Patriot BS starting already!

[jpdex12]

What is it with these ***holes? We haven't even passed through three days of FA yet and they are already being hailed as a favorite. Pardon me for a second while I go stab my eyes out with a spoon!

Per Matt Williamson of ESPN Insider...


posted: Sunday, March 4, 2007 | Feedback (http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=12613) | Print Entry (http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=2787495&type=blogEntry)

filed under: New England Patriots (http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=williamson_matt&catID=Team~28~17&catDesc=+New+England+Patriots)

Want an early favorite for Super Bowl XLII? Look no further than the New England Patriots (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nwe). Of course, I am not going out on a limb writing that New England is a good team and a contender. But their improvement since free agency opened Friday matched with two first-round picks will put the Patriots at the head of the class in the NFL once again.


The Patriots were very aggressive in locking up linebacker Adalius Thomas (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5215), a perfect guy for Bill Belichick's defense. He is extremely versatile and will contribute everywhere from linebacker to safety to defensive end. Belichick will move this guy all over the field to attack an offense's weaknesses. For the most part, Thomas will play outside linebacker in New England's 3-4 scheme, and he will surely make the job of getting to the quarterback easier for OLB Rosevelt Colvin. (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4761)

At this point, OLB/ILB Mike Vrabel (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3982)'s role is undefined, but make no mistake, Belichick must be excited about putting Thomas, Colvin and Vrabel on the field at the same time. Quarterbacks will have a difficult time deciphering which player is coming after him. The 3-4 defense could just as easily be called a 5-2 front, as the outside linebackers spend the majority of their time on the line of scrimmage. With the signing of Thomas, New England and San Diego have the best front fives in the NFL. New England's defensive line does not get the credit it deserves, but NT Vince Wilfork (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6780) and DEs Richard Seymour (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5453) and Ty Warren (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6349) are an elite starting threesome.

Thomas has been the only free-agent addition to the defense so far, but New England will surely address inside linebacker and secondary in the draft. Remember, the Patriots have the 24th and 28th picks in the first round. They will have plenty of ammunition to get players they covet. Excellent fits for New England in the draft include ILBs Paul Posluszny (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11049) (wow, does he look like a Patriot) and Patrick Willis (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11281), CBs Darrelle Revis (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11354), Chris Houston (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11355) and Aaron Ross (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11096) and Ross' teammate at Texas, S Michael Griffin (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10719). Safety/cornerback/holder/special teamer/running back/receiver/do-it-all guy Eric Weddle (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11255) from Utah also screams out as a Patriots pick, although he won't be selected in the first round.
Although New England has added TE Kyle Brady (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3128), RB Sammy Morris (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5185) and probably WR Wes Welker (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7027) (once Miami declines to match his offer sheet), the Pats still could draft a wide receiver such as Robert Meachem (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11418), Anthony Gonzalez (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11416) or Dwayne Bowe (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10524) in the first round. An offensive lineman such as Ben Grubbs (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10722), Arron Sears (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11114), Joe Staley (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=11163) or Justin Blalock (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2007&id=10517) also could be attractive in the first frame of the draft.

Brady still has enough gas in his tank to contribute with some short catches in New England's tight end-friendly offense, but his greatest contribution will be as a big, powerful blocker to open holes for Laurence Maroney (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7770). With the Patriots' wealth of talent at the position, Brady will not have to play a ton of snaps and should stay fresh and hungry.

Morris is a versatile back who is also a fine special teams player. He has performed well in spot duty and could carry the load on a short-term basis. He is a fine acquisition to lighten the load on Maroney and Kevin Faulk (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4695).
Wide receiver was clearly an area the Patriots were not up to par in 2006. Welker's addition could go a long way to providing New England's offense with a Deion Branch (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5951)-type of weapon. Welker is also a fine returner, and the Patriots do a fine job adding players who are also valuable special teams contributors. Even with Welker in the fold, adding one more wide receiver -- possibly in the first round -- could still make a lot of sense. Oh yeah, the Patriots also have a quarterback named Tom Brady (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5228) who is a pretty decent player who tends to raise the level of play of those around him.

[L.A. Playa]

They where a Peyton Manning rally away from the Super Bowl last year and lost no significant players and gained a LB that is way better than what they had before who is perfect for their system,

They also already got a WR that is betetr than anything they have on their roster and still have 2 first rd picks, it is a no brainer right now to call them a SB favorite everyone her hates the Pats, which is understandable, but dont let your hate fool you they are a better team that was one win away from the SB last year

[patmoran2006]

Until someone beats them on the field and someone from this division overtakes them, this will continue.

They are a good team, and they like other teams have gotten better in the offseason already. A thomas is going to be like a younger McGinest on that defense.

[The Answer]

Pats are going to be more dominant than ever in 2007 - already making a splash in FA and they still have a gripload of picks in the draft. Rumors still rampant that Randy Moss could become a pat very soon as well.

Add to the fact we are the only AFC East team that can't beat the pats in our home building or on the road for that matter either.

The Answer fully expects the pats dominance to continue in 2007 - the real question here is will this team have an ANSWER and finally take the next step? It starts with Losman - his biggest demon has been the pats - similar to what peyton manning had to overcome.

~The Answer

[The Spaz]

:monkeyp:Patriots

[jpdex12]

They where a Peyton Manning rally away from the Super Bowl last year and lost no significant players and gained a LB that is way better than what they had before who is perfect for their system,

They also already got a WR that is betetr than anything they have on their roster and still have 2 first rd picks, it is a no brainer right now to call them a SB favorite everyone her hates the Pats, which is understandable, but dont let your hate fool you they are a better team that was one win away from the SB last year

I'm not saying that they aren't one of the top teams that should be there but myself and plenty of others are sick of hearing it. This is the NFL where you have to expect the unexpected. PARODY! Let them sign all of the big names they want. I know they aren't the Deadskins, but go ask Dan Snyder what big name, expensive players get him. No one is perfect and I think that Belichek will get bit in the ass sooner or later by it. Get greedy and arogant and drift away from your foundation of creating gold from garbage. They will be on the average Joe list of teams soon enough. Happens to all of the dynasties. Once you beat up the bully on the block, he'll be scared to **** with you again and one fo the other AFC East teams is going to start this trend soon. We almost did the first game of the 2006 season on there home turf.

Can we just get through FA and the god**** draft to see who drafted well and signed decent FA's before we start whacking off over the friggin Pats?

[ricogarion]

Well they do have an impressive list of players and an impressive run of super bowl titles.But they will soon have something to fear up North and that is an up and coming team that doesn't know how good they are yet.The Bills will soon take the division by storm and with that the Pats will slowly decline into mediocrity.(I mean a guy can hope ay least anyways)

[jpdex12]

Well they do have an impressive list of players and an impressive run of super bowl titles.But they will soon have something to fear up North and that is an up and coming team that doesn't know how good they are yet.The Bills will soon take the division by storm and with that the Pats will slowly decline into mediocrity.(I mean a guy can hope ay least anyways)

:respect:

[Goobylal]

They won't win the SB again. Don't worry.

And you'll know where to find me to eat crow if they do.

[YardRat]

Pretty accurate article, IMO. They've got to be the favorites going into this season.

[Jan Reimers]

Pats are going to be more dominant than ever in 2007 - already making a splash in FA and they still have a gripload of picks in the draft. Rumors still rampant that Randy Moss could become a pat very soon as well.

Add to the fact we are the only AFC East team that can't beat the pats in our home building or on the road for that matter either.

The Answer fully expects the pats dominance to continue in 2007 - the real question here is will this team have an ANSWER and finally take the next step? It starts with Losman - his biggest demon has been the pats - similar to what peyton manning had to overcome.

~The Answer
You know so much, I'm sure you're the Answer to all our prayers. Why even debate this topic - or any other that you weigh in on - any longer?

[DMBcrew36]

Pretty accurate article, IMO. They've got to be the favorites going into this season.


yep.. hate to say it... but its true

[jpdex12]

Pretty accurate article, IMO. They've got to be the favorites going into this season.

Them along with 31 other teams! You know how crazy the NFL is. one year you are 4-12 and the next you are 12-4. Most analysts pegged SD to win it all this year and ...they didn't.

[DynaPaul]

Well guys, we might as well forfeit both of our games against them. The Patriots are going to the big game again. Tell the engraver to get the trophy ready.

[TigerJ]

Buffalo can't worry about the Patriots. We just have to go about the business of making the Bills better. If we don't win the division this year, then snag a wild card spot and get better for 2008.

[Dozerdog]

:rofl:- what- they have won the division 5 of the last 6 years or something sick like that?

If I had to bet my one yer's salary on picking the next AFC East division champ for 2007, I'd have to bet the Pats with or without Thomas signing.

[Generalissimus Gibby]

The media loves the Patsies, who saw that one coming? Seriously I hate them and I can't wait until we roll through them and beat em. They are not the same team they used to be and with the rest of the division improving they will be returned soon enough to reality.

[jpdex12]

:rofl:- what- they have won the division 5 of the last 6 years or something sick like that?

If I had to bet my one yer's salary on picking the next AFC East division champ for 2007, I'd have to bet the Pats with or without Thomas signing.

Man down! We have a New England cool-aid drinker! Somebody check his pulse...

[HHURRICANE]

Seriously, the only thing that could hurt the Pats is Tom Brady. He is due for a mediocre year at some point and with his personal life making alot of news lately maybe fatherhood will be a distraction. If not this team will be scary again.

[jpdex12]

Seriously, the only thing that could hurt the Pats is Tom Brady. He is due for a mediocre year at some point and with his personal life making alot of news lately maybe fatherhood will be a distraction. If not this team will be scary again.

I never want to see anyone get hurt (OK, maybe not anyone) but...

Brady has been pretty healthy his career. Hope nothing happens to the little playboy this year!

[Mr. Miyagi]

Pats are going to be more dominant than ever in 2007 - already making a splash in FA and they still have a gripload of picks in the draft. Rumors still rampant that Randy Moss could become a pat very soon as well.

Add to the fact we are the only AFC East team that can't beat the pats in our home building or on the road for that matter either.

The Answer fully expects the pats dominance to continue in 2007 - the real question here is will this team have an ANSWER and finally take the next step? It starts with Losman - his biggest demon has been the pats - similar to what peyton manning had to overcome.

~The Answer
"The Answer" LOL.

How's your cousin The Count?

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y78/ChadFinn/thecount.jpg

[raphael120]

I don't have anything to say except that I want my post to be groaned at stupidly by Nick Markakis.

[Mr. Miyagi]

I don't have anything to say except that I want my post to be groaned at stupidly by Nick Markakis.
:rofl:

[The Answer]

You know so much, I'm sure you're the Answer to all our prayers. Why even debate this topic - or any other that you weigh in on - any longer?

As long as Bellechik and Brady are together, The Answer doesn't forsee a
shift of power in the AFC East. We are on notice along with the porpoise and jets.

Best we can hope for the rest of the decade is a wildcard spot - Pats are going to be very angry going into the 2007 after losing to Dungy/Manning.

~The Answer