SB Nation User Blog: Ogor

Brady Out...

Ogor — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:19:04 -0000

Looks like what we were talking about all week has come true. ESPN is reporting that Brady will not suit up for the game tonight. Matty, as they say.... "tonight is your night bro"

Personally this isn't bad news to me. I tend to agree with the thought that we would be better off with Brady playing a couple snaps under center before the season begins. At the same time though, I am glad he isn't behind that piece of swiss cheese we call an o-line.

P.S.: Where is our open gameday thread!

Herald Appologizes

Ogor — Wed, 14 May 2008 05:29:37 -0000

This will appear in tomorrows paper, the sneak peak is compliments of Mike Reiss' blog:

On Feb. 2, 2008, the Boston Herald reported that a member of the New England Patriots' video staff taped the St. Louis Rams' walkthrough before Super Bowl XXXVI. While the Boston Herald based its Feb. 2, 2008 report on sources that it believed to be credible, we now know that this report was false, and that no tape of the walkthrough ever existed.

Prior to the publication of its Feb. 2, 2008, article, the Boston Herald neither possessed nor viewed a tape of the Rams' walkthrough before Super Bowl XXXVI, nor did we speak to anyone who had. We should not have published the allegation in the absence of firmer verification.

The Boston Herald regrets the damage done to the team by the publication of the allegation, and sincerely apologizes to its readers and to the New England Patriots' owners, players, employees, and fans for our error.

Colt's Harrison questioned in shooting

Ogor — Sat, 03 May 2008 06:03:37 -0000

Almost assuredly they are completely unrelated and he was just interviewed because he owned near-by establishments. The first thing that came to my mind is, if this were a Pat's player, ESPN and every other team fan would be roasting him over the fire right now. Anyway, again its probably not related in any way, but I thought it was interesting to post and see how many colts fans find their way over here to post.

For the full article:

Colt's Harrison Questioned in Shooting

2008 Schedule Official

Ogor — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:48:34 -0000

All times in EST

Sunday, 7 Sep - Chiefs at Patriots (CBS, 1 p.m.)
Sunday, 14 Sep - Patriots at Jets (CBS, 4:15 p.m.)
Sunday, 21 Sep - Dolphins at Patriots (CBS, 1 p.m.)
Sunday, 28 Sep -- BYE
Sunday, 5 Oct - Patriots at 49ers (CBS, 4:15 p.m.)
Sunday, 12 Oct - Patriots at Chargers (NBC, 8:15 p.m.)
Monday, 20 Oct - Broncos at Patriots (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)
Sunday, 26 Oct - Rams at Patriots (Fox, 1 p.m.)
Sunday, 2 Nov - Patriots at Colts (NBC, 8:15 p.m.)
Sunday, 9 Nov - Bills at Patriots (CBS, 1 p.m.)
Thursday, 13 Nov - Jets at Patriots (NFL Network, 8:15 p.m.)
Sunday, 23 Nov - Patriots at Dolphins (CBS, 1 p.m.
Sunday, 30 Nov - Steelers at Patriots (CBS, 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, 7 Dec - Patriots at Seahawks (NBC, 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, 14 Dec - Patriots at Raiders (CBS, 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, 21 Dec - Cardinals at Patriots (Fox, 1 p.m.
Sunday, 28 Dec - Patriots at Bills (CBS, 1 p.m.

* subject to flexible schedule

Some 2 cent analysis:
Bye week in the 4th week kind of sucks, I prefer it later in the year, and i am sure the players like the break in the middle rather than at the start. On the other hand, it allows them to make defensive adjustments early on with some of the new secondary players.

October 5th and 12th, and December 7th and 14th are on the west coast, will the team just decide to stay somewhere on the west coast in between those weeks? I would think it would be best to do something similar to that. At least the league grouped the trips for us, and gave us the first one after our bye It would have sucked to bounce back and forth through time zones.

5 prime time games this year, as expected we get most of the national games. The players stated last year how they hated having so many night games. The one to watch for is the Seahawks game on December 7th. Starting a west coast road trip off with a night game could be rough, unless they head out early to get adjusted to the time.

Potential big games:
12 Oct - Patriots at Chargers
2 Nov - Patriots at Colts (standard)
30 Nov - Steelers at Patriots
7 Dec - Patriots at Seahawks

Of course any game can prove to be a big game, but with how things played out last year, these are the ones I am most looking forward to.

Ogor's 20 cent linebacker analysis for 2008

Ogor — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:56:00 -0000

First the disclaimer... I am not a paid writter, and you didn't pay 20 cents for this. This is simply a fan's attempt to take a look at the team and what we have left and what is still out there as of noon EST on 4 March. Some of this information is blatently copied from http://www.patriots.com for easy reference; other research sites include http://www.nfl.com and http://www.espn.com. I added some of my own thoughts to some of the analysis there.

Please comment and add your thoughts about FA, trade or draft picks out there!

Linebackers:
Mike Vrabel: What can be said about this guy. He has done everything the Pats have asked of him, lined up inside, outside, as TE, and has a perfect 11 for 11 catch to touchdown record. While outside is definitely his more natural position, he can fill into either spot well. He finished 2007 with a pro bowl spot, 77 tackles, 12.5 sacks and has been a team captain since 2005. He was consistently in the backfield all season long pressuring the QB when not getting a sack.

Adalius Thomas: The first big FA signing of the BB and Pioli era. His first season at NE wasn't spectacular, but he was trying to learn a complicated defense first at ILB, then at OLB. He performed solidly all season long, and should be even better next season with a year of the defensive scheme under his belt. He finished 2007 with 78 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 8 passes defended and 1 interception for a touchdown.

Tedy Bruschi: One of the biggest fan favorites and has a motor that doesn't seem to quit. Tedy is a very solid ILB and does well against the run in the Pat's 2-gap scheme. His speed has diminished over the years and he isn't as good in coverage as he once was, but he is still a smart, savy vet who can make plays. He finished 2007 as the team leader in tackles with 99 (69 solo)^, 2.5 sacks and 2 passes defended.

^Patriots.com and NFL.com have different numbers for this, I used patriots.com numbers

Larry Izzo: Captain and core special teams member. Izzo has filled in on occasion in the middle, but his strength is clearly special teams, which he is one of the best in the NFL at. Izzo has led his team or tied for the team lead in special teams tackles seven of his last eight seasons, dating back to the 1999 (2007 was the first time he failed to lead the team in ST tackles - See Piere Woods), and been to 3 pro bowls as the special teams player. He could fill in occasionally, but is not a starter for the pats.

Back-ups
T.J. Slaughter: He had 2 good years when he first entered the league with jacksonville, then his production dropped and he bounced between a few teams, mainly serving as a backup. He definately showed some potential as a rookie, and could be another Mike Vrabel in the making once BB gets his hands on him. For now, he seems to be just a capable backup projected at the OLB position.

Eric Alexander: Signed as a rookie FA in 2004, he has been mainly a special teams contributor and backup ILB. He has been exceptional on special teams, leading the teamin ST tackles in 2 regular seasons, and all 3 post season games in 2007. Most Pat's fans remember him as the one Dallas Clark ran all over during the 2006 AFC Championship game, but he is improving yearly. Look for him to break into the starting rotation this year as well as be

Pierre Woods: Signed as an undrafted FA in 2006, and has mainly been a special teams contributor and reserve OLB. Lead the team with 22 ST tackles in 2007. He is another young homegrown linebacker in the Patriots system, but hasn't shown enough to break into the starting line-up. With Thomas and Vrabel ahead of him on the depth charts, look for him to be another core ST member and possibly rotating in for some snaps when the game is in hand.

Free Agents
http://www.patriots.com/news/index.cfm?ac=latestnewsdetail&pid=31078&pcid=41
http://www.footballsfuture.com/2008/nfl/freeagentsLB.html

Junior Seau could be back after double shoulder surgery, and would definately make a contribution both in the locker room and on the field.

Teddy Lehman is probably the best available FA for the Patriots. He has the versitility they like, and has played MLB for the 4-3 system and ILB for the 3-4 system. If the Pat's are really thinking about changing the defensive front, look for them to make a run at this guy.

Victor Hobson or Clark Haggans are other possibilities, with the thought they they could cover the outside opposite Vrabel, while Thomas moved back to the inside.

Analysis
Linebacker is both one of the weaker positions and one of the stronger positions for the Pats. The outside linebacking core has great pass rush ability and can set the edge against the run very well. The inside group had great success stopping the run, but the pass coverage was a sore spot over the middle. There were too many 5-10 yard passes over the middle of the field last year for my liking. Woods and Alexander are solid ST contributors, but might not be ready to start at the NFL level. This group can get it done, but it would be nice to inject some highly talented youth at the position. Look for the pats to pick up a ILB with the second or one of the 2 third round picks.

Ogor's 20 cent defensive line analysis for 2008

Ogor — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:59:26 -0000

First the disclaimer... I am not a paid writter, and you didn't pay 20 cents for this. This is simplly a fan's attempt to take a look at the team and what we have left and what is still out there as of noon EST on 4 March. Some of this information is blatently copied from http://www.patriots.com for easy reference; other research sites include http://www.nfl.com and http://www.espn.com. I added some of my own thoughts to some of the analysis there.

Please comment and add your thoughts about FA, trade or draft picks out there!

Linemen:
Overall this is a definate strength for the Pats and has been for many years. They are the cornerstone of the "bend but do not break" philosophy the Pats have adapted since BB took over the franchise

Richard Seymour: He has been a beast ever since we drafted him #6 overall in 2001. Seymour has been to 5 pro bowls, and is concidered one of the best DLs in football. He lost a bit last year coming back from surgury, and never seemed to get into the flow of things only having 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He also didn't eat up double teams this year like he has in past years. Look for him to rebound back to form this year with a complete offseason and preseason to get into playing shape. Signed through 2010

Ty Warren: Another homegrown talent, taken #13 overall in the 2003 draft, Warren has been a solid DT on the other side of the line from Seymour. While not as prolific a player, he is solid and dependable, and getting better every year. He racked 53 tackles and 4 sacks with 3 fumble recoveries in 07. Look for him to improve next year, and make a run at a pro bowl nod. Signed through 2014

Vince Wilfork: One of the best active 3-4 NTs in the game. Vince is a beast up the middle and can provide enough of a rush, that many teams feel the need to double team him. He is in the prime of his career and well worth the #21 pick overall we spent on him in 2004. He had his first prowl bowl nod in 2007 after a great season in which he ended with 48 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 fumble recovery. Signed through 2010

Jarvis Green: With a backup like this, NE doesn't worry too much about resting injured players. Green filled in admirably for Seymour at the start of the season. He was drafted #126 overall by NE in the 2002 draft. He played all 16 games last season, starting in 10 games. He finished the season with 57 tackles, and 6.5 sacks. Signed through 2010

Backups
Le Kevin Smith: #206 pick overall in the 2006 draft. Played in 10 games in 2007, is the team's reserve nose tackle. Young player and a decent backup. He is no Vince, but he can get the job done. As long as he is the only reserve on the line, it shouldn't be much of a factor. Signed through 2010

Santonio Thomas: Undrafted free agent in 05, practice Squad member in 05 and 06, played in 4 games in 2007. Thomas hasn't seen much action with the team as of yet. Signed through 2011

Rashad Moore: Signed as a FA in 07, has been on and off a bunch of teams. Moore has played in 43 career games with 18 starts, posting 87 tackles (60 solo), 3.0 sacks, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and four fumble recoveries. Again a reserve backup, but has decent game experience. Moore is a RFA and was not tendered this year, leaving his return in question, signed through 2009.

Mike Wright: Undrafted free agent in 05, has played a limited role as a reserve lineman, nose tackle, and special teams player. His versatility has helped him get some playing time, and he has 55 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his 3 year career. He has ended all 3 seasons on injured reserve however, leaving questions about his durability.

Free Agents
http://www.footballsfuture.com/2008/nfl/freeagentsDL.html
Smith has already signed with the 49ers, so the list of talented DL isn't very deep.

Analysis
The Defensive line is one of the Patriot's strongest positions. The starting trio of Wilfork, Warren, and Seymour is among the best in the NFL, and Green could start on most NFL teams. All 3 starters and most of the backups have contracts with the pats until 2010. With 4 high caliber players, the Pats have the ability to play either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defensive set, and we have seen them switch it up many times under BB. Of the other backups, Smith and Wright seem to have the most upside, and may see more playing time, rotating in to give the line a breather when the game is in hand. Look for Smith, Wright and Thomas to play a lot during the preseason as they evaluate the future of these 3 young players.

Fun stat

Ogor — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 04:41:54 -0000

If you are like me, you are still a little down about the super bowl.

If you are like me, you are still a little down about the super bowl. I was wandering around the web today looking at stuff for the draft, and I came across this little factoid that just made me say "WOW"

The Patriots have a 91-37 regular-season record since 2000, best in football. Seven years of dominance... its more then I ever could have hoped for back in the 80s, and to a degree the 90s

Pats-Bolts Ref

Ogor — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 02:24:13 -0000

Jeff Tripplet and company

It was announced on the NFL.com official review video. I wish I could find that list of the officials by game I saw somewhere. Search is failing me now =(

2007 Records Set

Ogor — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 06:56:19 -0000

Here is the list of all the records the Pat's have set this year. If I missed something please add to the list!

Here is the list of all the records the Pat's have set this year. If I missed something please add to the list! This is just a fan trying to keep track so don't blast me too much =D

Not in any particular order I tried to do most of these from memory/internet research

TD Passes in a season (Brady 50)
TD Receptions in a season (Moss 23)
Most points in a season (Patriots 582)
19 consecutive regular season wins.
Most consecutive 3 TD games to start a season (Brady 9)
(TIE) Most players with a Touchdown (Patriots 21)
Passer-Receiver TD tandem (Brady-Moss 23)
Touchdowns in a season (Patriots 75)
Most extra point kicks in a season (Gostowski 74)?

Franchise Records (that were not NFL records):

Most yards passing in a season (Brady 4806)
Receptions in a season (Welker 112)
Net Yards of Offense (6580)
First downs in a season (393)
First division sweep

NFL network

Ogor — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 05:59:39 -0000

all that stands between the Pats and a perfect season is....

all that stands between the Pats and a perfect season is MONEY... I predicted this day to my friends after week 8. A showdown between history and GREED. Whether you side with the NFL network, or the cable companies, it is irrelevant. The most historic game in NFL history has come down to GREED. Both the cable companies and the NFL have restricted your viewing because either or both want to make a ton of cash at the expense of your hard earned dollar.

I am personally saddened by the fact that congress has to get involved in this. I personally believe that NFL sunday ticket should be available to every person in the US, cable or direct TV.

Unfortunately I will have to go to a sports bar to watch OUR team kick the tar out of the Giants, to watch Brady and Moss set records that will not be broken for decades, and to watch the Pats put up a perfect regular season. I subscribe to Time Warner.