The Official 2006 New England Patriots Thread

[PissedPrincess]

There it exists. It is baseball season, so gimmee a coupla days to get this going.

[Royce]

I think I might follow this new trend.

[skineg]

Awesome, and hosted by the Princess herself. I feel a good thread coming on.

PEACE
Brett

PS I shall return often

[PissedPrincess]

http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=141400

I'm posting this, because my brother-in-law is mentioned in this article today. His name is Tommy Lee. I am proud of him! My nephew plays on their team. They are the Patriots.:thumbsup:

[Durango53]

There is nothing new to report on Deion Branch and his contract negotiations with the Patriots, but the time is approaching when it might become a front-burner issue. Branch, who has one year to run on his rookie deal, said last month that ‘‘my job is to finish my (current) contract.” His agent, Jason Chayut, refused comment last week. According to one source, Branch has told friends he’s looking for bonus/guaranteed money in the range of $12 million, while the Pats are telling Chayut they aren’t responsible for how other teams pay for their players.

[skineg]

The Pats can't afford to lose another WR, hopefully they can strike a deal with Branch or find another option.

[Durango53]

Discussions with veteran free agent and former Patriot Ty Law continue. According to a source familiar with the situation, Patriots' director of pro personnel Scott Pioli is engaged in more substantive dialog with Law's agent Carl Poston. Law's current suitors are the Titans, Chiefs and the Patriots.

[skineg]

The Chiefs could probably use him the most, but I would think that New England is the front runner and their D wasn't what it should have been last year. I can't see any reason Law would want to go to the Titans, seeing how the team has treated their vets lately and how the Titans have a team full of rookies. Although money talks.

PEACE
Brett

[PissedPrincess]

Ty is not coming back here. The Pats do not overpay anyone.

[PissedPrincess]

The Pats traded WR Bethel Johnson to the Saints for Jonathan Sullivan. Eh, drek for drek. Perhaps Jonathan can get his shit together here. I know Belli liked him a lot, and him and Seymour were teammates at Georgia Tech. Maybe big Sey can help him.

[Durango53]

Law's agent, it seems, is close to negotiating a new deal, possibly with the New England Patriots or the Arizona Cardinals.

http://www.timesonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16743508&BRD=2305&PAG=461&dept_id=478568&rfi=6

[Durango53]

Richard Seymour opened the can of worms. Now it seems Deion Branch is following his lead. The next indication will come June 13-14, when Bill Belichick and the Pats hold their annual “mandatory” minicamp at Gillette. Seymour also skipped that set of workouts in 2005, laying the foundation for a brief holdout in August and ultimately setting the stage for his blockbuster extension this offseason. According to sources close to Branch, he hasn’t decided whether or not he will be on hand next week. One source said Branch is looking for bonuses/guarantees in the neighborhood of $12 million. Earlier this offseason, the Pats balked at paying the market rate for No. 2 receiver David Givens, who signed a five-year, $24 million deal in Tennessee with an $8 million signing bonus.

[Durango53]

According to sources, the Pats have interest in recently released Seattle receiver/special teamer Alex Bannister.

[skineg]

Bannister won't come anywhere close to fixing the Pats WR needs, but it's a start. Who else is available to the Patriots?

PEACE
Brett

[Durango53]

Tebucky Jones has already come back to the Patriots. Now he wonders if ex-teammate and current neighbor Ty Law will follow suit. Jones and Law have remained tight since the former was traded to the New Orleans Saints following the 2002 season. The safety and cornerback live near each other in Florida and speak frequently, though that hasn’t happened in recent weeks. And in a perfect world, Jones said after a workout yesterday, Law will come back. “Yeah. Oh yeah,” Jones said. “You know if it’s right, he’s going to be here.” Jones meant if the money is right. Law won’t play for the veteran minimum and, coming off a Pro Bowl season, the cornerback appears willing to wait for an offer at least on par with the deal he had for last season with the New York Jets, which ended up earning him $6 million.

[PissedPrincess]

Bannister won't come anywhere close to fixing the Pats WR needs, but it's a start. Who else is available to the Patriots?

PEACE
Brett

The Pats have Branch, Brown, Caldwell, the rookie Chad, and a pair of stud Tight Ends. Receiver is not a significant need. We need Ty Law.

[Durango53]

When the Patriots open their mandatory minicamp June 13, the biggest question is whether former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch will be there. Branch is headed into the last year of a five-year contract that generally has paid him the minimum salaries. This season, Branch is scheduled to make just over $1 million, but he wants a new deal, sooner rather than later. Without one, Branch could skip the minicamp and at least a portion of training camp. But Branch hasn't made any decisions yet, and will spend this weekend pondering whether or not to attend on June 13.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9489357

[Durango53]

The Pats three-day minicamp opens today and sources confirmed last night that Deion Branch will be a no-show. The wideout could not be reached, and his agent, Jason Chayut, refused comment. One of the most community service-oriented players on the team, Branch wants to negotiate an extension before playing for just over $1 million in the fifth season of his rookie contract.

[Durango53]

Let the Deion Branch holdout begin. Branch made it official yesterday by skipping the first day of minicamp with what head coach Bill Belichick termed “an unexcused absence.” The star wideout hopes to renegotiate a contract that’s due to pay him just more than $1 million this year, far below market value for a Super Bowl MVP and elite performer. “Everybody has been in those situations,” quarterback Tom Brady said. “Everyone who’s been here has had contract negotiations. It’s just part of the business. We all wish he was here. I know he wishes he was here, but you know, (stuff) happens.”

[Durango53]

RB Corey Dillon opted not to speak to the media, responding to an entreaty from the Pats media relations staff by lifting his head in the direction of the media and saying, "(Expletive) them." Rookie running back Laurence Maroney , walking with Dillon, chortled at the veteran's comment.

[Durango53]

Tom Brady gave an easy-to-grasp critique of the Patriots' offense after the first 7-on-7 drill of minicamp. "That was [expletive] terrible, offense," he barked over his shoulder as he and the Pats receivers broke into separate groups midway through yesterday morning's practice. "Just [expletive] terrible." And it had been. Receivers fell coming out of cuts. Brady had passes slapped down in the secondary. There was a sloppy feel to the whole drill.
It likely didn't help that the team's best receiver, Deion Branch, was absent. Branch is attempting to pressure the Pats into giving him a new deal and is staying away from camp. Head coach Bill Belichick proclaimed Branch's absence as being "unexcused."

[Durango53]

Would the Patriots really trade tight end Daniel Graham and draft picks as part of a three-way deal to land disgruntled Broncos wideout Ashley Lelie? The answer, it turns out, is no. According to a league source, the Broncos approached the Patriots with such a proposal, but the Pats said no thanks.

[Durango53]

New England may set sail with the rawest backup in the league, Matt Cassel. Never mind Cassel not starting in the NFL, he didn't start at Southern Cal either, throwing 33 passes while backing up first Carson Palmer and then Matt Leinart from 2001 to 2004.

[Durango53]

Patriots owner Robert Kraft discussed his team, specifically the holdout of wide receiver Deion Branch. “I think the world of Deion,” Kraft said. “I’m hoping everything works out, but I’m going to leave that to coach Belichick and Scott Pioli. They’ve done a pretty good job of handling that. I’ve found that these things somehow have a way of working themselves out.”

[skineg]

The Pats have Branch, Brown, Caldwell, the rookie Chad, and a pair of stud Tight Ends. Receiver is not a significant need. We need Ty Law.

DO they really have Deion "Hold Out" Branch? Either way, I think adding a veteran number 3 guy would help.

[PissedPrincess]

Of course they have Branch. Branch is not an idiot. I would like to see them add another WR, but I don't think it's their top need. Not even their top 3 need.

IMO. :smokin:

[Durango53]

Ty Law is on the market again. The Patriots are one of three teams reportedly in the running, along with Kansas City and Arizona, but they might pass up the opportunity to reacquire the future Hall of Famer if Law’s contract demands are too high for their payroll. What others might consider logical might not make sense for New England. Even after finishing 31st out of 32 teams in pass defense last year, the Patriots would be comfortable letting Law sign elsewhere because of the development of second-year cornerback Ellis Hobbs and the eventual return of several key players who suffered season-ending injuries in 2005.

[Durango53]

An extension for Pats receiver Deion Branch appears to be one of the top priorities, and that would likely take up no less than $5 million. Money must also be set aside for the team's draft picks. Assuming Branch and the draft picks get done, that would likely still leave some significant salary cap space to utilize. The Patriots could use some of that to sweeten an offer to free-agent cornerback Ty Law. Or they could focus on extensions for tight end Daniel Graham, cornerback Asante Samuel and center Dan Koppen.

[Durango53]

Entering his fourth NFL season, Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel has taken a different approach to his offseason training. He's gotten Freaky. Staying at his Florida home instead of working out at Gillette Stadium -- so he could be present for the birth of his third child, Amaiya -- Samuel teamed up with Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jevon Kearse to train two days per week. The work, supervised by trainer Jeff Sanders, was designed so nothing will hold the 25-year-old Samuel back entering the final year of his contract. ``I tried to pair them up as much as possible," Sanders said. ``Their strengths complement each other." Asked if he's prepared to become a No. 1 cornerback, Samuel said he believes he already fills that role. ``Over the past two years," he said, ``I feel like I've taken the best receiver on every team."

[Durango53]

The Patriots currently have slightly more than $15 million in salary cap space, the highest figure in the NFL. The Eagles rank second at around $13 million.

[Durango53]

Tedy Bruschi turned 33 on June 9. Entering his 11th NFL season, he’s feeling in tip-top shape. “I’ve had a great offseason,” he said. “I just feel like I’ve put in a lot of work this offseason that I wasn’t able to put in last season. I know during the season last year, I got back to playing good football, but I believe in the process -- minicamps and offseason programs and training camps. I think participating in all that will make me a better player this year.” Assessing the Patriots at this point, Bruschi believes there is plenty of work to be done.

[Thedatch]

very good article on SI.com about Brady's feelings on the whole Branch hold-out...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/michael_silver/08/01/brady.pats/index.html

Brady is very frustrated, and IMO, you gotta keep Brady happy.

sign Branch already.

[Durango53]

The Patriots confirmed last night Tedy Bruschi has a broken wrist, but the key question regarding the inside linebacker - whether or not he needs surgery - won’t be answered until today or tomorrow. A Pats spokesman said Bruschi will miss the entire preseason. Unfortunately, that could be just the beginning of Bruschi’s time on the shelf. According to sources, Bruschi broke the scaphoid bone in his wrist, an injury that, if it requires surgery, can take at least six weeks to heal. Bruschi, who suffered the injury the first few days of training camp, will be examined by doctors in the next 48 hours, and if he has to go under the knife, the Pats probably won’t have him back until the end of September or beginning of October.

[skineg]

Sucks for New England and Bruschi, seems as if this guy can't catch a brake.

[Durango53]

Holdout wide receiver Deion Branch broke his silence in an interview with Ch. 4’s Steve Burton last night, saying he’s “pretty sure everything will work out” between himself and the Patriots. “I’ve got a great feeling that we’re both going to do what’s right,” Branch said. “We’re going to make sure everything works out.” Burton caught up with Branch at the TD Banknorth Garden, where he was a celebrity coach for the AND1 Mixtape basketball tour. Wearing a Bill Russell Celtics jersey and flashing his trademark smile, Branch said the holdout has been tough, but he stands by his decision. “I have days,” he said. “I’m human. I have my ups and downs. At the same time, I understand this is a business and I understand what they’re doing. They also understand what I’m doing.” Branch talks to quarterback Tom Brady daily and also keeps in touch with Daniel Graham, Benjamin Watson, Rodney Harrison, Troy Brown and Richard Seymour. ... Branch said he’s working out daily and just completed his own two-a-days. He refused to address the issue of not wanting to be franchised next season, a sticking point in the negotiations. Brown reiterated that he’s hopeful of returning but stopped short of guaranteeing it. “They’re going to do what’s best for the team,” Branch said. “I’ll do what’s best for me.”

[Durango53]

Rodney Harrison has repeatedly cautioned against predicting if he’ll return for the Pats opener and stuck to that mantra yesterday. “I’m not making any promises. Just that I’ll play hard when I get the opportunity,” he said.

[Durango53]

Rodney Harrison praised Patriots management for signing former Chargers teammate Junior Seau, drawing a parallel with his own situation in 2003. “Those guys (head coach Bill Belichick and player personnel man Scott Pioli) do a wonderful job of finding guys people don’t want and think can’t play anymore, like myself,” Harrison said. “There were people saying, ‘Why did they go get Rodney? He’s all washed up,’ and this and that. They have an innate ability to see beyond what you can see. “Maybe that comes with 32 or 33 years of NFL experience. Maybe it’s a feeling he has in his heart.”

[bama45]

They got rid of kicker Gramatica yesterday.

[redsfan]

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- The New England Patriots have given holdout wide receiver Deion Branch a week to seek a trade and negotiate a contract with another team, the Patriots announced Friday.

Branch has permission to seek a new team until Sept. 1, next Friday, the team said in a two- sentence statement.

Branch, the 2005 Super Bowl MVP and the team's top receiver, is scheduled to earn $1.045 million this season, the last of his original five-year contract, but he wants a new deal. He has refused to report to the Patriots mandatory preseason mini-camp and its ongoing training camp.

Coach Bill Belichick has declined to discuss the situation, saying he'll only talk about players that are with the team.

Branch led the Patriots with 78 catches and 998 yards receiving last season

The Patriots began training camp without their top two receivers from last year. David Givens signed as a free agent with Tennessee during the offseason.

I don't understand how players can keep doing this. If they signed a contract aren't they obligeted to play for what they agreed. I know he was a superbowl mvp and had a good year. He probably deserves to get a raise, but after this contract expires. Would he have given any of the money back if he was terrible last year? I don't think so.

[Durango53]

Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he favors an optimistic viewpoint, and because of that, he's hoping that wide receiver Deion Branch will rejoin his team. "We'll know the answer to that within three days," Kraft said last night prior to the team's annual Kickoff Gala at Gillette Stadium ``Like all the fans, I appreciate and think Deion is very special. But we have to let things work their way out and we'll see what happens come Friday."

[Durango53]

Patriots owner Robert Kraft last night suggested that Friday’s deadline for Deion Branch to find a trade could be more final than we thought. Speaking at the team’s Kickoff Gala, Kraft was asked if he still felt optimistic Branch would open the season in a Patriots uniform. “Today’s Tuesday,” Kraft said. “We’ll know the answer to that within three days. Like all our fans, I appreciate that Deion’s very special. But we have to let things work their way out and we’ll see what happens come Friday.” ... There are a few possible resolutions. Branch could be traded or agree to an extension. He could play this season for his current contract and hit free agency, or sit out until Week 10 and still have this season count toward his service time. Kraft said he has stayed out of the negotiations, though he did sign off on the decision to allow Branch to seek a trade.

[Durango53]

Patriots LB Tedy Bruschi made his first public appearance since breaking his right wrist at the start of training camp. The injured linebacker attended the team’s Kickoff Gala and signed autographs for about an hour, his line dwarfing everyone else’s. Each fan wanted to know about his wrist, to which Bruschi gave the stock answer of, “It’s coming along. It’s coming along.” He politely declined an interview request from a trio of reporters as he prepared to sit down for dinner, saying he’d talk next week.

[Durango53]

The sides have been mum for the past week, since the Patriots announced Deion Branch would be given until today at 4 p.m. to work out a trade acceptable to New England at a pay level acceptable to Branch. The latter, several league sources said late last night, has been achieved, as the Patriots will learn today. As for the former, no one knows what that will take but Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli. If their trade demands are absurd, what then happens to Branch? While it is true the ``deadline" imposed by the Patriots a week ago is self-imposed and hence could be extended whenever the team wants, the fact they chose to make it public when they normally keep what they had for lunch classified makes it more difficult for them to alter the direction in which this mess is headed. More than likely, Branch and his suitor will wait until the last minute to confront the Patriots with the reality that he has indeed gotten an offer he is willing to accept to go elsewhere, and that team is ready to make a fair-market offer to obtain a player the Patriots have said by its actions is not worth the money.

[Durango53]

It is believed that Pats RB Lauerence Maroney was hurt early in last Saturday’s victory over the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots aren’t sure of the severity of the injury and it’s unknown if his status will be affected for the opener next weekend against Buffalo. If Maroney misses any length of time, it would be a blow to the offense. With No. 1 wide receiver Deion Branch holding out and lead running back Corey Dillon appearing sluggish for much of the preseason, Maroney was being counted on to inject explosiveness into the attack.

[Durango53]

The Seattle Seahawks could be calling the New England Patriots early this week to jump start trade talks for WR Deion Branch, according to Fox NFL Insider John Czarnecki appearing as a guest on Fox Sports Radio. The Seahawks failed to get into the end zone against the Lions on Sunday.

[Durango53]

Patriots QB Tom Brady needs Deion Branch. This is fact. But he can not speak those words. He can talk all around the topic, and he can blame himself, as he did about a dozen times yesterday, but, nope, he can’t say what is on his mind. We are left, then, to sort through Brady’s postgame quotage and dissect the code words. Take, for instance, Brady’s opening remarks, which included this: “Obviously we need to play a lot better on offense and it starts with me.” Translation: Obviously we need to play a lot better on offense and it starts with signing Deion Branch. Was he satisfied with the outcome? “I’m happy we won,” he said, “but I realize I gotta do a lot better.” Translation: “I’m happy we won, but I realize we need Deion Branch.”

[Durango53]

Patriots safety Rodney Harrison admitted feeling less than 100 percent, but that didn’t stop him from recording a team-high nine tackles in a 19-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills. “I felt fine,” he said. “I wasn’t tired or anything like that. I’m not 100 percent, but it’s coming along, slowly but surely.”

[PissedPrincess]

Okay, time for a little PP rant.

Dear Kraft/Pioli/Belichick: First off, thank you. Since you came here Mr. Kraft, we have been to 4 Superbowls in 10 years and won 3. No other organization can say that. You took a team that was a national laughingstock and made it a perrenial contender. God Bless. THAT SAID, why are we $10 million under the cap with no WR's, DB's worth a shit and a kicker. Seriously.

I know when you took over this team was way over the cap and a mess. You fixed it, and quick. But guys, please. Let's not be the Red Sox and live in the past. We have the highes ticket prices in the league. The product on the field does not reflect that.

I am giving you a bye. A 1 year bye. This team better kick ass next year. I am trusting you for now, don't let me down.

Hell hath no fury like a female football fan scorned.

[Durango53]

Cincinnati receiver Chad Johnson hurled some insults and personal challenges at the New England Patriots' secondary earlier this week, and the Pats fired back yesterday by bringing back the Freddie Mitchell Super Bowl memory. "This is kind of similar to the Freddie Mitchell gig, but Chad's not at that level of receiver,' Patriots safety Rodney Harrison said. "He's not as good as Freddie. At least Freddie played in the Super Bowl." Harrison, of course, was joking about the talent gap between Johnson and Mitchell and actually is entertained by the Bengals' flamboyant receiver. "Because Chad's a baller and Freddie's a bum," Harrison said.

[Dward00]

NE is going down.........going down town..........gonna lose..............booyah!

[I Are Baboon]

NE is going down.........going down town..........gonna lose..............booyah!

:evillol

[rockin500]

:evillol
lol oops! bad prediction.

[I Are Baboon]

Well I picked Cincy in the picks thread, but I wasn't popping my mouth off about it.

[rockin500]

so did i. but all my predictions have been bad it seems like this year. :Puter:

[PissedPrincess]

NE is going down.........going down town........................booyah!

Going down they did, Running down.... field that is. Nice run D Cincy. :D

[Royce]

Going down they did, Running down.... field that is. Nice run D Cincy. :D


What a call on starting Maroney on my fantasy team. :D :D

[PissedPrincess]

What a call on starting Maroney on my fantasy team. :D :D

Starting him this week too? :D

[Durango53]

Maroney is a stud. I still wish the Vikings would have drafted the hometown college boy.....

[PissedPrincess]

Ellis Hobbs confirmed he had surgery on his wrist last week. He had the same scaphoid injury as Bruschi. He is questionable again this week.

[PopTop]

Hope the Pats beat the snot outta' the Phins this week. I've got Brady going at QB, so maybe he'll find a receiver or two this week and help both New England and my Gruene Blues out :thumbsup:

[Royce]

Starting him this week too? :D

McCallister vs TB, Maroney vs MIA, and Parker vs SD . Alexander has a bye/is hurt. So yeah I'm looking at Maroney and Parker I think, because we all know the Dolphins SUCK. :D


Got any advice for QB? Hasselbeck and Carr have byes, I can start Young or pick up Huard vs ARI or Alex Smith? I'm thinking Smith vs. Oakland.

[PissedPrincess]

I'd go with Huard. He's a pretty decent QB really. I realize Smith vs. Oak is tempting, but this is conceviably the only winnable game for the Fade all year, so I'd be wary.

I'm not sure I'd start Maroney. The Fish have a decent run D, it's their secondary that is not good. I think the Pats throw a lot more this game, but wtf do I know? :notme:

[PissedPrincess]

:gripe: Damn it! I lost the link. CNNSI.com story by Don Banks about a possible trade partner for Moss. Hell, the Pats have 2 first round draft picks. I'd trade one for Moss. Doug Gabriel has been talking him up saying he is a great teammate.

[cxlx]

Found the article (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/don_banks/10/13/moss/index.html). I would love to have Moss, but you think he would fit in here? Then again, Corey Dillon is a model citizen now. But then again, Dillon has never been arrested for running over a cop. So I dont know. :notme:

[PissedPrincess]

Well, so much for that. The Raid suspended Porter, so no way they trade Moss now.:(

[cxlx]

So no Porter or Moss. Hmmm, interesting. Ive heard alot of good stuff about Gaffney. Anybody else know anything about Gaffney? :notme:

[PissedPrincess]

Damn it.:angry: I wanted Moss!:( These receivers we have SUCK.

[cxlx]

Damn it.:angry: I wanted Moss!:( These receivers we have SUCK.

Yeah, the fantasy football side of me wanted Moss also. Can you imagine how sick our offense would be if we had Moss??? We have the best QB in the NFL, the best 1-2 RB combination (this year at least), and we would have one of the best WR. Not to mention our defense is pretty dam solid. Sigh......:sigh: Maybe its a good thing we didnt pick up Moss. But can we win another SB with Troy Brown as our #1 reciever? :notme:

[PissedPrincess]

No, we cannot win the SB with brown as our #1 WR.:(

[Royce]

How's Gabriel?

[PissedPrincess]

Good. He just needs a little more time to learn the system. Brady says he's a hard worker.

[PissedPrincess]

http://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/206519/detail.html

[Dward00]

I like this team. People are always trying to write them off, and yet they keep winning. Even dominating in some games.

However I don't know how they manage to rush so well with Corey Spillon, and a rookie back. I guess it's just their great o-line?

They been rushing better this season then they have last 6 years haven't they?

[PissedPrincess]

They been rushing better this season then they have last 6 years haven't they?

I will have to look up to be sure, but off the top of my head, I'd say in 04 they had a better running game. Corey had 1,635 yards in 04, and Pass and Faulk had their share.

They have the potential to be better this year though. Maroney is a stud. Corey is great when he only has to shoulder a small part of the workload, and Faulk is a great change of pace.

The Pats have a great team philosophy, they believe you should field a team that can get into post-season every year. They feel as long as you're in you have a shot. To do so means you can't have a team full of stars that will eat the cap in a few years causing you to suck ala Oakland, Tenn, Tampa, etc...

It means every year the pundits say oh the Pats have no stars, they lost too much talent, etc... and the Pats just roll on.

They also have quiet character guys on the team, they are not flashy, but they are more talented than teams realize. As Bill Cowher and Tony Dungy said "The thing about the Patriots is, you think you match up with their no name guys, then you look up at the scoreboard towards the end of the game and you wonder what the hell happened."

:)

[PissedPrincess]

THE PATRIOT ACT
October 23, 2006

The most solid team in the NFL from top to bottom remains the New England Patriots. The Patriots just may have the best head coach, the best quarterback, the best running game, and the best defense in the league. On Sunday they won their third game in a row, and served notice to the other elite teams that the Patriots are still the Patriots.

One of the two undefeated teams remaining (Chicago) is coming off a lousy offensive performance. The other (Indianapolis) has sprung a leak on defense, allowing over 20 points per game, and an alarming 158 rushing yards per game (31st in the league). And then there is New England.

The Patriots improved to the strongest 5-1 mark in the league. The team is 4-0 against their competition in the AFC East, with only a home game remaining against the Jets, and a road game in Miami. The Pats just are too strong for their division foes. Tom Brady has won 11 of 12 games against Buffalo, and has won 29 of his 35 starts against AFC East foes. Since 2001, the Patriots are 14-4 on the road against divisional opponents.

Last year, Tom Brady was forced to throw for over 4,000 yards. This year, there isn't a lot of heavy lifting needed from him. In the last three games (all victories) Brady has thrown for just 523 yards (less than 175 yards per game). Of course, this year the running game is alive and well. The Patriots have run for over 131 yards per game, which is 6th-best in the NFL. Last year, the Pats ran for only 94 yards per game on the ground. Of course, last year the Pats were 3-3 after six games. Is it any wonder that rookie running back Laurence Maroney is so valuable to this team? He provides a counterpunch to the offense, and takes the load off veteran Corey Dillon.

New England does just enough to succeed on offense. Against the Bills, the Patriots had just 265 total yards. Of course, they had four touchdown drives in the game, which totaled 219 yards on the scoring possessions. On the Patriots' other seven drives, they collected a total of just 46 yards.

How do the Patriots do it? Wide receiver Chad Jackson spilled the beans a bit after Sunday's victory against Buffalo, saying that the game plan going in showed a probability of beating Bills left cornerback Terrence McGee. It's a good thing for Jackson that his team is through with the Bills for the year. New England coach Bill Belichick is so prepared for every game, but give him a team for a second time in a season—or more than one week to prepare—and he's virtually unbeatable.

Tom Brady is only 12th in the NFL in passer rating, but look a little closer. He has improved his passer rating in the last five games, going from 73.9 to 79.4 to 89.9 to 91.2 to 112.4. Is there a quarterback in the league that uses his tight ends better than Brady?

On defense, the Pats give up fewer points than all but the Broncos, Bears, and Ravens. New England has allowed touchdown passes in just two of their six games this season (for comparison, Brady has thrown at least one in every game). The Pats allowed Jake Plummer a pair of touchdown passes in their only defeat. And they allowed Chad Pennington to throw a pair of touchdown tosses—but only after New England was up 24-0. That's been it.

The Patriots add a young rookie like Maroney on offense, and an aging veteran like Junior Seau on defense. Both make contributions. There is balance, youth, experience, and a huge homefield advantage going for this team. The Indianapolis Colts are always going to be a force, as long as Peyton Manning is throwing the football. The Denver Broncos have allowed only two touchdowns in their first six games. And in the NFC, the Chicago Bears are still a terrific football team. But don't discount the Patriots. Don't figure on them going away without a real fight.:)

[Dward00]

Plus they're third in the NFL at point differential at 9.4. That's impressive. The 2 above them are San Diego(15), and Chicago(20).

[Dward00]

Belichick's son placed on probation
Son of Super Bowl coach arrested for pot possession
Posted: Tuesday October 31, 2006 7:53AM; Updated: Tuesday October 31, 2006 7:56AM


WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) --The son of New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was placed on probation Monday for six months after being arrested on one count of marijuana possession. The charge against Stephen Belichick, 19, will be dismissed after six months if he stays out of trouble, said Emily LaGrassa, spokeswoman for the Middlesex County District Attorney's office. Belichick had a "very, very small amount'' of marijuana and had no prior record, Weston police Sgt. Danny Maguire said.

Belichick was arraigned in Waltham District Court where the case was continued without a finding, LaGrassa said. Belichick and Jonathan Pizarro, 18, were arrested Saturday night in a parking lot, Maguire said. He said Pizarro was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Team spokesman Stacey James said Bill Belichick could not immediately be reached for comment. The Patriots played a road game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night.

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.



OMG WHAT AN OUTRAGE!!!!!!!!!!

[PissedPrincess]

If Bill was my Dad I'd probably smoke weed from time to time too.

:PPsmilie:

[PissedPrincess]

Interesting stat. The Pats are the only NFL team not to give up 20 points in one game this year. :smokin:

[Dward00]

haha.........going into teh game against peyton. That should change rq. :naughty:

[PissedPrincess]

haha.........going into teh game against peyton. That should change rq. :naughty:

Funny, you said the same thing going into the Cincy game, and the Minny game and.........:eviltongu

[Dward00]

I guess I did. Not that I dislike New England, but it's just so unbelievable that they're STILL kicking ass. This team has been kicking ass for 6 straight years..............gd.

[Dward00]

Oh ya they raised their point differential to 11.5(23.9scored, 12.4 allowed)

Phenominal! This is actually, so far, one of their best seasons yet. :eek:

(I dislike both your backs so far. Dillon for obvious reasons, and Maroney just rubs me the wrong way)

[PissedPrincess]

Oh ya they raised their point differential to 11.5(23.9scored, 12.4 allowed)

Phenominal! This is actually, so far, one of their best seasons yet. :eek:

(I dislike both your backs so far. Dillon for obvious reasons, and Maroney just rubs me the wrong way)

Well, I must tell Bill. He must get us new backs. I'm sure this will break his heart.:crying2:

:wazup:

[PissedPrincess]

10 hours till game time!!!!!!!

*Cracking open first beer*

[Thedatch]

I think i'm skipping class tomorrow and spending 3 hours in the computer lab at school following this game online.

damn I miss football.

[Thedatch]

10 hours till game time!!!!!!!

*Cracking open first beer*

by the way, have fun at the freaking game princess...im jealous as hell.

take pictures :clap:

[PissedPrincess]

by the way, have fun at the freaking game princess...im jealous as hell.

take pictures :clap:


Thanx Datchaloo I will.:thumbsup:

[Dward00]

At least I got 1 right. Colts won. That's one of the few picks I got right this week. :cool:

[Durango53]

Patriots TE Daniel Graham was among three starters missing. Safety Eugene Wilson and guard Stephen Neal were out, too. Graham recently said that he didn’t believe his absence would affect his status in free agency after the season, where he runs the risk of being considered injury-prone. “I’m not trying to show anyone what I can do,” Graham said. “I think I’ve done that the first four years of my career. All I’m thinking about now is getting back out there with my teammates.”

[Durango53]

If there’s one player the Patriots can’t afford to lose on defense, it’s Rodney Harrison. But that’s the prospect facing the team this morning after Harrison suffered an apparent right shoulder injury during last night’s 27-20 loss to the Colts. “When Rodney goes down, it’s not just a little nick,” said linebacker Tedy Bruschi. “Hopefully he can get his treatment and be out with us as soon as possible.” Harrison was injured in the first quarter when he landed awkwardly on his back while trying to tackle Marvin Harrison following a 46-yard completion. Harrison appeared to catch his hand in a facemask as he hit the ground, twisting his arm. He had already left the stadium by game’s end, and there was no word on his condition.

[PissedPrincess]

Good Lord. Effin Brady has 2 ridiculously shitty games every year and decided to have it on my birthday.:gripe:

Eh, was still a fabulous time.

Yeah, DD, looks like Rodney may be done for the year again.:(

[Durango53]

If Rodney Harrison has a torn rotator cuff, as reported, Patriots coach Bill Belichick wasn’t letting on yesterday. “I think we have a lot of guys on the team that are sore,” Belichick said. “It was a physical game. I would put him in that category.” According to a story in yesterday’s Eagle-Tribune, the Patriots fear Harrison tore his right rotator cuff during a first-quarter tackle. He clearly was favoring the shoulder following the play, and an NBC camera captured team doctor Thomas Gill leading Harrison through a series of range-of-motion exercises on the sidelines. Harrison left Gillette Stadium before the conclusion of the game and underwent an MRI yesterday. He was not available for reporters, and agent Steven Feldman did not return messages.

[Durango53]

Patriots coach Bill Belichick announced that running back Patrick Pass, who was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list to open the season Sept. 2, would begin practicing with the team this week. Under NFL guidelines, the Patriots had until today -- the day after Week 9 of the season concluded -- to start the clock on Pass for a possible return to active duty. Pass is permitted to practice with the team for 21 days. If the team decides it wants to restore him to active duty, it must do so no later than 4 p.m. on the 22d day. Otherwise, he can be put on injured reserve, in which case he's out for the year, or he can be cut.

[PissedPrincess]

Rodney has a broken shoulder blade. Out indefinetly.:( :angry:

[PissedPrincess]

At least I got 1 right. Colts won. That's one of the few picks I got right this week. :cool:

F*cking congrats. Every squirell gets a nut sometimes I suppose. :crying2:

[Thedatch]

Rodney has a broken shoulder blade. Out indefinetly.:( :angry:

:eek: shit! that sucks

[Durango53]

The news is not good on Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, who broke his right shoulder blade against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday night and will be sidelined indefinitely. A league source confirmed the break last night, but there’s no word on its severity or how long he’ll be out. The injury is not believed to require surgery. Harrison suffered a hairline fracture in his left shoulder in 1999 that sidelined him for 10 of San Diego’s final 11 games. According to former Red Sox team doctor Bill Morgan, shoulder blade injuries can take anywhere from two to 12 weeks to heal, depending on the location of the break. The bone, also known as the scapula, connects the humerus (upper arm bone) to the collar bone.

[Dward00]

F*cking congrats. Every squirell gets a nut sometimes I suppose. :crying2:

haha I noticed you edited this(cussed me out eh? :thumbsup:).......anyways don't qq. Doctor Z still ranks New England at number 2 below the colts, and I'm still picking New England over Indy in the playoffs.



This article is bs: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/peter_king/11/05/mmqb/index.html

[PissedPrincess]

Dr. Z can kiss my ass.:angry:


I do not take losing well especially when you f*cking beat yourself it really pisses me off for like a whole week. Add in the full moon, and I have been on a rampage.

Oh and you prick you linked me to Peter King's ass kissing story on Peyton? I thought we were friends. :Puter:

[Dward00]

How do you think I've felt for the past month?

[PissedPrincess]

So I was gonna come on here and rant like crazy. But, I'm just too F*cking tired, too F*cking frustrated. So I'll keep it simple. This ain't our year. At least we got a boatload of draft picks for next year.:thumbsup:

[PissedPrincess]

Oh F8ck this, I am gonna rant. :rant:

It's obvious Brady has half a freakin arm can we just give him surgery now and let him rest? Because if he isn't hurt which I think he is, then someone needs to beat his ass for playing like crap.

STOP WORRYING ABOUT GETTING F*CKING LAID BY ACTRESSES AND FOCUS ON THE GODDAMN GAME.:angry:

WHY THE F*CK does this team have MILLIONS under the cap and no depth. As is every year, half the team is injured, and there are no back-ups this time. WHY? Kraft need a few more yachts? WHAT IS THIS CRAP? We have some shiny rings we can coast for a few years before we decide to compete again?

F*CK THAT! We are paying the highest ticket prices in the NFL. I don't mind when we have a team worthy of so. THIS TEAM IS NOT!!!!!!

:bonehead

[PissedPrincess]

I need a hug. :crying2:

[rockin500]

:itsok:

[PissedPrincess]

Thanx Ray. I am very sad today, very angry.

My Celtics-->SUCK.
My Bruins-->SUCK LIKE PARIS HILTON SUCK.
Red Sox--> Still months away.:(

The Freaking Pats are supposed to get me till January. Now it don't look so good. So sad. :crying2:

HOW WILL I SURVIVE THIS WINTER?

Must get a boyfriend. :smokin:

[PissedPrincess]

Pats sign 430 year old Vinny Testaverde today.

See? I knew Brady was hurt.:(

[Dward00]

Pats sign 430 year old Vinny Testaverde today.

See? I knew Brady was hurt.:(

beat me to it

[redsfan]

Is there absolutely nobody left on the FA wire, they had to go to the old folks home to wake up Testaverde.

[PissedPrincess]

Well, no more grass at Gillette.:( Field Turf is being put down as I type this.:(
The inability for grass to grow and the endless complaints from teams made the Pats switch.

I'll dig up the whole story later. Apparantely, the configuration of the stadium doesn't let enough sun in, so grass can't properly grow.

[Dward00]

Woohoo.....go carpetted concrete!

[Durango53]

Just four days after saying he hoped veteran Vinny Testaverde never saw the field, Pats coach Bill Belichick experienced a change of heart in the waning moments. He sent Testaverde onto the field to take a knee on the final three plays, although a smiling Testaverde almost had other ideas. “I ran into the huddle and told the guys, ‘OK, quarterback sneak, on one,’ ” Testaverde said. “They all looked at me. Just kidding.”

[Durango53]

Woohoo.....go carpetted concrete!

Field Turf isnt carpetted concrete.

[PissedPrincess]

Field Turf isnt carpetted concrete.

Yeah, it's actually pretty complicated stuff. Real dirt is used, and the "turf" is practically grass.

[Durango53]

They have some here at the high school where I got to ref a game. It is nice freaking stuff.
Here it is a plush fake grass with rubber bits under it. Very nice and a fun field to play on.

[rockin500]

should be an interesting week coming up. Bears patriots. should be interesting to see the matchup between the bears defense and the pats offense.

i dont expect grossman to do well. :(

[Dward00]

Field Turf isnt carpetted concrete.

which one is the carpetted concrete?

[PissedPrincess]

which one is the carpetted concrete?

Astro Turf.

[PissedPrincess]

should be an interesting week coming up. Bears patriots. should be interesting to see the matchup between the bears defense and the pats offense.

i dont expect grossman to do well. :(

Gonna be a great game.:thumbsup:

[Dward00]

Astro Turf.

kay :)

[PissedPrincess]

The Patriots are the first team in NFL History to win 4 consecutive road games by 22 points or more. It is the most dominating streak ever. The Pats have won their last 4 road games by 35, 24, 22, and 25 points.:thumbsup:

[Dward00]

The Patriots are the first team in NFL History to win 4 consecutive road games by 22 points or more. It is the most dominating streak ever. The Pats have won their last 4 road games by 35, 24, 22, and 25 points.:thumbsup:

and all you wanna do is qq about how terrible of a year they're having. :confused:

[redsfan]

and all you wanna do is qq about how terrible of a year they're having.

I don't want to sound stupid here, but what is "qq". I have never heard this before.

[Dward00]

I don't want to sound stupid here, but what is "qq". I have never heard this before.

Sorry about that. I'm internet savvy. Basically qq means cry.

Get it? The qq looks like 2 eyes with tears running down.

So quit qq'ing about your team already pp!! :lightning

[PissedPrincess]

I don't want to sound stupid here, but what is "qq". I have never heard this before.

I didn't know either, but i wasn't gonna ask. :D I assumed it meant complain/cry.



Anyways, nice to be 5-0 on the road. Too bad we suck at home. :Puter:

[cxlx]

Sigh....:sigh: Seau is gone for the year. What a great pick up. Bill and Scott really knows how to pick up the old folkies. Did y'all see his arm just dangling??? :(

[rockin500]

that was a FUGLY game. for both teams.

[PissedPrincess]

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2006/11/27/1164630503_3283.jpg


That was so funny. I freakin hate Urlacher. He's such a loudmouth punk. Uhh..Brian..this is the AFC, we don't cower down to LB's here. :D

[Durango53]

The New England Patriots placed linebacker Junior Seau on injured reserve Monday after he seriously injured his right arm in Sunday's 17-13 with over the Chicago Bears.

The 12-time Pro Bowl selection will miss the rest of the season after coming out of a brief retirement to join the Patriots this summer.

[PissedPrincess]

I know. So sad.:( He was a good guy.:thumbsup:

[rockin500]

urlacher loudmouth? :eek:

I guess compared to the killer and porter he is kinda loud. ;)

[PissedPrincess]

urlacher loudmouth? :eek:

I guess compared to the killer and porter he is kinda loud. ;)

Sorry Raybo, wasn't expecting you to read. I hate Brian from back in 03 when he did this rant on the Pats not being able to compete with the Panthers in SB38.

[rockin500]

Sorry Raybo, wasn't expecting you to read. I hate Brian from back in 03 when he did this rant on the Pats not being able to compete with the Panthers in SB38.
eh, he was probably hit in the head one too many times. he doesnt say much to the media whatsoever anymore. you think belichik or lovie or mangini can be boring with their monologues? urlacher can put me to sleep too. now it takes a team of oxen to get him to open up.

i cursed him after that play. at least he got juked in the field unlike that giant player who let go of vince young yesterday. :eek:

[cxlx]

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2006/11/27/1164630503_3283.jpg


That was so funny. I freakin hate Urlacher. He's such a loudmouth punk. Uhh..Brian..this is the AFC, we don't cower down to LB's here. :D

I also loved how Brady was talking smack to him after the play. hehe Brady got a vote for most dirtiest player....hehehe :banana:

[PissedPrincess]

Rodney Harrisson is improving greatly, and is expected to start on Dec. 24th against Jax.

:woohoo

[cxlx]

Rodney Harrisson is improving greatly, and is expected to start on Dec. 24th against Jax.

:woohoo

THATS FREAKING AWESOME!!! :banana:

Though the offense looks alittle weak at times this year, our defense is on pace to allow the fewest points in franchise history. So with Rodney back, this defense is going to be even better. Quite honestly speaking, I do believe in Tully. I see some good stuff from him as being a pass rusher. However, if he doesnt pan out, then they can always go back to the 4-3. Ill be looking forward to watching some playoff games. ;)

[Dward00]

THATS FREAKING AWESOME!!! :banana:

Though the offense looks alittle weak at times this year, our defense is on pace to allow the fewest points in franchise history. So with Rodney back, this defense is going to be even better. Quite honestly speaking, I do believe in Tully. I see some good stuff from him as being a pass rusher. However, if he doesnt pan out, then they can always go back to the 4-3. Ill be looking forward to watching some playoff games. ;)

You Baaaaston fans are pretty meticulous aren't you? New England is still the best in my book. It'll be a catastrophe if a subpar team like San Diego steals the 2nd seed from them.

[Dward00]

urlacher loudmouth? :eek:

I guess compared to the killer and porter he is kinda loud. ;)

haha the killer? You mean Ray Lewis right? :)

[PissedPrincess]

Eugene Wilson placed on IR. Shocker.:hmm: This dude plays about 4 games a year. HUGE game against the Fish on Sunday. MUST WIN.

[PissedPrincess]

Hey way to not show up guys.:bonehead This team is so effing frustrating.

[Dward00]

40-7? Damn that's a good score.............if you're new england.

If my team was racking up scores like that I wouldn't be complaining.

[PissedPrincess]

Freakin Rodney is out again. If we are to do more than win one freaking playoff game, he needs to be healthy.

May Wade rot in hell.:gripe:

[Thedatch]

Freakin Rodney is out again. If we are to do more than win one freaking playoff game, he needs to be healthy.

May Wade rot in hell.:gripe:

that was a nasty tackle. I've been meaning to ask someone this...that tackle constitutes as clipping right? so why was it legal? I heard the announcers say something about the position of the field or whatnot, but what does that matter?

strained MCL is what I read, I don't think he'll be back this season, though I hope i'm wrong.

[PissedPrincess]

It was a cut block. It was legal, but regarded as dirty. I think Rodney could play in a few weeks if by some miracle we made it that far.

[Thedatch]

It was a cut block. It was legal, but regarded as dirty. I think Rodney could play in a few weeks if by some miracle we made it that far.

let's hope so, he's awesome.

[PissedPrincess]

Well, here we go again. The playoffs are here. We Pats fans have been truly blessed of late. This is our 4th straight year in the playoffs. I do not have the anxiety of years past.

I guess winning a few SB's lately has eased my agina. :D

That said: :gt: Crush the Jets!

[Royce]

Go Pats.

Freakin' Dillon handed them 3 points.

[Dward00]

I wish my Cincy team was half as good as New England has been. They might very well win the superbowl this year because you know they're capable of beating every other team in the tournament. Who are they playing next week? Baltimore, or San Diego?

[Thedatch]

san diego's next. will be interesting to see how rivers handles our D.

[PissedPrincess]

Go Pats.

:eek:

Freakin' Dillon handed them 3 points.

I know.:angry:

Eh, it didn't end up hurting. Here's some love for your Gints. :gt:

[Dward00]

Damnit PP.......you got nothing to complain about. Good job New England on beating the best team in the nfl today. :clap2:

[PissedPrincess]

Thanx. Very happy.:clap:

[PissedPrincess]

Rodney practiced today and was upgraded to doubtful.

[HitAndRun]

damn. the pats a absolutley rediculous this year. They are goin undefeated the season.

[Jansinnet]

I think the Colts will trip them.

[CleanJersey]

yeah i agree. i do think the Pats will go 16-0 but its going to be an epic showdown between the pats and colts in the AFC Championship Game.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

We shall see. Many players on the Colts feel if Anthony Gonzalez didn't hurt his finger in the game earlier this year then they would've won.

[totti beklo]

Damnit PP.......you got nothing to complain about. Good job New England on beating the best team in the nfl today.

look pad say what ever your dam

this is ent a fushy bar so pull your dumy aus and from this

or charch your mind to understand what football is all about