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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Patriots Offseason Report
        
(Message started by: StegRock on Mar 10^th, 2006, 5:36am)

Title: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 10^th, 2006, 5:36am

"Free Willie"... (except that's a noun phrase with an attributive adjective, not a verb phrase and imperative sentence, so... :-/)... From "The REAL Feed":

Patriots cut McGinest in cap move (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5395546?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=5)
FOXSports.com :: NFL (09.03.2006 11:51)
The New England Patriots released defensive lineman Willie McGinest in a salary cap move, ending a 12-year relationship with the NFL's all-time postseason sack leader.

The release of the two-time Pro Bowler was announced Thursday, the day after the NFL owners voted 30-2 at their meeting in Gr...

[smiley=wavinbye.gif]

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 20^th, 2006, 6:17pm

Updating the events of our weekend of disaster... [smiley=yikes.gif] From "The REAL Feed":

Patriots start rebuilding receiving corps by signing Caldwell (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/03/17/2020.ap.fbn.patriots.caldwell.0108/index.html)
I.com: NFL (17.03.2006 20:48)

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 23^rd, 2006, 5:44pm

Now, they're working their secondary... From "The REAL Feed":

Patriots re-sign Scott (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/ABN4011403.htm)
The Sports Network: NFL (23.03.2006 13:00)

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 25^th, 2006, 10:49pm

Mr. All-purpose remains in the fold... From "The REAL Feed":

PATS RE-SIGN DUO (http://www.sportinglife.com/nfl/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=international_feed/06/03/25/GRIDIRON_USA-New_England_Re-signings.html)
Sporting Life: NFL (25.03.2006 14:29)
Troy Brown and Stephen Neal re-signed with the New England Patriots on Friday.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Mar 27^th, 2006, 5:16pm

Pats keeping this back in the fold... From "The REAL Feed":

Patriots re-sign Heath Evans (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/03/27/2020.ap.fbn.patriots.evans.0081/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (27.03.2006 17:51)

Ya know... this kid looked good in relief duty last year. If, because of injury, he gets an opportunity to start a string of games, it would not surprise me if he made a name for himself. Just throwing it out there...

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Apr 6^th, 2006, 7:01pm

Buccaneer castoff becomes Vinatieri's replacement... From "The REAL Feed":

Still automatica? Gramatica signs with Pats (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2399627&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (06.04.2006 17:30)
Martin Gramatica, who was out of the league entirely in 2005 and hasn't attempted a field goal since November 2004, was signed by the Patriots.

They also got Tebucky Jones to help out their toasty [smiley=warminup.gif] secondary.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Apr 13^th, 2006, 2:07am

Patriots keepin' guys in the fold for the long run, this time on the defensive side of the ball... From "The REAL Feed":

Patriots to see more of Seymour (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/ABN4015362.htm)
The Sports Network: NFL (12.04.2006 21:43)

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by bakes781 on May 1^st, 2006, 5:14pm

1) Laurence Maroney - Not my 1st choice(Manny Lawson) but he could be a special player.

2) Chad Jackson - Great pick! Bellichick met with this kid several times testing his knowledge of offensive schemes. He has all the tools.

3) David Thomas - Sure handed, but lacks speed & size.

4) Garrett Mills - Antother TE? Well I guess he fills a need at FB.

4) Stephen Gostkowski - Very high for a kicker of any value, but he's supposedly the best out there.

Day 2 Gem: Ryan O'Callaghan - Projected by the "experts" to go on day one he was an easy pick for the Pats in round 5.

I'm disapointed that we didn't address our needs at LB & DB, but I think we got good value for the most part.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by Callie on May 15^th, 2006, 4:35pm

Doug has made his decision to hang it up:

QB Doug Flutie Retires from Professional Football (http://www.patriots.com/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=19158&pcid=47)
Patriots Official Website (06/15/06)

New England Patriots quarterback Doug Flutie announced his retirement today after 21 seasons in professional football. The former Boston College signal caller ends his illustrious career as a member of his hometown Patriots, for which he played from 1987-89 before returning for his final season in 2005.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 15^th, 2006, 5:07pm

I'll miss you "little" ::) guy... You've given us all, including our f(r)iends [smiley=spike.gif] up north, some great memories... Frankly speaking, the NFL never gave Flutie a fair shake. I think he could have had a great career in the NFL. It's not all about physical stature, not that he couldn't get it done on the field, mind you. He had the leadership skills and intangibles that are really the key (in that light, it galls me that a guy who has NONE of that like Aaron Brooks can't help but get chance after chance in the NFL when a guy like Flutie never really could). Anyway, I know I'll miss the guy... :'( SO FUN to watch!!!

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by bakes781 on May 15^th, 2006, 5:17pm

I hear he's considering a career in broadcasting.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 15^th, 2006, 6:00pm

I gather he's already been hired by ABC/ESPN to do college game coverage...??? No links yet, though...

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 5^th, 2006, 7:43pm

WR for DL move... From "The REAL Feed":

Pats to deal WR Bethel Johnson to Saints (AP) (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-saints-patriotstrade&prov=ap&type=lgns)
Yahoo! News: Democratic Party (05.06.2006 17:33)
The New England Patriots traded wide receiver Bethel Johnson to the New Orleans Saints for defensive lineman Johnathan Sullivan on Monday as both teams gave up on high draft picks who fell short of expectations. The deal was contingent upon approval by the NFL, Patriots executive director of med...

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 13^th, 2006, 4:14pm

Uh-oh... Contract dispute keeps Branch out of the fold... according to "The REAL Feed":

Patriots' top receiver Branch not at mandatory camp (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2482376&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (13.06.2006 14:05)
New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch was a no-show on Tuesday as the team began a mandatory minicamp and plans to skip the entire three-day event.

Drafting Chris Jackson (and allegedly showing interest in disgrunted Denver wideout Ashley Lelie (see latest post on the "Broncos Offseason Report" thread)), I'm sure, isn't helping matters. ... I'm learning... receivers are SO cranky!!!

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 14^th, 2006, 8:04pm

Bruschi is really back... From "The REAL Feed":

Patriots' LB who had stroke at full strength at minicamp (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/06/14/2020.ap.fbn.patriots.bruschi.0706/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (14.06.2006 19:14)

Good for him!!! Go get 'em, Tedy!!! [smiley=bear.gif]

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 15^th, 2006, 5:38am

Op-Ed on the Branch "mini-holdout"... currently topping "The REAL Feed":

Patriots' offense vulnerable without Branch (http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2006/06/deion-branch-patriots150606.html)
NFL News: RealFootball365.com (15.06.2006 04:30)
However, if they want Brady to continue his dominance over the rest of the NFL's defenses, they'll get Branch on the field immediately.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 15^th, 2006, 10:47pm

Dillon rarin' to have a comeback season... according to "The REAL Feed": [smiley=tough.gif]

Dillon eager to rebound from subpar season (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/06/15/2020.ap.fbn.patriots.dillon.0442/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (15.06.2006 19:34)

Also, off "The REAL Feed", TE Graham not going anywhere: [smiley=hmmmm.gif]

Belichick refutes rumors, says Pats will not trade Graham (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2485406&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (15.06.2006 12:05)
The Patriots will not trade tight end Daniel Graham, coach Bill Belichick told ESPN.com on Thursday, refuting rumors that a trade was in the works.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 28^th, 2006, 1:43pm

No balony,... there's a contract signed by Maroney... according to "The REAL Feed":

Patriots, Maroney agree to five-year, $9M deal (link not working; ESPN's got their wires crossed)
ESPN: NFL (28.07.2006 10:06)
First-round tailback Laurence Maroney, the 21st overall choice in this year's draft, has reached agreement with the New England Patriots on a five-year contract.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 28^th, 2006, 7:35pm

Branch... goin' out on a limb... by sittin' out... From "The REAL Feed":

WR Branch absent in contract holdout (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/07/28/2020.ap.fbn.patriots.camp.0692/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (28.07.2006 19:13)

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 1^st, 2006, 1:45am

Mums the word on Brady... according to "The REAL Feed":

Belichick silent on Brady's absence (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/07/31/2020.ap.fbn.patriots.brady.0291/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (31.07.2006 18:32)

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 1^st, 2006, 4:45pm

The head honcho is back... according to "The REAL Feed":

Brady returns to camp after missing three practices (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/08/01/2020.ap.fbn.patriots.brady.0143/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (01.08.2006 12:09)

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 1^st, 2006, 8:02pm

Dillon the diplomat... according to "The REAL Feed":

Patriots' Dillon says there's room for him and rookie Maroney (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/08/01/2020.ap.fbn.patriots.dillon.0555/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (01.08.2006 19:17)

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 2^nd, 2006, 2:20pm

Bruschi might not be grabbin' for brews anytime soon,... [smiley=alcoholic.gif] at least not with one of his hands... according to "The REAL Feed":

Report: Bruschi may have broken wrist (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/ABN4033731.htm)
The Sports Network: NFL (02.08.2006 12:05)

This would be a serious blow to a defense that needs every iota of its star power on the field on game day! :-/

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 6^th, 2006, 2:44am

Patriots' D/ST take a hit, perhaps losing a player for th season... according to "The REAL Feed":

Patriots safety Mitchell facing season-ending surgery (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2540687&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (05.08.2006 21:07)
Four-year veteran Mel Mitchell, who was expected to bolster New England's special-teams units weakened in free agency and add depth to the safety position, will undergo surgery next week for a torn biceps tendon sustained during Thursday's practice.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 7^th, 2006, 6:34pm

Defense gets a much needed shot in the arm... according to "The REAL Feed":

Patriots activate Seymour, Harrison from PUP list (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2542462&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (07.08.2006 18:15)
The New England Patriots activated five players from the physically unable to perform list Monday, including safety Rodney Harrison, defensive lineman Richard Seymour and center Dan Koppen.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 9^th, 2006, 3:51am

Bruschi's injury confirmed to be broken... From "The REAL Feed":

Bruschi has broken wrist, will miss preseason games (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/08/08/2020.ap.fbn.patriots.bruschi.0269/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (09.08.2006 01:17)

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 17^th, 2006, 10:54pm

Well,... now I think I know what "Junior" was referring to in his retirement speech about his not "retiring, but just 'graduating'"... to a contender... [smiley=graduate.gif] (Note that that smiley is winkin'...) From "The REAL Feed":

Report: Seau to meet with Pats (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2553051&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (17.08.2006 21:31)
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 18^th, 2006, 10:57pm

It's official... From "The REAL Feed":

Seau signs with New England, putting aside retirement plans (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/08/18/2020.ap.fbn.patriots.seau.3rd.ld.writethru.0723/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (18.08.2006 22:38)

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 23^rd, 2006, 7:32pm

Branch speaks out, sounds "hopeful"... according to "The REAL Feed":

Branch breaks silence, confident deal will 'work out (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2558415&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (23.08.2006 12:09)
Patriots receiver Deion Branch talked publicly for the first time about his holdout, telling Boston television station CBS-4 that he was confident everything would "work out.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 24^th, 2006, 5:38am

Eh-hem... From "The REAL Feed":

Gostkowski wins Patriots kicking job over veteran (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/08/23/2020.ap.fbn.patriots.gramatica.released.0381/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (23.08.2006 21:09)

"Steg's List (http://www.stegslist.com)" ;)

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 25^th, 2006, 11:34pm

Well, despite the report two posts up, here's the "deal"... or not, should I say... From "The REAL Feed":

Patriots give Branch a week to seek a trade (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/wires/08/25/2020.ap.fbn.patriots.branch.1st.ld.writethru.0666/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (25.08.2006 20:14)

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 27^th, 2006, 1:37am

Branch needs to wake up and realize that New England is the place for him... From "The REAL Feed":

Czar's NFL blog: Where will Branch land? (http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/NFL_Czar/2006/08/26/Any_takers_for_Branch)
FOXSports.com :: NFL (27.08.2006 01:09)
The Patriots are allowing holdout wide receiver Deion Branch to look for a trade. So who might be interested? In his latest blog entry, our NFL Czar says the Redskins might want to acquire the services of the former Super Bowl MVP. Plus, more from around the league.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Sep 1^st, 2006, 7:30pm

Well, if this holds, Branch remains a Pat:

Branch remains with Pats as deadline passes (http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/NE/9632709)
NFL.com (09/01/06)
On Aug. 25, the Patriots gave their best receiver permission to negotiate a contract with other teams and seek a trade until 4 p.m. on Sept. 1. New England would have had to work out a trade to its satisfaction.

At 4:02 p.m. Sept. 1, the Patriots issued a statement saying, "No trade has been consummated. Deion Branch remains under contract to the New England Patriots."

Everything I saw said that the Seahawks were serious about a trade and that the Jets were just messing with the Pats. And that the Pats wanted too much for Branch in order to keep him. This may also just be further negotiations with the Seahawks, which makes the real question mark about the real condition of D-Jax.

Title: Re: Patriots Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Sep 2^nd, 2006, 4:20pm

I don't have a good link yet, but Doug Gabriel was traded to the Patriots!

Wonder what this means in terms of Deion Branch. ?.?.?

****

Edit: I got a link:

New England gets WR Gabriel during Branch holdout (http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/15427252.htm)
Mercury News.com (09/02/06)
Wide receiver Doug Gabriel was traded Saturday from the Oakland Raiders to the New England Patriots, who faced the uncertainty of whether holdout Deion Branch will return.