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A Memo to the Patriots’ Super Bowl Ring Seller: Buddy, Are You Serious?
Published: May 5, 2009
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Patriot Pat says…
Today I learned that you are planning to sell your Super Bowl XXXVI Championship ring.
Even though a few of these rings have been sold before, let it be known that I find this appalling and unacceptable.
The fact that the auction on eBay ended without a single bid, even with your asking price of a mere $50,000, is a sign that I am not alone with this sentiment.
I just want you to know this: As a true Patriots fan, whenever I find out who you are, I will excommunicate you from the Patriots lore within my own mind—no matter who you are.
Do you, Mr. Player or Staff, really not realize just how big of a stab at the New England Patriots’ franchise stunts like this are?
You more than likely do, since you have made it a point to hide your identity from the public.
I just feel that the fact that you are willing to sell a gift that was bestowed upon you by an organization, one which helped you become a champion, shows a serious lack of integrity.
That is all.
Andrew Cahill is a true Boston sports fan. Check out his website, “Patriot Pat’s Patsies.”
Tom Brady: To Pre, or Not To Pre
Published: May 2, 2009
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Patriot Pat says…
Last year, we did not see Tom F-ing Brady in the preseason. He happened to be nursing a bum ankle, and the consensus was that the prized and seasoned quarterback didn’t exactly need the experience of the limited snaps preseason provides.
I’m imagining the experience, and looking forward to the day of Sept. 14, when Tom F-ing Brady runs out onto the field at Gillette Stadium.
The place is going to erupt, and will do so on Monday Night Football. The world is going to see just how much we love our star quarterback.
The question that comes in mind when thinking about all of this is whether or not we will see Tom F-ing Brady in the preseason, and if we truly want him to get some game experience before the regular season or not.
Last year, when Tom F-ing Brady didn’t play in the preseason, he was coming off a career year. He didn’t have a serious injury that kept him out for an entire season.
The benefit of him playing and shaking out the cobwebs in games that do not ultimately count would certainly be reason for us to want him to play. On the other hand, the extra time for him to ensure his knee is at its full recovered potential would certainly be a reason for us to not want him to play.
Does Tom F-ing Brady really need to shake out the cobwebs?
I mean, he is Tom F-ing Brady. Recent remarks coming out of workouts with him are that he looks strong and will be fine to start the season.
Do we want the first few weeks to be when Tom F-ing Brady shakes out the cobwebs if he really needs to?
In my opinion, I might want Tom F-ing Brady to play in the preseason if he is able. At least to get that little extra time adjusting to the speed of the game, even if his mind is already in the right place.
Do I think that Tom F-ing Brady really needs to shake out the cobwebs?
Being that Tom F-ing Brady has seen his share of playing time since he took over for Drew Bledsoe, he will more than likely be mentally ready to take over in the helm in Week One. That being said, I don’t want to risk not putting together a strong showing in the begining of the year. Especially since the schedule they have this year is so difficult.
Do we care about the first few weeks of the season when considering the long-term effects of needlessly losing Tom F-ing Brady in the preseason?
If the Patriots play Tom F-ing Brady in the preseason, and he re-injures his knee, I will be out for blood.
If the Patriots play Tom F-ing Brady in the preseason, he doesn’t get hurt, and then shows up at Week One looking like we all hope he will, then I will be as happy as, well, the kitten purring in my lap right now.
Andrew Cahill is a true Boston sports fan. Check out his website, Patriot Pat’s Patsies.
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A Story From a True Patriots Fan
Published: April 29, 2009
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Patriot Pat says…
If you haven’t noticed, I end all of my articles with: Andrew Cahill is a true Boston sports fan.
Let me set the scene.
It was late March, 2003, late at night, and I couldn’t sleep because my heart was racing from the noise of helicopters that I had been hearing for hours.
I could hear them flying back and forth over us—they were Blackhawks running medevacs, since Task Force Tarawa was getting their ass handed to them just north in Nasiriyah, Iraq.
We knew it was a matter of time until we were sent up to help, and everyone was pretty restless.
It had been four days since we had crossed the border from Kuwait, and had hardly had any contact with anyone, let alone anyone we could assume an enemy.
We got the order to move up, but had it become morning by this point. The Marines of Alpha Company, First Reconnaissance Battalion took the lead as we moved forward into the ongoing battle.
If the First Reconnaissance Battalion sounds familiar, you may have heard of us if you watched Generation Kill on HBO or read the book.
We passed burned-out Humvees, and Marines desperately digging themselves into fighting positions.
The sky is completely clear, and it is comfortably warm even though we are all wearing our chemical protective suits.
I’m standing behind my teams’ .50 caliber machine gun while we start to see the city through the palm trees.
As we arrive at the outskirts of the city, it starts.
We line up along the bank of the Euphrates river and begin scanning for targets.
We find them.
We officially begin engaging in combat.
Snipers prosecute targets across the river as I provide suppressive fire for the light armored vehicles of the First Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.
An F/A-18 screams by really low above us, and rocket propelled grenades sail at Cobra attack helicopters flying above the war-ravaged city.
Then First Sergeant Bell casually walk up behind me.
“You guys need more ammo?” he yells at us.
I look over at one of my Marines, L.Cpl. Terrian, and tell him to shift right along the wall he was covering behind, as bullets start to rain in from behind us and hit where he had been kneeling.
It was friendly fire from the grunt battalion who had dug themselves in behind us—bastards. We shoot up red signal flares, so they know to stop shooting at us.
Mortars start to come in on our positions, so we start to shoot at potential forward observers, and I’m thinking to myself: “Man, I really hope the Patriots can get Ty Warren at pick 14.”
Andrew Cahill is a true Boston sports fan. Check out his website, Patriot Pat’s Patsies.
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The Patriots’ Secret Weapon for 2009
Published: April 29, 2009
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Patriot Pat says…
Finding inspiration from fellow Bleacher Creature Steve Frith, we have come upon the Patriots’ 2009 secret weapon.
Steve commented that he would like to see the Patriots line up in a spread offense. Starting with a flea flicker, with Tom Brady passing to Julian Edelman lined up at wide receiver, Edelman would fake a run, then bomb it to Randy Moss for a touchdown.
The next possession they can do the same thing, but Brady goes to Wes Welker instead! He said he would wet himself from laughing so hard.
On a serious note, line Welker up on one side, and Edelman on the other.
Use either one of them for a quick out to gain five yards for an easy touchdown, or line them both up as slot receivers. Have Moss and Joey Galloway in the wideout positions and watch the defense go crazy trying to cover the middle.
Screw it, line them all up on one side and watch the defense burn a time out so they can figure out how to defend against the onslaught of wideouts.
How about a Welker-to-Edelman reverse, or a Welker-to-Edelman fake reverse, following with a Brady bomb to Moss, or Galloway…whoever didn’t get double coverage.
Wildcat…please, say hello to the Wildevilpanther.
Andrew Cahill is a true Boston sports fan. Check out his website, Patriot Pat’s Patsies.
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Julian Edelman May Be a Patriots’ Sleeper, but Not Why You Think
Published: April 27, 2009
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Patriot Pat says…
Everyone is now talking about the Patriots 232nd overall pick, Julian Edelman, and asking, “Are we going to use this kid in a Wildcat-type formation?”
The Patriots very well may use him in that type of role, but there is something bigger to consider.
There is not a doubt in my mind that he will make a giant impact on this year’s team, but not largely for the reason we’ve initially been thinking.
The Patriots, in their genius, now have a player who would excel in such a formation, that they can practice against—week-in and week-out.
So, when you are digesting the draft, and thinking about the future of the defense, know this: the Patriots’ woes against the Wildcat are behind them in my mind.
Bring on Pat White twice a year, because we’ll be ready.
Andrew Cahill is a true Boston sports fan. Check out his website, “Patriot Pat’s Patsies.”
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Patriots’ 2009 Second Day Draft Recap: Ellis Hobbles out of New England
Published: April 26, 2009
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Patriot Pat says…
Yesterday, the Patriots took a very conservative approach to the draft, and it set them up well for day two.
They chose four quality players on the first day, and managed through two first-round trades to effectively move our 124th and 199th picks up to the 73rd and 83rd picks. This gave them four third round picks to start day two.
The most distinctive move of the day was the trade of veteran starter Ellis Hobbs III to Philadelphia in exchange for two fifth round picks.
With that said, here is a recap of the Patriots’ second day, and my attempt at grading each pick.
73: Traded
Traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars who drafted Derek Cox, a corner back from William & Mary. The Patriots received the Jaguars 2010 2nd-round pick, and this years 7th-round (232nd overall).
Trading into next year is certainly not a new concept for the Patriots, and this move will continue to help the franchise.
Grade = A-
83: Brandon Tate, WR, North Carolina – 6’0″ 183 lbs
Just another example of why we will never truly understand what is happening under the “Grey Hoodie.”
Described by Mike Mayock during the draft as “a first-round talent with problems,” Tate tested positive for marijuana at the combine, but where better than New England to help humble a basket case?
He is also “the best return specialist in the draft” according to the NFL network, but on the down side, he is coming off an ACL tear in 2008.
I believe that this is an excellent draft choice for future years, but not this coming one. Do not use Chad Jackson as a comparison when thinking about this choice.
Grade = B+
89: Traded
Traded to the Tennessee Titans. The Titans selected tight end Jared Cook from South Carolina. The Patriots received the Titans 2010 second-round draft choice.
This is now the second extra 2010 second-round pick the Patriots have acquired today.
Grade = B+
97: Tyrone McKenzie, OLB, South Florida – 6’2″ 242 lbs
Can’t trade this one!
Finally, a linebacker! One thing we know for sure about McKenzie is his deep seeded family ties (loyalty). He transferred schools twice in attempts to be closer to his mother.
I expect McKenzie will fit in well with New England; obviously, they did pick him.
He is okay in coverage, will hustle to wrap up plays, and has potential to create turnovers. He is most likely more of a two-down player, though, who will come out in nickel situations, according to nfldraftscout.com.
Grade = B+
123: Rich Ohrnboberger, G, Penn State – 6’2″ 291 lbs
There is always room for improvement and depth on the offensive line. Rich provides strength and youth, and may push someone out of a job. His biggest impact comes from his ability to excel in a zone-blocking system, which is something the Patriots have liked to run in the past and will in the future.
Grade = B-
137: Traded
Traded with the 141st pick to acquire the 123rd pick and the 198th pick from Baltimore.
(Acquired from Philadelphia in trade for Ellis Hobbs III.)
141: Traded
Traded with the 137th pick to acquire the 123rd pick and the 198th pick from Baltimore.
(Acquired from Philadelphia in trade for Ellis Hobbs III.)
170: George Bussey, T, Louisville – 6’2″ 306 lbs
Another offensive lineman to add depth to the line and challenge for future spots on the roster. He is a low-ranked tackle in the draft. He could play either guard or tackle, but needs work at both positions before he could make a real impact.
Grade = D+
198: Jake Ingram, LS, Hawaii – 6’3″ 232 lbs
Since Lonnie Paxton left, the Patriots signed Dan Haley away from Arizona to perform the long snapping duties. I like the pick of an extra long snapper, and potential future long snapper for the Patriots.
He is a natural leader, and accurate with his snaps, but could stand to get stronger.
Grade = B-
207: Myron Pryor, DT, Kentucky – 6’0″ 319 lbs
Another defensive tackle makes me truly wonder the plans for Vince Wilfork in the future. Specifically next year, when his contract is up.
Myron was a four year starter in Kentucky, but he is short, and may be only just decent at stopping the run and pushing the pocket. He would more than likely not play a starting role if Wilfork were to depart after next year.
Grade = C-
232: Julian Edelman, QB, Kent State – 5’10” 195 lbs
Wow. I have to say that I am truly excited about this kid. He may be a giant sleeper who could make an immediate impact on this team.
Everyone is talking about Pat White, and what he brings to the table, but we really need to look into this kid in a Wildcat type formation. He is fast, runs a 4.5 40-yard dash, and could even play in a slot type receiver roll like Welker.
Grade = A-
234: Darryl Richard, DT, Georgia Tech – 6’4″ 290 lbs
Okay, three defensive tackles in one draft before Vince Wilfork’s contract year. I really don’t think that they plan on keeping him around.
Darryl had a monster junior year, but his senior year might be why he fell so far in the draft. He as well as the other defensive tackles will surely be fighting for a spot behind Wilfork this year.
Grade = C-
I am definitely thrilled that the Patriots managed to secure two more second-round picks in the 2010 draft.
Overall, I am satisfied by the Patriots approach, seeing we are currently tight on the cap, and our roster is full of serviceable players.
It still is interesting that with all the trading and talk of bundling picks, we still managed to draft twelve players.
Andrew Cahill is a true Boston sports fan. Check out his website, “Patriot Pat’s Patsies.”
What did you think of the Patriots approach?
Top 10: Who Are the Patriots Targeting?
Published: April 24, 2009
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FOXBORO, Massachusetts-
On the eve of the 2009 draft, Peter King is reporting the New England Patriots are looking to trade into the top 10 picks.
While the idea of trading is not new to me, I had an interesting idea about who the Patriots might want with that top 10 pick.
What if they are targeting Michael Crabtree?
The general consensus has been that the Patriots will be looking to shore up their defense. However, as I have shown before, they have a number of defensive players who would be quite serviceable.
With Joey Galloway on a one-year contract, and Randy Moss in the later years of his career, the Patriots could certainly be targeting an offensive weapon.
With the new rules favoring offense, the need for strong defense is great. However, the need for an even stronger offense is greater.
With a player like Michael Crabtree lining up in a spread offense with Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Joey Galloway, and Greg Lewis, Tom Brady would have no problem tearing apart opposing defenses.
They also have a running back corps full of crafty veterans who will supplement each other well, enabling them to stay healthy and fresh deep into the season.
On the other side, another option is defensive end Tyson Jackson. He would be Richard Seymour’s future replacement, considering Seymour is entering the final year of his current contract.
Coupled with that, however unlikely, is the potential of a trade of Richard Seymour and picks to Carolina in exchange for Julius Peppers.
Trading Seymour would free up another $3.3 million in cap space to make the signing of Peppers more possible.
Of course, if they are not able to pull the trade off, then this would be a moot point, but one thing is for sure, the next two days are going to interesting.
Andrew Cahill is a true Boston sports fan. Check out his website, “Patriot Pat’s Patsies.”
Be sure to comment with your ideas.
A True Sports Fan Pledge
Published: April 22, 2009
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We as fans must pledge our undying faith to our teams.
Images like this one should happen nowhere.
We must remain absolutely faithful to the bitter end.
As a Boston sports fan, my examples will be of such a nature.
To make judgments on the outcome of the Celtics’ season at this point, even in the eye of damning evidence of Kevin Garnett being injured, is Boston sports blasphemy.
Should we be “hopeful” of the Sox?
No, we should Believe.
Is a 7-6 start “pedestrian?”
In case you haven’t noticed, every year in Baseball is effectively “pedestrian” for every team. It is only the teams, that sustain their play for the entire season, or come together at the end, that win out.
The Red Sox have a strong pitching staff, which will come together, and pay huge dividends at the end of the season.
Pitching, by the way, was their downfall last year.
What is it that truly defines greatness?
Championships?
Boston has had its share recently, but I remember years when even winning games at all was considered a blessing.
The Patriots lost the Super Bowl in 2007, and Tom Brady was injured in 2008. That still does not take away from the fact that I am more proud of both of those teams, than any of the three Super Bowl winning teams.
Matt Cassel Believed. Bill Belichick Believed.
Pessimism has little place in the heart of a “true” Boston sports fan.
Maybe in a “pedestrian” Boston sports fan it does, though. That is what disappoints me.
So, If you are a true Boston sports fan… No, wait. If you are a true hometown sports fan, read along out loud and take this hometown pledge.
“I will diligently follow my teams, in all aspects.
Even in the face of extreme adversity, I will support them in hopes to overcome.
I will ensure never to bad-mouth, only to suggest improvements for my teams.
I will never quit, surrender, or give up on my teams.
Remember that on any given Sunday, during all nine innings, or until the buzzer sounds, there is always a chance.
Anything can, and has happened. Maybe with my helpful support, it will happen again.”
Welcome to the alliance.
Andrew Cahill is a true Boston sports fan. Check out his website, “Patriot Pat’s Patsies.”
Does this sound familiar? You may have read my comment on, “Tables Continue to Turn on Beantown Teams.”
