Stats on Pats Weekly Article by Joshua Bonneau, southcoast247.com correspondent
Prelude to 2006-2007
Turn your focus. The Red Sox have suffered a monumental collapse and the summer is all but washed-up. But not to worry, dear friend, because at the same time that you’re shedding a wistful tear into your seven dollar Fenway Park Bud Light, bright things are happening some thirty miles away in Foxboro. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to New England Patriots Football.
And what a proud return it is. The Patriots, despite failing to resign keystone free agents David Givens (WR), Adam Vinatieri (K), and Willie McGinest (LB) during the off-season, are looking strong going into next week’s season opener against Buffalo. And depending on how you look at it, these moves don’t look all that damaging. Recent reports out of Indianapolis state that Vinatieri has a fractured left (non-kicking) foot, and is questionable to start this week’s opener. The Patriots opted not to resign the thirty-three year old kicker after the 2005-2006 season, when failed negotiations surrounding his hefty contract sent him packing to the AFC rival Colts- a team willing to overpay.
But losing a key guy is never easy- namely one who is arguably the most clutch kicker in football history. His replacement will be in the likes of Stephen Gostkowski, a rookie out of Memphis who was a perfect 7 for 7 in preseason play. Nevertheless, Gostkowski has big shoes to fill, and it remains to be seen how this change will affect the Patriot’s over the course of the season.
On other fronts, core safety Rodney Harrison (S) is back, rehabilitated from what many considered to be a career ending injury suffered in the early part of last season. All signs point to him being healthy and ready, but again, he is another question mark in terms of output.
Moving right along, the Patriot’s Offensive line looked solid during preseason play. Comprised of Mankins (G), Kaczur (T), Koppen (C), and Light (T) as the core, the young, talented O-Line looks to be one of the Patriots definite strengths this season. And on the flip side, the Pat’s defense, led by Bruschi (LB), Colvin (LB), Seymour (DL) , and once again Harrison (S), looks strong as ever. Emerging talents Vince Wilfork (DL), Artrell Hawkins (DE) and Ty Warren (DL) illustrate the Patriot’s interest in young, utility role players.
In terms of offense, the Patriots acquired rookies Lawrence Moroney (Rb) and Chad Jackson (WR) during the draft, among others. Maroney looks to be a promising young talent, and scouts say the same for Jackson, who has yet to receive any playing time due to an injury.
Due to an ugly holdout that has gone on far longer than most people expected, Super bowl MVP Deion Branch will not start this week’s game against Buffalo, but rather will continue his holdout into November says ESPN news. It appears as though both sides have dug their heels in, but in my opinion the Patriots have all the leverage here, and I can’t say I blame them. Over the past five years, the Patriots have exercised one of, if not the best financial systems in football, in which players are signed in terms of their utility value. In other words, over paying for Branch, especially while he is still under contract, is not an option.
And less we forget, we still have Tom Brady.
So Lord, if you have pity on those still reeling from the Boston Red Sox’ inimitable decline, please let the Patriot’s dominate. Let Harrison be healthy, let Brady stay healthy, and help Seau not to do or say anything stupid. All this in the name of a championship. Amen.
Tell me, Tell me. josh@southcoast247.com.
Turn your focus. The Red Sox have suffered a monumental collapse and the summer is all but washed-up. But not to worry, dear friend, because at the same time that you’re shedding a wistful tear into your seven dollar Fenway Park Bud Light, bright things are happening some thirty miles away in Foxboro. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to New England Patriots Football.
On other fronts, core safety Rodney Harrison (S) is back, rehabilitated from what many considered to be a career ending injury suffered in the early part of last season. All signs point to him being healthy and ready, but again, he is another question mark in terms of output.
