A deeper look at the Moss deal...

[Sho Nuff 720]

How much of what they have done was based on Indy seemingly passing them up?

 

Seemed out of character to go on a decent spending spree...bring in and draft some character problems (Moss and Merriwether)...

 

And while I wanted Moss in Green Bay...it was to bring in a possible deep threat for Favre.

 

Is that what Brady needed? Isn't that why they brought in Stallworth?

 

Their offense seems to rely more on the shorter passes and those across the middle...does anyone see Moss doing that?

 

Just odd...and it will probably be fine...I just find the fit completely odd.

[JScott 20]

How much of what they have done was based on Indy seemingly passing them up?

 

Seemed out of character to go on a decent spending spree...bring in and draft some character problems (Moss and Merriwether)...

 

And while I wanted Moss in Green Bay...it was to bring in a possible deep threat for Favre.

 

Is that what Brady needed? Isn't that why they brought in Stallworth?

 

Their offense seems to rely more on the shorter passes and those across the middle...does anyone see Moss doing that?

 

Just odd...and it will probably be fine...I just find the fit completely odd.

One thing to remember, the Pats offense has always gone on the principal of 'take what the D is giving you'. And for the past number of seasons the Pats have dinked and dunked. With defenses content on letting the receivers catch the 5 yard pass and then making the tackle. And the Pats have been content to take 5yds per play. But last year it was painfully obvious that they didn't even have a deep threat to try and keep the D honest. Another thing about the Pats is that they're flexible (on each side of the ball). If the running games working they can stick with that, if not they can became a 3 down passing offense. Adding this crop of WRs brings in a demension that was missing. Now they'll still have the WRs/TEs to go over the middle and the WRs to take it deep.

 

And I will agree that to some extent the signings were reactionary to the results from playing Indy and SD, but isn't that what being flexible is all about.

[cmh6476 1,126]

I found it odd how Kiper ripped the Pats draft this morning on Mike & Mike

[Sho Nuff 720]

One thing to remember, the Pats offense has always gone on the principal of 'take what the D is giving you'. And for the past number of seasons the Pats have dinked and dunked. With defenses content on letting the receivers catch the 5 yard pass and then making the tackle. And the Pats have been content to take 5yds per play. But last year it was painfully obvious that they didn't even have a deep threat to try and keep the D honest. Another thing about the Pats is that they're flexible (on each side of the ball). If the running games working they can stick with that, if not they can became a 3 down passing offense. Adding this crop of WRs brings in a demension that was missing. Now they'll still have the WRs/TEs to go over the middle and the WRs to take it deep.

 

And I will agree that to some extent the signings were reactionary to the results from playing Indy and SD, but isn't that what being flexible is all about.

 

Good response...and Im glad you did not take my post as any big knock as I thought some might. It just seemed a bit odd for some of these signings. I loved the Thomas signing and thought that Stallworth one was good, especially the way I think they structured his contract.

 

I think many will jump and say Brady is the big beneficiary from this...but to me...fantasy wise...Maroney just got a bump in value.

[JScott 20]

Good response...and Im glad you did not take my post as any big knock as I thought some might. It just seemed a bit odd for some of these signings. I loved the Thomas signing and thought that Stallworth one was good, especially the way I think they structured his contract.

 

I think many will jump and say Brady is the big beneficiary from this...but to me...fantasy wise...Maroney just got a bump in value.

I think both got a bump, but I agree that Maroney will be the biggest beneficiary ff wise.

 

One other thing to remember is that besides Welker the other 3 WRs (Moss, Stallworth, & Henry) for all intents and purposes only have 1 year contracts (not positive about Moss' but that's what I've heard) due to the way they'll each increase astronoimcally next season. So this could be a one and done WR corp, which is one reason I think the Pats were content to grab extra draft picks next year.

[Boston 0]

The biggest mistake when looking at the Pats is trying to generalize them. As someone who follows them religiously the one thing I have learned over the years is to never, ever be surprised by what they do. Many try to pigeonhole their organizational philosophy but it really comes down to one thing. Do everything possible to win now but don't do anything to mortgage the future. That's why they are in a position to add players like Thomas, Moss, Stallworth and Welker but still have two #1's and two #3's next year.

 

As for Indy passing them I think that plays a part. Yet, I also think the overall strength of the AFC with powers like San Diego factor into it. I think the Pats realize that while their system is great and got them to within a first down of the Super Bowl last year a nice influx of talent can take them to another level. Also, I truly believe that with Brady turning 30 this year they realize they have about a five year window to do some potentially historical stuff.

 

As for spending this has been addressed in the past. The Pats always spend to the cap. Even last year when they got caught with their pants down in August with Branch and not being to sign Ty Law they were at the limit by the end of the year. By moving money around and extending Koppen they freed up money for this offseason. The Pats will spend money...you just never know how they'll do it. Some years they're active in free agency and others they're not. Again, it goes back to the fact you can never be surprised by what they do.

 

As for character issues the Pats will roll the dice. They've done it in the past although Moss seems to be the biggest risk. They do their due dilligence and if they feel they and the core players of the team are comfortable with the player they'll go for it. What they don't put up with is a player being a distraction once he's a Patriot. They have built a stong enough lockerroom with leaders like Brady, Bruschi, Harrison, Vrabel, Seymour and Light where they are comfortable that new players will be forced to fit in. So far, that has worked out far more than it hasn't.

 

With regard to the style of play the Pats will do what their talent will let them do. One of BB's greatest strengths is knowing how to use the talent he has. They are not going to do the same things with Moss and Stallworth that they did with Gaffney and Caldwell. Right now the Pats have the potential to be an absolute matchup nightmare on both sides of the ball. BB is the ultimate chess master and I can't even imagine what he has cooked up for this year. It's an incredibly exciting time to be a Patriot fan.

[MDC 7,881]

Stallworth and Moss both seem to be a poor fit for the Pats' offense. NE is run-oriented and relies on a lot of slants, screens and YAC. Stallworth and Moss are both soft, they don't like going over the middle and either can't or won't block. They also play pretty much the exact same game, so I'm not sure why they'd go after Moss after signing Dante for all that money?

 

They overpaid for Stallworth. Moss was worth the risk for what they got him for, but I suspect he is done. I don't think either of them will make a big impact this year.

[edjr 6,898]

Stallworth and Moss both seem to be a poor fit for the Pats' offense. NE is run-oriented and relies on a lot of slants, screens and YAC. Stallworth and Moss are both soft, they don't like going over the middle and either can't or won't block. They also play pretty much the exact same game, so I'm not sure why they'd go after Moss after signing Dante for all that money?

 

They overpaid for Stallworth. Moss was worth the risk for what they got him for, but I suspect he is done. I don't think either of them will make a big impact this year.

 

 

7 million for one year?

[MDC 7,881]

 

7 million for one year?

 

For a guy with injury problems who does nothing but catch the deep ball, yeah. Especially now that they have Moss. Neither of those guys seem to fit what New England does that well.

[Celticspride 0]

Stallworth and Moss both seem to be a poor fit for the Pats' offense. NE is run-oriented and relies on a lot of slants, screens and YAC. Stallworth and Moss are both soft, they don't like going over the middle and either can't or won't block. They also play pretty much the exact same game, so I'm not sure why they'd go after Moss after signing Dante for all that money?

 

They overpaid for Stallworth. Moss was worth the risk for what they got him for, but I suspect he is done. I don't think either of them will make a big impact this year.

 

Thats not true. The Patriots are not a running team at all. Over the past few seasons, and even going back to the beginning of the Belichick regime, the Patriots have been among the league leaders in % of passing vs. running plays. Now, you could make the case that a 5 yard pass (or less) is more or less the same thing as a running play, but to characterize Belichick as a running coach or the Patriots as a running team is inaccurate.

 

The same holds true for Bill Parcells. He has this reputation as a running coach, but thats simply not true either. He's not Don Coryell, but he's been far from conservative in his offensive game planning.

[TD Ryan2 316]

For a guy with injury problems who does nothing but catch the deep ball

 

 

I don't think you are aware of how Stallworth's contract breaks down.

It is essentially a 1 year deal for 3.6mil.

 

2007: base salary of $700,000 Plus

- signing bonus of $1 million

- roster bonus of $1.6 million

- workout bonus $300,000

 

TOTAL: 3.6mil, one year deal.

if you think that's overpaying for him, that' fine with me, you are entitled to your opinion.

 

And If they want to keep Stallworth beyond next year:

At this point, NE can cut Stallworth after his 1 year of service.

 

For the Patriots to retain Stallworth for the 2008 season, they must pay him an option bonus of $6 million by Feb. 25, 2008.

There is a subsequent roster bonus of $2 million due on March 1, a second roster bonus of $1.6 million based on playing time, a base salary of $1 million and a $400,000 workout bonus.

That totals an exorbitant $11 million for 2008, or a two-year total of $14.6 million.

To keep Stallworth for 2009, the Patriots would have to pay another option bonus, this one of $2 million, by Feb. 25 of that year.

[MDC 7,881]

Thats not true. The Patriots are not a running team at all. Over the past few seasons, and even going back to the beginning of the Belichick regime, the Patriots have been among the league leaders in % of passing vs. running plays. Now, you could make the case that a 5 yard pass (or less) is more or less the same thing as a running play, but to characterize Belichick as a running coach or the Patriots as a running team is inaccurate.

 

The same holds true for Bill Parcells. He has this reputation as a running coach, but thats simply not true either. He's not Don Coryell, but he's been far from conservative in his offensive game planning.

 

Sorry, I know the Pats pass a lot. What I meant is that their offense is based on power running and screens, slants and shorter passes + YAC. Nothing Stallworth or Moss do complements that kind of offense. Neither of those guys like to go over the middle or block - they are both built for the vertical passing game. The Pats are a playoff caliber team and they did some good things this offseason, but I would not be so thrilled about adding Moss. He is a POS and he's sucked for several years now.

[Belushi 9]

I think we can give the NE GM and coach the benefit of the doubt that they know what they're doing. This isn't the Redskins who just go on spending sprees for overpaid free agents. These guys saw a void at WR and got two guys who they felt could fill that void. I have every confidence that it will work out. They were already close to going to the Superbowl again and aren't going to do something to screw that up. Now I don't know if that means they'll win it all this year, but they're certainly in the top 2 or 3 teams in the AFC, if not the NFL.

[parrot 789]

These guys saw a void at WR and got two guys who they felt could fill that void. I have every confidence that it will work out.

They saw a void, but they also saw potentially huge value. I like the Moss move, even if it crashes and burns, it was still a shot well worth taking.

[TD Ryan2 316]

they also saw potentially huge value.

 

that's the whole story.

that's the only reason to LOVE the moves.

 

 

Moss and Stallworth have been acquired with little or no RISK at all.

These guys have hamstrung organizations in the past because of how much was invested in them... NE has invested very little in these guys... both are in 1 year $3mil (approx) contracts.

No big signing bonuses.

No long term deal.

and they didn't have to give up anything from the previous year's starting roster.

 

they are both all upside, no risk signings for NE.

[parrot 789]

that's the whole story.

that's the only reason to LOVE the moves.

Moss and Stallworth have been acquired with little or no RISK at all.

These guys have hamstrung organizations in the past because of how much was invested in them... NE has invested very little in these guys... both are in 1 year $3mil (approx) contracts.

No big signing bonuses.

No long term deal.

and they didn't have to give up anything from the previous year's starting roster.

 

they are both all upside, no risk signings for NE.

[football_scooter 0]

that's the whole story.

that's the only reason to LOVE the moves.

Moss and Stallworth have been acquired with little or no RISK at all.

These guys have hamstrung organizations in the past because of how much was invested in them... NE has invested very little in these guys... both are in 1 year $3mil (approx) contracts.

No big signing bonuses.

No long term deal.

and they didn't have to give up anything from the previous year's starting roster.

 

they are both all upside, no risk signings for NE.

 

 

Except the fairly obvious risk of both of them being the headcase, fragile malcontents that they are perceived to have been for the last several seasons. There's actually quite a bit of risk involved here, just not economic risk.

 

The risk is that neither lives up to the hype, and thus do not help NE with what is their #1 goal: to win the superbowl. That seems like quite a significant risk, actually. Sure, it doesn't saddle the team with debt like Moss would have the Raiders. However they do seem to be putting a number of eggs into this basket when it comes to the team's performance in the 2007 season.

 

So to say that they are "no risk" signings seems a touch short sighted. I'd say there's a huge risk that a brooding Randy Moss, one of the original "me first" primadonna WRs comes in and causes disruption at worst. But there is also the more likely scenario where Moss performs at the level I believe he is at currently, and doesn't do much to help the offense - Brady will continue to spread the ball because that's what Brady does, and Moss will get childish and selfish as a result, because history has shown us that's what Moss does.

 

Upside, for sure - but denying the obvious risks in character and performance doesn't mean that risk isn't real.

[TD Ryan2 316]

Except the fairly obvious risk of both of them being the headcase, fragile malcontents that they are perceived to have been for the last several seasons. There's actually quite a bit of risk involved here, just not economic risk.

 

The risk is that neither lives up to the hype, and thus do not help NE with what is their #1 goal: to win the superbowl. That seems like quite a significant risk, actually. Sure, it doesn't saddle the team with debt like Moss would have the Raiders. However they do seem to be putting a number of eggs into this basket when it comes to the team's performance in the 2007 season.

 

So to say that they are "no risk" signings seems a touch short sighted. I'd say there's a huge risk that a brooding Randy Moss, one of the original "me first" primadonna WRs comes in and causes disruption at worst. But there is also the more likely scenario where Moss performs at the level I believe he is at currently, and doesn't do much to help the offense - Brady will continue to spread the ball because that's what Brady does, and Moss will get childish and selfish as a result, because history has shown us that's what Moss does.

 

Upside, for sure - but denying the obvious risks in character and performance doesn't mean that risk isn't real.

 

 

if they act up, you cut them and go with the WRs that took you to within one 1st down of the SuperBowl last year... because those guys are still on the team.

 

this team is a better team because of Adalius Thomas and Wes Welker.

this team may be ridiculously good because of Moss and Stallworth.

 

in fact, If Moss does act up, and NE just cuts him, that will add even more to their "mystique" of being an all-business, no-nonsense, winning team.

if Moss comes to town and acts like an ass, the Pats fans would be giddy to see Belichick and Co. do to Moss what no other team did... cut him and kick him to the curb... because they don't "need" him and they aren't financially locked up to him.

 

so, I disagree. It really isn't much risk for NE at all. What they lose is a 4th round pick.

[football_scooter 0]

if they act up, you cut them and go with the WRs that took you to within one 1st down of the SuperBowl last year... because those guys are still on the team.

 

You mean guys like Reche Caldwell? I could rephrase that and say the WRs who weren't good enough to get them to the Superbowl last year.

[TD Ryan2 316]

You mean guys like Reche Caldwell? I could rephrase that and say the WRs who weren't good enough to get them to the Superbowl last year.

 

you are too smart to believe an ignorant statement like that

but

too lathered up over all your 49er draft spats to pass it up today.

 

 

I'll just chalk this one up to the hook in your mouth hurting so much that you decided to try a little fishing yourself.

 

the Patriots WRs were not the reason they fell a game short last year.

it's been discussed on this forum extensively.

you can use the search function.

[Belushi 9]

You mean guys like Reche Caldwell? I could rephrase that and say the WRs who weren't good enough to get them to the Superbowl last year.

 

You've got to be kidding. It's amazing that they got as far as they did with guys like Caldwell. Just because they didn't make it to the superbowl (although came close), you dump on them? Most teams in the league would have been thrilled to have gotten as far as the Pats last year. Dumb statement.

[IGotWorms 4,063]

Stallworth and Moss both seem to be a poor fit for the Pats' offense. NE is run-oriented and relies on a lot of slants, screens and YAC. Stallworth and Moss are both soft, they don't like going over the middle and either can't or won't block. They also play pretty much the exact same game, so I'm not sure why they'd go after Moss after signing Dante for all that money?

 

They overpaid for Stallworth. Moss was worth the risk for what they got him for, but I suspect he is done. I don't think either of them will make a big impact this year.

 

Stallworth was a one year deal, same with Moss. Worst case scenario is that neither works out and it hurts the offense a bit this year, but it will not effect them at all long-term cap-wise.

 

But don't let that stop your hating.

[jdon 28]

NE is genius, plain and simple. The myth of them not paying for players comes from their refusal to overpay a couple guys who wanted too much.

 

And to 'label' is just ignorant; they are neither a running team nor a passing team; they are a winning team. Two years ago when dillon was hurt brady lead the league in passing, last year, with two solid backs, they ran some more. As for slants and YAC, the staff played to their strengths. who thinks that they aren't going to send randy deep and let him do what he does? Its just ignorant, ignorant, ignorant.

 

The pats are the best team in football because their only 'system' is that of exploiting the other teams weaknesses while guarding their own and playing to their strengths.

 

All this hype about moss is ridiculous, he will do what it takes to win. And that is that...

jdon

[MDC 7,881]

Stallworth was a one year deal, same with Moss. Worst case scenario is that neither works out and it hurts the offense a bit this year, but it will not effect them at all long-term cap-wise.

 

But don't let that stop your hating.

 

The Patriots are a playoff caliber team and they had a good offseason. My only point is that Stallworth and Moss are both vertical threats who won't go over the middle and won't block, and that appears to be a poor fit for the Patriots, who run a lot of quick slants and screens. Do you disagree with this?

 

It's not "hating," it's reality. For years Pats fans have been talking about how the team gets by with mediocre WR talent (which they do) and character guys who fit a system. Now they trade for a complete POS who doesn't appear to fit their system, and suddenly it's a brilliant deal. Great stuff.

 

The pats are the best team in football

 

Then why did they lose to the Colts?

[TD Ryan2 316]

The Patriots are a playoff caliber team and they had a good offseason. My only point is that Stallworth and Moss are both vertical threats who won't go over the middle and won't block, and that appears to be a poor fit for the Patriots, who run a lot of quick slants and screens. Do you disagree with this?

 

NE has a lot of players that already do this (Welker, Watson, Faulk, maybe even Dave Thomas)

What NE has NEVER had was a true vertical threat... Deion Branch was the closest thing to it... and they've tried for years to get a guy like that.

 

All it takes in ONE legit burner to open things up for the underneath guys.

 

I 100% agree with you that NE's bread&butter is the short, controlled passing game, but I fully believe that game becomes even more effective when a legit deep threat stretches defenses.

[IGotWorms 4,063]

The Patriots are a playoff caliber team and they had a good offseason. My only point is that Stallworth and Moss are both vertical threats who won't go over the middle and won't block, and that appears to be a poor fit for the Patriots, who run a lot of quick slants and screens. Do you disagree with this?

 

It's not "hating," it's reality. For years Pats fans have been talking about how the team gets by with mediocre WR talent (which they do) and character guys who fit a system. Now they trade for a complete POS who doesn't appear to fit their system, and suddenly it's a brilliant deal. Great stuff.

 

That is not what you said. You said that it was dumb of them to bring in Moss and pay him after they "overpaid" for Stallworth. THAT was the statement I was attacking, because 1) they did not overpay for Stallworth (see the post re: his $3.6 million, 1 year contract) and 2) both contracts are one-year deals and thus carry very little risk.

 

Now as for whether they "fit the system," the Pats "system" is to maximize the weapons they've got at their disposal. Every Patriots fan on Earth (and I'll bet Tom Brady as well) was pissed that they didn't have jack sh*t at WR last year. Most of us will admit that is a big part of the reason why they couldn't beat the Colts. I, for one, cannot believe how much of a p*ssy Reche Caldwell turned out to be.

 

So yeah, we are glad to see that Brady will actually have some decent targets next season. Its possible that Moss and/or Stallworth won't work out, but you know what: It'll be obvious by the end of training camp if they aren't going to hack it and I can guarantee you Belichick will not hesitate to cut either one or both of them if he feels like he needs to.

[football_scooter 0]

you are too smart to believe an ignorant statement like that

but

too lathered up over all your 49er draft spats to pass it up today.

I'll just chalk this one up to the hook in your mouth hurting so much that you decided to try a little fishing yourself.

 

the Patriots WRs were not the reason they fell a game short last year.

it's been discussed on this forum extensively.

you can use the search function.

 

I was fishing in part, sure. Just having fun.

 

But you're right - the reason the Pats fell a game short is the same reason they almost fell 2 games short - Brady throiwng a key interception on a final drive.

 

doh!

 

 

 

 

maybe they should dealt for a QB instead?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

now THAT's good fishing right there!

 

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

J

 

<><

[MDC 7,881]

Now as for whether they "fit the system," the Pats "system" is to maximize the weapons they've got at their disposal.

 

So now their system is no system?

 

I predict that Payton Manning and the Colts will own New England again this year.

[jdon 28]

Then why did they lose to the Colts?

 

one lose does not an organization define. its still 3-1 when it comes to rings...

[JScott 20]

Stallworth and Moss both seem to be a poor fit for the Pats' offense. NE is run-oriented and relies on a lot of slants, screens and YAC. Stallworth and Moss are both soft, they don't like going over the middle and either can't or won't block. They also play pretty much the exact same game, so I'm not sure why they'd go after Moss after signing Dante for all that money?

 

They overpaid for Stallworth. Moss was worth the risk for what they got him for, but I suspect he is done. I don't think either of them will make a big impact this year.

If you read my and Boston's post above I think you'll see that you're missing the point on the Pats offense. Bottom line, they're flexible. They can be a run first team or they can be a dink/dunk team. They have the talent to do either in the same game depending on what the D is giving them. Moss/Stallworth add the deep threat dimension that they didn't have before. It doesn't mean the Pats can't go deep and stretch the field, they just didn't have the weapons to do so in the past few years. Hence the crossing patterns (YAC). Now they'll be able to use more of their playbook with the new additions. And Moss/Stallworth won't be the guys to go over the middle, they have Welker, Watson, Thomas, etc to do that.

[jdon 28]

So now their system is no system?

 

I predict that Payton Manning and the Colts will own New England again this year.

 

you retarded?

 

The system is to exploit matchups, plain and simple... and it works very well against indy, thank you. enjoy that one ring cause its all you will ever see in those soft ass white uniforms...

[MDC 7,881]

The system is to exploit matchups, plain and simple... and it works very well against indy, thank you.

 

Not last year it didn't.

[TD Ryan2 316]

 

thank you. enjoy that one ring cause its all you will ever see in those soft ass white uniforms...

 

uhhhh.... MDC's and Eagles fan... he don't got no ring.

 

 

I was fishing in part, sure. Just having fun.

 

 

 

fair enough.

maybe we'll see you in the SuperBowl in '09... great off season by SF; they're about a year away now... and clearly NE will be representing the AFC for the next 2 or 3 years.

[parrot 789]

So to say that they are "no risk" signings seems a touch short sighted. I'd say there's a huge risk that a brooding Randy Moss, one of the original "me first" primadonna WRs comes in and causes disruption at worst. But there is also the more likely scenario where Moss performs at the level I believe he is at currently, and doesn't do much to help the offense - Brady will continue to spread the ball because that's what Brady does, and Moss will get childish and selfish as a result, because history has shown us that's what Moss does.

 

Upside, for sure - but denying the obvious risks in character and performance doesn't mean that risk isn't real.

Tom Brady, Troy Brown, Mike Vrabel, Teddy Bruschi, Richard Seymour, Rodney Harrison... that's just some of the veteran leadership in the Pats' lockerroom. That team came within one win of the SB last year and are positioned to make another run. I don't think they're going to tolerate much crap from Randy even if he decides to go that route and assuming BB doesn't take care of it first. Maybe Randy doesn't perform like we hope, but in any case I don't see any attempts at being a locker-room cancer going very far.

[IGotWorms 4,063]

Not last year it didn't.

 

Because they didn't have the players to create mismatches, hence bringing in more talent. Are you really this dumb?

[markf 0]

Then why did they lose to the Colts?

 

one lose does not an organization define. its still 3-1 when it comes to rings...

 

This is kinda funny when you step back and look at it. "One loss does not define an organization" coming from a fan base that judges everyone else by their losses in the playoffs.

 

I think the point that is trying to be made here is that Moss/Stalworth are being viewed as a solution to a problem that frankly doesn't exist... at least as far as the Colts are concerned. When NE comes to Indy in a few months touting their new "Deep threat, pass-happy" offense... I can tell you what the Indy D will be thinking. Sweet... plays right into our strengths.

 

Steelers? Chargers? Are they going to change their defensive plans because you've added 2 streakers who can't run routes? Probably a little. But not as much as Pat Fans think. Don't get me wrong... speed helps. But you can't send your WR's on streaks every play. Wins come in the trenches and across the middle... and NE of all teams should know that.

[parrot 789]

When NE comes to Indy in a few months touting their new "Deep threat, pass-happy" offense... I can tell you what the Indy D will be thinking. Sweet... plays right into our strengths.

Yes, I'm sure "Sweet... the team we squeaked by in playoffs last year traded in Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney for Randy Moss and Dante Stallworth!" is exactly what Indy will be thinking.

[markf 0]

Yes, I'm sure "Sweet... the team we squeaked by in playoffs last year traded in Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney for Randy Moss and Dante Stallworth!" is exactly what Indy will be thinking.

 

Criticism of KC vs. Colts: Passed too much. Left the running game.

Criticism of Ravens vs. Colts: Passed too much. Left the running game. (and McNair Sucks)

Criticism of Pats vs. Colts: .... etc...

 

You... did watch the playoffs didn't you?

[TD Ryan2 316]

Yes, I'm sure "Sweet... the team we squeaked by in playoffs last year traded in Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney for Randy Moss and Dante Stallworth!" is exactly what Indy will be thinking.

 

 

not to contradict you parrot, but with the Colts, it's more about the Adalius Thomas signing.

 

I don't know what games markf was watching last year, but the problem was NE's LBers and secondary getting run all over the field by Peyton Manning.

 

With Maroney injured and Dillon old, and Faulk seeing an increased role, no NE didn't run very well in that game, but they didn't "pass too much" either... Brady had 36 attempts for 240 yards. I'd have loved to have Moss/Stallworth for that game... but more importantly, I'd have loved to have A Thomas.

[football_scooter 0]

This does raise the question....who exactly will go over the middle for the Pats?

 

It won't be Moss or Stallworth. Neither will step up for the big hit...