don 'Spider' Webb
Born May 22, 1939 in Jefferson City, Missouri
Patriot CB/S, 1961-1971; uniform #48 ('61) and #42 ('62-'71)
Pats 24th round (186th overall) selection of the 1961 draft, from Iowa State

Don Webb intercepted five passes as a rookie, and in a 41-0 shutout over the Chargers he scored two touchdowns: one on a blocked punt return and another on a 31-yard pick-six. Webb then unfortunately missed the entire 1963 campaign due to a knee injury that occurred just prior to the start of the season. In '67 he moved from starting left corner to safety, and was an All-Star in 1969. Overall Don Webb played in 134 games for the Patriots, with 21 interceptions. Those 21 picks were third most in team history for many years, and even now still rank as 12th best in franchise history. Don Webb is also a member of the Patriots All-Decade Team for the 1960s at safety.

Feb 5, 2017:

Jefferson City man reminisces on pro-football career | Fulton Sun

As the New England Patriots prepare to play in today's Super Bowl game, a Jefferson City man remembers his time with the team fondly.

www.fultonsun.com

Going into the 2016 season, Webb still ranked 11th in team history with 21 interceptions, according to Patriots records.​

​

Webb remembers many of the players on those teams, including Nick Buoniconti, an all-league linebacker who has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.​

​

"They were tough guys," he said. "My foot speed was probably the secret to my longevity. I was the fastest guy on the team."​

​

Webb used the money he earned as a player to help his family back in Jefferson City. ...​

Happy 53rd birthday to Corey Croom
Born May 22, 1971 in Sandusky, Ohio
Patriot RB, 1993-1995; uniform #26
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 3, 1993

The Patriots signed Corey Croom as an undrafted rookie in 1993 out of Ball State. He was initially cut at the end of training camp and signed to the practice squad, then promoted to the regular roster on September 19. Croom was primarily a special teamer, also gaining 293 yards from scrimmage with one TD as a backup to Leonard Russell.

In '94 Croom led the Pats in rushing (33 carries, 159 yards, 4.8 ypc) in the preseason, but he did not get a single touch that whole year - despite the mediocre production at RB from Marion Butts and Leroy Thompson. Bill Parcells made a surprise move in the postseason, naming Croom the starter over Butts in the wild card game. Parcells leaned on the arm of Drew Bledsoe (52 dropbacks) while ignoring the run (16 rushing attempts), with not unexpected results. Bledsoe went 21-50 with one TD and three interceptions, plus multiple throwaways to avoid an imminent sack. Bill Belichick's Browns won 20-13 in what was the last playoff win by Cleveland prior to this past postseason; Croom averaged an acceptable 3.9 yards per carry on his nine rushing attempts.

Here’s how Browns beat Patriots in 1994 playoffs, their last playoff win: Browns Flashback

The Browns' last playoff came at ehe end of the 1994 season with Bill Belichick as coach of the Browns and Bill Parcells leading the Patriots.

www.cleveland.com

While Corey Croom did not get on the field on offense that year, he did play in every game on special teams in '94, and in '95 he appeared in 13 games, getting his hands on the ball in three of those games as a backup to Curtis Martin. Croom finished with 352 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown over three seasons with the Pats. He later signed with Philly but did not make their roster.


1/31/2015:

Once a Patriot, always a Patriot

By DAN ANGELO

sanduskyregister.com

“I think of the turnaround,” said Croom. “Before we got there, they weren’t one of the better teams in the league. I came there with coach (Bill) Parcells and he really started the turnaround with quality players and quality coaches.”​

​

Croom signed as an undrafted free agent in 1993 after rushing for 3,500 yards in three season at Sandusky and a record-setting career at Ball State University. ....​

​

Croom, who has been coaching Sandusky football players since 1999, now watches the game with a vantage point the average fan never sees.​

​

“I really watch and put myself in certain situations as a player and as a coach,” he said. “I think of the different ways to execute plays and I applaud the players when they do certain things to take advantage of a defense.​

​

“For instance, a couple of weeks ago, the Patriots played Baltimore and they were doing things with different formations. It was smart because they were having problems getting off the ball and with their spacing, but they found a wrinkle they could use and it was highly successful.”​

​

Croom now watches the Patriots now as a fan and will be rooting for them in Super Bowl XLIX.​

​

“I’m still a fan and take price in being part of that organization,” he said. “I attribute a lot of their success to being coached extremely well and getting the right players into the system. A lot of them aren’t superstars or big money guys, but they know how to get in and work the system and they know how to execute.”​

Happy 36th birthday to Sergio Brown
Born May 22, 1988 in Maywood, Illinois
Patriot safety, 2010-2011; uniform #38 (2010) and #31 (2011)
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent on April 25, 2010

The Pats signed Sergio Brown as an undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame in 2010. He was signed to the practice squad after being waived during final cuts. Six weeks later Brown was promoted to the active roster and immediately forced to fill in, due to the somewhat unexpected release of both Brandon Meriweather and James Sanders at safety. Not surprisingly he was in over his head, thrust into that position too soon.

Brown was let go during final roster cuts prior to the start of the 2012 season; in his two seasons with the Pats he appeared in 26 games with three starts, one pick and one fumble recovery. He played in 94 games over seven NFL seasons with the Patriots, Colts, Bills and Jaguars.

He is perhaps most well known for being 'thrown out of the club' by Gronk after he became an Indianapolis Colt.

​

Happy 42nd birthday to Alex Smith
Born May 22, 1982 in Denver
Patriot TE, 2009 (offseason); uniform #80
Acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay on April 30, 2009

A third round pick from Stanford by Tampa Bay in 2005, the Pats acquired Alex Smith from the Bucs in exchange for a 2010 fifth round draft pick a few days after the 2009 draft. Smith was one of two would-be veteran pass catchers acquired in exchange for a draft pick (WR Greg Lewis from Philadelphia being the other) that did not survive final roster cuts in 2009. That was the same year several veterans were signed as free agents (Joey Galloway, Fred Taylor, Shawn Springs, Chris Baker, Leigh Bodden, Paris Lenon, Brandon McGowan, Tully Banta-Cain), with very mixed to mediocre results.

April 30, 2009:

Patriots acquire TE Smith from Buccaneers

The Patriots acquire veteran tight end Alex Smith from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a trade today.

www.boston.com

Patriots add Alex Smith to tight ends table

The Patriots added to an already stacked position by acquiring Tampa Bay tight end Alex Smith yesterday for an undisclosed 2010 draft pick. The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Smith, who is a combination pass-catching and blocking tight end, joins…

www.bostonherald.com

A tight situation gets even tighter for Patriots

With a trade with Tampa Bay for Alex Smith, the Patriots’ tight ends now number six.

www.enterprisenews.com

Smith hopes to make his own mark in New England

www.patriotledger.com

September 5, 2009:

Alex Smith released

The Patriots have released tight end Alex Smith, according to a league source. New England gave up a 2010 fifth-round pick to acquire Smith from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith was slow to pick up the Patriots offense and had one catch for 3 yards during the preseason. Updated at 6:59 p.m. — —...

www.boston.com

Smith was slow to pick up the Patriots offense and had one catch for 3 yards during the preseason.​

Despite being cut by the Pats, Smith spent seven more seasons in the NFL, mostly with Cleveland. After retiring from pro football in 2016, he worked first as a pro scout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2017-2021, and then as their assistant director of pro scouting until being let go by the Bucs earlier this month. In 2023 he received his MBA from Indiana University to compliment his undergraduate degree from Stanford in economics, so perhaps it was a mutual decision as he plans to change careers. Alex is also an advocate for autism welfare.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsmith81

http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2009/08/10/LEE_patscamp2_spts__1249915393_8823/499w
dot jpg
Patriots training camp: Day 11 - Patriots tight end Alex Smith fends off linebacker Adalius Thomas during Sunday's lone practice at Gillette Stadium.​

Other pro football players born on this date with New England area connections:
- Tony Holm (5/22/1908); FB for the 1930 Providence Steamroller.
- George Sergienko (5/22/1918); western Mass native went to Chicopee High School and AIC; he was the LT for the 1945 Boston Yanks.
- Frank Santora (5/22/1926); QB for the 1944 Boston Yanks.
- Marcus Dupree (5/22/1964); RB for the USFL Boston Breakers.

Marcus Dupree, the best that never was, is happy and hustling

At 52, Marcus Dupree is slower and heftier than the strapping teenager who inspired...

www.houstonchronicle.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Raymond Clayborn​

May 22, 2017: Raymond Clayborn is elected into the Patriots Hall of Fame

Raymond Clayborn Elected Into Patriots Hall of Fame | The Patriots Hall of Fame

www.patriotshalloffame.com

The New England Patriots announced today that cornerback Raymond Clayborn has been voted by fans as the 26th person to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.​

​

Clayborn was a three-time Pro Bowl player (1983, 1985, 1986) during his 13-year Patriots career that extended from 1977 through 1989. He was drafted by the Patriots in the first round (16th overall) out of Texas in 1977 and quickly established himself as one of the game’s best cornerbacks, as well as a superb kickoff returner. He set a franchise record with 36 career interceptions, a record which Ty Law tied in 2004 and remains today, 28 years after Clayborn finished his Patriots career. His 555 interception return yards rank second in franchise history to Law’s 583 return yards. Clayborn also returned 57 kickoffs for 1,538 yards and three touchdowns. As a rookie in 1977, he returned 28 kickoffs for 869 yards and led the NFL with a 31.0-yard return average and returned three kicks for touchdowns, both of which remain franchise records. He is one of just 20 NFL players since the 1970 merger to finish a season with a better than 30.0-yard average on kickoff returns (min. 20 returns) and is the only Patriots player to accomplish the feat.​

​

“I was fortunate to be a season ticket holder during Raymond’s entire Patriots career,” said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. “For the first half of his career, he teamed with Michael Haynes to form one of the best corner tandems in league history. Throughout his career, Raymond was a physical, shutdown corner. One of my favorite memories was watching the 1985 team advance to the Super Bowl after Raymond helped us break the Orange Bowl curse when he stymied future Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino with a dominant performance against Pro Bowl receivers Mark Duper and Mark Clayton. Raymond had six passes defensed and an interception to help us claim our first conference title. It was the greatest upset victory in franchise history at the time and one the entire New England region celebrated. It is a well-deserved honor and I look forward to presenting him his hall of fame jacket.”​

​

Clayborn played a vital role in bringing the Patriots to respectability in the late 1970s and early ‘80s. During his 13 seasons in New England, he helped lead the Patriots to 10 winning seasons, including four postseason berths. In a 31-14 AFC Championship victory that propelled the Patriots to their first Super Bowl appearance, Clayborn’s performancehelped end an 18-game losing streak to the Miami Dolphins in the Orange Bowl. Clayborn was a member of the Patriots’ 1970s and 1980s all-decade teams. He also set a franchise record by playing in 161 consecutive games. This year marked the fourth consecutive year (2014-17) that Clayborn had been nominated as a Patriots Hall of Fame finalist.​

May 22, 2014:

Patriots Sign 2, Release 2 Others

The Patriots made a series of transactions on Thursday as the team continued to tinker with the bottom portion of its roster ahead of OTAs.

www.boston.com

Patriots Sign Two and Release Two Rookies

The Patriots have signed first-year DB Daxton Swanson (Sam Houston State) and rookie free agent DL L.T. Tuipulotu (Utah). In addition, the Patriots released rookie free agent S Jeremy Deering (Rut...

www.abc6.com

The New England Patriots announced that they have signed first-year DB Daxton Swanson (Sam Houston State) and rookie free agent DL L.T. Tuipulotu (Utah) – Pronounced too-EE-poo-lo-too. Terms of the contracts were not announced. In addition, the Patriots released rookie free agent S Jeremy Deering (Rutgers) and first-year WR Greg Orton (Purdue).​

​

Swanson, 23, originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Indianapolis Colts on April 30, 2013 out of Sam Houston State. The 5-foot-11, 191-pounder was released by the Colts on Oct. 29, 2013 and was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad on Nov. 18, 2013. He was released by San Francisco on May 12, 2014. Swanson finished his college career as the school’s all-time leader in interceptions with 14.​

​

Tuipulotu, 23, played in 12 games with 11 starts as a senior at Utah last season and finished with 42 total tackles, 1 ½ sacks, three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.​

​

Deering, 23, signed with the Patriots as a rookie free agent from Rutgers on May 16, 2014. The 6-foot-1, 209-pounder began his career at Rutgers as a running back in 2010 before moving to wide receiver in 2011 and then to safety as a senior in 2013. He played in all 13 games with 10 starts at safety for Rutgers in 2013 and finished with 39 total tackles and one interception.​

​

Orton, 27, was signed to the Patriots practice squad on Dec. 31, 2013. The 6-foot-3, 199-pounder spent part of 2011 and all of 2012 on the Denver practice squad and went to training camp with Denver in 2013. He originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals out of Purdue in 2009. Orton had stints with the Arena Football League’s Spokane Shock and the United Football League’s Omaha Knights before joining the Denver practice squad.​

May 22, 2013:

Patriots claim former Rutgers OL Kevin Haslam off waivers

Haslam is the eighth Rutgers player to join New England's roster.

www.masslive.com

Bill Belichick further fed his addiction for Rutgers players by claiming offensive tackle Kevin Haslam off waivers Wednesday.​

​

Haslam was waived by the San Diego Chargers Tuesday and becomes the eighth Rutgers player to join New England’s 90-man roster. Undrafted rookie R.J. Mattes, an offensive lineman out of North Carolina State, was released in the corresponding move.​

​

Haslam (6-foot-5, 304 pounds) started last season on San Diego’s practice squad, but got his shot late in the year after injuries struck the Chargers offensive line. He logged 294 snaps over the final five weeks of the season, most of which came at left tackle. Haslam was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2010.​

May 22, 2003: Pats sign veteran free agent WR Dedric Ward and restricted free agent RB Patrick Pass
The Patriots released Ward in late August, then re-signed him in November. Pass played for seven seasons in New England and owns four super bowl rings: three with the Patriots, plus another with the 2007 Giants.

Patriots sign veteran free agent WR Dedric Ward; re-sign RFA RB Patrick Pass

Ward stays in AFC East, signs with Pats

WR Dedric Ward, who has spent his whole six-year career in the AFC East, has signed a one-year deal with the Patriots.

a.espncdn.com

The Patriots, who have been seeking to add another veteran wide receiver to the mix, had ironically spoken earlier in the signing period with Oronde Gadsden, another Miami free agent. New England officials also visited a few weeks ago with Detroit Lions unrestricted free agent Germane Crowell.​

​

While he should provide New England with more flexibility, and an experienced return man as well, Ward is coming off two fairly unproductive seasons in Miami.​

​

Playing for the Jets, he posted his best NFL campaign in 2000, catching 54 passes for 801 yards and three touchdowns. He signed with Miami in 2001, but started just two games in two seasons, and had 40 receptions for 301 yards and no touchdowns.​

​

A former Northern Iowa standout, Ward was chosen by the Jets in the third round of the '97 draft.​

Patriots sign Dedric Ward - UPI.com

Free agent wide receiver Dedric Ward, who spent the past two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, signed with the New England Patriots Thursday.

www.upi.com

Cedar Rapids' Dedric Ward played on NFL's biggest stage

CEDAR RAPIDS — Imagine walking out of the dark tunnel to thousands of fans yelling your name, wearing your jersey …

www.thegazette.com

May 22, 1996: Patriots re-sign exclusive rights free agent QB Jay Barker
Jay Barker went from being known as the quarterback of the national champion Alabama Crimson Tide, who vastly improved as a senior (14TD, 5 Int vs 13/19 his first three years) and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award - to being more well known in entertainment tabloids for being married, not married and back together again with a country singer.

In between he spent twelve months with the New England Patriots. He was released at the end of training camp in 1996, and later played in the CFL and XFL - but never got a regular season snap in the NFL.

Patriots re-sign QB Jay Barker - UPI Archives

The New England Patriots Thursday re- signed free agent quarterback Jay Barker to an undisclosed contract. Barker served as the team's third-string...

www.upi.com

The New England Patriots Thursday re- signed free agent quarterback Jay Barker to an undisclosed contract. Barker served as the team's third-string quarterback for 13 games last season, but did not see any action. The former Alabama standout was originally drafted by Green Bay last year, but was released.​

THIS MIGHT BE END FOR PATRIOTS’ BARKER

It can be hard to part with veteran NFL players. There is a certain peace of mind in having players who have experience and have been tested in pressure situations. Jay Barker has not played in an NFL regular season game, yet he is being…

www.courant.com

Jay Barker has not played in an NFL regular season game, yet he is being considered as the backup to Patriots starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe.​

Jay Barker passed for 18 yards vs. Miami, but it was good enough for an Alabama football national championship

Jay Barker was a winner, and it showed when he led Alabama football past Miami for a national championship even though he passed for just 18 yards.

www.tuscaloosanews.com

Former Alabama QB Jay Barker enters plea in domestic violence case

Jay Barker, the former Alabama quarterback who is married to country music singer Sara Evans, has entered a "best interest" plea to a misdemeanor charge stemming from a January arrest on a felony domestic violence charge.

www.espn.com

Sara Evans, Jay Barker reunite after divorce, aggravated assault arrest: ‘We just love each other’

In January 2022, Barker was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after reportedly trying to hit Evans with a vehicle.

www.al.com