Conference rdvax::new_england_patriots

    #1. Sign a top-rated cornerback to play with Law, Milloy and Clay.
    #2. Dump Hitchcock and Smith, keep Reynolds (he makes a great 2nd
    stringer..
    #3. Sign a top-rated DL (probably in the middle somewhere) Keep Slade
    and McGinest.
    #4. Sign a top-rated OLB. 

    I would just concentrate on the Offensive/Defensive lines. Everything
    else seems to be okay. Max Lane didn't help his cause on Sunday...a 
    better tackle to watch Bledsoe's back would be welcomed. Some huge,
    quick DL's would help too.
    
    Also...I'd like to see them draft that kid (if available) from UMiami
    who blocked all those punts.
    
    Maj

    
    
    I agree they should go D-Line in the Free Agent market and
    in the draft if some-one is available.  However, I disagree
    with -.1 about Max Lane.  Lane played pretty well despite being beat
    twice late in the game.  Before that, I didn't hear Reggie's name
    too often.
    
    FWIW
    
    CF

I don't really see any of the Pat's assistant coaches being the next NE head
coach.  Bledsoe is lobbying for Chris Palmer (who probably will be hired as
the Charges offensive coord).  I don't think Palmer has the experience to be a
head coach.  That would leave Carroll (probably the best fit), and Sherman
Lewis (?? GB OC), and maybe, even, Jerry ("leave a ticket for Elvis")
Glanville.  I'd be surprised if it were not one of those three.

As for personnel:

#1. Resign Chris Slade.
#2. I hate be the first to say this, but Megget is showing his age.
#3. Ricky Reynolds and Bob Kratch are gone.
#4. Not sure what to do with Vincent Brisby.  Shawn Jefferson just can't
    catch the ball, but it's nice to have him around.
#5. An dominant OLB.
#6. Dave Wolenbaugh (sp?) is only in his second year, but the pats might
    want to consider a more physical center.

I wouldn't tinker too much with the core personel.  The important thing is
getting a head coach who knows a lot of good assistant coachs.

    RE: .3 You wern't looking very carefully earlier in the game
    when Lane was getting help from someone else to double on White.
    Right up until somewhere in the middle of the 3rd quarter I believe, 
    White was seeing a double team thrown at him. Then all of a sudden
    the next time the Pats got the ball, the double on Reggie was
    gone, and Lane was left to contend with Reggie for the balance
    of the game, and he got thoroughly schooled by Reggie. Madden
    made several comments on this some time during the third quarter,
    when he saw Reggie hopping over Lane who looked stupid trying to
    cut Reggie.
    
     2
    b

    
    There's no way an O'lineman can block a good D' lineman, especially the
    caliber of White when the other team knows you are going to pass. Now
    if Bledsoe ever learned to step up into the pocket or get out of there 
    half his sacks wouldn't have happened....
	Marino is no faster than Bledsoe, he doesn't get caught like Drew..

    
    For the draft:
    
    If the Pats do end up with the number one pick I'd definatly take OL
    Orlando Pace. If not I'd take a CB, maybe even trade down into the
    second round if they can get a good one there. Somewhere in the 
    later rounds of the draft I'd get someone like a Desmond Howard guy
    just for returns and dump Megget.
    
    In the later rounds (2cd, 3rd, 4th) I'd try to work on OL if possible.
    Also another pass rushing DL might be nice.
    
    				Sean
    
    

    >>                                                                Now
    >>if Bledsoe ever learned to step up into the pocket or get out of there
    >half his sacks wouldn't have happened....
    
    If you had looked real close at those sacks, you would have
    actually seen that Drew was up in the pocket. it's that the
    pocket collapsed when a hell-bent Reggie White hurdled over
    a bewildered Lane. For almost the entire game the left side
    side of the pocket held up for Drew. It was usually the right
    side of the pocket that collapsed, and of course this brings
    the defender closer to Drews throwing side. On the getting out
    of the pocket when necessary, I'll agree on though. He'll
    learn in time to make a read on when the pocket looks like it's 
    going to collapse, so that he can compensate for his lack of
    speed, and pull himself out of there at the earliest opportunity.
    I'd rather see him discipline himself to stay in there as long
    as possible though rather then adopt a habit of panic. The pocket
    can be beefed up by aquisitions and situational substitution of lineman.
    Marino has the learned savvy of experience that Drew is still
    attaining. Drew in time will attain the knowledge.
    I also agree that it's too early to give up on Lane. I'm sure he
    learned more in Sunday's recent 60 minutes of football than he had
    in the previous 12 games or so.
    
    
     2
    b

    
    Pete Brock was on the radio Monday night..he states that it takes a
    good 4-5 years together to mesh as an O'line...the trouble with that is
    that with free agency is usually doesn't happen. He also thinks this is
    why most teams have gone away from the rush and focused more on the
    passing game. He claims to have known all of Hannah's moves and where
    he had to place himself when Hog moved a certain way.....made sense..
                                                         

    
    I agree with someones statement that Reggie White was double-teamed 
    most of the game but when Lane had to take him one-on-one he got his
    butt kicked. Reggie did just about everything, bull-rushed him, leapt
    over him, you name it. Lane's a pretty good offensive lineman but was 
    outmatched here. I'm not sure who would do well one-on-one with Reggie
    White, he's certainly in a class by himself.
    
                                  Sean
    

    THIS JUST IN OVER THE WIRE!!!
    
    The NFL has ruled that the NE Patriots have rights over Bill Parcells
    in the 1997, and any team that wishes to hire Bill, in any capacity,
    will have to first negotiate with New England.
    
    This means that the Pats can ask for just about anthing they want from
    the Jets before they hire Parcells.
    

    The Pats have to 1)sign Siefert 2)Trade Blowzoe he will never win a SB		
    send him to SF for Steve Young and Bryant Young and their #1 3)Take
    Payton Manning to take over for Young in a couple of years
    4) sign Sean Gilbert 5) draft the fastest CB and Punt Returner
    with your other #1 sign a offensive lineman . and with
    another high pick get a fullback to groom behind Gash and
    the other fullback	
    
                     BLOWZOE SUCKS BLOWZOE SUCKS
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

Re: *.11

>>  in the 1997, and any team that wishes to hire Bill, in any capacity,
                                                        ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I may have gotten this wrong, a Sports Illustrated news release states.

"... According to the ruling, Parcells could pursue other
business opportunities, such as broadcasting or non-coaching
positions. There was no indication as to whether Parcells could
take a team's general manager's job, then assume the coaching
duties one year later."

    I'd put Ron Ernhardt in place for the 1997 season and keep my 
    draft picks. 
    
    I would then hire Parcells for the 1998 season.
    
    Of course I'm not the Jets.
    
    Two best lines heard regarding all this:
    
        "The Jets record just dropped to 1-16."
    
        "Looks like the Jets will use their #1 pick to draft...erh...get
         Bill Parcells....but unlike their other previous first round picks
         they already know he can't play football...;^)."

    >>              <<< Note 262.12 by FABSIX::J_BARRESI >>>
    >>                   -<  TUNA LEAVES THEM PATSES >-
      
    >>              BLOWZOE SUCKS BLOWZOE SUCKS
    
    
    Another wonderful example of infantile expression.
    
     2
    b

    I don't know, maybe it is me, but I can't figure out how the EXPERTS
    think Bledsoe is above average and the fans ( I'll call them that for
    lack of a better term), says he SUC*s.......We go to ONE superbowl in
    11 years and all we can say is BLOWZOE S*CKS......I guess it had
    nothing to do with the GB defense, play calling, abandonig the run,
    DB backs getting burnt, suicide squad getting burnt...NAH, it was
    ALL drews fault.....ya, who figures, the guy has been here 4 years and
    we make the playoffs twice and one superbowl appearance, I guess that
    DESPITE a lousy QB....

Re: .14: *grin* Those were good lines.

    
    
    C'mon guys, don't you know that the only position in
    football that matters is the QB???  The Pats only won
    13 of their 19 games this year so OBVIOUSLY Bledsoe is
    a bum and we should trade him for an un-proven college
    QB that has trouble throwing the deep ball?
    
    Geez.......
    
    
    
    
    

    You get a running game of 150+ yards a game and I'll bet ya anything
    that Bledsoe will pick apart any team and be ranked #1 or #2 in the 
    league. They have a ton of weapons but they need a RUNNING GAME every
    week..
    
    1st pick = OL
    2nd pick = OL
    3rd pick = DL
    4TH pick = DL
    
    If we get a 150+ running game defense will be resting on the sidelines
    and extra 10 minutes a game which makes a BIG DIFFERENCE in the 4th
    quarter..
    
    	   	

    Gee if they could get Orlando Pace and George Seifert and then draft
    a D lineman then who needs Bill!
    
    As for the Bledsoe bashing without him last year they don't even make
    the playoffs! Here is two games off the top that they lose, Jets and
    Giants. I guess he must have worn Otis Smiths number when he got beat,
    and the he got a hold of Lawyers Malloys shirt and was out there for
    that play and then he quickly got a jersy from the special teams so
    he was also responsible for that TD.
    
    So I guess we should trade him as its all his fault!
    
    Leo

    
    	Bledsoe is above average when you compare him to the rest of the
    QB's in the league...albeit it's a lousy crop overall.
    
    Buff - Collins (Bledsoe better)
    Jets - O'Donnell (Even but Bledsoe to more Pro Bowls)
    Indy - Harbaugh (Bledsoe could use his guts - Bledsoe's talent better)
    Miami- Marino (Marino better for maybe another year)
    
    Pitt - The 3 headed monster (Bledsoe better)
    Cinn - Blake - overrated (Bledsoe better)
    Hou  - Chandler/McNair (Bledsoe better)
    Jax  - Brunell (Wait until he throws more TD's than INT's - Bledsoe
    better)
    Balt - Vinny (Even based on this year)
    
    KC - Bono/Gannon (Bledsoe better)
    Oak - Hostetler (Bledsoe better)
    SD - Humphries (Bledsoe better)
    Sea- Mirer/Friesz (Bledsoe better)
    Den- Elway (Elway better)
    
    And that's just the AFC...
    

    According to Chris Mortenson of ESPN the Jets offered 2 #2 picks plus 1
    million to the Pats. Pats said no and want the #1 pick this year.
    This will probably be resolved quickly
    
    Mike

What are you using as a gauge???  Is this your opinion???

What makes Bledsoe a better QB than Collins, Harbaugh, Brunell, Hostetler and Mirer ???
I would trade Bledsoe for Brunell anytime. I agree that Bledsoe is an above average QB...... 



_sbn

    .21 
    
    Subjective at best ......... try this one on ....... who (among QBs)
    would you trade Bledsoe for right now .... even-up.
    
    The only two that come to mind for me are Elway and Favre ...... and
    they both are older than Bledsoe by about 5-6 years (Favre) and
    10 years (Elway).
    
    Neil O'Donnell ???   Vinne Testaverde ???  Surely you jest.
    
    
    greg
    
    

    Well, Elway may have the overall career stats, but I would definitely
    not trade Bledsoe for him.  Drew still has too much upside potential. 
    I'm willing to give him another 2 years.  With a new coach and/or
    system, he could improve.  Alternatively, he could go into the tank.
    
    I agree with the concept of having a solid running game to make him
    even more effective.  The one thing with Marino, is that he never had a
    consistent running game over time.  He's had a few guys that had a few
    100 yard games, but no one that was there game after game.
    
    The Pats have Martin, but their O-line is clearly more effective pass
    blocking than run blocking.  And the Pats don't have the bruiser back -
    a Cszonka sp? or Riggins or even a Bettis.
    
    But, apparently some folks are frustrated, and the QB usually takes the
    heat for the team's performance.  Kelly will be remembered for his 4
    consecutive super bowl failures, not, unfortunately his team's 4
    consecutive trips to the big game.  They had to win a lot of games just
    to get there, but that's old news.
    
    	Ted

    REPLY TO 262.15	 
    
     Okay lets state the facts on Mr. Blowzoe
     I don't have anything aganist him I just don't yhink you can 
     win a superbowl with a one dimenional QB in the 90's. The
     defensive players are to good of an athlete you need a
     QB who can make a play from nothing and run when he has to
     to keep the D honest and who can make throws on the run under
     presuure. Blowzoe can't do these things,also he is the worest
     on the QB sneak and needs to learn to use the shootgun. Since
     the AFC won the SB only one immobile QB has won a SB
    that was Mark Rypien and he was MVP that year, also in that game
    Tim Smith ran for a record 203 yards so he didn't need to be the 
    man. Good teams know to beat the PATS you have to stop Martin and 
    force Blowzoe to beat you GB knew that if blowzoe had to throw
    40 or more times and Martin didn't get 25+ carries that they would
    beat the Pats .Take the Whale and BLOWZOE To the JETS 
    
    PS BLOWZOE SUCKS BLOWZOE SUCKS BLOWZOE SUCKS BLOWZOE SUCKS BLOWZOE
    SUCKS 
    
    

    re -1
    
    Feel better now?
    
    
    //

    maybe its just me but don't you think someone lost money on bledsoe????

    Bledsoe is really having a tough streak. Goes to the Pro Bowl. Rents a
    car. Dealer calls back next day says please bring back the car. Your
    not old enough to rent a car. ( must be 25)
    
    Mike

    
    .23 - My own opinion, which is what these notesfiles are all about...
    
    	Bledsoe for Brunell??  Never...Brunell is overrated, the media just
    fell in love with his scrambling ability...who was that guy that threw
    the critical INT with 3 minutes left in the AFC Championship???
    
    .24 - Good points, I'm talking right now...
    
    .25 - Bledsoe's been in the league 4 years, his "upside" consists of
    next year maybe, we all should have an idea of what to expect out of
    him based on his first 4 years...
    
    .26 - Tim Smith ran for 200+ yards in the 1988 SB when Doug Williams
    was the QB, not in the 1992 SB, when Rypien was the QB for the Skins.

re: .21


     Favre is only 2� years older then Drew Bledsoe.  I agree, Favre
is about the only one I would trade him for at this moment.

-D

    Ya, maybe favre right now, but 2-3 years ago, weren't they running
    Favre out of town?

    
    But we are paying Drew TWICE as much as even the people
    everyone admits are probably better (Favre).
    
    And a bazillion times as much as the ones we might debate
    about (Brunelle).  I'd take Brunelle in a heartbeat.
    
    That Blowzoe guy may rankle you, but the facts are that
    defenses DO know how to stop him and he IS a 1-dimensional
    QB.  Why do you think the guy has so many INT's and tipped
    balls?  He's as readable as the Sunday comics.  The only
    thing saving this boy from himself is that he does have
    the BEST arm in all of football.  Thank heavens.
    
    That'll go a long way towards compiling great killer stats,
    and if that's how you wanna judge your QB's, go ahead.  Eason
    had great stats, too, and so did Fouts.  But 1-dimensional
    QB's win SB's about as much as domed teams do, and multi-
    dimensional QB's who may have "average" passing skills 
    generally better the team's overall chances.  
    
    I'd prefer to have a more well-rounded QB, someone who maybe
    doesn't break every passing record in the book, but who,
    when the play isn't executed 100% perfectly by everyone else,
    can make something out of it. 
    
    Above that, Bledsoe is overpaid.  And that leaves less $$ for
    whatever else we may need (and with Drew, that will be OLine,
    OLine, and more OLine).
    
    - Sean

    Pats have a news conference at 11.30 on Parcells.
    
    Mike

    Bill Parcells left the Patriots and gave a cryptic farewell speech.     
    Stating that he and Bob Kraft had "minor philosophical differences" he
    wished the team well and thanked the fans. But he would not say what
    his future plans are or go into detail as to why he is leaving. After
    being asked repeatedly what the problem was between him and Kraft, Bill
    replied "If you hire a cook, the cook should by allowed to buy some of
    the groceries"!
    
    I'm sorry, but I think the Tuna is just letting his ego get the best of
    him. He didn't want to buy some of the "groceries", he wanted to buy
    *ALL* of the "groceries". This is his way of getting back at Kraft for
    taking away his control. In my opinion, despite the praise he lavished
    on the team and the Patriots organization, Parcells only cares about
    one thing: *HIMSELF*.
    
     I believe Bill is a fine coach but he needs to be reminded of what       
    Mike Ditka said recently. When asked how he felt about not getting
    total control of the Saints, Ditka replied, "I don't need total
    control, I've grown up now." I hope the Tuna grows up some day. 
    
    
    Gary S.

    First question is about to be answered. Pats have called a noontime
    press conference to announce that Pete Carroll is the new coach.
    
    Mike

    
    	According to this past weekends paper, there were bigger problems
    during the '96 draft then just Terry Glenn. Apparently when Parcells
    was overrided by Kraft/Grier in selecting Glenn. Bill got so upset that
    he did not participate in the rest of the draft. Grier proceded to finish
    the draft and drafted ALL the players in '96 (Milloy, Bruschi, etc...).
    	The big difference in philosophy between Kraft and Parcells. Is
    that Parcells believes in drafting by what he perceives as the position
    his team most needs. In '96 it was a DL that Parcells thought the team
    needed most. Kraft believes in taking the best available player first,
    then selecting by need if 2 players are rated the same.
    
    Ron

     I'm havn't read much about the Parcells & Kraft soap but on the
     surface, it seems Kraft is sticking his nose into the "football
     operations" of the Pats. IMO, the owner shouldn't be telling the
     coach how to run the team and who to select in the draft. I don't
     blame Parcells for leaving IF this is really the situation.
     Perhaps Parcells did make some bad choices in acquiring some past
     free agents but that shouldn't result in diminishing his role
     on how to address the team's needs come draft day.

     Parcells bluntly stated, "it's now Bob Kraft's team". Sorry, but I
     don't like the sound of that. Kraft is a good business man and
     needs to effectively run the business end of the franchise but leave
     the day-to-day football decisions to the people who you hired.

     Now, the Pats hire some guy that the Jets fired. Sorry, but
     Pete Carrol's resume doesn't quite match up to Parcells. 
     The Patriots were a better team with Parcells and his coaching
     staff. The franchise was a better team with Parcells and his
     coaching staff. 

     I hope I'm wrong but I think the franchise is heading in the wrong
     direction as long as Kraft continues to influence the day-to-day
     operations of this football team.

Re *.38

>>  I'm havn't read much about the Parcells & Kraft soap but on the
>>  surface, it seems Kraft is sticking his nose into the "football
>>  operations" of the Pats. IMO, the owner shouldn't be telling the
>>  coach how to run the team and who to select in the draft. I don't

You accessment is not entirely accurate.  Kraft did NOT stick his nose directly
into the football operations per se, but on how decissions should be made.
Parcells wanted to draft a DL, regardless of where the DL stood on the
"talent" rating chart.  Bobby Grier and 'others' (not sure who this comprises
of) wanted to draft via talent.  Bob Kraft did not say "draft Glenn".  He said
that the decission should be made by the organization.  That there should be
a consensus of how the drafting process should be made.  Kraft then went
back and reviewed who would be at NE if they drafted via talent vs need.
The list of players that organization bypassed because it didn't fill their
at that moment was impressive.  The list of players picked because we needed
someboby/anybody at a position was fraught with expensive failures.
QED.

    Steve's assesment is closer to the consistent version of the 
    overall issue that I've been hearing.
    In this past weekends Sunday Globe were several articles. One of which
    started on the front page, continued back to page 18.
    This article was the basis of an interview with Kraft. The article
    also had somewhat of a chronology of the draft day fiasco.
    Apparently when Parcells got into a disagreement with Director
    of Player Personnel Grier over the first round pick, and it spilled
    over into a discussion with Kraft getting involved, the argument
    was one of spending money wisely, and gaining a consensus from the
    organization (which included all the coaches, the scouts, and Kraft
    also had his input). Parcells apparently continued to be upset at 
    Grier & Kraft, kicked a door, and stormed out of their war room set
    up for the draft. Grier remained with some others not named to continue
    picking the latter round picks which included Lawyer Malloy, Bruscci,
    and a few other players, I don't recall. I'm wondering now if Bill
    Parcells didn't have a longer oustanding feud with Grier, and perhaps
    had asked Kraft to get rid of Grier in favor of someone else, and
    Kraft essentually stood up for Grier much to Parcells' disatisfaction.
    There were other things mentioned in the Sunday Globe front page
    article about Kraft's early life in Brookline Mass. where he went to
    school, and how his career path led him through his cardboard paper
    business, and becoming owner of the Patriots. It was an interesting
    collage of information. Kraft apparently in recent weeks had been
    pleading with the Globe to not go through with printing the article,
    as he felt there were negatives in the article he preferred not being
    printed. He finally gave in though and agreed to an interview to 
    supplement the other information in the article.
    
    
     2
    b

    
    According to the USA TODAY, Pete Carroll agreed to a 5-year contract
    with the Patriots today. 

    Pete Carroll is the NEW head coach of the patriots....They had a 
    press conference at noon time today with kraft and Carroll.....
    
    So, now we wait to see what happens with the jets-Parcell
    situation...sounds like talks are that NY hire Bill belliceck
    as the interim coach until next year, then they bring bill aboard
    in february.....Oh well, at least we can move forward and start
    to build for "97"........

   Great news, if you're a Jets fan. 

   The Parcells era starts now by getting his coaching staff in
   place early. I'm sure his 'personnel preferences' will be
   clearly established and adhered too. And of course, they get
   to keep all of their draft picks. Next season will be a rebuilding
   year for the Jets and Parcells will run the show from behind the
   scenes. 1998 will be the turnaround year for the Jets and Parcells
   can grab the reigns.

   Maybe I'm looking at the class half empty but I see these events
   as a major blunder for the Patriots.

   The AFC east will be an interesting division with Johnson, Parcells
   Levy as the competition. :-{

    
    Well I think its great news as a Pats fan, and for the first
    time in a long time, I'm starting to feel "connected" to my
    beloved Pats again.  Regradless of the scandal, Bill was
    always a Rent-A-Coach to me, a hired gun come from the 
    Mighty NFC to save our sorry butt team from itself.  I never
    liked thinking the Pats could not do this without a mercenary
    coach and I look forward to seeing us have a great set of seasons
    with a set of great homegrown drafts over the years and a 
    coach not prefaced by "the SB coach from xxxxxxxx."
    
    - Sean

    Based on his record on evaluating and paying free agents with the
    Patriots maybe the Pats will be lucky if Parcells gets full control of
    all personnel decisions with the Jets. Since the Jets payroll is
    already one of the highest in the NFL he will have little room for
    error.
    
    For all the hype that surrounds Parcells his record with the Pats was
    exactly .500
    
    		32 - 32    Regular Season
                 2 -  2    Playoffs

    
    	The Jets better hope that New England doesn't find evidence of
    Parcells running things behind the scenes. If Parcells is caught even
    talking to the Jets, or any coaches associated with the Jets in '97.
    The Patriots will file tampering charges and have a good chance of
    winning there case. The Pats would then ask Tagliabue to give them
    the Jets '98 1st round pick as compensation. So the Jets aren't out of
    the woods yet, they still can't talk to Parcells.
    
    Ron

      > The Parcells era starts now by getting his coaching staff in
      > place early. I'm sure his 'personnel preferences' will be
      > clearly established and adhered too. And of course, they get
      > to keep all of their draft picks. Next season will be a rebuilding
      > year for the Jets and Parcells will run the show from behind the
      > scenes. 1998 will be the turnaround year for the Jets and Parcells
      > can grab the reigns.
       
     This is simply hogwash. This is exactly what Parcells/Jets should  
    NOT do this or Kraft will have even more ammunition. Fact is the Jets 
    need help EL PRONTO. Parcells can give them what the want NOW, instant 
    credibility. A year is long time in the NFL and alot can happen. People 
    can change their mind as we saw with Parcells. He is a great coach, no 
    question. I say he IS worth it and the Jets better grab him now while he 
    is available. I still wish he was with us. 
    
     But I still side with Kraft. The best thing right now is to have Bill 
    NOT coach against us. Besides if he went to the Jets we would probably 
    lose alot of our assistant coaches to the Jets.
    
    //    
    

>    with a set of great homegrown drafts over the years and a 
>    coach not prefaced by "the SB coach from xxxxxxxx."

     Perhaps, you'd like to rehire Dick MacPherson ? gag.

     The Pats WERE a "sorry butt team" before Parcells. He brought
     instant credibility to this franchise. Not to mention a slew
     of new season ticket holders the day after his appointment.

     You can say whatever you want about Parcells, but the bottom
     line is the Patriots lost a great coach and most of a top notch
     coaching staff to an AFC east competitor. Assuming that Belichick
     takes the Jet's coaching position for next season.

     Undoubtedly, the Pats have a formidable task to regain the momentum
     of last season with a new and untested coaching staff.

    Paul,
    I couldn't agree with you more that the Pats have lost a great coach.
    But on the other hand with Parcells always coaching year to year this
    day was inevitable. 
    I also think that the way Kraft has set up this team is the correct way
    to go. If Parcells couldn't live with that then he should leave. With
    the Salary cap in the NFL now it's almost impossible for one man to
    handle all of the duties. The Niners, Cowboys, Packers and most of the
    top teams are set up like Kraft has set up the Pats.
    Pete Carroll is right now a long way from Parcells the coach. Who knows
    what's in store for him. In 2 years we'll know.
    
    mike
    

    Interesting how many of the players are now admitting that the last
    month has been filled with distractions but were singing the opposite
    tune during that month.
    
    The Jets have been calling Kraft and asking for permission to speak
    with Parcells and Kraft (ya gotta love 'im) returned with the
    suggestion that the two teams talk compensation before Parcells can be
    contacted.
    
    Kraft is playing hardball. He was quoted as saying the Jets can keep
    their #1 pick and talk to Parcells...they'd just have to give the Pats
    K. Johnson, H. Douglass, and A.Glenn.
    
    I'd take the last two and give them the Patriots first round pick. The
    Jets get three of the first 31 picks...and a proven NFL coach. The Pats
    in return receive two defensive players who will have immediate impact.
    
    Anyone got Kraft's telephone number?
    
    Maj

The Jets have called a press conf for this afternoon where they are expected
to anounce Bill Belichek as their next head coach.  Rumor has it that the
contract is for one year.

Btw, Krafts mentioning of the three Jets' players in in violation of NFL rules.

 rep. 30

>    	Bledsoe for Brunell??  Never...Brunell is overrated, the media just
>    fell in love with his scrambling ability...who was that guy that threw
>    the critical INT with 3 minutes left in the AFC Championship???

     In case you didn't see the Pro bowl, Brunell was named MVP and
     looked impressive. Bledsoe, even though he was the starter, looked
     abit rattled. so what else is new ?

     (btw, don't you think Bledsoe deserves a dedicated topic)

    I wouldn't read much into the Pro Bowl one way or the other. It is 60
    minutes of "garbage time" ( this year almost 70 minutes ).
    

    
    
    Pro Bowl performance is worthless, besides, Tim Brown deserved the
    MVP anyways.
    
    Five catches, 147 yards and a TD.....no one was better.
    Not that it matters.
    
    CF

	re Kraft fans... Here's one for you... Mr Kraft did save the Pats
 by buying the team, but he's also the one that raised the tickets price,
 drove one of the best coach out, kept 2/3rd+ of the SB Tix for himself
 /friends, raised the parking price, probably will raise the Tix price quoting
 that SB teams cost more to see, and trying to get build a stadium where
 parking will be allocated to a chosen few.

	This really shows what he thinks of the regular people/fans. Also
 all the negative articles about Parcells, I would bet that he does not
 want to be looked at the one that drove Parcells away, therefore all the
 negative Parcells press......

	Don't know the real truth, but I hope the teams does go to the dumps
 with an owner wanabe coach.....

	Norm

    re. .55
    
    Kraft kept a lot of tickets but it was nowhere near 2/3 +.
    
    Please document your calculation.
    
    Each player ( and presumably coach ) got 30 tickets each. That is 
    1500-1600 out of the Patriots allotment right there.

    
    	Each participating team got 12.5% of the tickets. Nobody knows
    for sure what the total available tickets to the game were available
    to the NFL. The Superdome takes tickets off of the top from the total
    available. Estimates range from 68K-78K, giving the Patriots anywhere
    from 8,500 to 9,750, Kraft gave out 5K or more then half.
    
    	Parking, Would you have liked to continue paying Eddie Andelman
    for parking? Kraft bought the lots from Andelman/Partners, thus has
    debt. Yes, he raised tickets, again because of the debt from buying
    the team. As far as Parcells leaving, I don't blame either Kraft or
    Parcells. Kraft believes in checks/balances and a TEAM concensus.
    Parcells believes in an I concensus.
    
    Ron

    RE: PRO BOWL
    The best part of the Pro Bowl was the $1,000,000 dollar kick at
    halftime. In fact, that was the only part of the Pro Bowl that I
    watched!
    
    
    Gary S.
    

    RE Pro Bowl 
    The kick and the fiancee.   :^)
    
    Mike

>>                      <<< Note 262.56 by GLRMAI::WILKES >>>
>>                         -< 2/3 + is an exaggeration >-

>>    re. .55
    
>>    Kraft kept a lot of tickets but it was nowhere near 2/3 +.
    
>>    Please document your calculation.
    
>>    Each player ( and presumably coach ) got 30 tickets each. That is 
>>    1500-1600 out of the Patriots allotment right there.


	I believe that I read that the total amount of Tickets allocated to
 each team was 12,000 (can't document this because I threw tha  news papers
 away (recycled;-)). 

	Of that, 5,000 to the Fans, approx. 2,000 to the players/ coaches
 (remember the stuff about the players complaining about their tix being out
 there in the wilderness?), leaving a total of at least 5,000 tix for Kraft
 and is buddies.......

	OK, it's not 2/3rd, it half of them......

	Norm

    
    .52 - And I suppose that Colts should dump Blanchard and the Panthers
    should dump Kasay and sign up the guy who made the 35 yarder for a
    million bucks.
    
    Just kidding!
    
    	If there's ever a useless game, it's the NFL Pro Bowl.  A game like
    that plays to a panicy QB, seeing that there is no set defense designed
    to contain a scrambling QB.  And Brunell panics worse than Bledsoe! 
    Wait until next year until you make the call on Brunell.

    The point is that some people feel that Brunell is overrated.

    I don't. 

    Though the pro bowl is rather meaningless, I don't think that 
    his notable performance was just yet 'another' coincidense.

I can't decide whether Brunell is the most talented QB to play the game,
or the luckiest.  Time and time again, he just throws the ball straight-up
and down the field into a pack of players, and his receivers end up catching
the ball.  I've seen him do this so many times it can't be just luck, but then
again it couldn't possibly be planned (it even worked with Ben Coates).

Speaking of Brunell's talent is really a moot point though, because he'll
surely end up getting hurt during next season.  Unfortunately, every QB who
runs around in the NFL ends up getting hurt.  Defensive players are just too
big and fast to avoid this fate.  Fans like to remember the excitement of
watching a Grogan, an Elway, a Kelly and a Unitas - but they forget how much
downtime they required.

    
    	Brunell was doing nothing much (execept for throwing for tons of
    garbage time yards) when the Jags were 3-6.  Then Means came on the
    scene and started averaging 4-5 yds a rush, which made opposing teams
    focus on the Jags running game and not Brunell.  If you look at his
    stats late in the year, his yards went DOWN, his INTs went DOWN because
    of this.
    	But when the Pats took away the Jags running game in the AFC
    Championship Game, it was all up to Brunell, and the result was zero
    TD's.
    	At least Bledsoe got the Pats 21 points against best defense in the
    league, Green Bay.
    

 Don't know if the author is the 'real' Gino Cappeletti but I like
 the suggestions. fwiw. 

 Snagged from the Pats web site



Author: Gino Cappeletti
Subject: Pete Caroll's staff -- free agents

Gill Santos and I do all the Pats games and we have some suggestions for
Pete --

Coaches: QB coach (1 Steve Grogan -- He lives nearby, will be dedicated,
and knows
the passing game -- He can show Drew the pocket and shot gun. 2nd Joe
Theisman
3rd -Dan Fouts -- Best retired pocket passer)

OF coord: -- Sam Wyche -- Studys the game even from the booth -- Knows
Pats from covering them -- Good all around man asst/head coach)

Linebacker coach: -- Steve Nelson -- lives nearby, would love to work
for Sidwell his old coach.
Free Agents: - Bruce Smith would love to get back to Superbowl & Win (ala
Reggie White -- He'd be tough to stop next to Willie on that end.
Any Pro-bowl corner available like Woodson (w/exception of D. Green --too
old)
Is Niner's Hanks available?
Compensation from Jets -- Take 2nd pick this year and next, since Pat's
will be picking later
than Jets next year, and you won't have to sign them for as much as #1,
saves sal cap for
free agents... And resign Troy Brown, Larry W, Todd Collins.

BEST OF LUCK, Pete, Bob Kraft, Drew and the team. See ya first pre-season
game.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
            [ Submit New Message - Back to the message index ]

    
    
    Well, with the Parcells fiasco finally over, we can all turn our
    attention to the free-agent chase which begins this Friday.  The
    Pats need some help, specifically, O-line, D-Line, outside LB,
    and DB.
    
    Position by position breakdown:
     
    
    T  - Armstrong is not getting any younger, so this area should
    	 be addressed in the draft as Bruce has a few good years left
    	 in him.  
    
    G  - Randall McDaniel is a free agent and would pay immediate
    	 dividends.  He's 32-33 years old though.  William Roberts
    	 could follow the Tuna to NY.
    
    C  - Wolabaugh has played well, but Steve Everitt would be a great
    	 pick-up - although he's going to be too expensive so I doubt
    	 we'll see anything here.  Personally, I say give Wolabaugh a
         chance.
    
    DB - Woodson?  He's certainly lost a step.  Pete Carroll is close
    	 with Aaron Glenn so he's a possibility.....Tom Carter from
    	 the skins is also a solid choice.
    
    DE - Neil Smith isn't going back to KC....apparently, they were a 
    	 little disappointed in his performance last year (he's 30) but
    	 he'd be a great compliment to Willie and only make him better.
    	 Fontenot from the Bears is a free agent, not an impact guy like 
    	 Smith, but a solid fotball player.  Robert Porcher from the Lions
    	 is also a possibility.
    
    DT - Sean Gilbert or Gilbert Brown - although S. Gilbert is going
    	 to be named a franchise player in Washington.
    
    
    LB - Is Chad Brown worth the $10 million he'll be looking for? I like
    	 Darrin Smith from Dallas.
    
    
    
    FWIW, of course....but we need to make some moves!
    
    
    CF
     

Re *.66

CF brought out some good points. IMHO, I wouldn't go after a guard unless
we can't get an OT.  Max Lane is probably better suited as a guard so NE
could move him to that position.  I thought Roberts did ok last year, but
considering that Bob Kratch was paid the same salary a Bledsoe (shocking
isn't it?) we might consider losing him.  Other that Orlando Pace, this
years college crop doesn't have much in the way of OTs (receivers are also
pretty weak), so we might have to go free agency to get one.

I'm most interested in who will be the offensive coordinator.

    
    
    Offensive coordinator = Larry Kennan, Oaklands QB coach from 
    last year.....don't know anything about him, though except
    that he did most of the play-calling out there.
    
    The crop of Offensive lineman drops waaayyyy off after Pace.
    I know there's a kid from Northeastern (yes! Northeastern) that
    could be a 1st round pick or an early second rounder who might be
    worth a gamble.
    
    Personally, with their 1st pick, I'd like to see them go defense.
    Just MHO, though.
    
    CF

    
    
    Looks like the 'Skins are trying to keep a few of the FA's I like.
    The labeled Sean Gilbert franchise player meaning they can match
    any offer he accepts and they also named Tom Carter a transition
    player.  A tranistion player gives the current team must offer him
    at least the average of the top 10 CB's in the league to maintain
    the "right of 1st refusal" - whatever that means?
    
    CF

    Tony Siragusa might be an alternative to Gilbert. He's one tough
    run stopper. Put him and Wheeler/Pio in front of Johnson and noone
    should be able to run the middle. 
    
    Mike 

    
    
    The Globe indicated that the Goose was on the Pats list
    of free agents to pursue...

    
    
    Desmond Howard?

    someone told me this morning that he is in NE today to meet and talk 
    about the possibility..I  was told the packers, colts and NE are
    interested!!!
    
    I am sure he is commanding big buck, plus wants to play Offense not
    just special teams!

Yesterday the Pats signed the following free agents:
running back Derrick Cullors, linebacker Chad Reeves, defensive
end Josh Taves; signed guards Marquin Bivins and Tom Claro, wide
receiver Larry Ryans and tight end Michael Warren.

Anyone know anything of these players?  I would guess that by signing
two guards that someone's job is in jepardy.

    I predict none of those free agents is around after the second
    preseason game.
    
    NAZZ

    
    I've been out on the sidelines for awhile (injured) and have read some
    interesting views in this topic to which I would like to state my views 
    to recent happenings:
    
    Bledsoe - I have to agree with the person who made the point that the
    Pats had scored 20+ points in the Superbowl, all on long drives. Even
    Madden made a comment that Bledsoe did'nt play too bad, and said it in
    a surprising statement. I don't think Farve had that much of a better
    day than Bledsoe except in the INT column, even considering his long TD
    passes. After the Superbowl I am even more convinced Bledsoe can win
    the big one.
    
    Parcells/Kraft - Parcells departure is kind of the fault of both and
    a shame. Personally I will miss him as the Pats coach, as he could 
    get more out of his players than anybody in making believe in
    themselves. But now he is with a division enemy so I hope the Pats beat
    the #!*@ out of the Jets for as long as he is involved with the team.
    I also think that the Jets organizational structure is one of the worst
    in the NFL, way too many cooks in the soup, and better be careful not
    to step on Parcells toes if they want to keep him. 
    
    Pete Carroll - A statement was made about Carroll being a lousy coach
    because he was fired by the Jets (after one year going 8-8) but the Jets 
    then hired Kotite and gave him total control for two years and one of the 
    worst losing percentages, so don't tell me how brillant the Jets are.
    My first impression of Carroll is a very positive one and seems like
    he has the ability to keep this team moving in a forward direction. As
    a defensive coordinator for SF he had one of the top-notched defenses,
    which should be a positve thing for our defensive unit, and as a head
    coach for the Jets was'nt really given a fair chance. Carroll said he 
    had learnt alot and made a few mistakes about head coaching. My only
    concern is that since the Pats had to start so late in assembling the
    remaining coaching staff Carroll may not have all the ideal people he
    may want. There is also going to be a transition period where both
    coaches and players get used to each other. Considering the Pats have
    a hard schedule next year, it may be a tough year. Luckily they have 
    alot talent and confidence so hopefully that will be able to get them 
    through many of the games. BTW, maybe Carroll could convince Merton Hanks 
    to come to the Pats to improve our CB crop.
    
    Draft/Free Agency - Since our pick is so low in the Draft it might be 
    worth trading it to get into the second round, thereby saving some 
    dough this year, unless they can get a good CB. Draft needs are CB and
    both OL and DL. I don't know how much money the Pats will spend on
    free-agents this year but I don't think it will be that much. Its hard
    to justify it when they went to the Superbowl with one of the youngest 
    teams in the league. Merton Hanks would a good free agent pick IMO.
    
    Anyway good luck to Pete Carroll and the rest of the team for next year
    and kick some Jets butt.
    
    				Sean
      

    
    Sean - I think Hanks is a safety and the Pats are OK there.
    They need some help on the corner more than anything....
    
    Also, with re: to Carroll's short stint with the Jets.  Wasn't 
    Leon Hess trying to hire Rich Kotite away from the Eagles when
    he was there?  I think the Jets were trying to get him but he
    was tied into a contract with Philidelphia so they hired Carroll
    who was the next best guy in their eyes.  Then Jeff Lurie bought
    the Eagles and wanted to bring in his own coach so he fired Kotite
    and hired Ray Rhodes, thus making Kotite available.....when Hess saw
    the guy he originally wanted, he fired Carroll and went on to hire
    Kotite.  
    
    I guess it's not that the Jets weren't willing to give Carroll a 
    chance but the guy they wanted became available so they told Carroll
    to hit the road.  BTW - i think he was 6-10 that year in NY.
    
    
    CF

I find it interesting that, in light of all of the criticism of Otis Smith, the
Tuna is trying to lure him to the Jets (Globe this morning).  Then I read that
the Patriots were going to make it a priority to see that he stays put.  Either
Bill is just a lousy judge of talent and the Patriots simply want to deny him
what he wants, or he's really better than most of us seem to believe.

Curious...

dave

Re: *.78

I agree with you Dave.  Smith got burned once last year (while the safety
was wondering around lost) and everyone is dumping on him.  The fact is
that in the NFL single coverage against a top receiver means getting burned
once and a while.

BTW, does anyone know how much of the salary cap Smith is taking up?  That is
probably the going to be the biggest issue.  Parcells is also after Troy
Brown.  IMHO, the Pats second best receiver.

    I thought Smith did a decent job last season, better than anyone else
    they put on that corner.  I think he's making the minimum against the
    cap, since he was picked up after the Jets cut him, but I may be wrong
    about how that works.
    
    NAZZ

    
    Form ESPN Sportzone:
    
    FOXBORO, Mass. -- The New England Patriots re-signed two unrestricted
    free agents Monday, agreeing to terms with wide receiver Troy Brown and
    defensive end Mike Jones. 
    
    Terms of the contracts were undisclosed. 
    
    Brown, 25, posted career highs in 1996 with 21 catches for 222 yards.
    He also averaged nearly 22 yards per kickoff return, including a
    career-high 51-yarder at Baltimore on Oct. 6. 
    
    Jones, 27, started 12 games last season, recording 36 tackles, two
    sacks and a fumble recovery. He was a second-round pick by the
    Cardinals in 1991 before signing with New England as a free agent in
    June 1994. 
    
    Since joining the Patriots, Jones has started 31 of 45 games.
     

    re .81
    
    Good news is right --- I was afraid they might lose Troy Brown to the
    (ugh) Jets !  Even though he's third or fourth on the WR depth chart,
    he (imo) is the most clutch receiver they have.  Great hands and runs
    excellent patterns.
    
    Glad to see Mike Jones is back too.  Now they need to work on keeping
    Todd Collins before he signs with the Bengals.
    
    DF
       

    
    The New England Patriots signed eight-year veteran offensive tackle
    Zefross Moss on Monday.
    
    Moss, an unrestricted free agent who was with the Detroit Lions, is
    expected to start at right tackle, Patriots coach Pete Carroll said
    Monday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
    
    Moss started 15 games for the Lions in 1996, anchoring the right side
    of the line, but missed the final game against San Francisco because of
    a knee injury.
    
    Moss, 30, originally was signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 1988, but was
    released before the season started. He later was re-signed by the
    Cowboys and then obtained by the Indianapolis Colts in 1989 and the
    Lions in 1995.
    
    

    
    I guess Max Lanes performance in the SuperBowl might have hurt him
    from keeping his starting role.
    
    Personally I don't see many people handling Reggie White very well 
    one-on-one.
    
    				Sean
    

    
    Whoops, just read the Max will likely be moved inside to guard.
    
    Hopefully we will have a better running game on the right side this
    year. Supposedly Moss has impressive size and strength.
    
    				Sean
     

    Moss played for the new Line coach at Detroit last year. He should know
    what this guy can do. 
    
    Mike
    

    
    Veteran guard Kratch released by Patriots
    
    April 2, 1997 
    
    FOXBORO, Mass. -- Veteran guard Bob Kratch, who lost his starting job
    after suffering an injury this past season, was released Tuesday by the
    New England Patriots. 
    
    				

	And it looks like the Patriots have reached agreement with
	linebacker Todd Collins ... a two year deal reported to be
	worth about $2.1 million each season ...

	So, the Pats release Kratch and his $1.5 million salary,
	sign Moss, a big right tackle, and re-sign Collins ...

	The Globe also reported that the Pats may not re-sign
	William Roberts, that they are restructuring Dave Meggets
	contract, and that extensions for Curtis Martin and Ben Coates
	are the next items to be addressed ...

	Wow, while not earth shattering news, or even head line grabbing,
	these are all good things that will help the Patriots for the
	near future ... its good to hear about all this smart management
	and good sense coming from a Boston area sports team, a great
	change of pace from the Bruins and Celtics of late. :-)

	Vinny

    
    
       You forgot the to mention the Red Sox also......

    
    Read this morning that Indy just signed a defensive tackle to a long
    term deal and may not want to offer Tony Siragusa a contract to return.
    
    Personally I'd love to see this guy on our team. He's good at just
    about every aspect of his position and can collapse the pocket.
    
    You have to feel good about most of the starters returning. And the few
    pickups the Pats have made seem to only improve the team. Don't want to
    rush the year but, is it August yet?
    
    				Sean
     

    Sean,
    I agree 100%. Siragusa is a good run stopper and a decnt pass rusher.
    Put him, Pio, and Wheeler in a rotation with Johnson behind and there
    shouldn't be much running the middle.
    Well the draft is 2 weeks away and if your checking the web for info
    stop at NFL.COM.   Great coverage there.
    
    Mike

    
    From what I've seen ESPN's Sportzone Web page has more extensive
    coverage than even NFL.COM.
    
    Good charts on the top ten prospects for each position and profiles
    on each player eligible for the draft (and there are a lot).
    
    				Sean

    Read in todays' Herald that Byers has decided to re-up for the $600,000
    his contract calls for.   Says he debated leaving NE to follow Bill P
    but thought that this was really the place he wanted to be....lots of 
    good young players here, new Coach seems to really have his head on 
    straight (not a quote, but a rough interpretation) & wants to stay with
    a winner.    Article also said that Gash is coming along better than
    expected after the surgery & with Byers as a receiver/back to spell Sam
    the Pats backfield looks good for the coming campaign.
    
    ed

    Corrie Croom is gone. Signed as a free agent. I forget with whom.
    
    regards,

    It's great that Gash is coming along from his surgery But I'd like the
    Pats to draft a blocking FB for depth. Byars is a very good backup but
    to me the Pats lost a lot of run blocking after Gash's injury. A kid
    like Mark Edwards (who also is coming off knee surgery) might be
    available in the 3rd round.
    
    Mike

    
    RE .94
    
    I beleive that Croom was released last year by the Pats during preseason
    and did'nt play anywhere at all during the 96 season. He could have
    gone anywhere last season, but I don't think he was given an offer.
    
    So actually we really did'nt lose him.
    
    			   Sean
    	 

    I was pleased to see in the paper today that the Pats have re-signed
    Larry Whigham to a two year contract.  I like this guy's attitude, and
    the way he plays.  Every football team needs players like Whigham.
    
    NAZZ

    
    Me too. He is a leader on special teams, and may see more time in the 
    backfield because of his play on special teams.
    
    I love the fact that the Pats are trying to keep the team together.
    It will only be a benefit to the team as a whole, as despite the fact 
    they were in the SB last year, there is still alot of upside potential
    to this team.
    
    Looking at the projected roster in the Patriots Football Weekly, it
    looks as though they have good solid depth at just about every
    position. 
    
    This years cuts will be interesting...
    
    				Sean
    

    FOXBOROUGH - Three-time Pro Bowl tight end Ben Coates will remain with
    the New England
    Patriots through the year 2000 after agreeing to a three-year contract
    extension Friday. The
    28-year-old Coates caught 62 passes for 682 yards and a career-high
    nine touchdowns last season.
    In six seasons, he has started 60 of 96 games and totaled 325
    receptions for 3,696 yards and 34
    touchdowns. "Ben Coates is the premier tight end in the league today
    and is a vital part of our
    offense," said Patriots owner Robert Kraft. "Two years ago, we made a
    long-term commitment to
    quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Since then, we have made long-term
    commitments to wide receivers
    Terry Glenn, Shawn Jefferson, Vincent Brisby and now tight end Ben
    Coates in an effort to maintain
    one of the top offensive arsenals in the league into the next
    millennium." 

    Now all they need is to tie up Martin and Martin for a few years and 
    they will have tied up all of their top performers for the next 3 years. 
    
    Mike

    
    This may not be the place to put this but for those interested the
    same people who do the Patriots Football Weekly newspaper have created
    a new web page (http://www.pfwonline.com/). It basically contains most
    of the articles and pictures that are in the newspaper, with an addition 
    of daily updates for those of us who can't get enough of whats happening 
    (myself included).
    
    The webpage was created for the intention of providing people who live
    far away and get the PFW late, to have access to the information before 
    the game. 
    
    Right now it is going to be free of charge until mid-August. After that
    you can only get access if you subscibe to Patriots Football Weekly.
    
    My own impressions are that the site is well done and provides some
    good lunchtime reading.
    
    				Sean