Patriots Cut Ty Warren (UPDATED)

"The Patriots made a series of moves Friday afternoon, including officially signing wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, as well as the release of linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, cornerback Tony Carter, tight end Alge Crumpler, tackle Nick Kaczur, defensive lineman Marcus Stroud, defensive lineman Ty Warren and rookie free agent Ryan Coulson. In addition, the officially announced the signings of third-round pick Ryan Mallett and fifth-round pick Marcus Cannon (WEEI)."

Really surprised that they cut Warren. I guess that he is washed up, or at the very least hasn't rebounded from his injuries fast enough. It does make me a little concerned, as Haynesworth better work out now. I know we got by without Warren last year, but I was expecting that he could be a force this year.

***UPDATE***

There are rumors the Patriots will bring him back under a reworked deal.

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

Breaking News: Patriots Land Ochocinco

The New England Patriots have acquired wide receiver Chad Ochocinco after he accepted a restructured three-year contract from the Patriots, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton.

We will have more on this tomorrow.

Breaking News: Pats Get Albert Haynesworth For a 5th, Bellichick Does It Again

The Patriots traded a 5th round pick for disgruntle DL Albert Haynesworth. Although I don't know where he fits in figuring he is now going to be in a 3-4 defense again, a defense in which Haynesworth loathes.

There could be a couple of things that the Patriots could do, 1. Change back to a 4-3 with Vince Wilfork and Albert Haynesworth in the middle. 2. Move Vince Wilfork to DE and have Haynesworth at DT and have an absurdly left side of the defensive line. 3. Or try Haynesworth out find out he's not in real good shape and stay in a 3-4 and have him be Wilforks back up.

I like the trade for the Patriots a lot because they gave up nothing for a potentially high impact player, low risk, high reward. If Haynesworth has his head on straight and comes in focused and ready to go, the impact that he could have on this team is huge. If he comes in and is a shithead and you have to cut him in a few months, all you lost was a 5th round pick.... Not a big deal.

Either way the Patriots take on another bad seed project

Banta-Cain Has Abdominal Surgery (UPDATED)

Patriots outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain underwent surgery for an abdominal tear on Friday, according to a league source. It was an injury he had been dogged by last season, and it flared up during recent offseason workouts. (The usual recovery time for such an injury is approximately 4-6 weeks.)

Banta-Cain is a guy I undervalue every year. Last season he surprised me once again with 50 tackles and 5 sacks. Sure those aren't all that impressive, but consider the leader of the Patriots in sacks had 5.5 this is actually a hit for the Patriots. In a way I am glad, I never liked Banta-Cain, I think he's weak and I hope this pushes the Patriots to add someone, but it won't. They will end up hope Cunningham or someone surprises them and can be their next pass rusher.


***UPDATE***

Or maybe the Patriots won't wait for him to comeback...

"ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Tully Banta-Cain has been told by the New England Patriots that he will be released."

Obviously, the Patriots could just resign him once he is healthy again.

Whoever Isn't On Mankins Side Is A D Bag

One of the hurdles right now with the CBA is Logan Mankins and him wanting to be free from the Patriots. The Patriots have lied to him, franchised him and lowballed him on a deal and Logan Mankins has had enough.

Mankins is the best guard in the NFL, he has played 7 years in the NFL and has never had a shot at free agency, and everyone and their mother want to vilify this guy because he wants to get the contract and money he deserves. If we weren't talking about an NFL player and talking about an average Joe here, people would be on the side of the average Joe, but because we are talking about a millionaire people want to sell him down the river.

I hope that Goodell and most of the owners side on Mankins side and set him free..... and then he signs with Pittsburgh.

Do You Remember the 90's?

The 2000s have undoubtedly been the best decade in Boston sports history, maybe even the best decade for sports in any city. But do you remember the 1990s? That was, without any question, the worst decade for Boston sports. It was the only decade in the 20th century that a Boston team didn't claim a title. That span saw a football team nearly move to St. Louis, a Red Sox team dominated by their archrivals, and the two winter sports clubs becoming jokes.

The biggest moments for a Boston sports fan in the 90's look pretty lame now: Raymond Bourque hoisting the Cup in the red, white, and blue of the Avalanche. The Red Sox winning one playoff series against the Indians. A Super Bowl appearance dominated by a kick returner. Of all four teams, the Bruins had the best decade. That alone speaks volumes.

I'm only 26, but I did survive the 90's as a Boston fan. We haven't known only success here. We suffered too. And that just makes basking in this glorious time so much more enjoyable. And to fans from other cities (Philadelphia, I'm looking in your direction) who envy our success and think we're spoiled, all I can say is that we went through some tough times before this run, so we're going to enjoy it, bitches.

Let's just compare the 1990s to the 2000s team-by-team, and in four important categories: championships, championship appearances, playoff appearances, and playoff rounds won.

CHAMPIONSHIPS:

	1990s	2000s
Red Sox	0	2
Patriots	0	3
Celtics	0	1
Bruins	0	1
TOTAL:	0	7

CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES:

	1990s	2000s
Red Sox	0	2
Patriots	1	4
Celtics	0	2
Bruins	1	1
TOTAL:	2	9

PLAYOFF APPEARANCES:

	1990s	2000s
Red Sox	4	6
Patriots	4	8
Celtics	5	8
Bruins	9	7
TOTAL:	22	29

PLAYOFF ROUNDS WON:

	1990s	2000s
Red Sox	1	8
Patriots	3	14
Celtics	2	12
Bruins	9	6
TOTAL:	15	40

Apart from the 7-0 disparity in titles, the most striking difference is the 40 playoff rounds won in the 2000s, compared to the 15 in the 90's. Boston teams did contend for playoff spots in the 90's, as demonstrated by their 22 appearances. But they didn't have enough to capture that postseason magic. Pedro didn't have Schilling, Pierce didn't have KG or Ray Allen. The Bruins didn't have Timmy Thomas.

Just compare the names from the 90's sports scene to the names from today. Pete Carroll vs. Bill Belichick. Rick Pitino vs. Doc Rivers. Mark Portugal vs. Jon Lester. Troy O'Leary vs. Manny Ramirez. Drew Bledsoe vs. Tom Brady.

And then there's the owners and GMs. Kraft takes over the Patriots, hires Pioli, three rings. The Yawkey trust sells the Sox, Epstein gets hired, curse over. Wyc Grousbeck and associates buy the Celtics and bring banners back to the Garden. Jeremy Jacobs still owns the Bruins, but they started spending just before the lockout. Then they hired Chiarelli in 2006.

So people who hate us obnoxious, arrogant, "entitled" Boston fans can go fuck themselves. We put up with Desmond Howard, with the Yankees winning 4 World Series in 5 years, with the choking Bruins, and what we all thought was the end of the Celtics' dynasty. We had to listen to Pete Carroll talk about "having fun" and Rick Pitino rant about the "negativity in this town." We had to endure Jimy Williams' nonsensical lineups. We had to watch an endless parade of mediocre athletes don our teams' uniforms then disappear into obscurity: Jose Offerman, Dino Radja, Jim Carey, Sedrick Shaw, I could go on forever.

We've earned the right to be happy, and to rub it in your faces.

-The Commodore

Thoughts On Patriots Draft

DP labeled the Patriots as "losers" in the first day of the draft, and in many ways I think he is right, but after thinking about it for awhile, I think I am starting see a strategy and if what I am thinking is true I really like it.

I am not going to sit here and tell you I know the first thing about offensive lineman, and that includes the ones in the NFL. The only time I notice them is when they get toasted and Brady is laying dead on the field. So, there first pick filled a need, because Light is most likely gone, and they are getting very thin up front.

The Patriots traded their 2nd pick, which turned out to be Ingram. I like Ingram, but here is what I think the Patriots are looking to do in the 2nd round, which they now have 3 picks in.

- Their first pick I actually think they are going to trade. There are rumors the Bengals were desperately trying to move up into Green Bay's spot (last pick 1st round), so it stands to reason that they might try the same with the Patriots (1st pick 2nd round). This is especially true because the Bills pick right before the Bengals, which is another team that could grab a QB. If that's true the Patriots could have yet another first round pick in next year along with another pick in this years draft.

- With the other picks I see two things happening. They Patriots will draft their pass rushing OLB/DE, which could be someone like Brooks Reed, Akeem Ayers, or Bowers. Any of these players I could justify going in the 1st round and would be happy to have on the squad.

- The other pick they will make will be RB Mikel Leshoure, or Ryan Williams. Also, both of these guys I would be fine with, and some people actually like Leshoure more then Ingram. I don't know if I would take it that far, but I do like him.

All of this is obviously speculation, but if they were able to do these three things today you would quickly have to say the Patriots had one of the better drafts in the NFL.

Day 1 Winners and Losers

Winners:
New Orleans Saints:
Filthy draft. First the pick up DE from Cal Cameron Jordan and then they got a gift from the Patriots and selected the best RB in the draft in Mark Ingram from Alabama. They fill two holes in their roster. They strengthen their D Line and then will have a lot to work with at rb with Reggie Bush and Mark Ingram.

Carolina Panthers:
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
I was hesitant to like this pick, but I completely flip flopped on this. I think this kid is the real deal and will win this team some ball games. He's big, athletic and has a cannon. He's not your typical athletic QB who looks to run before pass, he passes pretty well. The Panthers have a lot of holes, but their future looks brighter with Newton behind center.

Baltimore Ravens:
Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The only reason he fell was due to off field issues, but this kid is 1A to Patrick Peterson. He's big at 6'2 and just as athletic as Peterson. The Ravens needed some defensive backfield help and got a big time player in Smith. I was really hoping he would fall to the Steelers.

Losers:
New England Patriots:
They had 2 picks to fill pretty glaring needs. I like Nate Solder the OL out of Colorado. He is huge and could be really good. Plus with Logan Mankins drama coming up and Matt Light retiring (maybe) but he's a project. Anthony Costonzo out of BC and Danny Watkins from Baylor have higher ceilings than Solder. I understand the position they pick, just not the player. I think they will really regret trading that second pick for New Orleans 2nd pick and next years 1st. They had 2 players they could have drafted that would have filled huge holes in Mark Ingram or Muhammed Wilkerson the DE from Temple. This was a big swing and miss for the Patriots and they will be haunted about this for years.

Minnesota Vikings:
With the 12th pick they select Christian Ponder. Yea.... really? I know the Vikings needed a QB but this is a reach of epic proportions. If I were to reach on a QB I would have taken Andy Dalton, Ryan Mallet and even Colin Kaepernick over Ponder. I don't get it, they could have drafted Robert Quinn the DE from UNC or Mike Pouncey the G from Florida.

San Fransisco 49ers:
I think Aldon Smith was a little high. Cam Jordan, Nick Fairley or even JJ Watt would have better selections.

Rumor: Patriots Trading Up To 6th Pick?

"According to a report from Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe, the Patriots have had trade discussions with the Browns about the No. 6 overall pick in Thursday's NFL draft. Citing a league source, Bedard reports that the Patriots -- owners of the No. 17 and No. 28 picks in the first round and the first pick of the second round, No. 33 overall -- may want to move up (WEEI)."

Would love to see this, as it is rumored that they would be going after Robert Quinn, who is the exact kind of player the Patriots need on their defense. He is one of those hybrid OLB/DE, which we know Belichick loves, because it gives him a lot of options with his game planning. Haven't really heard much about him? Well because he didn't play last year, he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for lying to investigators about receiving travel accommodations and jewelry... Cool whatever, thsi guy was a beast in 2009 with 11 sacks (at age 19!).

When scouts try to compare him to someone in the NFL they compare him to Julius Peppers, that good enough for me. Still, I put the probablity of this happening kind of low, just because it is very rare to see the Patriots trade up that high in the draft (if at all). So unless, Belichick really has his eye on this guy it sounds like just another rumor. But I can dream....can't I?

Fuck the Whole Pick By Pick, The Draft Is Tomorrow

DP's Picks:
24. NO: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
25. Sea: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
26. Balt: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
27. Atl: Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC
28. NE: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
29. Chi: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pitt
30. NYJ: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
31. Pitt: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
32. GB: Marcus Cannon, OL, TCU

BMack's Picks:
24. NO: Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona
Fills the need at DE for the Saints, and adds a good pass rusher to a team that really needs one.

25. Sea: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
I like Mallet a lot, but with all the questions surrounding being a booze bag and what not I think Seattle takes a pass. I also like Locker a lot and if Seattle can bring back Matt Hasselbeck for one more year I think he could be real good.

26. Balt: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Ravens need to improve thier defensive backfield, and Smith could end up being the 2nd best CB in this draft.

27. Atl: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Was projected to be a top 15 pick last year, but dropped in this years rankings (nerve damage/5 less sack then 2010), could be a steal this late in the first round.

28. NE: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Dude is huge (6-foot-8 319 pounds), and the Patriots could be very thin on the OL depending on what happens with the CBA/free agency.

29. Chi: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
The Bears have to find a way to protect Cutler, this is a good start,

30. NYJ: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Big, strong pass rusher is exactly what the Jets need, but what makes him special is he is great against the run.

31. Pitt: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
Not a sexy pick, but lets be honest the Steelers have to find a way to protect Big Ben.

32. GB: Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
Gives the Packers another OLB pass rushing option other then just Matthews. Houston is also versitle, and could eventually be a DE, another need for the Packers.

The NFL Gives The Patriots A Playoff Birth Without A Game Being Played

Cheer up Tom, you will have another year to choke it up in the playoffs.

Look at this schedule people:
1 Mon, Sep 12 @ Miami 7:00 PM
2 Sun, Sep 18 vs San Diego 4:15 PM
3 Sun, Sep 25 @ Buffalo 1:00 PM
4 Sun, Oct 2 @ Oakland 4:15 PM
5 Sun, Oct 9 vs New York 4:15 PM
6 Sun, Oct 16 vs Dallas 4:15 PM
7 BYE WEEK
8 Sun, Oct 30 @ Pittsburgh 4:15 PM
9 Sun, Nov 6 vs New York Giants 4:15 PM
10 Sun, Nov 13 @ New York 8:20 PM
11 Mon, Nov 21 vs Kansas City 8:30 PM
12 Sun, Nov 27 @ Philadelphia 4:15 PM
13 Sun, Dec 4 vs Indianapolis 8:20 PM
14 Sun, Dec 11 @ Washington 1:00 PM
15 Sun, Dec 18 @ Denver 4:15 PM
16 Sat, Dec 24 vs Miami 1:00 PM
17 Sun, Jan 1 vs Buffalo 1:00 PM

Are you fucking kidding me NFL. Patriot fans have already told me, oh that stretch after the bye is a killer. Shut up and don't sell me that bullshit. The only tough teams they face this season is the Jets, Pittsburgh, Philly and Indy and I honestly believe the Jets will falter a little and the same thing with the Colts. On Paper the Gaytriots should go 13-3.

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.

With The 17th Pick In The NFL Draft The New England Patriots Select...

DP's Pick:
Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

Well I believe this pick will be traded, but lets just pretend they will use this pick. It's pretty obvious that the Patriots need some defensive line help and now that all the guys I believe will be good are gone, they go with the next big thing. Kerrigan doesn't have a high ceiling like the other guys in this draft, but can be plugged in immediately and that's what the Patriots need the most. He is smart guy, was a team captain and a high character guy, something that the Patriots look at.

BMack's Pick:
Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple

He was a DT in college, but most people think he will be a DE in a 3-4 defense. He can get pressure on the QB, which is something the Patriots have been missing for a couple years now. With good CBs, Warren coming back to the defensive line the Patriots should be a much improved defense if they can get a guy like this in the draft. I do agree with DP that there is a good chance that they trade this pick, because they seem to do it every year, but if they were to stick around this is exactly the kind of player they would be looking for.

Patriots To Cut Meriweather?

As we discussed last week Meriweather could be in trouble, as there are rumors he shot two people (you can read the story HERE). Like I said that the previous post their are a ton of flaws in the story, but that might not matter. The Patriots cutting Meriweather could have just as much to do about his on the field problem, as his off the field problems.

"First off, let's remember that the incident involving New England Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather has yet to be fully investigated, and that his actions on that night are being disputed. But, in a strongly worded column for CSN New England, Tom Curran argues that time is running out when it comes to Meriweather's tenure with the Pats. Curran notes that Meriweather is entering the final season of his current contract, and that he played a lesser role as the season progressed.

In the end, a legal result that exonerates Meriweather may just delay the inevitable, in Curran's view: "If he shot the gun, he's probably done in New England before the 2011 season starts. If he didn't, he'll be done after the 2011 seasons ends (ESPN)."

I agree with this 100%. Meriweather isn't that great, and it is a joke that he made the Pro Bowl. In the coming seasons I see Patrick Chung taking his spot. Meriweather just isn't that great in prospect, and is prone to HUGE mistakes. You add that to the fact that he is a shithead, and it ends up the Patriots getting rid of him either before this year starts or at the latest the end of this coming year. I have never been that big of a fan of him, so I am fine with it either way.

Kevin Faulk to Retire?

"Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald caught up with New England Patriots veteran Kevin Faulk as the RB was visiting heart transplant patients at Brigham & Women's Hospital.

"I honestly don't know," Faulk admitted. "Like my wife tells me, 'You're giving me so many different scenarios, so many different feelings about coming back. You want to play, you don't want to play.' I still love the game of football. It's just a factor of how my body feels. I got to be real about that, I've been playing a long time. I've been fortunate enough. Is it time to let it go? Is it time to come back (ESPN)?"

Faulk is one of my favorite Patriot players of all-time and it would be sad to see him go, but I think it may be time. The Patriots seemed to have somewhat moved on when Woodhead ended up being a very affective 3rd down back. I am just not sure how they would fit Faulk back into their backfield plans. Plus, Faulk is saying his health is still only 75%, so at his age (35 in June) I just don't know if that knee is going to bounce back the way he wants it to.

Brandon Meriweather Shot Two People? (UPDATED)

Very odd story coming from Florida today...

"According to Deadspin, Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather allegedly shot two men outside a house party in Apopka, Fla., Feb. 27. The incident, which reportedly includes one of the men getting shot in the head, was being reported by the attorney for the two victims, John Morgan.

The report states that a friend of Meriweather allegedly beat up a woman outside the Blue Jeans Lounge, leading to the woman's brother to arrive with his own acquaintance. The story states with the brother proceeded to beat up the New England player's friend in a fight, leading Meriweather to fire a gun at the brother of the woman. The bullet, according to Morgan, grazed the woman's brother in the face, while hitting the other victim in the head.

According to the report, detectives from the Orange County Sheriff's Office have made no arrests, but continue to investigate the case. Former Miami football player, and current Florida sports talk radio host, Dan Sileo first mentioned the shooting (WEEI)."

When I first read this I wrote off that we would never see Meriweather again in a Patriots uniform or in the NFL, but as I have been reading more there are so many holes in this story that it's starting to get hard to believe.

1. When the police station was called they said they had no investigation into Brandon Meriweather.
2. This happened over 10 days ago, there should be an arrest if someone was actually shot in the head.
3. This "lawyer" that broke this whole story to the radio station was just on WEEI and he said he doesn't know if he believes his clients (the 2 people who were shot). Plus, he is just an ambulance chaser, and how do you not back your own client?

Now, saying all of that, we also have to say that this isn't the first time Brandon Meriweather has been in trouble for using a gun. When he was in college (2006) he shot at someone, but was never charged, and it was never proven that he actually hit anyone. So, I wouldn't be all that surprised if this turned out to be true.

I am sure the NFL is going to look into this, but there is so much misinformation out there right now, so be careful what you believe.

We will keep you posted when REAL facts come out.


***UPDATE***

"There is an incident," a spokesman for the Sheriff's Department told CBSSports.com. "But we do not have confirmation that [Meriweather] was involved in any shape or form. "There is no such confirmation." The Sheriff's Department did add that a case, involving the shootings in question, "is still active (CBS Sports)."

Also, there have reports that Meriweathers "camp" is denying these allegations.

Patriots Sign Marcus Stroud

"Defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, who was recently released by the Buffalo Bills, reached agreement Tuesday on a two-year deal with the New England Patriots, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter (ESPN)."

I remember him from his days with Jacksonville and he was a hell of a player. He is still only 32 years old, so he could come in and have an impact. He has made the Pro Bowl 3 times in his career. In 3 seasons with Buffalo, he had 7 1/2 sacks in 46 games, which isn't all that impressive, but he is another big body for the defensive line, and the Patriots could use that since I see their defensive line as the weakest part of their defense (other then OLB).

NFL News: Mankins and Vick Get Tagged

The New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles franchised Logan Mankins and Mike Vick.

Dependent on the CBA and the validity of the Franchise Tag, I don't expect them to sign the tag deal. However, this was expected.

The Mankins deal could get real messy fast, he proved that he doesn't care about money as he gave up a million and a half last year as he held out. Mankins is necessary for the Patriots success, he's a hell of a offensive lineman and plays with a mean streak. It was proven last year again that if you make Tom Brady uncomfortable in the pocket he can't perform to expectations. If they lost Mankins they would have a lot of work to do on that line who is most likely going to loss Matt light and rebuilding the left side of your line could be devastating.

I like what the Eagles did with Vick because he's still in a situation where he can't complain. It's not good to agree with him long term because he could be injured very quickly with his style of play. If I were the Eagles I would tag him every year. This also buys the Eagles some time to find a taker for Kevin Kolb.

No Parades for Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude (noun): enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others (German)

As a Patriots fan, it's nice to see the Steelers lose. Apart from Mike Tomlin, there's really not much to like about that team. By the way, had Pittsburgh won, I would have written how Mike Tomlin doesn't get nearly enough credit as he deserves. Probably because he's not as secretive as Bill Belichick, not as preachy as Tony Dungy, and not as loudmouthed as Rex Ryan. The guy just coaches a football team and does a damn good job at it.

As a Patriots fan, and as someone who dislikes the Steelers, and who has an intense animosity (coupled with respect) toward Ben Roethlisberger, I'm relieved this morning. But I'm not happy. I'm not from Wisconsin. My team got bounced, early, again. So I recommend to my fellow Patriot fans not to smile so smugly today. Because for the last two seasons, we've enjoyed watching NFC teams doing our dirty work, and eliminating our rivals.

I do think that this game thoroughly exemplified what the NFL is truly about these days. There were about 10 quality teams in the League this year. And there wasn't much on paper that separated them from each other. Green Bay lost 6 games this year. They lost to the Falcons once, then beat them. The Patriots lost to the Jets, then beat them, then lost. The Steelers lost to the Jets, then beat them.

These games really do come down to execution on a few key plays. Last night, Pittsburgh's turnovers pretty much cost them the game. But there were also potential big plays that never materialized. Green Bay muffed an early punt, but fell on the ball. The entire shape of the game changes if that one play changes.

It's a League of execution. So while Patriot fans shouldn't be jumping for joy for a parade in Wisconsin, they also shouldn't be moping about. Our team in Foxborough, though imperfect, has sufficient talent to be among those 8 to 12 good NFL teams. They just need to execute. It's simple to say, difficult to do.

-The Commodore