So maybe it's time, on behalf of bulletin-board critics everywhere, to apologize to Belichick and the players themselves for the mass criticism of the following players and GM decisions:
1. Cannon
For a few years, we heard nothing but demands to cut him. When he got his first extension, everyone wondered why. When he got his new contract, nobody much cheered.
(PFF (I heard some love it here, just a resource)
OT Marcus Cannon, 85.1
One of the biggest stories of the season for the Patriots is the development of the right side of their offensive line as RG Shaq Mason and RT Marcus Cannon have both made major strides and fueled their man/gap running scheme. Saturday was more of the same as they both had success in the running game against a strong New York defensive line. The rest of the line did their part as well as Brady was only pressured on six of his 28 dropbacks.
I thought Cannon was a 2nd rd'r coming out. He's a versatile guy that needs a kick in the pants sometimes and Scarnecchia just gets everything out of him.
At his best Cannon is always balanced. Smooth and clean. Even before delivering a big hit on the 2nd level. Scar just instills these traits its seems)
2. Blount
At the beginning of the year, many calls for a new RB. He was slow, couldn't hit the holes.
Big Wrong
(I'll always admit when Im wrong and I've been wrong about Blount. I've often described him as a power back that doesnt run with power. He's proved me wrong all year and I couldn't be happier. He's having a great year. I hope he gets 2-3 TD's this week. Fav run is off tackle behind Solder, Dev and Thuneys side. Allows him to get to the 2nd level quick and hes killing it there)
3. Gostkowski
People were calling for a new kicker
(Bottom line is if you replace him the person must be great. Gost has no doubt missed kicks buts the guy has also won and tied some big games. Thats a lot of experience. This post season is huge as 7 turns into 3 a lot more)
4. McClellin
People couldn't understand why he was on the field at all. They didn't understand he was switching to a new position (off-the-line) and it takes time to integrate him.
(He's a situational player and nice lil piece. Good locker room guy. Never done anything to bother me tbh)
5. Garoppolo and Brisset
Why are we wasting high draft picks on QBs?
(I comp'd Jimmy G and Derek Carr together. Basically I think their almost mirrors of each other. Both early 2nds. Neither are the true prototypical but can get it done with a good team around them.
JB pick doesnt bother me at all)
and then of course we have the following much-criticized decisions:
5. Chandler Jones
Currently in his year-end slump, and the draft picks we got for him are flourishing
(Truth be told I was hoping he'd take a Quinn like deal in the off season and we'd trade Collins for a higher pick. Have an array of pass rushers that can line up anywhere this ?
Didnt work out but Im a huge Sheard fan and Flowers is a binky of mine so I didnt mind and loved the haul we got in return)
6. Easley
Anyone notice him when we played the Rams?
(Loved the pick and very disappointed in how it played out but wasnt upset when we let him go)
7. Collins
Part-time and inconsistent players not welcome here, no matter how talented
(Loved the pick but he didn't adjust and showed what hes about more than once. The guy is basically the the same player he was when he broke out against Indy. Inconsistent)
7. And finally Revis
Remember the wailing and gnashing of teeth when we "lost" him to the Jets?
(LOL Bill got the best value out of the biggest mercenary since Sanders. Loved letting him go)
For the Cyrus Jones story, have to come back next year to see who was right.
(I would have picked 5 other people when we got Jones but its too early to tell)
I'm sure there are a couple of other players that should have been on this list - feel free to makes some suggestions. Certainly there are many from prior years that would be high on this list.
