Patriotscast Homepage Blog http://www.patriotscast.com Patriots Fan Podcast and Blog, Updated by Two Die-Hard Patriots fans Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:49:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 en hourly 1 New Podcasts http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/09/02/new-podcasts/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/09/02/new-podcasts/#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:49:29 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=217 Matt and Ben discuss Tom Brady’s ever-so-tender shoulder, the quick hook for Kevin O’Connell and the mystery wrapped in an enigma that is the Patriots secondary.

Also, don’t forget to check out our tribute to Tedy Bruschi after his retirement earlier this week.  Good luck, #54!!!!

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/09/02/new-podcasts/feed/ New Podcast http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/08/19/new-podcast-3/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/08/19/new-podcast-3/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:39:36 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=214 Check out the new podcast recorded yesterday.  Matt and Ben touch on Brett Favre’s return (again), the major storylines coming out of the Pats preseason win over the Eagles, as well as our defensive front seven preview.  Might we be seeing a bit more 4-3 from New England this season?  Find out by clicking on the newest edition of Patriotscast.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/08/19/new-podcast-3/feed/ Pats Trade for Burgess, Release Johnson http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/08/08/pats-trade-for-burgess-release-johnson/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/08/08/pats-trade-for-burgess-release-johnson/#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2009 23:58:58 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=212 The Patriots made a major stride towards improving their pass rush this week by trading for disgruntled Raider (is there any other kind?) Derrick Burgess.  He’s about to turn 31 and is an 8 year NFL veteran with two Pro Bowl appearances to his credit in 2005 and 2006.  He has 47 career sacks during his time with the Raiders and Eagles.  He had been holding out of Raiders camp because he wanted a contract extension.  He’s in the final year of a five-year deal that pays him $2 million per season.  New England released backup center Al Johnson to make room for Burgess.

Have to love this move for the Pats.  Despite all the upgrades made in the offseason and through the draft, the pass rush was still a glaring weakness.  Burgess has played defensive end his whole career, but likely projects as a pass rushing linebacker in the 3-4.  However, there’s a chance New England will employ the 4-3 a little more to try and keep players fresh.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/08/08/pats-trade-for-burgess-release-johnson/feed/ New Podcast http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/08/03/new-podcast-2/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/08/03/new-podcast-2/#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:23:45 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=209 Fresh off a few relaxing days north of the border, Matt and I bring you our new podcast.  We give you a look at some of the stories making noise during the first week of training camp, as well as our thoughts on the much belated Patrick Chung signing.  We also continue our team preview with a look at the offensive line and its impact on the New England offense.

-Ben Altsher

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/08/03/new-podcast-2/feed/ The Chung Dynasty Begins http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/07/27/the-chung-dynasty-begins/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/07/27/the-chung-dynasty-begins/#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:52:30 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=207 The Patriots earlier today officially announced the signing of their top draft pick (34th overall) Patrick Chung.  The safety could potentially take a starting job away from James Sanders, or could fill in as a No. 3 in the defensive backfield.  In any sense, it’s good the two sides could come to terms, avoiding any sort of a holdout. 

The team also announced the release of safety Antwain Spann.

*Sidenote: I’ll be away on vacation for the next week so our next version of the podcast will be put on hold for another week or so.  Fear not, I’ll still be updating the website should any major Patriot-related news break.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/07/27/the-chung-dynasty-begins/feed/ Rookies on Board http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/07/20/rookies-on-board/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/07/20/rookies-on-board/#comments Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:53:01 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=205 With the past week’s signings of Ron Brace, George Bussey and Darius Butler, the Patriots have locked up all but three of the members of their 2009 draft class.  Only top pick Patrick Chung, third rounder Tyrone McKenzie and sixth rounder Jake Ingram remain unsigned. 

Chung’s probably just trying to get closer to first round money despite being a second round pick.  There’s no rush on McKenzie because he’s sitting out this year after an injury during rookie minicamp, and Ingram may be in the race to fill Lonnie Paxton’s vacant spot as the long snapper and trying to cash in on it.  Overall, wouldn’t get too concerned until we hear the word holdout.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/07/20/rookies-on-board/feed/ New Podcast http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/06/15/new-podcast/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/06/15/new-podcast/#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:29:41 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=203 Check out the new podcast, titled “Off to the Races”.  It’s a look at the Patriots rushing attack for the 2009 season.  In particular, Matt and I single out Laurence Maroney and debate what he needs to do to prove he’s more than just another first round bust.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/06/15/new-podcast/feed/ Jarvis Green on the Young Guns http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/06/05/jarvis-green-on-the-young-guns/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/06/05/jarvis-green-on-the-young-guns/#comments Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:24:50 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=201 Check out the new podcast, an interview Jarvis Green did on the Young Guns Radio Show (10pm-12am, 1510 AM).  Ben joins host Chris Villani and Brian Graham to chat about the defensive lineman’s benefit concert coming up, as well his thoughts on the 2009 Patriots.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/06/05/jarvis-green-on-the-young-guns/feed/ Brady Back on the Field http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/05/29/brady-back-on-the-field/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/05/29/brady-back-on-the-field/#comments Sat, 30 May 2009 01:39:33 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=199 Tom Brady took part of organized team activities for the first time since the beginning of last season this week.  He also addressed the media on Thursday, and based on everything he says, all signs point to good things for New England in 2009.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/05/29/brady-back-on-the-field/feed/ McKenzie Out for Season http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/05/06/mckenzie-out-for-season/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/05/06/mckenzie-out-for-season/#comments Wed, 06 May 2009 23:09:10 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=197 The Boston Globe is reporting that rookie linebacker Tyrone McKenzie is out for the season with a torn ACL.  The South Florida product was a third round pick of the Pats (97 overall) and projected to be a contributing backup this year at the inside linebacker position and a possible replacement for Tedy Bruschi when his contract expires after this season.  Let’s hope this isn’t the start of another injury-riddled year for the defense.  On the flip side, undrafted Gary Guyton came out of nowhere to be a contributing factor, perhaps New England can turn the trick again.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/05/06/mckenzie-out-for-season/feed/ Mike Reiss and the Draft http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/29/mike-reiss-and-the-draft/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/29/mike-reiss-and-the-draft/#comments Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:07:51 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=195 By Ben Altsher

Pats beat writer for the Globe, Mike Reiss, was nice enough to join me and and my boys on the Young Guns Radio Show on 1510 AM Monday night.  He helps us recap the NFL Draft for the Patriots as well what to look for from some of the rookies come training camp and the 2009 season.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/29/mike-reiss-and-the-draft/feed/ Rounding Out the Draft http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/rounding-out-the-draft/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/rounding-out-the-draft/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:24:56 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=193 Here’s the rest of the Pats’ picks on Day 2 of the NFL Draft:

  • 5th rd. (170) George Bussey, OT, Louisville
  • 6th rd. (198) Jacob Ingram, LS, Hawaii
  • 6th rd. (207) Myron Pryor, DT, Kentucky
  • 7th rd. (232) Julian Edelman, WR, Kent St.
  • 7th rd. (234) Darryl Richard, DT, Georgia Tech

That does it for New England in the 2009 NFL Draft.  For more information on the higher drafted players, check out previous posts, and for our thoughts on all the moves the Pats made, stay tuned for the next podcast coming out this week.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/rounding-out-the-draft/feed/ The Late Round Shuffle http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/the-late-round-shuffle/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/the-late-round-shuffle/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:16:08 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=190 You may recall that the Pats didn’t have a 4th round pick originally yet still snagged Rich Ohrnberger with 123 overall.  New England took the two fifth round picks they got in return for Ellis Hobbs and turned that into a 4th and a 6th rounder thanks to the Ravens.  Ohrnberger became that 4th round pick.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/the-late-round-shuffle/feed/ 4th Round Pick http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/4th-round-pick/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/4th-round-pick/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:29:47 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=187 The Pats have drafted Richard Ohrnberger an offensive lineman from Penn State with the 124th overall selection.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/4th-round-pick/feed/ Ellis Hobbs Traded http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/ellis-hobbs-traded/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/ellis-hobbs-traded/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:27:47 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=184 Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe is reporting that the Patriots have traded Ellis Hobbs to the Eagles for two fifth-round draft picks

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/ellis-hobbs-traded/feed/ More Wheeling and Dealing (and some Picking) http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/more-wheeling-and-dealing-and-some-picking/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/more-wheeling-and-dealing-and-some-picking/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:51:43 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=181 The Pats have swapped two of their third round picks for second picks next season and an additional choice in the seventh round this year.  With the other two third rounders they picked WR Brandon Tate from North Carolina and linebacker Tyrone McKenzie from South Florida.

Tate is a speed threat on the outside but is coming off torn ligaments in his knee, so he likely won’t contribute to the team until next season, possibly a replacement for Joey Galloway after his one year deal expires.  McKenzie is an inside linebacker within the 3-4 scheme.  He was forced to leave school for a period of time to take care of his family by working at a Hampton Inn.  McKenzie came to USF with just a year of eligibility and played impressively enough to warrant the third round selection.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/26/more-wheeling-and-dealing-and-some-picking/feed/ Rounding Out Day 1 http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/rounding-out-day-1/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/rounding-out-day-1/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 01:55:51 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=179 The Pats go with offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer out of Houston.  Draft guru Mel Kiper says teams had varying thoughts on Vollmer.  Apparently he’s 6′8 which is monstrous for a tackle, but raw talent to be sure, which is fine for the Pats who don’t NEED an OL now, but will in the future.  Here’s a recap of who New England picked up and where.

  • 34th overall Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
  • 40th overall Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
  • 41st overall Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
  • 58th overall Sebastian Vollmer, OT, Houston

The ESPN guys talked to Bill Belichick right near the end of their Day 1 coverage.  He praised the versatility and intelligence of both Chung and Butler.  Also said that Tom Brady is in the offseason program “without limitations” .  Sounds like good news from the man in charge.  As always in Belichick we trust.  Back tomorrow with more draft picks.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/rounding-out-day-1/feed/ The Next Pick(s) http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/the-next-picks/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/the-next-picks/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:15:11 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=176 At #40 and #41 the Pats take Ron Brace DT from Boston College, and Darius Butler DB from UCONN.  New England took #40 from Oakland, sending back #47 overall plus a 4th and 6th rounder this year.  A pair of guys from nearby schools.  All defense so far for the Pats, but no linebackers as we thought.  Still more selections to come for the Pats tonight, stay tuned.

More on Patrick Chung: Started almost every game in four years with the Ducks.  Recorded nearly 400 tackles, with 9 INTs, 4 sacks and 26 passes defensed.  According to Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe, he’s a run-stuffing complement to the coverage style that Merriwether and Sanders both prefer to play.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/the-next-picks/feed/ Finally a Pick http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/finally-a-pick/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/finally-a-pick/#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:39:19 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=174 With the 34th overall pick, 2nd in the 2nd round…the Pats take Patrick Chung, a safety out of Oregon.  A high pick from where’s he’s projected to be, but aside from Brandon Merriwether, New England doesn’t have a dependable safety.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/finally-a-pick/feed/ No More First Rounder http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/no-more-first-rounder/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/no-more-first-rounder/#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:06:13 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=171 The Pats have traded out of the first round, sending their acquisitions from the Baltimore trade (26, 162) to Green Bay for a 2nd round pick (41), and two 3rd round picks (72, 83).  Basically tune in for the second round of the draft where the Pats will be making almost every other pick in the round.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/no-more-first-rounder/feed/ Trade at 23 http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/trade-at-23/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/trade-at-23/#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:34:20 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=168 The Pats have traded their first round pick at 23 to the Ravens.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/trade-at-23/feed/ Early Thoughts on Draft Day http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/early-thoughts-on-draft-day/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/early-thoughts-on-draft-day/#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2009 21:58:45 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=166 So, the Pats have not moved up as of yet, and as some people predicted.  Based on the way everything has gone thus far (Cleveland’s on the clock at #17), New England will have its pick of linebackers likely at #23.  Two of the three USC guys are still there along with combo DE/LB Robert Ayers from Tennessee who played with Jerod Mayo.

Biggest move has been the Jets trading all the way up to #5, grabbing QB Mark Sanchez out of USC.  No surprise that they wanted an upgrade at that spot, but we’ll get to find out if all the hype surrounding him is for real going up against some of the best defenses in the NFL in the AFC East.  Welcome to the league, rookie.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/25/early-thoughts-on-draft-day/feed/ Patriots’ 2009 Schedule http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/14/patriots-2009-schedule/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/14/patriots-2009-schedule/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:03:02 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=164 Here’s the Pats schedule for the upcoming 2009 season:

  • Week 1:  Mon. Sept. 14th vs. Buffalo, 7pm
  • Week 2: Sun. Sept. 20th @NY Jets, 1pm
  • Week 3: Sun. Sept. 27th vs. Atlanta, 1pm
  • Week 4: Sun. Oct. 4th vs. Baltimore, 1pm
  • Week 5: Sun. Oct. 11th @Denver, 4:15pm
  • Week 6: Sun. Oct. 18th vs. Tennessee, 4:15pm
  • Week 7: Sun. Oct. 25th @Tampa Bay (in London, 1pm)
  • Week 8: Sun. Nov. 1st BYE
  • Week 9: Sun. Nov. 8th vs. Miami, 1pm
  • Week 10: Sun. Nov. 15th @Indianapolis, 8:20pm
  • Week 11: Sun. Nov. 22nd vs. NY Jets, 4:15pm
  • Week 12: Mon. Nov. 30th @New Orleans, 8:30pm
  • Week 13: Sun. Dec. 6th @Miami, 8:20pm
  • Week 14: Sun. Dec. 13th vs. Carolina, 1pm
  • Week 15: Sun. Dec. 20th @Buffalo, 1pm
  • Week 16: Sun. Dec. 27th vs. Jacksonville, 1pm
  • Week 17: Sun. Jan. 3rd @Houston, 1pm

A couple things that jump out to me right off the bat: Tons of national games once again, two Monday nighters, two Sunday nighters, a few Sunday evening games, plus the oh-so-popular London matchup with Tampa.  Some good tests on paper with what has the potential to be a tough AFC South and what almost always seems like a crapshoot with the NFC South. 

Definitely some good storyline type matchups outside the division as well: Mentor vs. Protege when McDaniels meets Belichick, Matt Ryan returns to the Boston area, probably no love lost with the Ravens from 2007, plus the Pats TRAVEL to Indy for what seems like the eighth straight year.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/14/patriots-2009-schedule/feed/ Potential Draft Targets http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/03/potential-draft-targets/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/03/potential-draft-targets/#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2009 01:31:57 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=162 Here’s a list of guys who are clearly on the Patriots radar.  All these players have either been scouted at their school’s pro day or have visited Foxboro for a workout.

  • Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati
  • Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
  • William Moore, S, Missouri
  • Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
  • Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston State
  • Jamon Meredith, OL, South Carolina
  • Evander “Ziggy” Hood, DE, Missouri
  • Eric Wood, OL, Louisville
  • Stephen McGee, QB, Texas A&M
  • Jason Watkins, OL, Florida
  • Phil Trautwein, OL, Florida
  • McKenna “Bear” Pascoe, TE, Fresno State
  • Robert Ayers, DE/LB, Tennessee
  • Terrail Lambert, DB, Notre Dame
  • Jason Williams, LB, Western Illinois

Quite an extensive list courtesy the staff writers over at the Boston Globe headed up by Mike Reiss.  Pretty clear that the Pats are doing their due diligence in terms of adding depth to the defensive side of the ball.  We’ll see if any of these names pop up April 25 & 26.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/03/potential-draft-targets/feed/ Preseason Schedule http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/03/preseason-schedule/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/03/preseason-schedule/#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:59:32 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=160 Here’s the Pats preseason schedule leading up to the September 14th Monday night opener against Buffalo.

  • - Thursday August 13 at Philly
  • - Thursday August 20 vs. Cincy
  • - Friday August 28 at Washington
  • - Thursday September 3 vs. NY Giants
]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/04/03/preseason-schedule/feed/ Compensatory Picks http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/24/compensatory-picks/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/24/compensatory-picks/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:44:27 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=158 The Patriots have recieved three additional draft picks for this coming April.  After each round of the draft the NFL has to option of giving a team what is known as a compensatory draft pick for losing a free agent the previous offseason.  New England’s three picks come at the end of the third, fifth and sixth rounds due to the losses of Asante Samuel, Randall Gay and Donte Stallworth after the ‘07 season.

According to Mike Reiss of the Globe, the Pats third round choice (97 overall) is the highest of the compensatory picks doled out (presumably for Samuel).  That addition gives New England six day one picks, all in the top 100 spots of the draft (1 first, 3 second, 2 third), and 11 overall picks in the 2009 draft.

Just more chips at the table for Bill Belichick which only makes him all the more dangerous.  A lot of focus on getting younger last year, and it appears much the same in this offseason, despite all the veteran signings.  Expect a highly competitive training camp come this summer.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/24/compensatory-picks/feed/ More Work in Free Agency http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/15/more-work-in-free-agency/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/15/more-work-in-free-agency/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:45:19 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=156 While Matt and I certainly have spent a lot of time talking about our expectations for the Pats draft in April, our team has been quite the busy bee in free agency.  New England confirmed deals with backup defensive tackle Mike Wright, cornerback Leigh Bodden, and free agent wideout Joey Galloway this past weekend.  For our complete wrap-up of all of the Pats’ work thus far in free agency, be sure to check out the next episode of the podcast coming up later this week.

Galloway is obviously the more intriguing of these two names so we’ll address him first.  He turns 38 this coming November, yet has managed to continuously put up good numbers over the course of his career.  Many will see his 13 catch, 138 yard effort from last season and assume he’s way past his prime.  Not true, Galloway struggled with an ankle injury which is now 100% healed.  With less attention than he was getting in Tampa, it’s possible that he could become the same kind of receiver who finished 2nd in the NFL in yards per catch in 2007 (17.8), and had back to back to back 1000 yard seasons with an anemic offense, unsettled QB situations, and no other discernible threat on the outside.  Now you give him Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker?  I like his odds to succeed.

Wright and Bodden are both depth signings along the lines of the Tully Banta-Cain variety.  Bodden likely will get a shot to compete for the #2 slot behind Ellis Hobbs, but for the moment I’d favor Shawn Springs for that job.  Wright showed some good stuff last year when he needed to fill in for Vince Wilfork.  Let’s just hope Big Vince doesn’t have to miss too much time this season.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/15/more-work-in-free-agency/feed/ A Few Quick Hitters http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/06/a-few-quick-hitters/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/06/a-few-quick-hitters/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:38:34 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=154 CHECK OUT THE NEW PODCAST UPLOADING TONIGHT.  MATT AND BEN BREAK DOWN THE MATT CASSEL DEAL AND DETERMINE IF THERE’S ANYTHING FISHY TO NEW ENGLAND’S NEGOTIATING.

- Free agent DB Shawn Springs expected to sign with the Pats:  The 33 year old was a cap casualty after the Redskins shelled out major money to re-sign DeAngelo Hall.  He’ll give New England some depth at the corner position and could compete for a starting job.

- Eagles WR Lewis dealed to NE: The Pats picked up a third wideout in Greg Lewis from Philly plus a 2010 pick in exchange for an undisclosed pick this year (expected to be a 5th rounder).  Lewis can provide a nice deep threat opposite Randy Moss, and might be able to shine with a lot less attention thrown his way.  Plus, he’s locked up for the next three years, making less than 750,000 each year.

- Pats re-sign Hanson: New England brought back punter Chris Hanson after a strong finish in 2008.  Assuming the offense can play at least near its capability, Hanson won’t be seeing the field much anyway.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/06/a-few-quick-hitters/feed/ Pats Sign Hochstein http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/02/pats-sign-hochstein/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/02/pats-sign-hochstein/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:56:19 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=152 Russ Hochstein and the Pats have agreed to one year deal.  The lineman has proved a versatile backup in his tenure with New England, filling in at both guard and center.

Another low budget move for the Pats who continue to shore things up before April’s draft.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/02/pats-sign-hochstein/feed/ Sanders Returns http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/02/sanders-returns/ http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/02/sanders-returns/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:44:32 +0000 Ben http://www.patriotscast.com/?p=150 James Sanders and the Patriots have agreed to a three-year deal.  Supposedly, the safety could’ve signed elsewhere for better money, but instead chose to come back to New England, where he will likely start the season as the free safety.

Not a huge surprise, now that the Pats have their cap space they can address whatever issues they want on their terms.  Sanders was disappointing at times last season, but obviously inspires confidence with this 3 year deal.  Let’s hope he can inspire some in me this year.

]]> http://www.patriotscast.com/blog/2009/03/02/sanders-returns/feed/