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Post by macspak on Feb 6, 2017 22:33:52 GMT -5
Pats came back from 25 down and you would have thought that required perfection, yet, they were not perfect on O or D, overcoming a lot during their comeback. They just kept on working. BTW - until OT I don't buy the Falcons being tired. Yes, lots of snaps but if anything they got mentally defeated not physically tired.
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Post by macspak on Feb 6, 2017 22:36:30 GMT -5
we found a pass rusher this year in Flowers
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Post by macspak on Feb 6, 2017 22:47:14 GMT -5
and for the most part even in OT the Falcon's defenders were right there.
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Post by macspak on Feb 6, 2017 22:48:50 GMT -5
the looks on the faces of Blank and his wife towards the end are priceless
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Post by macspak on Feb 6, 2017 22:51:04 GMT -5
clearly that was defensive PI on Atlanta against MB at the goal line but that still was a gutsy and good call by the officials. Talk about being in position, see the pass the MB just before White's TD run, which by the way saw like 6 defenders in the area with minimal Patriots
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Post by macspak on Feb 6, 2017 23:01:02 GMT -5
so a 39 yr old throws for 466 yards, 2 TD's and earns SB MVP. No signs of physical and mental deterioration. How long can he really last? You got to think he has minimum three elite/good years ahead of him.
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Post by brian2783 on Feb 7, 2017 8:19:08 GMT -5
Ok guys. I'm back. Work and baby took over but I'm back to talk offseason, trades and Draft and most of all to celebrate this amazing Win. I'll bring cas back into the mix and maybe mdraine as well. What a great time to be a Pats fan. I almost can't believe we won....It hasn't hit me that we won.
Flowers should be extended like NOW. Guy is a stud. Unsung hero
Long, Nink are old....Sheard regressed so we need edge rushers...guys can play with hand in dirt and stand up as well....we need 3/4 OLB as well. Van Noy played well as well and McClellin but we need speed and power....So I'd expect to get bring some edge youth and at least 2 young LB's....Roberts is a 2 down LB ...Hightower is up in the air and lets face it...he's always banged up so we need LB and DE/OLB and a DT..Branch is a FA and even he comes back, he's getting up in age. Brown and Valentine are good not great. Need a dominating force in the middle.
Ryan will probably be paid crazy money to be someone's #1
Cyrus Jones will get another chance to win a spot but thats a big if.... We should of kept LeVlanc...with that said I would draft a CB.
My draft list of needs goes as this
ILB/OLB DE/OLB DT CB RB Developmental OL/T Developmental QB BPA
I think Jimmy G is gone... his value is too high. Browns or Niners will probably be bidders and I would love that 12th overall pick from Browns.
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Post by gln826 on Feb 7, 2017 18:46:12 GMT -5
Ok guys. I'm back. Work and baby took over but I'm back to talk offseason, trades and Draft and most of all to celebrate this amazing Win. I'll bring cas back into the mix and maybe mdraine as well. What a great time to be a Pats fan. I almost can't believe we won....It hasn't hit me that we won. Flowers should be extended like NOW. Guy is a stud. Unsung hero Long, Nink are old....Sheard regressed so we need edge rushers...guys can play with hand in dirt and stand up as well....we need 3/4 OLB as well. Van Noy played well as well and McClellin but we need speed and power....So I'd expect to get bring some edge youth and at least 2 young LB's....Roberts is a 2 down LB ...Hightower is up in the air and lets face it...he's always banged up so we need LB and DE/OLB and a DT..Branch is a FA and even he comes back, he's getting up in age. Brown and Valentine are good not great. Need a dominating force in the middle. Ryan will probably be paid crazy money to be someone's #1 Cyrus Jones will get another chance to win a spot but thats a big if.... We should of kept LeVlanc...with that said I would draft a CB. My draft list of needs goes as this ILB/OLB DE/OLB DT CB RB Developmental OL/T Developmental QB BPA I think Jimmy G is gone... his value is too high. Browns or Niners will probably be bidders and I would love that 12th overall pick from Browns. Welcome back. I think you and a couple of us basically saw the same needs. I had ILB 1st depending on DH, but I also had OT higher. I didn't see CB as high as you because Ryan is probably gone (agreed), but we still have Butler, Rowe, J Jones, C Jones, and Coleman. I do see a late pick here. I didn't have an OG on my list, but Mason had his ass handed to him during the SB.
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Post by macspak on Feb 7, 2017 19:52:47 GMT -5
Brian,
Welcome. By all means encourage the others. It would be great to return this site to its former glory.
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Post by oriolebill on Feb 8, 2017 11:02:15 GMT -5
Mac,
My evaluation earlier in the season was that RG and LT were the two weakest positions on the line. The SB demonstrated that. Solder whiffed too many times in the first half and Mason was abused until the Atlanta D-line wore down in the second half. I'd argue that the first pick has to be RG/LT.
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Post by macspak on Feb 8, 2017 12:40:34 GMT -5
Mac, My evaluation earlier in the season was that RG and LT were the two weakest positions on the line. The SB demonstrated that. Solder whiffed too many times in the first half and Mason was abused until the Atlanta D-line wore down in the second half. I'd argue that the first pick has to be RG/LT. as I stated in during the nadir of the game our DL and OL were exposed. Mason might be too short. He got abused. Solder's performance never has matched his contract or reputation and this game was another example. You never can go wrong by investing in OL and DL and that holds true again. I think we need DE as first priority but OG and OT are not far behind.
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Post by macspak on Feb 8, 2017 12:44:18 GMT -5
Will another team really pay Ryan top CB money?? I don't see it. He still might get priced out from returning but haven't other teams learned BB doesn't make mistakes in his own FA talent and value?
Not sure I would overpay for Bennett either, us or another team. I think we would be best served franchising him for 1 year at $10 M. He turned down 3 years for $27 M. He is getting older and is not a true elite TE. Nice, even good, player, but not elite.
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Post by macspak on Feb 8, 2017 13:54:21 GMT -5
here's a list of our UFA with one RFA; what would you do; what do you think happens?
Bennett
Bolden
Blount
Develin
Floyd
Sheard
Long
Branch
Hightower
Mingo
Ryan
Harmon
Butler
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Post by macspak on Feb 8, 2017 13:55:22 GMT -5
What are our positional draft needs?
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Post by macspak on Feb 8, 2017 13:57:01 GMT -5
BTW - Been awhile since I wrote/said this:
FUCK GODELL AND THE NFL
how do you like that you thieving, lying, cheating, hypocritical, jealous bastards................
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Post by oriolebill on Feb 8, 2017 21:26:19 GMT -5
here's a list of our UFA with one RFA; what would you do; what do you think happens? My thoughts...(OB)Bennett We let Bennett walk. He'll want more than we're going to want to pay. Work free agency or the draft.Bolden walksBlount resigns two year lower dollars contractDevelin resignsFloyd retain for one year prove it contract
Sheard walksLong resigns one yearBranch resigns two year contractHightower resigns for four years at a discount for injury historyMingo walksRyan We can't match the money elsewhere, walksHarmon resigns, not sure of contract lengthButler new four year contract
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Post by oriolebill on Feb 8, 2017 21:35:28 GMT -5
What are our positional draft needs? 1. L-OT/R-OG 2. DE/OLB 3. ILB 4. DT 5. TE 6. CB/OL 7. RB/QB We shouldn't trade Garoppolo unless someone offers us the moon. That said, someone will, which would allow us to restock multiple positions of need with quality talent. It's obvious that Brady isn't hanging up anytime soon.
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Post by brian2783 on Feb 9, 2017 11:51:33 GMT -5
I think Ryan is gone and Cyrus Jones...not sure. CB's are hit or miss and I didn't see enough to no warrant a pass at CB..so I would still draft another 1. Can't have too many good DB's. Coleman was DNP 2nd half of the year as well so I'd take one in a deep CB draft.
I think Hightower is priority but Harmon and Bennett are close. Harmon has made a nice role for himself here and i think we can all say that he is not a bust. He's actually pretty good in the role he plays and fits perfectly. Gronk is Gronk but having Bennett was sure nice as insurance. I also think we need to draft and develop a TE. Even if we keep Bennett he's 30 and Gronk won't last past 3-4 years so a nice 3rd option would be good.
I think we're set at WR especially if we bring back Floyd. Mitchell looks great and Jules and Amedola have the slot down...Amedola will restructure and come back....he loves it here and he knows he won't be in a better spot than with NE. Devin Lucien is also on the team so maybe a late round WR or URFA ...
I think RB has to be addressed. Blount won't be here forever and we need a down hill runner with some speed to balance out Dion and White who do pretty much the same thing except White is a great pass catcher and Dion is more Dynamic as a runner.
I like Jimmy G ...but i think he's leaves and we give it a go with TB12 for at least the next 3 years.
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Post by brian2783 on Feb 9, 2017 12:09:29 GMT -5
Mason is a dilema...because he was amazing the 2nd half of year and he did improve from rookie year. So he did make a jump and I don't think we need a Guard because we still have Tre Jackson as well and we never saw what he could do under Scar...so I'd let Mason develop another year and see if he improves, and also see what Tre Jackson can do in his 3rd year....I mean Cannon was being run out of town last year....and now he's developed into a top RT and I'd would argue even top 5 in the league.
Maybe if we get rid of Solder slide Cannon to LT? watch the tape... he was not giving up pressure on SB LI...he was a rock all year and how many can handle guys like Von Miller, Beasly etc like he did?
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Post by cass on Feb 9, 2017 15:18:27 GMT -5
here's a list of our UFA with one RFA; what would you do; what do you think happens? Bennett - This years A. Hicks, they try to keep him but he takes the money. signs with a team like the NYG. Boardering playoff team but needs a TE and will pay market price. NE is prob a year short, and 2 M short on per year money, so he leaves.Bolden - They keep him on a special teams player dealBlount - Let him wait out FA until a few weeks in. If no offers out there he will sign on a limited guaranteed 1 year deal, with incentives to make it upwards of 2 M based on playing time. That way they can still draft an RB if they get a chance.Develin - NE signs Develin to a 2-3 year deal. Floyd - Pitted against Dola, will offer him no more than 1 year 1.5 Million deal with incentives to make it 2.5 Million if he hits reception (say 250 K for 35 catches, another 250 K for 45) and TD bonuses (500k for 5 TDs)Sheard - phone is never even picked up, gonerLong - returns on 1 year deal, for 1M with playing time / sack incentives to make ti 2MilBranch - Team extends offer for 2 year deal, I think he is back as I dont see outside team offering him big money at his age. 3 or 3.5 M per year is reasonableHightower - this years Dmac. sets market for off the line LB position, makes fans sweat it out but team caves to his best offerMingo - back as long as not overpaid. dont see a market for him - low low money and low termRyan - Paid as #1 CB, NE thanks him but lets walk for that 2018 3rd round compensation pick. Could find his way back in NE downt he road if he doesnt play well as #1 CB.Harmon - will hope to sign him, but someone will pay him 6 or so M per year, and they don't go above 4. Harmon, like Ryan, could find his way back here is her is released within 2-3 years.Butler - receives the highest RFA tender of the first round tender - which is about 5-6 M. essentially a lower money franchise tag. That 1st round RFA tender starts clock on long term negotiations with a hard deadline of March 2018
Dola- Restrucure or cut. and WR becomes FA priority
FA: NE is aggressive at landing veteran TEs coming off down years, one guy I can see them targetng is Mychal Rivera from Oakland. had a good strectch a few yeras back but fell off hard
WR option to fill 4th and or 5th spot if we lose Floyd and/or Dola: KENDALL WRIGHT. Disappointing career, good fit for our offense. Would be this years Shea McClellen signing....3 year cheap deal and hope to strike gold.
Trades: Jimmy is dealt NE is aggressive in landing a TE to provide depth
Draft: CB, DE, S, OT are primary early round targets (1-3) OT, DE, LB, RB, TE, WR are mid round targets (3-5)
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Post by cass on Feb 9, 2017 15:36:37 GMT -5
do not think I will stay on the site, especially if I am attacked /stalked again by a elderly man....however.... great year, great win. never counted them out - as anyone who follows me on twitter saw. side note: i hate when my twitter takes are recycled by others, sometimes even word for word.
I do not think we have an issue with mason, I think he is a future all pro. people will disagree, but look no further than the resurgence of Cannon. LT is a bigger issue for me (and really, the only potential issue on the OL). Solder was horrible in SB51, but still he is an above average LT.
Needs: 1. We need youth at DE. Need to find another gem in tis draft at DE, where him and Flowers and bud into a great combo. I think Nink and Long both retire after 2017, so a DE is important here. Sheard is gone as well. I think we see more Shea McClellin and Van Noy at DE in 2017 also. DE in the first 3 rounds is very important for me. This is a position for the draft IMO.
2. youth at CB - I would love to see another rookie in the first 3 rounds. I have confidence in Butler-Rowe-Cyrus as our top 3 next year, but a rookie to develop into a potential start is crucial. Take someone in the top 3 rounds and they could be a starting CB by end of year 2. This is a position for the draft IMO.
3. S - we need a S to replace Harmon's role. The 3rd S is very important to our D - and allows Chung to be at his best near the LOS. Chung cannot play deep, as we all know and saw from 2011. This can be either FA Trade or Draft. And does not need to be a lot of money. It may even be wise to look at a former veteran CB and see if he can transition to FS (Sam Sheilds? Leodis Mcelvin? guys like that)
4. TE - while I do love the Rob Housler futures signing - a name NO ONE as talked about who I think could be the next 'Dion Lewis' futures signing where he has instant impact in his role.... We do need a developmental TE option with both blocking and red zone ability. I am counting Marty out, of course, but if he resigns this need goes away. This can be either FA Trade or Draft. And does not need to be a lot of money.
5. LB - I would like another young (and speedy athletic) LB, preferably in the top half of the draft, to develop into a good passing game option. Basically, the opposite of Eladon Roberts who clearly specializes in the run game. We need the passing tame equivalent to what Elandon Roberts is to the run game. Those traits would require speed speed athleticism and more speed. Look no further than guys like ATL's LBs. This could be a mid round pick, who in a few years develops into a full time player, but that role is important IMO ..... And would also relieve Van Noy and Shea McClellan off coverage duties and allow them to get after the passer, which is what they do best
6. OT - developmental option to take Waddle's place. From round 1 to 7, if they find someone who they think can develop into a starter, I am happy. Get Waddle out of here
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Post by macspak on Feb 9, 2017 19:34:40 GMT -5
Cas,
Welcome back. I hope you stay.
Your input and detail is a primary reason this site had value. FG was gone for a long time. Made a very recent brief return and disappeared again. If he comes back, debatable, I don't think he'll be attacking you or anybody. Brian is back adding value. Oriole Bill, Gin and Ofor have toughed it out. I tried to keep the site alive with inane and sometimes not inane rambling. Would be nice if MD returned. I think Pan and Duds never will return but boy could we use them. Pan was great come draft time. Duds often wrote with as much detail as you and IMO was a fun guy to have here.
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Post by macspak on Feb 9, 2017 19:47:34 GMT -5
Cas,
I agree with most if not all of your choices and reasons on our own FA's. Differ a bit on need priority. I place DE as our biggest priority. FA will dictate other needs. To be truthful I think any immediate needs will be addressed by signing new younger FA's under the radar but with potential or bargains or veteran giveaways by other teams. The draft seldom is for the immediate upcoming year but for the year after etc. I think TE will be a high round priority whether Bennett stays or goes but I think he prices himself out of NE. Players on SB winning teams may get paid but not by NE. May be time to move on from Bolden for rookie with higher upside. Love Develin. Mason had such a poor SB you really must wonder. Not getting rid of him but I wonder if he is too squat. ILB and OLB need talent upgrades. CB could be a 3rd comp pick. Solder scares me. I've never seen his play match his alleged talent. $11.1 M cap hit and getting up there. I could see a 1 - 3 spent on an OT, important position and we have no fall back and position is weak in FA and not deep in the draft.
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Post by macspak on Feb 9, 2017 19:53:47 GMT -5
Amendola - he had a great SB. When I watched again it seemed like every other 4Q and OT clutch reception was by him. We don't win either of the last two SB's w/o. Cap hit way too high but I think we need him back maybe at $2.5 M or so.
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Post by brian2783 on Feb 10, 2017 10:38:26 GMT -5
I also have DE as a priority. Someone opposite of Trey Flowers who can put pressure would give us a legit defense and great front 4 to go with Brown, Valentine and Branch if he comes back.
An athletic LB is also goo because it allows Van Noy more pass rushing time as well and he seems to do well rushing the QB.
Any free agents that people like that would like us to bring in?
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Post by macspak on Feb 10, 2017 19:44:43 GMT -5
I also have DE as a priority. Someone opposite of Trey Flowers who can put pressure would give us a legit defense and great front 4 to go with Brown, Valentine and Branch if he comes back. An athletic LB is also goo because it allows Van Noy more pass rushing time as well and he seems to do well rushing the QB. Any free agents that people like that would like us to bring in? Haven't studied that yet but probably a good time to do so. Have you found any sites providing full team lists of FA's?
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Post by macspak on Feb 10, 2017 20:13:04 GMT -5
here's a list of our UFA with one RFA; what would you do; what do you think happens?
Bennett - Good player. Nice combo blocking/receiving TE. I think he already has turned down more than I would pay him. If he doesn't accept a 3 yr $24 M contract let him walk EXCEPT I would consider franchising him at $10 M and using a high pick to draft a TE to learn next year and take his spot the year after. It is very possible that Bennett over estimates his own value and no other team comes hard after him. So, the realistic 3 yr deal is possible.
Bolden - not the money I am concerned about him but the roster spot. Bb's love of ST's may win out but I think we would be better served by replacing him with a rookie RB who has much more upside as a RB. I'm sure if BB wants him back he'll be back at very reasonable terms.
Blount - 1,100 yards and 18 TD's - how do you let that walk or replace it? He never will be the stud or complete back we want him to be but I doubt any other team is clamoring for him so he could come back on very friendly terms.
Develin - he and his toughness will be back. Probably on another 1 yr deal for $750K.
Floyd - Is having 5 veteran WR's too many? Floyd has size, speed and athleticism and can block. I'd love to have him back on a 1 year deal and don't forget he likely get's suspended for the first four games saving a roster spot and creating depth.
Sheard - didn't progress the way we hoped and I have top think his mid season benching left a residual impact. He may not want to be back and BB may not want him back. BTW, if MB, Floyd and Sheard walk they will not be signing contracts that return 3rd rd comp picks. MB maybe but I expect enough others will bypass his deal to push him down.
Long - I know he has intangibles, works hard, is a good team mate etc., but I think he is an old 32 and has lost his burst. Could be a nice depth low cost signing but wouldn't you rather have a younger more athletic DE who can develop?
Branch - Want him back and I am sure Pats do to. I doubt people come knocking down his door throwing tons of money at him so a return on a 2 yr deal is in order. Could anchor a very good interior DL over the next few years.
Hightower- I think a $14.5 franchise is too costly. Rumor is some other teams will throw more years and money at him than BB will or should pay. He'll take that 3rd rd comp pick BUT he really is important to this D and team and I have to think if BB can come close to years and money he will resign here. I also think BB is secure enough to let him walk if he must.
Mingo - resign him solely as ST. I have to think due to lack of break through in playing much D this year that another year won't matter. He came aboard much earlier than Van Noy. Maybe he is Bolden's replacement.
Ryan - I know everybody has written him off as if some other team will pay him #1 money. I don't see it. BB knows what he is better than anybody. I would like to have him back because he is good and continuity is a secondary is so important. Unfortunately BB probably considers him replaceable.
Harmon - nice 3rd safety. If others see him only as that perhaps he returns but I think a team or two will over pay him as a front line starter.
Butler - I'm not sure how the 1st round tender on a RFA works. Do we get to match that offer and if we choose not to we get their #1? Butler is worth more than a #1. How's a 5 year $62.5K resigning sound?
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Post by macspak on Feb 10, 2017 20:15:29 GMT -5
WR depth
Edelman Hogan Mitchell Floyd Amendola
good mix of youth and veterans and complimentary skills. What's wrong with that? I'd go to war with this group and groom a couple other WR's on ST's.
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Post by macspak on Feb 10, 2017 21:03:45 GMT -5
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Post by gln826 on Feb 11, 2017 8:42:25 GMT -5
here's a list of our UFA with one RFA; what would you do; what do you think happens? Bennett Bolden Blount Develin Floyd Sheard Long Branch Hightower Mingo Ryan Harmon Butler Bennett I thinks signs someplace else. He made only about 5 million, but will be looking for 8ish+ (too much for his stats, but worth it for his grit IMO), but think he will get about 8-9ish someplace else. Bolden useless as a RB, good special teamer, I think he will stay for just over the minimum. Blount I think he will resign for about the same as last contract. I think he loves it here too much. Develin I think he will stay for short money. Floyd will go elsewhere, because of his talent, he will get about 3-4 million (short contract, 1 or 2 years), but too much for BB to keep. Sheard is gone. he basically lost his job 1/2 way through the season and will be looking for about 8 million, he will not get it here (Chicago?). Long I think will sign a 2 year contract (being 32??) he will not get more years than that. I think he likes it here and finally likes the winning. Branch is worth more to the Pats than another team. I think he stays for 2 years 5 million. He has been getting pay cuts last couple of seasons and played for almost the minimum. Hightower.....tricky one. I think he wants to stay, but still wants to get paid. I think the Pats should put the "transition" tag on him (1st and 3rd). It will keep his price reasonable, and if someone signs him for more, would stink, but let him go and draft another LB. Mingo I think will stay for a 1 year "prove it" contract. I still believe he can do more (love his speed off the edge, maybe just hopeful). Ryan is gone. He will get about 9-10 million per year. He has 2 rings, so now money time. Harmon is gone, I think he wants to start and get starters money 4-5 million. Butler stays of course, no choice, but think the Pats pay him a year early (small discount, high guarantee 45) 5 years 70 million.
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