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.