Patriots Sign Patrick Pass

June 5, 2009

The Patriots just made the second greatest move possible.  The first would be re-signing Antowain Smith.  But, well, yeah.

The Patriots have announced the signing of veteran running back Patrick Pass.

Patrick Pass: Hells yeah!

Patrick Pass: Hells yeah!

Pass, as you may remember, won three Super Bowls with the Patriots from 2000-2006.  His rookie year he was purely a halfback, but he later bulked up and was actually the Patriots’ starting fullback for the 2004 Super Bowl season (and part of 2003).

Patrick Pass can do a little bit of everything.  He can carry the ball on first and second downs as a tailback.  He can catch the ball out of the backfield.  He can both return and cover kicks, play third down back, and even line up at fullback.

Pass most recently played for the Giants in 2007.  He also played for the Texans.

Pass joins a backfield that includes Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Sammy Morris, and Kevin Faulk.  While he may have a hard time making the 53, his versatility should give him an added boost.

The Patriots also announced the release of four players; Angelo Craig, Kenny Smith, Omar Cuff, and Marcus McClinton.

3 Comments | 2009, General / Analysis, Offseason, Transactions | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Rodney Harrison to NBC

June 2, 2009

Although it has long been speculated, Rodney Harrison appears to be moving on from professional football.  The Boston Herald reports:

One of the most storied players in Patriots history, Harrison will be introduced as the newest member of NBC’s broadcast team during a conference call tomorrow, according to a source with knowledge of Harrison’s plans.

And while the possibility of a comeback can never be discounted, Harrison is already on record that when he walks away from the game, it will be for good.

“Whatever Rodney decides to do, he’ll be great at it,” said teammate James Sanders this afternoon at Gillette Stadium, where the Patriots were holding an optional team workout.

Reached this afternoon, an NBC spokesman declined comment. NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol will hold a conference call tomorrow at noon to announce the network’s new talent, and Harrison is expected to be on that call.

“If that’s what he chooses to do, he’ll be great,” Sanders said. “He’s very photogenic. He talks well, carries himself well, speaks real proper. He looks like he was born for the camera.”

The 36-year-old Harrison won two Super Bowls with the Patriots and was a three-time first team All-Pro selection. He is the only player in NFL history to record 30 sacks and 30 interceptions in his career.

Harrison previously said that he would make a decision by June 1st.  He will hold a conference call tomorrow, so we’ll see if this becomes official.

Leave a Comment » | 2009, General / Analysis, Offseason | Permalink
Posted by Greg

2009 Patriots Final Roster Prediction Version 1.0

June 2, 2009

Here’s my first prediction of what the Patriots’ opening day roster will look like.  Keep in mind that it is just a prediction, and many of my predictions are pure speculation.

QB: 1. Tom Brady 2. Kevin O’Connell 3. Brian Hoyer

HB: 1. Laurence Maroney 2. Fred Taylor 3. Sammy Morris 4. Kevin Faulk 5. BenJarvus Green-Ellis

WR: 1. Randy Moss 2. Joey Galloway 3. Wes Welker (slot) 4. Greg Lewis 5. Sam Aiken

TE: 1. Ben Watson 2. Chris Baker 3. Alex Smith

T: 1. Matt Light 2. Nick Kazcur 3. Mark LeVoir 4. Sebastian Vollmer

G: 1. Logan Mankins 2. Stephen Neal 3. Russ Hochstein

C: 1. Dan Koppen 2. Rich Ohrnberger

DE: 1. Richard Seymour 2. Ty Warren 3. Mike Wright 4. Le Kevin Smith

NT: 1. Vince Wilfork 2. Ron Brace

OLB: 1. Adalius Thomas 2. Pierre Woods 3. Shawn Crable 4. Vince Redd

ILB: 1. Jerod Mayo 2. Tedy Bruschi 3. Paris Lenon 4. Gary Guyton 5. Eric Alexander

CB: 1. Leigh Bodden 2. Jonathan Wilhite 3. Shawn Springs 4. Darius Butler 5. Terrence Wheatley

SS: 1. James Sanders 2. Patrick Chung

FS: 1. Brandon Meriweather 2. Brandon McGowan 3. Ray Ventrone

K: 1. Stephen Gostkowski

P: 1. Chris Hanson

LS: 1. Nathan Hodel

PUP/IR: Brandon Tate, WR; Tyrone McKenzie, ILB;

Practice Squad: Myron Pryor, NT; Titus Adams, DL; Julian Edelman, WR; George Bussey, G/T; Eric Kettani, FB; Robert Ortiz, WR; Jamar Love, CB; Marcus McClinton, S

Tough Cuts: Tully Banta-Cain, OLB; Darryl Richard, DL; Antwain Spann, S;Vinny Ciurciu, ILB; Jarvis Green, DE; Mike Richardson, CB; David Thomas, TE; Ryan Wendell, G, Tank Williams, S; Billy Yates, G; Jake Ingram, LS; Matt Gutierrez, QB; Al Johnson, C/G; Matthew Slater, WR/S/ST

I thought I’d highlights on my thought process in shaping the roster:

  • TBC doesn’t make the cut.  It was down to him and Vince Redd, and I like Redd’s size and athleticism.
  • Darryl Richard gets cut after a stiff competition with Le Kevin Smith and Jarvis Green.  He gets claimed off waivers so Myron Pryor gets the practice squad spot instead.
  • David Thomas loses the battle at tight end.  I think the Patriots could opt to keep four, in which case, Thomas could make the team.
  • Matt Slater loses out to Sam Aiken as the 5th receiver/special teams ace.  If Slater shows good return ability, this could be switched.
  • Al Johnson loses out to Russ Hochstein as the C/G backup.  Why?  Hochstein’s ability to be a lead blocker.
  • Jarvis Green’s release was purely a salary cap move, as the Patriots have younger and cheaper options in Le Kevin Smith and Darryl Richard, and they recently re-signed Mike Wright to a big deal.
  • I penciled in Jonathan Wilhite as the #2 cornerback.  Why?  After going back and watching tape on him, I just think he’s that good.
  • Spann, Ciurciu, Tank Williams, and Yates are all tough cuts.  There just wasn’t room on the roster for all of them.

6 Comments | 2009, General / Analysis, Offseason | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Patriots Sign ILB Paris Lenon

May 27, 2009

The Patriots have made a move to upgrade their inside linebacking corps with the addition of inside linebacker Paris Lenon.

Lenon has spent his entire career as a 4-3 middle linebacker, so he will have to make the transition to 3-4 inside linebacker for the Patriots.  Assuming he can make this transition, he could be a big boost for the Patriots.  Lenon, 31, recorded 118 and 121 tackles in his last two seasons with the Lions, and can add sure tackling, experience, and smarts to the Patriots.  Here is what ESPN’s Scouts Inc. had to say on Lenon prior to the 2008 season:

Lenon is a six year player coming off his best season as the second leading tackler for the Detroit defense. He has good height and has grown into his body nicely. He is a solid athlete, but not an explosive player. He runs well and shows good range in pursuit. He has burst to close and agility to slip blockers or change directions to get to the pile. He uses his hands well, while pursuing with proper angles to work through trash to stay in the fray. He is a solid wrap tackler, but needs to keep his pads over his feet better. He has improved his reactions and appears to be more instinctive over this past season. He has a good feel for route progressions and leveraging the ball as well as having enough athleticism to be an effective man coverage defender. He has worked himself into a starting position and should continue to improve given his intelligence, work ethic and durability.

While Lenon likely won’t be making any Pro Bowl appearances, he could easily push Bruschi and Guyton for playing time on the inside.  And if things turn out well, he could be an option for 2010 if Bruschi does retire.

The Patriots hosted Lenon on a visit last week.  Interestingly, they hosted former Rams inside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa this week as well.  Although with the addition of Lenon, I wouldn’t expect the Patriots to add Tinoisamoa.

Leave a Comment » | 2009, General / Analysis, Offseason, Reports, Transactions | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Would Derrick Burgess Solve the Pass Rush Issue?

May 19, 2009

By now, you’ve probably heard the rumors of a Derrick Burgess trade to New England for a second or third round draft pick. However, what would a potential trade for Burgess mean for the Patriots?

For one, it would give the Patriots immediate insurance at outside linebacker.  Burgess, 30, has 47.0 career sacks, most of which have come with the Oakland Raiders since 2005.  He has played defensive end in the 4-3 his entire career, but could presumably make the switch to 3-4 outside linebacker.  The 6′2″, 260 pound end, Burgess has just one year left on his contract at a reasonable price.  However, the Patriots will probably keep in mind that Burgess had just 3.5 sacks in 10 games played last season (although I haven’t watched tape on the Raiders so I’m not really in a position to state that he wasn’t effective.

Currently, the Patriots have Adalius Thomas, Shawn Crable, Pierre Woods, Vince Redd, and Tully Banta-Cain under contract at outside linebacker.  Burgess would certainly add experience, but would also add versatility.  If the Patriots completed a trade for Burgess, and Crable, Woods, or Redd could step up to a certain extent, the Patriots would have the luxury of playing Adalius Thomas at some inside linebacker, where the Patriots need depth following the torn ACL of rookie Tyrone McKenzie.  Worst case scenario?  Both Thomas and Burgess play solely outside linebacker, which would seemingly be an upgrade from the current situation.

The Patriots have been discussing a trade with Burgess since before the draft, so I’m not sure a trade is imminent, although it very well could be close.  My hunch?  The Patriots complete the trade for a 2010 third round pick, as I think that is the middle ground between what the two sides are looking for.

5 Comments | 2009, General / Analysis, Offseason, Rumors | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Burgess to New England Heating Up?

May 19, 2009

From USA Today.com:

Multiple reports say Burgess may be had for a second- or third-round pick, and the Pats accrued many of those on draft weekend. Interesting to note, too, that the Raiders only charged New England a fourth-rounder for WR Randy Moss two years ago.

But back to Burgess. He’s coming off an injury-plagued 2008 season, but he can harass quarterbacks, presumably as a linebacker in the Patriots’ 3-4 look (the Raiders play a 4-3 defense). Burgess had 35 sacks between 2005-2007, making two Pro Bowls despite playing for one of the NFL’s worst teams.

Leave a Comment » | 2009, Offseason, Reports | Permalink
Posted by r1zzo23

Catching Up

May 11, 2009

Sorry for the hiatus guys.   Over the last week, unfortunately, I had been unable to update the website.  However, I’m back, and we’re moving full steam ahead.  I was going to have someone else update the website, but I figured there wouldn’t be much news, and I was wrong, kind of.

A day after introducing Patrick Chung to the media, the Patriots held their annual rookie minicamp.  In attendance were the twelve draft picks, a few tenured players (Ryan Wendell, Angelo Craig, and Brad Listorti), as well as over 10 tryout players.

However the biggest news coming out of rookie camp was the knee injury suffered by rookie inside linebacker and third round pick Tyrone McKenzie.  It has been reported that the injury is a torn ACL and that McKenzie will be done for the year.  McKenzie had been one of my early favorites from the 2009 rookie class, and I’m disappointed to see such a hard worker and charismatic player suffer another setback.

The big question now is who is the fourth inside linebacker?  Is it rookie free agent Antonio Appleby?  Is it veteran and core special teams player Eric Alexander?  The Patriots could also address the position through free agency.  The first name that comes to mind for me is Junior Seau, who is a real hit in the Patriots locker room.  I don’t know about you, but I’d like to see him “finish what we started.”

Soon following Patriots mini-camp, the Patriots signed eight tryout players.  The Patriots signed three Navy rookies: wide receiver Tyree Barnes, receiver/running back Shun White, and fullback/halfback Eric Kettani.  They also signed seventh year veteran Vinny Ciurciu.  Ciurciu is mostly a special teams player, but could possibly earn himself a role in the Patriots rotation.  The only other rookie they signed was Aaron Perez, the punter from UCLA.  However, the also picked up defensive lineman Steve Williams and running back Omar Cuff, two longer shots to make the roster.

The Patriots may have made their biggest signing just a day later when they picked up Brandon McGowan, safety from the Chicago Bears.  McGowan is coming off a season ending injury, but played very well in starting duties in 2007, and should immediately compete for playing time.  The deal is for two years, and that makes it kind of surprising, considering the Patriots already have three slightly undersized safeties in James Sanders, Patrick Chung, and Brandon Meriweather.  They also have rookie free agent Marcus McClinton, as well as veteran strong safety/inside linebacker Tank Williams.

Last but not least, free agent cornerback Ty Law has been “talking” to the Patriots according to Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis.  I don’t buy it.  Ty Law smacked the Patriots in the face after he returned to the Jets last year.  And frankly, I’m just tired of talking about a possible Law return.  With youngsters Terrence Wheatley, Jonathan Wilhite, and Darius Butler in the fold, and the free agent additions of the phyical Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden, would signing Law even help?

That’s all for now, expect more later in the day today.

2 Comments | 2009, Draft 09, General / Analysis, Offseason, Reports, Rumors | Permalink
Posted by Greg

McKenzie Tears Right ACL, Done for Season

May 6, 2009

Tyrone McKenzie, 3rd round pick of the New England Patriots, suffered a torn right ACL and is now done for the season. This was one pick that I was pretty excited about becasue of the lack of OLBs on the roster, so I thought McKenzie would have a chance to step on the field right away. With him now out, I think this makes the Patriots try that much harder to get Jason Taylor in New England for the season. Hopefully McKenzie can rehab and have no more injuries. Sitting out a year and becoming a sponge to the system isn’t exactly a bad thing.

1 Comment | 2009, Offseason, Reports | Permalink
Posted by r1zzo23

Patriots Complete Trade for Alex Smith

April 30, 2009

The New England Patriots have completed a trade for Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ tight end Alex Smith.  The trade is for an undisclosed 2010 draft pick, according to an announcement by the team.

This trade should be for a later pick, so I like it.  Smith isn’t exactly known for his blocking (although he isn’t particularly bad in this area), but rather for his receiving.  Smith, who went to college at Stanford, joins a tight end group that includes Ben Watson, Chris Baker, David Thomas, Brad Listorti, and Tyson DeVree.  Baker and Watson presumably have their spots locked down, so Smith could compete with David Thomas for the 3rd tight end spot (although DeVree could make the roster as an h-back).

Interestingly, Smith’s contract expires after 2009, as with every other tight end on the Patriots roster minus Chris Baker.  I assume the Patriots want to see if Smith, whose catch total has fallen in each of his four seasons, can show something more than say David Thomas, who has also been a relative disappointment considering his pass-catching ability.

Leave a Comment » | 2009, General / Analysis, Offseason, Transactions | Permalink
Posted by Greg

Patriots Trade Ellis Hobbs, Draft Ohrnberger

April 26, 2009

Okay, things really heated up the last few minutes.

To start things off, the Patriots traded cornerback Ellis Hobbs to the Philadelphia Eagles for two fifth round picks, 137th and 141st overall.

However, they quickly traded these picks to the Baltimore Ravens for a fourth rounder, 123rd overall, and a sixth rounder, 198th overall.

With the fourth round pick they acquired through the Ravens, the Patriots selected Rich Ohrnberger, offensive guard from Penn State.  Ohrnberger is a guy I actually like.  Although he is undersized, he plays with a good motor, is quick out of his stance, and is good in pass protection and pulling.  Solid pick who could eventually take over for Stephen Neal at right guard.

As for Hobbs, I am sad to see him go.  Hobbs was an electic returner, and underrated cover man.  I thought he had a great season in 2008.  Still, there was a logjam at cornerback, and Hobbs is an unrestricted free agent after the season.  With Hobbs gone, the Patriots have Shawn Springs, Leigh Bodden, Jonathan Wilhite, Terrence Wheatley, and Darius Butler at cornerback.  I think any of the five could get a starting spot, so there should be some great competition at the position in training camp.

Leave a Comment » | 2009, Draft 09, General / Analysis, Offseason | Permalink
Posted by Greg

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