This page was poorly used during the last season and as such has earned a change of design. I will use this page to place to post periodic articles regarding Patriotic topics which inspire a more formal rant than the Message Board. It might better be titled Zip's Rant.
Articles:
Tragedy/Tribue - September 11, 2001 - Zip's
comments on the Terrorist Attacks
Camp Competition: - What to 'expect' as Training Camp Opens (7/26/01)
What is this plan? - an evaluation of the Patriots offseason.moves and the seeming plan (4/5/01)
2001 - The Odyssey Begins - A realistic look at the current status of the team (1/30/01)
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Outrage in America The terrorist atrocities at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in the hijacked airlines are a travesty which outrage our great land. The many lives lost, the shattered illusion of safety and the many ripples of ugly ramification which will follow are all a senseless tragedy. I wish I could provide more than my hope for comfort to those who now find great need for such. |
I maintain these pages dedicated to a sport for which I have a particular passion and for a team in which I have placed my football loyalties. I do this because of the entertainment I derive from the entire process. One of the points of pride I sustain in these pages is the camaraderie I develop with fans of opposing teams. We debate the merits of our teams performance and enjoy the contest, conquests and sport. While there are fans of my own team and other teams which have provided little more than annoyance, there are many more who make this entertainment all the more rich for my enjoyment.
Now this outrage, this horrific act of deplorable violent cowardice upon our country has shaken most of this country deep within our roots. The Towers of the World Trade Center have been shaken to their foundations and in such have reached the foundation of our society. America has endured few atrocities and never has endured them without rising up to meet the challenges they provided. Our people have awoken each time and ensured the threats which challenge her are laid to rest and her people are safe and secure in the principles and freedoms by which we all stand. I like to believe I speak well in the world of football and the New England Patriots Football team. I am certain my Patriotic roots are deeper still although I well acknowledge my literary failings in the matters of expressing my concern, my empathy and of course my outrage at the tragedy which has beset our nation. I found inspiration from the words of a friend and thus I hope to share with you his better means of expression for these matters.
My friend of whom I spoke is an excellent journalist, typically specializing in legal or government issues. His name is Gene Lejeune and he typically has commentary on the site nabobs.net. He spoke some words which I found well phrased to mirror the events already heard in the reactions of our fine country. I include his article below - though you could see it in full along with his other works at his site.
Now his words:
Bryant College brings a welcome breath of relief throughout Patriot Nation... or has it dwindled down to Patriot State? Either way the issue of significance is the State of the Patriots. The bitter taste of last season can finally be washed out by a fresh season and the start of actual football. Each season begins with hope and promise for every team's fans while the experts take their potshots at the favorite whipping boys. Make no mistake, New England is a favorite whipping boy for most of those experts. Fans however are allowed to welcome the even records and plan their teams route to success. Hardcore fans break down the details for finding such promise. The signs are present for improvement and I intend to break down the reasons for you.
Last season had several fundamental flaws which undermined the team's opportunity for success. Most notable for this end was the woeful performance of the offensive line. Teams routinely stunted or blitzed directly up the middle providing pressure on Drew Bledsoe in under three seconds most occasions. This pressure came without forfeiting sufficient run support because of poor guard play, poor blitz pick up by the backs, lack of a capable receiving Tight End (Wiggins late emergence excluded) and wide receivers generally too small to quickly shake off press coverage at the line of scrimmage. These four factors glared ominously through the season review and Bill Belichick has made the moves to change all four. His first steps are to bring in veteran Guard play in the form of Mike Compton and Joe Panos. Both are mentally and physically tough with a reputation for handling stunts well. Both are a considerable upgrade from their previous title-holders. He then drafted potential Guard players in Todd Light and Kenyatta Jones. These youth are intended to challenge and support the current line. The emphasis was clearly placed on the middle of the line to halt the shortest path to Drew Bledsoe. His next move brought Fullback Marc Edwards into the fold. While Carter couldn't pick up the Blitz well, Edwards is well respected for this talent. He also adds an excellent receiving sense and the ability to make yards after the catch. This is a double solution in that it provides Drew more time when the blitz is picked up as well as giving him a legitimate and more dangerous dump-off option in the passing game. Next on his four part checklist, Belichick sought out a Tight End solution. He failed at several free agent attempts as well as an attempt to move up in the draft and grap Todd Heap, the premier Tight End in the draft. Ultimately he did land Johnie McWilliams, a large promise laden free agent who has experienced little use in the Vikings receiver based attack. Wiggins remains a viable competitor but poor conditioning in the mini-camps didn't serve him well for confidence. Two draft picks included the soft-handed Jabiri Holloway and project Arthur Love. All to compete with Rod Rutledge and Steve Eitzman as 'promise' of a Tight End solution. Strides forward but perhaps not the ultimate solutions. Last was a very active market for Wide Receivers. While many wonder if Terry Glenn will be a factor in the team, Belichick seems confident his star receiver is part of the solution and hunted up a slew of competition at the #2 spot. Troy Brown had a very impressive year but size was an issue. Charles Johnson is a #1 receiver who provides the size needed to aid the corps as does his larger counterpart Torrance Small. Added to these is the rejuvenation project of Bert Emmanuel and the silently impressive David Patten. This is a host of talent to compete for the slots and provides excellent WR depth for New England QB Drew Bledsoe. Four strides towards solving the fundamental problem from last season. Impressive work and reasonable hope.
The second glaring weakness? An atrocious performance in third down defense had to be addressed. The team had struggles finding a right corner and a nickel back for much of the season. The comeback of Antonio Langham was a farce unfortunately and Otis Smith is an aged warrior who well knows and plays the scheme but is simply a trifle to slow to handle his duties. Kato Serwanga failed to step up as many had hoped might occur. The solution was to acquire two corners with significant starting experience in the league. They are Terrell Buckley and Terrance Shaw. They will compete furiously for the starting job and provide strong depth at the nickel position. This may be the strongest corner situation since the Clayborne and Lippette. Certainly at least as good as the one healthy season Steve Israel provided opposite Ty Law. Third down conversions come in the air generally and improving their corners will make leaps and bounds towards shutting down that avenue.
The team has added to it's depth and to it's special teams with an overall toughness which was less prevalent in previous seasons. There remain concerns such as Defensive Tackle and Strong Side Linebacker. It is within the mingling of the brew in which team chemistry emerges in balance with the talent at various positions. In resolving some of last year's problems and improving the depth, the team brings a training camp rife with competition which was overly lacking in last season's camp.
Wide Receiver has six quality players fighting for positions.
(Glenn, Brown, Johnson, Small, Emmanuel, Patten)
Tight End has four quality players competing for the starting nod.
(Wiggins, McWilliams, Holloway, Rutledge)
Cornerback has three top notch and five competent players competing.
(Law, Shaw, Buckley - Smith, Serwanga)
Running-back has three starting quality players competing.
(Redmond, Smith, Edwards, Faulk)
Offensive Guard has four quality players challenging for the position
(Compton, Panos, Light, Jones)
Free Safety has four quality players challenging for the post.
(Jones, Stevens, Akbar, George)
The competition is much higher in this camp and the conditioning is much improved. They won't be learning a new system, they'll be working on execution. This time with nearly enough tools to be competitive. A few breaks in the right direction and the level of competition can rise like the Rams and Saints in previous years. Last season many games were lost by less than a touchdown - this year their offense shows higher promise - enough for a TD/game? Time will tell but it will be a fiercely competitive camp with the Fans the winners for it.
Free agency has begun with few significant changes for the Patriots. Unsurprisingly John Friesz was let go to clear cap space. Bruce Armstrong is similarly no longer with the team and it is a sad farewell to a one-time shining warrior who has lost the skills needed to properly play his position. A bit more surprising for some walks was the departure of Chris Slade. His performance wasn't in line with his salary but more importantly he seemed to be a poor fit for the team strategy. Slade has struggled as a coverage linebacker after a strong start in the league as a pass rushing specialist. He departed with class and should be recalled for his hard working always willing to play performances. His sack total was always higher in his home game performances - he played for the fans. Of most significant impact to the team, both starting Defensive Tackles have departed. Chat Eaton and Henry Thomas have each departed. Chad is a Seahawk for more money than New England was willing to pay and Thomas was a salary cap casualty.
The Departures:
OT, Bruce Armstrong
FB, Tony Carter
DE, Brandon Mitchell
LB, Olrick Johnson
LB, Marc Megna
QB, John Friesz
LB, Chris Slade
FB, Harold Shaw
DT, Hank Thomas
DT Chad Eaton
S, Larry Whigham
WR, Tony Hamler
As mentioned the two most significant impacts for the team are the Defensive Tackle positions. Inexperience and insufficient talent currently hold the position and additions must be made. In an interview with Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo, Bill Belichick did promise an experienced free agent DT would be added to the team this season. Most are betting an arrangement exists which will bring Ernie Logan to join the Patriots while attempted dealings for Brenston Buckner are ongoing. This still provides the team with a significant hole. Similarly these departures created holes at: Offensive Left Tackle, Strong Side Linebacker and Fullback. Below I hope to discuss the manner by which these have been addressed.
The Additions:
Mike Compton, G,
Bert Emanuel, WR,
Damon Huard, QB,
Larry Izzo, LB,
Joe Panos, G,
David Patten, WR,
Anthony Pleasant, DL,
Terrance Shaw, CB,
Mike Vrabel, LB,
Mark Edwards, FB
Matt Stevens, S
Tending to the newly created holes first we find no addition to the Offensive Left Tackle. This is in large part due to one of two factors. Either Adrian Klemm will have the opportunity to play this position for which he was drafted but from which he was withheld due to injury or the Patriots have intent on drafting a Left Tackle such as Leonard Davis or Kenyatta Walker. Klemm's ability to play the position is unproven but the potential was significant when he earned his position as the Patriots top draft pick (Round 2) last season. The true difficulty with New England's offensive line last season resided in their interior at the Guard position. Mike Compton and Joe Panos are solid improvements to the interior although neither are to be mistaken for all-pro candidates. Shoring up the middle without paying the large dollars demanded by the higher tier Guards enabled New England to make many improvements. Will Klemm be an improvement at OLT?
The Strong Side Linebacker position did have an addition, Mike Vrabel although he is unlikely to match the quality of Chris Slade. He does come at a significantly lower price and may be poised to raise his game to a respectable level for the position. It is more likely Andy Katzenmoyer will showcase his better coverage skills to man the position as an improvement. Katzenmoyer must emerge this season despite significant neck surgery. If he is unable, the job will likely fall to newcomer Vrabel. The Pats improved their depth with a potential for improving the position from within. Meanwhile they saved a few significant dollars and made steps toward an improving future while Slade seemed to represent a failing past.
At fullback we see the first clear cut improvement. Mark Edwards is a better fullback than Tony Carter. He picks up blitzes better and catches the ball better as well as producing yards after the catch better. This addresses two significant points of weakness for the Pats. Drew needs the comfort of a good blitz pickup to keep him healthy and give him the chance to use his 103 million dollar arm. He likewise needs security blanket dump offs in the form of his Tight End and Backs - Edwards is such an option.
A quick review shows we created four significant holes in our Free Agent departures. We clearly closed only one of these holes with additions while we hope to have closed two of them from within. The fourth hole (DT) has not been addressed in any fashion at this point. It seems a poor response thus far especially when you note the large number of names added to the team. So what do all of the other names represent?
First and foremost we improved our special teams considerably. Larry Whigham departs but Larry Izzo replaces him - with a more pronounced recent performance on special teams as well as a quality depth at the Middle Linebacker Position. Vrabel and Stevens are also excellent special teams performers who will bolster this unit while adding quality depth at needed positions. Stevens may have an outside chance to earn the starting position should Tebucky Jones not sustain his late season form. While Special teams were strong last season, they show promise for being dominant this season - all while lowering the overall cap number and adding quality depth.
Secondly the team has achieved a quality cornerback with a significant chance of starting. Shaw was an excellent corner for SanDiego and was the #3 corner in Miami behind the most talented duo in the league. He joins New England for the chance to solidify a starting position. He is likely to improve the secondary dramatically by shutting down a glaring weakness.
Finally the intent to provide an experienced QB (Huard) at bottom dollar prices seems admirable. While the need is questioned by many as the Patriots now hold four QB slots, the simple fact is for bottom dollar prices there will be sustained competition for the backup with an experienced winning QB in the mix. Worst case it provides the flexibility to move another QB should trade options arise. Bishop is of course a likely candidate for such if he can provide a few sparks in his NFL Europe stint with the Frankfurt Galaxy.
So what about this plan? The Patriots were over the salary cap and somewhat strapped by players not earning their higher pay. While some of these situations could not be corrected as the Cap protected them as well as exposed them, many such situations have been rectified (Friesz, Slade) with a reasonable attempt to provide some fiscally responsible replacements. This team is not poised for a championship. It needs to develop depth and strength throughout the roster before a marquee name has the chance to make a true winning impact. This is a framework from which to expand and hopefully from which to begin the needed turnaround. The team has been on the decline since 1996 as bad drafts and underachieving have slowly removed the talent base. The moves have attempted to strengthen the base while addressing key points of weakness with the seeming intent of exposing the strengths. Give Drew Bledsoe time and he has proven dangerous in this league. The middle of the Offensive Line is the target to improve his time. Stunt reading guards with pass blocking emphasis to help provide Drew this time. Add a blitz reading fullback who provides the dump off potential and you see a pattern to improve by enhancing your strengths - and reducing your weakness. Similarly the defensive side of the ball noticed two key points of weakness. The cover linebackers were insufficient and in Slade's case: costly. A better coverage linebacker with a young upside will move in to help address this situation. Simultaneously the hunt for a better cover corner has yielded a promise-laden player.
Sufficient? Hardly! The Offensive Line is still far too much a question while the Defensive Line interior is virtually non-existent. A pass rush is the key to improving the third down defense - this requires improvement throughout the line. Most notably in the interior which is now vacated by two more productive players. These two major problems will be addressed in the draft for which New England holds a high and promising pick. Better still the draft holds two top notch prospects for the Offensive line and no fewer than eight top prospects on the Defensive Tackle position. Promise indeed - which affords you nothing unless a plan exists to ensure the right choices are made to follow through with the framework which is begun. Good choices will make a dramatic improvement this season and set the stage for the future in which fiscal responsibility should have the team prepared to make real strides towards the ever present goal of winning a championship.
The year 2000 was filled with frustration and failures for the New England Patriots. It involved adjustments to the new beginning but these adjustments never bore the fruits of victory to the extent most fans desired. While the calendar year has not, at the time of this writing, turned to 2001, the team has now so moved. The past is behind, with many lessons burned into the coaches, players and fans of this team. No doubt some bridges have been lit with fire as well. Those decisions and disappointments now remain behind and the focus must move forward to those things which may still be impacted to yield the results needed for a successful franchise. Success is not quite as far away as some might have you believe but it is far from ensured as well. Only correct moves and hard work can provide the team a chance to earn a successful season in 2001. It will be an Odyssey - one which may be enjoyed by fans still distraught at the results of the prior season.
There will be several stages in the alteration of this team as the new season approaches. In brief these steps are as follows:
1) Create cap relief (restructure & release)
2) Sign Patriot Free Agents Desired
3) Sign NFL Free Agents
4) NFL Draft
5) June 1 Cap Easy Release
6) Final Free Agent Adjustments
The first major consideration will be to address the contracts of key players. First and foremost is likely the matter of Drew Bledsoe. Under contract for the 2001 season, he is likely to sign an extension which will tie him to the franchise for the remainder of his career and ease the burden of his rather heavy salary cap figure for the final year (9.3 million). This contract will be vital to determining how much freedom the Patriots will have for the next stage: free agency. There will likely be a few veteran players with low cap ramifications who receive their early walking papers. Several expensive players have underachieved since signing large contracts. Some are due to injury and others are unclear in the source and these players will get a close examination. Most likely there will be no major surprises until June 1 when the cap hit for cutting players may be split over two years. All 2000 contract expirations occur midnight on February 15, 2001. The Patriots must make determinations on their own unrestricted free agents by this point as they will then be on the open market. The players in this category are as follows:
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In this determination will be some key decisions. Chad Eaton is the most significant of these players. He was the best performer on the defensive line when healthy. He is undersized for a nose tackle, vital in the system most commonly employed by Belichick. He will likely earn respectable money on the open market and keeping him will be a major commitment by the team. Knowing free agents such as Ted Washington (Buffalo) and Jason Fergusnon (NY Jets) are available could impact this decision. The best situation would involve keeping Chad and adding one of those larger Defensive Tackle's to join him on the line. A powerful interior such as that would enable the Defensive Ends (McGinest and Hamilton) to be more effective. This scenario would probably involve the loss of Henry Thomas as well as often injured Brandon Mitchell. Greg Spires is an undersized roleplayer who is likely to receive a tender offer making it difficult for him to go elsewhere. Spires showed a knack for reaching the QB - a rarity this season for New England pass rushers. Clearly from this, the defensive line is likely to undergo significant modification. The anemic pass rush of the past exacerbated the problems in the secondary. Similarly an improved Defense Line Rush would enhance the secondary coverage.
Tony Carter is the only full time Fullback currently on the roster. He is a modest blocker with decent hands. Not precisely a ringing endorsement for big contracts. Nobody has successfully challenged his position but something is likely to change in order to help enhance the Patriot pass protection and running game. Harrold Shaw is a large Halfback who worked some as a Fullback but earned his paycheck leading the Special Teams in tackles. A small tender offer will likely make him questionable to return. Such will also be the case for Bruce Armstrong. His injuries and age make him far less than his many years of outstanding duty in the past. His record for most starts as a Patriot has now been set and hopefully most will remember the many outstanding years given by this warrior. His effective years are past and it is unlikely he will have more years in New England. The offensive line is a target for the most significant change this offseason, Armstrong is likely to be one of the victims of these changes.
Each step of this process will alter the moves necessary on the subsequent steps. Once the Patriots have taken care of their own they may turn their eyes elsewhere, attempting to lure the necessary free agents which are affordable, resolve a team need and are willing to play the final year of Foxboro Stadium. CMGI (or potentially a new buyer) Field opens for the 2002 season which means the horrendous conditions of Foxboro will sustain for one final year. The key needs in New England would involve the following:
1) Build a solid Offensive Line
2) Shore up a depleted Defensive Line - especially a pass rushing threat
3) A solid right cornerback
4) Add an every down Tight End
5) Find an every down Running Back
While this is not all-inclusive of the problems, it already involves significant player change. Damien Woody has the center position well in hand while rookies Klemm and Robinson-Randall may have shorn up a Guard and Tackle position respectively. Unfortunately that is a very unproven may and still leaves the need for at least one solid guard and a Left Tackle to replace the aged warrior Bruce Armstrong. Before depth is even a factor, two starting quality linemen (as a minimum) are missing from this team. These are the major free agents available on the offensive line:
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The Defensive line lacked the pass rusher everyone hoped to find in a healthy Willie McGinest. Brandon Mitchell again struggled with injuries while the brief span of Eaton's injury showcased the worst line performance of the season. Bobby Hamilton was the most pleasant surprise but joined Eaton as the only reliable performer. The desired defensive scheme and availability of players will cause a bit of a chicken vs egg battle this offseason. As outlined above, changes are expected. Many quality lineman are available for the very money already being paid to Willie McGinest. There is a signing bonus cap hit which likely keeps him on the team but the line is hurting in large part due to his performance. Without a respectable pass rush, the Pats were horrific at halting third down conversions.
Cornerback would improve immediately upon the increase in pass rush. However, opposite Ty Law is a question mark as Antonio Langham failed miserably this season. Otis Smith is inconsistant at the position and the youth movement of Kato Serwonga and Harris failed to demonstrate competence. Worse still is the potential question of Ty's status after his border debacle. There must be an addition at this position unless but it is unlikely to be a major movement. Will Otis, Serwonga or Harris be sufficient with a better pass rush? Dare we believe in a better pass rush.
Jermaine Wiggins was the brightest spark of the late season. He outperformed Rod Rutledge in the passing game and seemingly began to gain Bledsoe's confidence. While nobody will confuse him for Ben Coates, he alleviates a bit of the critical nature of tight end. His play eased the burden on Rutledge and brought forth a better player in Rutledge. Wiggins blocking and condition may be the key movements of the offseason in the Tight End position. A legitimate middle threat will halt the safety doubling of our wide outs and help open Glenn and Brown for some deeper balls which rarely existed without such a threat.
Running back has the remarkable return of Robert Edwards to test his rehabilitation against Redmonds outbreak of nagging injuries and the fumbling fingers of Kevin Faulk. Only Edwards has proven his ability to be a legitimate every down back. Unfortunately Edwards has the roughest road ahead. Redmond will have an offseason to erase the injuries and return to show the flashes of his rookie campaign. Faulk is in the most dire situation as he must prove the fumble follies a fluke. Given the vast needs of this team, it is likely the burden of running will fall to these three. There aren't dollars or picks enough to risk adding another scat back at this time.
All of these things are the start of the Odyssey. All of this before we even begin to evaluate the draft of this year. Virtually even with the salary cap in a league where many teams surpass the cap, could give New England hope if they may make the right moves. Every single football division had a new champion this year. It is a time of quick fortune reversal in the NFL. More so when you have a franchise QB, a high quality wideout with an excellent incentive contract. There are players on this team but they must pull together and perform along with the key additions. It is unreasonable to expect Superbowl appearances but we are building upward. So did the St. Louis Rams and with a bit of luck found almost anything could happen. Personally I'll enjoy the ride to improving - so long as the team ensures they take steps to that end.