March 2009 News

The New England Patriots’ ’09 Defense

Published: March 27, 2009

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I was sitting around today thinking about the New England Patriots’ defense going into this season. On paper, they look pretty solid except for linebacker. I still think they’ll bring in Jason Taylor or Julius Peppers to help out there, though.

It looks like they’ll also throw most of their draft picks at defense in the upcoming draft. Here is a look at how their defense stands now.

 

Defensive Line

Nose Tackle

Starter: Vince Wilfork. Still one of the top nose tackles in the league. Re-signing him is one of the Pats’ top concerns.

Top backup: Mike Wright. Nice backup at nose tackle or defensive end. Just signed a four-year deal.

Left Defensive End

Starter: Ty Warren. Had a down year in 2008, but still one of the best 3-4 linemen around.

Top backup: Le Kevin Smith. A lot like Wright; I think Smith will get more playing time this year with a lot of the other players being in their last year.

Right Defensive End

Starter: Richard Seymour. Led the team with eight sacks last year. This might be his last year with the team, though.

Top backup: Jarvis Green. Nice utility pass rusher. He might also be gone in 2010.

 

Linebacker

Inside Linebacker

Starter #1: Tedy Bruschi. He’s starting to wind down. May lose his starting job to Guyton or a draft pick.

Starter #2: Jerod Mayo. Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year. Should anchor the inside for years to come.

Top backup: Gary Guyton. Played well for an undrafted rookie. Might start in 2009. Should be nickel linebacker at worst.

Outside Linebacker

Starter #1: Adalius Thomas. Hasn’t lived up to his contract so far. I think Belichick is gonna put him in Vrabel’s old role.

Starter #2: Pierre Woods. Right now he looks like a starter. Will probably lose out to a free agent signing or a draft pick.

Top backup #1: Tully Banta-Cain. Nice special teamer. Can rush the passer on third down.

Top backup #2: Shawn Crable. Hasn’t shown anything so far. Might start or might not make roster.

 

Safety

Free Safety

Starter: James Sanders. Average player. Might have to compete with Springs.

Top backup: Shawn Springs. Could start at safety or corner. Might be top backup at both.

Strong Safety

Starter: Brandon Meriweather. Looks like a play maker. I think he’s gonna have a nice ’09 season.

Top backup: Tank Williams. Not sure if he can stay healthy. Can help here and as a nickel linebacker.

 

Cornerback

Left Corner

Starter: Leigh Bodden. Has the skills to start. Is going have to battle with Springs, Wheatley, and Wilhite to do so.

Top backup: Johnathan Wilhite. Played well in 2009. If he doesn’t start then he should see plenty of time in nickel and dime.

Right Corner

Starter: Ellis Hobbs III. In a serious fight to keep his starting job. Might get shifted to the nickel.

Top backup: Terrence Wheatley. Was injured most of last year. Will get lots of playing time in third down packages.

 

That’s how I see things shaking out so far. I’m sure the Patriots will bolster their defense even more through the draft. I would like to hear anyone else’s thoughts on their defense.


Whitaker’s 2009 NFL Mock Draft (Will Probably Change Up Until Draft Day)

Published: March 27, 2009

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1. Detroit Lions – Jason Smith – OT – Baylor

The biggest need for a team coming off the worst season in franchise and NFL history is not at quarterback; it is on the offensive line. Smith may be the safest pick in the draft, especially with Andre Smith and Michael Crabtree’s red flags.

2. St. Louis Rams – Michael Crabtree – WR – Texas Tech

The Rams cut two of their all-time greats this off-season, you would think they would go O-Line. However, one of those two greats is Torry Holt, and who better to replace him than with Crabtree.

3. Kansas City Chiefs – Aaron Curry – OLB – Wake Forest

Seeing how big a disappointment former first-round pick Derrick Johnson has been, Curry could immediately step in to an ailing defense that was near last in every major category last season.

4. Seattle Seahawks – Eugene Monroe – OT – Virginia

“One of the best quarterbacks in the game,” that’s what new Head Coach Jim Mora Jr. said of Matt Hasselbeck at Mora’s introductory presser. That being said, the Seahawks need someone to protect No. 8.


5. Cleveland Browns – Malcolm Jenkins – CB/FS – Ohio State

If the Browns keep Braylon Edwards, they have pretty decent pieces on offense. Their big problems are on the defensive side of the ball, most notably in the secondary, especially with the departure of veteran safety Sean Jones.

6. Cincinnati Bengals – Jeremy Maclin – WR – Missouri

T.J. Houshmandzadeh is gone, and Chad whatever-his-name-is, is still in Cinci (for now). Maclin would certainly ease the pain of No. 84’s exit, and keep Carson Palmer’s interest.

7. Oakland Raiders – Andre Smith – OT – Alabama

With no big-time receivers on the board, Al Davis will be forced into being smart, and into taking a much-needed offensive lineman.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars – BJ Raji – DT – Boston College

The Jagz didn’t realize how much of a loss Marcus Stroud would be. They will have a chance to make amends with Raji, the best defensive tackle in this draft.

9. Green Bay Packers – Michael Oher – OT – Ole Miss

The Cheeseheads are taking a wait-and-see approach with free agent and 9-year Packer starter at right tackle, Mark Tauscher. Doctors say he might not be healthy by week 1, let alone even available by October.

Oher is the last highlight offensive tackle in this draft, and it will be hard for the Packers to pass on him.


10. San Francisco 49ers – Matthew Stafford – QB – Georgia

As much as Head Coach Mike Singletary likes Shaun Hill, and as much respect General Manager Scott McCloughan has for Alex Smith, San Francisco will not pass on Stafford if he’s there at 10.

11. Buffalo Bills – Everette Brown – DE – Florida State

Before the Bills signed Terrell Owens, Lee Evans desperately needed somebody opposite him to take some of the pressure and double teams off of him. Now with that taken care of, Buffalo now needs to find somebody to take the pressure off Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Schobel. They might just find that somebody in Brown.

 

12. Denver Broncos – Brian Orakpo – OLB/DE – Texas

Mike Nolan is the new defensive coordinator in the Mile High City, and he needs a good pass rushing linebacker for his newly implemented hybrid 3-4 defense, something you will not find on the Broncos current roster.

The run on offensive tackles in the top 10 may cause Orakpo to fall to Denver.

 

13. Washington Redskins – Aaron Maybin –  OLB – Penn State

What a perfect, long overdue replacement for former Nittany Lion LaVar Arrington.

14. New Orleans Saints – Vontae Davis – CB – Illinois

Davis may be the most underrated player in this year’s draft, and he most certainly would come in handy to the ’08 Saints’ Achilles heel, the secondary.

15. Houston Texans – Robert Ayers – DE – Tennessee

Insiders within the Texans organization say that Houston will almost certainly go defense with their first round pick.

Ayers is not a great pass rusher, but that isn’t a huge concern as rolling back the opposition’s rushing yards, which Ayers excelled at in college at Knoxville.

16. San Diego Chargers – Brian Cushing – OLB – USC

If Shawne Merriman gets healthy and gets back to playing like Shawne Merriman, the Chargers can go back to being a dangerous and opportunistic defense.

With Shaun Phillips and Steven Cooper, the ‘San Diego Super Chargers’ can use this mid-1st round pick for depth and maybe even address the TED linebacker need, that Derek Smith most certainly did not fill last season.

 

17. New York Jets – Matt Sanchez – QB – USC

Considering the other Jersey team’s backup quarterback (David Carr) is better than any QB currently on the Jets’ roster, saying the Jets really need a QB is a bit of an understatement.

18. Chicago Bears – Percy Harvin – WR – Florida

With Sanchez gone, “Da Bears” can go ahead and take a calculated risk in taking one of the most explosive players in the ’09 draft. Hester and Harvin, can you imagine?

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Clint Sintim – OLB – Virginia

If you take a look at the Bucs’ current depth chart, they have a special team-er (Quincy Black), and a converted safety (Jermaine Phillips), at both outside linebacker spots, even if they are serious about turning Phillips into the next Derrick Brooks, they will need an upgrade over Black.

20. Detroit Lions – Peria Jerry – DT – Ole Miss

Okay, so the Shaun Rogers-for-Leigh Bodden trade didn’t work out (along with just about every other move in the Matt Millen era). The Lions are off to a good start in the post-Millen era, getting rid of disruptive receiver Roy Williams for this 20th pick (plus two later round picks in this draft and a 7th in the 2010 draft).

Detroit also traded away one-year wonder Cory Redding, for a solid starter and a former pro bowler in Julian Peterson, they can continue cleaning up after Mr. Millen, by filling a huge hole in the middle of their defensive line.

21. Philadephia Eagles – Knowshon Moreno – RB – Georgia

Correll Buckhalter is gone, and Brian Westbrook’s mileage is getting pretty high. Philly will be licking their chops if Moreno falls to them at 21.

22. Minnesota Vikings – James Laurinaitis – MLB – Ohio State

The few times the Vikes’ defense broke down last season, it was usually in the middle of the defense (see Brian Westbrook’s season-ending touchdown off a screen pass).

Laurinaitis, a four-year starter as a Buckeye, will instantly make this already stifling defense that much better in their quest for this franchise’s first-ever NFL Championship.

 

23. New England Patriots – Chris Wells – RB – Ohio State

With Leigh Bodden and Shaun Springs, and maybe even Jason Taylor in the mix, along with Adaluis Thomas’ return, this defense is much better than people think.

With that being said, this franchise has had as much as a running back-by-committee as anyone since Curtis Martin went to the Jets. With Laurence Maroney’s risk as an injury prone back and Lamont Jordan gone, Beanie would certainly get significant playing time with the three-time Super Bowl champs.

24. Atlanta Falcons – Darius Butler – CB – UConn

The surprise of the NFC South needs a partner for newly extended Dominique Foxworth, and who better than a UConn Husky who ran under a 4.4 forty at his pro day?

25. Miami Dolphins – D.J. Moore – CB – Vanderbilt

Will and Jason Allen who are the top two Dolphin corners, had a grand total of four interceptions combined last season. Hopefully if they draft Moore, they can shoot for double-digit picks, next year.

26. Baltimore Ravens – Rey Maualuga – MLB – USC

Bart Scott’s departure and Ray Lewis’ age put the Ravens in a position of needing a young, vastly skilled linebacker. Maualuga can be both Scott’s replacement, and in time, Suga Ray’s successor.

27. Indianapolis Colts – Fili Moala – DT – USC

Even during the Colts’ Super Bowl run, they gave up heaps of rushing yards, that hasn’t changed, and with the Dungy era over, the Colts need now more than ever to fix their defensive weaknesses, most notably on the defensive front.

28. Philadelphia Eagles – Clay Matthews – OLB – USC

I’m just going to come out and say it, the Philadelphia Eagles have the slowest linebackers in the National Football League. Matthews had the fourth fastest time of any linebacker at the Combine, and some say he’s actually the best linebacker coming out of Southern Cal for this draft.

29. New York Giants – Hakeem Nicks – WR – North Carolina

Whether Plaxico Burress plays for the G-Men or not this season, they will be looking for a wideout. Nicks will be the best available come pick No. 29.

30. Tennessee Titans – Larry English –  DE – Northern Illinois

BJ Raji would be only guy who could actually legitimately step in and prove a somewhat worthy replacement for Albert Haynesworth, at least in this draft anyway, and they Titans would have to trade up pretty high to land him in the first place.

So they will have to settle. English is strictly a pass rusher, something the Titans are going to need a lot of to mask the fact they will not be nearly as good stopping the run next season.

However, with Kyle Vanden Bosch and Javon Kearse, they can build around and bank on their strong suit now up front, which is getting to the quarterback.

 

31. Arizona Cardinals – LeSean McCoy – RB – Pittsburgh

The NFC Champions did not and could not run the football last season. Although they do need to fix their interior linemen, they also need a true No. 1 running back, especially with Edgerrin James wanting out. They may find one in McCoy.


32. Pittsburgh Steelers – William Beatty – OT – Connecticut

If the current Super Bowl Champions had a weakness last season, it was on the offensive line. Though the best lineman available at this point would be a center in Max Unger, the Steelers are set at that position with Justin Hartwig.

Beatty would provide a much-needed upgrade over Willie Colon.


Mock Drafts…Why Are We Captivated By Them?

Published: March 27, 2009

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April is almost upon us…and the annual NFL draft is nearly upon us. College players waiting to fulfill their destiny in the NFL; their wait is finally nearing an end.

There is a lot of excitement for the draft, even if all you watch is games, simply because of the spontaneousness of the draft and what it implies to rival teams.

There’s even the old wives tales about teams drafting such as the Minnesota Vikings inability to draft a kicker or the New York Jets curse of never being able to draft a quality player in the first round…

But the is not why I am writing this to all you readers out there. Because I’m sure I speak for many sports enthusiasts and writers when I say that I have long waited the end of the Draft.

Many might ask, why? Why will you be happy once the cycle of bringing in young blood is complete?

I can tell you as most of you know, none of us are really against seeing new blood get drafted…in fact, the Draft day itself is probably the second-most exciting universal NFL event behind the Super Bowl in which every team eyes and gawks.

So why will I be happy once it’s over?

So I that I will not be cursed with reading and watching 500 variances of how a team will draft in the seventh round.

Mock Drafts are the suspense to the Draft and what makes the Draft as exciting as it is, but all the same… who their right mind actually tries to figure out who is going to get drafted in the seventh round?

Okay, yes, so many great players of old have become hall of famers from the seventh round. I completely respect and honor those players.

Although, I have little respect and patience for writers that actually look that deeply into the drafting process.

When you designate an entire article (let alone one paragraph) to the seventh round, you have wasted so much time on a player that has nine to 17 percent chance (pending his position) to amounting to anything in the NFL that isn’t on a practice squad.

Why?

I’ve noticed that how much we try to resist it, other opinions of when certain players will be picked is interesting and informative some times to us for at least the first round or two.

We can’t help but drool over players that may or may not join an already star packed team. We’re enslaved to the greed of success of a team. No matter how much we fight it.

Numbers and ratings mean something. It enslaves our minds and sticks like adhesive and forces us to finish reading all 32 picks of a round before we can either close or turn away.

The NFL portion of Bleacher Report has had a mock draft of some sort since the postseason was nearing an end in mid-January for teams that had already fallen trying to find something to look forward to.

Since then, the Mock Drafts have multiplied and captivated the minds of those across the league that have been bored by the silent free agency of some teams.

All I can say is, it’s interesting if you give a fresh perspective to why your pick is different from the next guy’s pick, but why write the same article as the last guy as far as who you think will go when? It’s pretty much a clear copy of the past article.

Beyond the copying of several mock drafts, comes those take the draft way too seriously. Why for the love of Jahosafat does someone write an article about the fourth-round pick for the Washington Redskins? Who cares! (No offense Redskin fans.)

It is neither entertaining nor fitting for readers to read about players that may (or as you claim) may not lead irrelevant careers.

But of course, you never know…you could write about an irrelevant seventh rounder who might just become the next Brett Favre…you only have one to three percent odds of drawing a hall of famer from the seventh round…might have a better chance then the lotto…

Leave your comments and sly remarks below…


T.O. Skips Optional Workout—In Other News, Rain Still Falls From The Sky

Published: March 27, 2009

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As you no doubt have heard in the news today, or any time this week, the media has been giving their take on Terrell Owens choice to stay out of optional workouts.

After the veteran wide-out was released by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month, Terrell Owens signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills.

“I talked to Coach Jauron prior to the start of the workouts about [only attending required workouts] that,” Owens told reporters. “Right now if there’s nothing mandatory that I have to be a part of, then I won’t intend to be there.”

Owens said he expects to attend the Bills’ mini-camp in June, and could possibly work out with his new teammates at some other point in the offseason, but when it comes to staying in shape—T.O. prefers to do things his way, on his own.

I know I’d love to join in on the “Let’s poke fun at T.O. parade,” but to be honest, it’s a dry story. It’s just a spark of interest in an offseason with lacklustre drama like Jay Cutler and Dante Stallworth.

The story isn’t by any means surprising. If Buffalo expected this guy to show up to optional workouts, they just wasted $6.5 million on a guy that obviously plays his way.

Owens has always been one for the limelight, but this is obviously just a cruel pitch for attention from the NFL media, when their isn’t much “big news” happening and they are competing for sports news segments with March Madness.

Owens has been more of an inward player for the duration of his career. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that he decided to skip workouts even though 90% of the roster showed up for them.

“I’ve never gone to a voluntary workout,” Owens said. “I have a personal trainer. I take very good care of myself. I take pride in coming into camp in shape.

“If I’m in the area, I tend to stop by the facilities and work out with the guys. You know, I’m looking forward to that type of stuff.”

Two weeks ago, Coach Jauron noted Owens has a history of not taking part in voluntary sessions with his past teams, but hoped the Bills would be an exception.

“My hope is that he’s here,” Jauron said. “He knows how important it is for us, particularly in his first year with us.”

Well, congratulations Dick Jauron, you’ve received your first tase of “Terrell Ownage.”

Fortunately for Jauron, it wasn’t surprising, nor was it in any way an eye catcher.

Try again ESPN.

 

 


Rumor Mill: Arizona Cardinals Have More Hard Knocks Ahead?

Published: March 27, 2009

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I’m not one to pay much attention to rumors.

Usually, I’ll brush them off until more conclusive information can be found. This particular rumor was too interesting, and bothersome, for me to not comment on.

There has been a small buzz about the Cardinals possibly being the next team to be documented in the HBO series Hard Knocks.

If you’re not in the know, or don’t have cable, Hard Knocks is a show that chronicles one team through their trails in training camp.

You get to see all the decisions, collisions, squabbles, pranks, cuts, camp injuries and just about everything else that is involved in a typical training camp. It is one of the best inside looks, or reality shows, about football.

The Cardinals should stay as far away as they can from it.

The Cardinals have just started to spread their wings and fly out of that historic hole of disappointment and failure to gain respect from the casual and die-hard fan.

Now they want to go Hollywood?

I’m not against the show. I’m against the results that come after being on the show.

Of the four times Hard Knocks has been in production, only one team has gained a playoff berth. Only the Dallas Cowboys, in 2001, have gone to the playoffs.

The Cards already have the “Super Bowl Loser” trend to overcome, having a Madden-like cable television curse would be even more of a hindrance…if you believe in that stuff.

The main point is that the term “any publicity is good publicity” does not apply to football. The more time the team has to focus on itself in practice, meetings and workouts, the better it is for the team.

Coaches don’t go through all the trouble to downplay or hide things from the media for nothing. They do it so as to not disrupt the sensitive chemistry that they work so hard to develop.

Having 30 cameras following your every step is not how you build chemistry. However, it is how you find yourself back at the bottom of the NFC West.


Why the Lions Should Not Draft a Quarterback

Published: March 27, 2009

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After the worst season in NFL history and a washed up QB currently slated as the starter it would seem obvious for the Detriot Lions to Draft a top tier QB, right?

Wrong!

In my humble opinion I believe that doing this will just result in more wasted talent and more importantly for the Lions, wasted draft picks. And should the franchise want to survive many years longer they need to change the thinking in Detroit from, “How can we get a few wins this year,” too, “How can we get to the playoffs next year.”

Ford Field has been hearing crickets for the last 10 years and if they wanna get enough money from ticket, merchendice and TV sales to stay in Detroit they’ll need to learn to be more then just near sited. And build a team that actually has a prayer at making the playoffs.

There are a few reasons I hope the front office will take into consideration before taking Matthew Stafford as the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.


Assessing The New York Giants’ Wide Receiver Issues

Published: March 27, 2009

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About a month has passed since free agency opened up, and without a doubt, one of the biggest winners so far has been the New York Giants. Making their stout defense even scarier with the additions of LB Michael Boley, DT Rocky Bernard, and DE Chris Canty, the Giants look to be the team to beat on paper.

Yet, there is still one glaring weakness that could very well prevent the Giants from continuing their recent success, and that is the mess that is the wide receiver depth chart.

While the team has been awaiting word on what will become of team idiot Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer has been quietly sitting on the free agent market waiting for someone to snatch him up. This leaves the Giants’ receiving corps with Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Mario Manningham, and Sinorice Moss—or a combined career total of 151 receptions, 1667 yards, and six touchdowns.

Yeah. Not quite Super Bowl-caliber numbers.

Now, don’t get me wrong: Steve Smith has shown phenomenal growth since his rookie season in 2007 and will be able to comfortably fill the possession receiver role that Toomer once had. It’s the situation with Burress that has fans of Big Blue asking who Eli’s go-to guy will be this year.

They could hope for one of the young members on their current roster to step up. After all, that’s what they tried with Hixon last year. However, the stats tell otherwise: After the Giants lost Burress last year in Week 12, Eli threw for 200 or more yards only twice, and had a 63.6 QB rating. Compare that with his 89.0 QB rating and four (nearly seven) 200+ yard games before the Burress fiasco.

They could also wait for Burress’ legal proceedings to finish up and hope he comes back. However, the chance of that happening are quite slim, regardless of what the Giants say publicly.

So who will the Giants call upon now?

Rumor has it that the Giants have inquired about disgruntled Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin and Browns wideout Braylon Edwards—two young, talented receivers who could instantly come in and make an impact.

Problem is, the asking price for either pass-catcher is too high for Giants brass; Arizona wants the Giants’ first and third-round draft picks this year, as well as next year’s first round, and Cleveland has demanded that young DE Mathias Kiwanuka and Steve Smith be included in any talks for Edwards.

The simplest option—which this writer also feels is the best—is to address the issue in the draft. Fortunately for the G-Men, the bottom of the first round has a plethora of young receiver talent. They could go with the sure-handed Hakeem Nicks out of North Carolina, the tall speedster Darrius Heyward-Bey from Maryland, or local product Kenny Britt of Rutgers.

The main issue with rookie receivers, however, is the immense learning curve they face. The average rookie wideout takes about two to three years to adopt to a pro offense.

In addition, the Giants have drafted a wideout in each of the past three years; drafting another would be taking a page out of the Detroit Lions’ textbook. However, any of the rookies mentioned above would be considered an upgrade to the Giants’ current situation.

The Giants could be one receiver away from playing in Miami on Feb. 7, 2010. The question is: Who will it be?


New England Patriots Prepare for NFL’s Poison Pills in 2010

Published: March 27, 2009

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By now, you’ve probably heard that the NFL is facing the possibility that there will be no salary cap for the 2010 season. You may also be aware of the fact that it places limitations on teams’ ability to defer payments into the future, and also increase the time needed to achieve free agency from four years to six.

You may not know of the existence of the Final Eight Plan, a provision in the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement which may haunt several franchises next year.

The basic principle of the Final Eight Plan—which will go into effect if there is no salary cap—is to prevent a mass movement of free agent talent in 2010 to the top teams from 2009.

In a nutshell, it places restrictions on the eight teams that reach the Divisional round of the playoffs. In other words, the two teams with byes in each conference, and the four teams that win their Wild Card games will have a harder time pursuing free agents.

The main restrictions on the four teams that reach the Conference Championship round are:

  • They can resign their own players with no additional restrictions beyond those placed on any other team.
  • Beyond that, however, they can only sign one free agent for each one they lose, and the departing free agent’s new contract sets a limit on the size of the new player’s contract.
  • The teams can trade for players given franchise and/or restricted free agent tenders, but they cannot circumvent the above rule by trading for a player they couldn’t sign as a free agent.

The four teams that lose in the divisional round are subject to the same rules, except that they are also allowed to assign free agents to relatively small contracts (and one free agent to a contract with a first-year salary of $5 million or more).

There’s also one more loophole, which I’ll get to a little later in this article.

So, what does this have to do with the New England Patriots? It’s simple, really.

The Patriots, with quarterback Tom Brady returning, appear poised to make another run deep into the playoffs, which would mean they’d be subject to the Final Eight Plan—and they seem to have insulated themselves from its effects in three ways.

 

Using their 2009 draft picks

The Patriots have six draft picks in the first three rounds—No. 23 in round one; No. 34, 47, and 58 in round two; No. 89 and 97 in round three. It is the most of any team in the NFL. They also have five more picks in the remaining four rounds.

That said, the Patriots simply do not have that many holes in their roster. Sure, they could use another linebacker or two, and depth at other positions, but there is essentially no reason for the Patriots to use all 11 picks this year.

What will probably happen is that the Patriots will trade at least one of their eight tradable picks (the Patriots’ three compensatory picks can’t be traded), quite likely one of their three second-rounders, for a pick in 2010.

Since the Patriots have traded picks ahead almost every year during Belichick’s tenure, there’s no reason to assume this year will be any different.

 

Using the compensatory pick system

As noted, three of the Patriots’ 11 draft picks this year are compensatory picks, awarded when a team loses more quality free agents than it signs.

One rule regarding this system, though, is that in order to count as a “quality” free agent, those free agents must reach free agency via an expired contract. Players who are waived by their previous team do not count against the teams signing them. More importantly, they also do not count as free agents in the Final Eight Plan.

In other words, any player who gets cut by his old team is fair game for everyone.

This is where the Patriots seem to have slipped under everyone’s radar.

With the possible exception of former Cardinals center Al Johnson (whose contract may not be large enough to count under any circumstances), all of the Patriots’ 2009 free agent signings—Fred Taylor, Shawn Springs, Leigh Bodden, Chris Baker, Joey Galloway, and Nathan Hodel—were players released by their old teams.

Not one of them will count against the Patriots in determining compensatory picks, which means the Patriots could get as many as four picks on day two (for Jabar Gaffney, Heath Evans, Lonie Paxton, and LaMont Jordan).

It seems highly, highly unlikely that this is just by chance alone. Whether or not it’s a “dry run” for 2010—when the only agents they’ll likely be able to sign are those waived by their own teams—is impossible to say. What does seem fairly clear is that the Patriots are trying to accumulate compensatory picks for 2010.

 

Using contracts

As stated above, the Final Eight Plan allows the top four teams to sign a new free agent for each one they lose. That rule might explain why the Patriots were willing to sign Leigh Bodden to a one-year deal that prohibits them from using the franchise tag. Should his career take off, and the Patriots be unable to resign him, they will then be able to sign a new free agent to a contract with a similar cap hit.

The same holds true for any other free agents the Patriots might lose, such as defensive linemen Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork. If the Patriots aren’t able to extend their contracts, they at least will have the ability to land a blue-chip free agent.

All in all, the Patriots are showing once again why they are one of the best-managed franchises in all of sports.


Houston Texans Running Back Ryan Moats Robbed of Opportunity To Say “Goodbye”

Published: March 27, 2009

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In the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 18, Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats was faced with the tragic loss of his mother-in-law, Jonetta Collinsworth, to breast cancer.

While the death of a loved one is painful enough in and of itself, the pain was only magnified as a result of the actions by one Dallas policeman, Officer Robert Powell.

After being held up for just short of 15 minutes by Powell for running a red light, Moats arrived to his mother-in-law’s hospital room too late to say his final goodbye. Collinsworth had passed away just moments earlier.

The saddest and most frustrating part of this is that this could have been avoided with just a small dose of sensitivity and understanding from Officer Powell.

There is no denying that Moats broke the law. After stopping at a red light to check for traffic, Moats continued driving before given the green light.

He also continued driving for what appeared to be a few hundred yards after Powell began pursuit, before stopping in front of the Emergency Room entrance. At this point, he and three family members frantically jumped out of the vehicle in an effort to rush into the hospital.

Before they could do so, however, Powell drew his gun and repeatedly ordered, “Get in there!” The passengers put their up hands, and Moat’s wife, Tamishia—the deceased’s daughter—attempted to explain, “Excuse me, my mom is dying.”

But Powell would hear none of it, completely ignoring her statement, and demanded that they get back to their vehicle.

This is where I have my first problem.

I have no qualms with an officer pulling over someone when they violate the law—in this case, running a red light. I also have no problems with an officer pulling his or her gun to protect themselves against any possible attack when several suspects unexpectedly leap out of a car.

What I cannot seam to get through my head, however, is why a vehicle with four passengers running a red light—with their hazard lights on no less—in route to the front entrance of the Emergency Room, didn’t seem to drive home to Powell the all too obvious possibility that maybe—just maybe—there was a real emergency.

I have (regrettably) been pulled over 10-plus times in my life, and every time that I have ever been pulled over, the first question out of the officer’s mouth as he approached my window was “Is there an emergency?”

This includes a time when I attempted to evade the officers and lead them down several back alleys before finally pulling over. Still, with his gun in hand as he walked up to my vehicle, the officer on that day asked me if there was an emergency.

I would like to think that if I had my car parked in front of an Emergency Room, and I was obviously shaken and distressed, that the officer who pulled me over would have the decency to ask that all-important question, particularly if I was shouting, “My mother is dying!”

But Powell was not interested in “protecting and serving” the Moats family, and was instead more interested in whether or not the vehicle was insured. Priorities.

The next several minutes were a mixture of Powell demanding insurance on the vehicle and Moats pleading for leniency due to the dire circumstances.

When Moats finally understood that Powell was not the type who could be reasoned with, he elected instead to stop arguing and to try the “yes, sir” approach in an effort to speed up the process so that he could get inside.

For almost two minutes, Powell made statement after statement explaining to Moats all the things that he “could do,” while Moats continually answered with “Yes, sir.”

“I can screw you over. I’d rather not do that. … I could charge you with fleeing right now. Understand what I could do. … I could make your life very difficult.”

Then, when the dialogue between the two finally ended, Powell spent about six and a half minutes in his squad car preparing Moats’ ticket. During that time, he had two separate people from the hospital approach him in his vehicle to let him know of the severity of the situation.

Collinsworth was dying, and she was dying right now.

But he still took his sweet time; time that Collinsworth didn’t have left.

Before letting Moats go, Powell elected to give him one more life lesson—one that he could stand to take himself—letting Moats know that “attitude’s everything.”

Moats finally was allowed to go into the hospital and be with his family, where he joined them in mourning their loss.

Meanwhile, Powell yucked it up with his Plano PD companion, who joined this “chase” because he “was thinkin’ maybe it was something better,” about his only police chase earlier this year in January.

Its amazing what a 17-minute clip can teach you about two different people.

Despite the tragic circumstances involved, I learned that Ryan Moats is one hell of a stand-up guy.

In the face of one of the most trying times that someone could possibly face, he conducted himself with more class than I could possibly hope to.

Not once did he cuss Powell. He did not make threats or try and use his NFL status to gain favor with the officer. He did not even raise his voice in anger until his and his family’s repeated attempts to explain the situation fell on deaf ears.

He showed that there still are professional athletes out there that can conduct themselves with grace and dignity.

When enough time has passed, and some emotional wounds have healed, Moats will be able to look back on this incident and know that he represented himself, his family, and the NFL wonderfully.

Unfortunately, it also taught me that, although the minority, there are still “bad cops” out there who could care less about the people they are supposed to serve.

It taught me that Powell should not be wearing a police badge—for Dallas or any other city. He is the perfect example of what a police officer should not be, and he gives a bad name to all the true heroes that have worn a badge before him.

He showed no compassion, no sense of duty, and was seemingly only concerned about establishing that he was “in charge,” consequences be damned.

He made the conscious decision to disregard the pleas from a family in distress, and instead elected to make a terrible night for them even worse. He claimed that he really could screw Moats over, and he followed through with that promise.

Thanks to Powell, Ryan Moats was not able to do what he otherwise would have been able to do; say goodbye to his mother-in-law.

May Jonetta Collinsworth rest in piece, and God be with Ryan Moats and his family.


The Green Bay Packers’ Roster: Will It Force Us To Trade Up for LESS Picks?

Published: March 27, 2009

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Now, I know what your are all thinking: Ted “best player available” Thompson isn’t going to trade up, your crazy buddy. Knowing Ted, you’re probably right. In my humble opinion though, this is the year for us to trade up and make the best player available also be the player we need.  

I think this because of our roster. There aren’t many openings available for a late round “project” pick. And the spots we do have, the need is for players that will be able to contribute immediately.   

This is why I believe we need to trade up.  And just as a disclaimer, I’m not talking about moving up from the ninth pick in the draft.

What I want is five picks in the first 100 preferably another second-round pick. We just don’t need nine picks, especially not two sixth rounders and a seventh. We do better at picking up rookie FA’s than late rounders anyways.

The following is a position-by-position analysis of our team and the need for a draft pick:

(* denotes safe roster spot)

 

QB

A. Rodgers*

B. Brohm*

M. Flynn*

Analysis:  There are no roster spots open at QB.  We are set for starter and backups. The only question mark at this position is who will be second string.

 

WR

D. Driver*

G. Jennings*

J. Jones*

J. Nelson*

R. Martin 

Analysis:  I personally feel this position is set.  Any draft pick would have to beat out Martin for the only open roster spot. We also have a two rookie FA’s and a seventh-round pick from last year, that we still have rights to. I don’t see us drafting WR w/o waisting that pick.

 

TE

J. Finley*

D. Lee*

Analysis: Could use one more TE for depth, would prefer us to pick up a rookie FA or a waiver wire type guy just to keep on the practice squad. Two TE’s is enough for the 53-man roster.

 

OL

C. Clifton*

B. Giacomini*

J. Spitz*

J. Colledge*

S. Wells*

J. Sitton*

A. Babre*

T. Moll 

Analysis:  Need one or two more linemen to fill out the roster. What we truly need though is a lineman who can come in, and at the very least, push for a starting spot, preferably at RT. 

Taucher also may be resigned, but we need at least one first-day pick for the line.  Overall we have adequate depth, but we don’t know who will start. Traditionally most teams keep nine or 10 offensive linemen.

 

RB/FB

R. Grant*

B. Jackson*

K. Hall*

K. Lumpkin 

D. Wynn 

J. Kuhn*

Analysis: We have more than we need right now. Either Lumpkin or Wynn will get cut because we shouldn’t keep more than five RB’s.

 

NT

R. Pickett*

F. Bledsoe

Analysis: One Nose Tackle that can for sure handle any play time? Very sad. We need a first day pick at this position, it’s a need not a want.

 

DE

C. Jenkins*

J. Jolly*

J. Harrell*

M. Montgomery

Analysis: Will probably need one or two of these or a tweener DE/NT. Whoever we get will need to contribute, especially w/ the walking infirmary Harrell eating up a spot.  Between NT and DE we should keep seven or eight players (Pittsburgh kept seven last year).

 

ILB

A. Hawk*

N. Barnett*

D. Bishop*

B. Chillar

D. Lansanah

Analysis: This is probably an okay group as long as Barnett’s knee will be okay. Might be worth while to get a project pick, but this is not a big need at this time. Don’t know where Chillar is going to fit in, maybe here or OLB, not sure. (Pittsburgh kept four last year.)

 

OLB

A. Kampman*

J. Thompson*

J. Hunter

B. Poppinga

Analysis: We have one starter. Who will fill that other spot? Thompson, Hunter, or Poppinga? None sound like they are the answer especially considering Poppinga may have no place in this system and could get cut or traded.

A first-day pick that can immediately compete for at least situational play time is almost required. (Pittsburgh kept five last year.)

 

CB

C. Woodson*

A. Harris*

T. Williams*

P. Lee*

W. Blackmon*

Analysis: Baring some unexpected trade or cut, I think this position is doing okay. We have two elder starters, but Williams will push Harris for his spot and Lee will be going into his second season, which may give him some opportunities to get on the field. No draft picks should be used in my humble opinion.

 

Safety

N. Collins*

A. Bigby*

A. Smith*

A. Rouse*

C. Peprah

J. Bush

Analysis:  We will probably only keep four or five of these, and it’s rumored that Rouse is moving to LB. So we will see, but overall I think this is a pretty solid position, especially if Smith proves to be a dependable backup. (Steelers kept four.)

 

SpTeams

Crosby*

Long Snapper*

Punter*

Analysis: Don’t know who will fill the LS and P positions, but there will be three special teams players and I hope to god we don’t draft anyone for these spots. I do think we should give Kapinos a try, but there needs to be competition brought in. Rookie FA would be the way I think we should go.

 

If you add it up, we have 41 of 53 roster spots that are safe. That leaves 12 spots up for grabs with quite a few players that were on the roster last year, many who saw considerable play time, all the draft picks, and any additional free agents that are picked up for specific needs after the draft competing for them. 

My best guess is that there will be five to eight new Packers on the roster next year. Of those, we need contributors at the NT, DE, RT, and OLB positions. This is why I think we need five picks in the first 100.

Not all will pan out, we know that, but I believe this will give us the best opportunity to filling this need.


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