SB Nation User Blog: bartHML

Patriots appear primed to make move for Peppers

bartHML — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:56:05 -0000

From Vic Carucci on NFL.com

The trade that sent Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs appears to be only the first phase of some major wheeling and dealing by the New England Patriots this offseason.

The second phase, NFL sources say, is likely to involve a trade that would send Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers to the Patriots in exchange for the second-round pick (34th overall) they received from the Chiefs on Feb. 28.

According to league sources, the Patriots and Panthers are hoping to complete the deal at some point between the March 22-25 NFL owners meetings and the start of the draft on April 25.

The Front Office never sleeps... We have some interesting days ahead of us. Personally, I love Peppers, and I would be happy to have him here. Of course, his ability to play in a 3-4 scheme is pretty much unknown...

Report: Galloway to Pats

bartHML — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:05:09 -0000

From ProFootballTalk via Christopher L. Gasper:

The website Pro Football Talk is reporting that a Tampa TV station has reported that former Buccaneers wide receiver Joey Galloway has reached a one-year deal with the Patriots.

It remains to be seen whether he is injury-free and can survive TC. But if he can work his magic from the last couple of years we will have a nice passing attack again.

Also, it is a good question whether this affects our draft strategy

Reiss's Pieces

620 WDAE

Patriots agree to terms with Leigh Bodden

bartHML — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:05:53 -0000

According to Christopher L. Gasper (because Mike Reiss is on holiday :) )

According to a league source, the Patriots have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with free agent cornerback Leigh Bodden.

The 27-year-old Bodden was released by the Detroit Lions on Feb. 9, after a season in which he had one interception -- although it was the only interception by a defensive back for the 0-16 Lions, who had just four interceptions total last season.

Interesting turn of events, especially after the Springs-signing. Suddenly we have quite a quality depth at CB. Maybe an indication that we will explore other opportunities in the draft.

Full article here

Chiefs complete trade for Cassel

bartHML — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:10:48 -0000

From NFL.com:

The Kansas City Chiefs have found their starting quarterback. NFL Network’s Adam Schefter reports the Chiefs acquired QB Matt Cassel from the New England Patriots in a trade.

The teams have agreed on compensation, but no details of the deal were immediately available.

And also the Boston Globe:

The Boston Globe has confirmed that the Patriots have a trade in place with the Kansas City Chiefs for quarterback Matt Cassel.

More details to come.

Our worst nightmare?

bartHML — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:21:38 -0000

From ESPN.com:

New England Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli has agreed to become head of football operations for the Kansas City Chiefs, two NFL sources confirmed to ESPN's Michael Smith.

The vice president for player personnel at New England, Pioli, 43, is close to Patriots coach Bill Belichick and has been with the Patriots for nine years.

Pioli should find a warm welcome in Kansas City. At the last Chiefs' home game, shortly after the embattled Carl Peterson resigned after 20 years as president, general manager and CEO, several signs were spotted in the crowd proclaiming, "We want Pioli."

Welker & Gostkowski are Patriots Pro Bowlers

bartHML — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:38:47 -0000

From Mike Reiss:

Receiver Wes Welker and kicker Stephen Gostkowski have been voted to the Pro Bowl, it was announced today.

It is the first Pro Bowl berth for both players.

Four receivers are selected in the AFC, and Welker, who ranks second in the NFL with 102 receptions, was named a reserve behind Houston's Andre Johnson and Denver's Brandon Marshall.

Gostkowski is the AFC's lone kicker. He is 30 of 33 on field goals this season, having hit all 34 of his extra-point attempts. His 30 field goals are tied for most in the NFL are are two shy of the Patriots' single-season record (Tony Franklin, 32, 1986).

Some quick facts on the Pro Bowl honors for Welker and Gostkowski:

Welker is the fifth Patriots wide receiver to earn Pro Bowl honors since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, joining Randy Moss (2007), Troy Brown (2001), Terry Glenn (1999) and Stanley Morgan (1979-80 and 1986-87).

Welker caught at least six passes in each of the first 11 games of the 2008 season, becoming the first player in NFL history to begin a season with that many consecutive games of six or more receptions.

Gostkowski is the fourth Patriots kicker to be named to the Pro Bowl since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, joining Adam Vinatieri (2002, 2004), Tony Franklin (1986) and John Smith (1980).

Gostkowski is on pace for 142 points this season - a total that would set a post-merger Patriots record.

Click for the full rosters

Sources: Brady tore ACL and MCL

bartHML — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:10:55 -0000

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee, NFL sources confirmed today. Medical tests on the knee, including an MRI performed Monday, indicated no damage to other knee ligaments and no torn cartilage. The typical course of action for such an injury is to wait 4-6 weeks for the MCL tear to heal, then reconstruct the ACL. Brady will likely undergo surgery in approximately one month and face 6-9 months of recovery and rehabilitation, barring any complications. Patriots training camp begins in mid to late July, a little more than 10 months from now.

Full article here