With the opening of Free Agency today, the news is coming fast and furious. I don't have time to list all of the stories, but hie thee to the Globe and Herald blogs for all sorts of news. Kelley Washington and Tedy Bruschi are coming back. Kevin Faulk passed a drug test and won't be suspended. Seau has shoulder surgery... Just go already.

Reiss' Pieces

Point After

Here's a well-done post on the legalities and maneuvering that are likely going on behind the scenes between the NFL, Matt Walsh, etc. The author doesn't think this story will come out, and lays out the legal case why. An interesting read, because it takes what could be a boring subject to a non-lawyer (i.e., just about anything to do with contract law,) and explains how this hot-button topic will likely play out.

Stephanie Stradley at AOLFanhouse

John Tomase of the Boston Herald is reporting that RB Sammy Morris has been placed on the Injured Reserve list, ending his 2007 Patriots season. This leaves the Pats with RB's Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk, Heath Evans, and Kyle Eckel on the roster. WR Chad Jackson and CB Eddie Jackson are eligible to come off the injured list. With the Colts on deck, Eddie Jackson's services as a DB looks to get him the call for this weekend.

Why 16 - 0 Won't Happen
Early Dominance Evokes Thoughts of '72 Dolphins

First of all, I come here to praise the Patriots, not bury them. The very fact that we can even contemplate a perfect season is indicative of how good they are. That many experts are already discussing this after only 7 games is the ultimate compliment of their performance thus far. After all, the Colts are 6-0 themselves but are not being compared to the '72 Dolphins yet. The dominance that this team has displayed is making this a distinct possibility, so let's go through the challenges that stand between them and a perfect season.

Continue reading this post »

League Office Confirms Violation
Commisioner Goodell Reviewing Potential Penalties

ESPN is reporting that NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell has confirmed that the Patriots broke league rules when a team official was in possession of a video camera on the sidelines during Sunday's Jets game. The Patriots have until Friday to present their argument re: the specific intent of the use of the camera. Potential penalties could include a suspension for team employees, fines, and loss of future draft picks.

The NFL competition committee will review the charges and make a recommendation to Goodell, who will then hear the Patriots counter-argument. The specifics of the allegation are still unclear. Unnamed league sources are quoted in several articles citing the Patriots guilt, and the likelihood of severe penalties, but no league official has gone on record. There is still a lot of information that needs to come out, but the likelihood of some penalty seems certain now. The league did issue a letter to all teams this off-season re-iterating the policy of prohibiting the type of behavior in question, which could lead to Goodell issuing a stern rebuke as a warning to other teams.

Poll

What penalty should the commissioner levy against New England?

19%

Take away one 1st-day pick and one 2nd-day pick

28 votes

15%

Take away multiple late-round picks

23 votes

28%

Forfeit Jets game

42 votes

21%

Award Indianapolis the Super Bowl

31 votes

15%

Take away a 1st-round pick

23 votes

147 votes | Poll has closed

CNN is reporting that the NFL is investigating the New England Patriots for videotaping the New York Jets staff making defensive signals during Sunday's game. The Patriots have previously been accused of stealing signals by the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. John Tomase at the Boston Herald recaps the story and the previous charges in more detail. If the league finds the charges to be true, the Patriots could be lose one or multiple draft picks.

Although there is little public record re: the facts of the situation, the potential validity of the charges must be taken seriously. While the results of the investigation will ultimately determine if there is any fire for all of this smoke, we can still engage in some reasonable speculation both in favor of and against the charges.

1. If the Patriots have been previously accused of this, why would they continue to do it when the story was already out there? It's hard to imagine an organization as well-handled as the Patriots would do something this stupid, get caught, then do it again, get caught again, and then do it again against a team staffed by multiple former employees. Besides Mangini, Brian Dabol was on the Patriots staff last year (when the initial accusations were made by the Lions and Packers,) so the Jets had to have some suspicions. Unless the Pats staff has been infected by a severe case of hubris, this seems unlikely.
2. Who is the employee in question? The suspected employee has not been named, nor is it clear if the previous accusations were against the same employee. One remote possibility was that some overzealous person overstepped his bounds. I don't think this is very likely given the multiple instances, but given the number of people granted access to the field there is a chance that the Patriots staff was unaware that he was doing this in addition to his official duties.
3. How many instances are there? The Buffalo Bills are reviewing security tape looking for potential sign-stealing by the Patriots. Other teams are probably doing the same thing. Even if little hard evidence comes out of the investigation, enough accusations and circumstantial evidence could cause the league to level some sanction.
4. Why even bother with using a team official on the field? The technology of longer range viewing equipment would preclude the need to use someone on the field. Why would the Patriots be so conspicuous as to have someone on the field making hand signals to the coaches.

It is hard to guess the likelihood of these charges, but the potential fallout is very troubling. I find it hard to believe that the Patriots would feel the need to do this, and would then go about it so stupidly, but until we know more, the potential of losing draft picks (along with the public perception fallout) is a concern to the organization.

Poll

Do you think the Patriots steal signals?

40%

Yes, and they're the only ones.

94 votes

49%

Yes, but they're not the only ones.

114 votes

6%

No, but probably some teams do.

15 votes

3%

No, and probably no teams do.

7 votes

230 votes | Poll has closed

CB Reports to Team
Expected to Sign One-Year Franchise Offer

ESPN is reporting that Asante Samuel has reported to the New England Patriots, and is expected to sign his franchise offer. Len Pasquarelli thinks Samual may even practice today. With one pre-season game remaining, Samuel should have time to compete for a starting spot on opening day. It is not known at this time if the Patriots agreed not to apply the franchise tag to Samuel again next year.

Poll

When will Asante Samuel supplant Ellis Hobbs or Randall Gay as starter?

57%

Regular season Week 1

11 votes

31%

Regular season Week 2

6 votes

5%

Regular season Week 3

1 votes

5%

Regular season Week 4

1 votes

0%

After regular season Week 4

0 votes

19 votes | Poll has closed

Albert Breer at the Boston Herald reports that the Patriots have released veteran punter Josh Miller. This leaves the Patriots with two inexperienced punters: Danny Baugher and Tom Malone. The early release of Miller was seeminlgy done to give him time to sign with another team before final roster cuts.

The Patriots announced today that WR Stanley Morgan was elected to the team Hall of Fame. Morgan played for 13 seasons in New England, capturing numerous team records along the way, including touchdowns (68), receiving yards (10,352), 100-yard receiving games (39) and 1,000-yard receiving seasons (3). Perhaps the most impressive record is his career average receiving yards per catch (19.2). Only one player in the NFL Hall of Fame has a higher average, and that is Paul Warfield (20.1), lending credibility towards Morgan's NFL HoF credentials.

It turns out that all our (O.K., my,)  speculation about why Hairston was released after the very first camp practice was way off base. Albert Breer at the Boston Herald reports that Hairston was released and then re-signed to put him on the Injured Reserve list. I'll keep looking around for more details on what coach Bellichick described as a complicated league rule, which is the reported reason for Hairston's release, and not any disciplinary reasons. I'm glad to hear that it was not any character related issue, and that maybe when he gets healthy, Hairston can contribute to the team.

Breer also reports that safety Mel Mitchell, who was injured early last year, has come off of the Physically Unable to Perform list and will begin practicing again.

I just heard on WEEI, that the Patriots have signed 1st round pick Brandon Merrieweather. The safety out of Miami University got a five-year deal. Albert Breer at the Boston Herald reports that the two sides have only agreed to the deal, but that the official signing seems a imminent. This would mean that all of the Patriots draft picks have been signed, but as Josh points out in the diary below, one has already been released.

ESPN is reporting that Lance Briggs has signed the one-year deal stipulated by the franchise tag that the Bears had placed on the 5th-year LB. The Bears also agreed to not place the franchise tag on Briggs again after this season. Just yesterday, CB Charles Tillman and the Bears agreed to a six-year $38M deal, with $18.5M guaranteed.

These deals shed further light on franchise manuevering and market value, relating directly to the Patriots situation with CB Asante Samuel. While the two sides are not allowed to sign a long-term deal, they can come to an agreement which could become official at season's end. With that option, and if the Patriots are also willing to agree to not franchise Samuel again, these two scenarios should be two close becnhmarks that might lead to Samuel playing earlier than week 10.

For further information on Tillman's deal, see SBNation's Windy City Gridiron.

Albert Breer of the Boston Herald is reporting that the Patriots have signed 4th round pick DL Kareem Brown and 7th round pick OL Mike Elgin. The Patriots have one of the best starting defensive lines in the NFL, and good depth with Jarvis Green and Mike Wright. With the passing of Marquise Hill though, Brown has a shot of making the active roster. Elgin is mixed in with a crop of late-round OL picks for the Patriots, and faces stiff competition to even make the practice squad. These two signings leave only one draft pick without a contract: 1st round safety Brandon Merriweather.

Mike Reiss of the Boston Herald is reporting that the Patriots have signed 6th round pick CB Mike Richardson and 5th round pick OL Clint Oldenburg to four-year deals. Further details of the contracts are not available at this time. As later round picks of a playoff caliber team, both of these players are likely trying out for the practice squad, and not the game day roster.

Albert Breer at the Boston Herald reports that Junior Seau is in town for a physical in anticipation of signing a contract with the Patriots.

John Tomase at the Boston Herald is reporting that the new Randy Moss contract is a one-year deal at $3 million, with another $2 million possible through incentives.

Pre-draft visit elicits praise
RB chronicles experience

University of Arizona RB Chris Henry had a pre-draft visit with the New England Patriots this Wednesday, April 18th. He has been writing about his experiences leading up to the draft, including his trip to Foxboro. The 230lb RB had nice things to say about the visit:

Continue reading this post »

NFLPA objection upheld
Punter Sauerbrun now a free agent

Last week, the National Football League Players Association filed an objection to the clause in Todd Sauerbrun's previous contract with the Patriots that allowed them to match an offer from the Denver Broncos. Today, Special Master Stephen Burbank ruled in favor of the NFLPA, voiding the Patriots' right of first refusal as well as the original Denver offer. Sauerbrun is now an unrestricted free agent, able to sign with any team.

The point of contention revolved around the paperwork from Sauerbrun's contract with the Patriots last year. The NFL collective bargaining contract stipulates that any right of first refusal that goes into a contract must be filed with a separate form attached to the contract. The Patriots-Sauerbrun deal from last year had the wording for the right of first of refusal inserted into the wording of the contract itself instead of in a separate form. The Patriots can appeal the decision with the Minnesota district court.

Reiss's Pieces

CB signs one year deal
11-year veteran adds depth to defensive backfield

The Patriots signed the 6'2", 192 lb veteran today to a base contract worth $1.35 million. With incentives, the deal could reach $2.7m. After suffering through numerous injuries to their DB's in recent seasons, and with the ongoing Asante Samuel situation, James could bring a veteran presence as a nickel back and valuable insurance if a starter is needed.

ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reviews the signing

NFLPA challenging original contract
Punter's status remains in limbo

The National Football League Players Association is challenging the right of first refusal clause that the Patriots exercised to retain the punter.

Mike Reiss from the Boston Globe

This situation is different from the usual restricted free agency case. Sauerbrun's contract had a specific clause in it that allowed the Patriots a right of first refusal. The NFLPA is arguing that this clause was not filed correctly in the original contract.

Sept. 9: at Jets (CBS, 1 p.m.)
Sept. 16: San Diego (NBC, 8:15 p.m.)
Sept. 23 vs. Bills (CBS, 1 p.m.)
Oct. 1 at Bengals* (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)
Oct. 7 Browns (CBS, 1 p.m.)
Oct. 14 at Dallas (CBS, 4:15 p.m.)
Oct. 21 at Miami (CBS, 1 p.m.)
Oct. 28 Redskins (FOX, 4:15 p.m.)
Nov. 4 at Indianapolis (CBS, 4:15 p.m.)
Week 10 BYE
Nov. 18 at Bills (CBS, 1 p.m.)
Nov. 25 Eagles (NBC, 8:15 p.m.)
Dec. 3 at Baltimore* (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)
Dec. 9 Pittsburgh (CBS, 1 p.m.)
Dec. 16 Jets (CBS, 1 p.m.)
Dec. 23 Miami (CBS, 1 p.m.)
Dec. 29 at Giants** (NFL Network, 8:30 p.m.) * — Monday night game ** — Saturday game Via Boston Herald

Peter King is reporting on cnnsi.com that the league will announce early this week that the pre-season Seahawks-Pats game will not by played in China.

Peter King's MMQB

The AP is reporting that the Patriots have re-signed WR Bam Childress

Associated Press - via Boston Herald

The 5'10" 185lb Childress was mostly a member of the practice squad last year, catching only two passes in the Dec. 24th game against Jacksonville. This signing brings the total of WR's on the team to nine: Reche Caldwell, Childress, Jabar Gaffney, Chad Jackson, Kelvin Kight, Jonathan Smith, Dante Stallworth, Kelley Washington, and Wes Welker. Long-time Patriot Troy Brown remains un-signed.

ESPN is reporting that the Patriots have come to an agreement with free agent WR Kelley Washington. The deal can last up to five years and cost $22 million, assuming the Patriots pay a roster bonus in 2008 to keep him through that year.  A third round pick of the Bengals in 2003, the 6'3", 216 lb Washington has 72 career catches for 893 yards and 9 touchdowns.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2795771

In anticipation of the upcoming NFL draft, here's a round-up of some recent mock drafts. None of these are current enough to account for the Stallworth signing, and some were done before the Thomas signing. As the draft approaches we'll do this again with more up-to-date versions.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/don_banks/03/08/mock.draft3.part1/index.html

http://football.about.com/cs/nfldraft/a/bl_mockdraft.htm

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/2007/mockdraft_dimon.cfm

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sub/mockdraft.html

I haven't seen the contract amount or length yet. Here's a quick summary:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/03/03/bc.fbn.patriots.thomas.ap/index.html

They also signed TE Kyle Brady and RB Sammy Morris. It looks like the Pats expect Daniel Graham to sign elsewhere and that Brady will be the  primary blocking TE. With the addition of Thomas the question becomes: between he and Vrabel, who plays inside and who plays outside?

In a swift reaction to Sunday's game, the Pats are installing a new artifical field turf.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2006/11/more_on_field.html

This was after a re-sodding that saw only two home games. The new surface will be FieldTurf, not Astroturf. While real grass has it's appeal, it's pretty clear that natural turf was just not working in Gillette stadium. I've never even walked on FieldTurf, let alone played on it, but from what I've read most players accept it as equal to or even like it more than natural grass. In the link, Reiss explains that they were able to switch surfaces mid-season because there apparently is no official rule disallowing a change, only a reccomendation from the competition committee against changing mid-season. We'll see how well it works against Chicago on Nov. 26th.

Here's a couple links re: FieldTurf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FieldTurf

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-23-2003/0001877978& ;EDATE=

While it was only a pre-season game, the Pats' dominating performance showed the strength and depth of their roster. Bellichick and co. have a lot of options and some hard decisions coming up as rosters get pared to 53 players. Let's look at the running back position and take a guess at who will by on the roster Sept 10th.

RB: Corey Dillon, Kevin Faulk and Laurence Maroney are locks to make the team. That leaves Patrick Cobbs, Heath Evans, Garrett Mills, and Patrick Pass competing for 1 or 2 spots.

Cobbs ran well tonight, showing a good burst while running with his pads low. What remains to be seen is how well he can play on special teams. Being an undrafted rookie free agent he started camp as a longshot to make the team, and while I don't think he will make the team based on tonight's performance he does have a shot at making the practice squad.

Evans saw limited action in goal line duty, but he has already shown solid, all-around skills for a power-back. Unfortunately for him, the Pats already have Corey Dillon and don't have a need or roster spot for a short yardage back.

Mills fumbled early in the 4th quarter, one of the few Pats blemishes in the game. It looks like he will be used as more of an H-back than a full- or half-back, giving him some valued flexibility. If he can prove himself on special teams, I think he'll make the practice squad at the least.

Pass is an experienced back, so his no-show tonight doesn't really affect his chances adversely. What does hurt him is the presence of Maroney. He has been a special teams fixture for a few years now, but the potential of Cobbs and Mills pose a threat to his future with the team.

In the end, I think Cobbs will make the practice squad and Mills will make the active roster. What do you think?

Being pre-season, I like to focus on a few players and give my opinion re: their performance. Please let me know what you thought on these guys, and add your opinions on other players as you see fit.

Laurence Maroney - He lowered his shoulders when running between the tackles and displayed good burst around the corner. When given the chance to show his hands and open field ability, he acquitted himself well. We'll have to wait and see his pass-blocking abilities, but all early returns on the 1st round pick point to a good combination with Corey Dillon.

Matt Cassell - Facing a decent pass rush was probably good for his development. He wasn't running because he was inspired by Mike Vick. He made some good throws, and more improtantly didn't make any atrocious decisions with hands in his face. I didn't like to see him tuck and run as often as he did, but at least he showed the courage to take a hit. The jury is still out on the 2nd QB, but he deserves the opportunity to keep playing.

Willie Andrews - The Patriots organization's ability to find late round talent might just be renewed with his special teams effort. Give Troy Brown, Larry Izzo, and Don Davis time to show him the ropes and he could be a contributor and possibly be an Ellis Hobb-type surprise.