My first reaction when I saw the title of this thread was that Bulger was being lined up to kick Point After Touchdowns, until I realised how ridiculous this would be.A team has to be able to score a TD before it can attempt a PAT.
This is the first thing that occurred to me, as it does with any big name trade. I don't see either enough maneuverability for the PATs and their salary cap or how much "real" sense this would really make. They'd have to unload any number of players and their subsequent contracts to do it.Sounds pretty preposterous to me.Didn't he just sign a big contract (6yr/$65 mil)?How does that affect each team?
. . . and the fact that they could get Culpepper for case a beer and a ride, and I think Garcia may not be to happy in TB right now, there are better options out there.This is the first thing that occurred to me, as it does with any big name trade. I don't see either enough maneuverability for the PATs and their salary cap or how much "real" sense this would really make. They'd have to unload any number of players and their subsequent contracts to do it.Sounds pretty preposterous to me.Didn't he just sign a big contract (6yr/$65 mil)?How does that affect each team?
huh?The Pats weren't built for a QB to "manage" the game. They need a star, so either Cassel improves fast or I don't see him being the starter for a very long time.
Last year's offense was set up to be pass heavy, but this year's was already changed to be better at running the ball, and they do still have one of the best defenses in the league, so maybe you need to think about this a little deeper then Brady was really good and they have Moss.But, ya, Cassel does need to get better, he's not doing the fundamental things expected out of an NFL starter, like looking off the defense, and making quick decisions.The Pats weren't built for a QB to "manage" the game. They need a star, so either Cassel improves fast or I don't see him being the starter for a very long time.
Lord Lucan said:My first reaction when I saw the title of this thread was that Bulger was being lined up to kick Point After Touchdowns, until I realised how ridiculous this would be.A team has to be able to score a TD before it can attempt a PAT.
Really? And you still share this opinion after this week? They were exposed. Period. They are an average defense at best and will have trouble against any team that has a solid rushing attack.and they do still have one of the best defenses in the league,
You still sure about this after the MIA debacle? I'm not. They looked a bit vulnerable to a power run game last year, and this year they've faced a KC squad that has very little firepower, a NYJ team that is looking for its identity ( and looks to be below average running the ball ) and a MIA team that few pegged as an offensive power house.I'm not throwing dirt on 'em yet, but I will defer judgement on the quality of the Pats D for a bit. This past week threw "what I knew" about the Pats D for a loop.Last year's offense was set up to be pass heavy, but this year's was already changed to be better at running the ball, and they do still have one of the best defenses in the league, so maybe you need to think about this a little deeper then Brady was really good and they have Moss.But, ya, Cassel does need to get better, he's not doing the fundamental things expected out of an NFL starter, like looking off the defense, and making quick decisions.The Pats weren't built for a QB to "manage" the game. They need a star, so either Cassel improves fast or I don't see him being the starter for a very long time.
The one that gave up 38 points to the Dolphins and allowed Pennington to go 17/20 while Brown and Williams combined for over 200 yards rushing? Their defense got protected last year by their offense, this year it gets exposed.they do still have one of the best defenses in the league
Really? And you still share this opinion after this week? They were exposed. Period. They are an average defense at best and will have trouble against any team that has a solid rushing attack.and they do still have one of the best defenses in the league,
Last week they played unlike I've ever seen them play under Belichick. They were undisciplined, not staying with their assignments, making weak efforts in tackling, and just looking sluggish. I know they are big and older, but I don't see the discipline problems continuing, and I don't see them biting on trick plays as much, and you get bet that they will be wrapping people up more. They did look horrible, but not in a way that can't be corrected quickly.You still sure about this after the MIA debacle? I'm not. They looked a bit vulnerable to a power run game last year, and this year they've faced a KC squad that has very little firepower, a NYJ team that is looking for its identity ( and looks to be below average running the ball ) and a MIA team that few pegged as an offensive power house.I'm not throwing dirt on 'em yet, but I will defer judgment on the quality of the Pats D for a bit. This past week threw "what I knew" about the Pats D for a loop...
I hope it can be corrected quickly. I'm just not sure it can be / will be. Prior to this game, I was pretty sure the D was still a top tier defense, but there were plenty of opinions that felt this was a D in decline.I'm looking at the next couple of games to see if your view is right, and the things that blew up Sunday are corrected, or if this was the start of a trend. I certainly hope you're right on this one....Last week they played unlike I've ever seen them play under Belichick. They were undisciplined, not staying with their assignments, making weak efforts in tackling, and just looking sluggish. I know they are big and older, but I don't see the discipline problems continuing, and I don't see them biting on trick plays as much, and you get bet that they will be wrapping people up more. They did look horrible, but not in a way that can't be corrected quickly.
I agree that people should pick up Bulger as he will be starting again in a few weeks because Green will either be knocked senseless and/or be just as ineffective. Bulger has not played well but the situation has made it very hard to look good.My suggestion to people is to pick up Bulger off of waivers if his team has cut himI really don't see that happening... Bulger cost some serious coin... and i think its highly doubtful that a team that does have Tom Brady... even though he's out this year goes out and gets a QB like that. Bulger can hold down a franchise, he isn't chad pennington. Bulger will be starting again in St. Louis in a week or two. It's either Linehan gets fired or Bulger gets inserted back to the starting lineup, which comes first.. not sure.
Seems a bit oxymoronic. They need a guy that hits the cover of People a lot or something...huh?The Pats weren't built for a QB to "manage" the game. They need a star, so either Cassel improves fast or I don't see him being the starter for a very long time.
XNo chance Carr is on the radar. He has proven to be an ineffective NFL QB. I doubt his phone rings at all for another NFL job.It has always seemed that teams are a bit more likely to trade for a player that impressed them on the field recently. Its like its one thing to read a scouting report or watch game film, but when you actually see them on the field, it leaves a lasting impression.
So looking at the Patriots 2008 preseason and regular season schedule I see:
PS wk 1: Ravens - Patriots got a first-hand look at Kyle Boller, Troy Smith, and Joe Flacco.
PS wk 2: Buccanneers - Patriots got a first-hand look at Luke McCown, Brian Griese, and Chris Simms
PS wk 3: Eagles - Patriots got a first-hand look at McNabb and Kevin Kolb
PS wk 4: Giants - Patriots got to see a full-game of David Carr
wk 1: Chiefs - Got to see Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle
wk 2: Jets - Got to see Favre
wk 3: Dolphins - Got to see Pennington
If they follow the pattern of going after someone they've recently -seen- I think they could go after Kolb. Sure the eagles drafted Kolb to replace McNabb but that was before McNabb's renaissance. McNabb is only 31 years old - he could also play another 10 years. Kolb could be to McNabb what Tommy Maddox was to John Elway. If not Kolb, I'd guess David Carr.
I agree. :scapegoat:In all honesty Bulger is only a little over a year removed from being a serious baller. Lotta flaws with this team right now.
I think he already has an NFL job.XNo chance Carr is on the radar. He has proven to be an ineffective NFL QB. I doubt his phone rings at all for another NFL job.It has always seemed that teams are a bit more likely to trade for a player that impressed them on the field recently. Its like its one thing to read a scouting report or watch game film, but when you actually see them on the field, it leaves a lasting impression.
So looking at the Patriots 2008 preseason and regular season schedule I see:
PS wk 1: Ravens - Patriots got a first-hand look at Kyle Boller, Troy Smith, and Joe Flacco.
PS wk 2: Buccanneers - Patriots got a first-hand look at Luke McCown, Brian Griese, and Chris Simms
PS wk 3: Eagles - Patriots got a first-hand look at McNabb and Kevin Kolb
PS wk 4: Giants - Patriots got to see a full-game of David Carr
wk 1: Chiefs - Got to see Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle
wk 2: Jets - Got to see Favre
wk 3: Dolphins - Got to see Pennington
If they follow the pattern of going after someone they've recently -seen- I think they could go after Kolb. Sure the eagles drafted Kolb to replace McNabb but that was before McNabb's renaissance. McNabb is only 31 years old - he could also play another 10 years. Kolb could be to McNabb what Tommy Maddox was to John Elway. If not Kolb, I'd guess David Carr.
I think he already has an NFL job.XNo chance Carr is on the radar. He has proven to be an ineffective NFL QB. I doubt his phone rings at all for another NFL job.It has always seemed that teams are a bit more likely to trade for a player that impressed them on the field recently. Its like its one thing to read a scouting report or watch game film, but when you actually see them on the field, it leaves a lasting impression.
So looking at the Patriots 2008 preseason and regular season schedule I see:
PS wk 1: Ravens - Patriots got a first-hand look at Kyle Boller, Troy Smith, and Joe Flacco.
PS wk 2: Buccanneers - Patriots got a first-hand look at Luke McCown, Brian Griese, and Chris Simms
PS wk 3: Eagles - Patriots got a first-hand look at McNabb and Kevin Kolb
PS wk 4: Giants - Patriots got to see a full-game of David Carr
wk 1: Chiefs - Got to see Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle
wk 2: Jets - Got to see Favre
wk 3: Dolphins - Got to see Pennington
If they follow the pattern of going after someone they've recently -seen- I think they could go after Kolb. Sure the eagles drafted Kolb to replace McNabb but that was before McNabb's renaissance. McNabb is only 31 years old - he could also play another 10 years. Kolb could be to McNabb what Tommy Maddox was to John Elway. If not Kolb, I'd guess David Carr.
In all seriousness, I did think this was about him being demoted to holder for FGs and PATs.My first reaction when I saw the title of this thread was that Bulger was being lined up to kick Point After Touchdowns, until I realised how ridiculous this would be.A team has to be able to score a TD before it can attempt a PAT.
FixedMarc Bulger to Play After Trent sucks.
Sure... the Chargers would LOVE to help out the Pats.David Y. always seems to be accurate on the Pats front, so I'm looking for O'Connell to start around Week 7 or so.I'd think a guy like Billy Volek might be had for cheaper.
would all this even be possible w/bulger?I have no idea about his deal, but if he has remaining years on some 6yr/60+ million deal, what would the pats do w/him next year, even if they squeezed him in this year, and why would he ever tear that money up just to play on the pats?I would love it, but I'm not seeing it --- not to mention, who would qb the rams?re: the pats dyou can take the miami game at face value, or you can just write it off as a fluke.if you take it as is, and consider miami to be the same horrible team as they were last year, which they aren't, then you are basically saying that every winning team on the pats schedule will light them up for 50+, which is kind of unlikely.or, you can write it off as a fluke and judge their defense on dozens of games worth of data.I think the latter makes a little more sense.how did larry johnson's power running attack do against them in week 1?how did such a 'pathetic' jets offense, that could only manage 10 against new england, hang 29 on san diego's pro-bowl defense?extrapolating off one bad game seems less like common sense than it does wishful thinking by those jealous of previous pats' success, and eager for any hint of a carcass to pick at.David Yudkin said:The other issue that few are considering is that the Pats have to fit whomever they would add under the salary cap. They currently are roughly $3.9 million under the cap. I suspect that would rule out Bulger (unless they rework other players deals).Like with Randy Moss, a team must be able to fit the entire contract of the incoming player in AS IS and a team cannot rework that player's deal until AFTER he was added to the team. So the Pats could not get Bulger to redo his deal to get him on to the team.
I think he was suggesting that once he's done in NY he'll be done for good. I would agree with that.I think he already has an NFL job.XNo chance Carr is on the radar. He has proven to be an ineffective NFL QB. I doubt his phone rings at all for another NFL job.It has always seemed that teams are a bit more likely to trade for a player that impressed them on the field recently. Its like its one thing to read a scouting report or watch game film, but when you actually see them on the field, it leaves a lasting impression.
So looking at the Patriots 2008 preseason and regular season schedule I see:
PS wk 1: Ravens - Patriots got a first-hand look at Kyle Boller, Troy Smith, and Joe Flacco.
PS wk 2: Buccanneers - Patriots got a first-hand look at Luke McCown, Brian Griese, and Chris Simms
PS wk 3: Eagles - Patriots got a first-hand look at McNabb and Kevin Kolb
PS wk 4: Giants - Patriots got to see a full-game of David Carr
wk 1: Chiefs - Got to see Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle
wk 2: Jets - Got to see Favre
wk 3: Dolphins - Got to see Pennington
If they follow the pattern of going after someone they've recently -seen- I think they could go after Kolb. Sure the eagles drafted Kolb to replace McNabb but that was before McNabb's renaissance. McNabb is only 31 years old - he could also play another 10 years. Kolb could be to McNabb what Tommy Maddox was to John Elway. If not Kolb, I'd guess David Carr.