SB Nation - Wes Welker

Panther Paw Prints: Patriots Edition

Jaxon — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:52:18 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

2 days ago: New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss (81) loses control of the ball as he is pressured by Carolina Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble (20) and Panthers linebacker Jon Beason (52) in the first half of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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So was everyone else could off guard with the sudden brew ha ha involving the Panthers? I mean, a Panther players actually said something in a post-game interview that was slightly controversial. We aren't used to this type of controversy are we? I found Tom brady's rebuttal more ahrd hitting than that by Bilichick:

Tom Brady defends Randy Moss, deflects criticism of effort - ESPN Boston

"Everyone takes liberty to say whatever they want to say in a situation like [Sunday]," Brady told WEEI. "I've seen plenty of plays made on Chris Gamble, too, over the course of the season."

From the same link, Gamble was just stating the obvious:

"Some of his body language let me know it was a run, and that's how I got a feel on when to help out on the run," he told ESPNBoston.com. "I think if he came off the ball and had a little Wes Welker in him, you wouldn't know what was coming. That's what I think Moss needs to do -- be like Wes and go hard every play. I'm going to respect him, and every other [defensive back] is going to respect him if he comes off the ball hard."

And some people say Moss is a sure-fire HoFer? He isn't even the best WR on his team at the moment:

Ron Borges’ Patriots Report Card - BostonHerald.com
Welker is the polar opposite, taking more hits than Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partners. He had 10 catches for 105 yards, mostly in the middle of the field, including five for 64 on the go-ahead 96-yard TD drive. Welker was flattened by safety Charles Godfrey to start the drive but held on to the ball. After getting up slowly he had a 13-yard catch the next play to convert on third down and kept finding open spaces in Carolina’s secondary the rest of the half.

Geez did we miss the boat on Welker. I agree with those saying we should run Smith from the slot running Welker type drags and crossing patterns. Seems to make sense but it couldn't be that easy.

John Fox press conferences are about as insightful as a Delta SkyMall magazine, but I still found myself curious as to what Fox might say this time out given the latest blow to a sour season. As usual Fox gave few real insight into what he is thinking but I have a question. In his journey to avoid blaming any one aspect of the Panthers offense isn't he indicting the coaching staff?

Foxhole: Searching for more offense
Contrary to popular belief I'd like to be able to throw the ball better. The reality is we haven't. There is a lot of moving parts. I don't think it's just the quarterback. That's easy to sit and be critical of. Sometimes I think it's been protection; sometimes I think it's been routes; sometimes I think it's been the throw. That's kind of where it is, and all we can do is try to improve it.

If that many aspects of your offense are misfiring maybe its time for some significant 'firing'! Want some more ammunition, he gives DE Julius Peppers a passing grade for the goose egg (0 tackles) he put up against the Patriots.

Injuries continue piling up after latest defeat | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
"I thought Julius rushed the passer well," Fox said. "(The Patriots') passing game gets rid of the ball fast. I thought, all in all, our pass defense was pretty good. We could have done a little better. I thought we were outstanding on third down; they only converted three of (11). I was a little disappointed in our run defense, but if you go back through the record books, I'm not sure how many games they've been held to 20 and won, but I guarantee you there's not too many times where someone scored 10 and beat them."

I've tried to be patient with Peppers and understand he sees double teams every week but that doesn;t stop the other top DEs int he league.The Patriots were certainly happy with their rookie LT that lined up on Peppers at times:

Patriots journal: Vollmer makes a name for himself with solid play | New England Patriots | projo.com | The Providence Journal
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he liked what he saw out of Vollmer, who handled Carolina Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers very well when he was in the game. Peppers had only one quarterback hurry and that was against Kaczur. "Sebastian has done a nice job for us this year," Belichick said. "He hasn’t had a great football background compared to some of our other players, but he’s a very smart guy that works hard. He’s got very good talent and he’s a hard worker. He’s picked up a lot of other things that we’ve asked him to do — which are different than what he’s done in the past — pretty quickly. He’s got a good sense of humor. I think he fits in well with the team.

Here's something that did surprise me about Peppers this week, he spoke:

Minutes: Not playing the blame game
"Of course there's disappointment and frustration. I feel like we're a better football team than what our record shows," defensive end Julius Peppers said. "But that doesn't mean anything. The record is what we go by. What I think and how I think the makeup of this team is doesn't really matter. But it's frustrating to know that we could have won a couple of (more) games."

Just a couple more wins? If the season had gone well we'd be what? 7-6? I boatload of inspiration he is not.

If you were wondering about which two players were in motion at the same time it is finally explained, its was where the o-lineman had not settled before the WR went in motion:

Patriots, penalties rain down on Panthers
"A couple of times I'm not sure we were set with our offensive line before motion, and that's what they were getting us on," Fox said. "On one of them, we kind of rushed it, but on one drive, we had a couple of them," added left tackle Travelle Wharton. "I still don't have any idea what was going on. I just know that we were going in a different direction than we needed to go in."

Isn't that some really basic stuff? You can't blame the young QB on that....speaking of young QBs I'm thinking we need a couple more of them.

Darin Gantt's Panthers Blog | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
At the moment, here are the Panthers' personnel priorities entering the offseason: WR/DE (to replace Peppers when they move him out)/another WR/young QB/DT/OL/CB.

I would think we are set at DT but firmly agree we need help at WR. My top 3: QB, WR, OT. Here's one young QB that won't wear Panther blue next year:

Quarterback Jake Locker to return to Washington for senior season - ESPN
"After a great deal of careful thought and deliberation, I have decided to return to Washington and play my senior year," Locker said in a statement. "I am very excited about this team's opportunities and potential for the upcoming season and I am looking forward to being a part of it."

That is one less QB taken between us and Tony Pike (if you think Pike is the guy the Panthers need).

Don't forget this weeks game is the Sunday Night Special against the Vikings. The line opened at +7 for the Panthers and the over/under at 42.5. They must be expecting the Vikings to put up 35 on us.

Minnesota Vikings versus Carolina Panthers NBC TV Sunday Night Pro Football Odds Sports Betting Pick Preview | TonysPicks.com
The LVSC NFL odds makers have set the opening point spread in this game and the Minnesota Vikings opened as a 7 point road favorite with the over under coming in at 42 ½.

12/14/09 - Randy Being Randy

GrantC — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:31:49 -0000

More photos » by Lynne Sladky - AP

Randy's trying to decide if he wants to play or pack it in...

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Randy Moss - Sure we love having him on our fantasy team and he's not quite TO, but his time in New England is getting dangerously close to looking like his last season in Minnesota and that disaster in Oakland. While this may all blow over and be a couple of "misunderstandings", its a bit suspicious, especially for a guy with Randy's rep. The first issue where he was late to a team meeting and go sent home by Darth Hoodie, seemed like it actually could have been the result of a wicked NorEaster and not his fault - but to follow that up with a half-ass performance against a not-very-good Panthers team just seems a bit sketchy. Now the Pats version of Randy Moss should go out there and light it up the last few weeks of the season, get New England into the playoffs and be the hero (and probably carry quite a few fantasy owners to fantasy playoff bliss), but for right now he seems to be reverting to the same old Randy, and thats not a guy we want dragging our bench down.

Game Recap: Patriots defeat Panthers, 20-10 and find new identity

MaPatsFan — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:57:10 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

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"We knew he was going to shut it down," Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble told me after the game. "That's what we wanted to do him. That's what we did. ... He'd just give up a lot ... Slow down, he's not going deep, not trying to run a route. You can tell, his body language." Gamble continued ... "I know everyone who plays against him, they can sense that. Once you get into him in the beginning of the game, he shuts it down a little bit."

Uhmm... Didn't Chris Gamble's team, like, LOSE?!? These are very tall words from a guy who contributed yet another L to his team's record. When he's watching the Patriots in January, maybe he can take solace in Randy Moss' bad day against the Panthers. Yeah, that's the ticket. Until then...SHUT.YOUR.PIE.HOLE!! My personal opinion? Moss doesn't dog it so much as change his speed and rhythm to throw DB's off. Did he have a rough day against the Panthers? Yep. How about Miami? Sure. But when you're the ONLY deep ball threat on a team, the opposition comes gunning for you. That's a lot of weight to carry on your shoulders. Doggin' it? Please...

It was an ugly win but a win none the less. Would I have preferred stellar, blowout, 2007-type play? You betcha. Would I have loved to see Moss connecting with Wonderboy on a long bomb or two? Sure. Is it going to happen this year? I don't think it will. So what do we have? What's going on that leads us to a glimmer of hope for the current incarnation of the New England Patriots?

I wrote at the beginning of training camp that I was so tired of all the hoopla surrounding Tom Brady's return. I was so sick of the ESPN/SI/Whatever... lovefest that I wanted to vomit. Every rival blogger I corresponded with would ask me what I thought and my catch phrase was, "Cautiously optimistic." The media billed the return of Tom Brady as the Return of the King (my guess is the Hobbits were named Wes and Julian, but I digress). Bleh. In reality, this is a team that for the first 2/3 of the season struggled to be a 2007 incarnation of itself. The difference? There were many, but I'll give you 2: Jabbar Gaffney and Donte Stallworth.

Neither of them is a stellar receiver, but they were lethal as #3 and #4 guys. Put Moss, Welker, Gaffney, and Stallworth on the field and you likely witnessed grown men on the opposition soiling themselves. Technically, it's called "spreading the field". I called it a freakin' JSF aerial assault. The biggest threat today? Well, other than Wes Welker, who's making a case for the best wide receiver of 2009, you have ~~special teamer~~ Sam Aiken and rookie Julian "Broken Forearm" Edelman. Hmm... What could be wrong, what could be wrong?

I had every intention of writing a full fledged game recap with stats and play-by-play analysis and things and stuff, but my ADHD brain got in the way (did you know the third of an Aminor is a C?). Where was I... Recap, things, stuff... Oh Yeah! This is a team that has struggled all year to find its identity. The absolute "broadside of a barn" misses with Greg Lewis and Joey Galloway cost us dearly. The loss of veteran RB Fred Taylor cost us dearly. Playcalling lost its creativity. I truly felt like this team was a ship without a rudder. Until this past Sunday, that is. No, I'm not delusional enough think the ship has been righted, but I do think they're beginning to find their way. Why? Read on, my captivated friends.

For most of the season, we have complained this team can't finish a game. They wrack up a crapload of points in the first half and then fizzle out in the second. We've seen it time and time again in big games against the Colts and Dolphins, to name a few. And it was true. Our New England Patriots seemed to have ZERO staying power. This past Sunday, however, I saw something that gave me hope. It was a running game. Bill Belichick has finally realized that his passing attack is not what it used to be, that Tom Brady bombs to Randy Moss are not going to work. So he put Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, and Kevin Faulk to work. They ate turf, they fought, they grinded to the tune of 187 yards and 1 TD. Finally, coach Belichick didn't abandon the running game. Oh, and did I mention TE Benjamin Watson scored the other TD? I have been whining that Brady needs to find Watson more often and gets the ball to him for 6. Coach? Call me anytime. Keep it coming, would be my advice.

Only time will tell, but I think they're finally finding their identity. They're abandoning 2007 and facing the cold, hard reality of what they have to work with. Let's hear it for the 2009 Patriots!!!

Quick Recap: Patriots defeat Panthers, 20-10

MaPatsFan — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:09:18 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

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A W is a W, however ugly it is. Randy Moss was essentially non-existant with drops more often than not. Maybe we can count him as productive as a blocker or decoy - who knows. All I know is Wes Welker is an absolute rock star. 10 receptions for 105 yards puts him over 100 receptions for the year...and he missed 2 games this season.

Offensively, I was happy to see us mix the run and the pass. Laurence Maroney with 94 yards and Kevin Faulk with 58 simply chewed up the clock and kept Carolina off balance. Defensively, things look a bit better. The defensive backfield had some nice blocked passes.

This game, overall, was too close. We needed some key Carolina penalties to keep the game going. Against a team with better fundamentals, it would've been a different story.

Keys to Winning: Panthers @ Patriots

MaPatsFan — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:58:44 -0000

More photos » by Chuck Burton - AP

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4 late players sent home on Wednesday? One (Adalius Thomas) a healthy scratch for today? Tom Brady a little bruised and banged up? Trouble in paradise?

Much has been made of "Late Gate", of Bill Belichick's turning away of 4 players for tardiness. I'm sure our rivals will turn this into, "There they go. Here comes the downhill slide." Right. Like their own teams have never had discipline problems. Funny thing about speaking out on those matters. Chances are they're living in a glass house. Adalius Thomas was benched for today because Belichick thought someone else could give them a better chance of winning. It could be a little extra discipline for being the only one of the "Late Four" who spoke out about the incident. Randy Moss, considered by many rivals to be a hopeless curmudgeon, did the right thing and went about his business, keeping his mouth shut. Discipline stays in the building.

At any rate, this is about our upcoming matchup with the Panthers. More after the jump.

With QB Matt Moore in for Jake Delhomme, the Panthers have to rely on their backup QB to matchup against a riled up New England Patriots team...in their own house. This won't be easy for Carolina, hopefully. After 2 heart wrenching losses on the road (the first, a dismantling by New Orleans and the second, a heartbreaker to division rival Miami) I'm betting on Belichick being aggravated and unloading on his players this past week.

Carolina is going to pound the rock with QB Matt Moore under center. Running back Jonathan Stewart is freight train on legs at 5-10 235 lbs. And 120 yards, even against Tampa Bay, is nothing to sneeze at. And New England is ranked 15th in rushing yards per game. It would make no sense for the Panthers, ranked 27th in the passing game, to air the ball out. Yup, pound the rock with their 3rd rated rushing offense.

On our side, Julius Peppers is going to be a problem. Whether he's motivated or not by a huge franchise paycheck this year, I think he'll be interviewing for a job today. He knows there was talk about him moving to the Patriots this season, but the price tag was just too high. Julius would also have to be thick as a brick to be unaware of our troubles putting together a consistent pass rush. Great pass rusher and a team who desperately needs a good pass rush... hmmm.

You can bet the Panthers have been watching game film, especially the Miami matchup. Shutdown Randy Moss and you take away the deep ball, for the most part. Yeah, there was that 81 yarder to Sam Aiken, but it's almost a forgone conclusion that Brady will try to force the ball to Randy at one time or another. We need to spread the ball around a LOT more. Of course Wes Welker will be one of the primary targets. But is Moss the right early look? Sam Aiken needs to be in the picture and I believe Benjamin Watson needs to play a big role in this game. He's been underutilized this year, but has delivered consistently when asked to. I've said many times in these stories that he's our secret weapon, but always seems to get few looks from Wonderboy. Bill, are you listening? Throw to "Big Ben"!!

We're playing at home, the team is fired up, and we need this win to keep Miami at a distance. I'll go into serious mourning if we lose another Division title to the Dolphins with a tie breaker.

Prediction: Patriots, 28-17.

New England Patriots in the RedZone, sponsored by ComCast

MaPatsFan — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:46:16 -0000

RedZone...bleh. We continue to struggle in the RedZone with a 47.06% success rate. As explained in previous entries, keep in mind that a TD outside of the 20, like Sam Aiken's 81 yarder against Miami, does not count towards RedZone numbers. Under 20 numbers are good when you want to know how a team performs in a "compressed" situation, when there's less room to maneuver. And, as you may already know, a field goal inside the 20 is a RedZone "Fail".

This past week against Miami, the biggest RedZone "Fail" was a Tom Brady pick in the right-hand corner of the end zone. Yet again, we find Brady forcing the ball to Randy Moss. 2nd down and goal-to-go, Brady lofts a pass to Moss that Miami CB Vontae Davis, 5 inches shorter than Moss, manages to pluck out of the air. a) the ball should've been thrown higher where the 6-4 Moss could out reach Davis or b) it should've been to Wes Welker or Benjamin Watson. How about pounding the rock? Any way, second guessing...

Panthers vs. Patriots: Keys to the Game

Jaxon — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:00:23 -0000

by Steven Senne - AP

6 days ago: New England Patriots linebacker Tully Banta-Cain is surrounded by members of the media in front of his locker during an availability at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. The Patriots are to play the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game in Foxborough on Sunday, Dec. 13. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

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From the first time I viewed the Panthers 2009 schedule up until a couple weeks ago I had this game marked as a loss for the Panthers. Certainly even a strong Panther team would succumb to the Patriots machine in Foxboro. Yet as we approach the eve of this game I'm feeling about as optimistic as I could possibly be. Unfortunately it has little to do with the Panthers and their 5-7 record.

No, I think I feel optimistic because it appears the Patriots come into this game not feeling too good about themselves. Bill Billichik it feeling grumpy, so grumpy he felt the need to send a grade-school message to his team bout being punctual to team meetings. Regardless of how much of impact you may think Late-Gate has on this game (if any), we really won't know until Sunday.

There is the Patriots 7-5 record and two game losing streak.That certainly indicates they are vulnerable, until you look at their losses: Jets, Broncos, Colts, Saints and Dolphins. None have losing records.

Okay, I have no other reason to think the Patriots will play anything other than at a high level on Sunday...

Or do I? Here's my keys to the game (and a Panther win)

After twelve games a teams strengths and weaknesses become well known making this type of post an exercise in redundancy to a degree. But I'm going to give it my best shot in hopes that I hit on at least a couple points.

In no particular order:

Key #1: The Panthers O-line versus the Patriots D-line

We have seen that when the Panthers o-line doesn't execute with authority they can be pushed around. If the Panthers run the ball, it forces the Patriots to bring a safety up, it takes pressure off Matt Moore and ultimately allows him to throw down field. The Patriots had had trouble getting pressure on the QB so this is a good bell weather for the revamped line. If Moore stays clean and protects the ball the Panthers have a real shot to win this game.

Key #2: Randy Moss vs. the Panthers Secondary

Every team focuses on stopping WR Randy Moss. Many fail. The Panthers cannot give up many big plays to Moss and stay with the Patriots. FS Charles Godfrey returned from injury last week and played fairly well. He'll need to do better though as he will surely be targeted.

Key #3: Lt Matt Light vs. DE Julius Peppers

It's been a while since Peppers impacted the outcome of a game. Something tells me the Patriots concern for Peppers might be justified. If Peppers can get an early lick on Brady it might give the Panther defense some confidence and allow them to make some aggressive calls. It will also prevent deep throws if the Patriots feel they need to get rid of the ball quickly. Let's hope the Panthers front four can bring some early heat and set the tone for the afternoon.

Key #4: The weather

The Panthers don't practice in windy, near freezing conditions. Logic would say a greound based attack plays to the Panthers strengths. But if the wind and weather subtract from an alreadu anemic passing game then it could give that slight advantage to the Patriots run defense.

Key #5: Control Wes Welker on 3rd down

Honestly Wes Welker worries me more than Moss. When the Panthers have trouble covering the short middle they allow easy 3rd down conversions. Welker is a master at the drag play from the slot. If he runs wild in the middle of field the defense will have trouble getting off the field and it will be a long afternoon. If the Panthers can instead force the short underneath pass and avoid missed tackles they can limit the red zone opportunities.

So what do you think Panther fans? Another other golden keys to this game? Is my optimism unjustified?

New England Patriots Links 12/11/09 - Brady Misses Second Day of Practice With Rib Injury

Marima — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:42:30 -0000

Wes Welker YAC-ing it up in Miami.

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Wes Welker selected to the inaugural USA Football/NFLPA "All-Fundamentals" Team.

USA Football, the sport's national governing body on youth and amateur levels, and the NFL Players Association have selected wide receiver WES WELKER of the New England Patriots and 25 other NFL players to the inaugural USA Football/NFLPA "All-Fundamentals" Team. This 26-man roster honors the NFL's most fundamentally-sound players who also commit themselves to service in their communities.

This honor recognizes Welker as an example for youth players – particularly wide receivers – to emulate due to his ability to properly catch the ball with his hands.

In addition to his fundamentally-strong play, Welker does exemplary work in his hometown of Oklahoma City. The six-year NFL veteran created the 83 Foundation, which provides underprivileged children of Oklahoma City to reach their full potential through values and mentoring relationships gained through football.

Adam Kilgore explains why Adalius Thomas will not be cut this year.

The Patriots are responsible for $4.4 million in guaranteed bonuses for Thomas each of the next two seasons, a total of $8.8 million that counts against the salary cap if Thomas is cut.

But the league is currently scheduled to operate without a salary cap in 2010, which alters the ramifications. Cutting Thomas, according to league sources, would force the Patriots to add all of the additional $8.8 million of Thomas’s bonus to this year’s salary cap. That makes releasing him prohibitive.

So for the next month at least, Thomas will remain a Patriot.

TEAM TALK

Thursday Press Conference: Wes Welker (5:38 min. video) Plus Transcript.
Patriots-Panthers Thursday Practice Participation and Injury Report.
Patriots Today: Thursday practice news, Carolina close-up. (10:43 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

Ian Rapoport says Adalius Thomas finds out what real 'Humble Pie' tastes like, and spits it out.
Shalise Manza Young reports Adalius Thomas refuses to apologize for arriving late.
Dan Shaughnessy portrays Adalius Thomas, aka 'George Jetson' as the latest cartoon character in Boston sports.
Karen Guregian focuses on quiet leader Jerod Mayo about his knee injury, the season not going as he planned, and his style of setting an example instead of making speeches.
Christopher Price offers five things to watch for Sunday afternoon.
Mike Reiss notes preparing to face the Carolina Panthers and their third-rated rushing attack, the Patriots’ run defense will be tested.
Albert Breer explains what the Steelers loss means.
Mike Reiss points out a rib injury is added to Brady's list along with his finger and shoulder.
Ian Rapoport notes Brady's bruises are piling up with his right shoulder, right index finger and now his ribs.
Dan Duggan notes Wes Welker, honored for his sound fundamentals, bought a JUGS football passing machine for his backyard to keep sharp in the offseason.
Boston Herald Patriots Notebook: Sebastian Vollmer has been back at practice but was still learning off the field; Darius Butler is still confident despite his rough outing in Miami; Titams Adams says his promotion to the 53-man roster is proof that this organization recognizes hard work;

NATIONAL NEWS

MJD (Yahoo! Sports) Belichick's heave-ho act was both justified and necessary.
Shutdown Corner (Yahoo! Sports) Adalius Thomas is neither motivated nor a Jetson.
Tim Graham (ESPN) Should Belichick bench them? Would he?
Tedy Bruschi (ESPNBoston) Bruschi's breakdown: Pats' focus should be on AFC East.
Howard Bryant (ESPNBoston) Harsh reality is that Patriots are rebuilding.
Troy Aikman (Fox Sports) Five Questions. When is the last time Tom Brady had to call out a teammate?
Tim Graham (ESPN) Steelers' loss gives AFC East more juice.
John P. Lopez (SI) 6-7 Steelers prove (again) they're not equipped to defend title.
Tim Graham (ESPN) Larry Izzo, one of the best special-teamers in NFL history, probably has leveled his last return man after being placed on IR with a herniated disk in his neck.
Adam Teicher (Kansas City Star) Vrabel adjusts to being out of contention. "Anybody can play for a 12-2 team in December," Vrabel said. "When things are good, it’s all fun and games. This is not fun and games. But we’re going to stay professional about it."
Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Week 14 Picks. Pats over Cats 28-10.

VIEW FROM CAROLINA

David Scott (Charlotte Observer) Task for Sunday: Points and lots of them.
David Scott (Charlotte Observer) Panthers in a scoring drought.
Darin Gantt (Rock Hill Herald) Despite massive shuffling, defense has perservered for Panthers.
Charles Chandler (Charlotte Observer) Brayton lets chips - and QBs - fall where they may: Change in perspective pays off for Panthers lineman, who's on pace for career high in sacks and tackles.

Who Should the Kansas City Chiefs Cut, Re-sign, and Keep for 2010?

Jon Yoon — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:00:17 -0000

by Charlie Riedel - AP

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It's hard not to let my frustrations get the best of me when writing about this year's lowly Chiefs. Rather than vent and curse and scream, I'm going to instead focus my frustrations on a few specific players who I believe are bringing the team down. Some have played their way off the roster and probably out of the NFL; others have played their way out of a starting job; still others have been monumental disappointments.

Let's look at this position by position, starting with the offense.

Quarterback: I've been very patient with Matt Cassel. I understand the situation he's in--his supporting cast isn't great, his receivers are dropping easy passes, and his offensive line has been shaky and inconsistent in pass protection. I get all those things.

That being said, there are a few things that scare me about Cassel. Despite improved protection over the past few games, he is still inconsistent with his downfield throws. In many cases, he's not hitting his receivers in stride and he's making far too many goofy mistakes for a player of his experience level. The excuses are over. His pass protection has gotten better and he is now surrounded by a decent running game. Yet, we're not seeing much improvement from him. All that Cassel has done this season is prove that he's a lousy quarterback for three quarters, but a pretty decent one in the fourth quarter (assuming the Chiefs are still in the game).

I'm not saying Cassel has played his way out of the job, but he certainly hasn't done anything to justify keeping it or securing his place as the QB of the Future. It would be reckless for the Chiefs to enter this offseason without bringing in another strong option at QB. Worst case, Cassel ends up playing really well and the Chiefs can trade their backup away. If the Chiefs don't bring in a strong young option now, it could set the franchise back two or more years.

Because if there is any QB who can push Cassel for a starting job, he's not currently on the roster--Brodie Croyle is too injury prone and Matt Gutierrez is as big of a longshot as you'll find in the NFL. Cassel's poor performance this season has led me to question whether Pioli's loyalties might be clouding his judgment. I like Cassel. I like his work ethic and I want him to succeed, but if he becomes the indisputable starter going into 2010 with no competition, it will really compromise Pioli's no-nonsense, high accountability environment he's building toward. If Pioli is gung-ho about sticking with Cassel next season without bringing in a competitive option, he better be right, or else it could be a decision that haunts him for the rest of his career.

Stays: Matt Cassel (#1 QB), Brodie Croyle (#3 QB)
Bring in: Strong competing #2 QB Option
Dump: Matt Gutierrez

Running back: The good news is that Jamaal Charles is a legit primary back. He's done an incredible job of doing a lot with very little help up front. The play that sticks out in my mind was the toss sweep against the Broncos where he almost made it out to the edge, but couldn't make it there. From what I recall, the guy that got in his way was weakly blocked by Mike Cox. I remember thinking to myself: "Man, if that was Tony Richardson a few years ago, that guy would have been leveled!"

With better blocking up front, Charles has the potential to be a very good "lightning back" who can take on about 15-20 carries a game. He needs to be more careful with the football, but hopefully he can do that with some better awareness and maybe a little bit of strength training. The problem is, Charles is not a primary back in the way LJ was. He shouldn't be a workhorse back nor should he be an all-purpose back. We saw that on Sunday. The Chiefs seemed scared to pound the rock on the goal line. It's because they don't have a "thunder" back to bulldoze forward on short yardage situations. The Chiefs need one of those backs--a big bowling ball that wears out defenses and can muscle a few tough yards on short yardage situations. It would provide more balance to their running game and create a great change of pace for Charles' shifty running style.

Kolby Smith has had a nice little career for the Chiefs, but I wonder if he'll ever play a full season ever again. Outside of Charles and Smith, the options at halfback are not good. Almost everyone in this spot is expendable. However, it's possible the Chiefs keep one of them on the roster, simply because they just have too many needs to fill. At fullback, Mike Cox has effectively played himself off the roster. He doesn't block well, he doesn't run well, and he's been invisible in the passing game. What is it you'd say... he does here? There isn't a shred of a doubt that he will be out of a job in 2010. The Chiefs must bring in a legit Fullback. Must, must, must. And it's not like it's that hard. You can get a top-notch Fullback in the late rounds of the draft.

Keep: Jamaal Charles (#1 HB)
Dump: Mike Cox, Kolby Smith, Tim Castille, Javarris Williams
Possibly retain: Dantrell Savage
Bring in: "Thunder" back. Fullback. Both can be found late in the draft. A "thunder" back might be found on another team's scrap pile

Wide Receiver:

Boy oh boy. You would think that a team coached by a Wide Receivers coach would have receivers that were better at catching the football. You would think that players like Mark Bradley and Bobby Wade, who are hanging on to their roster spot by a very thin thread, would be trying just a little bit harder to compete for their jobs.

Dwayne Bowe is a given, though based on the way he's played this season, I'm not convinced he's a legitimate #1 receiver. Chris Chambers has probably earned his spot on the 2010 roster, although we should prepare for a potential sophomore slump as he had in San Diego. If the Chiefs can find a younger receiver with #1 playmaking capability, they need to break the bank and bring him in (which might mean cutting ties with Chambers). I don't think that will happen, so for now, Chambers is a solid stopgap option. Apart from that, no receiver has played well enough to justify keeping their job.

Bobby Wade, on the whole, has not been terrible. He played like he didn't care to be there against the Broncos, but in most games, he's been a relatively solid slot option. I can't see a situation where Mark Bradley is on this team next season. He has dropped way too many passes in key situations. Lance Long, as it turns out, is not Wes Welker. He's not Ricky Proehl. He's just a guy---pretty good at getting open, but wildly inconsistent at making the catch.

Keep: Dwayne Bowe
Likely keep: Chris Chambers
Bring in: Either a #1 receiver to replace Chambers, or a strong rookie prospect to be groomed to replace Chambers
Very on the bubble: Bobby Wade, Lance Long
Dump: Mark Bradley

Tight End:

Based on the way Haley likes to use Tight Ends, I tend to think he wants a multi-dimensional tight end moreso than a one-dimensional one. He may not want a Tight End who is only stellar at receiving. I don't think he'd mind having a Tight End who was primarily a blocker. Ideally, though, I think he would like a Tight End who was equally good at both.

Leonard Pope has been the sole bright spot at the position and that's not even saying much. Pope's role should really be more situational--a great backup, but not someone I'd like to see as an every-down starter. Sean Ryan does not belong on this roster. I have no idea why he's been here this long in the first place. He can't catch. He's a horrendous blocker. What exactly is his value to the offense? Brad Cottam isn't much better. You can't tell me there aren't better options on the street than these guys.

Keep: Leonard Pope (#2 TE)
Dump: Sean Ryan and Brad Cottam
Bring in: Anyone who isn't named Sean Ryan or Brad Cottam.

Carolina Panthers’ Hump Day Prognostication (New England Patriots edition)

James The Aussie — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:34:16 -0000

More photos » by Lynne Sladky - AP

9 days ago: New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss (81) speaks to quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Miami, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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Good morning Panther faithful and happy hump day! This Sunday's game between the Carolina Panthers (5-7) and the New England Patriots (7-5) proves to be one of the biggest tests of the Panther's season. The Patriots may be 7-5, but most agree they're far more dangerous than their record shows, meanwhile, the Panthers are 5-7, but like the Patriots most agree that they have the potential to be far more dangerous than their 5 wins suggest.

This 2009 Pats team is not the same as previous iterations. While still dangerous in every phase of the game they're not nearly the juggernaut in every phase that we've seen during their dynasty run. This leaves the door slightly open for Matt Moore and the Carolina Panthers to press the advantage. So, how do we match up against the Pats? Find out:

After the jump...

New England run offense vs. Carolina run defense

The Patriots run offense isn't quite an afterthought, but it's not a focal point of their offense. The Pats have only run the ball 337 compared to 473 passing attempts. This bodes well for a Carolina Panther defense which has struggled against the run, especially against strong North-South runners. New England have a strong back in Lawrence Maroney, but he's never really reached his full potential. They also feature Kevin Faulk, a NE institution who is as reliable as the day is long.

The Pats are 16^th in the NFL running the ball, and the Panthers' run defense is 23^rd in the league, despite this disparity I think it'll be pretty evenly matched on Sunday as New England won't run the ball very much.

Edge: Push

KEY MATCHUP: New England pass offense vs. Carolina pass defense

This is the area the Patriots scare me. They're 2^nd in the NFL in passing, and their pass offense is a bonafide monster. This is week 13 and not only to the Pats have two 1,000 yard receivers in Randy Moss and Wes Welker; they're also no.1 and no.2 in the league respectively. Brady might not have all the physical tools you want in a QB, but he has every single intangible and then some. Brady is completing over 65% of his passes, and he won't make the mistakes Josh Freeman made last week. If our corners struggle with Antonio Bryant, there's no telling how they will deal with Moss and Welker. I don't see the pass defense hanging with New England's attack this week.

Edge: New England

Carolina run offense vs. New England run defense

The Carolina Panthers should have DeAngelo Williams back this week and he and Stewart should give the Pats a little dose of Double Trouble. Stewart proved last week that he can carry the load when needed, and I have no doubt he would have had a better day with an effective offensive line. The Panthers' rushing attack hinges on the ability of the offense line to get some push and open some holes, which they haven't been doing effectively enough lately. Despite all this the Panthers are 3^rd in the NFL in rushing, the Pats are 16^th in run defense and I think Carolina will dominate the ground in this area.

Edge: Carolina

Carolina pass offense vs. New England pass defense

The Matt Moore era has officially begun. While Moore was an effective game manager against the Buccaneers, he certainly didn't set the world on fire. While the Patriots are a statistically worse pass defense than Tampa Bay's (13^th compared to 11^th) they do have all their players healthy whereas TB was without their no.1 corner. The Bucs had 11 interceptions on the season, the Pats have 14. This will be a much greater test for Moore on every level. Steve Smith has the talent to take over his opposite number, but ultimately I'm not sure a young QB in Moore will be able to handle the Patriots secondary.

The Patriots also feature a defense that pressures the quarterback from a lot of different angles. They have 8 different players who have recorded sacks, and 6 players who have recorded multiple sacks. They will throw a lot of different looks at the Panthers offense and likely show a lot of exotic blitz packages. I don't know if our piecemeal offense line can hang.

Edge: New England

Special Teams

We're improving, but we're still terrible. The Panthers are allowing almost 30 yards per KR and 13.1 per PR. The Pats have Wes Welker returning punts, and that's a dangerous prospect.

Edge: New England

Coaching

Love him, or hate him- Bill Belichick is one of the best coaches in the history of the NFL. Despite losing an unheard of amount of assistants and coordinators over the years to other teams he still manages to make the Pats compete each and every week. His game plans are also second to none. The Panthers' coaching may be getting better, but it's still a far cry from the Patriots' staff.

Edge: New England

Final Summary

This is another one of those ‘intangible' games. On paper, the Pats will tear us apart. However, like we proved against the Saints these Carolina Panthers will rise to the occasion. It's easy to be intimidated by Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker; but this is a Panther team not easily intimidated. I think it's going to be a very, very hard fought game with the Panthers showing more fight than people previously thought.

This game has all the makings of an upset shocker, especially with DeAngelo Williams back in the offense. If Matt Moore can provide some offense and the red zone defense show what they're made of I think this is a winnable game.

Carolina Panthers 13 - New England Patriots 10

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