SB Nation User Blog: Marima

Patriots Links 7/03/09 - The 'Patriots Way': Will it work outside of New England?

Marima — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:09:42 -0000

Tom Brady with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and head coach Bill Belichick during training camp on August 2, 2008. Can McDaniels succeed without them?

View full size photo uploaded July 3, 2009

Andy Hart wonders if Scott Pioli and Josh McDaniels will be able to have success duplicating Belichick's system.

Belichick's "one-voice" approach and tight organizational measures have worked to supreme success in New England. But that success has included two very important factors -- it's taken place under Belichick's direction and with Tom Brady at quarterback. Winning begat winning and with more winning came a more stringent faith in the way things are run in Foxborough.

Derek Zetlin asserts short, quick receivers might be key to NFL success.

Conventional wisdom says you need more size at the NFL wide receiver position. The numbers, however, hint otherwise.

Like its collegiate counterpart, professional football is transitioning to more of a speed-dominated game. Sure, 330-plus-pound defensive tackles are needed to nose the popular 3-4 defensive scheme, but that’s only to make up for a lack of size on the ends of the D-line, which have been replaced by more versatile (and speedier) outside linebackers. Look at the success of the Wildcat formation last season. The Wildcat’s fundamental principles are speed and spreading the field (much like the NCAA’s triple option), as opposed to the fullback-led I-Formation, pounding for every earned yard.

Adrian Hasenmayer (Fox Sports) ranks which teams are best positioned to not just survive, but flourish at quarterback in 2009. Patriots rank 6th in his opinion. His argument is off in mine.

The man is back, and all of New England can breathe sighs of relief. But what if Brady, the three-time Super Bowl champion, gets hurt again? Well, we scoffed at the Pats' chances last September when Mr. Perfect got injured because Matt Cassel — a dude who had not started a game since freaking high school. Then Cassel turned in a Pro Bowl season. Could Bill Belichick do it again with NFL mysteries O'Connell, Gutierrez and Hoyer? Highly unlikely.

LOCAL SHOTS

Chris Gasper filling in for the vacationing Mike Reiss, answers reader questions in Thursday's online chat.
Christopher Price offers additional Training Camp info.
Michael Felger answers his summer mailbag, with enough Patriots questions and comments thrown in to keep it interesting. There's even a spygate question so it must be summer.

LONG SHOTS

Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk) Pats not likely to bring back McGinest.
Jason La Confora (NFL.com) Which free agent deserves a roster spot the most?
Alex Marvez Where will Wildcat go from here?
Jamie Dukes (NFL.com) NFL players are people too. Everyone should be held to the same standard.
David Krichavsky (NFL.com) USO Tour Day 1: The right team. USO Tour Day 2: A time of transition in Iraq.
Jason La Confora (NFL.com) Good time to be a first-time coach.
Mike Golic (ESPN) Golic discusses some of the new coaches heading into the 2009 season. Josh McDaniels has biggest shoes to fill. (2.40 min. video)
Greg Bishop (NY Times) Calvin Pace is latest Jet to face doping suspension.
Tim Graham (ESPN) Pace suspension major setback for Jets.
Jason La Confora (NFL.com) Do we need Brett Favre more than we realize? Perhaps there's no such thing as true Favre saturation and you have to admit, his sense of timing is impeccable.

Patriots Links 7/02/09 - Who Will Fill the Mike Vrabel Void?

Marima — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:23:59 -0000

Renaissance rookie George Bussey ready to cook up some tackles at mini-camp.

View full size photo uploaded July 2, 2009

Jeff Howe looks at who will fill the Mike Vrabel void.

Even though Vrabel’s exile seemed to have caused widespread panic across New England, the Patriots are still loaded at 10 other starting positions on defense. Not to mention, Pierre Woods and Shawn Crable should be more than ready to fill in. Vrabel, who turns 34 in August, has seen his skills diminish in recent years, but he was still more than capable on the field. He finished fifth on the team with 67 tackles last season, according to coaches’ film review.

Woods and Crable may be able to match Vrabel’s statistical production, but they can’t account for his leadership. That duty will fall in the hands of linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Adalius Thomas, along with a number of the other veterans on the defensive side of the ball.

Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa report on the renaissance qualities of the Patriots 2000 Rookie Draft Class.

First off, there’s defensive tackle Darryl Richard, picked in the seventh round of the draft, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech in three years and already has an MBA. Richard, BTW, is also an accomplished piano player. Show off . . .

Then there’s defensive lineman George Bussey, taken in the fifth round. He gave up a full scholarship to culinary school for a chance to kick it up a notch as a walk-on to the Louisville football team.

Top pick Patrick Chung, a safety from Oregon, loves to draw in his spare time. And snapper Jake Ingram, a surfer dude from Hawaii, is also a certified fork-lift operator. So he’ll never starve.

LOCAL SHOTS

Erik Scalavino catches up with Terrence Wheatley and his lifelong fascination with the weather. New England is definitely the place for him (and hey, what's up with all this RAIN?!?)
Mark Farinella notes that fans can vote for their Favorite Patriots Memories, and offers some of his own suggestions.
Jeff Howe says the Patriots are loaded with tight ends.
Mark Hurley offers some of the greatest lines from one-of-a-kind Bill Belichick.
All Things Bill Belichick This is the ultimate source to go to for any and all quotes either about or from Bill Belichick. Awesome site. Example: BB on Brandon Tate's injury: "Yeah, I'd really like to go into a lot of detail on that, about the injury and the rehabilitation and the timeframe. I think we could probably get it right down to the day, certainly the week, that he would be available."

LONG SHOTS

Eddie Matz (ESPN Magazine) Ultimate Standings 2009 - New England Patriots No. 19.
Tim Graham (ESPN) Pats top AFC East in Ultimate Standings for fans.
Ross Tucker (SI) Eagles, Pats, 'Skins, Bucs comprise best and worst offseasons of '09.
Adrian Hasenmayer (Fox Sports) NFL's Top 10 smurfs: The biggest little men in the league.
Steve Wyche (NFL.com) Colorful conclusion to NFL's Rookie Symposium. One player made the mistake of falling asleep.
Andrew Brandt (Nat'l Football Post) The importance of the symposium for drafted players.
Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) The game is more than gettin' paid: Rookies should pay attention or pay the price.
Don Banks (SI) Forgotten factor in Favre fiasco; Keyshawn rips WRs.
Peter Schrager (Fox Sports) Summer two-a-days: AFC South and NFC North; NFC East and AFC West.
Pat Kirwan (NFL.com) Smart teams find their starters in the Draft.
NFL Network Jason La Confora replaces Adam Schefter on NFL Network. So far he's had some good articles, but Adam Schefter will still be my go-to-guy when he officially joins ESPN on Aug. 1st.
Stephanie Stradley (NFL Fanhouse) All hail Roger Goodell...or else! A look at the NFL personal conduct policy.
USA Today Peyton Manning only NFL'er near top of SI's list of 50 highest-paid athletes.

Patriots Links 7/01/09 - Patriots Set at Outside Linebacker?

Marima — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:05:41 -0000

Vince Redd works on rushing the passer.

View full size photo uploaded July 1, 2009

Andy Hart feels the Patriots' answer at outside linebacker is already on the roster.

While I would never rule out the summertime addition of a veteran presence to the OLB spot (probably a lesser name, not a Peppers) I think the team is going with what it has at this point. But I don’t see any one player taking over the bulk of the reps at the spot opposite Adalius Thomas. My guess is that a combination of Pierre Woods and Shawn Crable will be given the chance to fill Mike Vrabel’s All-Pro cleats. Woods has solid experience in the system, got some playing time before breaking his jaw last fall and looks to be a decent edge-setter against the run. But I think he’s lacking in the pass rush department. That’s where Crable comes in. He’s got an impressive build and has a great first step off the edge, although we never got to see it in his injury-shortened rookie season. His teammates rave about him. I’m intrigued to see what he’s learned in a year in the system and what kind of impact he can make in his first action in the big leagues. Throw a wild card like Vince Redd into the mix and I think you have the names who’ll be battling for playing time on the outside. It’s a youth movement. There may be some growing pains along the way, but Bill Belichick seems to be willing to endure those and must see an upside in the group that’s worth working toward. Time will tell if he’s right.

Christopher Price talks about the annual Rookie Symposium, an intensive four-day seminar that runs through today and is designed to educate all 256 members of the 2009 draft class in the rules of the NFL.

Defensive lineman Richard Seymour spoke to the first-year players in 2002 -- after his rookie season -- and talked about the sort of rookie hazing players should expect. In a story he later related to reporters, he talked a night where the rookies had to take the veterans out to dinner. Seymour, a first-round pick in 2001, had to fork over $15,000.

"That was when I decided to put myself on a budget," Seymour later said.

Last year, the rookies from each team participated in the "Ultimate Rookie Challenge," a trivia contest at the end of the symposium that featured questions on the materials they learned. The seven New England rookies -- led by quarterback Kevin O’Connell -- scored the highest. For their efforts, they all walked away with a 32-inch TV. In addition, O’Connell (who finished finishing fourth overall out of the 252 rookies) was also awarded an iPod for his personal performance on the exam.

TEAM SHOTS

Andy Hart Ask PFW: No vacation from reader questions.
Top Ten Moments in Patriots History. Wow, so many to choose from, I wish there was a video clip for each one. Log on and create your list.

LOCAL SHOTS

Mike Reiss lists his Top Five questions facing the Patriots this preseason. Last Mailbag until July 14th.
Chris Gasper reports that when Tedy Bruschi is done playing, he wants to coach.
Karen Guregian says Willie McGinest still wants to play and would love to finish out his career as a Patriot.
Christopher Price offers a transcript of ex-Pats CB Ellis Hobbs ESPN Radio Q & A. No axes to grind. Good read.
Jeff Howe notes Greg Lewis earned the praises of quarterback Tom Brady earlier this month during the Patriots’ organized team activities and minicamp, when the wide receiver looked very comfortable in the offense.

LONG SHOTS

Scout.com Bruschi's impact like no other. "I think I'll be the same leader I've always been and I hope that young guys see it as we've lost some experienced veteran leadership, and they take it upon themselves to say 'I need to be a leader now,'" Bruschi said.
Matt Bowen (NFP) Five offensive players who may surprise. Joey Galloway listed at number five.
Adrian Hasenmayer (Fox Sports) Positional Power Rankings: Runningback packages. Pats' group ranks 15th, but Hasenmayer calls them the deepest group in the NFL.
Albert Breer (Sporting News) Q & A with free agent OLB Willie McGinest.
Jason Lacanfora (NFL.com) Controlling the message, but at a cost? Will Belichick's way work elsewhere?
Tim Graham (ESPN) NFL hoping players avoid rookie mistakes.
John P. Lopez (SI) Dying breed: Classic middle linebackers are roaming their way to extinction. Refers to Tedy Bruschi as a "relic". Yeesh.

Ellis Hobbs was asked by ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd what the biggest misconception about the...

Marima — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:24:32 -0000

Ellis Hobbs was asked by ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd what the biggest misconception about the Patriots is.

"That we’re all a bunch of jerks, starting with the head man, Bill," said Hobbs. "Bill will be the first to tell you he comes off as a jerk, intentionally. Because, I think, what he tries to manifest throughout the players is that we’re here for football.

"There’s so much going on – the circus in the media and all that stuff, and the hoopla in the NFL these days – it’s hard to keep the focus on the game. I think that’s why they have everything so distinguished, set apart from everything, as far as the organization away from the players. Where there’s only access for the players on the lower level -- the players and the coaches. And I think by him doing that, it kind of sets the tone, and let’s you know that we’re here to play football and win games."

Patriots Links 6/30/09 - Players Serve Up Fun at Youth Camps and Clinics

Marima — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:45:08 -0000

New England Patriots offensive lineman Russ Hochstein.

View full size photo uploaded June 30, 2009

Tom Behmer (Omaha World-Herald) catches up with Russ Hochstein as he signed autographs and visited with hundreds of fans back in his Nebraska hometown.

Hochstein attributes his success to his work ethic and never-accept-failure attitude.

"I'm a competitor, and I hate losing," he said. "Like anybody, when you're a competitor, you don't like being dictated to. Ultimately, that's probably what drives me the most — I don't like to be told I can't do something."

"Sports is as much psychological as it is physical. There's no athlete who hasn't experienced up-and-down moments. That's part of the game," he said. "It's how you handle it and what you make of it that really defines who you are. Life ain't always easy — whether you're a football player or a plumber ... but sometimes you've just got to take the ups and the downs and run with it."

"It's just a constant drive to try to improve and be the best at what you do, and I've had a lot of help," he said. "I've had some great coaching and a few lucky breaks. I don't deserve all the credit."

Travis Lazarczyk (Kennebec Journal) Vince Redd, a second-year linebacker, joined veteran New England linebacker Eric Alexander and former Patriot defensive tackle Ray Hamilton, the current defensive line coach for the Atlanta Falcons, as instructors at the three-day football clinic in Waterville, Maine.

Redd played in five games last season, seeing action mostly on special teams.

"I couldn't have picked a better place to come," Redd said of the Patriots. "If I'm lucky enough, hopefully I'll remain on the team."

Alexander is listed as a backup inside linebacker on the latest unofficial Patriots' depth chart on the team's Web site, while Redd is listed as a third-team outside linebacker. Redd, who will turn 24 two weeks before the start of the regular season, thinks his age might be his best asset in a crowded field of linebackers, although he won't limit his chances to make the roster to just one position.

"Youth, more than anything else," Redd said. "I want to get out there and play anything the Patriots want me to."

"Just being with the kids and teaching them something they can take with them is good," Alexander said

TEAM SHOTS

Erik Scalavino discusses Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees' and his wife Melody's love of music. Pees is a gifted pianist and notes when Patriots Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins was married, Melody performed the ceremony (she’s an ordained minister) and Pees penned a personalized wedding song for them.
SBLI and Tedy Bruschi team up for 2nd annual Youth Football Clinic at Gillette Stadium. "54" Lucky Kids Learn the Plays from the Pros At a One-Day Mini Camp with Bruschi & His Special Guest Coaches.

LOCAL SHOTS

Jeff Howe notes that James Sanders will be leading the charge in the secondary, but everyone is prepared to step up, help out and learn from each others' strengths.
Mark Farinella notes the Colts have refused permission to speak to former Mansfield High wide receiver Brett McDermott, a Holy Cross product who's heading back to Indiana in August to take part in the Colts' training camp. He promises not to ask for a peek at the playbook.

LONG SHOTS

Brian Gadd (Zanesville TimesRecorder) Former New England Patriots wide receiver and sometimes cornerback Troy Brown spoke to 60 youths who took part in the week-long Philo youth football camp in Huntington, West Virginia.
Jason LaCanfora (NFL.com) Money doesn't always buy you wins. Interesting to note how many of the most successful organizations spent in the middle of the pack, while several of the top five spending teams suffered.
Jason LaCanfora (NFL.com) Team rankings in terms of "bang for their buck" — how much each club spent per win the past five seasons. Patriots and Colts are numbers one and two. Again, very interesting to look at these numbers.
Tim Graham (ESPN) Pats get bulk discount, Bills pay premium per win.
Pro Football Weekly Galloway leading for Pats third WR spot.
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Positional Rankings: Tackle. Vince Wilfork 5th.
Tom Monkovic (NY Times) A better way to decide overtime in the NFL.
Robert Boland (NFP) Internationalizing the game: The sport's future may lie in recruiting college-age European players.
Tim Graham (ESPN) Council of Trent: Green omits Edwards.
Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) Today's NFL rookies face many obstacles.
Vic Carucci (NFL.com) NFLPA head Smith urges rookies to examine life after football.
Fox Sports The Top Remaining NFL Free Agents.
AP Court takes case over licensing of NFL apparel.

Patriots Links 6/29/09 - Wes Welker a Giver, Not Just a Receiver

Marima — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:30:02 -0000

Ryan Stewart (NewsOK) Patriots' receiver Wes Welker's message well-received: Patriots star, Heritage Hall grad reaches out to area youths with camp.

The camp is designed to help underprivileged youth in the area by allowing them an opportunity they might not have been able to experience otherwise. And it’s free.

"Being able to give these kids this experience is the most gratifying thing for me," Welker said. "These kids rarely get opportunities and they are so happy to be there, grateful and appreciative. Their response every time makes it worthwhile."

Katie Taylor, 83 Foundation executive director, said the event has grown steadily and reached an all-time high with 360 participants this year. She said a lot of the success directly comes from Welker’s genuine passion to help underprivileged children in Oklahoma City.

"It’s stressing the things you learn being part of a team and having people you can rely on. Wes is trying to instill life lessons ... his goal is to build a better community. That’s what fuels Wes."

Rich Perillo Meet the Rookies: Patrick Chung

"This is a guy that fits the Patriots mold to the highest level," said Oregon's secondary coach John Neal.

According to Neal, Chung may have played more plays than anyone in college football history. He was a four-year starter for the Ducks (a string of 51 straight games) and played nearly every play on defense and all four special teams. In his junior year alone he participated in more than 1,300 plays. Think about that stat and let it sink in. Thirteen hundred plays in a 13-games season. Did the guy ever leave the field?

Neal said Chung is a tireless worker who loves everything related to football from playing to practice to the weight room to film study. He is consumed with being the best football player he can possibly be.

"His football intelligence comes from all the reps he's had over his career and because he loves to play and practice so much," Neal said. "He works so hard, I'd like to know how many push-ups he's done in his life. He does them all the time."

TEAM SHOTS

The Patriots Football Weekly staff debate: If you could choose one of the following, which would it be? The Patriots finish off the Giants in Super Bowl XLII, go 19-0, and then Tom Brady retires; OR The '07 season ends as it did but Brady continues to play for the Pats for another decade.
John Cockrell Friday Out-Takes: Car-flags and the King of Pop.
Patriots Today Troy Brown honored, Tedy golfs for charity, and more. (15 min. video)

LOCAL SHOTS

Christopher Price Negotiating for Dummies: What Pats' rookies should expect at bargaining table.
Michael Felger Who's the best GM in Boston? You might be surprised.
Mike Reiss addresses some of the leftover questions from Thursday's online chat.
Mike Reiss Trent Dilfer on managing Brady, Patriots offense.
Mike Reiss notes 7th round draft pick Darryl Richard scored a 37 on his Wonderlic test - the highest of any Patriots draft pick and the top mark among all defensive linemen in the draft.
Jeff Howe Brady and Moss ready to rock 'n' roll again in 2009.
Dale and Holley Recap The Tradition event on WEEI. (18 min. audio)
Kristin Merrill Boston-sized personalities.
Mike Reiss follows the career of New England native Steve Spagnuolo up through the coaching ranks to head coach of the St. Louis Rams, plus more NFL news and notes.

LONG SHOTS

Ryan Stewart (News OK) Wes Welker camp notebook: Friendly competition; Patriots' Wes Welker happy for friend Matt Cassel; Ex-teammates huddle with Wes Welker at his camp.
Albert Breer (Sporting News) Meet the new guy: Patriots RB Fred Taylor.
Tim Graham (ESPN) Your AFC East All-Decade roster revealed.
Trent Green (SI) MMQB: What it's really like to retire and how NFL should handle concussions.
Pat Kirwan (NFL.com) Do you really remember what happened in 2008? Grab your No. 2 pencils -- it's final exam time!
Steve Wyche (NFL.com) Rookie Symposium offers chance to pass knowledge on to NFL youth.
Sports Xchange (Fox Sports) Buzzwords: Latest news from every team's camp.
Michael Lombardi (NFP) Sunday at the Post. NFL news and opinion.
Mike Florio (Sporting News) NFL personal conduct policy finally making an impact?
Georgia Tech College of Management Tech prepares Darryl Richard for business side of sports.
AP What offseason? NFL hasn't had one.
AP NFL asks Supreme Court to weigh in on antitrust case, to decide whether the NFL’s teams constitute 32 distinct businesses or a single entity that can act collectively without violating antitrust law.
KC Joyner (NY Times) The 2009 Steelers: Strangely underrated champions.

How Michael Jackson Helped Save The Patriots

Marima — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:14:50 -0000

Anyone who is even remotely familiar with New England Patriots history wouldn't bat an eyelash at the above headline. From their oh-so-humble beginnings, through the brash bumblings and bad decisions of forever-strapped-for-cash founder Billy Sullivan and his sons, the Patriots carved out a unique path in becoming what ESPN has crowned them, the Team of the Decade. The fact that Michael Jackson was involved along the way, only adds to the story.

Forbes Magazine printed a story in September of 2005 on Robert Kraft and his "Unlikely Dynasty." Kraft's plan to fulfill his dream of becoming the owner of the Patriots was a long, methodical process where he learned from his earlier experiences and mistakes, and put himself in a position to buy the team when the opportune moment presented itself.

The Sullivan family, founding owners of the Patriots, owned the team and the stadium but not the surrounding land. In 1985 Kraft bought a ten-year option on the property, paying a group of Boston businessmen $1 million a year for first dibs to buy the land someday for $18 million. It was risky, but "the option gave me ten years to try to figure out how to get the team," he says.

According to Christopher Price in The Blueprint: How the New England Patriots Beat the System to Create the Last Great NFL Superpower:

[The Sullivans] were getting deeper and deeper over their heads financially. They had lost millions when the players went out on strike in 1982, but they were hit hardest a few years later when they went into business with legendary promoter Don King on the Jacksons' "Victory Tour." On the surface, it seemed like a sound financial decision, one that could make the Sullivan family millions: Fronted by their world-famous brother Michael (who was just coming off the success of the album Thriller), the Jackson Family would tour America together for the first time in over a decade. But the family didn't take into account the cost of fronting such a massive undertaking--the Jacksons were using the largest stage in music history, one so huge that it took reconstruction of many of the concert venues just to get the staging inside the stadiums. And they were clearly out of their league when it came to negotiating with King. Sullivan later estimated in court that the tour ended up costing the Sullivan family between $6 million and $8 million, while King made money on the venture. In addition, court records also indicated that the family lost $14 million on Sullivan's licensing of T-shirts and other memorabilia from the tour, for a total of roughly $20 to $22 million in losses for the family. The collateral for loans for the licensing agreement was Stadium Management Corp. and Sullivan Stadium itself, which Chuck Sullivan owned and managed. It all added to the idea that Chuck and his family were in over their heads financially.

Michael Felger, in Tales From The Patriots Sideline, adds details to the fiasco:

The tour tanked, mostly because the Jacksons wouldn't match Chuck's [$41 million] guarantee on revenue with a guarantee of their own on expenses. And the Jacksons' consumption on that tour became legendary, as every whim of Michael, Tito and Jermaine was catered to. Chuck also miscalculated how many tickets he would be able to sell in many of the stadiums he had booked for the tour. Apparantly, Chuck never realized that the Jacksons' huge stage setup would eliminate thousands of seats on the field. Chuck couldn't even get the Jacksons into his own stadium, as the Foxboro town board denied him a permit for the concerts.

Almost immediately after [the $18 million licensing contract] was signed, Jackson went into seclusion and started generating headlines for some truly bizarre behavior. In no time at all, Michael Jackson souvenirs weren't worth a dime and the the team offices at Sullivan Stadium became home to truckloads of lunch boxes and T-shirts [and to Chuck who apparantly became homeless and was sleeping there.]

When Sullivan Stadium went into bankruptcy court, Robert Kraft bought it, giving him the second crucial element that helped him eventually land the team: The stadium, concessions and parking. The Forbes article points out that "Kraft held the ace: the stadium's operating covenant that required the Patriots to stay put until 2001. Anyone who wanted to buy the team had to negotiate with him first."

In 1988 the team was sold to Victor Kiam for $84 million, and Kiam sold it in 1992 to St. Louis businessman James Orthwein. Orthwein only wanted the Patriots so he could move them to St. Louis, but couldn't do it without Kraft's concent - because of the legal covenant that held the team in Foxboro until 2001. Orthwein eventually sold the team to Kraft for a record-high price of $172 million in 1994.

As Michael Felger relays it, "It was eight long and frustrating years, " said Kraft, referring to time between his purchase of the land and the final sale of the team...But I felt all along that the day would come that I would have my chance."

Patriots Links 6/26/09 - Patriots Sweep All-Decade Team, Coach, MVP

Marima — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:38:21 -0000

The Patriots won three Super Bowls in four years during the 2000s, leading to all-decade honors for the team, coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

View full size photo uploaded June 26, 2009

Tim Graham ESPN.com selected Belichick as its all-decade coach for guiding the New England Patriots to three Super Bowls and four AFC championships and at least tying for the AFC East's best record each year since 2001.

That same résumé is why ESPN.com also chose Tom Brady as its MVP and the Patriots as its team of the decade. The honors were bestowed with consultation from NFL general managers, coaches, scouts and players.

"You have to recognize championships because, ultimately, that's what we're playing for," Belichick said when informed of ESPN.com's selections.

Belichick is more than a head coach. When the Patriots hired him in 2000, owner Robert Kraft essentially gave Belichick total control over football operations. Belichick handpicked his supporting cast and signed off on every major decision.

"He's made some great moves, brought in some players who had been released from other places. And he's done it year after year," said Ted Marchibroda, the coach who gave Belichick his start with the Baltimore Colts in 1975.

Mike Reiss notes Matt Light chose to attend the NFL's Broadcast Bootcamp for the same reason he’s enrolled three times in the NFL’s Entrepreneurial program:

"As a player, you get some unique opportunities to learn from some of the best, and I thought this was a great opportunity to learn,’’ he said. "It’s a chance to find out if this is something you want to do when you’re done playing. A lot of the guys here, including myself, kind of feel like this is something they might be interested in, but they really don’t know where they would fit in or what they really want to do, so you come to a broadcast boot camp and get thrown into the fire, and you go through a lot of different scenarios.’’

LOCAL SHOTS

NECN Boston honors sports legends at "The Tradition" (1min. video).

Patriots all-time leading receiver Troy Brown, center, enters the Sport Museum’s The Tradition sports gala at TD Banknorth Garden with sons Sirmon and Sanjay Wednesday.

Christopher Price reports on the praise showered on the Patriots by ESPN. Miami DE Jason Taylor wasn't surprised about Brady receiving honors, "

"The guy’s just a winner," Taylor told Graham. "He knows how to win, period.

"He’s got the talent. But everybody at this level has talent. … Maybe he does have a little more God-given ability than some others, but between the ears he’s as good as they come."

Mark Farinella thanks Michael Jackson for the Lombardi Trophies. The degree of separation between Michael Jackson's Victory Tour and the fortunes of the New England Patriots.
Mike Reiss discusses the Vince Wilfork/Richard Seymour dynamic, their contract situation and which is the more valuable player.
Mike Reiss talks about Robert Kraft's opportunity to buy Liverpool, why he turned the offer down, and his views of the salary cap in the NFL.
Mike Reiss checked in for his weekly Patriots online chat yesterday. Lots of good insight here as usual and worth the read.
Michael Hurley questions why the best quarterback in the league, Tom Brady, isn't paid like one.
David Heck says Peppers to the Patriots is an unlikely, though not impossible, dream.

LONG SHOTS

Tim Graham (ESPN) Belichick still working on his legacy.
Adrian Hasenmayer (Fox Sports) ranks the NFL's top ten clutch players. Wes Welker 6th (an "unstoppable waterbug on speed"), Peyton 3rd, Vinatieri 2nd, and Tom Brady 1st. Gee, is the bandwagon big enough to hold everyone???
Nick Szczepanik (London Times) Robert Kraft turned down chance to buy Liverpool.

"I wanted to do it," he said. "I met with David Moores [the former Liverpool owner], who is a fine gentlemen, and we came very close to buying it, very close. But in the end, my instinct was - not without a salary cap. If a salary cap come to the English Premier League, I’d buy a team in a minute."

Matt Bowen (NFP) Five defenses facing critical seasons.

Patriots Links 6/25/09 - Rodney Rips Favre A New One

Marima — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:13:36 -0000

Patriots defensive lineman Ron Brace (90) during Rookie mini camp at Gillette Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2009.

View full size photo uploaded June 24, 2009

Rich Perillo Meet the Rookies: Ron Brace.

The combination of behemoth size and excellent athletic ability makes Brace a natural fit for the two-gap responsibilities the Patriots demand from their nose tackles. Much like current starter Vince Wilfork, Brace is ideally suited to hold his ground at the point of attack and also has the ability to occupy multiple blockers to free up linebackers - another must in the Patriots defensive system.

While at BC, Brace helped lead one of the best defenses, especially against the run, in the nation. During his senior year, he and Green Bay first-round pick (No. 9) B.J. Raji were bookend defensive tackles on the stingiest defense in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The pair wrecked havoc on the ACC, totaling 11 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. While his tackle totals aren't that gaudy, he did a great job of jamming the running lanes and helping to prevent teams from picking up much on the ground against the Eagles.

Dan Patrick (SI) Rodney Harrison joins the Dan Patrick Show to discuss some of the biggest stories in the NFL.

"From the player's I've talked to, a lot of them seem to think Brett Favre is pretty selfish," Harrison said. "Each and every offseason bringing so much attention to himself. It's just really a disappointment to hear that time and time again.

"If you've been in the league 13, 14, 15 years or so you know if you want to play. The circus shouldn't have to go on for three to four years. It's just a disappointment. Then the media they're just so caught up and in love with Brett Favre ... It's ridiculous because a lot of guys are doing good, positive things in the National Football League and those keep things keep getting overlooked."

TEAM SHOTS

Erik Scalavino Julius Peppers signs Carolina tender...now what?

LOCAL SHOTS

Christopher Price brightens my day with his blog headline: Rodney rips Favre a new one. Price discusses Harrison's appearance on the Dan Patrick Show. Listen to the segment here.
Mike Reiss offers a chart showing each Patriots draft pick, the player's agent, a quick fact on the agent to go with any past dealings with New England, and then an open space for the contract terms.
Mike Reiss takes a long hard look at the Patriots and third down.
Tom Yantz (Hartford Courant) Offers the results of Wednesday's Travelers Championship Celebrity Pro-Am Tournament. Team Andrade finished in third place, with Pro Billy Andrade, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, son Brian Belichick, and actor Rob Morrow. Not too shabby.
Mike Reiss notes Bill Belichick presented Troy Brown Wednesday night at "The Tradition" event at TD Banknorth Garden. Reiss reprints one of Belichick's earlier comments made about leadership during a speech at Salem State, using Troy Brown as an example:

"Troy Brown, who hardly ever says a word, he just does his job – it doesn’t make any difference whether he’s covering Donald Driver on defense up at Green Bay, returning kicks for touchdowns against Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship game in 2001, or blocked field goals and lateraling for touchdowns in 2001, or catching passes from Tom Brady. He just goes out there and does his job. Of all the players I’ve had the privilege of coaching, he’d be the last guy to get up and talk and give a team speech, or that type of thing. That’s not his style, yet he’s a tremendous leader on the football team."

LONG SHOTS

Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Top 50: Chill, New England, there's no denying Brady now.
Ross Tucker (SI) NFL players aspiring to work in TV share their opinions of current analysts.
Pat Kirwan (NFL.com) Breaking down 'the money down' for NFL defenses.
Tim Graham (ESPN) Patriots pass-rush possibilities are slim.
Pat Yasinskas (ESPN) No matter how you look at it, Panthers win bout with Peppers.
Steve Wyche (NFL.com) Panthers have no intention of trading Peppers.
NFL Network Viewer's Choice: Pick your favorite America's Game. Vote for "2001 New England Patriots."
Matt Mosley (ESPN) All-Decade moments: Manning-to-Tyree tops list. Pats mentioned in five categories, but Peyton wins Best Commercial. What, Mosley doesn't like Sobe???
Dan Le Batard (Miami Herald) Ex-football star Bernie Kosar continues to fight through the pain. Interesting read, especially on the pain of letting go of the game.

"You always kind of get mad because they win all the time," said Smith, one of five tight ends...

Marima — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:26:33 -0000

"You always kind of get mad because they win all the time," said Smith, one of five tight ends competing for a job in New England. "They always talk about the ‘Patriot Way’ and not really knowing what that is, but these guys are just out here working. You can’t know that unless you’re actually in these doors and see everybody busting it and trying to get better every day. From the outside looking in, I can see why they’ve had such success in the past. I’m just trying to be a part of that now."

TE Alex Smith adapting to the Patriot Way