The Draw Of Playing In New England (1 Viewer)

[ChromeWeasel]

Sweet article by Matt Bowen.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/0...in-new-england/

What is the attraction with Foxborough, Mass.? And why does it seem that every offseason, high-profile free agents are drawn to play for Bill Belichick and the Patriots? Today, we try to answer these questions and show that the Patriots are indeed the ultimate destination for NFL players who want to win championships.

The Model

The New England Patriots are the team that every other club in the NFL wants to be — whether they admit it or not.

When I was still playing, that’s who we wanted to be, and whom we wanted to beat — on every team that I played. In Buffalo, all we talked about was finding a way to beat New England.

In Washington, under Joe Gibbs, the Hall of Fame coach, former Patriots wide receiver David Patten was on our roster. Gibbs asked Patton to bring in his Super Bowl rings to show to the rest of the players during one of Gibbs’ team meetings. Why? Because they were the team we wanted to be. Forget about the three rings Gibbs had from his three championships. He wanted Patten to show us the rings from New England (and they were pretty nice, I might add). Gibbs, like us, knew that the Patriots, not the “Hogs,” were the team we needed to resemble if we wanted to become champions.

So David brought them in and we all held them in our hands — speechless. Because Super Bowl rings are impressive up close.

In the film room, whenever a Patriots tape was on — even if it was against a team we were preparing to play that Sunday — the conversation always shifted to New England. Why are they so good? What do they do that makes them better than everyone else? Is it the scheme or the players? Why do they get whomever they want in free agency? Sure, we would sit in those cold chairs in the dark of the film room and throw out criticisms of their players every so often, but we would be kidding ourselves if it wasn’t out of pure, unfiltered jealousy.

On Monday, NFL.com ran a story linking Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers to New England. Hey, why not? Why wouldn’t Peppers want to make a ton of money playing for the Patriots? I can’t find a better spot for him in the league. He knows that by going up there he’ll get his money, and he’ll get a chance to win a ring.

Sounds pretty simple to me.

And that’s echoed throughout the league from coaches and players alike — because we all, at one point or another in our careers, wanted to wear that Patriots uniform and put that ring on our fingers.

I know I did. Sure, all of the teams I played on brought something to the table in my seven-year career, but I would be lying if I said that I wouldn’t swap out a couple of those years for two of those rings.

The Real Appeal

The Patriots are the USC of pro football.

Yes, USC has the beach, the blondes in bikinis and the oceanside beer parties. Oh yeah, it also wins national titles and sends guys to the NFL via the first round of the draft.

Sorry, Michigan and Nebraska, but I think if I were an 18-year-old kid, I’d chose the girl on the surfboard, the BCS bowl game and first-round money over Ann Arbor or Lincoln.

Why am I talking about this? Because the Patriots are the same thing to free agents in the NFL, especially veteran players.

Look at Shawn Springs and Joey Galloway, both of whom signed free-agent deals with the Pats in the last week. These guys might be at the end of their careers, and maybe aren’t the players they used to be, but they know that by going to New England, Belichick will find a way to get the absolute best out of their ability.

Why did Junior Seau come out of retirement after a great career to play in New England? For starters, he knew Belichick would put him in position to make plays on Sundays, but also because Seau knew he had a chance to go to the Super Bowl.

Veteran players understand that going to New England gives them a chance to extend their careers, and Belichick will make that possible by putting them in different packages — on both sides of the ball — that use their skills for the betterment of the team. Sure, they might not play on third downs anymore, but there will be at least five different blitz packages in the game plan that allow them to get on the field and make some plays — while they chew up the competition along the way.

I’m sorry if you’re a fan of the Bengals or the Jaguars, but the players in today’s NFL are looking for two things — money and rings. If there’s a chance they can get even comparable money by going to New England over Cincy, it’s a done deal.

Plus, the Patriots own the national spotlight when it comes to ESPN SportsCenter, Monday night games, NFL Network coverage and the Sunday night slot on NBC. And we’d be kidding ourselves if we don’t think players want to be in the spotlight.

Guys who play under the lights are talked about, and they make more money in the end.

The Respect Factor

This might be the most important factor when it comes to the Patriots’ success.

Do you think the garbage going on in Denver right now would happen in New England? No way, and as I wrote Monday, Broncos coach Josh McDaniels is trying to be the new Belichick in Denver — but he’s lacking that certain “respect factor” we’re talking about now.

Tell me a time when a player went to the podium after a game or during interviews after practice and criticized the way things are done in New England. Because I can’t find one.

These players would do anything to win — and that comes from Belichick. Sure, I make fun of the guy on Fridays because he looks like a homeless man standing on the sidelines, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I would have loved to play for him during my career.

He has this going for him because the Patriots’ biggest star, Tom Brady, endorses him, as does Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Rodney Harrison and so on. Players notice this, folks, and they buy into the idea that Belichick is a great coach before they even meet him.

Before you throw “Spygate” at me, let’s be honest. Every team in the league does it. I played on teams that had a guy go through the visiting team’s hotel after they checked out to look for any type of game plan material that was “mistakenly” left behind. So please, don’t go there.

The guy can coach football, my friends, and if we sit here and tell ourselves that he cheats, or that the Patriots don’t play by the rules, well, then someone better tell the players in the NFL this news, because they don’t seem to care.

The Bottom Line

Before you start to call me a Belichick supporter, or someone who’s trying to put down the rest of the AFC East, look at the facts because that’s all I’m doing,

I’ve been in locker rooms, and in film rooms across the league, and I can tell you that every player wants to run out of the tunnel in the Super Bowl. We have to realize that veteran players look to one place for that to happen when they’re picking teams, and that place is settled between Boston and Providence.

Players are drawn to New England because of the coach, the wins, the “team” idea that seems to exist there compared to every other dysfunctional NFL franchise.

I despised the Patriots when I played because every January, when I was home after an early exit from the playoffs, or if my team didn’t even make the postseason, they were still playing. I used to ask myself why they were so good, just as I used to ask myself why their press conferences were so flat-out dull.

But I would have driven up there in a second if they had offered me a contract.

 

[Rounders]

Interesting to see a HS teammate of mine writing articles and it landing here. I actually know the author pretty well and I can tell you he speaks his mind and doesn't care of the outcome. I have to believe a lot of what he's saying is pretty spot on.

 

[Adebisi]

I read this earlier, and thought about posting it, but figured I'd get skewered for being an arrogant Patriots fan.

 

[Postradamus]

Pretty much a common sense article.

Players want to win, get money...no ####? Nothing groundbreaking here.

History is against the pats' dynasty continuing much further. One more in the next five years would seriously impress me.

 

[Adebisi]

Pretty much a common sense article.Players want to win, get money...no ####? Nothing groundbreaking here.History is against the pats' dynasty continuing much further. One more in the next five years would seriously impress me.

I get what you're saying when you say, "History is against the Pats' dynasty continuing much further," because historically, teams just have not been able to keep it up for so long, but on the other hand, look at the cards they have to play: an elite coach, an elite QB, elite ownership, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, a bevy of draft picks, and a desirable destination for veteran players. If you were trying to build a team to compete for the championship for the foreseeable future, I don't think you could do much better than that.

 

[ChromeWeasel]

I read this earlier, and thought about posting it, but figured I'd get skewered for being an arrogant Patriots fan.

I like getting skewered for being a Patriots fan. Conflict is fun. Road trips to Buffalo are the some of best games of the year for a Pats fan.That much said, I skimmed the forum to make sure this wouldn't be a Honda.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Some of the stuff that stood out:

1) Spygate doesn't matter, every team is trying to get those competitive advantages

2) Players know that NE will get the best out of them

3) They set the standard that everyone in the league looks up to

Back in 07 when the Pats were running up the score, I felt like they were doing all of us a favor by challenging the rest of the league to raise their level of play. Above all, the Pats set the example in terms of organizational clarity, from schemes and coaching to their media policy to their scouting and very short board on draft day.

The win over the Pats really lit the Steelers fuse this year, and it was the first game that I found myself saying "This team could win the Super Bowl". They bring that out in their opponents, like a #1 team in college football or basketball.

Another great example of how NFP is giving us the insider perspective.

 

[Postradamus]

Pretty much a common sense article.Players want to win, get money...no ####? Nothing groundbreaking here.History is against the pats' dynasty continuing much further. One more in the next five years would seriously impress me.

I get what you're saying when you say, "History is against the Pats' dynasty continuing much further," because historically, teams just have not been able to keep it up for so long, but on the other hand, look at the cards they have to play: an elite coach, an elite QB, elite ownership, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, a bevy of draft picks, and a desirable destination for veteran players. If you were trying to build a team to compete for the championship for the foreseeable future, I don't think you could do much better than that.

Don't get me wrong, they have what it takes to win and as a player I'd be drawn to that. I just don't think this article really needed to be written for even casual football fans to understand the allure of the Pats. NE wins and gives players money. That is about all you need to know.It seems that this article was written in response to the overwhelming disdain outsiders have of the pats in their recent activities. (shady trades, spygate, etc.) But a real NFL fan knows that they win and why players want to be a part of it. People shouldn't feel compelled to stick up for NE just because people hate them. I think it only makes them more hated in the end. Ex: "I hate the pats because they're good" -reads this article- "Now I still hate the pats because they win AND hate the fact that people think I shouldn't hate them because they are so good."

 

[Boston]

Belichick for a first round pick...criticized by many at the time but this turned into one of the best trades of all-time.

 

[CalBear]

The article is begging the question--do high-profile free agents really flock to New England? High-profile guys like Greg Lewis and Joey Galloway? Can he explain why Randy Moss, Khalif Barnes and Javon Walker went to the Raiders? Because Oakland gets the best out of their players? Hah.

The main thing the Pats have is a legion of fans who believe that anything they do is brilliant.

 

[twitch]

And I am the main fan. Where's my stinking ring?

Good article. Somehow it sounds slightly different coming from an former NFL player. And non-Patriot.

 

[Adebisi]

Pretty much a common sense article.

Players want to win, get money...no ####? Nothing groundbreaking here.

History is against the pats' dynasty continuing much further. One more in the next five years would seriously impress me.

I get what you're saying when you say, "History is against the Pats' dynasty continuing much further," because historically, teams just have not been able to keep it up for so long, but on the other hand, look at the cards they have to play: an elite coach, an elite QB, elite ownership, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, a bevy of draft picks, and a desirable destination for veteran players. If you were trying to build a team to compete for the championship for the foreseeable future, I don't think you could do much better than that.

Don't get me wrong, they have what it takes to win and as a player I'd be drawn to that. I just don't think this article really needed to be written for even casual football fans to understand the allure of the Pats. NE wins and gives players money. That is about all you need to know.It seems that this article was written in response to the overwhelming disdain outsiders have of the pats in their recent activities. (shady trades, spygate, etc.) But a real NFL fan knows that they win and why players want to be a part of it. People shouldn't feel compelled to stick up for NE just because people hate them. I think it only makes them more hated in the end. Ex: "I hate the pats because they're good" -reads this article- "Now I still hate the pats because they win AND hate the fact that people think I shouldn't hate them because they are so good."

What?

 

[Adebisi]

The article is begging the question--do high-profile free agents really flock to New England? High-profile guys like Greg Lewis and Joey Galloway? Can he explain why Randy Moss, Khalif Barnes and Javon Walker went to the Raiders? Because Oakland gets the best out of their players? Hah.The main thing the Pats have is a legion of fans who believe that anything they do is brilliant.

Randy Moss went to the Raiders because he was traded to the Raiders. So that explains that. He was also overjoyed when the Pats traded for him. Ditto Corey Dillon (Greg Lewis was also acquired via trade, so maybe your first step should be differentiating between a trade and a free agent signing). I don't really consider Khalif Barnes to be a "high-profile free agent," but I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on that one. Javon Walker got a completely ridiculous contract by anyone's measure.Rosevelt Colvin was a high profile free agent when he came to New England. So was Adalius Thomas. Donte Stallworth was, to a lesser degree. Rodney Harrison too. Future HOFer Junior Seau came out of retirement to play here. Whether or not you want to add Fred Taylor, Leigh Bodden, and/or Shawn Springs, I'll leave that up to you.So I guess the answer to your question is yes, high-profile guys do flock to New England.The Patriots may or may not have a legion of fans who believe that anything they do is brilliant, but Pats fans also have very good reason to trust in the people who run their organization.I suggest you get your facts straight before you come to the table criticizing other fans.

 

[Postradamus]

Pretty much a common sense article.

Players want to win, get money...no ####? Nothing groundbreaking here.

History is against the pats' dynasty continuing much further. One more in the next five years would seriously impress me.

I get what you're saying when you say, "History is against the Pats' dynasty continuing much further," because historically, teams just have not been able to keep it up for so long, but on the other hand, look at the cards they have to play: an elite coach, an elite QB, elite ownership, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, a bevy of draft picks, and a desirable destination for veteran players. If you were trying to build a team to compete for the championship for the foreseeable future, I don't think you could do much better than that.

Don't get me wrong, they have what it takes to win and as a player I'd be drawn to that. I just don't think this article really needed to be written for even casual football fans to understand the allure of the Pats. NE wins and gives players money. That is about all you need to know.It seems that this article was written in response to the overwhelming disdain outsiders have of the pats in their recent activities. (shady trades, spygate, etc.) But a real NFL fan knows that they win and why players want to be a part of it. People shouldn't feel compelled to stick up for NE just because people hate them. I think it only makes them more hated in the end. Ex: "I hate the pats because they're good" -reads this article- "Now I still hate the pats because they win AND hate the fact that people think I shouldn't hate them because they are so good."

What?

I could try to translate it into Spanish, but my 6 credits hours freshman year might not be enough to do it justice.The point is that this article isn't particularly insightful.

 

[twitch]

I cant really argue that it was overly insightful. But I did appreciate his perspective from inside the Redskins locker room, and how Joe Gibbs tried to express his own personal level of respect for what theyre doing. Youre not going to get that kind of first hand glimpse/take from alot of writers. Which is why its nice when some of these former players are able to share and communicate their experiences with the rest of us.

 

[CalBear]

So I guess the answer to your question is yes, high-profile guys do flock to New England.

All right, let's see what you got:NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS_Signed Chris Baker, TE; Leigh Bodden, CB; Nathan Hodel, LS; Shawn Springs, CB; Al Johnson, C; and Fred Taylor, RB. Re-signed Matt Cassel, QB (f), and traded him to Kansas City; re-signed Eric Alexander, LB; Chris Hanson, P; Russ Hochstein, OL; James Sanders, S; Mike Wright, DL; Tank Williams, S; Ray Ventrone, S; and Wesley Britt, OL. Chris Baker: Coming off 21 receptions, 194 yards.Leigh Bodden: So bad he was released by the Detroit Lions. (1 INT in 2008).Nathan Hodel: Obviously a high-profile long snapper.Shawn Springs: A 34-year-old coming off a 1-INT season with 7 passes defensed.Al Johnson: A center on one of the worst NFL lines in 2007, on IR all of 2008.Fred Taylor: 33-year-old RB coming off 556 yards and 1 TD.I dunno, if I were a (good) sportswriter looking at this incoming free agent class, I don't think I'd be writing a story about how high-profile free agents flock to the Patriots.

 

[[icon]]

at the haters trying to poke holes in this. Pool is always good for a laugh in that regard.

 

[Bossman]

So I guess the answer to your question is yes, high-profile guys do flock to New England.

All right, let's see what you got:NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS_Signed Chris Baker, TE; Leigh Bodden, CB; Nathan Hodel, LS; Shawn Springs, CB; Al Johnson, C; and Fred Taylor, RB. Re-signed Matt Cassel, QB (f), and traded him to Kansas City; re-signed Eric Alexander, LB; Chris Hanson, P; Russ Hochstein, OL; James Sanders, S; Mike Wright, DL; Tank Williams, S; Ray Ventrone, S; and Wesley Britt, OL.

Chris Baker: Coming off 21 receptions, 194 yards.

Leigh Bodden: So bad he was released by the Detroit Lions. (1 INT in 2008).

Nathan Hodel: Obviously a high-profile long snapper.

Shawn Springs: A 34-year-old coming off a 1-INT season with 7 passes defensed.

Al Johnson: A center on one of the worst NFL lines in 2007, on IR all of 2008.

Fred Taylor: 33-year-old RB coming off 556 yards and 1 TD.

I dunno, if I were a (good) sportswriter looking at this incoming free agent class, I don't think I'd be writing a story about how high-profile free agents flock to the Patriots.

I can't think of any high priced free agent signings of Belichicks ... other than Adailous Thomas and maybe Roosavelt Colvin.

Rodney Harrison was old and unwanted by SD. Cory Dillon was a disgruntled head case and playing back up in CIN.

Oh, wait ....Randy Moss was traded for but then re-signed. He's the guy this article is about. Him and Adalius Thomas. Those two guys must have prompted this article.

I'll bet there are a dozen other teams with more "top free agent" signings than the Patriots have had these last 10 years.

IMO the Patriots have lost as many so called "top free agents" as they have signed. Asante Samuel, Deon Branch, Adam Vinitari are a few that come to mind.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

So how many of the current Patriots were on any of their SB winners?

Matt Bowen writes as if they've won something recently.

 

[Adebisi]

So I guess the answer to your question is yes, high-profile guys do flock to New England.

All right, let's see what you got:NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS_Signed Chris Baker, TE; Leigh Bodden, CB; Nathan Hodel, LS; Shawn Springs, CB; Al Johnson, C; and Fred Taylor, RB. Re-signed Matt Cassel, QB (f), and traded him to Kansas City; re-signed Eric Alexander, LB; Chris Hanson, P; Russ Hochstein, OL; James Sanders, S; Mike Wright, DL; Tank Williams, S; Ray Ventrone, S; and Wesley Britt, OL.

Chris Baker: Coming off 21 receptions, 194 yards.

Leigh Bodden: So bad he was released by the Detroit Lions. (1 INT in 2008).

Nathan Hodel: Obviously a high-profile long snapper.

Shawn Springs: A 34-year-old coming off a 1-INT season with 7 passes defensed.

Al Johnson: A center on one of the worst NFL lines in 2007, on IR all of 2008.

Fred Taylor: 33-year-old RB coming off 556 yards and 1 TD.

I dunno, if I were a (good) sportswriter looking at this incoming free agent class, I don't think I'd be writing a story about how high-profile free agents flock to the Patriots.

Are you being serious here? Where do I begin?

Maybe with the fact that you're choosing to go after only the 2009 offseason when the author is discussing New England's success for the better part of the past decade. Or the fact that the Pats were handicapped by Cassel's franchise tag. Or maybe that the Pats still managed to do quite well despite their salary cap limitations. Or perhaps that Bodden's release was triggered in large part because he was due an $8.6M bonus. Maybe you could casually not mention that the Patriots are one of five teams that Julius Peppers would like to be traded to. Or you could just ignore all of the other inaccuracies in your previous post and jump onto the next straw.

 

[Adebisi]

So I guess the answer to your question is yes, high-profile guys do flock to New England.

All right, let's see what you got:NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS_Signed Chris Baker, TE; Leigh Bodden, CB; Nathan Hodel, LS; Shawn Springs, CB; Al Johnson, C; and Fred Taylor, RB. Re-signed Matt Cassel, QB (f), and traded him to Kansas City; re-signed Eric Alexander, LB; Chris Hanson, P; Russ Hochstein, OL; James Sanders, S; Mike Wright, DL; Tank Williams, S; Ray Ventrone, S; and Wesley Britt, OL.

Chris Baker: Coming off 21 receptions, 194 yards.

Leigh Bodden: So bad he was released by the Detroit Lions. (1 INT in 2008).

Nathan Hodel: Obviously a high-profile long snapper.

Shawn Springs: A 34-year-old coming off a 1-INT season with 7 passes defensed.

Al Johnson: A center on one of the worst NFL lines in 2007, on IR all of 2008.

Fred Taylor: 33-year-old RB coming off 556 yards and 1 TD.

I dunno, if I were a (good) sportswriter looking at this incoming free agent class, I don't think I'd be writing a story about how high-profile free agents flock to the Patriots.

I can't think of any high priced free agent signings of Belichicks ... other than Adailous Thomas and maybe Roosavelt Colvin.

Rodney Harrison was old and unwanted by SD. Cory Dillon was a disgruntled head case and playing back up in CIN.

Oh, wait ....Randy Moss was traded for but then re-signed. He's the guy this article is about. Him and Adalius Thomas. Those two guys must have prompted this article.

I'll bet there are a dozen other teams with more "top free agent" signings than the Patriots have had these last 10 years.

IMO the Patriots have lost as many so called "top free agents" as they have signed. Asante Samuel, Deon Branch, Adam Vinitari are a few that come to mind.

You seriously need to get your facts straight.Dillon was traded for.

Deion Branch was traded for a 1st round pick.

If you'd like to get into the free agents who have left, we can play that game, too. Vinatieri, Woody, Ashworth, McGinest, Law, Milloy, Poole, Banta-Cain, Washington, Andruzzi, Patten, Givens... how many of these guys do you think we regret letting go?

 

[Adebisi]

So how many of the current Patriots were on any of their SB winners? Matt Bowen writes as if they've won something recently.

And you write as if there is no allure to coming to a team that went to the Super Bowl following a perfect regular season and then went 11-5 despite losing perhaps the best player in the NFL.Whether you like it or not and whether you want to admit it or not, no team in the NFL has a better chance of competing for the Super Bowl year in and year out than the Patriots do.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

So how many of the current Patriots were on any of their SB winners? Matt Bowen writes as if they've won something recently.

And you write as if there is no allure to coming to a team that went to the Super Bowl following a perfect regular season and then went 11-5 despite losing perhaps the best player in the NFL.Whether you like it or not and whether you want to admit it or not, no team in the NFL has a better chance of competing for the Super Bowl year in and year out than the Patriots do.

It's no slight on your team man, just pointing out that they haven't won anything in 5 years. Bowen is 3-4 years late on this piece. I am curious to know how many current Patriots won a Super Bowl ring in NE. I'd bet 10 or less.

 

[Donnybrook]

The main thing the Pats have is a legion of fans who believe that anything they do is brilliant.

It is not only Pats fans but it is also the main stream media. I recall Randy Cross on the radio last season talking about Chris Baker when he failed to show up to the Jets training camp. He was basically saying Baker should shutup, end his holdout, and get back to camp. After all, he isn't that good and he is lucky to have a job etc.This year, NE signs Baker and I believe Randy Cross called it another brillant signing by the Patriots.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

no team in the NFL has a better chance of competing for the Super Bowl year in and year out than the Patriots do.

Especially year out.

 

[Yenrub]

I am a little confused.

Can someone provide a list of the free agents vs. players traded for that the Patriots acquired?

The article specifically talks about Galloway, Seau, and Springs

The some of the posters mentioned Moss and Dillon

 

[FUBAR]

I'm no hater, as I really don't care about the Patriots either way, I like the QB don't like the coach.

But, it seems the only real difference between the Patriots and the Steelers are:

1. Patriots will go into free agency much more often to buy cheapish players

2. The Steelers is more respected by fans.

I get that #1 is the point of the article, but the Patriots don't belong on a pedestal.

 

[Moonlight_Graham]

The Colts know how to draft, so they don't need free agents :(

 

[CalBear]

So I guess the answer to your question is yes, high-profile guys do flock to New England.

All right, let's see what you got:NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS_Signed Chris Baker, TE; Leigh Bodden, CB; Nathan Hodel, LS; Shawn Springs, CB; Al Johnson, C; and Fred Taylor, RB. Re-signed Matt Cassel, QB (f), and traded him to Kansas City; re-signed Eric Alexander, LB; Chris Hanson, P; Russ Hochstein, OL; James Sanders, S; Mike Wright, DL; Tank Williams, S; Ray Ventrone, S; and Wesley Britt, OL.

Chris Baker: Coming off 21 receptions, 194 yards.

Leigh Bodden: So bad he was released by the Detroit Lions. (1 INT in 2008).

Nathan Hodel: Obviously a high-profile long snapper.

Shawn Springs: A 34-year-old coming off a 1-INT season with 7 passes defensed.

Al Johnson: A center on one of the worst NFL lines in 2007, on IR all of 2008.

Fred Taylor: 33-year-old RB coming off 556 yards and 1 TD.

I dunno, if I were a (good) sportswriter looking at this incoming free agent class, I don't think I'd be writing a story about how high-profile free agents flock to the Patriots.

:( Are you being serious here? Where do I begin?

Maybe with the fact that you're choosing to go after only the 2009 offseason when the author is discussing New England's success for the better part of the past decade. Or the fact that the Pats were handicapped by Cassel's franchise tag. Or maybe that the Pats still managed to do quite well despite their salary cap limitations. Or perhaps that Bodden's release was triggered in large part because he was due an $8.6M bonus. Maybe you could casually not mention that the Patriots are one of five teams that Julius Peppers would like to be traded to. Or you could just ignore all of the other inaccuracies in your previous post and jump onto the next straw.

I think my point is made, thanks.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Whether you like it or not and whether you want to admit it or not, no team in the NFL has a better chance of competing for the Super Bowl year in and year out than the Patriots do.

The Steelers are in the playoffs every year and have won two SBs since the Pats won one.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Whether you like it or not and whether you want to admit it or not, no team in the NFL has a better chance of competing for the Super Bowl year in and year out than the Patriots do.

Since the turn of the new century, you are correct.Let's hope this trend continues.

 

[Ben Stiller]

Belichick has always been a fan of vets, as was Parcells. NE offers assisted living and hospice for old timers like Harrison, Seau, Galloway, Springs and Freddy T.

 

[glumpy]

Before you throw “Spygate” at me, let’s be honest. Every team in the league does it. I played on teams that had a guy go through the visiting team’s hotel after they checked out to look for any type of game plan material that was “mistakenly” left behind. So please, don’t go there.

No surprise here.

 

[PhD]

It kind of sounds like the Pats are this generation's Raiders - taking in the old and unwanted and squeezing some lemonade out of those used lemons before they really go bad.

It brought the Raiders close to superbowls a lot more often than getting them to the actual game. Frankly I'm surprised to see how often this happens in sports in general. Yankees have a dynasty and then bring in big names only to get close but no Series. Lakers bring in Mailman and Payton who sign on to get the ring and get close but no championship. I may be missing the times when it works, but it is interesting to see how many times it fails to get the old men their gold.

 

[Adebisi]

It kind of sounds like the Pats are this generation's Raiders - taking in the old and unwanted and squeezing some lemonade out of those used lemons before they really go bad.

It brought the Raiders close to superbowls a lot more often than getting them to the actual game. Frankly I'm surprised to see how often this happens in sports in general. Yankees have a dynasty and then bring in big names only to get close but no Series. Lakers bring in Mailman and Payton who sign on to get the ring and get close but no championship. I may be missing the times when it works, but it is interesting to see how many times it fails to get the old men their gold.

Probably the best example of all time would be Ray Bourque winning the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2001.

 

[Jack Black]

The article speaks the truth of the Pats of today....but it has been said of many organizations before...there isn't much new here.

The cow pokes got the same breaks when Emmit and Troy were there ...

The Yankees are probably the poster child of all sports, but they also have the most $$$ to throw at players... HATE THEM....

So although I agree w/ the ideas here within....I ask again...what's new?

 

[Bossman]

So I guess the answer to your question is yes, high-profile guys do flock to New England.

All right, let's see what you got:NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS_Signed Chris Baker, TE; Leigh Bodden, CB; Nathan Hodel, LS; Shawn Springs, CB; Al Johnson, C; and Fred Taylor, RB. Re-signed Matt Cassel, QB (f), and traded him to Kansas City; re-signed Eric Alexander, LB; Chris Hanson, P; Russ Hochstein, OL; James Sanders, S; Mike Wright, DL; Tank Williams, S; Ray Ventrone, S; and Wesley Britt, OL.

Chris Baker: Coming off 21 receptions, 194 yards.

Leigh Bodden: So bad he was released by the Detroit Lions. (1 INT in 2008).

Nathan Hodel: Obviously a high-profile long snapper.

Shawn Springs: A 34-year-old coming off a 1-INT season with 7 passes defensed.

Al Johnson: A center on one of the worst NFL lines in 2007, on IR all of 2008.

Fred Taylor: 33-year-old RB coming off 556 yards and 1 TD.

I dunno, if I were a (good) sportswriter looking at this incoming free agent class, I don't think I'd be writing a story about how high-profile free agents flock to the Patriots.

I can't think of any high priced free agent signings of Belichicks ... other than Adailous Thomas and maybe Roosavelt Colvin.

Rodney Harrison was old and unwanted by SD. Cory Dillon was a disgruntled head case and playing back up in CIN.

Oh, wait ....Randy Moss was traded for but then re-signed. He's the guy this article is about. Him and Adalius Thomas. Those two guys must have prompted this article.

I'll bet there are a dozen other teams with more "top free agent" signings than the Patriots have had these last 10 years.

IMO the Patriots have lost as many so called "top free agents" as they have signed. Asante Samuel, Deon Branch, Adam Vinitari are a few that come to mind.

You seriously need to get your facts straight.Dillon was traded for.

Deion Branch was traded for a 1st round pick.

If you'd like to get into the free agents who have left, we can play that game, too. Vinatieri, Woody, Ashworth, McGinest, Law, Milloy, Poole, Banta-Cain, Washington, Andruzzi, Patten, Givens... how many of these guys do you think we regret letting go?

Oh, you got me. Both those guys were traded for.So I guess Dillon didn't have a choice of who he was going to play for and this article wouldn't apply to him. But being the backup to Rudi Johnson and gaining a total of 540 yards the year before his trade made him a real desirable commodity in your eyes. What'd the Pats give to acquire him? a 4th? Yeah, only the best for NE.

... and Deion Branch wanted to play for the Patriots so bad he sat out 9 games of his last season there, demanding a new contract or a trade. Yup, the "Draw" to play in New England is undeniable.

Now I have my facts "seriously" straight.

... and how convienient leaving Asante Samuel off of your lost free agents list. I think that you, being part of the Patriots franchise, may be regreting this one already.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

So I guess the answer to your question is yes, high-profile guys do flock to New England.

All right, let's see what you got:NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS_Signed Chris Baker, TE; Leigh Bodden, CB; Nathan Hodel, LS; Shawn Springs, CB; Al Johnson, C; and Fred Taylor, RB. Re-signed Matt Cassel, QB (f), and traded him to Kansas City; re-signed Eric Alexander, LB; Chris Hanson, P; Russ Hochstein, OL; James Sanders, S; Mike Wright, DL; Tank Williams, S; Ray Ventrone, S; and Wesley Britt, OL. Chris Baker: Coming off 21 receptions, 194 yards.Leigh Bodden: So bad he was released by the Detroit Lions. (1 INT in 2008).Nathan Hodel: Obviously a high-profile long snapper.Shawn Springs: A 34-year-old coming off a 1-INT season with 7 passes defensed.Al Johnson: A center on one of the worst NFL lines in 2007, on IR all of 2008.Fred Taylor: 33-year-old RB coming off 556 yards and 1 TD.I dunno, if I were a (good) sportswriter looking at this incoming free agent class, I don't think I'd be writing a story about how high-profile free agents flock to the Patriots.

Chris Baker had a few suitors and will fill a nice need for the PatsLeigh Bodden wasn't "so bad he was released by the Detroit Lions", he was miscast in a zone defense and way overpaid. he will look like a new man with the PatsShawn Springs- are u kidding me!!! he was still the best cover DB the redskins had. he's still a better CB than deangelo/fred smoot and carlos rodgers(depending if he's fully healthy)Fred Taylor. u can say he's 33 all u want and point to his poor stats last year. Watch Fred run the ball and tell me he's washed up. he was sought after way too much to be 'washed up'.Al Johnson- by no means is a great player, anytime u can get a still young OL with starting experience(however injury plagued) its a good thing. even if its only for depth purposes.

 

[-baller]

... and how convienient leaving Asante Samuel off of your lost free agents list. I think that you, being part of the Patriots franchise, may be regreting this one already.

I doubt it very much.let me know who we cut to fit asante under the cap.

 

[biggyd]

I am surprised this line from the article isn't getting more play from the haters, but I guess they already know every time cheats.

Before you throw “Spygate” at me, let’s be honest. Every team in the league does it. I played on teams that had a guy go through the visiting team’s hotel after they checked out to look for any type of game plan material that was “mistakenly” left behind. So please, don’t go there.

 

[Giantseasonticketholder]

If it weren't for that 1 GIANT loss (tee-hee), this would have been a nice dynasty/story. This team is done once Brady retires.

 

[Darth Cheney]

So how many of the current Patriots were on any of their SB winners? Matt Bowen writes as if they've won something recently.

And you write as if there is no allure to coming to a team that went to the Super Bowl following a perfect regular season and then went 11-5 despite losing perhaps the best player in the NFL.Whether you like it or not and whether you want to admit it or not, no team in the NFL has a better chance of competing for the Super Bowl year in and year out than the Patriots do.

It's no slight on your team man, just pointing out that they haven't won anything in 5 years. Bowen is 3-4 years late on this piece. I am curious to know how many current Patriots won a Super Bowl ring in NE. I'd bet 10 or less.

The Pats were a nice team in the early 00's.....but what have they won lately?

 

[dansav]

So how many of the current Patriots were on any of their SB winners? Matt Bowen writes as if they've won something recently.

And you write as if there is no allure to coming to a team that went to the Super Bowl following a perfect regular season and then went 11-5 despite losing perhaps the best player in the NFL.Whether you like it or not and whether you want to admit it or not, no team in the NFL has a better chance of competing for the Super Bowl year in and year out than the Patriots do.

It's no slight on your team man, just pointing out that they haven't won anything in 5 years. Bowen is 3-4 years late on this piece. I am curious to know how many current Patriots won a Super Bowl ring in NE. I'd bet 10 or less.

The Pats were a nice team in the early 00's.....but what have they won lately?

2007 AFC TITLE

 

[PhD]

I am surprised this line from the article isn't getting more play from the haters, but I guess they already know every time cheats.

Before you throw “Spygate” at me, let’s be honest. Every team in the league does it. I played on teams that had a guy go through the visiting team’s hotel after they checked out to look for any type of game plan material that was “mistakenly” left behind. So please, don’t go there.

I thought this was an exceptionally weak point - probably the worst I've heard in defense of the issue. What he describes is the like the difference between one guy using a metal detector to find lost jewelry at the beach vs another guy just going through the bags left on the blankets while the owners sleep or swim. Both are doing the same thing? "Finders-keepers" or "stolen-keepers" hmmm...

 

[Darth Cheney]

So how many of the current Patriots were on any of their SB winners? Matt Bowen writes as if they've won something recently.

And you write as if there is no allure to coming to a team that went to the Super Bowl following a perfect regular season and then went 11-5 despite losing perhaps the best player in the NFL.Whether you like it or not and whether you want to admit it or not, no team in the NFL has a better chance of competing for the Super Bowl year in and year out than the Patriots do.

It's no slight on your team man, just pointing out that they haven't won anything in 5 years. Bowen is 3-4 years late on this piece. I am curious to know how many current Patriots won a Super Bowl ring in NE. I'd bet 10 or less.

The Pats were a nice team in the early 00's.....but what have they won lately?

2007 AFC TITLE

So what? Was that acceptable? Did Patriot fans, after losing the Super Bowl to the Giants, say...."WHOOOOO!!! We won the AFC!!!!!"?. Please think of something better or acknowledge that this Patriots team has underachieved in the past five years.

 

[Bossman]

So what? Was that acceptable? Did Patriot fans, after losing the Super Bowl to the Giants, say...."WHOOOOO!!! We won the AFC!!!!!"?. Please think of something better or acknowledge that this Patriots team has underachieved in the past five years.

At least there are no AFC Championship banners hanging in Gilette stadium like they have in IND.You guys crack me up. Are you serious with this "what have you done lately?".

3 Championships in the last 8 years, more than any other team...

More SB apperiances than any other team this decade ... and it's not even close.

2007: First 16-0 regular season ... EVER ... and not likely to happen again in our lifetime.

What other teams are considered more sucsessfull "lately"?

Steelers? Giants?

Do the Patriots now aspire to be like them? Or is it still the other way around.

 

[Bossman]

If it weren't for that 1 GIANT loss (tee-hee), this would have been a nice dynasty/story. This team is done once Brady retires.

Brady = 6th rd. draft pick. And they just went 11-5 with a no-name late draft pick QB last season.God help the rest of the NFL if NE ever drafts a top tier QB. This team will be done when Belichick retires.

 

[Darth Cheney]

So what? Was that acceptable? Did Patriot fans, after losing the Super Bowl to the Giants, say...."WHOOOOO!!! We won the AFC!!!!!"?. Please think of something better or acknowledge that this Patriots team has underachieved in the past five years.

At least there are no AFC Championship banners hanging in Gilette stadium like they have in IND.You guys crack me up. Are you serious with this "what have you done lately?".

3 Championships in the last 8 years, more than any other team...

More SB apperiances than any other team this decade ... and it's not even close.

2007: First 16-0 regular season ... EVER ... and not likely to happen again in our lifetime.

What other teams are considered more sucsessfull "lately"?

Steelers? Giants?

Do the Patriots now aspire to be like them? Or is it still the other way around.

3 championships in the last 8? 0 in the last 4 seems to be more relevant. The 16 - 0 regular season was nice....but what does it mean after losing the Super Bowl? Are you happy with it? Do you think the players were?

FWIW, any Patriots fan who doesn't see them as looking up to the Steelers right now...has blinders on. I'm not a Steelers fan at all, but the team and the organization runs things every bit as "correct" as the Patriots with the major difference that their playoff success being more relevant.

 

[Bossman]

Yeah, no SB wins in 4 years and only 1 in the last 5. Makes me wonder why anyone would want to play for that team.

Maybe?

or

or this?

I'm sure you could name a dozen other teams that you think players would rather play for.

 

[Darth Cheney]

Yeah, no SB wins in 4 years and only 1 in the last 5. Makes me wonder why anyone would want to play for that team.

Maybe?

or

or this?

I'm sure you could name a dozen other teams that you think players would rather play for.

if living in the past gets you through the day...that's cool I guess.