NE_REVIVAL
Footballguy
Brothers, we can vehemently disagree with each other without being nasty 
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Indefinite New England Patriots Thread (8 Viewers)
- Thread starter captain_amazing
- Start date
bostonfred
Footballguy
The biggest problem on the patriots offense last year was the lack of experience. Guys weren't where they were supposed to be. The patriots spent training camp teaching guys how to be nfl receivers instead of teaching them how to play the patriots offense. When one guy got healthy the next one got hurt, so they never had a chance to get on the same page. It was miserable.
What they have this year isn't much better. Gronk is starting the season hurt again, and the receivers aren't much more talented than last years rag tag group. But they do have experience. Edelman is by far the most experienced in this system, and gronk obviously knows what he's doing too. Amendola has a year under his belt and is still the most talented wideout on the roster whether we like it or not. Lafell is not special - at all - but he has nfl experience. And the rookies have another year under their belts.
All of that makes the offense easier to install each week, which means they can go back to the no huddle a little more often. It means they can swap one guy in for another without having to cut down the playbook, and it gives them legitimate competition at the position. That's good news for the passing offense, even if its not really exciting for fantasy football. I don't think brady has a monster year this year with this group, but they have a little more size in lafell, a little more experience for the rookies, and a little more depth. It should be ok. This years patriots team should have a good offense and asubstantially improved defense. If they can stay healthier than last year - which is a pretty low bar - they're the class of the afc along with denver. If some guys emerge - vereen, boyce/dobson, a draft pick this year, amendola - they could be a powerhouse.
What they have this year isn't much better. Gronk is starting the season hurt again, and the receivers aren't much more talented than last years rag tag group. But they do have experience. Edelman is by far the most experienced in this system, and gronk obviously knows what he's doing too. Amendola has a year under his belt and is still the most talented wideout on the roster whether we like it or not. Lafell is not special - at all - but he has nfl experience. And the rookies have another year under their belts.
All of that makes the offense easier to install each week, which means they can go back to the no huddle a little more often. It means they can swap one guy in for another without having to cut down the playbook, and it gives them legitimate competition at the position. That's good news for the passing offense, even if its not really exciting for fantasy football. I don't think brady has a monster year this year with this group, but they have a little more size in lafell, a little more experience for the rookies, and a little more depth. It should be ok. This years patriots team should have a good offense and asubstantially improved defense. If they can stay healthier than last year - which is a pretty low bar - they're the class of the afc along with denver. If some guys emerge - vereen, boyce/dobson, a draft pick this year, amendola - they could be a powerhouse.
False Start
Footballguy
MoveToSkypager
Footballguy
Don't worry about him my man.don't even think you're up to the level of TROLL. Why don't you watch what you're typing a little better- makes you look like you're just a troll wannabe and/or don't even know what you're seeing or if you've actually watched a Patriots game at all. Edelman has been dynamic with the ball in his hands, since day 1. They resigned him because he's an excellent player, a top punt returner as well. Have you ever seen him in open space? It doesn't sound like it. He's pretty good, actually very good.I love the story that goes with Amendola always being hurt, yet he and your prototypical health specimen in Edelman has has played 16 games in a season in as many seasons in the NFL as Amendola has. For what its worth that is the same as Harvin too. All have played 16 games once in their 5 year careers.
I want toeverytime people act like Amendola is any more of an injury risk than Edelman. How quickly people forget Edelman has always sucked or been hurt until Amendola went down and he caught 100 balls at a position that will get those catches regardless if the person is blind. Amendola played through a groin injury instead of letting it heal/repaired and he still gets ripped. Another thing fans say that makes me want to
Oh, and LeFell ain't any good, don't kid yourselves. Amendola got more catches than him on limited time with an injury. Dude is not a playmaker or exceptional in talent in any way. Wasted move as Dobson can give u the same thing.
You defend Amendola and then suggest he be cut a few posts later? lol go away
Do we know the guarantees of Lafell's contract? He may not even make the 53. I'm cool with the WR corps as it is. We good.
MoveToSkypager
Footballguy
Keep in mind that all we needed was 16 games from Vereen and we would have been in the Supe last year. That's WITH a hurt Gronk. With the beasts we got on defense, 2014 could be a cake walk to the SB.
Phlash
Footballguy
Baloney Sandwich
Footballguy
I can't see how you could rank the Pats any higher than the 5th best team in the NFL last year. I'm all set with getting to the SB and losing, they still have work to do to catch up with Seattle, SF and Denver.
cstu
Footballguy
All having Vereen would have meant is possibly having home field against the Broncos. The offense was held to 3 points the first 3 quarters and they didn't get a TD until there was only 9 minutes left in the game. That was awful, road game or not.
They NEED Gronk to be back close to 100% in the playoffs if they are going to win a SB. LaFell is certainly not going to put them over the top.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
I would say $0 guaranteed. If he is cut before opening day, it looks like he would get nothing.
Kool-Aid Larry
Footballguy
Kool-Aid Larry
Footballguy
let's take it easy with teh superbowl talk in march -- there's quite a bit of competition in the nfl, and you have no idea who will end up on IR.
Kool-Aid Larry
Footballguy
MoveToSkypager
Footballguy
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Im excited too. Only thing that would have been perfect for me is if they skipped Lafell and opted for a WR with more upside. Would have liked them to have signed Nicks to a prove it deal.
MoveToSkypager
Footballguy
I don't even think Lafell is on the roster week 1. I think we would have done well to sign Steve Smiff.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Lafell numbers
LaFell has received a $3 million signing bonus, which almost assuredly locks him into a roster spot for this upcoming season. The structure of his deal implies that LaFell is expected to have a growing role in the offense.
Year 1 (2014): $800k base, $12.5k per active game (up to $200k), cap hit is $2 million with his pro-rated signing bonus.
Year 2 (2015): $1.8 million base, $25k per active game (up to $400k), cap hit is $3.2 million.
Year 3 (2016): $2.4 million base, $25k per active game (up to $400k), cap hit is $3.8 million
LaFell has received a $3 million signing bonus, which almost assuredly locks him into a roster spot for this upcoming season. The structure of his deal implies that LaFell is expected to have a growing role in the offense.
Year 1 (2014): $800k base, $12.5k per active game (up to $200k), cap hit is $2 million with his pro-rated signing bonus.
Year 2 (2015): $1.8 million base, $25k per active game (up to $400k), cap hit is $3.2 million.
Year 3 (2016): $2.4 million base, $25k per active game (up to $400k), cap hit is $3.8 million
Kool-Aid Larry
Footballguy
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fruity pebbles
Footballguy
bostonfred
Footballguy
A lot of people seem to be upset that we paid LaFell decent money when DeSean Jackson or Steve Smith were potentially available. From a fantasy football perspective, that's an obvious blunder. But from a real football perspective, LaFell might actually be a better fit. Brady got a lot of criticism in the Broncos game for throwing deep routes that looked like they were way off, but the problem was that none of the receivers had the size and speed to get properly open. Speed is obviously the more important part of that, but Brady seems to want a deep receiver with size.
The "problem" is that Brady's had it deeply ingrained in him to throw the ball so only his guy can get it. You see it all the time on the short routes - it sometimes looks like he's throwing the ball at guys' feet because he knows they can get down and get the ball but the defender can't run through them to make the interception. It's what happened with the "uncatchable" ball in the endzone against Carolina that arguably cost the Patriots home field advantage against Denver and a possible Superbowl berth. If he's not throwing it low, he throws it high, or to the sidelines, like the Kenbrell game winning catch against the Saints, or the Vereen route up the left sideline that they run at least once a game. He doesn't throw jump balls unless it's to Gronk (or Moss or Hernandez when they were here).
What LaFell brings is a guy he can throw longer balls to, without worrying about throwing them low or having him blow by the defender. At 6'2", LaFell is just tall enough that you can throw the ball over his shoulder and let his size naturally box out smaller defenders. We didn't have anything like that in the AFCCG, and it showed. The only other guys in free agency who could have filled that void were Decker, Nicks and maybe James Jones. Smith and Jackson would have been nice signings, and an instant upgrade over Amendola and Edelman, but they wouldn't have helped Brady to do anything he can't do today. And this passing offense is all about providing options to Brady, not featuring one elite wide receiver.
The "problem" is that Brady's had it deeply ingrained in him to throw the ball so only his guy can get it. You see it all the time on the short routes - it sometimes looks like he's throwing the ball at guys' feet because he knows they can get down and get the ball but the defender can't run through them to make the interception. It's what happened with the "uncatchable" ball in the endzone against Carolina that arguably cost the Patriots home field advantage against Denver and a possible Superbowl berth. If he's not throwing it low, he throws it high, or to the sidelines, like the Kenbrell game winning catch against the Saints, or the Vereen route up the left sideline that they run at least once a game. He doesn't throw jump balls unless it's to Gronk (or Moss or Hernandez when they were here).
What LaFell brings is a guy he can throw longer balls to, without worrying about throwing them low or having him blow by the defender. At 6'2", LaFell is just tall enough that you can throw the ball over his shoulder and let his size naturally box out smaller defenders. We didn't have anything like that in the AFCCG, and it showed. The only other guys in free agency who could have filled that void were Decker, Nicks and maybe James Jones. Smith and Jackson would have been nice signings, and an instant upgrade over Amendola and Edelman, but they wouldn't have helped Brady to do anything he can't do today. And this passing offense is all about providing options to Brady, not featuring one elite wide receiver.
Boston
Footballguy
If LaFell can contribute, Dobson can get healthy and they add another legit TE (or at least two occur...along with Gronk being on the field) they will now have legit size to go along with their smurfs...
AngryPatriot
Footballguy
There's some pretty good pass catching TE's out there with experience... Finley, Daniels, Clark, Keller. I wonder why there's not a peep about these guys. It's a priority imo. My thinking is that someone, like Dallas Clark, could be snagged up cheap before camp and/or they have some ideas in the draft. I would start collecting them like baseball cards!!
Baloney Sandwich
Footballguy
The Pats have probably less than 10M to spend before they hit the cap and a portion of that will have to be used to sign their draft picks. There is still plenty of time to sign guys and at this point FA signings has slowed down across the league. They need to figure out the Wilfork situation and for position needs like TE or RB they are probably better off addressing after the draft depending on what their needs look like once that is complete.
captain_amazing
Footballguy
For reference purposes, I believe the Pats are $6.2 million under the cap right now. If they plan to do anymore big signings, they'll need to get a handle on Wilfork's contract first.
AngryPatriot
Footballguy
Good points, so with Wilforks release (if that happened) another 8 million is freed up? It's a tough call. I'd like to see Blount back too.
Run It Up
Footballguy
I don't wanna see any of those as a Pat. Clarks done, Finley should be done, Keller can't play a season without getting a serious injury and wasn't very good to begin with and Daniels is a mediocre talent.
I would much rather they aggressively went after a TE in the draft, if Ebron falls to them in the first absolutely (doubtful), if he doesn't I still think they should take Seferian-Jenkins with their first.
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Insoxicated
Boston
Footballguy
Some good Pats odds and ends...
http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/new_england_patriots/2014/03/patriots_notebook_armond_armstead_may_be_in_line_to
http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/new_england_patriots/2014/03/patriots_notebook_armond_armstead_may_be_in_line_to
Baloney Sandwich
Footballguy
Would the Eagles take Amendola and a 4th round pick for Jackson?
Run It Up
Footballguy
Awful.
If Djax comes to NE he needs to take a serious paycut - which I'm sure he won't do. Hes the most overrated WR in the NFL, pretty much anything hes getting paid is too much imo.
Gandalf
Footballguy
Baloney Sandwich
Footballguy
Most overrated WR in the NFL? I don't see it. He would be the best WR on NE by far if they were able to land him, he stretches the field which would open things up for their other pass catchers. He had over 80 catches, 1300 yards and 9 TDs last year, add to that his return abilities and I think he would be a great fit. I won't argue he is a dink but most talented WRs are a bit high maintenance.
False Start
Footballguy
I look at it that it means he will be cut after this year if he don't perform at a HIGH LEVEL. No way any team keeps LaFell for an almost 4 mil cap hit in 2 years.
False Start
Footballguy
Took Djax over 5 years to have an 80 catch season of over 1300 yards. A guy who is supposed to be a #1 WR should of at least reached that plateau sooner and more often. I think he is highly overrated, while I would not say the most overrated in the NFL, he sure is close.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
How many guys in the league "should" be 80-1300-9 guys every year? I'm not sure he's anymore overrated than other receivers that have put up similar numbers.
I would suggest part of the reason his numbers weren't better might be that he predominantly played with McNabb late in his career and Vick (neither one known for touch and accuracy), with Vince Young and Kevin Kolb inserted for stretches (again, not known for their touch and accuracy).
It makes you wonder what he might do with a better QB. And I'm guessing he would be an upgrade to the Boyce's, Thompkins', and Dobson's of the world. Whether he is worth the acquisition, salary, and salary cap hit is open for debate.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
i'd take desean over wilfork and a 3rd at this point in a heartbeat. thats essentially the exchange.
Run It Up
Footballguy
Thats all he does. IMO hes not even the best WR on his team.
Averages ~50 catches a season and hauls in half the balls thrown at him. Coming off his best season ever and he would have to take a pay cut.
Dude catches half the balls thrown to him and runs fast. He belongs in Oakland.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
its what he does for everyone else that makes him so valuable. i dont care if he catches 0 balls as long as he takes 2 guys with him.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
As far as whether a trade for Jackson would ever happen, I am inclined to guess no, as they usually target people clandestinely. Most of the time, the Pats make a deal that seemingly came out of nowhere. Dillon. Moss. Welker. Talib. Blount. Ochocinco. Haynesworth. They just kind of pop up from out of nowhere.
MoveToSkypager
Footballguy
New England gets a 4th round compensatory pick: http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/03-24-14-compensatory-picks.pdf
This is probably due to Wes Welker leaving, but since the disappearance of AdamJT13, I guess we won't know for sure.
This is probably due to Wes Welker leaving, but since the disappearance of AdamJT13, I guess we won't know for sure.
AngryPatriot
Footballguy
wow, that's good news, I thought it would be a 6th rounder. I would rather have Blount than MJD at this point, although a rested MJD as a situational back is intriguing.
Baloney Sandwich
Footballguy
What are you talking about? If anything, it looks very likely he is back on a reworked deal.