Vince Wilfork Reports; Robert Kraft Confident about New Contract

Ah, and the word mandatory still means something. At least to those who eat New England’s humble pie. Today Vince Wilfork reported to mandatory minicamps after sitting out of voluntary OTAs. Wilfork has been disgruntled about his current contract situation and his holdout has been well documented.

His willingness to join the team in camp could stem from a variety of other situations.

As the Boston Globe put it “there is language that could apply to Wilfork’s contract and allow the Patriots to pursue that money (up to $500,000) if he doesn’t attend.”

When you consider he’s set to make $2.2 million this season, it makes economic sense for the big man to make his mandatory appearances.

The move could also be a sign of contract progress. Patriots owner Robert Kraft was recently asked about the on going saga.

“I’m a big fan of Vince Wilfork. Unfortunately, the business part of this game, this is something that goes on every year with most teams,” Kraft said. “We’re lucky to have Vince. I hope he’s here for the long-term. These things usually have a way of working themselves out. We’re privileged to have some pretty good football people making the decisions.”

Not to take credit away from Wilfork’s personal integrity in any way, but his appearance does say something about the team’s attitude. For the Patriots a holdout and contract dispute has resulted in absences from only voluntary workouts. That says something about the team that has been constructed in New England and the players that buy into the humble mentality.

Guard Logan Mankins has also stated that he fully intends to participate in camp in the midst of his own contract talks. It’s nice to have a locker room full of these players. It seems to be a rarity these days for a player to put team first, and the Patriots should take great care not to take advantage of it. If these guys are willing to participate when discontented, the front office needs to get to work on their extensions.

Wilfork and Mankins have proven their worth on the field, and with their participation in mandatory work outs, they have proven they’re Patriots at heart. It’s good news to see both and now we just have to play the wait and see game. Hopefully, today’s revelations are a sign of contract signings to come.

Patience, Patriots Fans: The Schedule Could Be Deceiving

Recently I was looking over the New England Patriots’ 2009 home schedule. My dad and I want to get back to Gillette Stadium and prove we aren’t bad luck.

 

Our first game was in 2005; San Diego came to town and won 41-17. That blowout broke the Patriots’ home win streak at 21 games and ruined any fun there was to be had tailgating in the parking lot.

 

As I studied the schedule, a couple of things occurred to me. First, those headlines about the “toughest schedule” really mean something. Second, those headlines about the “toughest schedule” don’t mean anything.

 

Allow me to explain.

 

Going by last year’s attitude and knowing what we knew about the NFL after Week 17 and the playoffs, the Patriots’ opponents look pretty good. The schedule includes such playoff teams as Atlanta, Baltimore, Tennessee, Miami, Indianapolis, and Carolina. Add in teams who were close to the postseason—New Orleans, the New York Jets, Tampa Bay—and things look bleak.

 

The problem with that thinking is that teams change, and they change a lot. One offseason is an eternity for a franchise when you consider how many opportunities they have to improve their club as well as dismantle it.

 

In free agency and the draft alone, the Patriots seem to have effectively replaced their secondary. So it’s not a great idea to translate a team’s results last year into expectations for this season.

 

With neither argument really covering all the bases, we find ourselves in an interesting spot. This is where we have to mix both ideas and trudge the middle ground.

 

Last season the playoffs welcomed postseason veterans such as the Colts and Panthers. These teams have been very familiar with the playoffs in recent years and should be considered relatively likely to make it again.

 

We also saw postseason “rookies” like the Falcons, Titans, Dolphins, and Ravens in 2008. You could make the argument that these “rookie” teams have a strong chance of taking a big step forward or back. Their efforts may have been a streak of luck or just a small look at things to come, call them transition teams.

 

Then there are the teams that no one even thinks about—the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans of the world. They show up on many other schedules and probably don’t get a second thought.

 

Anyone remember the undefeated regular season in 2007 and that 4-7 team that gave the Patriots everything they could ever ask for? The cliché “Any Given Sunday” applies to these teams. Their records may have stunk last season, and heck, they may stink this year too, but don’t count them out just because of it.

 

The bottom line is the Patriots schedule looks tough when you consider last season, but that’s certainly not all that should go into consideration. Every single year a team or two comes from the bottom to make a grand emergence at the top. Likewise a few teams will suffer epic meltdowns and miss the playoffs.

 

There’s just no predicting with an entire schedule when you consider all that can change year to year. You can make wild stabs, and I’m sure we could all get a few right. If you can prove me wrong and predict the future, more power to you.

 

I just know that I sure as heck can’t predict how these teams are going to play this season just based off of their records a year ago. The initial shock of the Patriots schedule is something to note, but I urge patience as we see how these teams turn out. It might not be as bad as it first seemed.

New England Patriots Roundup: Belichick Isn’t “Wild” About New Formation

Many firsts will occur for the Patriots in 2009.

Fred Taylor will dawn a non-Jaguars uniform, Tom Brady will take the helm for the first time in a year, and a completely upgraded secondary that includes Shawn Springs, Leigh Bodden, and Darius Butler, will patrol the defensive backfield among many other new sights.

One thing you can also expect to change, but not in the same way, is the Wildcat formation being installed in New England.

Recently I was granted the incredible opportunity as a fan to meet with coach Bill Belichick and personally ask him whatever my little heart desired (I’ll cover this night later on in another article). This same opportunity was also afforded to about 40 others and they did an incredible job with their inquiries.

The question that stuck out in my mind was about the Wildcat. Belichick was plainly asked what the team was doing in preparation for defending and possibly operating the formation and whether he thought it would be a one-year wonder.

His response went along the lines of common belief. He admitted that there just isn’t any way to know for sure until the season begins.

The coach also pointed to Miami’s second-round draft pick, Pat White, as evidence that the system is long from dead for now. Belichick also expressed relative happiness that his team would have a few weeks of tape on the Dolphins before they have their first encounter.

Last season, they were the first and worst victims in Week Three.

Belichick then went on the other segment of the question; the part about what the Patriots are doing with it. He clearly stated that they had indeed spent time on the system and discussed how much time they felt comfortable spending on it despite not having a sense on how much it will be used.

The time that he said the team was spending on the formation was purely defensive time and he at no point made any mention of the offense running any version of it.

Take it for what it is, but it would seem to me that if the Patriots have any Wildcat plans for the upcoming season they either don’t know about those plans yet themselves, or don’t want anyone else to know about them yet.

I would venture to guess that the head coach was being as honest as he could with the fans there that night. I believe him when he said the only time they have invested is running defensive plays against it and scheming ways to stop it.

Obviously, if they’re doing live drills, the offense will have to help out and run the system. So maybe that’s where Julian Edelman comes in, but even that is doubtful.

The Patriots do not appear to have any interest in running the Wildcat in 2009. Julian Edelman appears to be running through camps as a wide receiver, and it appears as if the Wildcat formation hasn’t died in the rest of the league.

Then again, these all may be moot points by Week One as each could easily go the opposite direction. Gotta love the NFL.

Rodney Harrison Retiring—Begins Broadcasting Gig

The Boston Herald’s John Tomase is reporting that Rodney Harrison plans to formally announce his retirement tomorrow. Tomase goes on to report that Harrison will also be introduced by NBC as the newest member of their broadcast team.

Harrison’s retirement will cap a career which spanned 15 seasons split between the San Diego Chargers (1994-2002) and the New England Patriots (2003-2008). He was on two of the Patriots Super Bowl winning teams, even sealing the 24-21 victory against the Eagles in 2004 with one of his two interceptions of Donavan McNabb that night.

His career numbers are almost as impressive as his on-field legacy. He compiled 1,198 tackles, 30.5 sacks, 34 interceptions, 16 forced fumbles, and two scores. He is the only player in NFL history to have reached the achievement of 30 sacks and interceptions in his career.

Statistical production is one thing, but what Rodney did on the field was a whole other animal. Harrison was a feared hitter, non-stop talker, and natural leader. His history of bone jarring hits and verbal spats with players and officials along with his winning personality all point to the player that he was, a great one.

The aging safety dealt with a rash of injuries in the last leg of his career and fought through them all until his body had enough. He will now pursue a new career in the broadcasting industry with NBC and no one should be surprised to see him excel there as well—just don’t get him angry.

Who the New England Patriots Could Have Had in the ’08 Draft

This is by far the most speculative article I’ve ever written here at the Bleacher Report, but the topic has really got me intruiged. I don’t think I have to go into deep specifics about Cameragate as they are deeply engrained already. We all know the Patriots had a 1st round draft pick removed as a result among other fines. I do not intend to cause anything other than reflection much like looking back at a trade that didn’t work.

This slideshow will be a review of who the Patriots would have had the opportunity to select in between the 31st pick which was removed by the NFL and their 2nd Round pick, selection number 62 (CB Terrance Wheately).

I could do this a number of different ways like on the basis of who could have helped them the most last year or this year, but I’m going a simpler route. I’ll give you a top 10 of how I would rank the players selected in that time span that the Patriots could have had based off of their performances last year and not on New England’s needs.

My Letter To B/R In Regards to David Xaviel’s Antics

I wanted the New England Patriots community here to know that something is being done about the antics of Mr. Xaviel and that we do not have to sit back and stand for what he is doing. I have compiled the evidence against Mr. Xaviel and sent a Violation Report to the Bleacher Report requesting their consideration in the matter. 

 

I believe him to be in violation of many segments of this site’s Terms of Service and I can no longer bite my toungue as he breaks them.

 

Out of decency, I will not post the email or the results of the email publicly, but if you do wish to know the details please private message me and I will send you a copy. If you have your own complaint that you like to register with the site you can email them at TOU@bleacherreport.com

 

Here’s to hoping this is the end of the defamation, harassment, and insults from this writer.

Introducing New England Patriots’ Fullback: Russ Hochstein

The March second singing of Russ Hochstein earlier this year went relatively unnoticed by the masses in New England. As this years draft came and went the move has become a bit more important, however.

Hochstein now projects to have many important roles for the 2009 Patriots. The utility man has proven his value in the past playing on the offensive line when the injury bug has struck, as a blocking tight end in some packages, and even serving time as the long snapper on special teams.

The most intruiging position Hochstein has filled to date is the fullback position. He debuted there in the shelling of the Arizona Cardinals late last season.

Faced with weather conditions that included non-stop snow for most of the day the Patriots started their late December game in the power, or “I”, formation. With Tom Brady under center Dan Koppen and running back Sammy Morris behind them there wasn’t a thing awkward about the setup—minus the 6’4 305-pounder playing fullback.

The Patriots had elected to start an offensive linemen at fullback, and, while initially surprising, the move made a lot of sense once the running game got going. Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan combined for 168 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

When asked of his thoughts on Hochstein’s new position Morris responded with, “He’s 300 pounds…He’s either going to blow someone up or they gotta run around him.”

Hochstein’s move proved successful and apparently isn’t all that different from the role he vacated.

“Just like [blocking on the offensive line], you’re just trying to go the right way, hit the right person, sustain, and finish the block,” he said. “That’s all I can do. I’m trying to help the guys out behind me by making the hit quick and making it fast, while making sure they see who I’m getting.”

This season the Patriots have themselves a returning Brady, a crowded backfield, and, technically, no fullback. Heath Evans signed with New Orleans in the off-season, but with no aquisitions the Patriots are proving they’re comfortable with what they’ve got at the position in Hochstein.

Predominantly, this team passes first, or in the football sense, runs to set up the pass. So the fullback position doesn’t necessarily project to be used as often as it would on a more run-oriented offense. It’s important, nonetheless, as we saw in that snow game versus Arizona, and it seems we have a more than capable option in Russ Hochstein.  

The Patriots & Michael Vick…Are You Kidding Me?

I would absolutely love to able to sit down and write an entry that explains how and why the signing of Michael Vick by the New England Patriots is impossible.

I’m sure that even if I accomplished that however, there would still be an endless supply of people who are ready and willing to overlook blatant facts on their way to misguided reasons and explanations as to why the Patriots should, and will, sign him.

I’m going to give it a try anyway though. 

The Patriots do not need Vick and even if they did, they still don’t need him.

I’ve heard from other fans and writers who actually believe we need a veteran quarterback presence behind starter Tom Brady, and they somehow manage to connect the dots to Vick.

First we have to ignore the fact that the Patriots selected quarterback Kevin O’Connell in the 3rd round of last years draft, and then didn’t make a move when he became the backup last season.

Let’s say, just for kicks and giggles, that they actually needed a veteran signal caller.

How does a career completion percentage of 53.8 sound? Or how about a career touchdown to interception ratio of 7:5?

If those awesome stats don’t amaze you, hang in there because this resume isn’t over.

How does a six year career with only two winning seasons sound? Add in the fact that that he’s been out of the game for two seasons as well.

Michael Vick isn’t needed because the Patriots are more than content with their depth and he wouldn’t even be close to the best option if they did need a backup (and that’s only based on playing ability).

Never mind the fact that he just spent a term in federal prison on felony charges and hasn’t even been reinstated by the league or had his rights traded by the Atlanta Falcons.

The guy hasn’t been in the league since 2006, and has never impressed statistically as a quarterback. He wouldn’t match up one bit with the offensive system the Patriots run. 

This story has got to stop.

Sure the Patriots have had success with “troubled” players, but they don’t work magic. This is a felon who wasn’t very good to begin with, and it makes no sense for his name to be brought up in this discussion with all things considered.

Patriots’ Maroney had a Broken Bone in his Shoulder

It should come as no surprise at this stage in the game that it has taken months for the truth about an injury to come out in New England. The Boston Globe is reporting the long awaited truth about Laurence Maroney’s shoulder injury. 

Maroney was injured in the second game of the season last year and was forced to sit out of Week Three because of the injury. He returned two weeks later, after the Patriot’s Week Four bye, against the 49ers.

He rushed for 26 yards on 10 attempts (2.6 average) in that game and received a lot of flack from the media for it. Some called him soft, tenative, and a dancer. Maroney was indeed all of those things because he had a broken bone in his shoulder and was unable to lower it while running.

He was placed on the injured reserve on Oct, 20th because of the “shoulder injury” that we now know was a bit more serious than previously stated. He’s excited about the upcoming season and sees it as his chance to finally prove his critics wrong.

“I’ve been gone too long,” Maroney said. “The legs are feeling fresher than ever. Going back out there I know that I’m going to have a lot of critics. It’s just going out there and proving everybody wrong. I think there are a lot of people that are counting me out and doubting me, but it’s just going out there and having fun again.”

With a chip on his shoulder rather than in his shoulder, it will be mighty interesting to see what the still young Maroney can do is a now crowded backfield.

How Well Do You Know the Patriots?

About a week ago my Patriots knowledge was challenged. I was being told by my challenger that I “didn’t even know that much” about my favorite team. So with this bold statement in hand I told my belligerent new “friend” that I would gladly put on display how much I know about the New England Patriots.

I asked him to give me a number and I said I could give him a name and a position, or to give me a name and I could give him the number or position. He proceeded to throw out all the names he could, which didn’t take too long, so we made our way to numbers and positions. By the end I had surprised myself and apparently created a new lunchtime game.

Anyway, it got me thinking. If you are up to it and curious enough to see how you stack up follow the setup below and test yourself. Let us know the results and maybe we can name a winner. We’re obviously operating on the honor system with the internet right at your service, but what’s the point in cheating in something like this? It’s purely for fun.

So lets see what ya got, list as many as you can (maybe on a sheet of paper or something) for each position giving the name and number if you want and cross reference with the real chart to see how you do:

QB:

RB:

WR:

TE:

OL:

DL:

LB:

CB:

S:

K:

P:

Special teams/Practice Squad/Rookies:

 

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