Indefinite New England Patriots Thread (3 Viewers)

[Baloney Sandwich]

Think some of you guys learned finance from watching scrooge mcduck cartoons.

When they want to come up with 20m cash for a revis bonus do you imagine kraft peels the hundreds out of a moneyclip or does he liquidate some subsidiary company?

crazy to think Kraft couldn't get a line of credit

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

One of the reasons I feel he is one of, if not the greatest QB of all time.

He is not nearly as greedy as some players (particularly a certain every nickel on the table QB who shall remain nameless).

He has consistently taken less than he could have in an effort to have a more competitive team around him; in contrast to some others.

Most players don't have wives who have a net worth of $320 million. Just sayin' . . .

You can say it, but it is complete BS to imply were it not for gisele he would have demanded more (ie, be as greedy as whats his name). What is it they say, correlation does not equal causation.

Brady was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he took a below market deal(s) looong before Gisele showed up; her presence has likely had little or nothing to do with Bradys contract demands. Agree, or not?

All I am saying is that Brady does not have the financial need that others may have. Tom and Gisele are worth a combined $440 million, Yes, he accepted deals for less than he could have. I agree the primary reason is that he wanted to win. However, it would stand to reason that if he came from poverty and did not have money he would have a greater finanical need and more incentive to get a max contract.

Let me start by saying I really enjoy your posts Anarchy and I know we are pretty much of like mind and splitting hairs here. However, I have a little too much time on my hands right now so i hope u will indulge me one more post on the subject. I agree that Brady now has less financial need than others might have; however we will have to agree to disagree on the poverty speculation. Whether he was dirt poor or not, Brady was set for life after signing his second contract (and has since said as much). Some guys just don't care as much about the money and I would say Brady & Brusci are 2 examples of guys who don't. I hate to do this (sure to bring out the trolls), but there is no better example than a certain other qb who doesn't insist on every nickel he can get because he was once poor (quite the opposite actually), he does it because he is a bit more greedy and a little less concerned about the good of the team than Brady & Brusci. It is certainly every players right to insist on every dime he can get, but some are happy with a little less if it helps their team to be more successful. To each his own, but caring a little less about the money is one of the reasons I feel Brady is one of the greatest QBs to ever play.

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

The other thing I read about this was that the NFL requires teams have cash reserves to cover all of their guaranteed contracts (to be clear, injury guarantees don't count). By converting to an injury only guarantee, NE can reclaim the $24 million they basically had in escrow and do whatever they want with it. That's where "clearing $24 million" came from, as the Krafts get back $24 million that the league required to be held. It doesn't really "save" them any money, but they have access to money they didn't have available before (not that I think the Krafts were close to applying for welfare without that $24 million).

It frees them up $24 million in terms of money being able to be spent elsewhere, it has no impact on the salary cap however.

Bob Kraft, who is reportedly worth 4B, is so cash poor that not having to put 24M into escrow gives him flexiblility? That seems to be a giant stretch, this really seems to be all about the Pat's having the flexibility to move on from Brady and Brady having the flexiblity to go sign with a team he wants instead of being traded to where BB can get the best deal.

This is exactly what I have been saying in this thread. Nothing changes for the Pats in practical reality unless they have no desire to keep Brady. It still does not eliminate Brady getting traded to a crappy team. In fact, it makes it much easier for NE to do so and not take a big cap hit. IMO, it makes it less likely Brady can sign with whomever he wants, as it is now very unlikely the Pats would cut him. IMO, Brady let the Pats off the hook for a guaranteed $24 million, but it really doesn't change the Pats ability to resign or sign people, not does it improve their flexibility under the cap (again, unless they are planning on moving on from Brady).

Nothing except having an extra 24mil in cash on hand (IE, more flexibility) which is all the articles and myself ever really claimed.

Cutting or trading Brady is pure (unfounded imo) speculation and if that is what you believe we can agree to disagree. Yes it makes it easier to cut or trade him, but the team is getting a huge bargain so why would they do that? I think the more logical explanation is they have no intention of doing either (cut or trade) and simply made a win, win (good for team, good for player) bookkeeping move.

 

[Anarchy99]

One of the reasons I feel he is one of, if not the greatest QB of all time.

He is not nearly as greedy as some players (particularly a certain every nickel on the table QB who shall remain nameless).

He has consistently taken less than he could have in an effort to have a more competitive team around him; in contrast to some others.

Most players don't have wives who have a net worth of $320 million. Just sayin' . . .

You can say it, but it is complete BS to imply were it not for gisele he would have demanded more (ie, be as greedy as whats his name). What is it they say, correlation does not equal causation.

Brady was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he took a below market deal(s) looong before Gisele showed up; her presence has likely had little or nothing to do with Bradys contract demands. Agree, or not?

All I am saying is that Brady does not have the financial need that others may have. Tom and Gisele are worth a combined $440 million, Yes, he accepted deals for less than he could have. I agree the primary reason is that he wanted to win. However, it would stand to reason that if he came from poverty and did not have money he would have a greater finanical need and more incentive to get a max contract.

Let me start by saying I really enjoy your posts Anarchy and I know we are pretty much of like mind and splitting hairs here. However, I have a little too much time on my hands right now so i hope u will indulge me one more post on the subject. I agree that Brady now has less financial need than others might have; however we will have to agree to disagree on the poverty speculation. Whether he was dirt poor or not, Brady was set for life after signing his second contract (and has since said as much). Some guys just don't care as much about the money and I would say Brady & Brusci are 2 examples of guys who don't. I hate to do this (sure to bring out the trolls), but there is no better example than a certain other qb who doesn't insist on every nickel he can get because he was once poor (quite the opposite actually), he does it because he is a bit more greedy and a little less concerned about the good of the team than Brady & Brusci. It is certainly every players right to insist on every dime he can get, but some are happy with a little less if it helps their team to be more successful. To each his own, but caring a little less about the money is one of the reasons I feel Brady is one of the greatest QBs to ever play.

To bring things full circle, I don't think what Brady did in going from "full guaranteed" to "injury guaranteed only" will have much impact on the team's ability to re-sign guys this year, nor do I see a way where this helps out the Pats in future seasons as at some point all the money will be paid out anyway (except now it will cost NE $3 million more if Brady plays out his contract). Yes, he took less money in signing contracts over the years, but come opening day money is still money. They will still have to shell out the money to roster a full team and abide by the salary cap . . . whether it be today, next month, over the summer, three years from now, etc.

And I think some people put way too much stock in what gets reported on. People writing these articles are more than likely getting fed their information from the team through some sort of official channels or team press release with some sort of spin. If people do the math, it all comes out in the wash. If the team shoots their load of cash now, all that means is they have less to spend down the road. The salary cap is the salary cap. Want to spend 90% of the money ahead of time, go ahead. Want to save it and spend it later, go ahead. NE is one of the most cash rich teams in the league. Having an extra $24 million, while not pocket change, in and off itself is not a huge deal. Like always, they have a database of player values and a mindset that they will not overpay for a player. I doubt they start spending like drunken sailors because they uncovered some extra money that they can use now or in the next few months.

If Brady truly wanted to win at all costs and money was truly no object, he could have torn up his contract and played for the league minimum, giving the team MILLIONS in cap relief. That obviously is unrealistic, and what he did may let the Pats have more cash on hand, but they still have the same amount to spent as any other team. I'm actually still curious that this drew that much attention and is still getting discussed . . .

 

[Anarchy99]

Forgot to mention that even the Boston sports media doesn't fully understand the impact or non-impact of the Brady restructuring. Tom E. Curran was on tv last night saying that Brady freed up $24 million in cap room for the Pats this season . . . which as we have already discussed is not really what happened. Someone else (forgot who it was) suggested that the Pats could use the $24 million that Brady was supposed to get on other players (that part is true) while taking no cap hit for Brady (which is technically true RIGHT NOW), but there was no mention of still having to take a bigger cap hit on opening day to, you know, PAY BRADY. Thus the big confusion over money, whether it be bonus money, salary money, guaranteed money, non guaranteed money, injury guaranteed money, money in escrow, cap charge accounting money, etc.

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

One of the reasons I feel he is one of, if not the greatest QB of all time.

He is not nearly as greedy as some players (particularly a certain every nickel on the table QB who shall remain nameless).

He has consistently taken less than he could have in an effort to have a more competitive team around him; in contrast to some others.

Most players don't have wives who have a net worth of $320 million. Just sayin' . . .

You can say it, but it is complete BS to imply were it not for gisele he would have demanded more (ie, be as greedy as whats his name). What is it they say, correlation does not equal causation.

Brady was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he took a below market deal(s) looong before Gisele showed up; her presence has likely had little or nothing to do with Bradys contract demands. Agree, or not?

All I am saying is that Brady does not have the financial need that others may have. Tom and Gisele are worth a combined $440 million, Yes, he accepted deals for less than he could have. I agree the primary reason is that he wanted to win. However, it would stand to reason that if he came from poverty and did not have money he would have a greater finanical need and more incentive to get a max contract.

Let me start by saying I really enjoy your posts Anarchy and I know we are pretty much of like mind and splitting hairs here. However, I have a little too much time on my hands right now so i hope u will indulge me one more post on the subject. I agree that Brady now has less financial need than others might have; however we will have to agree to disagree on the poverty speculation. Whether he was dirt poor or not, Brady was set for life after signing his second contract (and has since said as much). Some guys just don't care as much about the money and I would say Brady & Brusci are 2 examples of guys who don't. I hate to do this (sure to bring out the trolls), but there is no better example than a certain other qb who doesn't insist on every nickel he can get because he was once poor (quite the opposite actually), he does it because he is a bit more greedy and a little less concerned about the good of the team than Brady & Brusci. It is certainly every players right to insist on every dime he can get, but some are happy with a little less if it helps their team to be more successful. To each his own, but caring a little less about the money is one of the reasons I feel Brady is one of the greatest QBs to ever play.

To bring things full circle, I don't think what Brady did in going from "full guaranteed" to "injury guaranteed only" will have much impact on the team's ability to re-sign guys this year, nor do I see a way where this helps out the Pats in future seasons as at some point all the money will be paid out anyway (except now it will cost NE $3 million more if Brady plays out his contract). Yes, he took less money in signing contracts over the years, but come opening day money is still money. They will still have to shell out the money to roster a full team and abide by the salary cap . . . whether it be today, next month, over the summer, three years from now, etc.

And I think some people put way too much stock in what gets reported on. People writing these articles are more than likely getting fed their information from the team through some sort of official channels or team press release with some sort of spin. If people do the math, it all comes out in the wash. If the team shoots their load of cash now, all that means is they have less to spend down the road. The salary cap is the salary cap. Want to spend 90% of the money ahead of time, go ahead. Want to save it and spend it later, go ahead. NE is one of the most cash rich teams in the league. Having an extra $24 million, while not pocket change, in and off itself is not a huge deal. Like always, they have a database of player values and a mindset that they will not overpay for a player. I doubt they start spending like drunken sailors because they uncovered some extra money that they can use now or in the next few months.

If Brady truly wanted to win at all costs and money was truly no object, he could have torn up his contract and played for the league minimum, giving the team MILLIONS in cap relief. That obviously is unrealistic, and what he did may let the Pats have more cash on hand, but they still have the same amount to spent as any other team. I'm actually still curious that this drew that much attention and is still getting discussed . . .

I don't know how much impact the extra 24mil on hand will have, but it is rather obvious it benefited the team (flexibility) else they wouldn't have done it. You acknowledge this and yet you seem to want to go around and around as if that weren't true. Having more "flexibiity" is a fact, the only thing open to debate is how much of an impact that flexibility might have. I think we agree on this.

As for the bolded portion, you are the only one saying this and im disapointed you are apparently trying to imply I said something I didn't. I really didnt mean to pee in your cheerios, I like a good debate and thought thats what we were having. However, somehow we reached a point where u feel the need to put words in my mouth so I think we are done here. I do hope theres no hard feelings, i enjoy and respect your posts......

 

[Anarchy99]

I don't know how much impact the extra 24mil on hand will have, but it is rather obvious it benefited the team (flexibility) else they wouldn't have done it. You acknowledge this and yet you seem to want to go around and around as if that weren't true. Having more "flexibiity" is a fact, the only thing open to debate is how much of an impact that flexibility might have. I think we agree on this.


As for the bolded portion, you are the only one saying this and im disapointed you are apparently trying to imply I said something I didn't. I really didnt mean to pee in your cheerios, I like a good debate and thought thats what we were having. However, somehow we reached a point where u feel the need to put words in my mouth so I think we are done here. I do hope theres no hard feelings, i enjoy and respect your posts......

No one peed in anyone's Cheerios and I was not trying to put words in your (or anyone else's) mouth. Obviously Brady and the Pats worked out a deal and both sides will get something out of it. The Brady side is that he would end up with an additional $3 million if he sticks around. The Pats side is they get more cash on hand that was sitting in the NFL vault somewhere (and the benefit of not having to take a massive cap hit and they move on from Brady). Yes, Brady has gone above and behind in taking team friendly deals (sometimes to his detriment IMO). Let's see what they do with the surplus, cash on hand, and added flexibility . . .

 

[Anarchy99]

Changing subjects, I was curious how many other SB winning teams had a game where they got spanked by 20+ points in the regular season (a la NE @ KC this year). Interestingly enough, in the past 20 years there were 7 teams that fit the bill . . .

2012 BAL 30

2011 NYG 25

2007 NYG 24

2006 IND 27

2003 NE 31

2001 NE 20

1995 DAL 32

And there were two others that lost by 19 points (2005 PIT, 1994 SF). So almost half that teams had a week where they just got steamrolled and went on to win the title.

 

[ROCKET]

If this team gets to double digit wins it will be a minor miracle. I'm calling it right now, 9-7. Anyone who thinks this team has big upside this year is a blind homer. This is the worst Pats team of the BB/TB era by far.

Ooooof

No need to feed the trolls because sometime in the future the Pats will have a down year and they will all come back and puff out their chests screaming at the top of their lungs "I TOLD YOU SO". The only problem is they have been predicting it since 2006.

I know a lot of Pats fans who felt the same way at the time. I still think the offensive line might well be a liability come playoff time. The D-line added Branch who really helped solidify the unit. Also added Ayers and Casillas to the front seven. If you are not concerned about the o-line then you are a fool.

This team still has flaws but fortunately most teams in the AFC have more. Just because a fan voices legit concerns doesn't mean you blind homers are right about everything. And yes when the day comes where they come back down to earth you will still have your rose colored glasses on saying everything will be all right. Fortunately for your type they have been on an amazing unprecedented run that is still hard to believe.

I hope you are right and they run the table but if they don't I will be willing to bet the offensive line that I have been worried about is the reason they fall short as we have done nothing to upgrade it all year.

 

[Run It Up]

Pass coverage stats for 2014

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

Forgot to mention that even the Boston sports media doesn't fully understand the impact or non-impact of the Brady restructuring.

as a very minor aside on an entirely pointless argument, I'd just like to make the observation that sports media are pretty much as ignorant and/or easily confused by things as most posters on this board, or the common fan.

they just happen to be getting confused on tv, or wherever.

I guarantee you all these guys are getting their info from some guy like schefter, or getting their cap insights from miguel, just like the rest of us.

what annoys me is how often people feel they need to offer opinions on things they don't really understand in the first place

 

[msudaisy26]

If this team gets to double digit wins it will be a minor miracle. I'm calling it right now, 9-7. Anyone who thinks this team has big upside this year is a blind homer. This is the worst Pats team of the BB/TB era by far.

Ooooof

No need to feed the trolls because sometime in the future the Pats will have a down year and they will all come back and puff out their chests screaming at the top of their lungs "I TOLD YOU SO". The only problem is they have been predicting it since 2006.

I know a lot of Pats fans who felt the same way at the time. I still think the offensive line might well be a liability come playoff time. The D-line added Branch who really helped solidify the unit. Also added Ayers and Casillas to the front seven. If you are not concerned about the o-line then you are a fool.This team still has flaws but fortunately most teams in the AFC have more. Just because a fan voices legit concerns doesn't mean you blind homers are right about everything. And yes when the day comes where they come back down to earth you will still have your rose colored glasses on saying everything will be all right. Fortunately for your type they have been on an amazing unprecedented run that is still hard to believe.

I hope you are right and they run the table but if they don't I will be willing to bet the offensive line that I have been worried about is the reason they fall short as we have done nothing to upgrade it all year.

There is a difference in being concerned and out right saying the team has no upside this year and it would be a miracle if they hit double digit wins. Every team in the NFL is flawed by the way.

 

[ROCKET]

If this team gets to double digit wins it will be a minor miracle. I'm calling it right now, 9-7. Anyone who thinks this team has big upside this year is a blind homer. This is the worst Pats team of the BB/TB era by far.

Ooooof

No need to feed the trolls because sometime in the future the Pats will have a down year and they will all come back and puff out their chests screaming at the top of their lungs "I TOLD YOU SO". The only problem is they have been predicting it since 2006.

I know a lot of Pats fans who felt the same way at the time. I still think the offensive line might well be a liability come playoff time. The D-line added Branch who really helped solidify the unit. Also added Ayers and Casillas to the front seven. If you are not concerned about the o-line then you are a fool.This team still has flaws but fortunately most teams in the AFC have more. Just because a fan voices legit concerns doesn't mean you blind homers are right about everything. And yes when the day comes where they come back down to earth you will still have your rose colored glasses on saying everything will be all right. Fortunately for your type they have been on an amazing unprecedented run that is still hard to believe.

I hope you are right and they run the table but if they don't I will be willing to bet the offensive line that I have been worried about is the reason they fall short as we have done nothing to upgrade it all year.

There is a difference in being concerned and out right saying the team has no upside this year and it would be a miracle if they hit double digit wins. Every team in the NFL is flawed by the way.

Other than your obvious blind homerism and BB"s record of success what was the reason for your optimism back in week 4? The team looked like crap on both sides of the ball. That was the worst stretch of football they had played in over a decade. I'd argue a reasonable person would think this year would have never turned out like it has and been quite the opposite.

I'm sure you were saying the Bruins would snap out of it by now too? Go ahead and pat yourself on the back. I have zero regrets for what I said and there was very real issues for the team at the time. Getting blown out by the mighty Alex Smith and the KC Chiefs is not so great. It wasn't one game, it was the first four that they sucked. If they were still sending out the same bunch of scrubs on the O-line and D-line we had early on we probably would have been 9-7. Here's to hoping were not back to Jordan Devy.

 

[msudaisy26]

I was concerned like everyone else, but the teams track record let me have a belief they would turn it around. I don't like the Bruins, but nice try.

Every team this year has had a bad stretch and horrible loses.

Denver got beat by 15 by the Rams and it could have been worse.

Oakland beat 3 teams that were in the playoff hunt until the end.

Miami was a good team this year and New England always struggles in Miami.

The fact is you were trying to be bold and if you were right you would be here tooting your own horn. If you were wrong you figured no one would notice or if they did you could bs your way through it with this logic. Everyone gets it wrong sometimes just own up to it and be happy they proved you wrong.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

If this team gets to double digit wins it will be a minor miracle. I'm calling it right now, 9-7. Anyone who thinks this team has big upside this year is a blind homer. This is the worst Pats team of the BB/TB era by far.

Ooooof

No need to feed the trolls because sometime in the future the Pats will have a down year and they will all come back and puff out their chests screaming at the top of their lungs "I TOLD YOU SO". The only problem is they have been predicting it since 2006.

I know a lot of Pats fans who felt the same way at the time. I still think the offensive line might well be a liability come playoff time. The D-line added Branch who really helped solidify the unit. Also added Ayers and Casillas to the front seven. If you are not concerned about the o-line then you are a fool.This team still has flaws but fortunately most teams in the AFC have more. Just because a fan voices legit concerns doesn't mean you blind homers are right about everything. And yes when the day comes where they come back down to earth you will still have your rose colored glasses on saying everything will be all right. Fortunately for your type they have been on an amazing unprecedented run that is still hard to believe.

I hope you are right and they run the table but if they don't I will be willing to bet the offensive line that I have been worried about is the reason they fall short as we have done nothing to upgrade it all year.

There is a difference in being concerned and out right saying the team has no upside this year and it would be a miracle if they hit double digit wins. Every team in the NFL is flawed by the way.

Other than your obvious blind homerism and BB"s record of success what was the reason for your optimism back in week 4? The team looked like crap on both sides of the ball. That was the worst stretch of football they had played in over a decade. I'd argue a reasonable person would think this year would have never turned out like it has and been quite the opposite.

I'm sure you were saying the Bruins would snap out of it by now too? Go ahead and pat yourself on the back. I have zero regrets for what I said and there was very real issues for the team at the time. Getting blown out by the mighty Alex Smith and the KC Chiefs is not so great. It wasn't one game, it was the first four that they sucked. If they were still sending out the same bunch of scrubs on the O-line and D-line we had early on we probably would have been 9-7. Here's to hoping were not back to Jordan Devy.

jesus, dude -- give it up

stop trolling and get cranked for the playoffs.

 

[ROCKET]

I was concerned like everyone else, but the teams track record let me have a belief they would turn it around. I don't like the Bruins, but nice try.

Every team this year has had a bad stretch and horrible loses.

Denver got beat by 15 by the Rams and it could have been worse.

Oakland beat 3 teams that were in the playoff hunt until the end.

Miami was a good team this year and New England always struggles in Miami.

The fact is you were trying to be bold and if you were right you would be here tooting your own horn. If you were wrong you figured no one would notice or if they did you could bs your way through it with this logic. Everyone gets it wrong sometimes just own up to it and be happy they proved you wrong.

I'm ecstatic I was wrong but like I said I believed at the time there was huge cause for concern. I wouldn't be touting my own horn if they didn't turn it around, I'd still be b#thching and saying how much they suck. That's the fan in me. I admit I am a glass half empty fan after being at SB 42 in AZ and at the Balt/NYJ title losses at Gillette. Spoiled, absolutely.

I went to my first game at Schaefer ( is that swill even still around? )back in 76 but I'll admit the last decade has made my expectations SB or bust.

This will all end at some point and then I will really have reason to complain. I just hope they can pull out one more ring before it does end.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Think some of you guys learned finance from watching scrooge mcduck cartoons.

When they want to come up with 20m cash for a revis bonus do you imagine kraft peels the hundreds out of a moneyclip or does he liquidate some subsidiary company?

Um, neither hopefully.

 

[ROCKET]

If this team gets to double digit wins it will be a minor miracle. I'm calling it right now, 9-7. Anyone who thinks this team has big upside this year is a blind homer. This is the worst Pats team of the BB/TB era by far.

Ooooof

No need to feed the trolls because sometime in the future the Pats will have a down year and they will all come back and puff out their chests screaming at the top of their lungs "I TOLD YOU SO". The only problem is they have been predicting it since 2006.

I know a lot of Pats fans who felt the same way at the time. I still think the offensive line might well be a liability come playoff time. The D-line added Branch who really helped solidify the unit. Also added Ayers and Casillas to the front seven. If you are not concerned about the o-line then you are a fool.This team still has flaws but fortunately most teams in the AFC have more. Just because a fan voices legit concerns doesn't mean you blind homers are right about everything. And yes when the day comes where they come back down to earth you will still have your rose colored glasses on saying everything will be all right. Fortunately for your type they have been on an amazing unprecedented run that is still hard to believe.

I hope you are right and they run the table but if they don't I will be willing to bet the offensive line that I have been worried about is the reason they fall short as we have done nothing to upgrade it all year.

There is a difference in being concerned and out right saying the team has no upside this year and it would be a miracle if they hit double digit wins. Every team in the NFL is flawed by the way.

Other than your obvious blind homerism and BB"s record of success what was the reason for your optimism back in week 4? The team looked like crap on both sides of the ball. That was the worst stretch of football they had played in over a decade. I'd argue a reasonable person would think this year would have never turned out like it has and been quite the opposite.

I'm sure you were saying the Bruins would snap out of it by now too? Go ahead and pat yourself on the back. I have zero regrets for what I said and there was very real issues for the team at the time. Getting blown out by the mighty Alex Smith and the KC Chiefs is not so great. It wasn't one game, it was the first four that they sucked. If they were still sending out the same bunch of scrubs on the O-line and D-line we had early on we probably would have been 9-7. Here's to hoping were not back to Jordan Devy.

jesus, dude -- give it up

stop trolling and get cranked for the playoffs.

Not trolling, I am cranked for playoffs. If they make the AFCG I'll be there screaming my lungs out. I would have went to the divisional round but have sinus surgery the end of that week

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

Not trolling, I am cranked for playoffs. If they make the AFCG I'll be there screaming my lungs out. I would have went to the divisional round but have sinus surgery the end of that week

that sounds worse than rooting for the jets --- gl w/that

what's the recovery timetable?

 

[ROCKET]

Not trolling, I am cranked for playoffs. If they make the AFCG I'll be there screaming my lungs out. I would have went to the divisional round but have sinus surgery the end of that week

that sounds worse than rooting for the jets --- gl w/that

what's the recovery timetable?

Not a big deal, a few days. The problem is I have been in misery for the last 6 weeks on a waiting list to get it done. I told them pretend I'm the president, didn't work. My holidays since Thanksgiving have basically sucked. Only silver lining has been the Pats run.

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

BB giveth and BB taketh away; in this case he giveth.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Bill Belichick must have been pleased with the work the New England Patriots did the last two days, because he's called off Thursday's practice. Players are still scheduled to be at the facility for meetings.

FWIW, it is nice that Solder, Connolly & Volmer are all at practice this week; the OL doesn't appear to be as interchangeable as in many of the previous years. I think the starting 5 staying healthy might be critical for this particular team.

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1661/larry-fitzgerald

A source tells FOX Sports Arizona that Larry Fitzgerald does not expect to be back with the Cardinals next season.

Fitzgerald carries a $23.6M cap number in 2015. The Cardinals are obviously going to ask him to take a massive pay cut, especially after the 31-year-old failed to top 1,000 yards for the third straight season. But FOX's report suggests Fitz will reject a renegotiated deal and force the team to cut him, thus freeing him from a situation where he reportedly "is not happy with his role on the team." The future Hall of Famer apparently doesn't like playing the slot and being a complementary piece on offense. This situation could get messy once the Cardinals are eliminated from the playoffs
I remember reading a rumor (apparently baseless) a couple of years ago that Fitz wanted out and NE was a favorite target of his. Of course then he signed his extension and that was that. In this case it would make sense for him and the team to part ways; would look nice in a Pats uniform if u ask me

 

[msudaisy26]

If he doesn't like being complementary piece then how is he going to like being with Pats?

 

[ROCKET]

I'd rather somehow get Andre Johnson but I don't know if we could afford either if we lock up McCourty and Revis which to me should be priority one.

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

If he doesn't like being complementary piece then how is he going to like being with Pats?

I wouldn't put too much credence in that one comment, i think mostly he doesn't like losing and wants to find a better opportunity (qb) and improve his chances at winning a SB.

As for Andre Johnson, he would be awesome as well.

 

[General Tso]

I'd rather somehow get Andre Johnson but I don't know if we could afford either if we lock up McCourty and Revis which to me should be priority one.

Dude, Andre Johnson is cooked. JJ Watt outscored him this year. He's old and very very slow. No separation whatsoever. I'd rather have a 3rd round draft pick to be honest.

 

[ROCKET]

I'd rather somehow get Andre Johnson but I don't know if we could afford either if we lock up McCourty and Revis which to me should be priority one.

Dude, Andre Johnson is cooked. JJ Watt outscored him this year. He's old and very very slow. No separation whatsoever. I'd rather have a 3rd round draft pick to be honest.

And Fitzgerald has lit it up? I think AJ would be a decent possession/ RZ option and most likely would come cheap. I don't think either of these aging vets are close to the player they were 5 years ago. I'm not judging AJ by the qb play he has had this year as I still think he has some gas left in the tank. Same for Fitz.

No way I'd give up much for either of them at this point in their careers. Not much risk here IMO.

 

[devouredbychaos]

So what do we think of the Ravens coming to town Saturday? Seems a lot of homers are nervous due to 2009 and 2012. No more Lewis, Reed, and an aging Suggs, as well as a weak secondary ravaged by injuries. Their defensive front is obviously the biggest factor, but if the o-line plays like it did vs the Broncos and Lions, I don't see how the Ravens come away with a win. If there's any comparison, it should be to the 41-7 shellacking the Pats laid on the Ravens in Baltimore last season. Their team hasn't changed much since then, and as well as Flacco plays in the post season, the Pats have arguably their best defense since '04. Any given Sunday obviously, but I just see the Ravens secondary as a huge advantage for Brady and with a healthy Gronk I think they should come out on top rather easily. Even if the Ravens front gets to Brady, I think they'll still succeed as Brady was hit 8 times in that Broncos game and was still able to get the ball out quickly against a much better defense.

 

[ROCKET]

I know I will ruffle some feathers here but the Ravens game is a coin flip IMO. The Ravens are the Jets with a better qb, skill position players and most all a much better coach. Anyone who thinks we are going to light up this team offensively is kidding themselves.

The one difference we have from the last few years is a much improved defense, especially in the secondary. If the Pats don't bring a physical presence on the defensive side of the ball to match the Ravens we won't win this game. You aren't winning this game with scheme and finesse. I'm hoping the team feeds off Browner and knocks some heads for once.

This is real football, the playoffs and regular season are completely different. Our offensive line has to be at least decent and not get destroyed up front or it will be a long day for Brady. This is not a good matchup for the Pats but if you want to hoist the Lombardi you have to bring it on both sides of the ball against good teams. Fingers crossed.

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

Aside from Den, Bal is the team I least wanted to see them face. Having said that, if NE doesn't turn the ball over they should win this game. They should be able to move the ball with the short (quick) passing game. The Def should be able to contain the Bal running game and hopefully force Flacco to put it up for grabs a few times and hopefully NE will come down with a couple of them.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

41-13 Pats...Baltimore has no answer for Gronk. I expect the Pats to spread them out and go uptempo for most of the game. Jimmy gets his playoff feet wet with around 8 minutes left in the 4th.

 

[captain_amazing]

I am stoked for this match up.

I could not care less about who we play in terms of having an easy vs hard match up. This is going to be a great, grind-it-out kind of game with two teams that have developed some good, recent playoff against one another.

But, I have no doubt the Pats will take it to them. the O-Line will bring it together (which will be the key to the game, as many others have already pointed out), Gronk is going to plow through defenders, and we're going to pull away in the third quarter.

Calling it 28 NE - 21 Bal.

 

[devouredbychaos]

I know I will ruffle some feathers here but the Ravens game is a coin flip IMO. The Ravens are the Jets with a better qb, skill position players and most all a much better coach. Anyone who thinks we are going to light up this team offensively is kidding themselves.

The one difference we have from the last few years is a much improved defense, especially in the secondary. If the Pats don't bring a physical presence on the defensive side of the ball to match the Ravens we won't win this game. You aren't winning this game with scheme and finesse. I'm hoping the team feeds off Browner and knocks some heads for once.

This is real football, the playoffs and regular season are completely different. Our offensive line has to be at least decent and not get destroyed up front or it will be a long day for Brady. This is not a good matchup for the Pats but if you want to hoist the Lombardi you have to bring it on both sides of the ball against good teams. Fingers crossed.

Maybe the Ravens of the past compare to the Jets, but not this years team. If the o-line can hold it together like they did vs the Broncos back in November, they should be able to put it away early. I think BB will focus on stopping the run and let Flacco try to beat them with his arm. Obviously Flacco has had success in the past, but that was before Revis and Browner. It should be a damn good game regardless though.

 

[devouredbychaos]

41-13 Pats...Baltimore has no answer for Gronk. I expect the Pats to spread them out and go uptempo for most of the game. Jimmy gets his playoff feet wet with around 8 minutes left in the 4th.

Lots of Ravens fans are saying there is no way this happens..but if the Pats come out like they did vs Cincy, I can honestly see this happening. Obviously not expecting it, but the Ravens haven't beat any playoff teams this season besides the Steelers and have a secondary that Brady can easily dissect if given the time.

 

[bostonfred]

There are three outcomes here, the pats win, the pats lose, or the pats win but the Ravens cheap shot them left and right like they have in the past and leave them crippled for the afccg. That's the outcome I'm most worried about. At least they don't have pollard anymore.

 

[ROCKET]

I'm judging the Ravens by what I saw last night and what I saw was pretty damn impressive. What happened in the regular season is meaningless now. I would be beyond shocked if we put up 40 points on that team. I hate the Ravens and especially Suggs but I give them credit for their hard nosed style of play, year in and year out. They are built for the playoffs. ETA: I'm watching the Lions punch the Cowboys in the mouth early on. They are strong in the trenches too. Those type of teams are scary in the playoffs. The Giants were a prime example of that.

 

[ROCKET]

There are three outcomes here, the pats win, the pats lose, or the pats win but the Ravens cheap shot them left and right like they have in the past and leave them crippled for the afccg. That's the outcome I'm most worried about. At least they don't have pollard anymore.

I'm worried about that too. Lots of Steelers players getting leveled last night. That could weaken us for Denver or the SB ? Like I said before, absolute worst case scenario for us to be playing the Ravens.

 

[ROCKET]

41-13 Pats...Baltimore has no answer for Gronk. I expect the Pats to spread them out and go uptempo for most of the game. Jimmy gets his playoff feet wet with around 8 minutes left in the 4th.

Lots of Ravens fans are saying there is no way this happens..but if the Pats come out like they did vs Cincy, I can honestly see this happening. Obviously not expecting it, but the Ravens haven't beat any playoff teams this season besides the Steelers and have a secondary that Brady can easily dissect if given the time.

They are right. Baltimore is tough to play for any offense, Cincy sucks.

 

[devouredbychaos]

I'm judging the Ravens by what I saw last night and what I saw was pretty damn impressive. What happened in the regular season is meaningless now. I would be beyond shocked if we put up 40 points on that team. I hate the Ravens and especially Suggs but I give them credit for their hard nosed style of play, year in and year out. They are built for the playoffs. ETA: I'm watching the Lions punch the Cowboys in the mouth early on. They are strong in the trenches too. Those type of teams are scary in the playoffs. The Giants were a prime example of that.

It's a Ravens/Steelers game, what else would you expect? i know the regular season doesn't necessarily matter, but this Pats defense is gonna shove it right back down their throat..hopefully

 

[devouredbychaos]

41-13 Pats...Baltimore has no answer for Gronk. I expect the Pats to spread them out and go uptempo for most of the game. Jimmy gets his playoff feet wet with around 8 minutes left in the 4th.

Lots of Ravens fans are saying there is no way this happens..but if the Pats come out like they did vs Cincy, I can honestly see this happening. Obviously not expecting it, but the Ravens haven't beat any playoff teams this season besides the Steelers and have a secondary that Brady can easily dissect if given the time.

They are right. Baltimore is tough to play for any offense, Cincy sucks.

Cincy looked like the most dominant and well rounded team at the time of the Pats game, just saying.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

I have a lot of respect for baltimore's ability as an organization -- coaching staff is excellent, and the line is pretty beastly, so I would never take a balt game lightly, but it's a fair point on the wrecked secondary.

I wonder if they'll be starting some guy they signed this week off the street -- would champ bailey come out of retirement, assuming he's retired and still alive?

I don't really have any concern about any team --- I think pats are the best team in the league, and we're pretty tough at home, regardless of some random result 5 years ago.

ON TO BALTIMORE (AT GILLETTE)!!!

 

[devouredbychaos]

If the Ravens can't get the ground game going, they're going to be in trouble. It's as easy as that. Flacco won't have his way with this Pats secondary. The only thing that worries me is their pass rush obviously, and if we stick Browner on Torrey. He leads the league in drawing defensive pass interference penalties, and we all know Browner by now.

 

[Anarchy99]

As I posted in one of the playoff threads . . .

Interesting. Here is how Accuscore sees things playing out the rest of the way. For thoise that are not aware, they simulate each game 10,000 times and report who wins what percentage of the time.

SEA over CAR 63%

GB over DAL 64%

BAL over NE 53%

DEN over IND 69%

GB over SEA 52%

DEN over BAL 69%

DEN over GB 51%

I do find it odd that DEN has a a way better chance of beating BAL (69%) than NE does (47%).

 

[parrot]

As I posted in one of the playoff threads . . .

Interesting. Here is how Accuscore sees things playing out the rest of the way. For thoise that are not aware, they simulate each game 10,000 times and report who wins what percentage of the time.

SEA over CAR 63%

GB over DAL 64%

BAL over NE 53%

DEN over IND 69%

GB over SEA 52%

DEN over BAL 69%

DEN over GB 51%

I do find it odd that DEN has a a way better chance of beating BAL (69%) than NE does (47%).

I think these numbers are against the spread.

Expect a close game with the Baltimore Ravens winning 41% of simulations, and the New England Patriots 58% of simulations.

http://accuscore.com/game-forecast-previews/nfl/1-10-2015/baltimore-ravens-new-england-patriots-261

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

As I posted in one of the playoff threads . . .

Interesting. Here is how Accuscore sees things playing out the rest of the way. For thoise that are not aware, they simulate each game 10,000 times and report who wins what percentage of the time.

SEA over CAR 63%

GB over DAL 64%

BAL over NE 53%

DEN over IND 69%

GB over SEA 52%

DEN over BAL 69%

DEN over GB 51%

I do find it odd that DEN has a a way better chance of beating BAL (69%) than NE does (47%).

ummmmmmm.........

I don't know a single detail about accuwhatever, but putting accu in front of weather, or whatever doesn't make it accurate.

how would those numbers be any more significant than voodoo or snake oil?

a bit of a digression from the actual game, but are we really discussing the merits of made up numbers?

didn't they already do this bit on the simpsons, or were you kidding?

 

[Anarchy99]

As I posted in one of the playoff threads . . .

Interesting. Here is how Accuscore sees things playing out the rest of the way. For thoise that are not aware, they simulate each game 10,000 times and report who wins what percentage of the time.

SEA over CAR 63%

GB over DAL 64%

BAL over NE 53%

DEN over IND 69%

GB over SEA 52%

DEN over BAL 69%

DEN over GB 51%

I do find it odd that DEN has a a way better chance of beating BAL (69%) than NE does (47%).

I think these numbers are against the spread.

Expect a close game with the Baltimore Ravens winning 41% of simulations, and the New England Patriots 58% of simulations.

http://accuscore.com/game-forecast-previews/nfl/1-10-2015/baltimore-ravens-new-england-patriots-261

Seems odd to have the teams advancing based on just beating the spread.

 

[parrot]

As I posted in one of the playoff threads . . .

Interesting. Here is how Accuscore sees things playing out the rest of the way. For thoise that are not aware, they simulate each game 10,000 times and report who wins what percentage of the time.

SEA over CAR 63%

GB over DAL 64%

BAL over NE 53%

DEN over IND 69%

GB over SEA 52%

DEN over BAL 69%

DEN over GB 51%

I do find it odd that DEN has a a way better chance of beating BAL (69%) than NE does (47%).

I think these numbers are against the spread.

Expect a close game with the Baltimore Ravens winning 41% of simulations, and the New England Patriots 58% of simulations.

http://accuscore.com/game-forecast-previews/nfl/1-10-2015/baltimore-ravens-new-england-patriots-261

Seems odd to have the teams advancing based on just beating the spread.

Yeah, that's true. I guess I don't understand how they came up with Balt being favored based on a sample where the Pats win 58% of the time.

 

[Anarchy99]

Here was the original article and breakdown . . .

http://accuscore.com/sports-betting-system/nfl-analysis/2015-nfl-playoff-bracket

 

[Run It Up]

Simulation doesn't account for GB being completely incapable of beating a good defense or that Denver has played like garbage the last 6 weeks.

Also the Ravens barely made it into the playoffs feasting on the NFC south, they've beaten only one team with a .500+ record this season (Pitt). Secondary made up of scrubs.

The only way the Pats lose this game is if the Ravens have 500 yards in pass interference gains or Brady/Gronk die at the same time.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

Simulation doesn't account for GB being completely incapable of beating a good defense or that Denver has played like garbage the last 6 weeks.

Also the Ravens barely made it into the playoffs feasting on the NFC south, they've beaten only one team with a .500+ record this season (Pitt). Secondary made up of scrubs.

The only way the Pats lose this game is if the Ravens have 500 yards in pass interference gains or Brady/Gronk die at the same time.

thx for the jinx