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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Patriots Off-Season Report
        
(Message started by: Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on Mar 11^th, 2003, 4:49pm)

Title: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on Mar 11^th, 2003, 4:49pm

The already good Pat's defense just got a whole lot better. A major improvement at the LB position with the signing of Roosevelt Colvin!

Hmm... found the article...

http://www.patriots.com/news/fullarticle.sps?id=23442&type=general&bhcp=1

Title: Re: The BEST FA LB, imo, signed today!
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on Mar 11^th, 2003, 4:56pm

Ha, I can't even find it on the internet anywhere, but I'm POSITIVE, he signed with the Pats, unless I'm just hearing voices in my head.... again... [smiley=gonecrazy.gif]

Title: Re: Best FA LB Signed Today by Patriots
Post by StegRock on Mar 11^th, 2003, 8:40pm

GREAT FIND! Via what source did you actually find that piece? ;) Patriots.com... available at... [smiley=wiseguy.gif]

Just "pluggin'" away! [smiley=rollinwithlaughter.gif]

Title: Re: Best FA LB Signed Today by Patriots
Post by BarnabyWilde on Mar 11^th, 2003, 8:42pm

I really wanted the Giants to grab him. They have serviceable [smiley=gettinridden.gif] linebackers with Jones, Barrow and Short, but it would have been nice to have a good pass rushing linebacker.

Title: Re: Best FA LB Signed Today by Patriots
Post by StegRock on Mar 11^th, 2003, 11:26pm

KJ 76, I had to let you know about this... You should be very proud (as I am to have you here :) ) given the fact that you broke this news about 5 HOURS before KFFL, who cited "Cardinals Insider" Mike Jurecki of KDUS sports radio. [smiley=bow.gif] That's about two of these "first to break" reports that we have pulled off as of late (the Boston news' being the other that comes to mind). We're gettin' there, slowly but surely! [smiley=havinablast.gif]

Title: Re: Best FA LB Signed Today by Patriots
Post by StegRock on Mar 12^th, 2003, 1:28pm

Well, I am reporting this here in an effort to continue fostering the habit of thread consolidation. This thread would be ANOTHER great candidate for a BROADER title! [smiley=wiseguy.gif] (Hint, hint, KJ 76!) [smiley=awwgee.gif]

In any event, the Patriots solid defense just got more solid with the signing of S Rodney Harrison from the Chargers. Here is ALL the LATEST from "the Gridiron Newsstand":

http://www.masslive.com/sportsflash/football/index.ssf?/newsflash/get_story.ssf?/cgi-free/getstory_ssf.cgi?s0402_BC_FBN--Patriots-Harriso&&sports&nfl;

http://www.boston.com/news/daily/12/031203_harrison.htm;

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20030312-9999_1s12nflnotes.html;

http://www.patriots.com/news/fullarticle.sps?id=23450&type=general&bhcp=1.

Enjoy! [smiley=lickinmychops.gif]

Title: Re: Best FA LB Signed Today by Patriots
Post by Razzak on Mar 12^th, 2003, 2:00pm

They wont' be back to big big dance until they can fix their rungame. He's a good player, I haven't checked what they paid him but as long as its back-heavy they can do more to capitalize on their current window of opportunity.

I'm just glad he didn't go to an NFCW team. :) Damn you 9ers, do something to entertain me this offseason!

Title: Re: Best FA LB Signed Today by Patriots
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on Mar 12^th, 2003, 3:57pm

on 03/11/03 at 23:26:53, StegRock wrote:

I actually heard the news from a friend of mine who's a big Patriots fan. He instant messaged me telling me the news. I couldn't find anything(Even on the Gridiron Newstand, sorry), so I looked at another site, who's name is not important, and found a link from someone there, which in anycase, could have ALSO been found using the Gridiron Newstand, but I must have missed it somehow.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 31^st, 2003, 1:25pm

Found on "the Gridiron Newsstand", I thought this was a nice comprehensive piece to add to this thread. It gives a nice overview of how things stand in "Patriotsville". It speculates on whether they will be looking to trade a first-round pick of theirs, discusses QB Tom Brady, and, perhaps most interestingly, stakes the claim that in all likelihood RB Antowain Smith will be toting the rock again for the Pats in '03. Here it is:

http://www2.bostonherald.com/sport/patriots/nflnt03302003.htm.

Any thoughts, especially regarding Antowain? I still think that if Belichick can find an option more to his tastes, he will, and if Antowain comes to camp out of shape, well... I guess we should wait and see what they do in the draft first. The acquiring of a Suggs, Smith or Johnson could change the tune of things.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by grimreaper99 on Apr 1^st, 2003, 12:03am

well men the word I am getting comes straight from the patroits lockerroom. My cousin matt light plays left tackle for the pats and he says there is a very good possibility that the jamal anderson merry go round could be about ready to spin yet again. stay tuned for more.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by StegRock on Apr 1^st, 2003, 12:10am

on 04/01/03 at 00:03:03, grimreaper99 wrote:

Now that epitomizes the kind of posting I want on "the Gridiron" and in "the Red Zone". Does this not totally capture the part of this board's description that states, "... especially insider-type info and local info..."? AWESOME! I really hope you become a bigger part of things over here Mr. [smiley=skull.gif] ! Thank you! [smiley=bow.gif]

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by Sepphoris on Apr 13^th, 2003, 2:11pm

So now the Pats are sending T-Buck Jones to the Saints.
For a 2003 3rd & 7th......and a 4th rdr in 2004. Kind of a steap price for the Saints.

Now would you guys say the talent level in this yrs draft is deep? I wouldn't. So wouldn't it make sence for the Pats to trade up? Like with Houston. Any thoughts?

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by StegRock on Apr 13^th, 2003, 3:20pm

Well, my only comment, and I must admit that it is not of the most informed, but I kind of get the feeling that people's, especially fantasy footballer's, believing that this draft is not deep is because it is not really deep at the offensive skill positions, besides QB. I think this is a misnomer based on the emphasis on offense, or at least individual offensive players and team defense, in fantasy football. Just because it is not all too deep at, let's say, RB and WR, and most NFL teams are set at QB this year, which somewhat mitigates the value of this year's QB class, the draft is quite a bit deeper than many (fantasy footballers) think... I think! [smiley=shrug.gif] Now, as to how all this relates to this trade you are reporting, again, [smiley=shrug.gif] ! Hopefully, one of our more expert drafters will be chiming in here soon! [smiley=smurf.gif]

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by StegRock on May 23^rd, 2003, 12:13am

First seen tonight at the top of "The REAL Feed" and then corroborated by sources available on "the Gridiron Newsstand": Pats sign WR Dedric Ward. Here are the articles:

http://www.patriots.com/news/fullarticle.sps?id=23995&type=general;

http://www2.bostonherald.com/sport/patriots/pats05222003.htm;

http://flash.patriots.com/news/fullarticle.sps?id=23992&type=general&bhcp=1.

Probably doesn't amount to much, but they are a somewhat receiver-hungry team. Does he become their #3 slot receiver?

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on May 28^th, 2003, 10:21pm

http://espn.go.com/nfl/overview/patriots2003.html

New England Off-Season overview

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 23^rd, 2003, 8:21pm

Well, it's all over "The REAL Feed"... The Pats signed free-agent RB Mike Cloud. Here is how it reads on "The REAL Feed":

Patriots sign RB Mike Cloud
NJ.com: Sports (23.06.2003 16:26)
FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) -- Free agent running back Mike Cloud signed with the New England Patriots on Monday. If he makes the roster, he would have to sit out the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's steroid policy.

Is there anything here? I mean Cloud has never lived up to the hype, but, though the team did not make any big moves to get a running back this offseason, they really seem like they want to phase out Antowain Smith. What do you all think? ::) or [smiley=hmmmm.gif]

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by Philly on Jun 23^rd, 2003, 8:52pm

Probably also helps that Cloud is a BC alum... He'll at least compete for the #2 spot with Faulk.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by DirkDiggler on Jul 23^rd, 2003, 3:42pm

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/NE/6495504

Looks like the Defensive Ranking of the Patriots is going to continue to be high for another couple of years. Bilichick just got a two year extension on his contract.

The man really is a friggin genious. What he did in the super bowl shows what a guru he is. His game planning and strategy takes ordinary players and makes them into a good strong unit.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by Coachnorm on Jul 28^th, 2003, 9:15pm

Rumors of the Pats signing Larry Centers to a contract are about. This could be an interesting signing for the Pats. I like it myself though it has more real football impact than fantasy impact. Unless your league gives points for receptions.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by PrimeTime on Jul 28^th, 2003, 10:05pm

I have been drafting the Pats defense for the last three years. I am always the last guy to draft a defense and I always seem to get the Pats. For some reason no one in my league drafts them. Last year I had them and Cleveland, but I dropped Cleveland and picked up Atlanta (nice ;D )

Anyway, I think Bilichick is a defensive genius also and I will continue to "get stuck" wiht his defense every year.

I really like them this year. I have a feeling that their running game will improve with a healthy offensive line and they will have more time of possession. Plus they added a few key defensive people to help them out.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by Cirrinone on Jul 29^th, 2003, 12:41am

Since it hasn't been posted here, the Pats signed Centers and Brendan Stai, offensive lineman from the Skins.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by Bob_Oswego on Aug 2^nd, 2003, 3:51pm

I will be away for the next couple of weeks, going to Connecticut to visit my daughter, will spend at least one day at Pats training camp and will advise when I return of any insights

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by DirkDiggler on Aug 7^th, 2003, 8:45pm

WOW....Antowain Smith was NOT the starter on Thursday night. Kevin Faulk was the starter. Is this just a wakeup call to Smith or is he finally done???

Here it is from Fanball.com:

Aug 7, 2003 8:10PM ET
Patriots: Faulk starts over Smith
THE NEWS

Adjust your rankings! The changing of the guard appears to be official. In Thursday's preseason game, the Patriots started Kevin Faulk over the flagging Antowain Smith. Last year, Faulk averaged over five yards per carry as the team's third down back. Larry Centers saw action in third down situations with the first team.

OUR VIEW

Wholly ineffective last year, Smith needed to come into camp with fire in his belly. Instead, he came in with a belly. Faulk may not be an ideal inside runner, but he brings a spark to the running game that Smith cannot. Smith may still be used as the team’s goal line back. We believe that Faulk will begin the season as the starter.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 7^th, 2003, 9:08pm

Faulk does not have the size to be a starting NFL tailback, though. Antwoine Womack will be the guy sooner than later. That having been said, I thought Antowain Smith looked alright tonight when he touched the ball. [smiley=shrug.gif] Same ole' story with Antowain and his teams, both the Pats and Bills. Bottom line, I don't care what Fanball's take is. There is NO WAY that Faulk ends up being anything more than a fantasy backup, like a #4 or #5.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by Philly on Aug 8^th, 2003, 9:29am

I think we're in for another year of RBBC by the Pats. Faulk didn't impress me that much in the first preseason game, and Smith still stops moving his legs at first contact when running between the tackles (reminds me of Dayne in NY).

I loved the first hook-up of Brady to Brown. I've been saying a healthy Brown will make a big difference this year and we saw it on the first drive of the Patriot season. David Givens looked good at receiver. Talk about a logjam... Brown, Patten, Branch, Givens, Johnson... reminds me of the Titans - one clear #1 and a bunch of potential starters behind him.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by BarnabyWilde on Aug 8^th, 2003, 10:08am

I was impressed with several players on Defense, noteably Klecko, Seymour, Colvin, Warren, and their two young defensive backs (can't remember their names this early) ;)

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by Philly on Aug 8^th, 2003, 11:21am

Asante (sp?) Samuel and Eugene Wilson (I think that's his name - I should've looked it up, but I'm feeling a bit lazy since it's Friday)... They did look good.

I was very happy to see Dan Klecko play well. I hope he makes it in the NFL. Even with his famous father, he was relegated (and I mean relegated) to playing his college ball at Temple U and didn't get much respect in the draft because of his size.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 8^th, 2003, 12:51pm

on 08/08/03 at 09:29:51, Philly wrote:

Talk about a logjam... Brown, Patten, Branch, Givens, Johnson... reminds me of the Titans - one clear #1 and a bunch of potential starters behind him.

And, as I see it, that #1 isn't even that clear (but he is the #1 on that team and of that group).

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by Bob_Oswego on Aug 15^th, 2003, 10:43am

Hey I am back from Foxboro or Fovbourgh choose your spelling

Pats Camp was terrific...Patriots players were great with the kids including my son especially Joe Andrussi
Dan Stricker and Kevin Faulk

Offence

Kevin Faulk RB, Daniel Graham TE, and Troy Brown WR were all top performers and extremely hard workers at practice, but there is no question Brady is the star of the show, he seemed so calm and so in charge of the drills and mentoring of the young QB's (Davey, Huard) it was hard to believe he was not a 10 year vet.

Tha Pats ran several 6 min sessions focussed on specific offensive situations the O line looked solid and seem very capable A Smith and Faulk got the same number of reps JR Redmond was injured

Wide receiver Brown, Branch, Patten have the inside track and seem solid as well Givens is a possibility but not in the top three yet Bethel Johnson shows promise as well

Graham, Fauria and Spencer Heald? sp are the top three TE

Defence

Patriots Lb Bruschi is tremendous as well as Poole and Colvin, I also like their secondary Law, Milloy,and rookie Klecko is a quick study, he performed well in practice not just the game

Willie McGhinest, Vrabel and R Harrison all seemed to me to be the teachers at practice

Patriots have great chemistry and atmosphere at their camp and Gillette stadium and the surrounding facility is a work of fottball art

All in all the Pats future looks good

;D

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by muzz on Aug 27^th, 2003, 5:36pm

And now they have Washington to help the Run Defense woes ( B4 he got hurt was killer in that dept.).

Looks to me like my hometown team is looking mighty good this year, I REALLY like what they have done on defense, which should keep them in most games.
Their offense isn't looking too shabby either, if you guys haven't noticed..... 8)

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by Philly on Aug 27^th, 2003, 9:49pm

on 08/27/03 at 17:36:20, muzz wrote:

They'll definitely be a good team this year (if they can run the ball a bit better than last year), but they play in a very tough division that will certainly take its toll on them.

Title: Re: Patriots Off-Season Report
Post by PrimeTime on Aug 27^th, 2003, 10:18pm

I agree with you guys for the most part.

However, like Philly said, it is one of the toughest divisions in football. They will knock each other off a few times so that the division winner will have a number of loses and will not get homefield advantage.

I also worry about their lack of a running game. If memory serves me correctly, I think Brady tailed off in the last few games. I wonder if he can get the magic back? [smiley=stars.gif]