Vince Wilfork?

[SLATEmosphere]

Pats are one of the smartest organizations in the league, if they are letting him go you dont walk away from him, you run.

And once again, we have a probowl NT.

That is absolute horrible logic. I really hope your kidding. They MUST have known what's up with Asante Samuel. He must have been garbage and not be able to help their football team since they let him go.


Oh....wait.....He tore it up with the Eagles.

DBlair's logic :shoot2:

 

[Aikbach]

I know this isn't a popular opinion but I get the feeling the pats are on the decline, not their prime as the media suggests, Moss is 34 and just like TO its gotta catch up at some point as do the retirements and free agent defections on defense.

Mulroney wasn't exactly an unstoppable beast last year either, they managed an 11-5 campaign but they played in the weakest division in their conference, critics will always cry "No Brady" but his absence was over stated as Cassel played at a high level and was not responsible for any losses.

I think the Pats will be lucky to be 11-5 again in 2009.

 

[Jenky]

I know this isn't a popular opinion but I get the feeling the pats are on the decline, not their prime as the media suggests, Moss is 34 and just like TO its gotta catch up at some point as do the retirements and free agent defections on defense.

Mulroney wasn't exactly an unstoppable beast last year either, they managed an 11-5 campaign but they played in the weakest division in their conference, critics will always cry "No Brady" but his absence was over stated as Cassel played at a high level and was not responsible for any losses.

I think the Pats will be lucky to be 11-5 again in 2009.

I look at their roster and I beg to differ. They added so much depth. They have Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, and Maroney at RB. They added Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis at WR. They just signed Bodden and Springs (who only plays 2/3 of the season anyway). Secondary might be their biggest weakness but I can't see how they don't win the division.

Edit: forgot to mention the plethora of draft picks they added to the team.

 

[speedkilz88]

He wore down the stretch and wasn't nearly affective. If anything he hurt the team the last few weeks because he was so drained. I love how he gives 110% on every play but you have to look at what's best for the team. The truth is that he isn't strong against the run. His body takes a beating on every play trying to take on two guys. Here's where I think he can excel even more: If we can get a big NT stuffer like a Wilfork then Ratliff can come in and play NT on third and long or sometimes 2nd and long so he can still have some NT playing time. Other plays he's best suited as DE.

I don't think the Cowboys ever play 3-4 on third and long. They always go to the 4-3 or 46 or something don't they?

 

[SLATEmosphere]

I don't think the Cowboys ever play 3-4 on third and long. They always go to the 4-3 or 46 or something don't they?

Ya your right but they still have a DT or NT coming up the middle.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

I look at their roster and I beg to differ. They added so much depth. They have Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, and Maroney at RB. They added Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis at WR. They just signed Bodden and Springs (who only plays 2/3 of the season anyway). Secondary might be their biggest weakness but I can't see how they don't win the division.

Edit: forgot to mention the plethora of draft picks they added to the team.

I agree. The Pats are primed and ready to go. Wouldn't surprise me if they went 14-2. That Brady,Moss,Welker connection is deadly. They improved their defense too. Alot of depth.

 

[Aikbach]

I look at their roster and I beg to differ. They added so much depth. They have Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, and Maroney at RB. They added Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis at WR. They just signed Bodden and Springs (who only plays 2/3 of the season anyway). Secondary might be their biggest weakness but I can't see how they don't win the division.

Old, old and old, sounds like the 2000 Commanders albeit with a better quarterback.

When had Springs been anything but picked on outside of his rookie campaign in Seattle? And at 35 i expect more of it.

Greg Lewis? Whoppity do, Sam Hurd is his equal.

Galloway? Savy vet but going on 36, short and durability beginning to decline.

Fred Taylor? Why didn't Jacksonville keep him? Can you say Emmitt Smith circa 2003.

Sammy Morris, a mid 30s Bills castoff, terrific pick up, a real Tommie Agee on their hands.

They got names, big names, and if this were 2000 and not 2009 then they'd be stacked by their acquisitions.

 

[Jenky]

Old, old and old, sounds like the 2000 Commanders albeit with a better quarterback.

When had Springs been anything but picked on outside of his rookie campaign in Seattle? And at 35 i expect more of it.

Greg Lewis? Whoppity do, Sam Hurd is his equal.

Galloway? Savy vet but going on 36, short and durability beginning to decline.

Fred Taylor? Why didn't Jacksonville keep him? Can you say Emmitt Smith circa 2003.

Sammy Morris, a mid 30s Bills castoff, terrific pick up, a real Tommie Agee on their hands.

They got names, big names, and if this were 2000 and not 2009 then they'd be stacked by their acquisitions.

Sure they may be old. But I can see them starting every game with 5 wide again. Just like in 2007. Scoring at will, with no respect for any team, jacking up scores to 50 points....Seriously you don't think they'll end up atleast 11-5?

 

[Aikbach]

Sure they may be old. But I can see them starting every game with 5 wide again. Just like in 2007. Scoring at will, with no respect for any team, jacking up scores to 50 points....Seriously you don't think they'll end up atleast 11-5?

Obviously anything is possible, witnessed by Brady's injury in the opening drive of last season, but I think 11-5 is their ceiling. Wouldn't be surprised to see them limp to a 9-7 finish.

 

[tunahelper]

Actually, we can use our brains to see that it aint gonna happen. It is just a bargaining chip that never ever plays out.

Yet you corrected me as if it were fact? I simply left it open, since it is not decided. Please excuse me if you apart of Owners or Players counsel? Sir, please enlighten us on recent strategies?

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Yeah, unfortunately they're too good at making great draft-day trades to add picks and then using those picks on the right players to fall very far. A rash of injuries or something freaky can always happen, but they look as primed to roll on as any team in a long time.

When Brady declines is when they'll really have a chance of fading, but he's young enough that he should have several good years left.

Or if Belicheat quit... But it's hard to imagine that happening.

 

[Aikbach]

Yeah, unfortunately they're too good at making great draft-day trades to add picks and then using those picks on the right players to fall very far. A rash of injuries or something freaky can always happen, but they look as primed to roll on as any team in a long time.

When Brady declines is when they'll really have a chance of fading, but he's young enough that he should have several good years left.

Or if Belicheat quit... But it's hard to imagine that happening.

So you view the pats as more of a Elway era Broncos team, they rise and fall soley on the shoulders of Brady and even when medicore can mask it with the quarterback?

 

[Chocolate Lab]

So you view the pats as more of a Elway era Broncos team, they rise and fall soley on the shoulders of Brady and even when medicore can mask it with the quarterback?

I just think that QB is by far the most important position on the team as far as winning championships, and he's so good that there will almost have to be a huge dropoff when he's done.

 

[Aikbach]

I just think that QB is by far the most important position on the team as far as winning championships, and he's so good that there will almost have to be a huge dropoff when he's done.

I think last year showed they were good without him and his presence is overstated, I also think they are a team on the decline overall however.

 

[casmith07]

Dude seriously? What a FAIL on using the "this ain't madden" post. I don't know why you guys are thinking it's dumb for Rat to move over. Vince Wilfork is a baller and a complete game changer. Whoever said he wasn't obviously does not know how football works. He makes things happen for the linebackers and a complete monster against the run. Imagine him on our defense. He's the missing peice.Steelers,Pats,Ravens. All the legit 3-4 defensive teams have a Wilfork.

Screw Rat if he wants to whine about moving to DE. It's in the best interest for him and the team. If he wants to whine and be a big baby then GOODBYE. He actually pisses me off when he refuses to play DE. Ratliff is a very flawed NT in a 3-4 scheme. He's better coming off the edge. If he wants to play NT on 3rd and long then that's fine but Wilfork is a force to be reckoned with.

:madden:

 

[AbeBeta]

Yet you corrected me as if it were fact? I simply left it open, since it is not decided. Please excuse me if you apart of Owners or Players counsel? Sir, please enlighten us on recent strategies?

Oh, it is totally decided. The owners aren't going into an uncapped season because they know they will NEVER get the cap back. They have a situation now where they actually have cost certainty and some control over how much salaries rise. They allow an uncapped season and it is all out the window. They would lock players out first. The players on the other hand would gladly have a true uncapped year but know that is not a reality. Players would need more years of service to be free agents - 6 years to be exact. Teams would have 3 tags to use. Players don't want that at all because it means that only a few guys are going to benefit. Loss of that much UFA movement would be a good reason to strike.

You've got two sides who don't want that uncapped year. What it really amounts to is a serious motivation for both sides to get something done

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

Ratliff doesn't want to play DE.

I know but the guy is a DE. I wish he were more open to playing out on the end. NE must really like Ron Brace if this is true. I really really wanted that kid. We need a strong huge DT.

 

[LarryCanadian]

If the guy doens't cost draft picks and checks out health wise and attitude wise, I'd like to bring him in. It really does open up a lot of options on the Defensive line, and actually helps out at a few spots. Raitliff is a stud, BUT he does wear down (last year late in season he wasn't as dominant) AND apparently Rat is in the ice tub after every game, beat to hell, because he isn't a natural fat body etc.

This way, you could spell Rat and put him at end if needed if Hatcher doesn't finally step up.

We trimmed a lot of salary, I know for Ware mostly, but if he doesn't cost us picks, I think he would be a good complement to Rat. I really don't think Saivvi (sp?) who is close to 30 already and hasn't played for 2 years and the other big body that is currently hurt are the answer as backups, and again we are held hostage if Rat gets hurt (even if Olshansky and Spears can gap-fill - it hurts overall line, and these guys don't play inside much as true Nose Tackles). This is our biggest depth issue now if you ask me.

LarryCanadian

 

[SLATEmosphere]

If the guy doens't cost draft picks and checks out health wise and attitude wise, I'd like to bring him in. It really does open up a lot of options on the Defensive line, and actually helps out at a few spots. Raitliff is a stud, BUT he does wear down (last year late in season he wasn't as dominant) AND apparently Rat is in the ice tub after every game, beat to hell, because he isn't a natural fat body etc.

This way, you could spell Rat and put him at end if needed if Hatcher doesn't finally step up.

We trimmed a lot of salary, I know for Ware mostly, but if he doesn't cost us picks, I think he would be a good complement to Rat. I really don't think Saivvi (sp?) who is close to 30 already and hasn't played for 2 years and the other big body that is currently hurt are the answer as backups, and again we are held hostage if Rat gets hurt (even if Olshansky and Spears can gap-fill - it hurts overall line, and these guys don't play inside much as true Nose Tackles). This is our biggest depth issue now if you ask me.

LarryCanadian

Vince Wilfork is a UFA after this year. Spears will most likely want Canty money or close to that. Replace him with Wilfork and draft the LT out of Texas. That's all I want.

 

[AbeBeta]

I know but the guy is a DE. I wish he were more open to playing out on the end. NE must really like Ron Brace if this is true. I really really wanted that kid. We need a strong huge DT.

I really don't think that DEs make the probowl at NT. He was outstanding last year and to mess with that would be silly.