New England Patriots offseason thread

[bostonguy]

Im curious to see what some of you guys think about what the Pats need to worry about in the draft/free agency. I would like to see them focus on D. Draft/sign linebackers and cornerbacks like crazy. Brandon Meriweather and Jared Mayo are going to be even better next year.

This isnt a thread to bash the Pats and call em cheaters. I am seriously curious on what you guys think the Pats need to do this offseason. Mono/Stretch/JT/Ironmexican/Ducks...put in your 2 cents.

[Ghazi]

Cheaters

[monosylab1k]

I think both Wilhite and Wheatley will be greatly improved next year, and I think our secondary will actually be a strength next season. Another CB wouldn't hurt for sure, and finding a safety so that James Sanders' worthless ass never sees the field would be nice also.

Obviously another LB would be good since Bruschi is even older. I'd like to see Shawn Crable get a chance, he has potential to be another Colvin. and another D-lineman would be good since Richard Seymour is so hit-and-miss lately and not living up to his reputation or contract.

On offense, the o-line is the biggest concern since Brady's already limited mobility will be even worse.

And now for a crazy idea I've had in my head - going after LaDainian Tomlinson. I despise the fucker, but if anybody can turn that whiny crybaby into a man, it's Belichick. And I've given up on Laurence Maroney, the guy is maybe the biggest pussy to ever play in the NFL. LT could get his title, Belichick could have another cancer that he converted into a team player on his resume, and TSA/ducks/Faggs would all cry like bitches over it.

[IronMexican]

They need a CB. This is a pretty weak class for LB after Curry, and you can see that when Rey Maualuga is a top 15 pick.

[J.T.]

The Pats front seven is all right, they could use some help at linebacker, especially if they are still going to keep Bruschi, Seau and other card carrying members of the AARP on the roster. If Brady completes his rehab and is back to 100% by training camp, then I will expect Brady, Moss and Welker to have another big year like 2007. If Brady's rehab is delayed and Cassel has to start a few games, I think they will be able to win those games and still be in good shape. The obvious danger with the Brady injury is if he misses all of camp and a game or two, he probably won't shake off the rust in just one game. Just look at Peyton's first two games last year... he played like absolute ass in both of them and was lucky his defense was able to hold Minnesota to field goals, else they would've started 0-3.

But as a fan of a team that may end up playing the Patriots twice next season, they need a serviceable CB. If they don't get solid at that position, then Manning and other accurate QBs will be able to burn them when it counts. Although I expect even with a partially healthy Brady and 26 people on IR, they'd still beat San Diego, Pittsburgh, and any other team with an overrated faggot quarterback.

LT on the Pats... :lmao

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

I think both Wilhite and Wheatley will be greatly improved next year, and I think our secondary will actually be a strength next season. Another CB wouldn't hurt for sure, and finding a safety so that James Sanders' worthless ass never sees the field would be nice also.

Obviously another LB would be good since Bruschi is even older. I'd like to see Shawn Crable get a chance, he has potential to be another Colvin. and another D-lineman would be good since Richard Seymour is so hit-and-miss lately and not living up to his reputation or contract.

On offense, the o-line is the biggest concern since Brady's already limited mobility will be even worse.

And now for a crazy idea I've had in my head - going after LaDainian Tomlinson. I despise the fucker, but if anybody can turn that whiny crybaby into a man, it's Belichick. And I've given up on Laurence Maroney, the guy is maybe the biggest pussy to ever play in the NFL. LT could get his title, Belichick could have another cancer that he converted into a team player on his resume, and TSA/ducks/Faggs would all cry like bitches over it.

That pretty much sums it up, well done.

Here would be my key thoughts that mostly agree here with a few differences:

Get younger on D so you quite relying on Bruschi, Seymour, Harrison and Vrabel to make plays like they're still in their prime. Mayo and Meriweather are studs in the making and returning the Pats defense to top 5 in the NFL is key to their success. I'm assuming Harrison is retiring after that injury, so finding a safety will be really important.

On offense, and this sounds unnecessary, add a #2 receiver who specializes in jump balls and getting the first down. I know their receiving core is already great, but Gaffney is worthless and he shouldn't play. The offensive line does need to play great w/ Brady and his bad knee, but pass protection has never been an issue with the Patriots. Maroney does suck but IMO he can still be good if he learns how to run downhill. No point in adding LT and his vagina to a team that doesn't like it when other players in the locker room are whining about their yeast infection.

[ducks]

I would trade brady for a young star running back

[slayermin]

Someone please remind me when their 2007 addition of "Missing Rings" plays on NFL Network.

Thanks.

[monosylab1k]

Someone please remind me when their 2007 addition of "Missing Rings" plays on NFL Network.

Thanks.

Right after the Chargers are featured with the Texans on the new "Teams that never did shit" edition of America's Game.

[IronMexican]

Are they giving up on Maroney soon? I don't think he is that good.

[monosylab1k]

Are they giving up on Maroney soon? I don't think he is that good.

They ought to because he isn't. Well he's got the skills to be good, but he doesn't have the mentality.

[IronMexican]

I think the reason they signed him was to keep him away from Indy, which was funny to me, cause he hasn't lived up to that first round selection. Addai is pretty good, but a bit overrated anyways.

[J.T.]

Addai is pretty good, but a bit overrated anyways.

I don't think Addai is overrated, I just don't think he has any balls. So after a sucking in a few games and being hurt for a few games I think he just stopped trying. The Colts as a whole sucked at running the ball last year and Addai had more carries, yards and yards per game than Rhodes did even though Rhodes played a game or two more than he did. Rhodes had one more TD than Addai, but last season it was really no secret that the Colts were going to score with the pass, not the run.

[bostonguy]

And now for a crazy idea I've had in my head - going after LaDainian Tomlinson. I despise the fucker, but if anybody can turn that whiny crybaby into a man, it's Belichick. And I've given up on Laurence Maroney, the guy is maybe the biggest pussy to ever play in the NFL. LT could get his title, Belichick could have another cancer that he converted into a team player on his resume, and TSA/ducks/Faggs would all cry like bitches over it.


I wouldnt mind LT especially since our O wont run through him. He would fit nicely especially in the passing game. Plus our championship hopes wouldnt rest on LT. Of course thats assuming the Chargers cut ties with him.

[bostonguy]

I'd love to see this Pat D suffocate like the championship days. Keep on drafting on the D as Meriwheather/Mayo continue to grow. I dont mind hanging onto Teddy and Vrabel but I want more youth to spare them. I love the D line as it is. Im also optimistic on Brady coming back in great shape. His mobility may be limited but it wasnt his strength. The guy is great at getting rid of the ball quickly anyways.

[stretch]

Pats should at least be back in the AFC title game next year. I still think they need to work on their secondary and getting some youthful guys into the front 7, but they should be fine. Their passing game should still be very deadly, but I don't think they will be doing all the downfield passing the were a couple years ago when Brady threw 50. He will probably throw around 30-40 TDs, which is still awesome. AFC should be pretty tough next year with a lot of good teams competing for a playoff spot. Pats, Colts, Titans, Chargers, Ravens, Dolphins, Stealers, and other teams could very possibly be competitive as well, like the Jets, Browns, Broncos, Jaguars, and Bills.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Addai is pretty good, but a bit overrated anyways.

He had a horrible season last year, I agree he's overrated. It seems like he needs the offense to be flowing in order to be efficient.

[Lakers>Spurs]

Still. Addai > Maroney

Plus Addai looked even worse cause he doesn't have someone like Kevin Faulk saving his ass.

[lefty]

Cheaters

Cowboys = chokers

[ducks]

Cowboys = chokers

they have not got to the big game
they can not be called chokers yet:rollin:rollin:rollin:rollin

[lefty]

they have not got to the big game
they can not be called chokers yet:rollin:rollin:rollin:rollin

They do choke a lot during the regular season

Right, Romo ?

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

They do choke a lot during the regular season

Right, Romo ?

not nearly as much as the post season.

[Ghazi]

That Tyree catch was a fluke if I ever saw one. What a fluke ass champion the Giants were. That play happens 1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000 times.

[lefty]

That Tyree catch was a fluke if I ever saw one. What a fluke ass champion the Giants were. That play happens 1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000 times.

I'm a Pats fan, but it was a legit play.

It might happen once in a lifetime, but hey, sport is sport.

Let's be fair

[stretch]

LMAO 18*-1

:lmao

[dirk4mvp]

Way to throw money at Mr. Glass.

[stretch]

congrats on tom bradys marriage

[monosylab1k]

Way to throw money at Mr. Glass.

Yet he's still healthier & more reliable than Addai.

[monosylab1k]

Also, Mike Vrabel traded to the Chiefs

[bostonguy]

congrats on tom bradys marriage

Thanks dawg. Now we are hoping he has a full recovery and is ready to go for the 2009-2010 season.

[bostonguy]

I wouldnt mind Fred Taylor. Pats use 3-4 backs in the system anyways. He would be a decent pickup

[monosylab1k]

The Fred Taylor signing is official, same thing with the Mike Vrabel trade. also, Jabar Gaffney went to Denver.

There's a rumor that the Vrabel trade was made in order to clear up cap room to make a move for Julius Peppers.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Pats will find a way to draft Connor Barwin. Seems like the perfect BB LBer.

[bostonguy]

Im going to miss Vrabel but im excited about Guyton and Crable. I like that the front office is really focusing on getting young in the lb position. Julius Peppers would probably mean bye bye to Seymour. I would love to have him. We will see what goes down.

[monosylab1k]

Cassel to Kansas City is confirmed as well. No idea what we're getting in return for him & Vrabel.

My guess is a 2nd rounder + 1st rounder next season for Cassel, and a 4th rounder for Vrabel.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Cassel to Kansas City is confirmed as well. No idea what we're getting in return for him & Vrabel.

My guess is a 2nd rounder + 1st rounder next season for Cassel, and a 4th rounder for Vrabel.

Is it confirmed? Schefter just said there's still another team in the mix, possibly because NE doesn't want that high of a pick.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Is it confirmed? Schefter just said there's still another team in the mix, possibly because NE doesn't want that high of a pick.

Na, it's confirmed on ESPN Cassel is going to KC. Crabtree to NE, make it happen.

[monosylab1k]

Is it confirmed? Schefter just said there's still another team in the mix, possibly because NE doesn't want that high of a pick.

the Boston Globe confirmed that Cassel is definitely going to KC, the paperwork has been filed with the league. The actual compensation is unknown tho.

But yeah, there's no way NE really wants to be locked into a pick that high. Way too expensive and a top 3 pick will probably be impossible to trade out of. So yeah maybe a 3rd team is somehow involved, or maybe they're taking future first rounders.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Na, it's confirmed on ESPN Cassel is going to KC. Crabtree to NE, make it happen.

Schefter said the trade was agreed to last night. Just said that there's a holdup, though. He has no idea what it is.

Just what I heard him say in the last 10 minutes.

[bostonguy]

I love having lots of draft picks to choose from. Adios Matt. Thanks for your time here and best of luck in KC. Same to you Vrabel. Cap space cleared up plus picks to go with the notion that Brady will be good to go for the new season gives me all the more reason to be excited.

[HiLouis!]

Cassel to Kansas City is confirmed as well. No idea what we're getting in return for him & Vrabel.

My guess is a 2nd rounder + 1st rounder next season for Cassel, and a 4th rounder for Vrabel.

They can do that with announcing it at the time of the trade? I don't understand why this trade doesn't have people claiming collusion, but your explanation would solve it.

[HiLouis!]

that and it's the chiefs, and nobody is terribly worried about them anytime soon.

[nate0409]

cant believe they picked up fred taylor.. now what are my jaguars going to do

[dirk4mvp]

cant believe they picked up fred taylor.. now what are my jaguars going to do


Have their Rb's stay healthy?

[monosylab1k]

Pats just traded for Greg Lewis from Philly.

also, they reached an agreement with Shawn Springs. Does he have anything left? I didn't pay attention to how he played in Washington. Seems like another old, slow guy that will get burnt regularly.

and the Spurs have four rings.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

IIRC, they wanted to move him to safety last year but couldn't due to injuries to their other CBs.

[monosylab1k]

IIRC, they wanted to move him to safety last year but couldn't due to injuries to their other CBs.

he seems better fit for safety at this point in his career, but I heard that he was choosing between NE and Philly, and the reason he picked the Pats is because they promised him a CB job while the Eagles wanted to move him to safety.

-SpursHaveFourRings

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

cant believe they picked up fred taylor.. now what are my jaguars going to do

Unleash Maurice Jones Drew rather than give Taylor the ball so he can find a place to fall down and throw the possession away???

[IronMexican]

They picked up Leigh Bodden who is a solid Corner.

[monosylab1k]

They picked up Leigh Bodden who is a solid Corner.

I was happy about this one because Shawn Springs does nothing for me, unless they do move him to safety.

I still say Terrence Wheatley has a breakout year next season and our biggest weakness suddenly becomes a big strength.

[IronMexican]

Yeah, great move. He is a top 15 Corner.

[mabrignani]

patriots are stackin their lineup this offseason

[bostonguy]

Fuck yeah! Wheatly/Bodden are going to be bright spots in our secondary. Im thrilled they are improving on the defensive side. The D will be young, hungry and rejuvinated! Im thrilled with this offseason and we still have the rest of free agency plus the draft!

[monosylab1k]

Fuck yeah! Wheatly/Bodden are going to be bright spots in our secondary. Im thrilled they are improving on the defensive side. The D will be young, hungry and rejuvinated! Im thrilled with this offseason and we still have the rest of free agency plus the draft!

If Wheatley pans out like I think he will, then we put Springs in Sanders' spot at safety, we'll have a damn good secondary. Plus Brandon Meriweather is already great, but he is on the verge of breaking out huge. Next Ed Reed huge.

[monosylab1k]

Also, there's a lot of Jason Taylor talk, which has me worried. The guy obviously doesn't give a shit about football anymore, he's old, he's injury prone, and he thinks he can still command a high salary.

If they get him on the cheap as a pass rush specialist........meh. Anything more than that and I'd hate bringing him on board. I'd much rather they pursue Julius Peppers.

[stretch]

I still think their defense is nothing to gloat about, and the Pats fans here MASSIVELY overrate a lot of their players, but their offense will be very tough to stop. They should at least get to the AFC championship game, but honestly, there is no reason to believe(barring injuries) that the Patriots couldn't win it all. They still have Brady, Moss, and Bellicheat.

[DBryant88]

the patriots suck


enough said

[bostonguy]

I still think their defense is nothing to gloat about, and the Pats fans here MASSIVELY overrate a lot of their players, but their offense will be very tough to stop. They should at least get to the AFC championship game, but honestly, there is no reason to believe(barring injuries) that the Patriots couldn't win it all. They still have Brady, Moss, and Bellicheat.

The D showed some strides last year. We have infiltrated youth in the linebacking and secondary positions plus we still have the remainder of free agency and the draft. I dont think this will be the best d ever in nfl history but under Belichick, I have all the confidence the D could be pretty damn good as a top 5-10 overall D. The Pats have also done a great job with the draft.

lol raiders

[bostonguy]

If Wheatley pans out like I think he will, then we put Springs in Sanders' spot at safety, we'll have a damn good secondary. Plus Brandon Meriweather is already great, but he is on the verge of breaking out huge. Next Ed Reed huge.

Sanders/Hobbs are liabilities in our secondary. I'd like to see them be backups at best. Springs would do fairly well as a saftey. Remember we still have the rest of free agency plus the draft. And in your next post...no thank you to Jason Taylor unless it is for the minimum and a backup. I could live with that but anything more...no thanks.

[mardigan]

Galloway finds home in New England
By Len Pasquarelli

Choosing the sales pitch from Bill Belichick over that of Mike Tomlin, free agent wide receiver Joey Galloway has agreed to a one-year contract with the New England Patriots.

Financial details of the deal, confirmed by sources close to the player, were not yet available.

Despite being 37 years old and coming off an injury-shortened 2008 season, Galloway was seen by the Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers as still having the ability to stretch a secondary deep. Both franchises recruited Galloway on the premise that they will be Super Bowl contenders in 2009 and that he will play a key role in the offense as the No. 3 wide receiver.

Galloway, who was releasaed by Tampa Bay earlier in free agency, looks to continue the long tradition of aging veterans signing in New England and resurrecting their careers as role players. Galloway visited with Patriots coaches and officials recently. He figures to be no better than the Patriots' No.3 wide receiver behind Randy Moss and Wes Welker.

Although he has played 14 NFL seasons, Galloway remains one of the league's fastest players and is capable of going deep.

For his career, Galloway has 682 catches for 10,710 yards and 77 touchdowns. He has caught 60 or more passes in six seasons. Last season, however, a foot injury limited Galloway to nine games and only four starts. He had 13 catches for 138 yards and failed to score a touchdown. This was his fewest receptions since 2000, when he played in only one game because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The former Ohio State star was a first-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 1995. He stayed with the Seahawks through the 1999 season, and then was traded to Dallas in 2000.

In addition to the Seahawks, he has played for the Dallas Cowboys (2000-03) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2004-08). Galloway was one of several prominent players released by the Bucs at the outset of free agency.

Although he has never been to a Pro Bowl game, Galloway has been a four-time alternate.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3980525

[monosylab1k]

I like Galloway, but he's basically a small, far less talented Moss. We didn't need another deep threat, we needed an intermediate guy to go over the middle. We've got Moss & Welker for the deep balls & the short stuff. Torry Holt would have been perfect but I doubt they're going after him.