This has been some NFL offseason. Well, not quite for Patriots fans. I mean, solving the Vince Wilfork issue was a big accomplishment, as they got their man in the middle, but now need to look for some complementary pieces. They might have missed out on some big name players, but there are more fish in the sea. Still, other teams have made out like bandits, while others have struggled to keep their franchises afloat. Here are some of the top stories from the short, but productive NFL offseason.

These Bears Mean Business:

It was the first day teams were allowed to sign free agents and one team went out if its way to sign valuable free agents. But it was the Bears…a team that is notoriously cheap? They went to the Super Bowl and then dropped their top running back in Thomas Jones. So, when then opened up their wallets, it was a surprise.

Still, they walked away with the top player available in defensive end Julius Peppers. He will now give the Bears a solid pass rusher and someone who, combined with a healthy Brian Urlacher, could give the Bears the best defense in the NFC North.

Then, the Bears topped it off by signing running back Chester Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna. Taylor will team with Matt Forte to give the Bears a balanced running game and Manumaleuna will be a much needed weapon for Jay Cutler.

Browns vs. QB’s:

When Mike Holmgren was brought in as President for the Cleveland Browns, change was going to take place. There was questions if Eric Mangini would remain with the team, but he is still there. However, someone had to be blamed for the Browns 5-11 record last year. It became clear who was taking the fall.

Cleveland traded for Seneca Wallace, as the former Seahawk was part of the Holmgren system. It was similar to when Holmgren went to Seattle and took some Green Bay backup quarterback named Matt Hasselback with him. The, Cleveland did something amazing. They cut Derek Anderson and traded hometown hero Brady Quinn, leaving Wallace as the only quarterback on the roster.

However, when Jake Delhomme was released by the Panthers, he vowed revenge against his former team. So, he found his way to Cleveland, where he would most likely be the teams opening day starter. Should he remain the teams go-to guy, he will have his chance at revenge this upcoming season. The Browns are rebuilding, but for now they might have found their quarterbacks for both the first and second string.

Tomlinson’s Journey:

Future Hall of Famers just get no respect. LaDainian Tomlinson was one of the most dominant running backs in the history of the game. He passed the likes of Jim Brown on the all time rushing list this year. Still, now he will have to finish he career like Emmitt Smith did, with another team. It has been a whirlwind offseason for Tomlinson, but now he needs to move on.

On Feb. 22, The Chargers released their nine-year veteran after they put nearly 12,500 yards on him. It must be hard to leave a place where the weather is always perfect, but Tomlinson still believes he has stuff to offer other teams. He was being recruited by top quarterbacks. Drew Brees publicly stated his desire, while Brett Favre apparently was sending some text messages. (If that’s true, then can we put the Brett Favre is coming back rumors to rest. He’s coming back.) However, who would turn down the opportunity to join a team on the rise in the largest TV market in the country. That’s why Tomlinson will join the Jets in New York next season, making his first appearance on the first Monday night game in the new Meadowlands Stadium.

The Best Offense in Cincinnati:

Last season, The Bengals surprised many by winning the AFC North. They started with season with a strong offense, but it faltered by the end of the season. Then during the playoffs, they could only muster up 14 points against the Jets while their star receiver Chad Ochocinco was completely shut down. This was mainly due to the fact that he did not have a receiver to take the pressure off. Say what you want about Laveranues Coles, but he was hit or miss. They re-signed the defensive players they needed to, so now they needed to turn to the other side of the ball.

They have been flirting with Terrell Owens. Sure Owens had a down season in Buffalo, but come on, that was Buffalo. They are currently a step below the Raiders. So, do not be surprised if you find two great receivers playing together in Cincinnati to form the ever entertaining “T-O-chocinco”. However, the Bengals have already a former 1,000 yard receiver who makes big plays all the time. Antonio Bryant was well under the radar as a member of the Buccaneers last season. Now he joins Chad and a stellar quarterback Carson Palmer and could possibly be part of the trifecta with Owens. Along with Cendric Benson, would that be the best offense in football? There would be a chance.

The Ravens The Team to Beat?:

Baltimore made only one real move this offseason, but it should prove to be a great one. After a surprising trip to the AFC Championship in 2009, the Ravens followed it up by starting the season 3-0 with the best offense. Then after a loss of the Patriots, they began to struggle. They lost their next three games and throughout the rest of the season were either as explosive as can be, or couldn’t put up the points. The were missing one piece and they might have received it.

They needed a wide receiver, but not just any one would do. They needed a dominant one and they got it. Anquan Boldin will now move from under the shadow of Larry Fitzgerald and become the man in Baltimore. Veteran Derrick Mason will be able to take the load off his shoulders and put it on Boldin. Also, the signing of Donte Stallworth will give Joe Flacco more targets and could make the Ravens the team to beat next season.

Parting Thoughts:

Do not think the small moves don’t matter. Nate Burelson and Kyle Vanden Bosch will immediately help the Detroit Lions. However, losing Karlos Dansby, Antrel Rolle and Kurt Warner could spell doom for the Cardinals. For New England, they now have holes they need to fill because of their players signing elsewhere (tight ends especially, though the team reportedly signed Alge Crumpler). Still, there are plenty of months ahead of them to find their own diamonds in the rough.

© Teddy for Sports of Boston, 2010. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Featured, Opinion, Patriots.

There were many fans that were hoping the Patriots would land the coveted Julius Peppers in free agency. However, it was not meant to be. ESPN is reporting that Peppers just inked a six-year deal with the Bears for apparently $12 million per year, and he could get $40 million within the first three years. Peppers was expected to get a big contract, and the Bears went above and beyond to ensure Peppers would be in Chicago next season.

So what does that mean for New England? Believe it or not, this could be a lucky break for the Patriots. There were reports that New England and Philadelphia offered Peppers a similar contract, but not quite as much as ‘Da Bears.’ If New England wanted, they could have upped their offer, but it would have limited their ability to make a push at other free agents.

Sure, having Peppers would have given the Patriots a great pass rusher. His age (30) was called into question, but he has proven that his endurance and health is nothing to worry about. Still, New England had other holes in their team that needed to be addressed. On the Patriots shopping list is help for the secondary, a healthy running back (sorry Fred Taylor), a second wide receiver to fill the temporary Wes Welker void, and a pass rusher.

Who Else is Out There?

Some possible targets are already gone. Chester Taylor joined Peppers in Chicago. Nate Burleson and Kyle Vanden Bosch are heading to Detroit. Gary Brackett is back with the Colts. Brandon Marshall seems Seattle-bound.

• Still, there is Thomas Jones, who is being linked with the Patriots.
• As for that pass rusher, Karlos Dansby is still out there and the Patriots are thought to be on his wish list.
• Also, with the Bears signing Brandon Manumaleuna, Greg Olsen might be on his way out of Chicago and possibly on his way to New England to replace Ben Watson.
• The Pats are rumored to be in the mix to trade for Anquan Boldin, or they could even sign a free agent like Antonio Bryant.
• There could also be Jason Taylor, Joey Porter, or Antonio Pierce that could be brought in for a fraction on the price of Peppers.

Banta-Cain Gets Three-Year Deal

The best part of Friday, so far, was the Patriots locking up Tully Banta-Cain for three years. Banta-Cain was right there with Peppers in sacks and he even had more tackles. Should the Patriots find a complement to Tully, then they will have a strong one-two attack.

So, do not worry that New England was unable to land Julius Peppers. Instead, be happy that they have financial freedom to secure several other players. Plus, there is always the chance that Peppers could be this year’s Albert Haynesworth. If that’s the case, then New England just avoided a potential disaster.

© Teddy for Sports of Boston, 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments
Filed under: Featured, News, Patriots, Top Story.

The Pats understand that that NFL is a business. The emotional aspect does not play a factor in Foxboro. Even Randy Moss has predicted that this would be his last season, because that’s how the Patriots operate. They find the best players and coaches available and implement them to win championships, even if that means getting rid of stalwarts.

New England will get rid of players such as Richard Seymour, Mike Vrabel and maybe even Randy Moss and Stephen Gostkowski, in order to keep fighting long term for Super Bowls. It doesn’t matter if you helped them win a Super Bowl, are a perennial Pro Bowl member or even a former league MVP, no one is certain in Foxboro. It seems harsh, until you realize that it could be the best business plan in football.

LEARNING FROM HISTORY:

There is one thing that Cowboys, Broncos and 49ers have in common. They all had excellent runs in the 90′s, then fell off during the next decade. They built franchises on Super Bowl MVP Quarterbacks with Troy Aikman, Steve Young and John Elway. Then all three teams gave their QB’s the perfect sendoffs. However, none of the teams had backups that were of the same quality. Denver and San Francisco made playoff appearances under Brian Griese and Jeff Garcia, but the teams were never close to being Super Bowl bound. The Cowboys took over a decade before they were a title contender. By being emotional to their star players, they lost several years of competitive football.

San Francisco should have taken a page out of their book in the early 90′s. When Joe Montana was getting rusty and often injured the 49ers pulled the plug and went with Young, who was already starting at the time. Montana finished his career in Kansas City, even lead the Chiefs to a playoff appearance in 1994, the same year Steve Young and the ‘Niners beat the Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX. Even though Montana was a legend, San Francisco knew their best opportunity to win a Super Bowl again was to give Young the reigns and it paid off.

This is why it’s good to be a Patriots fan.

WELCOME TO THE GOOD LIFE:

Thursday, The Patriots tendered Stephen Gostkowski at the second round level. Meaning that if another team signs the Pro Bowl kicker, they in return will have to give the Patriots their second round draft pick, only. It does not seem like a fair deal at all. Gostkowski is one of the premier kickers in the league. Then consider that the Patriots will have four second round picks. DeSean Jackson, Eddie Royal and Matt Forte are all former second round selections. The second round is a breeding ground for first round talent at a much cheaper price, the way New England likes it.

For a while, it seemed that the Patriots were swaying away from their pattern when they signed Adalius Thomas to a five year $35 million contract with $20 million guarantees. New England never overpaid for players, no matter how valued they are. They let guys like Asante Samuel walk and traded Richard Seymour, before his contract expired. New England fans might want to see Julius Peppers, Karlos Dansby, Darren Sharper or Thomas Jones come to New England, but if the price isn’t right then they will pass.

The future isn’t secure for current stars, even Tom Brady. Remember back in the day when Drew Bledsoe was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL? An injury gave Brady a chance and he ran with it. When he went down for the 2008 season and Matt Cassell shined, many wondered if Brady’s time was over in New England. Since then, Matt went to Kansas City, Brady returned and eventually found his old form. However, in this draft New England might be looking at a young quarterback you needs time to develop, (cough*Tim Tebow*cough) and build a foundation for the future. It was only two years ago when the Packers got rid of their future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre in favor of Aaron Rogers becoming the main cheesehead I would say that worked out well for Green Bay.

In the upcoming weeks, New England might fill some needs by giving veterans the chance to win a Super Bowl. New England might look to Jason Tayor if Peppers price gets to high. Gregg Olsen could be a new tight end in favor of Ben Watson. Adalius Thomas might be sent to Seattle for a reunion with Deion Branch. Anything can happen with the New England Patriots. However, one thing is certain, they will put together one of the best teams they can, no matter what fan favorite gets cut in the process. Fans like me, would have it no other way.

© Teddy for Sports of Boston, 2010. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Opinion, Patriots.

Much of the attention will be how the Patriots handle the Vince Wilfork situation. He has said that a franchise tag would be a slap in the face. Wilfork will be important for the patriots to keep their 3-4 defense, but it’s the middle of the defense that is the issue. Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton were the top tacklers on the team and will be coming back to anchor the linebackers.

However, Tully Banta-Cain and Pierre Woods are free agents and there will be questions about bringing back Derrick Burgess and Adalius Thomas. It is possible that all four could be gone from the team, leaving two starting vacancies on the defense. Needing a strong defense to compete, New England might have to look towards free agency and do what they do best: bring in fantastic veterans.

THE MEAT MARKET:

There are those on the wishful thinking list, meaning players you would like on your team but will most likely be resigned by their squads. Pro Bowl starter and free agent Elvis Dumervil will lead Josh McDaniels Broncos team. Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman shouldn’t be seen leaving San Diego and it’s perfect weather. The hero of the Cardinals-Packers playoff thriller Karlos Dansby will probably still be a team captain in Arizona. However, there are already three guys that can be seen in Patriots Blue and Silver next season.

Antonio Pierce:

He was just released by the New York Giants, who he has played with since 2005. In his first season at the Meadowlands, he was named a team captain and was the driving force behind the Giants defense. Between 2005 and 2008, Pierce has had over 95 tackles each season, including 138 in 2006, with 108 solo tackles. In 2007, he was named the United Way Man of the Year and was named an alternate in the Pro Bowl. A year later he was part of the Giants Super Bowl winning team. Problems arose when he was involved with the Plaxico Burress altercation. It was his car that Burress was driven to the hospital in. There are some that believe that tension between him and the Giants from the incident eventually led to his release, but the Giants have been adamant that it’s about the neck injury that ended his 2009 season. However, the Giants loss could be the Patriots gain and should the neck be healthy, the 32 year old Pierce will still have a lot to offer.

Joey Porter:

He is a Super Bowl winning linebacker and one of the biggest mouths in football. The eleven year veteran is known to cause headaches and get to quarterbacks. He has 92 career sacks and is only two seasons removed from a league leading 17.5 and leading the Dolphins to a 11-5 record and the AFC East crown. As great of a player he is, the negative might outweigh the positives. Before a game against the Patriots this season, he called out Tom Brady and the NFL’s rules regarding low hits on quarterbacks. He backed up his words by recording zero tackles! There are many times when his bark his worse then his bite. Still, Bill Belichick is known for taking players with bad reputations and turning them into team leaders. By having Joey focus on his game and not his words, he could be the most dangerous linebacker in football. Porter is the kind of player that can come in and mentor Guyton and Mayo, while turning out huge numbers. Expect him to draw some attention from Bill.

Julius Peppers:

I know what you’re thinking. He’s a defensive end and the Panthers will franchise tag him. However, Carolina finally seems ready to not pursue him after they questioned his heart. Also, Peppers has stated that he would like to play in a 3-4 defense, making him a mutated linebacker. Think Tully Banta-Cain on crack. Should he actually fall onto the market, Peppers might become Patriots target number one. He has recorded ten or more sacks in six of eight seasons. Should he move into a linebacker-esque position, he might be pushing for a single season record. His speed and agility make him a offensive lineman’s nightmare, but he also has the ability to cover tight ends and running backs. Bill Belichick’s mouth should be watering with the thought of Peppers playing in Foxboro.

New England needs help on the defensive side of the ball. Next season, they will see strong passing teams with the Vikings, Packers, Bengals and Steelers and great rushing teams with the Jets, Ravens and Dolphins. They will need an upgrade at linebacker if they even want to return to the playoffs. These are just three guys who can come in and make a difference, but they are not the only options. Still imagine and linebacking corp with this lineup: Julius Peppers-Jerod Mayo-Gary Guyton-Joey Porter… did you start drooling yet?

© Teddy for Sports of Boston, 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments
Filed under: Opinion, Patriots.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. For the first time in 50 games, the Patriots have lost back-to-back games. On top of that, they have dropped three of their last four and have jeopardized their playoff chances. Now they need to prove they can still win and take control of their own destiny. Their opponents this week are the Carolina Panthers. New England is 2-1 on the season against the NFC South and need to not let the cat out of the bag.

MEET THE PANTHERS:

Carolina is a desperate team. They are 5-7 and need a win to keep up in the playoff race. The former savior of the franchise, Jake Delhomme, has been less then stellar and with a small finger injury the Panthers will turn to Matt Moore to handle the ball. Receivers Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad have not been stellar with Delhomme, combining for only 1064 receiving yards. Instead, Carolina has relied on the running duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Both have the ability to be a number one back and both will see a lot of action Sunday.

This team was always a strong defensive team, but things have changed. They might rank fifth stopping the pass, but are at the bottom of the league when it comes to stopping the run. There was a lot of rumors surrounding Julius Peppers coming to New England during the off-season and the Pats probably wish he did. He has been the only pass rush for Carolina with 8.5 sacks on the season. Instead, Carolina protects the middle of the field, anchored by Jon Beason and his 102 tackles. Their secondary, featuring Richard Marshall and Chris Gamble, and one of the best at stopping a team from any big plays.

5 Things The Patriots Have to Do

1. PRAY TOM BRADY IS OKAY:
   I don’t mean okay as in healthy. He probably missed the practices because Gisele had a baby and not for his “injuries”. Instead, I am worried that the recent play from Brady hasn’t taken a toll on his psyche. He has thrown two interceptions in each of his last two games. More importantly, he wasn’t the old Tom Brady when he couldn’t mount a late fourth quarter comeback against Miami last week. Instead, he ended the game with an interception and buried his head in the ground.

   So what type of Tom Brady should we be expecting? The easiest answer: an angry one. All week there has been talk of the Patriots losing their touch and falling from elite status. At last check they are still currently playoff bound and Tom Brady has thrown for 3,638 yards, good for second best in the league. He might have had two off weeks, but it shouldn’t be a cause for panic. If there is anyone that can right the ship and make sure the Patriots are playing come late January, it’s No. 12.

2. CONTROL THE PANTHERS RUNNING GAME:
   I would say stop but frankly, that’s impossible. The combination of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart has run for 1,686 yards already! Williams missed last week with an ankle injury and now has two weeks off to get ready for New England. Before last week, he led the Panthers in rushing every week. Stewart has an Achilles injury of his own, but isn’t expected to have it hamper his running abilities Sunday. They are two of the best running backs in the league and having both on the same squad makes the Panthers a dangerous team.

   New England will most likely not be able to completely stop the running game, so the plan should be to neutralize it. Gary Guyton and Jerod Mayo will need to perform huge. The guys at the line will try to overpower Carolina’s offensive line, but there will be holes. The linebacker corp will need to plug those holes and make sure Williams and Stewart aren’t making their way towards open field, or else New England will be doing a lot of chasing. Oh, and if you just try to let Williams and Stewart do their thing and make the quarterback lose the game, think again. When Tampa Bay tried that they gave up a combined 162 yards and three touchdowns. Control the run, control the game.

3. LET THE SECONDARY STEP UP:
   The guys playing deep for the Patriots have been facing a lot of ridicule lately. Brandon McGowan, Brandon Meriweather, Leigh Bodden, Jonathan Wilhite, Darius Butler, Shawn Springs, Patrick Chung or whoever New England have put out there have not performed. In back-to-back losses they have allowed 371 yards and five touchdowns from Drew Brees and made Chad Henne look like a Pro Bowler with 335 yards and two touchdowns. Even with Matt Moore making his first start of the season, expect Carolina to attack the weak link of the Patriots defense.

   Still, Steve Smith and Mushin Muhammad are not the same duo New England saw in Super Bowl XXXVIII. This season, they have had one 100 yard receiving game between them. It might have been Jake Delhomme’s 18 interceptions that have hurt them, but both Smith and Muhammad have had issues in hauling in receptions. Neither has more then eight receptions in a game this season, so only needing to stop them a few times will make it easier on the secondary. Unless the Panthers let Matt Moore completely loose, the secondary will just need to stop big plays, which is easier said then done.

4. HERE COME THE BRADY BUNCH:
   Tom Brady can only go as far as his teammates allow him. So far, Randy Moss and Wes Welker have yet to disappoint. Moss’ 1,058 yards and Welker’s 1,053 make them the best relieving tandem in the league. Sam Aiken might be ready to take the number three receiving spot after two solid games, 90 yards against New Orleans and a one reception game against Miami that went for 81 yards. Carolina has a tough pass defense, so spreading the ball around will be essential for New England to move the ball.

   However, it’s not the only way. Carolina is horrendous at stopping the run. Laurence Maroney has been dwindling since his 123 yards against Tennessee and with his lack of production he is losing carries. Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris have been getting more and more carries and should Fred Taylor return, Maroney might become an afterthought. Still, a balanced running game is what it will take to beat Carolina and maybe spreading the ball between backs will create more opportunities for New England to move the ball and control the clock.

5. BILL BELICHICK: THIS IS YOUR TEAM:
   If the Patriots were a ship, Bill Belichick would be the captain. (Tom Brady can be first mate and Joey Galloway is the man overboard.) When he sent Patriots players home for being late to a team meeting, he was sending a message. This is his team and if you aren’t performing to his expectations, then you’re gone. Some players like Randy Moss understand and went home and returned the next day. Adalius Thomas opened his mouth and will now find himself in the doghouse. Thomas was already deactivated for the Titans game and he might find himself benched this week as well.

   Some television analyst have wondered if players are finally challenging Belichick’s ability to reach players. With that, Bill needs to prove that this is still his house. By benching Thomas he will send a message that no one goes against his saying. However, he should do the opposite in my opinion. By leaving Thomas of the field and not calling plays that hurt the reputation of the defense, questionable calls going for fourth down, he will say he trust his players and respects their opinions. It’s obvious whatever the Patriots have done in the past four weeks hasn’t been working, so a change in attitude, especially from Belichick, can be a needed change.

Prediction:

Carolina will do whatever it takes to win. Should they lose, they will be pratically eliminated from the playoffs. Still, a desperate team in more likely to make costly errors. The Patriots need to capitalize on those mistakes and offer a balanced offensive attack. More importantly, the defense needs to be in control and not scrambling to make plays. That has cost them in the past. A win will keep New England’s playoff dream alive and they should get it.

New England 24 – Carolina 13.

© Teddy for Sports of Boston, 2009. | Permalink | No comment
Filed under: Featured, Patriots, Top Story.

According to NFL.com’s Vic Carucci, the Pats would convert Peppers to outside linebacker from defensive end to fit into their 3-4 defensive scheme.

According to league sources, the Patriots and Panthers are hoping to complete the deal at some point between the March 22-25 NFL owners meetings and the start of the draft on April 25.

Peppers, on whom the Panthers have placed a franchise tag that assures him of a one-year contract worth $16.68 million, would be converted to outside linebacker in New England’s 3-4 defense.

Reaction: How could Patriots fans ever doubt judgment of Bill Belichick? He knew he was never going to use the draft pick he received for Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel. He traded them for $18 million in cap room and the 34th pick in the draft, which may be headed to the Panthers for Peppers.

Word is that the Panthers are cash-strapped, so acquiring a high-end second round pick makes a lot more sense than a first round pick. They would pay their second round pick much less than the first round selection, and in the deep 2009 draft, they could still grab first-round talent at No. 34.

If this move works out, I give Belichick an A++++++ for how he handled the Cassel situation and the offseason in general.

© KC Downey for Sports of Boston, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments
Filed under: Featured, Patriots, Top Story.