Fun thread, guys. Always glad to start a discussion.
The amusing thing is, Felger and Mazz are the only two who actually seemed to like the draft as of Friday. I imagine they'll stay on that track today since it's a) Contrarian, b) Felger was right about them taking a QB early and c) Garappolo was on their dart board draft board.
Anyone bit the bullet and listen to these guys to find out if Tommy was correct?
I listened to Holley and agreed with most everything he said. His time writing Patriot Reign gives him unique perspective and he's one of the few non over-reactionary media members. For instance, when Dale was complaining about Easly's knees keeping him out of the starting lineup, Holley set him straight by calmly pointing out that Wilfork and Warren began as backups as well.
The funniest is when someone says something like, "I wish they had taken more of a sure thing, like Tuitt!" Really? Because you've heard of him and he was mocked to the Pats a few times, that suddenly makes him a sure thing? Have you actually watched him play? Maybe if this was 2002, but Tuitt is not a first round DL for what Bill is trying to build now. Not even close. In fact, I'd go as far as saying that Easly is more likely to hone out a role on this team this year than Tuitt would have been even if you factor in the knee issues. I know who I'd rather have on the field on 3rd and 8. And even if Easly only gets back to 70% of what we see on the tape (a generous assumption given that one of his knee injuries was already in the past at that point) that is still more than Tuitt is likely to amount to.
Nobody is saying 'cut Brady'. But let's be real, folks. He's a B+ now where he used to be an A+. Most teams in the NFL would kill for a B+, who's strength is reading defenses, knowing the offense inside and out, and being an ultimate competitor.
Great posts, Tommy. It looks like I kicked off a good ol' Brady Bashing (relatively speaking, of course
) It is good to see that most people can see the trend without getting upset about it.
I know I said I hate the "Brady Window" but I'll use it in this context: The window on Brady's Super Bowl Window is already closed.
No, I'm not saying there is no way that Tom will ever get another ring. I'm saying that B+ Tom Brady is no longer so much better than the other guy to make up for a roster deficiency. You get mega-value over the course of an entire season - and a couple wins in your back pocket - but once you get to the playoffs, B+ Brady is in line with the guys who are taking the field from the second round on.
That is really what I was going for with my 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 comment. I personally don't think Matt Ryan is anywhere near as good as Brady, but I don't think any of those playoffs change with the swap.
Since there is no great advantage to having Brady from the AFCCG on, you might as well build as if there was no window consideration at all.
Picking up a kid with measurables and leadership ability (And if you didn't watch Eastern Illinois last year, he really was the whole damned team), not much of an ego and a willingness to learn? Yeah, you do that when your starting QB is 37. It's smart business. How to Build a Team 101.
Yup. Look at the contracts backup QBs signed this year. You are talking about guys who will make more this year than JG's entire contract will be.
Would I rather get an immediate impact guy and be promised that Tom's eventual replacement is guaranteed? Of course! Who wouldn't?
But quality QB isn't assured, particularly when you are drafting at the end of the round, it is harvested. For anyone who wants to make the "too early" case, my rebuttal would be:
* You get two years to determine whether JG is the heir apparent and plenty of time to reverse course if not. This may not be valuable to the fan, but it carries a great deal of weight with the team.
* If he is the heir apparent, you have an NFL caliber starter for $4mm over four years and then you get to sign him at a depressed value because no one else in the league knows how good he is. Even if you give him the max market value, it is still below true value.
I hated the Mallett selection. Wanted nothing to do with him. So it may seem like I'm going back on that, but this is a much different situation. First, I think this kid looks like a better fit for this offense. More importantly, though, is the fact that Mallett had no chance whatsoever to replace Tommy unless he Tonya Hardinged him. As much as Brady talks a good game, he ain't playing beyond four years unless NE has no other options.
In fact, if one of these new hogs shines in camp I wouldn't be surprised if Mankins gets the Turk this season, and offset the $8 mil cap hit with a 6th rounders salary.
I haven't checked recently, but I recall that Mankins' cap hit actually rises this year if he is cut. Unless they get some relief, he'll stick around no matter how much his play has slipped. That's why I'm eyeballing next year.
Personally I really like the draft for the picks for the trenches. Easley will take some time to burn in but I loved him at Fla. and his talent was undeniable. ACLs just ain't what they used to be. Stork will likely earn the starter's spot before wk.1 at C. Wendell will be cheap insurance. Connolly and Mankins were both sent msgs loud and clear.
Yup. Back when my kids were making me watch the Denver loss every day - thank God Comcast removed the replay from on demand - I sent Tina an email that said "If I'm the Pats, I'm looking at an all LOS draft - all DL, OL and TE." I LOVE that they loaded up on OL and that they have a new ball of razor wire on the DL. Every fan knows you win games on the LOS, yet they still bitch when you invest in the OL in lieu of snagging an exciting receiver.
HSANDERSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!! wuv
If BB had wanted to keep a base 3-4 2 gap defense he would have replaced Seymour at some point IMO.
I'm not sure I agree 100%, simply for the fact that Seymours don't come around that often. You could even look at Brace's selection as a sign that back in 2009 NE was still completely committed to the old style. IMO, it was only in the past 2-3 years that the defense has undergone a shift.
What I, myself would like to see and this is nothing against Brady, but have another 1 or 2 more good years and then trade him for a stock load of high draft picks.
I doubt this would happen, but I would have no problem at all with it. One of the benefits of just being a laundry rooter.
Wouldn't shock me to see Big Vince relegated to 3rd-and-short and goalline situations.
Unless Vince's leg is shot, that would surprise me. I think Bill is just hoping to get to the point where no DT is relied on for more than 65% of the snaps. Start bringing the terror in the 4th quarter!
First of all, I count Armstead for absolutely nothing.
You may not, but the tea leaves suggest that the Patriots did last year... and continue to do so.
