Sources Confirm Pats Intend to Franchise Cassel

January 4, 2009

ESPN.com’s Chris Mortensen is now also reporting that the Patriots plan to franchise quarterback Matt Cassel.  He writes:

The New England Patriots have decided to ensure that quarterback Matt Cassel won’t be an unrestricted free agent, as scheduled in March.

Sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that the Patriots will use a franchise tag on Cassel that will give the team two options: Trade him if all goes well with Tom Brady’s rehabilitation from a knee injury or keep him because all is not well with Brady.

This news seems to confirm what we already expected.  While franchising Cassel has its obvious benefits, I don’t think the Patriots can afford to have both Brady and Cassel on the roster once the regular season begins.  Because of this, a trade will have to happen to avoid paying a total of nearly $30 million to both quarterbacks.

6 Comments | 2008, General / Analysis, Offseason, Rumors | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Jerod Mayo is the Defensive Rookie of the Year

December 31, 2008

Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo has had a name change; he will now be known as Defensive Rookie of the Year Jerod Mayo.  There’s a nice ring to that.

Mayo snagged 49 of 50 votes.  Who got the other vote?  Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers.

What?

Yeah.  The guy that missed more than half the season actually won rookie of the year.  Why does that guy get to vote?

Anyways, this award is a really big accomplishment for Jerod Mayo.  He really deserved it, as he gave us a glimpse of what the future may be for the Patriots defense.  He brought the perfect attitude, just absorbed things like a sponge.  He is fast, physical, smart, and will star for the Patriots for years to come.

You can read the full AP Report here.

3 Comments | 2008, Draft 08, General / Analysis, Reports | Permalink
Posted by Greg

2009 Patriots 3 Round NFL Mock Draft Version 1.0

December 30, 2008

It’s that time of year again.  The time of year where I put on my draft cap and go deep into scouting mode.  While I’ve just begun to scratch the surface of this year’s draft class, I thought I’d give you my first mock draft of the year.

Round 1, Pick 24: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

The Patriots need cornerback help badly, and if Davis would to somehow fall into their laps, he would undoubtedy be their pick.  Davis is big, fast, physical.  He will be the complete package at the pro level, and will be able to completely change the look of the Patriots secondary.

Round 2A: Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa

I’m not sure if Shonn Greene is going to declare, but if he does, and he is around at about pick 50, he would be a tremendous steal.  He is a true power runner, has good cut speed, and is a workhorse.  He sort of reminds me of a Lamont Jordan.  And if Jordan walks via free agency, Greene can be groomed for the future.

Round 2B: Sam Young, RT, Notre Dame

Sam Young is huge, powerful, and has great drive.  And while he might not be quick enough to block on the second level, he could be groomed to take over for Nick Kazcur on the right side.

Round 3: Frantz Joseph, ILB, Florida Atlantic

I’m going to take a flyer and say that you’ve probably never heard of Frantz Joseph.  You will.  At 6-2. 235, Joseph would project as an inside linebacker in the 3-4.  While he could probably do to gain some bulk, he has played both inside and outside backer in college, which means he could probably transition to inside linebacker in the 3-4 pretty well.  Joseph can be over-aggressive at times, but is good at filling gaps and is decent in coverage.

6 Comments | 2008, Draft 09 | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Sources: Pioli Interested In Brown’s G.M. Gig

December 30, 2008

The Cleveland Plain dealer reports:

Scott Pioli, Patriots vice president of player personnel, is believed to be very interested in the Browns’ general manager job and is expected to interview for the position soon, multiple league sources told The Plain Dealer on Monday.The Browns have been granted permission by the Patriots to interview Pioli and could talk to him as soon as today. Pioli also has been contacted by either the Kansas City Chiefs or Detroit Lions and will interview for one of those jobs as well, a source said.

The interviews will be the first Pioli has accepted since he joined the Patriots in 2000. He was granted permission to interview with two other teams, but he declined both. In 2005, the Seattle Seahawks, despite not formally interviewing Pioli, offered him a five-year, $15 million deal, which he turned down. He also declined a request to be interviewed by the New York Giants in January 2007.

If Pioli takes the Browns job, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, a Canton native, could be near the top of his list of coaching candidates. Pioli hired McDaniels, 32, in 2001 to be a personnel and coaching assistant for the Patriots. The two remain close. Browns owner Randy Lerner confirmed Monday that McDaniels is on his short list. The Lions already have asked for permission to interview McDaniels, the Boston Herald reported Monday night.

The fact that Pioli has never accepted an interview request shows that Pioli’s interest must be genuine.  But it’s still just wait and see, and we’ll have updates if anything changes.

1 Comment | 2008, Offseason, Rumors | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Patriots’ Free Agents: A Quick Overview

December 29, 2008

Apparently, we’re moving into full offseason mode at PatriotsBlog.net.  That being said, here’s a quick look at all of the Patriots’ free agents (players who contracts expire after this season).

Rodney Harrison

Harrison’s 2008 season was ended early due to a torn quad.  However, he had looked really good before he went down.  While some reports said Harrison’s injury could be career ending, I think Harrison may be open to a return as a first and second down player.  Prediction: Resigns one year, 2 million contract

Mike Wright

Wright came on really strong at the end of the season as a rotational player along the defensive line.  Unfortunately, he injured himself in the game yesterday, and if it’s serious, I see the Patriots taking a wait and see approach.  Prediction: Does not sign

Jabar Gaffney

Gaffney has really shown some flashes during his time with the Patriots.  He has good versatility as he can play on the outside and in the slot.  While he would be a good fit in a similar role next year, I think he might walk.  Remember last year, he resigned for just one year so that he could work on his market value for the next season.  Prediction: Does not sign

James Sanders

Unless the Patriots plan on using a high draft pick on a safety, I think James Sanders will be important to keep.  He is really good in run support, and is serviceable in pass coverage.  Sanders was a little bit up and down in 2008, but in the end, I think he resigns with the Patriots.  Prediction: Signs 3 year, $8 million contract

Deltha O’Neal

The Patriots signed O’Neal at the start of the regular season to help bolster the Pats’ cornerback group.  While I don’t think he was as bad as people made him out to be, he was abysmal at times.  Therefore, I could see the Pats inviting him to training camp under a one year deal, but I don’t envision him on the 2009 regular season roster. Prediction: Signs one year, non-guaranteed, $1 million contract

Ross Hochstein

Hochstein played a nice role as a rotational lineman and blocking fullback.  I think he earned himself a new contract.  Prediction: Signs two year,$1.5 million contract

Lonnie Paxton

There’s absolutely no reason for the Patriots to not resign Lonnie Paxton.  He is one of the most reliable long snappers in the game.  Prediction: Signs one year, $830,000 contract

Heath Evans

The past year, the Patriots asked fullback Heath Evans to take on more of a traditional fullback role, a role in which he shined.  He is a strong runner, a good blocker, and has decent hands.  Prediction: Signs two year $2.5 million contract

Lamont Jordan

Lamont Jordan’s power, one-cut, north-south running was truly a joy to watch.  If the Patriots had made the playoffs, I think he would have had a very big role.  While I would love the Patriots to bring Jordan back under a similar role, I have a feeling he is going to try to gauge his market value.  Prediction: Unsigned

Chris Hanson

Hanson had a very up and down season in 2008.  His best punt probably came against the wind in yesterdays game, where he booted a 46 yard punt that helped the Patriots take control of field position.  It is really hard to project what will happen with Hanson.  I think the Patriots will resign him, but I think he may have some competition.  Prediction: Signs one year, $830,000 contract

Eric Alexander

Eric Alexander signed as an undrafted rookie free agent back in 2005.  While he has had a strong presence on special teams, I see his tenure as a Patriot ending.  Prediction; Unsigned

Larry Izzo

While Izzo is certainly getting up there in years, I think he is still valuable as the leader of the Patriots special teams unit.  Prediction: Signs one year, $830,000 contract

Lewis Sanders

Of all the Patriots’ 2008 signees, Lewis Sanders panned out the best.  He is bigger and more physical than all other cornerbacks on the Patriots roster, even playing a little safety.  Prediction: Signs 2 year, $2 million contract

Wesley Britt

The rotational offensive lineman for the Patriots didn’t show much this season.  Prediction: Unsigned

Pierre Woods

While Woods has shown some flashes, he has also made a lot of mistakes, and his season ending injury won’t help his stock either.  Also, Shawn Crable, who emulates much of what Pierre Woods can do as a pass rusher, will likely take over Woods’ role in 2009.  Prediction: Unsigned

Ray Ventrone

The defensive back / special teamer / wide receiver showed a lot of passion and versatility with the Patriots in 2008.  He is a fan favorite, and I expect him to be back.  Prediction: Signs one year, $430,000 contract.

Mark LeVoir

The switch-tackle played really well in spot duty this season.  I certainly think he earned himself a new contract, and I think he may become a starter sometime down the road.  Prediction: Signs three year, $3.5 million contract

Matt Gutierrez

Gutierrez has shown some flashes as a backup quarterback showing the ability to put some zip on his throws.  While he could be brought back if Matt Cassel walks, I wouldn’t expect him to be resigned.  Prediction: Unsigned

Rosevelt Colvin

I think that Colvin continued to look better and better as the season winded down.  I would certainly welcome him back as a Patriot, considering his potential value as a speed pass rusher for the Patriots.  Still, for some reason, I don’t think a deal will get done.  Prediction: Unsigned

Junior Seau

Seau has continued to impress despite the fact that he will be 40 next month.  He plays with unmatched intensity.  I think it is truly remarkable that he could come in, be out of football for nearly a year, and play at the same level.  Seau hasn’t ruled out playing an extra season.  He is a natural leader, and I think bringing him back would be the best decision.  Prediction: Patriots take wait and see approach, sign to a one year, $830,000 contract before training camp, or possibly a pro-rated contract later in the year.
Matt Cassel

Cassel is the one people really just want to hear about.  Matt Cassel had a remarkable season in 2008, and will likely be a high profile starting NFL quarterback for years to come.  With Tom Brady’s health still up in the air, the Patriots may look to resign Cassel with the franchise tag.  I am in the strong minority, but given Cassel amazing progress throughout the season, I think they need to consider making him the quarterback of the future, IF Tom Brady won’t be ready for the start of 2009.  Prediction: Signs franchise tag… after that, who knows.  But multiple media outlets are reporting that the Patriots are strongly considering using the tag on Cassel.

1 Comment | 2008, General / Analysis, Offseason, Rumors | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Browns to Interview Pioli For G.M. Position

December 29, 2008

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cleveland Browns have requested to interview Patriots Executive V.P. of Player Personnel Scott Pioli.

Lerner said he’s received permission to talk to New England Patriots Executive Vice President Scott Pioli and that he’ll focus on the general manager role next.

As Patriots fans know, Pioli is essentially equal to Belichick in terms of team personnel decisions.  He is a huge part in free agency, scouting, the draft, trades, etc.  Losing Pioli would be a huge blow to the team, as the majority of personnel decisions would fall into the lap of Bill Belichick.

Pioli has always been a wanted commodity among team presidents.  However, the problem is, a team can’t interview another team’s employee until after that team’s season is finished.  Usually, for the Patriots, this means that teams can’t interview its employees until late January or even early February.  However, with the Patriots failing to qualify for the post-season, Pioli has immediately become available for interview.

This could also open the door for coaches like offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels leaving the team for a head coaching gig, although his name hasn’t yet been mentioned for any specific team (although it is widely speculated he will be a go to guy for the job).

For now, the Patriots just have to wait and hope their top employees stay put.

Update: The Patriots have officially granted the Browns permission to interview Pioli.

Leave a Comment » | 2008, General / Analysis, Offseason, Rumors | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Patriots Win, But Jets and Jags Don’t

December 28, 2008

Five years from now, I’m only going to think about what could have been.  At 11-5, the Patriots have failed to qualify for the post-season for the first time since 2002.

To be honest, I don’t want to talk about it.  I don’t want to write about it.  The fact is, any team that is 11-5 and on a dominating four game win streak deserves to be in the playoffs.  We tied with the third best record in the NFL, yet still didn’t make it.

This team really could have made a post-season run.  And I mean Super Bowl.  We could have won it all.  I believe there were only three teams better than us in the entire NFL, the Steelers, Giants, and Titans.  We were on the same level as the Panthers and Colts.  I think we were better than the Dolphins, Ravens, Falcons, Eagles, and Broncos/Chargers… etc.

The momentum that this team had… well, I’m not sure they could be stopped come playoff time.  The fact that multiple teams with worse records than the Patriots can make it show exactly how ineffective the current playoff seeding system is.  By having the divisions so small, the best teams don’t always make the playoffs.  We saw this last year with the Browns, in 2005 with the Dolphins, and now more than ever with the Patriots.  Expanding the divisions back to six would eliminate teams like the Broncos or Cardinals making the playoffs.

11-5.

Wow, I still can’t believe the Patriots missed the playoffs at 11-5.  Wow. Wow. Wow.

Speaking of wow, how about today’s game?  Despite the fact that the Patriots missed the playoffs, it was one hell of a game.  The wind definitely made it fun to watch.  I wasn’t around for football in the 40’s, but I imagine today’s game somewhat resembled the good ‘ole days of football.

There are going to be a lot of changes this offseason.  The Patriots have a lot of picks, there will likely be personnel changes.  That can all be discussed in the future.  For now, we can just try to move on.  The Dolphins had one hell of a season, and they did deserve the division title, no matter how good the Patriots actually are.

5 Comments | 2008, Games, General / Analysis | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Report: Crazy Weather in Buffalo

December 28, 2008

When the Patriots take the field against the Buffalo Bills today, the weather looks to be a huge factor.  Huge factor.

ESPN is reporting that wind gusts at Ralph Wilson stadium have reached 60 MPH, and look to be at around 40 MPH at kickoff.  The wind has gotten to the point that the goal posts have been tilted and the sideline benches thrown around due to the wind.

While the game is very unlikely to be delayed, the weather will still affect how the game is played.  Look for both teams to rely on the run heavily.  Expect a  lot of Sammy Morris and Lamont Jordan today, as the weather may very well prevent both teams from throwing the ball.

3 Comments | 2008, Games, General / Analysis | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Week 17 Preview: Patriots at Bills

December 28, 2008

Well, it’s do or die time.  If the Patriots lose on Sunday, they will be eliminated from playoff contention.  A win keeps them alive and in a need of a little help to make the playoffs.

In their first meting, the Patriots soundly defeated the Bills 20-10.  And although the score didn’t really suggest it, the Patriots dominated this meeting.

While on paper, the Patriots should easily handle the Bills.  However, the Bills have nothing to play for and that could make them dangerous, as they will be looking to play spoiler.

Players to Watch – Bills

Fred Jackson, RB #22 – Jackson has taken on a big role in supplementing Marshawn Lynch this season.  He has played great football, is fast, elusive, and will see his touches throughout the day.

Reggie Corner, DB, #27 – Corner the corner had four deflected passes last week against Denver.  The little 5-9 corner may be matched against Welker in the slot, so he will be interesting to watch.

Players to Watch – Patriots

Randy Moss, WR, #81 – I usually don’t put the star players up here, but for some reason I’m sensing a big week from Randy Moss.  Don’t ask me why, it’s just one of those things.

Gary Guyton, LB, #59 – Guyton has been a starter since both Pierre Woods and Tedy Bruschi went down… that was, until he got injured.  After struggling at outside linebacker, it will be interesting to see if Woods can get back in the groove of things defensively.

Key to the Game

Jump out on top quickly – The Bills have been poor at scoring in the first quarter, while the Patriots have been pretty good in that category.  The key will be to continue this trend, so that the Bills can never get any hope, and the Patriots can put their foot on the Bills’ neck.

Prediction: Patriots 34 Bills 17

I see the Patriots closing out the season in pretty dominating fashion.  While the Bills may make things pretty interesting, I think the Patriots have too much to play for to lose this game.

Leave a Comment » | 2008, Games | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Week 16 Snapshot: Pats Trounce Cards

December 24, 2008

Another week, another blowout.  At this point in the season, I don’t think any team wants to play the Patriots.  The offense you knew and loved from 2007 is back, although the philosophy is different.

Game Notes

  • The Cardinal’s effort was pathetic.  It was unprofessional, lackluster… just rediculous.  They are a playoff team, and need to start playing like it.   Teams like the Cardinals make me believe that the NFL should re-organize and expand the divisions.  While the current system is very organized and clean-cut, it is letting too many bad teams make the playoffs.  Going back to three divisions per conference following an expansion may not be a bad idea.
  • Everybody on every facet of the game played a fantastic game, which is why I definitely won’t be doing a player stock report this week.  On offense, Matt Cassel, Sammy Morris, Lamont Jordan, Wes Welker all played terrific games.  On defense, Junior Seau, Jarvis Green, Mike Vrabel, Brandon Meriweather, and Jonathan Wilhite all played well.   On special teams, Gostkowski, Slater, Washington, Redd, Welker, and Ventrone all did their thing.
  • I was surprised the Patriots were able to work so effectively and as much as they did through the air.  Cassel had a very good game, throwing for over 350 and three touchdowns.  A big reason for the was the play of Jabar Gaffney, who without a doubt had his best game of the season.  However, the real reason for the Patriots success throwing the ball may have been how they came out at deteriorated the Cardinals with the run.  For snap #1, Sammy Morris pounded the ball down the Cardinals throats.  After a little Sammy Morris, the Patriots turned to the bruiser, Lamont Jordan (who, if the Patriots make the playoffs, will be a VERY KEY contributor).
  • The kickoff coverage unit was rediculous.  After giving up the return touchdown lasty week, they played one hell of a game.  I felt like Steve Breaston was stopped inside the 20 on every single kickoff.  And boy, were there a lot of kickoffs.
  • Very solid game from the Patriots defense.  The Pats success defensively started with the pass rush.  Jarvis Green, Mike Wright, Mike Vrabel, and Rosevelt Colvin all had big games rushing the passer.  However, the biggest pass rush came from Brandon Meriweather, who forced a stip-sack on Matt Leinart on a safety blitz.  In my opinion, he is developing into a real star.  Speaking of stars, how about Junior Seau?  Although he is turning 40, he still plays with the heart of a rookie, as was exemplified during the game on Sunday.

Game Balls

Offense: Lamont Jordan, RB: Jordan pounded the ball 20 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns in the Pats’ 47-7 victory.  Jordan showed the ability to carry the load conistently, as his north-south running really wore down the Cardinal’s defense and allowed the Patriots to have the success they did through the air.

Defense: Jarvis Green, DE: Jarvis Green easily had his best game of the year.  With Ty Warren resting most of the game, Green led the Patriots’ pass rush and was a big key in stopping the Cardinals passing attack.

Look Ahead:

In the final week of the regular season, the Patriots will go up against the 7-8 Buffalo Bills, with their playoff lives on the line.  If they lose, they’re out.  Period.  However, with the Seahawks topping the Jets Sunday afternoon, things got interesting.  The Patriots will need to win and have the Dolphins lose to win the division.  That means Patriots fans will have to root for the Jets to beat the Dolphins, which should be interesting.  The Patriots could also make the playoffs as the wildcard if they don’t win the division, which means the Jaguars would have to beat the Ravens.

2 Comments | 2008, Games | Permalink
Posted by Greg

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