The Pats have showed over the last couple weeks that they are operating their offense without Moss....but not having him there on the field will be a huge setback for the Pats.....the double teams, the top corners will all hit up on the other guys and the offense is gonna drop in production....i see no way around it.
IMO BB can't be that dumb...i expect another pickup soon like maybe a Vincent Jackson
IMO BB can't be that dumb...i expect another pickup soon like maybe a Vincent Jackson
Pats far from dumb.
Moving Randy Moss frees up valuable cap space, much of which will go to signing a much more productive Wes Welker to a 3 or 4 year extension something they have to do. Young burner Brandon Tate is Randy Moss twelve years ago, a deep threat with great potential. I am not saying he will have the HOF career Moss has but he is the heir apparent to that speed receiver spot and will draw plenty of attention from opposing secondaries.
Which brings up what the Pats are reverting to this year. Trading Moss is a sure sign that the Patriots are reverting to the quick-strike, short-yardage offense they ran when Charlie Weis was the coordinator from 2000 to 2004. One that Brady is the master at.
Also, it’s worth noting that while the Pats championship teams never had a big-play receiver like Moss, they did have a much better defense, so it remains to be seen whether or not this year’s group can get it together in time to help shoulder the load.
Which brings in the possibility of the missing piece in the Pats D. a shut down corner.
Enter Champ Bailey who is all of a sudden available. The 32-year-old Bailey is in the final season of a seven-year deal and can become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Coach Josh McDaniels said Friday the Broncos want Bailey to finish his career in Denver but suggested the timing just wasn’t good right now.
Bailey said the Broncos’ decision to postpone talks on a deal after submitting a proposal to his agent last week, however, makes him wonder if he’ll soon be playing somewhere else.
Bailey also suggested on his weekly radio show on KXDP-FM this week that, given the stalled status of his contract talks, he wouldn’t be surprised if he’s traded by the Oct. 19 deadline.
“There’s so many people just changing teams. I just think anything can happen at any time,” Bailey said. “So, I’m telling you, if you’re a guy in your last year or you want a new contract or you’re a free agent, you might go somewhere else. Do I really need to spell it out for you?”
Bailey said the Broncos’ decision to postpone talks on a deal after submitting a proposal to his agent last week, however, makes him wonder if he’ll soon be playing somewhere else. He would be the perfect addition to a young aggressive Patriot defense and be worth 3 Randy Moss' as far as making the Pats a better team goes.
Logan Mankins is another possibility. If he will simply make a public apology to Bob Kraft the Pats can make him the highest paid guard in the NFL and that fits in perfectly with the new two tight end offense.
An offense featuring Welker rookie TE and potential star 20 year old Aaron Hernandez, Alge Crumpler and 21 year old Ron Grownkowski. Throw in multi purpose Julian Edelman and now Danny Woodhead and it's easy to see where BB's offense is headed. Hard running Green Ellis Ben Jarvus has blossomed into the RB the desperately needed, no much so they were able to dump inconsistent and fumble prone Lawrence Maroney to Denver where he still struggles.
Bottom line here is BB knows he wants a different team than the one that has had to outscore people to win and was exposed badly in last year's first round playoff loss to Baltimore..
Getting rid of Moss was a step in that direction, how they will use the rest of
the $9M Moss was due to earn this season remains a mystery that may be revealed during the upcoming bye week..
I can see Bailey signing a 3 year offer with a option for 4 in the $40M range along with a fat signing bonus. Chump change to Kraft who wants the Pats back in the SB bad enough to pay for it..
The Pats brain trust are well aware how much shelf life Tom Brady has left, now is the time to make one more run with him before he heads to Canton..
wil..
Moving Randy Moss frees up valuable cap space, much of which will go to signing a much more productive Wes Welker to a 3 or 4 year extension something they have to do. Young burner Brandon Tate is Randy Moss twelve years ago, a deep threat with great potential. I am not saying he will have the HOF career Moss has but he is the heir apparent to that speed receiver spot and will draw plenty of attention from opposing secondaries.
Which brings up what the Pats are reverting to this year. Trading Moss is a sure sign that the Patriots are reverting to the quick-strike, short-yardage offense they ran when Charlie Weis was the coordinator from 2000 to 2004. One that Brady is the master at.
Also, it’s worth noting that while the Pats championship teams never had a big-play receiver like Moss, they did have a much better defense, so it remains to be seen whether or not this year’s group can get it together in time to help shoulder the load.
Which brings in the possibility of the missing piece in the Pats D. a shut down corner.
Enter Champ Bailey who is all of a sudden available. The 32-year-old Bailey is in the final season of a seven-year deal and can become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Coach Josh McDaniels said Friday the Broncos want Bailey to finish his career in Denver but suggested the timing just wasn’t good right now.
Bailey said the Broncos’ decision to postpone talks on a deal after submitting a proposal to his agent last week, however, makes him wonder if he’ll soon be playing somewhere else.
Bailey also suggested on his weekly radio show on KXDP-FM this week that, given the stalled status of his contract talks, he wouldn’t be surprised if he’s traded by the Oct. 19 deadline.
“There’s so many people just changing teams. I just think anything can happen at any time,” Bailey said. “So, I’m telling you, if you’re a guy in your last year or you want a new contract or you’re a free agent, you might go somewhere else. Do I really need to spell it out for you?”
Bailey said the Broncos’ decision to postpone talks on a deal after submitting a proposal to his agent last week, however, makes him wonder if he’ll soon be playing somewhere else. He would be the perfect addition to a young aggressive Patriot defense and be worth 3 Randy Moss' as far as making the Pats a better team goes.
Logan Mankins is another possibility. If he will simply make a public apology to Bob Kraft the Pats can make him the highest paid guard in the NFL and that fits in perfectly with the new two tight end offense.
An offense featuring Welker rookie TE and potential star 20 year old Aaron Hernandez, Alge Crumpler and 21 year old Ron Grownkowski. Throw in multi purpose Julian Edelman and now Danny Woodhead and it's easy to see where BB's offense is headed. Hard running Green Ellis Ben Jarvus has blossomed into the RB the desperately needed, no much so they were able to dump inconsistent and fumble prone Lawrence Maroney to Denver where he still struggles.
Bottom line here is BB knows he wants a different team than the one that has had to outscore people to win and was exposed badly in last year's first round playoff loss to Baltimore..
Getting rid of Moss was a step in that direction, how they will use the rest of
the $9M Moss was due to earn this season remains a mystery that may be revealed during the upcoming bye week..
I can see Bailey signing a 3 year offer with a option for 4 in the $40M range along with a fat signing bonus. Chump change to Kraft who wants the Pats back in the SB bad enough to pay for it..
The Pats brain trust are well aware how much shelf life Tom Brady has left, now is the time to make one more run with him before he heads to Canton..
wil..
I just don't see a lot of options on offense now... Welker will still get his catches for sure, but other guys are going to have a really tough time getting open i'd think. There's little to no running game, and their defense is having a tough year already (minus the ridiculousness in Miami last week). It's not so much what Moss did as far as production goes, but he did attract the attention of 2 defensive players almost every down. Their 3rd and 4th WRs? Julian edelman and Taylor Price... I mean, you can't throw EVERYTHING underneath - at some point defenses will catch on.
This will be a huge test for BB and the rest of the team, and I am not expecting them to fare well.
This will be a huge test for BB and the rest of the team, and I am not expecting them to fare well.
Moss was given alot of attention by the defense, he was also given alot of attention by Brady. I think they might even out when it is all said and done. Against the Jets moss was thrown to 10 times for two catches and 2 Ints. If you have a reciever who isn't happy, he isn't going after the ball as hard as he needs to, and he isn't runnning routes as hard as he could than what is the point. He will produce big numbers for the vikes and work hard, which he wouldn't have done for the pats.
It is rported by Troy Brown that BB and others tried to talk to Moss after the Fins game only to get the silent treatment. After a win like that and him acting the way he did, what choice did they have,
Now Brady can go back to finding the open reciever.
It is rported by Troy Brown that BB and others tried to talk to Moss after the Fins game only to get the silent treatment. After a win like that and him acting the way he did, what choice did they have,
Now Brady can go back to finding the open reciever.
In the defense of Randy Moss by Bill Belichick and his former Patriot teamates....
FOXBORO - Patriots coach Bill Belichick called a special news conference to explicitly describe Randy Moss’ influence and stomp out any misconceptions.
Players spoke in front of live microphones and in whispers away from the crowds, but their message never wavered.
While Moss was officially introduced as a member of the Minnesota Vikings yesterday, the public was left wading through stories about Moss allegedly being a poor teammate. Stories leaked of Moss’ petulance and feistiness, of halftime dust-ups and disruptive behavior.
Those inside Gillette Stadium were adamant in disproving those theories that arose as Moss walked out the door.
“He was really a pleasure to coach,” Belichick said. “He made a lot of contributions to this football team. Our conversation (Wednesday) was consistent with what they’ve been over the last four years: Honest, open, very forthright. He’s been very helpful to me, personally, and a good teammate.”
Belichick explained the decision to ship out Moss was made in the team’s best interests, saying, “We’ve won more games than any other team in the last decade. I hope we can continue to win them going forward.”
Belichick was his most fiery when addressing reports of his apparent rift with Moss.
“There was never any incident or discipline problem with Randy,” Belichick said. “There never has been one with me in four years.”
Belichick did not deny Moss had an exchange with quarterbacks coach Bill O’Brien over his touches, and Wes Welker shrugged it off as Moss being “a competitor.”
But Belichick called a report of Moss refusing to converse with him on the plane back from Miami “not true. A total fabrication.”
The Patriots did not discriminate, even taking issue with the words of former teammates - ESPN analyst Tedy Bruschi [stats] and NBC analyst Rodney Harrison [stats] - both of whom had labeled Moss a problem.
Nose tackle Vince Wilfork lashed out at Bruschi. “I don’t know what Tedy’s bringing up.”
Defensive tackle Gerard Warren, whose name has been sullied by former teams in the past, knew the pattern. A player leaves and others rise to anonymously rip him.
“That kind of shows the character of that individual if they said it now that he’s gone,” Warren said. “If you feel that way while he’s here, you should’ve addressed that with him personally.”
When the topic of his friendship with Moss arose, Wilfork’s eyes grew red and teary.
“He was a great person, a great athlete, probably one of the greatest guys you’ll ever meet,” Wilfork said. “It’s a classic case of business, but one thing is for
sure, we are friends forever.
Moss was a different type of teammate. He was loud and demonstrative, both on the field and in the locker room. He spoke his mind, and his charisma forced others to listen.
Yet he also went out of his way for younger players. For all the talk of Welker mentoring slot receiver Julian Edelman, Moss spent just as much time grooming him
Edelman wasn’t alone.“On the field, he would get with me or tell me something I’m doing wrong or something I do too much, something to switch up,” cornerback Darius Butler said. “He’s helped on and off the field.”
To younger players, such as receiver Matthew Slater, Moss was an icon. Slater grew up in California idolizing Moss, hearing the concern about his behavior and watching him shine on the field.
When Moss left, Slater was saddened.
“I even wear the face mask I wear because of him,” Slater said. “All that talk and all the hype, I never experienced it. I enjoyed working with him. I learned a lot from him. It was like a child-like joy I had working with him.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to play with him and watch him be professional.
Boston Herald
FOXBORO - Patriots coach Bill Belichick called a special news conference to explicitly describe Randy Moss’ influence and stomp out any misconceptions.
Players spoke in front of live microphones and in whispers away from the crowds, but their message never wavered.
While Moss was officially introduced as a member of the Minnesota Vikings yesterday, the public was left wading through stories about Moss allegedly being a poor teammate. Stories leaked of Moss’ petulance and feistiness, of halftime dust-ups and disruptive behavior.
Those inside Gillette Stadium were adamant in disproving those theories that arose as Moss walked out the door.
“He was really a pleasure to coach,” Belichick said. “He made a lot of contributions to this football team. Our conversation (Wednesday) was consistent with what they’ve been over the last four years: Honest, open, very forthright. He’s been very helpful to me, personally, and a good teammate.”
Belichick explained the decision to ship out Moss was made in the team’s best interests, saying, “We’ve won more games than any other team in the last decade. I hope we can continue to win them going forward.”
Belichick was his most fiery when addressing reports of his apparent rift with Moss.
“There was never any incident or discipline problem with Randy,” Belichick said. “There never has been one with me in four years.”
Belichick did not deny Moss had an exchange with quarterbacks coach Bill O’Brien over his touches, and Wes Welker shrugged it off as Moss being “a competitor.”
But Belichick called a report of Moss refusing to converse with him on the plane back from Miami “not true. A total fabrication.”
The Patriots did not discriminate, even taking issue with the words of former teammates - ESPN analyst Tedy Bruschi [stats] and NBC analyst Rodney Harrison [stats] - both of whom had labeled Moss a problem.
Nose tackle Vince Wilfork lashed out at Bruschi. “I don’t know what Tedy’s bringing up.”
Defensive tackle Gerard Warren, whose name has been sullied by former teams in the past, knew the pattern. A player leaves and others rise to anonymously rip him.
“That kind of shows the character of that individual if they said it now that he’s gone,” Warren said. “If you feel that way while he’s here, you should’ve addressed that with him personally.”
When the topic of his friendship with Moss arose, Wilfork’s eyes grew red and teary.
“He was a great person, a great athlete, probably one of the greatest guys you’ll ever meet,” Wilfork said. “It’s a classic case of business, but one thing is for
sure, we are friends forever.
Moss was a different type of teammate. He was loud and demonstrative, both on the field and in the locker room. He spoke his mind, and his charisma forced others to listen.
Yet he also went out of his way for younger players. For all the talk of Welker mentoring slot receiver Julian Edelman, Moss spent just as much time grooming him
Edelman wasn’t alone.“On the field, he would get with me or tell me something I’m doing wrong or something I do too much, something to switch up,” cornerback Darius Butler said. “He’s helped on and off the field.”
To younger players, such as receiver Matthew Slater, Moss was an icon. Slater grew up in California idolizing Moss, hearing the concern about his behavior and watching him shine on the field.
When Moss left, Slater was saddened.
“I even wear the face mask I wear because of him,” Slater said. “All that talk and all the hype, I never experienced it. I enjoyed working with him. I learned a lot from him. It was like a child-like joy I had working with him.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to play with him and watch him be professional.
Boston Herald
On the other hand - The Patriots aren’t giving up on the 2010 season. Michael Lombardi's NFL Network Blog.
The Patriots trade of Randy Moss has brought about an interesting array of reaction, but there’s one question that continues to surface.
Have the Patriots given up on the 2010 season?
While some may view the trade in apocalyptic terms for the Patriots in 2010, there are voices who disagree with that fate for their immediate future.
“If you believe [the Patriots are giving up on this season], you don’t understand how talented Brandon Tate is. Tate has been clocked at a blazing 4.3 40 yard dash has raw speed that must be dealt with by opposing defenses”. Michael Lombardi told NFL Network. Abytime Tom Brady wants to go deep Tate is the ideal candidate.
“Taylor Price, who they drafted in the third round last year, is a young player who they have high hopes for. Julian Edelman hasn’t been able to get on the field for them because there isn’t a lot of room for him in the two tight-end sets. This opens up the door also for him.
“New England is a very talented offensive team, with or without Moss. They’ll certainly miss his vertical presence, but they have enough skill players around Tom Brady to make this work effectively, especially with speed burner Brandon Tate ready to see if he has what it takes to stretch a defense. They’re not by any means giving up on this season.”
Lombardi believes the key element in the trade is Tate. As the Patriots offense has evolved this season, relying on two tight end sets with Alge Crumpler and rookies Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski more than ever before, the offensive dynamic changed.
Mike Mayock believes that evolution of the offense and the team’s two young tight ends is a significant consideration in the trade. Deion Branch who has worn out his welcome in Seattle is another Brady favorite who could be with the Pats when The Ravens come to Foxboro.
“No one skill position player is going to replace Moss,” Mayock said during his live chat. “However, what they have is a group of dynamic players that collectively will play very well. Tate is one of the fastest players in the league and has the potential to lift the top off of zone coverages and provide operating room underneath.
Welker and Edelman are tremendous slot receivers, and I believe the addition of the two young TEs — Hernandez and Gronkowski — has changed the dynamic of the Patriots offense. Moss’ big-play ability will be missed, but the Patriots have signficant play-makers.”
Are the Patriots better without Moss? Maybe not. But the talk of the Patriots headed toward doom, at least for some, is premature.
About </CUFONTEXT></CUFON><CUFON style="WIDTH: 124px; HEIGHT: 32px" class="cufon cufon-vml" alt="Michael "><CUFONCANVAS style="HEIGHT: 33px; TOP: 0px; LEFT: -1px"><?xml:namespace prefix = cvml ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m189,0 l153,0,153,-108,118,-38,93,-38,58,-108,58,0,22,0,22,-185,57,-185,106,-85,154,-185,189,-185,189,0 x e m-6,-210 l1151,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-6,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m53,0 l19,0,19,-135,53,-135,53,0 x m53,-159 l18,-159,18,-186,53,-186,53,-159 x e m-216,-210 l941,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-216,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m46,-68 c42,-33,75,-17,95,-40 l118,-17 c80,17,12,10,12,-68,12,-146,80,-151,118,-119 l95,-96 c75,-120,42,-103,46,-68 x e m-287,-210 l870,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-287,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m131,0 l97,0 c93,-36,112,-107,75,-107,38,-107,57,-36,53,0 l19,0,19,-185,53,-185,53,-123 c80,-152,131,-132,131,-88 l131,0 x e m-411,-210 l746,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-411,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m88,-12 c64,15,9,-1,9,-41,9,-74,47,-84,88,-80,96,-112,49,-115,36,-97 l15,-118 c41,-152,121,-141,121,-89 l121,0,88,0,88,-12 x m61,-26 c79,-25,91,-34,88,-57,69,-56,41,-61,42,-42,42,-33,48,-26,61,-26 x e m-558,-210 l599,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-558,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m130,-57 l46,-57 c42,-25,91,-18,106,-40 l126,-20 c90,17,12,13,12,-68,12,-112,36,-137,71,-137,114,-136,134,-103,130,-57 x m97,-80 c101,-109,58,-119,49,-95,47,-90,46,-86,46,-80 l97,-80 x e m-696,-210 l461,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-696,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m76,0 c41,5,18,-13,18,-39 l18,-185,51,-185,51,-41 c49,-28,63,-29,76,-29 l76,0 x e m-838,-210 l319,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-838,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m-922,-210 l235,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-922,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape></CUFONCANVAS><CUFONTEXT>Michael </CUFONTEXT></CUFON><CUFON style="WIDTH: 144px; HEIGHT: 32px" class="cufon cufon-vml" alt="Lombardi"><CUFONCANVAS style="HEIGHT: 33px; TOP: 0px; LEFT: -1px"><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m142,0 l22,0,22,-185,58,-185,58,-32,142,-32,142,0 x e m-6,-210 l1298,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-6,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m70,-137 c113,-137,128,-111,128,-68,128,-23,113,2,70,2,28,2,13,-25,13,-68,13,-110,28,-137,70,-137 x m70,-29 c90,-29,94,-47,94,-68,94,-89,90,-107,70,-107,50,-107,47,-89,47,-68,47,-47,50,-29,70,-29 x e m-155,-210 l1149,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-155,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m122,-120 c150,-154,210,-134,210,-87 l210,0,177,0 c173,-37,191,-107,154,-107,118,-107,136,-36,132,0 l98,0 c94,-37,112,-107,75,-107,39,-107,57,-36,53,0 l19,0,19,-135,52,-135,52,-123 c71,-142,106,-142,122,-120 x e m-296,-210 l1008,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-296,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m86,-137 c123,-140,136,-102,132,-68,136,-34,123,4,86,2,72,2,61,-3,52,-13 l52,0,19,0,19,-185,53,-185,53,-124 c62,-134,72,-137,86,-137 x m99,-68 c99,-90,96,-107,76,-107,56,-107,53,-90,53,-68,53,-46,56,-29,76,-29,96,-29,99,-46,99,-68 x e m-523,-210 l781,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-523,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m88,-12 c64,15,9,-1,9,-41,9,-74,47,-84,88,-80,96,-112,49,-115,36,-97 l15,-118 c41,-152,121,-141,121,-89 l121,0,88,0,88,-12 x m61,-26 c79,-25,91,-34,88,-57,69,-56,41,-61,42,-42,42,-33,48,-26,61,-26 x e m-668,-210 l636,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-668,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m118,-124 l93,-99 c80,-114,53,-108,53,-82 l53,0,19,0,19,-135,52,-135,52,-122 c64,-139,103,-143,118,-124 x e m-806,-210 l498,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-806,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m13,-68 c10,-102,23,-137,60,-137,74,-137,84,-134,93,-124 l93,-185,127,-185,127,0,94,0,94,-13 c85,-3,74,2,60,2,24,4,9,-34,13,-68 x m93,-68 c93,-90,90,-107,70,-107,50,-107,47,-90,47,-68,47,-46,50,-29,70,-29,90,-29,93,-46,93,-68 x e m-924,-210 l380,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-924,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m53,0 l19,0,19,-135,53,-135,53,0 x m53,-159 l18,-159,18,-186,53,-186,53,-159 x e m-1069,-210 l235,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-1069,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape></CUFONCANVAS><CUFONTEXT>Lombardi</CUFONTEXT><cvml:shape coordsize="1000,1000"></cvml:shape></CUFON>
Michael Lombardi, who writes the Diner and Tavern columns for the National Football Post, has more than two decades of experience as an NFL executive.
He has worked with a number of the game’s prominent architects, including Bill Walsh, Bill Belichick, Mike Shanahan and Marty Schottenheimer. Lombardi headed the Oakland Raiders’ and Cleveland Browns’ personnel departments and also worked with the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos. He is a frequent contributor to a number of network TV shows, including the NFL Network and CBS Sports.
NFL.com
The Patriots trade of Randy Moss has brought about an interesting array of reaction, but there’s one question that continues to surface.
Have the Patriots given up on the 2010 season?
While some may view the trade in apocalyptic terms for the Patriots in 2010, there are voices who disagree with that fate for their immediate future.
“If you believe [the Patriots are giving up on this season], you don’t understand how talented Brandon Tate is. Tate has been clocked at a blazing 4.3 40 yard dash has raw speed that must be dealt with by opposing defenses”. Michael Lombardi told NFL Network. Abytime Tom Brady wants to go deep Tate is the ideal candidate.
“Taylor Price, who they drafted in the third round last year, is a young player who they have high hopes for. Julian Edelman hasn’t been able to get on the field for them because there isn’t a lot of room for him in the two tight-end sets. This opens up the door also for him.
“New England is a very talented offensive team, with or without Moss. They’ll certainly miss his vertical presence, but they have enough skill players around Tom Brady to make this work effectively, especially with speed burner Brandon Tate ready to see if he has what it takes to stretch a defense. They’re not by any means giving up on this season.”
Lombardi believes the key element in the trade is Tate. As the Patriots offense has evolved this season, relying on two tight end sets with Alge Crumpler and rookies Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski more than ever before, the offensive dynamic changed.
Mike Mayock believes that evolution of the offense and the team’s two young tight ends is a significant consideration in the trade. Deion Branch who has worn out his welcome in Seattle is another Brady favorite who could be with the Pats when The Ravens come to Foxboro.
“No one skill position player is going to replace Moss,” Mayock said during his live chat. “However, what they have is a group of dynamic players that collectively will play very well. Tate is one of the fastest players in the league and has the potential to lift the top off of zone coverages and provide operating room underneath.
Welker and Edelman are tremendous slot receivers, and I believe the addition of the two young TEs — Hernandez and Gronkowski — has changed the dynamic of the Patriots offense. Moss’ big-play ability will be missed, but the Patriots have signficant play-makers.”
Are the Patriots better without Moss? Maybe not. But the talk of the Patriots headed toward doom, at least for some, is premature.
About </CUFONTEXT></CUFON><CUFON style="WIDTH: 124px; HEIGHT: 32px" class="cufon cufon-vml" alt="Michael "><CUFONCANVAS style="HEIGHT: 33px; TOP: 0px; LEFT: -1px"><?xml:namespace prefix = cvml ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m189,0 l153,0,153,-108,118,-38,93,-38,58,-108,58,0,22,0,22,-185,57,-185,106,-85,154,-185,189,-185,189,0 x e m-6,-210 l1151,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-6,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m53,0 l19,0,19,-135,53,-135,53,0 x m53,-159 l18,-159,18,-186,53,-186,53,-159 x e m-216,-210 l941,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-216,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m46,-68 c42,-33,75,-17,95,-40 l118,-17 c80,17,12,10,12,-68,12,-146,80,-151,118,-119 l95,-96 c75,-120,42,-103,46,-68 x e m-287,-210 l870,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-287,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m131,0 l97,0 c93,-36,112,-107,75,-107,38,-107,57,-36,53,0 l19,0,19,-185,53,-185,53,-123 c80,-152,131,-132,131,-88 l131,0 x e m-411,-210 l746,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-411,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m88,-12 c64,15,9,-1,9,-41,9,-74,47,-84,88,-80,96,-112,49,-115,36,-97 l15,-118 c41,-152,121,-141,121,-89 l121,0,88,0,88,-12 x m61,-26 c79,-25,91,-34,88,-57,69,-56,41,-61,42,-42,42,-33,48,-26,61,-26 x e m-558,-210 l599,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-558,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m130,-57 l46,-57 c42,-25,91,-18,106,-40 l126,-20 c90,17,12,13,12,-68,12,-112,36,-137,71,-137,114,-136,134,-103,130,-57 x m97,-80 c101,-109,58,-119,49,-95,47,-90,46,-86,46,-80 l97,-80 x e m-696,-210 l461,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-696,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m76,0 c41,5,18,-13,18,-39 l18,-185,51,-185,51,-41 c49,-28,63,-29,76,-29 l76,0 x e m-838,-210 l319,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-838,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m-922,-210 l235,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-922,-210" coordsize="1157,261"></cvml:shape></CUFONCANVAS><CUFONTEXT>Michael </CUFONTEXT></CUFON><CUFON style="WIDTH: 144px; HEIGHT: 32px" class="cufon cufon-vml" alt="Lombardi"><CUFONCANVAS style="HEIGHT: 33px; TOP: 0px; LEFT: -1px"><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m142,0 l22,0,22,-185,58,-185,58,-32,142,-32,142,0 x e m-6,-210 l1298,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-6,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m70,-137 c113,-137,128,-111,128,-68,128,-23,113,2,70,2,28,2,13,-25,13,-68,13,-110,28,-137,70,-137 x m70,-29 c90,-29,94,-47,94,-68,94,-89,90,-107,70,-107,50,-107,47,-89,47,-68,47,-47,50,-29,70,-29 x e m-155,-210 l1149,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-155,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m122,-120 c150,-154,210,-134,210,-87 l210,0,177,0 c173,-37,191,-107,154,-107,118,-107,136,-36,132,0 l98,0 c94,-37,112,-107,75,-107,39,-107,57,-36,53,0 l19,0,19,-135,52,-135,52,-123 c71,-142,106,-142,122,-120 x e m-296,-210 l1008,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-296,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m86,-137 c123,-140,136,-102,132,-68,136,-34,123,4,86,2,72,2,61,-3,52,-13 l52,0,19,0,19,-185,53,-185,53,-124 c62,-134,72,-137,86,-137 x m99,-68 c99,-90,96,-107,76,-107,56,-107,53,-90,53,-68,53,-46,56,-29,76,-29,96,-29,99,-46,99,-68 x e m-523,-210 l781,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-523,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m88,-12 c64,15,9,-1,9,-41,9,-74,47,-84,88,-80,96,-112,49,-115,36,-97 l15,-118 c41,-152,121,-141,121,-89 l121,0,88,0,88,-12 x m61,-26 c79,-25,91,-34,88,-57,69,-56,41,-61,42,-42,42,-33,48,-26,61,-26 x e m-668,-210 l636,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-668,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m118,-124 l93,-99 c80,-114,53,-108,53,-82 l53,0,19,0,19,-135,52,-135,52,-122 c64,-139,103,-143,118,-124 x e m-806,-210 l498,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-806,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m13,-68 c10,-102,23,-137,60,-137,74,-137,84,-134,93,-124 l93,-185,127,-185,127,0,94,0,94,-13 c85,-3,74,2,60,2,24,4,9,-34,13,-68 x m93,-68 c93,-90,90,-107,70,-107,50,-107,47,-90,47,-68,47,-46,50,-29,70,-29,90,-29,93,-46,93,-68 x e m-924,-210 l380,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-924,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape><cvml:shape style="WIDTH: 165px; HEIGHT: 33px" path=" m53,0 l19,0,19,-135,53,-135,53,0 x m53,-159 l18,-159,18,-186,53,-186,53,-159 x e m-1069,-210 l235,51 ns e" stroked="f" fillcolor="#072055" coordorigin="-1069,-210" coordsize="1304,261"></cvml:shape></CUFONCANVAS><CUFONTEXT>Lombardi</CUFONTEXT><cvml:shape coordsize="1000,1000"></cvml:shape></CUFON>
Michael Lombardi, who writes the Diner and Tavern columns for the National Football Post, has more than two decades of experience as an NFL executive.
He has worked with a number of the game’s prominent architects, including Bill Walsh, Bill Belichick, Mike Shanahan and Marty Schottenheimer. Lombardi headed the Oakland Raiders’ and Cleveland Browns’ personnel departments and also worked with the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos. He is a frequent contributor to a number of network TV shows, including the NFL Network and CBS Sports.
NFL.com
Just throw it to the dog and he will catch it.............NE and Brady refused to do that often enough.
Big loss for the PATS.
However, the PATS have many more pressing issues on the other side of the ball, although an oppurtunistic defense, their defense overall is a major concern.............not championship calibur at the moment.
Big loss for the PATS.
However, the PATS have many more pressing issues on the other side of the ball, although an oppurtunistic defense, their defense overall is a major concern.............not championship calibur at the moment.
