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.