Captain's Thoughts on Patriots' Moves

It was an interesting day for Pats fans. Albert Haynesworth in the morning, Chad Ochocinco in the evening. It's one of the most intriguing day in Patriot maneuvers since Randy Moss was traded. And the phrase to repeat over and over is "low risk, high reward."

And there is a high reward. Haynesworth was an All-Pro twice, Ochocinco received that honor 4 times. These are two extremely talented players. One has numerous on the field and off the field problems. The other was stuck in Cincinnati, where they find ways to lose even when talent falls into their laps (see: allowing Palmer to retire), and is perhaps in the twilight of his career.

Albert Haynesworth is a lazy scumbag. There, I said it. He's got a bit less than Randy Moss potential, and puts in even less effort than Moss did with Oakland. Now, if he tries, he can help the Patriots. If he tries, he'll at least be a second DT, to give relief for Wilfork, and sometimes play in a 4-3. And the Pats play more 4-3 than most people realize.

If Haynesworth tries, and still has "it," then things get fun. Wilfork can shift to DE in a 3-4, where he played a significant amount of time last year, and be free to rush upfield, using his power, and surprising speed. A line of Wilfork, Haynesworth, and Warren would present some difficult conundrums for opposing offensive lines. And that would also help out the LBs.

If Haynesworth doesn't try, the Patriots lose a 5th round pick. Would you draft a defensive lineman with his upside, but with his baggage, with a 5th round pick? I would.

Then there's Ochocino, whose problems are not effort related. This is a guy with seven 1,000 yard seasons under his belt. Thought he can't do the deep thing anymore. But the Patriots are ingenious in implementing matchups to allow guys like him to get open, and get the ball. He's not Randy Moss. His longest reception last year went for 42 yards. But he can still produce.

Ochocinco gets a slightly unfair reputation because he tweets and talks. But his effort and dedication have never been in doubt. We all thought it was silly when he kicked PATs for the Bengals in a preseason game against the Pats. But he nailed the kicks, which demonstrates that he'd been practicing them. He was the Bengals' emergency kicker because he put in that little bit of extra effort, not as part of some joke or stunt.

Ochocinco might have to cool down the tweets, or at least edit them. But he already has a tremendous rapport with Belichick. I think Ochocinco will slot in nicely with the Pats, and find himself in a Deion Branch kind of role.

One thing's for certain, and that is uncertainty. Will Haynesworth try? Will Ochocinco give bland press conferences? Suddenly, training camp and preseason games have become more interesting. And that's good. These guys CAN help. I'm pretty sure Ochocinco will help. I have no idea if Haynesworth will.

All I know for certain right now is that perennial Belichick doubter/hater Ron Borges has his doubts, which is typically a good sign.

-The Commodore

Patriots Already Talking About Trading Draft Picks

One of the most active teams in recent seasons when it comes to draft pick trades has been the New England Patriots. So Bill Belichick's revelation during an appearance on Sirius NFL Radio on Monday -- that teams have contacted the team about trading picks, per Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald -- is about as surprising as the ban on lawn darts.

"We've definitely been contacted by teams below us, offering [us] to move back, and [teams] seeing if we want to move up into a better position," Belichick disclosed. "Of course, that usually doesn't get finalized until draft day, but there definitely seems to be a lot of interest in our draft picks."

"As you know, we're not afraid to trade them," he confirmed. "We'll do what's best for the team. We'll evaluate those opportunities if they come up on draft day and take it from there (ESPN)."

You know what? I am really starting to get sick of this. The Patriots always trade down for more picks, and although it has given them great depth, it's something I have grown very tired of. Imagine if they didn't trade their pick a couple years back and drafted Clay Mathhews? Hmmm, a pass rushing OLB with a great motor, yea that doesn't sound like exactly what the Patriots have been looking for over the past 4 years.

My point is I'm sick of having just depth, the Patriots need talent, especially on defense. This is a deep draft in terms of defensive players, and I want to see the Patriots bring in some top talent. They have enough picks, and they are young enough where they don't need a ton of picks in years to come. If they make any deal I hope it's to move up, because I will be upset if we once again stockpile future picks or later round picks.

Bill Belichick Wins Coach Of The Year

Going 14-2 is impressive, and Belichick received 30 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. That easily beat Raheem Morris, who led a turnaround in Tampa Bay and got 11½ votes. This team wasn't supposed to be a 14-2 team before the season and I he got the most out of a young defense and a couple of undrafted runningbacks. Their was also the Randy Moss incident who I guess we still don't know in the long run if it would have helped them or hurt them in the playoffs. I tend to believe they were a better team with Deion Branch but I've heard compelling arguments that he would helped against the Jets. But I feel there were better candidates to be honest.

The Patriots are a playoff team, and were one last year, I think Raheem Morris of the Bucs or Mike Smith of the Falcons should have got it. Raheem Morris also brought Tampa into relevance as they went from a laugher of a team to 10-6 and Mike Smith did a hell of a job with the Falcons after missing the playoffs last year he went 13-3 and finished with the best record in the NFC.

Marvin Lewis Slams Ochocinco

We have already heard that Carson Palmer wants out of Cincinnati, but now there seems to be more unrest as Marvin Lewis slammed Ochocinco to the Boston Herald. A writer for the Herald asked Lewis if he thought the Patriots would make a run at Ochocinco now that he is a free agent. His response was...

"Belichick's smarter than that," said Lewis, who coached Ochocinco in Cincinnati for the last eight seasons.

This all started because Ochocinco tweeted that joining the Patriots would be "epic", and Belichick had been quoted as saying...

“I like Chad — I like him as a player. I like him as a person,” Belichick said. “I like his enthusiasm and the fun he has with football, and I like how he competes on the football field. I have a lot of respect for that. [We’re] an odd couple, but in the end I think we have a lot of things in common.”

Well it seems that Marvin Lewis has had enough of Ochocinco, and who can blame him. I know he is a good player and trains hard, but he also can't keep his mouth shut. I just don't ever see him fitting on the Patriots. Welker got in trouble for opening his mouth ONCE, Ochocinco would be in the dog house from day 1. People keep referencing Moss and Dillon, and say it would be the same thing, but it's not. Those guys were bad dudes, who had attitude problems, but neither was big on talking to the media (and when Moss finally did he was traded). It is just a different kind of evil, and there is just no way Ochocinco will be a Patriot next year.

Looks like he won't be a Bengal either.

Pats vs. Jets in Rubber Game

You get the feeling that it had to be this way. Even Rex Ryan seemed to be anticipating this Divisional Round matchup when last week he unfavorably compared Tom Brady's work ethic to Peyton Manning. Or maybe he was just putting his foot in his mouth. Or someone else's.

These teams not only split the season series, they've split their last 6 games. It makes sense when you consider how well their different strengths matchup. The Patriots pass first, ask questions later. The Jets run. The Pats have a young, sometimes shaky defense. The Jets have more experience, and are far sturdier. The Patriots keep their mouths shut. The Jets are a reality TV show.

I think the Patriots' ability to distribute the ball to multiple offensive weapons will allow them to regularly beat the Jets' defense. The Jets do have some exceptionally talented guys on defense, but Brady is the master at finding the weak spot, and hitting the open receiver.

However, I temper my optimism knowing that for many of the Pats' weapons, this will be their first postseason game. This past weekend, we saw playoff newcomers drop passes, fumble the ball, and generally fail to execute as they had in the regular season.

Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis have never played postseason football. Danny Woodhead has 1 career touch in the playoffs. Even Wes Welker has only 3 playoff games under his belt. The defensive side of the ball is hardly any better. McCourty, Chung, Spikes, Cunningham, and so on, are all newbies to this scene. And while veterans like Brady, Branch, and Wilfork might settle locker room nerves, it only takes one or two players making one or two mistakes to screw up an entire game (See: Pierre Woods, Super Bowl XLII).

The Jets actually bring more playoff experience, or at least have theirs distributed more evenly throughout their roster. Sanchez already has 4 games under his belt. Guys like LT, Braylon Edwards, Shonn Greene, Santonio Holmes, and so on, have all been in big games. And won them. That's something to keep in mind.

The health of Danny Woodhead is also something to keep in mind, as he made nothing but big plays in the 45-3 win a few weeks ago. We know that it was a concussion he suffered. We know that he's been practicing with a non-contact jersey.

The key to this game will be how the Patriots do against the Jets' rushing attack in the early stages. In that 45-3 win, the Jets ran for 152 yards, but most of those came when the game was essentially over. The Jets can run (148.4 yards per game, 4th in the NFL), and run well. The Pats have a depleted defensive line. It will be up to guys like Wilfork and Mayo to contain the running attack, and to limit rushes to 3 or 4 yards at the most.

It will also be up to Brady and the offense to hold onto the ball, and to score. The best way to stop an opponent from rushing is to build a lead.

I think the Patriots will be hurt by the Jets' RBs, but not killed. The Pats' offense will score enough to force Mark Sanchez to try to make plays, and we all know what happens next.

Patriots win 28-17.

-The Commodore

Patriots 38, Dolphins 7

This game felt like the preseason. Even the weather was warm, at least for January. There was nothing at stake, a few players didn't even dress (Welker, Branch, Hernandez), and the starters weren't expected to play the full 60 minutes.

I approved of Bill Belichick's usage of Tom Brady and other key players in this game. The more worrisome Pats fans out there were concerned that there'd be a repeat of last year's Welker injury. But with a first round bye secured, it's kind of silly to sit players for 3 weeks.

I'm sure the practices weren't as rigorous this past week. And when Brady was in the game, the play-calling was run heavy, and there were few long passes. He got hit a few times. But survived.

Danny Woodhead may have suffered a concussion. He may not have. As of now, the Pats are only saying he has a "head injury."

BJG Ellis surpassed the 1,000 yard mark. I'm convinced that Belichick went for it on 4th & 16, just so Ellis could reach 1,000, then be pulled from the game. Ellis is the Pats' first 1,000 yard rusher since Corey Dillon in '04. His contributions this season have been invaluable.



There were many positives to take from this game, but much like after a big preseason win, it's important to keep things in perspective. Julian Edelman's afternoon, for instance, was world class. Will he do that against an elite team, that's playing an important game? It's difficult to gauge performances in a game like this.



The Patriots have 2 weeks off, and will host a Divisional Round game on Sunday the 16th, at 4:30 PM. They'll play either the Jets, Ravens, or Chiefs. Here are the scenarios:

The Patriots will play the Jets if the Jets beat the Colts on Saturday. No matter what happens in the other AFC playoff game. If the Jets win, they come up to Foxborough as the 6th seed. Simple as that.

If the Jets lose, then the Patriots will play the winner of the Ravens/Chiefs game, which will be played Sunday afternoon.

-The Commodore

Please Sit Brady

I know Bill Belichick hates sitting guys, and doesn't want the Patriots to get rusty for the playoffs, but after seeing what happened to Welker last year I hope he has changed their mind. The Patriots are playing for nothing when they take the feild next week against the Dolphins, and the main thing for them will be health.

Brady has been dealing with lingering injuries all season, so why put him out there and chance a big hit? How do you play Welker in this game after what happened last year? Guys like Branch have been banged up recently, and I sure wouldn't risk losing someone like Wilfork either.

So, please Bill sit these guys, and let the backups take the hits. Bottom line is he probably won't and I expect Brady will play at least the first half. So yes, Sunday will be a very stressful day for Patriot fans.

Patriots 34, Bills 3

This was one of the easier games the Patriots have won all season. Probably the easiest. The Bills did just about everything they could to lose this game by 84 points.

It started early. The Bills drove down the field to begin the 1st quarter, running the ball well, cutting into the Pats' secondary like a burning chainsaw through chocolate. The Bills rushed for 67 yards on that opening drive, on 7 carries (9.6 per carry). Then they got into the red zone, tried a few passes that failed, then kicked a field goal.

The Bills soon got the ball back. And after their 67 yard rushing, 0 yard passing drive, they went 3 and out with 3 straight passes and 3 straight incompletions. Thanks for the favor.

And while the Bills' tactics were moronic, the Patriots' were simple, but effective. They ran the ball. A lot. The Pats amassed 217 yards on the ground, and got 12 of their 19 first downs by rushing. BJG Ellis ran for 104, Woodhead got 93, even Brady rushed for 13.

Then came the turnovers. Then more turnovers. Then more turnovers. The Pats left a few points on the field, especially Wes Welker, but it didn't matter. You can't turn the ball over 7 times and expect to be in the game. The Patriots cruised to victory, clinching the AFC East, clinching a bye, clinching home-field advantage.

This is the Patriots' 13th divisional title, and their 8th under Brady-Belichick. This will be the first time they've secured the #1 seed since 2007.

The Jets lost, but backed into the playoffs thanks to Washington beating the Jags.

The Pats host the Dolphins Sunday afternoon. Don't expect to see a scrub team out there, as Belichick's philosophy has always been to favor reps over rest. And with the bye secured, there's not much of a need for rest.

-The Commodore

Patriots 36, Bears 7

I was wrong about the Bears and the weather being something to worry about. The Patriots seemed to thrive in the snow, while the Bears wallowed in it. The Pats became the first team in the NFL to clinch a playoff berth, and took huge strides toward winning the AFC East.

Since halftime on Thanksgiving, the Patriots have outscored their opponents 116-17. That's simply staggering.

Last night, Brady had a few tipped passes that could have been intercepted, and a few field goals could have easily been touchdown drives. But I'm nit-picking. You just have to sit back and say that over the last 10 quarters, the Patriots have played amazing football.



Brady threw for a season high 369 yards, in the snow, in the wind.

Wes Welker is back to 100%. We were all worried that without Moss, he'd struggle. His 8 receptions for 115 yards disputes that notion. He's caught 36 passes in the last 5 games, and is back to being a favorite target of Brady.

Branch is the other favorite target. He also had 8 catches, for 151 yards and a TD. He's caught 4 TD passes in the last 3 games.



The most important thing the Patriots did last night was protect the football. 35 rushing carries, 27 receptions, 3 returns, and 0 fumbles. In weather like that, it's very impressive. BJG Ellis hasn't fumbled in his NFL career. Nor did he fumble in college. I can't find his high school stats, but I doubt he was a fumbling machine back in St. Augustine HS (New Orleans).



On defense, the Pats were all over the Bears. They held them to 185 total yards, and only 47 on the ground. They hauled in two picks, and recovered two fumbles. The Bears were only 3/8 on 3rd downs, so even when Chicago held onto the ball, they struggled to move it. The defense was a big reason why the Patriots dominated time of possession 39:41 to 20:19. That's essentially 2 to 1.



The Bears are fraudulent. The Patriots are currently the best team in the NFL. With the Jets getting "tripped up" by Miami, they now have a stranglehold on the division. They can clinch the AFC East, as well as a 1st round bye, with a win, and a Jet loss next week.

The Packers come to town on Sunday night, possibly without Aaron Rodgers. Though Green Bay does have the #1 scoring defense in the League, and the weather may once again be dicey.

-The Commodore

Tom Brady Is MVP

Before last night you could make an argument that Tom Brady could be the MVP, today no one can argue that Tom Brady should be the MVP.

I know it's still early and anything can happen any given Sunday, however, Brady has literally been playing flawless.

Since the bye week Brady has thrown 17 TDs and 0 ints, and if that isn't impressive enough his season stats are: 3029 yards, 27 TDs and only 4 ints. Also has a completion percentage of 68. Pretty good, huh.

I have recently been on the Phillip Rivers bandwagon, but his team might not make the playoffs, and the same can be said about Aaron Rodgers. They won't give it to Michael Vick and Peyton Manning and Jay Cutler have apparently changed superpowers.

Tom Brady is having a hell of a year, and Coach Bill Belichick deserves the Coach of the Year award with the job he has done, as much as it pains me to say it.

Patriots Branch Out

The Patriots sent a 4th round pick to Seattle for the services of Deion Branch. And everyone who bought a discount Branch jersey from the Pro Shop feels great about it. Although, he'll likely have to wear a different number, as Welker currently owns his old digits.

The critics/haters/morons-who-think-they're-smart out there will deride this deal. "You replace Moss with Branch, just to move up 30 picks in the draft?"

Yes. Because how many problems has Branch created in his career? Branch and the Patriots didn't part on great terms after '05, but there wasn't much animosity. And unlike Moss, there's no wake of destruction left behind him.

Branch is no Randy Moss. He's 7 inches shorter, has never had a 1,000 yard season (had 998 in '05), has never averaged over 15 yards per catch, and only has 20 career TDs.

Branch has only caught 13 passes for Seattle this season, for 139 yards. He'll contribute as a 3rd or 4th option in certain plays. He'll catch a few passes, but won't disrupt defenses the way Randy Moss did.

Nor will he disrupt the locker room. You can pretty much guarantee that. And while Randy hadn't yet disrupted the Patriots locker room, I challenge even the most anti-Moss-trade people out there to attempt to guarantee that for Randy Moss.

Source:
ESPN

-The Commodore

Another Belichick Blunder

By now all of you are aware that Randy Moss has been traded to the Vikings for a third-round pick in next year's draft. So far, the response from local TV/radio personalities has been mixed, for reasons I cannot begin to understand.

Let me start off by saying, I am a moss fan. I was excited when we got him, and the service he provided with the patriots with the last 3+ years has been exceptional. Obviously, the high point coming in 2007 when Brady and Moss re-wrote the record books on their way to an undefeated regular season. Having said that, his best years are without a doubt, behind him. In the Brady-less year of 2008, Moss still managed 11 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards receiving. Last season, he was tied for the lead league in touchdown receptions with 13 and recorded over 1,2000 yards receiving for the eighth time in his career. Say what you will about this year, but, he still managed 3 touchdowns in five games, in an offense that was clearly game planning for his absence. I've heard the reports that Moss either wanted a new deal from New England by week 6 or to be on another team's roster by that point. So naturally instead of paying, the Patriots do what they do best, trade away talent for an irrelevant draft pick. BMack highlighted this earlier in his post, but I would like to reiterate. Belichick has made excellent use of first day draft picks when Scott Pioli was his GM and Bil simply a coach. Among others, Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Asante Samuel, and Jerod Mayo have had a positive impact on this team while they were here. But they have had just as many misfires (Laurence Maroney, Davis Thomas, Chad Jackson, Darius Butler, see BMack's post for more). Which brings me to my main issue...

Why trade proven talent for a third round draft pick?

I suppose it's because the Patriots understood it was time to move another disgruntled player before things got worse. We've seen this behavior from them before. Don't believe me? Just ask Richard Seymour who was traded to Oakland amidst a contract dispute. Asante Samuel, a free agent after the 2007 season who simply asked to be paid like a number one corner, after no contract was offered, he signed with the Eagles and proceeded to lead the league in interceptions over the next three seasons. Logan Mankins and Randy moss are the newest members of the club. Mankins, a pro bowl guard and considered among the top 3 at his position, is as good as gone with no deal in sight and the two parties seem to be miles apart from making any headway. And Moss, now on his way back to Minnesota for a third round pick that will most likely amount to an undersized cornerback or a career special teamer. Either way, I find it hard to believe that someone of Moss' talent level is only worthy of a third round pick when the aforementioned Seymour was worthy of a first rounder, and San Diego holdout, Vincent Jackson, was deemed too valuable to be dealt for a 2nd and 3rd rounder from Minnesota last week.

The only notable player the Patriots have added in the third round in the previous four drafts has been Brandon Tate, and we're about to see what he's worth.

This whole "In Bill We Trust" mantra is so outdated it's sickening. Hasn't anyone noticed this guy's "system" is deeply flawed, by his own ego. He believes he can still win with no name guys who "play hard" and "do their jobs" or whatever nonsense he spews to the media during his dull press conferences. The fact of the matter is, you have to spend a little cash to keep everything running smoothly. And if there's one thing Bill is dreadful at, it's the free agent market. Remember when he tried to make a splash by overpaying Adalius Thomas? or how about when he brought in Deltha O'neal and Shawn Springs? Think about it, they were horrible. Randy was arguably the best free agent signing of the Belichick era (I'm not conceding that Moss was a better signing than Vrabel or Harrison, but it's close). And now he is leaving in the wake of a 41-14 dismantling of the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots most notable road win in two seasons.


As a Patriots fan, this is disheartening to me. Tom Brady has just signed a contract all but guaranteeing his career will end here in New England, and a mere two weeks later, his best receiving weapon is traded for nothing. It's not debatable if this makes the team better or worse, anyone who thinks the former has eaten a little too much humble pie. Wes Welker as a number one receiver is a farce, similarly, Brandon Tate being used as a number 2 target. Belichick enthusiasts will say that the offense is going to become "balanced" again. Well I'm sorry, but you're dreaming if you think Benjarvis Green-Ellis is going to carry the ball 15-20 times per game with any success. Sure he carved up the Bills after the Patriots passed them into submission. But he was an undrafted free agent who transferred in college for a REASON. Just like there is a REASON the Patriots have not won a Superbowl since 2004.

I wish the best for Randy Moss, and truth be told, I hope he shows the Patriots just how big of a mistake they made when he comes to Gillette on Halloween weekend. As for the patriots, it will take a miracle for them to make the playoffs this year. Don't look for any positive results two Sunday's from now when Baltimore comes to town.

Good Bye Randy.

I know The Patriots Problem: Bill Belichick

Yes he won 3 superbowls, yes he's a great mind, but he's also your biggest weakness too. Much like his problems in Cleveland, Bill Belichick has requested too much power and he can't handle it. He fails to make adjustments, he fails to change his gameplan, and since spygate has past he has won zero rings. (coincidence, maybe, but that's a different topic)

Bill Belichick and the Patriots only outscored opponents last year in the second have by an average of 3 points. And this year, the Patriots have looked like a bottom 3 team in the second half of games. More humble coaches like Rex Ryan and Marvin Lewis have been able to figure the Patriots out in the second half and as seen by yesterday the Patriots look lost.

The Patriots couldn't have dominated a first quarter more yesterday, and then they turned into a completely different team. Maybe if Robert Kraft didn't give power hungry Bill everything he wants and signed a Charlie Weiss or Romeo Crennel, I guarentee we would have seen two different results for the opening weeks. Bill is a hell of a coach and I'm not saying to fire him, but he needs help, and until he does you can reminis about the past superbowls and a what if Asante intercepted a pass, because you're not winning one any time soon.

I know, I will be killed for this but even the most biased Patriots fan, has to admit the lack of second half adjustments is a little unsettling.

Moss Done Talking

A lot has been made of Randy Moss' comments, especially after their win over the Bengals. It is very true that the timing was poor, and Moss seemed to agree...

"I think that the timing could have been bad, but it was actually my first time speaking to the media this year and I wanted to get it off my chest instead of waiting until Week 12 or Week 13 to where it really could be a distraction to our team and what we're trying to accomplish," Moss said. "It was something I just wanted to do. Maybe it was bad timing, but it's something that I cleared my mind."

Moss and Belichick had a closed door meeting this week, and it seems like it helped.

"I think when it comes to the business side of football, hopefully my coaches and teammates didn't take it in a disrespectful manner and understood where I was coming from. This is the first and last time that you're going to hear me talking about my contract."

Translation: Belichick told him to shut the fuck up and get in line everyone else.

Like I said before it sounds like it worked, and I really doubt Moss is going to be trouble. He is in the last year of his contract and even if the Patriots don't resign him, he is not going to want to fuck up most likely his final pay day in the NFL.

Belichick Has A Sense Of Humor?

Belichick is one of the most not funny people in the entire world. The only way he is funny is that he is so not funny that it becomes comical, but this story may change that a bit...

"Fresh off being told by Major League Baseball that he could keep wearing his favorite jacket, Maddon got a new one Wednesday -- the Tampa Bay Rays manager received a personalized Patriots hoodie in the mail from the New England coach (ESPN)."

Ok, it's not that funny, but at least it is something. Anyways, the MLB needs to chill out with this whole going after coaches out of uniform thing. If it is raining, or cold the guy should be able to put on a hoodie. I mean come on. I get it if there is merchandise rights or something, but then give him one that he can wear. The whole thing just seems so unnecessary.

They have done this to Francona a bunch of times because he doesn't wear the baseball uniform under his jacket. Which is kind of hilarious, I mean what affect does it really have? Was he going to sub himself into the game?

Grow up MLB.

Belichick Talks Moss

A lot has been made this offseason about Randy Moss' comments that this will be the last year with the Patriots. Well today was the first day that Belichick spoke about those comments...

"Well, conversations between myself and the players I'll keep between myself and the players," Belichick said. "I think we all know that this is a performance business; I think every one of us is (aware) of that. I think we all kind of feel like we're year to year. You're judged by your performance every year; that's not a big secret."

Typical Belichick there isn't much here, but I do believe he is being 100% honest. Every year could be your last in the NFL. Moss isn't getting any younger, and yet I don't see him taking a paycut to stay, thus he is will likely be gone. Belichick knows it, Moss knows it, and if you are any fan at all you should know it.

The only one that I think had a problem with Moss comments was Kraft. Only because Moss said the Patriots don't pay their players, and he has made well over $20 million since joining New England. Even that doesn't matter, because just like Moss said he is gone after this year. He still has to play hard, because he is going to want one more payday, so I'm not worried in the least.

How The Patriots Will Win Another Superbowl

(I know I will get a lot of shit for this, but before I go, I want to say even though I target Belichick a lot, I think he is a tremendous coach)

The Patriots will not win a championship with Bill Belichick as the centerpiece for coaching on the Patriots. I'm not saying getting rid of the coach, I'm saying he either needs to be a GM or just the head coach of the team and rely more on coordinators. The New England Patriots will not win with Bill as the offensive, defensive and head coach of the team. He can't do it. I know I harp on his arrogance, but I think this directly correlates to it. I think he is too proud to take advice or rely on coordinators, and the Patriots will continue to fail if he doesn't. No one does. Mike Holgrem failed when he took on too much responsibility and the same can be said about Bill. The Patriots have a lot of issues this offseason to take care of and will be retooling will be done personnel wise. It is a perfect time for some offensive coordinator to implement a run happy offense and that's not going to happen with Bill Belichick at the helm. You will still see the same outscoring type of Patriots and as we know, that doesn't win championships.

Seymour Not Coming Back To Patriots

"Just like Baskin-Robbins has 31 flavors, veteran DE Richard Seymour is going to have 31 options if he hits unrestricted free agency this offseason, according to what he told CSN New England. So what happens if the New England Patriots give him a call about a return? "That isn't something I'm looking to do at all (ESPN)."

For the Raiders' sake I hope they are able to resign him since they gave up a first round pick for him. There were rumors that the Patriots might look to bring him back after this season, but there is a good amount of bad blood between Belichick and Seymour, so that doesn't seem very likely anymore. In the end, I think Seymour is a hell of a player, but he does have a tendency to disappear for several games at a time, which makes me concerned with giving him a long term deal (plus he has been injured a good about during his time with the Pats).

Brady Doesn't Have Broken Ribs?

"It seems fair to say Bill Belichick won't be invited to speak at any testimonials for Charley Casserly. The former GM, who now works for CBS, reported before the game on Sunday that Tom Brady had three broken ribs. Belichick mocked that report earlier today when appearing on WEEI.

"There's so much stuff out there that is so inaccurate that it's comical," Belichick said. "Who's been wrong more than Casserly? His percentage is like a meteorologist. ... He has no relationship with this team, less than zero.

"At least he put his name on it. I'll put my name on it, too. He's 100-percent wrong (Boston.com)."

Wow, not often you hear Belichick lash out at someone, but this rift between these too dates back to spygate. Anyways, the big new here is how hurt is Tom Brady. If his rips aren't broken, is the broken finger bogus too? Who knows with the Patriots. Honestly, I have given up trying to understand their injury reports. All I know is Brady will be on the field this weekend, and he better have his A game ready...

Texans 34, Patriots 27

The Pats lost 34-27 to the Texans, which would normally be a cause for concern, were it not for the safely stowed AFC East crown in the Pats' pockets. Also, it's difficult to worry about a 2nd rate effort falling short when a Pro Bowl receiver, and team MVP candidate goes down with a knee injury.

I'll preempt Belichick's second-guessers out there. Had this injury occurred in the 4th quarter, you'd have a case. Maybe even the 3rd quarter too. But this was the first drive of the 1st quarter that saw Welker go down. I don't recall any sane person out there putting forth the argument that guys like Welker shouldn't even dress for this Week 17 game.



Injuries happen. It's part of football. The anti-Belichick nabobs in and outside of New England can gleam with their reactionary Monday Morning QBing. But a quick scan across the NFL on Sunday saw numerous playoff bound stars play deep into games. Donovan McNabb, for instance, was in at the very end, despite the 24-0 deficit he and the Eagles were facing.

Anyway, some reports are spreading that Welker tore his ACL. In which case, well, it's bad. He may miss the rest of the playoffs. And the Patriots without Welker are a racecar with no brakes, a golfer with no wedges, Barry Bonds without steroids. Welker caught about 1/3 of the Patriots total receptions.



Edelman had a nice game filling in for Welker, but Houston's defense is hardly an adequate litmus test. And it's not the production of Welker's replacement I'm concerned with. It's the production of the other receivers on the field.



Oh, and there's also a rumor/report/leak (what's the difference these days anyway?) that Tom Brady has some broken ribs, and has had them since the second Miami game.

But Laurence Maroney and Adalius Thomas remain healthy.

Patriots vs. Ravens sometime next weekend.

-The Commodore