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Alex Smith Traded to Patriots

The Patriots today announced that they have traded an undisclosed pick in the 2010 NFL Draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for tight end Alex Smith.

Smith has spent all four of his NFL seasons with the Buccaneers. The 6-foot-4 inch, 258-pound Smith has 129 career receptions for 1,252 yards and eleven touchdowns. In fourteen games of the 2008 season, Smith caught 21 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns.

Smith is in the final year of a $1.55 million contract this season. He joins an already crowded tight end corps that includes Benjamin Watson, David Thomas, Chris Baker, Tyson DeVree and Brad Lisorti.

Smith is more of a blocking tight end, however, this move could possibly signal that Watson's days in Foxboro are numbered. Watson has had a career plagued with injuries and dropped receptions and Patriots fans are wearing thin on the talented yet underachieving tight end.

Trent Green and Other Quarterback Musings

In signing undrafted rookie free agent Brian Hoyer, the Patriots have four quarterbacks on their roster. Hoyer joins Tom Brady, Kevin O'Connell and Matt Gutierrez as the Patriots' signal callers. While it is obvious that Brady will be the starter, barring an unforeseen injury, the backup quarterback role is currently up for grabs.

For all intents and purposes, the backup job is O'Connell's to lose. The Patriots used a third-round draft pick on the former San Diego State quarterback, making it clear that they were enamored with the fleet-of-feet O'Connell. O'Connell is being groomed as the Patriots' heir apparent to Brady, and some rallied behind O'Connell after Matt Cassel struggled early in the 2008 season.

However, O'Connell, Gutierrez and Hoyer have combined for four career NFL pass attempts (all coming from O'Connell in the September 21 game against the Dolphins). This fact is not lost on Patriots fans, who believe the Pats need to sign a veteran backup quarterback in case Brady's knee is not fully healed and O'Connell struggles.

With that in mind, I bring this name to the table: Trent Green. Green started only once last season with the Rams, and has a history of concussions. However, in his last fully active season, 2005, Green threw for 4,014 yards with 17 touchdowns and ten interceptions with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Green floundered in an injury-plagued season with the Miami Dolphins in 2007, throwing for 987 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions. In 2008, in only three games with the Rams, Green threw no touchdowns and six interceptions.

Obviously he isn't what he was in 2004 or 2003, when the Chiefs were led by Green, Priest Holmes and Dante Hall, but he still has the poise and arm strength to be an average NFL starter.

Obviously I'm not saying Green should get the call ahead of O'Connell, but having a veteran in the system who can guide the young players through the rigors of a sixteen game season is important.

While the 2008 Patriots didn't have a veteran backup, they could have benefited from landing somebody like Byron Leftwich or Charlie Batch in the 2008 off-season to help in Matt Cassel's learning stages.

Patriots Sign More Rookies

The Patriots signed three more undrafted rookie free agents this afternoon. Punter Tim Masthay of Kentucky, linebacker Antonio Appleby of Virginia and cornerback Jamar Love of Arkansas all agreed to deals with the Patriots.

Masthay was a first-team All-SEC punter in 2008, and word out of the Combine is that Masthay has a powerful leg, ranking fifth nationally with 45.3 yard per punt. He excels at kickoffs and holding, an invaluable trait for punters looking to make a 53-man roster. Masthay will join a three-horse race for punter, alongside Chris Hanson and Tom Malone.

Appleby is a 250-pound beast of an inside linebacker, known for delivering hard hits and blasting through offensive lines to stop running plays. He has had character issues in his four years as a Cavalier, but that is nothing that Bill Belichick cannot handle. Appleby comes from a Virginia program led by Al Groh, a member of the Belichick coaching tree.

Love was the 48th ranked cornerback on Mel Kiper, Jr.'s draft chart. At 5-foot-11 and 198 pounds, he is a bigger cornerback than most, but he is a strong tackler who has a nose for the ball and can deliver teeth-rattling hits to jar the ball free.

The three are all expected to enter training camp competing for roster spots and could possibly land on the practice squad going into the regular season.

Patriots Land Three More Undrafted Rookies

The Patriots have wasted no time in making a splash in the undrafted rookie free agent market. Last night, they signed Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer, and this morning they have signed Navy fullback Eric Kettani and wide receiver Tyree Barnes, as well as Kentucky safety Marcus McClinton.

Kettani is a bruising 230-pound fullback, who is known for his blocking and rushing abilities. Kettani is eighth on Navy's all-time rushing list with 2,091 yards. Barnes is a tall target, a 6-foot-2 receiver who led Navy with 20 receptions and 400 yards in 2008.

McClinton had a great day at the Scouting Combine and Kentucky's Pro Day. Despite that, he was not drafted. McClinton is more of a coverage safety, a nice counteraction to the second-round selection of the hard-hitting Patrick Chung.

Much like Hoyer, the Patriots aren't expecting these three to make immediate impacts, but they add depth to the roster and will engage in some worthwhile battles for roster spots during training camp in August.

Patriots Sign Brian Hoyer

The Patriots did not hesitate to make a splash in signing undrafted rookie free agents, as the Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Pats have inked a deal with former Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer.

Hoyer joins Matt Gutierrez and Kevin O'Connell as backups to Tom Brady. Hoyer, a 6-foot-2, 215 pound senior out of Michigan State, had a tumultuous senior year, throwing nine touchdowns and nine interceptions with a 51 percent completion percentage.

However, scouts spoke highly of Hoyer, praising his accuracy, arm strength, size and poise in the huddle.

Patriots Draft Analysis

The 2009 NFL Draft has come to it's conclusion, and the New England Patriots selected twelve players, swung nine trades and filled needs at numerous different positions.

Here is my pick-by-pick analysis of their selections:

Patrick Chung, S, Oregon: After trading down twice and ultimately out of the first round, the Patriots used their second-round pick acquired in the Matt Cassel trade to land Oregon safety Patrick Chung. Chung is a hard-hitting safety with a nose for the football. He is a ballhawk who can hit harder than any other safety in the Draft. Chung's acquisition all but signals the end of Rodney Harrison in New England. Chung will fit seamlessly into Harrison's position and gives the Patriots a talented group of safeties, including James Sanders and Brandon Meriweather.

Ron Brace, DT, Boston College: A bit of a head-scratcher for the 40th overall pick, as the Pats had more pressing needs than defensive tackle. However, by drafting Brace, the Patriots give themselves leverage in negotiating with upcoming free agent Vince Wilfork. If successful in his rookie season, Brace can replace Wilfork on the line and transition into the role of nose tackle in the Pats' 3-4 defense. Brace is a genuine nose tackle, a big run-stopper who can clog the middle and allow for blitzing linebackers and safeties to get through the line.

Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut: Most mock drafts had Butler going in the first round, possibly to the Patriots at the 23rd pick. However, the Patriots waited for the 40th pick and landed Butler. This was possibly the best selection, based on pure value, for the Patriots. Butler will be expected to seamlessly transition into a nickel package role, behind Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden. Butler, alongside Jonathan Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley, will be the next generation of Patriots cornerbacks. Now with the trade of Ellis Hobbs, Butler will be expected to produce from the start of the season.

Sebastian Vollmer, OT, Houston: Vollmer was the first of a dearth of offensive line selections by the Patriots. Vollmer could compete for the starting right tackle job with Nick Kaczur, and he could be a sixteen-game starter. Vollmer is a big nasty offensive lineman, and the Patriots have prided themselves on their success in drafting offensive linemen. The Patriots have drafted their starting five offensive linemen (Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Kaczur), all within the last eight years.

Brandon Tate, WR, North Carolina: Tate is coming off of ACL and MCL surgery, and failed a drug test a couple of weeks back. He dropped off of most team's draft boards, with some suggesting that he'd fall to the fourth or fifth round. The Patriots used their first pick of day two to acquire Tate. Tate is a risk, but the potential for reward is through the roof. Tom Brady is now salivating at the prospects of throwing the ball to Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis and Tate. Tate is going into a strong locker room with a great group of leaders, and he understands that he cannot make off-field mistakes if he wants to succeed with the Patriots.

Tyrone McKenzie, OLB, South Florida: McKenzie transferred three times in his college career, playing for Michigan State, Iowa and ultimately South Florida. McKenzie excelled with each program, and is a versatile line backer with tremendous upside. He could rush from the outside position or blast through the interior of the offensive line as a middle linebacker. Alongside Jerod Mayo, Gary Guyton and Pierre Woods, McKenzie can learn and grow under the tutelage of Tedy Bruschi and Adalius Thomas, and each could transfer into a star in the Patriots system.

Richard Ohrnberger, OG, Penn State: Much like Sebastian Vollmer, Ohrnberger could possibly start multiple games this season. He is a grinder, a Big Ten offensive linemen with a low center of gravity and a history of nasty behavior on the field. Ohrnberger is expected to back up Logan Mankins and Stephen Neal, but could possibly leap Billy Yates in training camp and find himself as the sixth offensive linemen. Under the guidance of Dante Scarnecchia, these young linemen could all shine, as the offensive line was an issue of concern in 2008, as Matt Cassel was beaten and bruised in numerous games.

George Bussey, OT, Louisville: A selection used for depth on the offensive line, Bussey will likely find himself on the outside looking in. He'll find most of his 2009 season on the bench, barring an injury to Matt Light, Nick Kaczur or Sebastian Vollmer.

Jacob Ingram, LS, Hawaii: The Patriots lost Lonie Paxton and acquired Nathan Hodel, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals. However, the Patriots selected Ingram to enter into a training camp competition with Hodel, where the winner emerges as the Pats' long snapper and the loser is given his walking papers. Ingram was one of two long snappers invited to the Scouting Combine. The importance of long snapping cannot be emphasized enough. These are the kind of guys who you don't know until they screw up. However, if they do screw up, it could cost you a game or a season. The Patriots have been lucky to have Paxton, one of the league's best long snappers.

Myron Pryor, DT, Kentucky: Pryor could be used in a Mike Wright role, as a defensive end or as an interior lineman in a 4-3 scheme. He is a solid run-stopper and is effective as a pass rusher. At 319 pounds, Pryor is a versatile defensive lineman. Not a bad selection by the Patriots for the sixth round. Pryor adds depth to the defensive line, a position that could be raided following 2009, when Wilfork, Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green all enter free agency.

Julian Edelman, QB, Kent State: This is an interesting one. Edelman was Kent State's quarterback, but the Patriots announced the pick as "Julian Edelman, wide receiver, Kent State". The Patriots toyed with the option of drafting Pat White in the second round, in order to have the possibility of a Wildcat offense. Edelman is the poor man's Pat White, rushing for over 1,300 yards last season. However, he has no receiving credits to his name. Maybe the Patriots know something the rest of the league doesn't know, but hopefully this works out better than the selection of Matthew Slater, another "swing" player, in last year's Draft.

Darryl Richard, DT, Georgia Tech: The Patriots concluded the 2009 NFL Draft by selecting their third defensive tackle. Richard is a 6-foot-2, 303 pound behemoth. The selection of three defensive lineman clearly shows that the Patriots are ready for life after Wilfork and Seymour, and that the possible trade for Julius Peppers is null and void.

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While there were indeed a handful of head-scratchers in this year's Draft, the Patriots accomplished what they have always intended on doing with the NFL Draft. They acquired young talent that wouldn't be too costly and built for the future. Lost in the commotion of the selection of three offensive linemen and three defensive linemen was the fact that the Patriots already have three second-round picks in the 2010 NFL Draft (their own, Jacksonville's and Tennessee's). The Patriots went with youth at positions that badly needed an infusion of youth and ability, and the pick of Darius Butler was the steal of the weekend for the Patriots.

OVERALL GRADE: B-

Patriots Trade Ellis Hobbs

The Patriots have traded corner back Ellis Hobbs to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for two fifth-round picks.

The Patriots then turned around and traded their two picks from the Eagles to the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round pick and sixth-round pick.

The Patriots then used their fifth-round pick from Baltimore, by way of Philadelphia, to draft Penn State offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger.

Got all that?

This trade seems like the Patriots undervaluing Hobbs. While Ellis Hobbs was not an upper tier corner back by any stretch of the imagination, he was a very good option as a number two or number three corner back. He was at his best when he was defending a slot receiver or second receiving option, and he was very good at that.

The Patriots have been swinging multiple trades throughout the day, and it all is building towards the 2010 NFL Draft, in which the Patriots have three second-round picks. Following the conclusion of today's draft, I'll analyze the move the Patriots made and the players they selected.

Patriots Looking to Trade Up?

With the 2009 NFL Draft looming just days away, the New England Patriots find themselves in a favorable situations. After a year of stockpiling draft picks, the Patriots hold eleven picks the seven-round draft, including six in the first 97 selections.

The Patriots are known for patience in the Draft, trading down and making suave maneuvers to aid them for years to come. Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli's theory always seemed to be "Wait until next year". But now with Pioli running the Kansas City Chiefs, Belichick is left to handle the draft alongside Nick Caserio and Floyd Reese.

Reese is known for his share of draft booms and busts while operating the Tennessee Titans. While with Tennessee, Reese drafted three NFL Rookie of the Year winners: Eddie George (1996), Jevon Kearse (1999) and Vince Young (2006). Reese also took a chance on a little-known quarterback named Steve McNair, who would lead the Titans to within one yard of a Super Bowl championship. However, Reese was also responsible for drafting Adam 'Pac-Man' Jones, who, despite success as a return specialist in Tennessee, couldn't avoid off-field troubles and is now out of the league.

With the Patriots holding so many picks, it is obvious that they will not use each picks. Belichick's mantra has always been "quality, not quantity", so if the Patriots covet a player, the Brain Trust know that they can swing some deals to get such a player.

However, the question needs to be asked; that with so many picks, are the Patriots willing to move up into the top ten on Saturday evening? Past logic says no, as the Patriots often refuse to give a high-priced, guaranteed deal to a player who has never stepped foot onto an NFL field. However, there seem to be a handful of can't-miss players that the Patriots may be looking to trade up for.

Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas: Nearly every mock draft has Orakpo going in the top ten, some as high as sixth overall to the Cincinnati Bengals. Orapko is a genetic freak, a 6-foot-3, 298 lb. defensive nightmare. The Longhorn was a first-team All-American and Nagurski Award recipient in 2008 with 11.5 sacks and 40 tackles. At the Combine, Orakpo wowed everyone, benching 225 lbs. 31 times and running a 4.63 40-yard dash. With Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green's contracts expiring following the 2009 season, a young defensive end like Orakpo would fit seamlessly into the Patriots defensive line.

Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest: Most draft analysts have Curry as a can't-miss prospect, a player who would make an immediate impact with any team, much like Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers. Curry ran a 4.56 40 at the Combine and has exceptional strength and a burst of speed that would make any NFL quarterback cower in fear. Curry's intelligence and leadership makes him a player that the Patriots would love to welcome into their organization, and into the 'Backerhood, alongside Tedy Bruschi, Adalius Thomas and Jerod Mayo. In trading Mike Vrabel, the Patriots made it clear that linebacker was a position of need, and acquiring a player like Curry would allow for the Patriots to have a deep and frightening linebacking corps.

Andre Smith, OT, Alabama: There may be no bigger quagmire in the NFL Draft than Smith. A consensus top three pick, Smith showed up grotesquely out of shape at the Combine, leaving before the event concluded. Prior to that, Smith missed Alabama's appearance in the 2009 Sugar Bowl after being suspended following allegations regarding communication with an agent. Smith may forever be remembered for his awful 5.28 40-yard dash, ran without a shirt, as Smith jiggled down the sidelines at Lucas Oil Stadium. Smith has been called a classic boom-or-bust lineman, but many feel that with good coaching and a strong locker room, Smith could keep his head on straight and become a tremendous presence on the offensive line. The Patriots aren't unfamiliar with offensive line busts, as Bill Belichick will forever rue the day he drafted Kenyatta Walker.

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: You're probably thinking "A receiver? Why? The Patriots have Moss, Welker, Galloway and Greg Lewis!" Let's be honest; Randy Moss and Joey Galloway aren't getting any younger, and one day teams will cover Wes Welker appropriately. Tom Brady can make any receiver look sensational, as seen by Jermaine Wiggins in 2001, David Givens from 2002 through 2005 or Reche Caldwell in 2006. Crabtree is currently dealing with a leg injury that will cause him to miss some of the 2009 season, and this is causing Crabtree to drop down some draft boards, behind Missouri's Jeremy Maclin. I cannot say this enough; MICHAEL CRABTREE IS A SURE THING. He may have played in an offense revolving solely around passing at Texas Tech, but Crabtree is as good as they get. He has amazing speed, is freakishly strong for his size, and can out-leap any defensive back. Adding Crabtree would make Tom Brady salivate and would strike fear in the secondaries of the Patriots 2009 opponents.

Obviously to swing trades for players of this caliber, the Pats would need to let go of one or two of their second round picks. Also, Bill Belichick would have to go against everything he stands for and give guaranteed money to a player that is anything but a guarantee. But the Patriots are known for taking risks and reaping the benefits. Remember the 2000 NFL Draft, when the Patriots threw a sixth-round pick at a relatively untalented quarterback out of Michigan. Nine years later, Tom Brady has already found a space in Canton and is arguably the best quarterback of his generation.

Does the 2009 NFL Draft have a Brady in it? Only time will tell.

2009 Schedule Unveiled

The National Football League released the 2009 regular season schedule earlier this evening. We already knew that the Patriots would open the season against the Buffalo Bills and meet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in London on October 25. Now we know how the remaining fifteen weeks will be played out.

Here is the Patriots' 2009 schedule (all times Eastern):

Mon. September 14 - BUFFALO - 7:00 p.m.
Sun. September 20 - at New York Jets - 1:00 p.m.
Sun. September 27 - ATLANTA - 1:00 p.m.
Sun. October 4 - BALTIMORE - 1:00 p.m.
Sun. October 11 - at Denver - 4:15 p.m.
Sun. October 18 - TENNESSEE - 4:15 p.m.
Sun. October 25 - Tampa Bay - 1:00 p.m. (in London)
BYE WEEK
Sun. November 8 - MIAMI - 1:00 p.m.
Sun. November 15 - at Indianapolis - 8:20 p.m.
Sun. November 22 - NEW YORK JETS - 4:15 p.m.*
Mon. November 30 - at New Orleans - 8:30 p.m.
Sun. December 6 - at Miami - 8:20 p.m.*
Sun. December 13 - CAROLINA - 1:00 p.m.*
Sun. December 20 - at Buffalo - 1:00 p.m.*
Sun. December 27 - JACKSONVILLE - 1:00 p.m.*
Sun. January 3 - at Houston - 1:00 p.m.*

(* - denotes the possibility of flex scheduling)

Obviously a few things jump out at you in merely reading the schedule. The Patriots hit a very difficult stretch from week three to week seven, when they face the Falcons and Ravens at home, then travel to Denver, a locale that has never treated them well, before coming back home to face the defending AFC South champion Titans, and concluding the first half of the season by traveling across the Atlantic Ocean for a meeting with the Bucs at Wembley Stadium.

However, the Patriots will receive a much needed and much-deserved bye week following their international excursion. Following the bye week, the Patriots will face AFC East foes Miami and New York, with a trip to Indianapolis sandwiched between the two. The road trip to Lucas Oil Stadium marks the third consecutive regular season game that the Patriots will play in Indianapolis.

The end of the season is no gift for the Pats either, as they play four of their last six away from Gillette Stadium. However, only one of the road trips involve the possibility of inclement weather, that of course being the trip to Orchard Park to meet the Bills on December 20.

Statistically the Patriots have the third most difficult schedule in the NFL. However, they will welcome the return of Tom Brady on September 14 and start the season with five of their first eight games at home. In theory, they could get off to a very hot start behind some good old fashioned home cooking, despite the challenging first half that they face.

But as a wise man once said, "That's why they play the games."

Is Laurence Maroney On the Outside Looking In?

When the Patriots signed former Jaguars running back Fred Taylor on the first day of free agency, it made clear one thing: that the New England Patriots are starting to lose faith in Laurence Maroney.

Since drafting him in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, the Patriots have tried desperately to find a niche for Maroney. The 24 year-old out of Minnesota has had two productive seasons in his three years with the Patriots, however, he has not panned out as expected.

Maroney has been riddled with injuries in his three years with the Patriots, missing two games in 2006, three games in 2007 and thirteen games in 2007. His season rushing totals have gone from 745 to 845 to 93. He seemed to be turning it around in the latter portion of the 2007 season, including the run to Super Bowl XLII, but injuries and inconsistency ended his 2008 campaign. In 2008, his season-high for rushing yards was a measly 51 yards in the season opener against Kansas City.

Obviously, the Patriots aren't shy about cutting their losses. However, they have been adamant that Maroney is ready to explode onto the scene since drafting him in April 2006. However, his on-field performance has not lived up to his off-field hype. He seems tentative to hit the hole when given the ball, and his propensity to dance behind the line of scrimmage has driven Patriots fans and coaches crazy. He's blessed with tremendous speed and great strength, but he has been unable to show those skills in his three years with the Patriots.

With that in mind, the question has to be asked; are the Patriots ready to cut ties with Maroney? He is owed over $5 million until his contract expires after the 2010 season. The running back position is a strength for the Patriots, who have a platoon of Maroney, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Will the Patriots look to trade Maroney and make a move for someone like Chris Wells in the upcoming Draft? Or will they outright let Maroney go and allow for Morris, Faulk and Taylor to battle for snaps? Or will they try to trade for malcontent Kansas City running back Larry Johnson, who is desperately looking for a new team?

One thing is for sure; if Maroney is on the 2009 Patriots roster, this is his last chance. If he suffers through another injury plagued season or battles inconsistency and loses his job to Morris or Taylor, expect him to be gone following the season. That is, if he's even on the 2009 team.

Patriots Looking to Run Wild?

Next Monday and Tuesday, the Patriots will play host to former West Virginia quarterback Pat White. White's draft stock has risen substantially in the eyes of the Patriots, following White's tremendous performance at the Scouting Combine. The Patriots have looked into the prospects of playing White at wide receiver, where his incredible speed (4.55 40-yard dash) and tremendous running ability would make Tom Brady salivate at the thoughts of throwing in his direction.

Last month, the Patriots hosted White for a workout at both quarterback and receiver, and rumor has it that the Pats were enamored with White's proficiency at receiver, a position he never played in his four years as a Mountaineer. White's options as a receiver and as a possible running option have opened up the possibility that the Patriots may explore the 'Wildcat' offense in 2009.

The Wildcat offense was debuted by the Dolphins in Week Three of the 2008 season, when Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams ran roughshod over the Patriots defense. The Wildcat allowed for the Dolphins to completely change their offensive outlook and helped to pave the way to a division championship for Miami.

Look at what the Patriots have as possible options if they do in fact attempt the Wildcat. They have backup quarterback Kevin O'Connell, who ran a 4.61 40-yard dash at the 2008 Combine, and has won over many Patriots assistants, who feel that his combination of speed and throwing ability make him the perfect backup to Tom Brady.

At running back, the Patriots have all-purpose back Kevin Faulk, who has completed a pass in his career (a 23-yarder to Brady in 2001). Alongside Faulk, the Patriots could utilize Laurence Maroney and BenJarvus Green-Ellis, both of whom have pass attempts in their college careers.

At receiver, don't underestimate the abilities of Wes Welker, Randy Moss, Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis, all of whom have explosive speed that could be used in the option formation of the Wildcat.

In drafting White, the Patriots would add another piece to an already formidable offense. However, selecting White could also bring a brand new offensive formation to the usually conservative Patriots.

4. November 3, 2003 - Patriots 30, Broncos 26

The NFL rulebook describes a safety as "The important factor in a safety is impetus. Two points are scored for the opposing team when the ball is dead on or behind a team’s own goal line if the impetus came from a player on that team." To think that a team would intentionally hand points to their opponents is simply ridiculous. To do it within the final minutes of a game in which you are trailing, it's borderline insanity. But that is exactly what Bill Belichick did on a cold Monday night in 2003 against the Denver Broncos.

The Patriots were 6-2 entering Invesco Field at Mile High to face the 5-3 Broncos in front of a prime time, nationally televised audience. The Patriots were ravaged by injuries coming into the game and that fact only got worse when Richard Seymour was scratched just minutes before kickoff. The Broncos weren't about to show any sympathy, as they were trotting out career backup Danny Kanell as their starter.

On New England's first possession, a botched snap led to a Kenoy Kennedy fumble recovery. Four plays later, the Broncos were on the board when Clinton Portis scampered for a fifteen-yard touchdown. On the Patriots next possession, Brady was intercepted by Kennedy at Denver's 35. The Broncos drove down the field with ease, but were unable to get into the end zone. The usually reliable Jason Elam missed a 44-yard attempt, and the Patriots took over, still down by seven.

On the very next play, Tom Brady found Deion Branch streaking down the middle of the field for a 66-yard touchdown and a 7-7 tie. After the teams exchanged field goals, Kanell found Mike Anderson for a one-yard touchdown reception, giving the Broncos the 17-10 lead. Adam Vinatieri nailed a 46-yard field goal as the clock struck zero to pull the Patriots within four, 17-13, going into halftime.

The Patriots grabbed a temporary lead in the third quarter, when Tom Brady found a diving Daniel Graham for a 4-yard touchdown catch.

The score stood at 20-17 when the teams exchanged three-and-outs. Ken Walter shanked a wobbly punt and Deltha O'Neal returned it all the way for the go-ahead score, to take a 24-20 lead. After the teams went back and forth again, Denver punter Micah Knorr downed the Patriots inside their own 1 with 3:06 remaining in the game. After a run for no gain and two incompletions, the Patriots were forced to punt. It was at this time that Bill Belichick made a call that would cement his legacy in Foxboro.

Instead of kicking the ball to Denver and giving them good field position with a one point lead and 2:49 remaining, Belichick opted to give Denver the points. Long snapper Lonie Paxton snapped the ball off the upright, giving the Broncos a safety and a 26-23 lead. The call was questioned by fans and players alike. It was the kind of call that could potentially cost a coach his job. But Belichick knew what he was doing, and his genius shined on this night.

The Patriots caught a little bit of luck when the Broncos muffed the ensuing free kick. Denver was downed inside their own 15-yard line. The Patriots defense held the Broncos to four yards on three plays, forcing a Knorr punt with 2:20 remaining. Knorr's punt was shaky, and the Patriots had the ball at their own 42 with 2:15 left and one timeout.

Brady hit Kevin Faulk three times on the final drive, helping to move the Patriots to the Broncos' 18. With 30 seconds remaining, Brady calmly dropped back and fired to the sideline, hitting David Givens, who fell into the end zone for the go-ahead score. A stunned Broncos crowd and fan base were dejected, and Asante Samuel put the cherry on top, intercepting a last-ditch bomb by Kanell.

On this night, Bill Belichick was unquestionably the best coach in the league. Who else would have the brilliance to hand their opponents points in the waning moments of a game? His confidence in his defense and offense showed, and the Patriots took that confidence and ran the table in 2003, en route to their second Super Bowl victory in three years.

5. November 10, 2002 - Patriots 33, Bears 30

Number five on our list of the greatest Patriots regular season games of the decade comes from 2002. The Patriots were defending Super Bowl champions, and for the first time in franchise history, they were the hunted. However, their championship defense was not going as planned, as the Patriots had lost four straight games after starting the season 3-0. On this day, the Patriots traveled to Champaign, Illinois, temporary home of the defending NFC Central Division champions, the Chicago Bears.

The game was tied 6-6 going into halftime, after Adam Vinatieri buried a franchise-long 57-yard field goal to end the first half. Coming out of the locker room, the Bears were clearly the better team. The Bears recovered a Tom Brady fumble inside of the Patriots 20, and two plays later the Bears were the first team in the end zone, when Bears quarterback Jim Miller found a wide-open Stanley Pritchard. A three-and-out for the Patriots on the next possession gave Chicago great field position, set up at the New England 44. The Bears ran a trick play, as Miller handed the ball to wide receiver Marty Booker, who in turn threw the ball to an open Marcus Robinson for a touchdown, extending the Chicago lead to 20-6 with the third quarter barely five minutes old.

On the next Patriots' possession, Tom Brady was intercepted by Brian Urlacher, setting the Bears up again in Patriots territory. After a 34-yard run by Anthony Thomas, the Bears once again got on the board, when Thomas bowled through the Pats' goal-line defense for a two-yard touchdown run and a 27-6 edge.

Then, the comeback began.

It started slowly, as the Patriots matriculated the ball down the field, thanks to Kevin Faulk, who gained 36 total yards on the drive, including a 16-yard touchdown catch to narrow the gap to 27-13. On Chicago's next possession, Otis Smith intercepted Jim Miller, and the Patriots added a field goal to cut the lead to eleven, at 27-16. The Bears added a field goal at the start of the fourth quarter to move the lead back to thirteen, at 30-16. It was the last time the Bears would light up the scoreboard on this day.

Vinatieri added another field goal, as the Bears once again stymied the Patriots offense. With just over five minutes left, the Patriots trailed 30-19. After the defense held the Bears to a three-and-out, Brady found Troy Brown and David Givens, en route to a 36-yard touchdown pass to Faulk, his second of the day. After failing to convert the two-point conversion, the score stood at 30-25. Once again, the Patriots defense held the Bears to nothing offensively, setting the stage for one of Tom Brady's more dramatic final drives.

After moving the ball into Chicago territory with ease, Brady hit a snag. Facing 4th and 3 from the Chicago 30 with only 54 seconds remaining, Brady ran for the first down and killed the clock with a spike.

After an incomplete pass and a seven-yard gain, the Patriots faced 3rd and 3 at the Bears' 20 with 27 seconds left. Brady dropped back, pumped twice, then floated a prayer into the back corner of the end zone. The ball fell into the waiting hands of David Patten, who dragged his toes into the orange turf of the end zone. The referee raised his arms to signal a touchdown, as the Patriots players raised their arms to signal a sure victory. After a booth review confirmed what was already known, the Patriots led 33-30 with 20 seconds left.

Chicago was unable to get anything going on their final drive. The Bears hung their heads in defeat even as the offense walked onto the field with only few seconds remaining. The final score was 33-30 and the Patriots moved to 6-4 in one of the more dramatic wins in franchise history. Up to that point.

Coming tomorrow is the #4 regular season game in Patriots history. Here's a little hint: how many times do you see teams intentionally give up points?

Top Five Regular Season Games of the Decade

Starting tomorrow, The Grey Hoodie will begin to unveil the top five regular season games of the decade. With the 2009 season and the end of the decade just around the corner, it's time to fondly look back on the decade that was.

The 2000s were an interesting time for the New England Patriots. Starting with the beginning of the decade and the hiring of Bill Belichick, the Patriots were caught in mediocrity. Following a 5-11 season in 2000 and an 0-2 start in 2001, there did not seem to be much light at the end of the tunnel for the Patriots. Following a life-threatening injury to franchise quarterback Drew Bledsoe, the Patriots suddenly turned a corner, led by sixth-round draft pick Tom Brady. Brady led a blue-collar Patriots team to stunning upsets over the Raiders and Steelers in the playoffs before the ultimate upset; a Super Bowl XXXVI victory over the Greatest Show on Turf, the St. Louis Rams.

The Patriots suddenly had turned into a dynasty. Behind Belichick and his team-first, defensive mindset, the Pats had gone from laughingstock to champion in a matter of a year. The Patriots won back-to-back championships in 2003 and 2004 and were the blueprint for the modern NFL franchise. Following disappointing finishes in 2005 and 2006, the Patriots swung trades for Randy Moss and Wes Welker, spurring a 16-0 regular season in 2007. Unfortunately for the Pats and their fans, the team fell one win short of perfection, losing Super Bowl XLII to the New York Giants.

Going into 2008, the Patriots looked to rebound from a shocking and disappointing loss in the Super Bowl. However, eight minutes into the season, Tom Brady tore his ACL, ending his season seemingly before it started. Despite such a stunning loss to the team's on-field performance, backup quarterback Matt Cassel took the reigns, and the Patriots barely missed the playoffs after an emotionally wrenching 11-5 season.

Through the past nine seasons, the Patriots have had many nail-biting regular season games. What were the best? Stay tuned with The Grey Hoodie, as we debut the list starting tomorrow!

Patriots Unveil Preseason Schedule

The National Football League today released the preseason schedule for 2009. The Patriots will open up on the road against the runners-up in the NFC Championship Game, the Philadelphia Eagles. The game will be held between August 13-17, as all official game days are to be announced at a later date.

The Patriots will have their preseason home opener between August 20-24 against Carson Palmer, Chad Ocho Cinco and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Pats will then play a nationally televised game in the nation's capital against the Washington Redskins. The game can be seen on CBS on Friday, August 28.

The Patriots will wrap up their slate of preseason games in Foxboro against the New York Giants on either September 3 or 4. This will be the Patriots' fifth consecutive preseason that ends against the Giants.

While some question the validity of preseason games, remember, it was the 2008 preseason in which Bill Belichick instilled his trust in the untested Matt Cassel as Tom Brady's backup. Also, it was the four preseason games in 2001 when Tom Brady made his push to be holding the clipboard for Drew Bledsoe, leaping ahead of veteran Damon Huard.

Patriots Seeing Red in 2009?

Unconfirmed rumors are out there on the internet today, stating that the Patriots will drop their silver alternate uniform in exchange for a red alternate. The image above is a rendering of what the red uniform would look like in action.

The Patriots have worn their silver alternate uniform for multiple home games since debuting the jersey in 2003.

Nothing has been confirmed, but if this in fact true, I like the look. It hearkens back to the Patriots of the 1960s through the early 1990s, when Pat Patriot was on the helmet and the players were wearing red uniforms. It's an updated look on a classic uniform scheme.

Alongside the reports that the Patriots will wear throwback jerseys for three home games in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the American Football League., this rumor has given the Pats numerous options of which jersey they choose to wear for home games.

Samuel, Stallworth and Gay Still Paying Dividends

The Patriots were awarded three compensatory draft picks based on losing free agents Asante Samuel, Donte' Stallworth and Randall Gay in the 2007-08 off-season.

Compensatory picks are determined by a free agent's salary, playing time and postseason performance. In losing Samuel, Stallworth and Gay, the Patriots gained a third-round pick (97th overall), a fifth-round pick (170th) and a sixth-round pick (207th).

By gaining a third round pick, the Patriots now have a whopping six draft picks in the top 100. They have their first-round pick (23rd overall), three second-rounders (their own, San Diego's and Kansas City's) and two third-round picks (their own and their compensatory pick). For a team looking to fill holes in the secondary, linebacking corps and offensive line, having six picks in the first 97 overall will pay significant dividends going into the April 23-24 NFL Draft.

The Patriots now have leverage to either swing a trade or move up in the draft. They can package together multiple picks to move into an earlier slot, or they could use numerous picks to make a trade (Julius Peppers, anyone?)

While losing Asante Samuel had significant effects on the Patriots' secondary, leaving Ellis Hobbs and Deltha O'Neal to foot the load, his departure has allowed for the Patriots to look into a potentially bright future on the defensive side of the ball.

If only he held onto that Eli Manning pass in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLII...

Patriots Open 2009 in Prime Time

For the second time in four years, the New England Patriots will open their regular season campaign at home against the Buffalo Bills. However, the 2009 version will have infinitely more intrigue going into it than the 2006 contest.

Boston.com's Christopher L. Gasper is reporting that the Patriots and Bills will square off on the season premiere of ESPN's Monday Night Football on September 14 at 7:00 p.m., as the first half of a Monday Night Football double-header.

The game will mark Terrell Owens' regular season debut with Buffalo as well as the much-awaited return of Tom Brady. The game will kick start the NFL's season long 50th anniversary celebration of the American Football League, of which the Patriots and Bills were inaugural members.

The remaining sixteen weeks of the Patriots' 2009 regular season schedule will be released in the coming weeks.

Jason Taylor or Julius Peppers?

Despite rumblings from NFL.com's Vic Carucci, nothing has surfaced in regards to the New England Patriots acquiring Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers. In fact, Carucci's fellow NFL.com columnist Adam Schefter reported that there was "a 99.9 percent chance that Peppers won't be a Patriot." Schefter's report came on WEEI in Boston, less than a full 24 hours after Carucci's announcement regarding Peppers.

So as time wears on and the possibilities of Peppers landing in Foxboro begin to slim, one has to look to other options as a defensive end/linebacker to replace Mike Vrabel. One option that has been discussed heavily during the off-season is former Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor.

Taylor is well known as a former Dolphin, who terrorized Patriots offensive linemen and quarterbacks for eleven years in Miami. In his eleven years with the Dolphins, Taylor recorded less than eight sacks only three times. His consistency and intensity was never called into question, until Bill Parcells took over the Dolphins' front office in 2008. Parcells questioned Taylor's off-season regiment of joining ABC's Dancing with the Stars and cavorting with celebrities and dignitaries.

Taylor was traded to the Washington Redskins in the summer of 2008. Taylor suffered a knee injury in the preseason, causing him participate in only thirteen games, his lowest total since his rookie season in 1997. When he was released by the Redskins on March 2, the move was done to save cap space, but also to cut ties with a player who struggled mightily in his one season in the nation's capital.

Taylor recorded only 29 tackles, his lowest total of his career, and 3.5 sacks, his lowest since 1999. At 34 years old, Taylor is no spring chicken. However, he has always been a player that Bill Belichick has had his eye on. Belichick loved Taylor's intensity and he cringed at playing Taylor twice a year while he was in Miami.

What the Patriots need to ask themselves is; is Taylor's age and recent history with injuries a cause for alarm? Taylor isn't getting any younger, and to be frank, he's not getting any better. He's not going to come close to his 2002 season, when he recorded 18.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles.

Meanwhile, Julius Peppers is peaking. He's 29 years old and coming off of a monster year. He has made it clear that he wants out of Carolina by any means necessary, and that the Patriots are among the top of his list for potential destinations. For all intents and purposes, its the perfect match of player and team. The one quaggmire could be Carolina's asking price.

This brings us to who is a better deal? Taylor would likely sign a one-year deal with a base salary around $2.5 million, loaded with performance-based incentives. It's the same deal the Patriots struck in 2001 with Roman Phifer and again in 2007 with Junior Seau. As a veteran, Taylor commands respect and attention on the field and in the locker room. He would be a great addition to the strongest-knit group of players in the NFL.

Acquiring Peppers would likely cost the Patriots a 2nd-round pick (34th overall) and possibly a late-round pick. Also, his current $16.85 million contract would unquestionably be restructured. However, even if his deal is cut down to something along the lines of four years, $40 million, making a deal for Peppers would unquestionably signal the end of the Richard Seymour era in Foxboro. The Patriots have already made clear their intentions to lock up defensive tackle Vince Wilfork to a long-term deal, and in doing so they would have extra money to lock up Jarvis Green and Seymour.

Essentially, the Patriots have the option of one year of Jason Taylor and a long-term deal with Richard Seymour or one year of Richard Seymour and a long-term deal with Julius Peppers. What they decide will be the best move for the franchise now and in the long run is still to be determined. One way or another, the Patriots defense, which has already vastly improved, will be exponentially better in 2009, be it with Taylor or Peppers.

Peppers Poised for the Patriots?

If the old adage of "defense wins championships" rings true, the New England Patriots could very well be on their way to a fourth Super Bowl victory. NFL.com's Vic Carruci is reporting that it is likely between the Patriots and Carolina Panthers that would send defensive end Julius Peppers to the Patriots in exchange for New England's second-round pick (34th overall) acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs in the Matt Cassel trade.

According to Carucci, "the Patriots and Panthers are hoping to complete the deal at some point between the March 22-25 NFL owners meetings and the start of the draft on April 25."

By acquiring the 6'7" Peppers, the Patriots would take on his $16.68 million contract that he signed when he was franchised by the Panthers. However, it is likely that the Patriots would sign Peppers to a long-term deal at a much more reasonable price.

Peppers is a monster defensively, who can play defensive end or outside linebacker. He is a beast in both the pass and run defense, and he is the perfect addition to replace the aging Mike Vrabel, who was included in the Cassel trade last month.

However, as I said earlier in the month, acquiring Peppers would likely signal the end for Richard Seymour, who is due to enter free agency at the end of the 2009 season. Seymour will be a very expensive player to re-sign, and his level of play is not nearly on par with that of Peppers'.

Despite that possibility, I could not be happier about this potential deal. The Patriots are acquiring one of the best defensive players in the league, in his prime, and they're doing it without giving up a lot in exchange. Remember, nothing is official, and things could change overnight. But from today's news, this looks like a deal that will happen that will be unquestionably the highlight of the Patriots' 2009 off-season.

Patriots Sign Galloway; Re-Sign Wright

Sorry about the delay, folks. A few bits of news and notes coming out of Foxboro today, as the Patriots re-signed a key defensive player and signed a new weapon for the offense.

The Patriots confirmed the signing of wide receiver Joey Galloway, who has spent his last five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Galloway was held to 13 catches for 138 yards and no touchdowns in 2008. However, his season was significantly affected by a foot injury that cost him nine games. Galloway is expected to compete with Greg Lewis for the third receiver position, formerly held by Jabar Gaffney.

Galloway is still a strong target, especially in an offense like the Patriots, who are best suited spreading the field and going deep. Galloway led the NFL in yards per reception in 2007 with 17.8 yards per catch.

The 37 year-old Galloway is a 15-year veteran, playing with the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys before landing with the Buccaneers in 2004. Galloway's career was rejuvenated in Tampa Bay, where he averaged 49.6 catches per season and 782.4 receiving yards per season. Despite his age, he is still a top-tier speed threat, and his acquisition has given Tom Brady his deepest receiving corps of his career, aside from the 2007 season.

The Patriots also announced that they re-signed defensive tackle Mike Wright to a four-year deal worth roughly $7.5 million. Wright is a five-year vet, spending his entire career with the Patriots.

Wright is 6'4" and 295 lbs., and he is a versatile option at defensive end or tackle. He is a big, thick body that can clog the middle on the run, and he can also be a very effective pass rusher. Wright had his best season in 2008, finishing with 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Wright's re-signing gives the Patriots depth on the defensive line, and can help in swinging the Patriots from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense, with Wilfork and Wright blocking the middle.

Patriots Sign Bodden and Hodel

The Patriots made two more free agent acquisitions today, announcing the signings of corner back Leigh Bodden and long snapper Nathan Hodel.

Bodden, who visited Foxboro on March 1, played for the Detroit Lions last season. His one interception was the lone interception by a Lions defensive back in their tumultuous 0-16 campaign in 2008. Bodden spent the first five years of his career with the Cleveland Browns, under the tutelage of former Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. Bodden comes from Crennel with high praise, and he enters a defense that was not much different than the defense that Crennel ran in Cleveland.

Bodden joins Shawn Springs as welcome additions to the Patriots' secondary, their obvious weak link on the defensive side of the ball. They now have depth at corner back, even though the NFL Draft is still over a month away.

Nathan Hodel comes into the long-snapper position that was empty following Lonie Paxton's departure to Denver. Hodel has spent his entire seven-year career with the Arizona Cardinals, including snapping for Neil Rackers' NFL-record 40 field goals in 2005.

Hodel seems like a sure thing, a reliable long-snapper who has done his job well for the better part of a decade. By signing Hodel, the Patriots have erased another need and are now starting to enter into the latter portions of free agency looking for luxuries as opposed to necessities.

Terrell Owens Signs With...Buffalo?!?

In a stunning turn of events, free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens has signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills. To which I respond...really?!?

I can't wrap my mind around this move. I understand it from Buffalo's side, as the Bills needed a playmaker to compliment Lee Evans and take the pressure off of Trent Edwards. The signing of Owens makes Buffalo a threat in the AFC East, which was already one of the strongest divisions in the league. The Bills now have two deep threats that can turn any play into a touchdown any time either of them touches the ball.

However, I cannot understand the deal for Owens. Following his release from the Cowboys on Wednesday night, speculation began that Owens and agent Drew Rosenhaus were looking for a team that was a perennial Super Bowl contender that had an established star quarterback and a strong locker room.

Not to sound like a homer, but all signs pointed to the Patriots. They filled every one of Owens' and Rosenhaus' needs, and since trading Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel, they have the cap space to work a move.

However, the Bills made the move and acquired Owens, arguably one of the five best receivers in the league. It will be interesting to see how Owens handles himself with his fourth franchise. For all intents and purposes, he has destroyed his previous locker rooms, in San Francisco, Philadelphia and Dallas. The move leaves Buffalo with many questions:

- Can Trent Edwards handle adequately splitting time between Evans and Owens?
- Can Terrell Owens assimilate himself into the Bills' method of offense?
- Is Dick Jauron the kind of coach that can tame Owens?

Also, how will this affect the balance of power in the AFC East? Early in 2008, the Bills were a force to be reckon with, leading the division prior to a complete meltdown late in the season. Does the acquisition of one player swing the momentum in the division? Are the Bills now on the same plane as the Patriots and the defending division champion Miami Dolphins?

Only time will tell. For now, the Patriots will need to make moves in the defensive backfield, as a corner back tandem of Ellis Hobbs and Shawn Springs cannot handle Evans and Owens twice a year. This move on Buffalo's part will now cause both the Bills and Patriots to respond.

Patriots Re-Sign Hanson; Lose Evans to Saints

The Patriots took one step forward and one step back in free agency today. They re-signed punter Chris Hanson and lost fullback Heath Evans to the New Orleans Saints.

Hanson has been the Patriots punter since signing with the team prior to the 2006 season. In two years in New England, Hanson has been solid, downing 32 of his 94 punts inside the 20-yard line.

He also is known for his booming kicks, including a career-long 70-yarder in week one against the Kansas City Chiefs. His 48-yard punt in week seventeen in blustery Buffalo may have been the second-best punt of the day (behind Matt Cassel's surprising fourth-quarter pooch punt), but it was an incredible kick, considering it was into the teeth of a 50+ mph wind gust.

Hanson is also the holder for kicker Stephen Gostkowski, and he has not muffed one hold in his two years on the job.

Now onto the losing end of the spectrum. Heath Evans has been a Patriot since joining the team midway through the 2005 season. He is a tremendous blocker and can be a solid option out of the backfield as a receiver or running back. He is dangerous inside the opponents' goal line, including three touchdowns in 2007.

Evans' loss opens up the need for a fullback and short-gain option. LaMont Jordan recently signed with the Denver Broncos, so the Patriots are left with the choice between Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris or BenJarvus Green-Ellis as their current fullback options, none of which they are presumably thrilled with.

The market for fullbacks is obviously thin, as that position slowly fades into obscurity in modern NFL offenses. No longer will teams rely on a fullback the way the Cowboys relied on Daryl Johnson or how the Buccaneers built a backfield around Mike Alstott.

The current crop of free agent fullbacks is a short list, with Darian Barnes, Lorenzo Neal, Terrelle Smith and Leonard Weaver as the cream of said crop. However, the Patriots may look to April's draft for help at the fullback position.

In the Pats' system, the fullback is a glorified sixth offensive lineman who can, on occasion, be called upon to run or catch the ball. Don't expect them to make a desperation signing for a fullback, as that may be near the bottom of their list in needs.

Patriots Sign Springs; Trade for Lewis

It was a busy day in Foxboro today, as the Patriots made two minor moves that have the potential to pay major dividends.

First, the Providence Journal broke the story that the Patriots had signed 33 year-old free agent corner back Shawn Springs. Springs, a 12-year veteran, has played for the Seahawks from 1997-2003 and the Redskins from 2003-2008.

In an injury-plagued 2008 season, Springs recorded 36 tackles, seven passes defended, one sack and one interception in only nine games. In 2007, his most recent healthy campaign, Springs had 62 tackles, 15 passes defended and four interceptions.

At 6'0" and 207 lbs., Springs is bigger than the average NFL corner back. However, that gives him the edge in facing tall receivers, a place where Ellis Hobbs noticeably struggled in 2008.

Details of the contract have yet to be disclosed, but from all reports, it will be a one-year deal worth very low money. This was a great move by the Patriots, a low-risk, high-reward scenario that could have them making out like thieves by the end of the 2009 season. This is the kind of veteran acquisition the Pats are known for, taking an aging veteran off of the scrap heap and squeezing one or two more effective seasons out of them. They've done it before, with Tyrone Poole and Otis Smith being prime examples.

In a move that was just announced recently by NFL.com's Adam Schefter, the Patriots have traded a seventh-round pick in the 2010 draft to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for wide receiver Greg Lewis and an undisclosed 2010 draft pick.

Lewis, a 29 year-old, has been a third receiver for the duration of his career. Last season, playing behind Desean Jackson, Reggie Brown, Jason Avant and Kevin Curtis in Philadelphia, Lewis caught 19 balls for 247 yards and one touchdown. Lewis had career highs in receptions (48) and receiving yards (561) in 2005, when he started all sixteen games for the Eagles.

Acquiring Lewis fills the hole that was created when Jabar Gaffney signed with the Broncos last week. Lewis is a formidable option as a third receiver, a proven player for the duration of his six year career and has shown a propensity to catch in the clutch.

Antonio Cromartie on the Patriots Radar?

According to sources close to the San Diego Chargers, if San Diego can re-sign corner back Drayton Florence, they will place Antonio Cromartie on the trading block.

Obviously, the first thing that came to my mind was the possibilities of the Patriots swinging a trade for the 2007 Pro Bowler.

The Patriots currently hold the Chargers' second-round pick in April's NFL Draft, acquired in a draft-day deal from last April. Could that be enough to acquire the former All-Pro? The Patriots could also sweeten the deal with a mid-to-late round selection, possibly in the fifth or sixth round.

Cromartie is only 24 years old, a three-year veteran. He has played in all 48 games in his NFL career, starting 23 games. He had a career year in 2007 with ten interceptions, 18 passes defended and an NFL-record 109-yard field goal return for a touchdown.

Cromartie fell off a bit in 2008, with 64 tackles, two interceptions and nine passes defended. Cromartie lost his starting job to Florence and Quentin Jammer, so he seems to be in need of a fresh start.

The Patriots obvious weakness is in their secondary. Their corner back trio of Ellis Hobbs, Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite won't win any championships. By acquiring Cromartie, the Patriots suddenly have one of the most stout defensive backfields in the NFL. Cromartie has proven that he can hang with the best receivers in the league, something that Hobbs proved that he could not do in 2008.

In other news, the Patriots hosted free-agent linebacker Heath Farwell yesterday. Farwell is a special teams wiz, in the same vein of Larry Izzo, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings. By signing Farwell, the Pats would lock up another position that needs help.

Russ Hochstein Re-Signs with the Patriots

In another move presumably done with the cap space freed up from the Cassel/Vrabel trade, the Patriots re-signed offensive lineman Russ Hochstein to a one-year contract.

Hochstein split time last year between guard, center, tight end and fullback in sixteen games with the Patriots. He received national praise during the Patriots 44-7 drubbing of the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16, when he opened holes and created space for LaMont Jordan, Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris to run roughshod over the Cards.

The nine-year veteran also made national news in the days leading up to Super Bowl XXXVIII, when he was called out by Warren Sapp, Hochstein's fomer teammate with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sapp was being interviewed on ESPN's 'Pardon the Interruption', when he said that the Patriots would lose to the Panthers purely because Hochstein was on the offensive line.

Hochstein also can fill the long-snapper void created when Lonie Paxton signed a five-year deal with the Denver Broncos.

Once again, the Patriots keeping the guys they need, and they're getting them at a very reasonable price.

Should the Patriots Trade for Julius Peppers?

When Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel were traded to Kansas City, my thoughts instantly went to the cap space freed up by the move. Trading Cassel and Vrabel opened up nearly $20 million in cap space, and the Patriots have obvious holes in their roster that need to be filled.

However, there is one luxury on the open market. The Carolina Panthers have stated that they are willing to listen to trade talks for defensive end Julius Peppers. Peppers, like Cassel, was franchised in the off-season. He is due to make $16.65 million in 2009, but a trade could allow for a restructured contract and a long-term deal. Peppers has vehemently stated that he wants out of Carolina, and the Patriots have the draft picks to move to acquire a player of Peppers' caliber.

However, the Patriots would need to address the elephant in the room: Richard Seymour. Seymour counts as $9.7 million against the Patriots cap, but is he really worth that kind of money?

In fifteen games in 2008, Seymour came close to a career year, with 52 tackles and eight sacks, his highest totals in each category since 2003. However, his eight sacks tied for 17th in the NFL, behind players who make significantly less than he does. The 29 year-old defensive end is entering the last year of his contract, the same time as Vince Wilfork and Jarvis Green, two defensive linemen with tremendous potential and who are valuable as defensive ends or interior linemen.

While Peppers won't come cheap or count cheap against the salary cap, his value is skyrocketing as he enters into his prime. Peppers had a monstrous 2008, with 14.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and five passes defended. In his seven years with the Panthers, Peppers has 70.5 sacks and 340 tackles. Like Seymour, he is 29 years old, and like Seymour, he is a giant on the field (Seymour stands 6-foot-6, whereas Peppers is 6-foot-7).

If the Patriots decide that the financial commitment is worth the investment, they could part ways with one of their three second-round picks and possibly a late-round pick. However, in acquiring Peppers, it will all but signal the end of Richard Seymour's run in Foxboro.

James Sanders Re-Signs with the Patriots

In a stunning turn of events, the Patriots have re-signed safety James Sanders to a three-year contract.

According to Sanders and his agent Steve Feldman, the four-year veteran turned down bigger contracts elsewhere to stay in Foxboro.

Sanders finished 2008 with 64 tackles and one interception. He had a career year in 2007, with 71 tackles, five passes defended and two interceptions. He has started every game he has played in since 2007.

I'm shocked that Sanders stayed. I figured that the Patriots would get into a bidding war with other teams in desperate need of help in the defensive backfield, and they would eventually fade out of discussions as Sanders' price tag skyrocketed.

Apparently, Sanders decided that he liked the system he was playing in, and according to Feldman, "He stays in the same system with a championship team."

It's very rare in this day and age, and economic climate, that a professional athlete would take a hometown discount. I respect Sanders for staying with the Patriots and allowing himself to grow within the system that raised him, and possibly turn into a star.

Matt Cassel Traded to Kansas City

Sorry for the delay on this news, arguably the biggest of the off-season for the Patriots.

In a less-than-shocking move, the Patriots traded Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for the Chiefs second-round pick, 34th overall. While some are viewing the trade as a fleecing on the Chiefs' behalf, it was a great trade for both involved parties.

The Chiefs get their quarterback of the future, as they will undoubtedly sign Cassel to a long-term deal before the start of the 2009 season. They also get a veteran linebacker who is a great locker room leader and can still produce at a Pro Bowl level on the field.

The Patriots get a selection that is two picks away from being a first-round pick. They now hold four picks in the first 58 selections in the 2009 NFL Draft, a draft that has been lauded for its defensive depth. They also have cleared almost $20 million in cap space, giving them the room to prevent some of their upcoming free agents from entering free agency in February 2010.

By clearing almost $20 million, they have given themselves leverage in re-signing key players such as Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Ellis Hobbs, Logan Mankins, Nick Kaczur and Stephen Gostkowski. The biggest name in that group is obviously Wilfork, who just saw the market get cornered for an elite defensive tackle, with the Washington Redskins giving Albert Haynesworth a seven-year, $100 million contract with $41 million guaranteed.

At the same time, this allows the Patriots to make a more significant splash in free agency this off-season. They have already been rumored to be discussing the possibility of acquiring Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers, and they are hosting former Redskins corner back Shawn Springs today in Foxboro.

Also, by losing Jabar Gaffney to the Broncos, they have to address depth at wide receiver, and opening almost $20 million in cap space, it allows them to enter discussions with Laveraneus Coles, Bobby Engram or Marvin Harrison.

Overall, I am very pleased with the trade. It's not about what they got from Kansas City, but rather what the Patriots will get in the coming weeks. Sure, Scott Pioli may have received a "friendly discount" price from Bill Belichick, but at the same time, the trade has opened up the Patriots as a legitimate threat in free agency. And for a team that is just one season removed from a perfect regular season, the concept of the Patriots becoming a threat in free agency has to have the rest of the NFL shaking.

McDaniels Raids the Patriots

Former Patriots offensive coordinator and current Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels appears to be going with what he knows best.

First, he convinced the Broncos to splurge for long snapper Lonie Paxton. Paxton, who has spent his entire nine-year NFL career with the Patriots, signed with Denver earlier this morning. Some have argued that Paxton is the best long snapper in the league, as it was his crisp, effective snaps that helped set up Adam Vinatieri's numerous clutch kicks during the Patriots run of Super Bowl championships earlier in the decade.

Next, McDaniels, who has been the offensive coordinator since Eric Mangini flew south to coach the New York Jets in 2006, acquired Jabar Gaffney, a Patriot since '06. Gaffney has made a name for himself in New England as a slot receiver. Last season, he finished with 44 receptions for 468 yards and two touchdowns. He had a sterling playoff run in 2006, with eighteen catches and over 200 yards receiving in the Wild Card Round against the Jets and Divisional Playoff versus the San Diego Chargers.

The loss of Gaffney, combined with the recent release of Kelley Washington, now opens up the need for reliable third or fourth receiving options. The Patriots already have the best 1-2 receiving option in the league, with Randy Moss as the deep threat and Wes Welker as the catch-and-run option. However, they now sorely lack an experienced weapon aside from Moss and Welker. The Pats only have two receivers on their roster aside from Moss and Welker, and those two targets are Sam Aiken and Matthew Slater, who combined for eight catches in 2008.

With the need for receivers now near the top of the Patriots' off-season list, could we be not too far away from seeing Laveraneus Coles, Bobby Engram, or even Marvin Harrison wearing Patriots uniforms in 2009? Also, don't rule out the Draft, as the Patriots hold the 23rd pick. They very well could look to select Florida's Percy Harvin or Maryland's Derrius Heyward-Bey, whose amazing Combine numbers have him vaulting up Mock Draft boards nationwide.

Mike Vrabel Traded to Kansas City

NFL.com's Adam Schefter is reporting that Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel is in Kansas City undergoing a physical. Pending the results of that physical, Vrabel will be traded to the Chiefs. No word yet on what the Patriots will receive in exchange for the former Pro Bowler.

The 2007 Defensive All-Pro will turn 34 prior to the start of the 2009 season. Vrabel, who has spent the last eight seasons with the Patriots, was acquired in 2001 via free agency after Vrabel spent four unsuccessful seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Once the terms of the trade are announced, I'll state my opinion. But for now, allow me to say that Mike Vrabel had a very successful eight years in Foxboro, and I'll miss the tenacity and dedication that he played every snap with.

In other news, long snapper Lonie Paxton has signed with the Denver Broncos. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.

Patriots Sign Taylor, Baker; Courting Bodden

The Patriots weren’t expected to make much of a splash when free agency started at midnight, but they were very quick and efficient in the moves they needed to make.

According to multiple sources, the Patriots have signed former Jaguars running back Fred Taylor to a one-year contract worth around $6 million, once incentives kick in. The 33 year-old Taylor, who has spent his entire career in Jacksonville, visited Foxboro earlier this week, and apparently liked what he saw. In his eleven seasons with the Jags, Taylor rushed for 11,271 yards and 62 touchdowns. He was oft-injured and lost his role as the Jaguars’ primary running threat to Maurice Jones-Drew, but you cannot deny how proficient and effective he was in over a decade in Jacksonville.

In his final season with the Jaguars, Taylor started all thirteen games he played in, rushing for 556 yards and one touchdown. Taylor is also a solid option as a receiver with 286 receptions and 2,361 receiving yards. While he is no Kevin Faulk, he is still a fine choice to throw a quick screen or swing pass to out of the backfield.

In other free agent news, NFL.com is reporting that the Patriots have made a deal with former Jets tight end Chris Baker. Baker, who was released by the Jets in a salary dump, had 21 receptions for 194 yards and no touchdowns in 2008. Baker, who held out through much of last summer, lost his role as the Jets’ primary tight end to rookie Dustin Keller, who became a favorite target of Brett Favre as the season progressed.

Baker had career-highs in receptions and receiving yards in 2007, when he caught 41 balls for 409 yards. Baker, a seven-year veteran, is a big target, standing 6’3” and weighing 258 lbs. He is most effective in the red zone, and he is also a stout run-blocker, as he paved the way for Thomas Jones and Leon Washington for most of the 2008 season.

Baker’s arrival would likely mean the departure of Benjamin Watson, whose contract expires following the 2008 season. Watson, who has struggled throughout his career with dropped balls, had only 22 catches for 209 yards, his lowest totals since his rookie season.

Last but not least, the Patriots are hosting free agent corner back Leigh Bodden today. Bodden, who played for the 0-16 Detroit Lions last season, was arguably Detroit’s most proficient defensive back, with 73 tackles, three forced fumbles and one interception. Bodden, 27, has six years of service under his belt, five of which came with the Cleveland Browns. Bodden’s best season came in 2007, when he recorded 88 tackles and six interceptions. Bodden played for former Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel in Cleveland, and Crennel reportedly gave rave reviews about Bodden to the Patriots Brain Trust earlier this week.

More on free agency and developing news later in the day.

On The Patriots Radar

First and foremost, don't get yourselves too exicted about the start of free agency. This won't be like the 2003 off-season when the Patriots acquired Rosevelt Colvin and Rodney Harrison on consecutive days, or 2007 off-season, when the Patriots landed Adalius Thomas, Wes Welker and Randy Moss. According to NFL.com's Adam Schefter, the Patriots have only $3.2 million in cap space, ahead of only Carolina and their $1.9 million in cap room.

So don't get your hopes up too high for the Patriots to land a big name. However, the Pats could still manage to work around the league and land some role players. If there is one thing that the Patriots have been incredibly successful at since Bill Belichick arrived in Foxboro in 2000, it's been turning other people's trash into treasures. The Patriots took Mike Vrabel, a floundering defensive end with the Steelers and turned him into a Pro Bowler. They squeezed the last solid years out of veterans like Roman Phifer, Antowain Smith, Bobby Hamilton, Tyrone Poole, Ted Washington and Corey Dillon, just to name a handful. Most notably, however, was landing an unheralded quarterback out of Michigan with the 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft. Three Super Bowl championships later, Tom Brady is a Hall of Famer.

So while the Patriots might not swoop in and land T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Albert Haynesworth or Ray Lewis, they just as easily could take a no-name scrub from someone else's trash and turn them into a star. They've done it before. However, this is the first off-season that Belichick will be working without Scott Pioli, who took a high-profile general manager's gig with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Here are some of the names to expect to be attached to the Patriots:

- DeAngelo Hall (Washington): barring the unforeseen, that Hall will re-sign with the Redskins, DeAngelo will be a quality corner back on the open market. After landing with the Raiders last March, Hall signed an eight-year, $70 million contract, and after floundering in Oakland's system, the Raiders released the struggling corner back. Hall landed with the Redskins and had a subpar season. Hall, who still can play at an All-Pro level, could command good money, but not nearly at the price tag of Nnamdi Asomugha or Cortland Finnegan.
- Chris McAlister (Baltimore): The Ravens cut McAlister, saving $8 million. McAlister, 31, is a career Raven looking for a fresh start. He seems to fit the Patriots system, and at a decent price tag could be the second coming of Tyrone Poole.
- Lawyer Milloy (Atlanta): his best years are clearly behind him, but he can still play the hybrid linebacker/safety position that Rodney Harrison controlled for the better part of the last three years. If Harrison does in fact call it a career, Milloy could be an effective replacement, which would be ironic, as Harrison was the reason that the Patriots showed Milloy the door back in 2003.
- Mike Brown (Chicago): the Bears announced that they have no intentions of reaching out to their former safety and defensive captain. Brown, 31, is another player on the downside of his career and is an injury risk. Brown hasn't played a full season in four years, and it was a calf injury that ended his season last December. The question with Brown is; is the risk worth the potential reward?
- Fakhir Brown (St. Louis): Brown was released by the Rams on September 24, but was re-signed less than a month later after Ricky Manning was placed on injured reserve. Brown struggled with an ankle injury throughout most of December 2008, and like the rest in this pack, his best years are definitely behind him.
- Gerald Sensabaugh (Jacksonville): the 25 year-old safety is a hard-hitting force, who would be a perfect compliment to Brandon Meriweather in the secondary. The Jaguars have already made it clear that they do not intend to court Sensabaugh, so that opens the door for the Patriots. However, expect multiple teams to bid for the four-year veteran and eventually drive the price too high for the Patriots.
- Fred Taylor (Jacksonville): the ten-year Jaguar recently was released, and has already made it public that he intends to at least enter discussions with the Patriots. The Pats will be losing LaMont Jordan in free agency, opening up the need for an effective third-down back who can make spot starts if, and when, Laurence Maroney is injured in 2009. The Patriots haven't had a sure thing at running back since Corey Dillon's 2004 season, so Taylor would add much-needed depth and possibly a tremendous season at a great value.
- Chris Baker (New York Jets): the Jets released the 29 year-old tight end last week after a contentious 2008 season that included Baker holding out through Training Camp after he said the Jets lied to him about landing a new contract after a career year in 2007. The Patriots don't need a tight end, but they could sure use a reliable option. Benjamin Watson has yet to find his hands, and David Thomas still hasn't matured into a full-bore red zone threat. Baker would be a prime target inside the 20 for Brady. Also, imagine the emotion he'd want to play with twice a year against the Jets.

Needless to say, the Patriots won't have a sparkling off-season, and we'll have to wait until the Draft (or when Matt Cassel is traded) for the Pats to land a big name target. But for the time being, the names listed above would be more than quality for a team that is 31st in the year in overall salary.

Handicapping Free Agency

With the National Football League's free agency period set to start at midnight tonight, the New England Patriots find themselves not only courting their own players, but investigating their needs and deciphering who they would like to sign from other franchises.

Within their own roster, the Patriots will need to decide how to approach free agents such as wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, offensive linemen Russ Hochstein, Wesley Britt, Lonie Paxton and Mark LeVoir, defensive backs Rodney Harrison, James Sanders, Deltha O'Neal, Lewis Sanders and Raymond Ventrone, linebackers Larry Izzo, Pierre Woods, Junior Seau and Rosevelt Colvin and punter Chris Hanson.

Here are my educated guesses on what will happen with those fifteen impending free agents:

- Jabar Gaffney: wants to stay, took a discount to stay last season.
- Russ Hochstein: a valuable commodity as a back-up hybrid lineman and can occasionally be a spot-starter.
- Wesley Britt: a young, inexperienced lineman. His departure would not drive many to abandon the franchise.
- Lonie Paxton: arguably the best long snapper in the league. And while you laugh now, a long snapper is a position that you only notice when the person playing the role is struggling. New York Giants fans are holding back tears still thinking about Trey Junkin and the 2003 NFC Wild Card Game against the 49ers.
- Mark LeVoir: a mid-season acquisition to help an ailing offensive line. Like Britt, he could stay or could go, and few would even bat an eyelash.
- Rodney Harrison: he has been the anchor for the Patriots' secondary since arriving in 2003. He helped to nurture young talent like Eugene Wilson, James Sanders and Brandon Meriweather into solid professionals. He is oft-injured, and his quad injury against Denver last year might have been the one that ended his career. He'll most likely retire.
- James Sanders: he is developing into a formidable young safety. He's a ball-hawking, hard-hitting defensive back who will fetch a big contract from someone else. The Patriots won't want to match the big contract that he'll inevitably be offered.
- Deltha O'Neal: arriving prior to Week One, O'Neal made Patriots fans long for the glory days of Duane Starks. In summation: he is terrible and there is no chance he returns to Foxboro wearing a Patriots uniform.
- Lewis Sanders: an unheralded veteran talent who helped to guide Jonathan Wilhite and Terence Wheatley in their rookie seasons. He's a journeyman, and I expect him to find a new home in 2009.
- Raymond Ventrone: an option at safety, corner back, wide receiver and a valuable special teams commodity. His proficiency on special teams reminded me of Chris Akins, and aside from Kelley Washington, Ventrone was the second-best tackler on the kickoff/punt units.
- Larry Izzo: a three-time Pro Bowler as a special teamer, Izzo currently finds himself embroiled in the Greg Anderson-Barry Bonds steroids scandal. He'll probably retire, although his career is ending on a sour note.
- Pierre Woods: a solid option at linebacker, he can play outside or middle linebacker as a starter or backup. He had some key tackles in Super Bowl XLII and made a few solid hits in 2008. He'll stay, but only if the accompanying price tag is reasonable.
- Junior Seau: bound for retirement. Again. For the third consecutive season.
- Rosevelt Colvin: cut last April in a salary dump, Colvin landed in Houston during training camp, then was released prior to the start of the regular season. Following season-ending injuries to Tedy Bruschi and Adalius Thomas, Colvin got the call and played in the last four games of the season. If he can get a decent deal, he might stay, but he's got his rings, so he'll probably look for one last solid pay day.
- Chris Hanson: Why don't you have a seat? No, not that Chris Hanson. The Patriots' punter had some boomers in 2008, including a monster in the season opener against the Chiefs. The market for punters is awfully slim this off-season, so Hanson will probably just hang around for another year or two, unless the Patriots' Brain Trust decides that Southern Methodist's Thomas Morstead is worth a fifth or sixth-round draft pick in April.

Well that's it for the Patriots side of the fence. Later tonight, I'll dive into who I think the Pats might have their eyes on in free agency.

The Curious Case of Matt Cassel

The story of Matt Cassel is the biggest story for the New England Patriots this off-season. Outside of changes in the front office and coaching staff, Matt Cassel's destination, whether it be Kansas City, Minnesota, or back in Foxboro, has become the most intriguing plot for the 2009 New England Patriots.

There seem to be two very established, yet very divided camps, on what to do with Cassel.

KEEP HIM: The camp that says to keep him believes that Cassel, while quite possibly just a product of the Patriots' system, is the best possible insurance policy for Tom Brady. Remember, Tom Brady hasn't taken a snap since Week One. He hasn't thrown a football in live game action since September. When Brady returns to the field, it will be very possible that almost a full year will have passed between snaps for the former Super Bowl MVP.

Cassel had a productive 2008, after a very rough start. He finished with 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns. He proved to be a more mobile quarterback than Brady, rushing for 270 yards and two touchdowns. And he closed out the season on a very strong note, throwing eight touchdowns to one interception in his final four games, all of which came in bad weather.

- In a chilly, wet afternoon in Seattle, he threw for 268 yards and a touchdown.
- In a driving rainstorm in Oakland, a mere five days after the death of his father, Cassel threw for 218 yards and four touchdowns.
- In a snowstorm that turned into freezing rain with a blistering wind in Foxboro, Cassel eviscerated the eventual NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals. He threw for 345 yards and three touchdowns in less than a full game of play.
- And in the final week of the season, with wind gusting over 50 miles per hour in Buffalo, Cassel completed 75 percent of his passes.

TRADE HIM: The camp that suggests trading Cassel stand behind the argument that his trade value will never be higher than it is now. If the Patriots keep him as a back-up through 2009, they will have lost $14.75 million to a man who never stepped foot on a field. Also, Cassel will be a free agent in 2010 and allowed to go wherever he wants to sign, with no compensation for the Patriots.

Cassel, if traded, could fetch the Patriots a first-round pick. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has suggested that Cassel is the best option for the Detroit Lions, who hold the first overall pick and are mulling drafting Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick.

However the Patriots would not look to trade for a top-five pick in the draft. The guaranteed money that comes with a top-five pick is magnanimous, too much for the thrifty Patriots. If they do trade Cassel to the Lions, it will most likely be for the Lions' 20th overall pick and possibly some late-round selections.

The salary cap could prove to be another issue. Next season, the Patriots stand to lose Richard Seymour, Jarvis Green, Mike Vrabel, Kevin Faulk, Stephen Neal, Vince Wilfork, Ellis Hobbs, Logan Mankins, Nick Kaczur, Benjamin Watson and Stephen Gostkowski to free agency. They are looking to lock up at least half of those players in long-term contracts, and to do so, they cannot afford to have over $30 million in cap space locked up in two quarterbacks.

Ultimately, the debate will rage until Nick Caserio, Floyd Reese and Bill Belichick decide to make a move. They could swing a trade tomorrow, or wait until April 24 on the day of the Draft, or they could wait all the way through Training Camp. The waiting game is a game that Patriots players, coaches and fans are familiar with. Patience is a virtue, and there is no franchise more virtuous in the NFL than the Pats.