Patriots Playback: Randy Moss batting at softball charity game

By: Greg
Today the Blauhg brings you video from former Patriots FB Heath Evans' charity softball game. 81 Randy Moss is at bat.....

Wilfork gets slapped in the face

*UPDATE AT BOTTOM
By: Greg

Vince Wilfork said that if the Franchise tag was slapped on him this season he would consider it a “slap in the face”. We’ll today Vince got slapped. Projo.com had it first:

“New England is well within its rights to franchise the 28-year old two-time Pro Bowler, and he will receive a one-year, guaranteed $7.003 million for the coming season.

From here, Wilfork and the Pats can try to work out a long-term deal (which happened in New York last year, with the Giants and running back Brandon Jacobs), or New England could decide to remove the tag, which would make Wilfork a free agent.

Wilfork can try to work out a deal similar to the one Asante Samuel did in 2007, when Samuel got the team to agree not to franchise him a second time if New England won 12 games or Samuel played in 60 percent of the defensive snaps; or he can hold out until Week 10, the last date he can report and still receive a credited season”

The Pats had to do it. They weren’t able to come to a long term deal and had a set amount of time that they could slap the tag on him. So he might be angry, real angry but he still will be a Patriot for at least one year and hopefully more.

UPDATE: Mrs. Vince Wilfork via Twitter:  "The franchise tag has been applied. After six years of dedicated service i do understand this is a business. With that being said it is my hope that the tag is applied for its true purpose. For the purpose of alotting more time for us to continue our talks and be able to reach along term agreement. Only time will tell what the final result will be."

The Front office of the Blauhg

By: Greg

Its my dream job to be put in the front office of an NFL team and being able to draft, trade and sign. Fantasy Football and Madden allow me to get my fix of these things and now the Blauhg has been given the oppurtunity along with 31 other NFL blogs to simulate the NFL 2010 draft. We have the number 22 pick and will be mocking the Patriots. Here are the details from No Logo Needed:

"On Monday, Feb. 22, the NFL Draft will be two months away. Appearances of Mel Kiper's hair and its observations on the 2010 class are increasing in frequency. We are getting close to what will now be a three-day draft.


The approaching arrival of the draft means the second annual Mock Draft Among Blogs will begin shortly. In 2009, No Logo Needed spearheaded a different kind of mock draft. We found a blogger representing each of the 32 NFL teams. The idea behind No Logo Needed's mock draft is anybody can do a mock, but who will know better what the Eagles need than an Eagles blogger?


We will begin March 1 and, as most are aware, the St. Louis Rams are on the clock. Each team has a 24-hour period to make their selection and write a few paragraphs on why they chose a certain player.
Here is a list of the draft order with the Web site that will be representing each team:
1. St. Louis Rams: Joe Sports Fan


2. Detroit Lions: The Wayne Fontes Experience


3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucs Central


4. Washington Redskins: The Curly R


5. Kansas City Chiefs: Chiefs Report


6. Seattle Seahawks: Dave Krieg's Strike Beard


7. Cleveland Browns: No Logo Needed


8. Oakland Raiders: Just Blog Baby


9. Buffalo Bills: Buffalo Sports Now


10. Denver Broncos (from Chicago Bears): Bronco Talk


11. Jacksonville Jaguars: Black and Teal


12. Miami Dolphins: Playoff Bound Sports


13. San Francisco 49ers: Niners Nation


14. Denver Broncos: Bronco Talk


15. New York Giants: Ultimate NYG


16. Tennessee Titans: Music City Miracles


17. Carolina Panthers: Cat Scratch Reader


18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Steelers Today


19. Houston Texans: Houston Die Hards


20. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcoholic


21. Cincinnati Bengals: Bengal Stripes


22. New England Patriots: Blauhg: A New England Patriots Blog


23. Green Bay Packers: Lombardi Ave


24. Philadelphia Eagles: Iggles Blog


25. Baltimore Ravens: The Ebony Bird


26. Arizona Cardinals: Voice of the Cardinals


27. Dallas Cowboys: Blogging the Boys


28. San Diego Chargers: Bolt Hype


29. New York Jets: Jets Twit


30. Minnesota Vikings: Minnesota Sports Zone


31. Indianapolis Colts: The Indy Football Report


32. New Orleans Saints: MooseDenied

Leigh Bodden wants to stay with the Patriots

By: Greg

The best corner for the Pats last season is an unrestricted free agent and is a top priority in my mind for the Pats this off season. Bodden signed a one year deal with the Pats last season, hoping to parlay a good season into big money.

In a recent interview Leigh said that he would prefer to stay with the Pats, From the Globe:
"I just let my agent handle (the negotiations),” Bodden said. “It's just, first and foremost, trying to talk to the Patriots and seeing if we can get something done there."
"I did talk to Bill (Belichick), but all the business has to be done through my agent and those guys over there," Bodden said. "But I feel like it’s too early. Combine’s right around the corner, and that’s where a lot of guys’ talk is – all the GMs, all the coaches."
The Pats secondary struggled last season and Bodden was a bright spot. One of the many things the Pats need to do is re sign him, if the price is right.

Deion Branch WILL be a Patriot next season

While nothing has been writen in stone and Branch still remains on USC Seahawks, by the start of next season you can count on Deion Branch catching balls from Tom Brady.


Deion has been a bust in Seattle since leaving New England a few years ago. Injuries have slowed him through out his career with the Hawks and Seattle is looking to let him go.

Rather than releasing him outright, Seattle is looking to get some value from him and they know they can get that value from the Patriots or Patriots West (Chiefs). It is rumored that the Seahawks would be looking for a 4th or 5th round pick for the Veteran Wide Out. If no trade comes on the board look for Seattle to cut their losses and release Branch. However I don’t think it’ll get that far. The Patriots should step up and offer a 4th or 5th round pick.

With all these rumors swirling around Branch going back to the Pats, Branch responded that he would “love to be back with New England”. The Boston Herald has the haps on what Branch said:

“(Going back to the Patriots) would be interesting to see. You know what, I talk to guys all the time. I never wanted to leave, nor did coach Belichick and his staff and the organization want me to leave, either,” Branch said last night. “We just couldn’t get the contractual part down. We just couldn’t come to an agreement. And that stuff happens.

“I still love coach Belichick, and if the opportunity presents itself to come back, I would love to be there.”

“I still talk to Tom to this day and the crazy part is, you never lose that relationship with guys, especially when you do something special, which is what we did in my first four years in New England. I still talk with half of the team. To this day, I still talk with half of the guys that were on the team with me. It’s a special bond. For us to reunite, I don’t know. I would probably be crying at the press conference, if it happens.”

This reminds me of Andy and Erin on the Office. Both sides like each other. Both sides want to date. But someone needs to step it up and make it happen.

Hopefully the Pats swoop in and give the Seahawks the offer they are looking for, before any other team has a chance to grab Branch. He would be a huge addition to the offense. The Pats need a third wide receiver badly. Branch knows the offense, Branch and Brady once dated, Branch and Brady have a connection. A threesome of Moss, with Branch and Welker underneath would be dangerous.

Patriots Playback: Huge offseason for Pats: PFT Video

By: Greg
The Patriots have 7 starters along with Kevin Faulk that are un-restricted free agents. Meaning this off season in an uncapped year is a huge off season. Pro Football Talk goes into some of the decisions in which BB and the Pats have to make in this video:

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

I say franchising or siging Wilfork to a long term deal is a must. Banta Cain, Faulk, and Bodden are the other top priorities.

Could Shawne Merriman end up in New England?

By: Greg
Shawne Merriman is going to be a restricted free agent (meaning the Chargers would get draft picks if some other team signs him to a better deal). The Chargers have not been happy with the pass rushing specialist which means the Chargers might put a lower tender than the highest (1st and 3rd round picks).

San Diego could put a second round tender on him. Well, second Rounders are the Patriots specialties. The Pats have three of them in this years draft. One of the Pats first four picks will most likely be a pass rushing specialist, one of the Patriots biggest needs this offseason.

If the Patritots can get a proven guy like Shawne Merriman for only a second round pick, they would be foolish not to jump all over that. Last year mid way through the year there were rumors that the Pats were trying to trade for the Charger.  Merriman would step in right away and be the Pats top pass rusher.
Merriman has been dealing with injuires over the past few seasons and his production has gone down. But if he can stay on the field the guy is a beast.
A Chargers Blog goes into depth on weather San Diego should bring back the OLB or not in this piece.

Patriots Playback: Brady talks about growing family

By: Greg
We all love a familar face in our day. So on this snow day the Blaugh brings you Tom Brady talking about his growing family and resting for the upcoming season.

stallWORTH it? Should Patriots bring Donte Stallworth back?

By: Greg

Donte Stallworth who was suspened for a dui resulting in a death this past season was reinstated on Sunday. After being reinstated the Browns then cut the former Patriot, making him a free agent.


Which makes an interesting option for a return to New England. The Patriots have a huge hole at the 3rd wide receiver spot and Stallworth could fill that role.

Lets take a look at the positives and negatives of bringing Donte back:

Negatives

• PR Hit: Stallworth killed a man, does not look good for Kraft and the Pats

• He has been out of football for over a year

Positives

• Stallworth has played the third WR role with the Patriots and played pretty well

• He knows the offense, he knows Brady (something Galloway did not) and he knows the Patriots way

• He will be cheap. After leaving the Patriots he signed a big deal with the Brown at 35 mill but now with the record and not playing a year he wont get much more than league minimum

My take is to bring him back for a one year deal. Stallworth worked well with Brady, can stretch the field and also catch some quick screens. He was part of the record breaking 2007 offense. Low risk, high reward.

Ex-Patriot Kyle Eckel to play in Super Bowl but why and how.....

By: Greg
As we watch the Super Bowl this Sunday there are a few Ex-Patriots to watch. One of them being former Navy standout fullback Kyle Eckel. After graduating from the Naval Academy dead last in his class and being called the "anchor" of the class, Eckel had hopes on being drafted into the NFL. Eckel was not drafted but was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2005 by the Patriots. He did not play that season and was waived.  He had a second stint with the Pats in 2007 playing in a few games even scoring two TDs that year. He was later cut, played for the Cowboys, cut again and then picked up by the Saints in 2009.


Now you are thinking this guy went to the Naval Academy that means made the choice to serve his country and he must fulfill his duty to the country after graduating. He graduated in 2005 and has been playing football pretty much straight through. So where does the miltary obligation all fit in? No one seems to know. Eckel asked to be let go of his obligations and the Naval Academy declined. He then asked to be have to only serve 2 years (instead of the normal five) for students of unique abilities. This is what David Robinson (basketball hall of famer) did. Well the Naval Academy did more than that. They gave him full release of his commitment. Why? Not because he had special abilities but because of some murky details that no one seems to be able to find out.

Eckel was given involuntary separation, or as Donald Trump you say “YOUR FIRED” and must pay his full tuition back.

Gregg Doyel of CBS Sports has some details on the story:

“Nine months before his involuntary separation from the Navy, in February 2006, Eckel walked in on a former teammate having sex with a woman, sex that was later determined to be "indecent assault" and resulted in the teammate serving two years in the brig. Eckel wasn't charged with a crime, but the timing is curious, especially in conjunction with this: In an unrelated incident in August 2006, a woman accused Eckel of pushing her to the ground outside an Annapolis, Md., nightclub, breaking her arm. Police investigated, witnesses disputed her description of the events, and no charges were filed against Eckel.”

Still Eckel and the Navy are saying nothing:

“In civilian terms, the Navy fired Kyle Eckel -- and to this day, nobody will say why. Not the Navy, which declined interview requests through the Pentagon, and not people within the Navy football program, who deferred the question to Eckel. And not Eckel himself. He's not saying.”

I'll be rooting for the Saints, not sure if Ill be rooting for this guy.

Moss played hurt all season

By: Greg

People often questioned Randy Moss' toughness, heart and desire this season. One reason why it could have looked like Randy was playing like, well crap, could be his season long shoulder injury. Reports are that Randy played with a seperated shoulder since week 5. He injured the shoulder against the Broncos where he only had 1 catch.

Without Moss the Patriots would be a different offense so give kudos to Moss for toughing it out. The Pats would not have had a deep threat without Moss and defenses would have only had to take away Welker for them to stop the Pats. With Moss in there, even if he was injured, defenses needed to play a safety over the top opening up space for Welker and the running game. If Moss sat out that would have propelled Sam Aiken, and Julian Edelman into the starting lineup, which would have made the Patriots starting three widerecievers one of the worst groups in the league.
Still many people are saying that the Pats should trade or let Randy go. This talk is ridiculous. Randy opens up the field for every part of the offense. The Pats need to think about adding a third reciever rather than letting thier number one reciever go.

Sexy Rexy gives Miami the bird

By: Greg
Hate him, or love him, this guy is quite the character. I love the guys personalty, he is quite entertaining but being a Jets coach...I guess I have to hate him. Rex has made headlines over the past year: from saying I will not kiss BB's rings, saying he is out of the playoffs when he wasnt, declaring his team the team to beat in the playoffs and now to this. Over the weekend Sexy Rexy made an apperence in Miami and had some words and fingers for Dolphins fans....

(picture- Sportsbybrooks.com)

Sexy Rexy is not shy by all means. It will be fun having this guy in the Pats conference for years to come. Keep up the good work Rex.

Patriots add a Golden Domer to the staff

By: Greg

The Patriots have added Corwin Brown to the coaching staff. Corwin was the defensive coordinator at Norte Dame with Chaz Wies. Corwin also has NFL experience, he coached the secondary in New York with the J-E-T-S. He played there for two years when BB was coaching in the late 90s.

Brown will most likely be working with the defensive backs which were a big weakness this year. They are also extremely young and inexperienced, with Browns playing experience he might be able to relate to the young ins. Last season Dean Pees was working with the DBs but now has departed for the Ravens which is why there is a hole at DBacks coach (Josh Boyer also works with the DBs)

Corwin seems like a good young coach. While Norte Dame’s defense struggled, I still think Corwin can bring something new to the Patriots staff. He has playing expirence with BB, so he knows that BB expects from his secondary.

No Pro Bowl

By: Greg

Matt Shaub and Ocho Cinco Welcome to Miami! Why? Because Tom Brady and Randy Moss have declined their invitation to the festivities this year. Players can decline to come only because of injuries. Randy Moss has injuries to his back and knees while Tom Brady has injuries to his finger, back, ribs, knees, feet, face, shoulder, belly button and coccyx bone.


Obliviously Wes Welker will not be playing in the game. Going to Miami this year are: Logan Mankins, Brandon Merriweather and Vince Wilfork. This is the first year in a long time that the game is not being playing in Hawaii.

Quick Outs

By: Greg

New Enlgand Patriots Blog will bring great off season coverage. Today the Bluagh sends you around the world wide web for all things Pats.

• Mike Riess has a solid article on Leigh Bodden and his impending free agency. Bodden played well during the stretch of the season, probally the Pats best corner, said he would welcome coming back to the Pats.
• The herald shows you the Pats impending free agents during a crucial off season for the team. Of the unrestricted free agents the most important are: Vince Wilfork, Leigh Bodden, Kevin Faulk, Tully Banta Cain and Derrick Burgess.
• Recently fired/quit Patriots Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees will most likely join McDainels and the Broncos
• Revis Island calls Randy Moss bad words.

The worst possible match up ever.

By: Greg

NOOOO! Whats worst than having the Patriots lose in the first round? Answer: Having the Colts or Jets in the Super Bowl. The absoulte worst match up a Patritos fan can ask for. Who the hell do you cheer for? Peyton Manning and possible crown of the best QB in the game. Cocky Rex Ryan who wont kiss BB rings. Darrell Revis who called Randy Moss a slouch. The Colts who could have went 19 and 0. The Jets who are AFC East rivals. The Colts who are basically AFC East Rivals. Ahhhh! Do we even watch?

Well I am going for the Colts because I can not stand the Jets.  GO NFC!!

Some Good News....

By: Greg

Well I am still crying inside from the embarrassment that occurred on Sunday. I cant believe another season is over and we have to wait until August to see the Patriots in action again. Well with all that bad news of a first round KO there also comes a little bit of good news. Because of the uncapped year in 2011 there are some weird rules about the upcoming season. One rule is that if you are a remaining 8 teams in the playoffs you have restrictions on the free agents you pick up. Since the Pats did not make the final 8 they have no restrictions reports the Globe:

“In losing, the Patriots ensured they will have the freedom to spend as much money on unrestricted free agents as they want this offseason. The eight playoff teams remaining will be restrained in how many free agents they are allowed to sign this offseason because of the rules that govern a year with no salary cap.


The teams who made the final eight but lose this weekend will only be permitted to sign one unrestricted free agent for $4.925 million per year or more, plus the number of their unrestricted free agents sign with another team. They can also sign any unrestricted free agents who sign for less than $3.275 million per year.


The four teams that make the conference championship games cannot sign any unrestricted free agents unless one of their unrestricted free agents is signed by another team. In the case of all final eight teams, the unrestricted free agents they sign to replace unrestricted free agents lost cannot exceed the salary of the player lost.” Globe

The Patriots have many holes to fill and this off season is one of the biggest in a long time. With the ability to go after whom ever they like this gives the Pats a little bit of an advantage going into next season. The Blaugh will be following everything going into next season in hopes of a super bowl in 2010-2011.

NFL Live give us Keys for the Patriots and I give you mine

By: Greg

I dont know about you but I am pumped. Its playoff time. I can not wait for Sunday at 1 O'clock. Playoff time is when players need to step up their game, well I also think its when fans need to step up their game. I have been reading, watching, listening to everything I can about this game. Below is a nice video from ESPN where the NFL Live Crew breaks down the keys for the Patriots.



Tedy Bruschi’s offensive key: Finding other weapons


Bruschi’s defensive key: Getting to Flacco

Mark Schlereth’s defensive key: Stopping Rice and McGahee

Greg’s Offensive Key: Establish and keep a running game. Stop being flashy with the pass and pound it with the run


Greg’s Defensive Key: Make the Ravens left handed, meaning they can run the ball effectively so take away the run and make them pass with Jersey Joe.

Lets put the sad news aside, its playoff time!

By: Greg
Losing Welker broke my heart and I am sure it broke your heart. It really hurts the Patriots chance of making a trip to the Super Bowl. But lets put the past away, so I am going to step back from that ledge my friend. Its playoff time. Last time this year we were watching other teams play, this year we are hosting the Ravens whom we beat in week four. It was a close game however and a drop by the Ravens WR gave the Pats the victory.
Both teams are different teams than they were in week four but after watching the Ravens squeak by the Raiders yesterday, I believe the Pats are the better team.
So let put the Welker stuff on the shelve, welcome Julian Edelman into his spot and cheer our arshes off for the Patriots.
Game is Sunday at 1 vs Ravens and the Razor where the Pats are 8 and OH!

Cocktail Napkin Notes: a BIG loss

By: Greg


The Pats lost a 14 point lead on the road....no big deal. The Pats loss Wes "Waterbug" Welker....huge deal. If the Pats are without Welker for the playoffs, say goodbye to your superbowl dreams. Here are some cocktail napkin notes from the game....

• Please BB sit everyone that is important (hindsight: well that didnt work)


• Derick Burgess is starting to step it up, hes getting to the quarterback and making plays. He could be key in the Pats playoff run.


• (after welker went down) WHY PLAY WELKER, WHY WHY WHY!!!!! That could be the Pats season if he doesnt come back for the playoffs


• Edelmen played well, very well and is going to have to come up big if Welker is a no go.


• Sammy Morris made some key blocks in protection of Tom Brady's BBQ ribs. Time after time Morris would pick up a key blitz.


• Great play by Shawn Springs on 4th and goal, jammed Johnson at the line. Springs is starting to play well and can be a corner to match up with bigger receivers in the playoffs


• Pollard has something vs the Patriots. I hate him.


• Kris Brown equals Ray Finkle

• Tully Banta Cain has been the best pass rusher on the Pats all season and hasnt slowed down one bit
• Every time Brady drops back to pass I found my self saying " Oh God, Oh God, Oh God"
• Edelmen is the mini Welker, and not just because he is white
• Fred Taylor looked good, the running game will be big in the playoffs and if taylor is running like he did today the Pats will advance
• Burgess AGAIN!
• Brain Hoyer looks like a capable back up. He moved well in the pocket and I had confidence that he would march us down the field.
• A tough loss being up 14 in the 4th butttt we werent playing with a full deck, so no big deal. Might hurt the momentum.
• LETS GO CINCY! I dont want Chargers in round 2. Go BUNGALS beat the JETS!