I figured it might be interesting for us to keep a running tally of who the potential attitude problems in New England for this season were, and where they stood at any given time. I'm going to put them on chronologically as to when the problem might have started, why it started and where it stands at the moment. 1. Asante Samuel (CB) When: February 16th, 2007. Why: Patriots franchised Samuel instead of meeting his demands for a long term contract at market rate. Where it stands: Samuel is not participating in offseason workouts and has asked to be traded if the Patriots cannot meet the going rate for a free agent CB, presumably set by the 49ers signing of Nate Clements. Stay tuned. The last person on this track with the Pats was Deion Branch and he was traded before the 2006 season. 2. Randy Moss (WR) When: April 29th, 2007. Why: Patriots traded for Moss knowing that he had a history of marching to his own drummer. Moss renegotiated his contract to lower salary and accepted an incentive-laden contract in return. Where it stands: Who knows? It's Randy Moss and you never know how things are going to go until they do. The incentives will only become an issue if Moss has slowed down some and Brady chooses to go to the open receiver if (when) Moss is double-covered. This could get interesting. 3. Donte Stallworth (WR) When: April 29th, 2007. Why: Patriots signed Stallworth to an incentive laden contract that can dramatically bump his earnings, both in 2007 and down the road. With the acquisition of Moss Stallworth is in some jeopardy of not meeting those incentives. Where it stands: Only Belichik and Brady know how the ball is likely to get spread around in 2007 and other than Brady's obvious enthusiasm for Moss we haven't a clue yet. Between Moss, Stallworth and the guy below somebody is going to be really angry by mid-season. 4. Chad Jackson (WR) When: Any of March 5th 2007 (date Wes Welker came over in a trade), March 12th 2007 (date Stallworth signed) or April 29th (date Moss came over in a trade.) Why: The Patriots have acquired 3 players at his position who are queued in front of him for playing time in addition to the guy who beat him out as a starter last season. Where it stands: Jackson caught 13 passes for 152 yards as a rookie in 2006 after being drafted in the 2nd round by the Pats. He was a highly regarded WR prospect coming out of Florida and was the second WR taken in the 2006 draft. Now his playing time in his crucial second season will be marginal at best. His ability to market himself well as a free agent in 3 years is rapidly diminishing. 5. Reche Caldwell (WR) When: See Chad Jackson above. Why: See Chad Jackson above. Where it stands: Caldwell will be a free agent at the end of the season and the Pat's moves this offseason have created an awkward situation for him. He needs numbers to get a decent contract on his next team but he is also the receiver the Pats have the least investment in. Best guess is he's going to get cut in training camp, but if he doesn't he'll be unhappy all season. 6. Brandon Meriweather (S) When: April 28th, 2007. Why: Meriweather had a couple of highly publicized incidents at Miami that cut his draft stock some. In one he fired his gun in self-defense (legally) and no charges were filed and in the other he stomped an opponent's head during a melee on the field. Probably top 15 pick without the incidents. Where it stands: Nobody knows. We'll all just have to wait and see how he adjusts to having a chunk of change in the bank and going to work everyday. Updated list to add Brandon Meriweather. Add disgruntleds below in the thread or to update status on these 6 as necessary.
Good Stuff.. I just can't believe the level of hatred towards the Patriots.. :breakdance: This will all blow away into the wind at around 5pm Sunday Week #1.. :up:
I'm just curious, but how do you know the Moss incentives are performance based? And if they are, they could be easily attainable. And I seriously doubt Stallworth is going to make waves with that 33 million dollar contract dangling in front of him. If these guys want to get paid, they'll be good boys, and they're smart enough to know that. Everyone knows they have the skill, it's their character that's in question. If they prove they've changed, they get paid. They won't need gaudy numbers. Branch got paid, but his numbers weren't very glamorous now were they? Givens and Patten? Teams and players understand receivers aren't going to have huge numbers on a Patriot team. And maybe for a second try and consider that Moss is telling the truth about winning vs. money. He was going to make 20 million over the next 2 years after all.
This is an awesome list!!!! :beer: The obsession and jealousy is much respek. I mean, I knew the Jets fans fans had Pats envy, but the amount of time that went into this is balls-out amazing. This is a flat-out admission that we are awesome. Good thing the Jets have no problems. Thanks for conceding the season. Oh, you forgot Brady. The baby and all.
of course we have jealousy and respect for what the Pats have done, you know I have been nothing but comlimentary over the past few years BUT you guys made a big blunder w/ this skins-like offseason. Not only did you overpay for some players but you also brought in multiple questionable character players. The jets are trying to build like the dynasty Pats did, the current Pats are doing it the way Daniel Snyder would and I am very pleased about that.
As has been mentioned before the contracts given to Moss, Thomas and Stallworth are not cap-breakers for this upcoming season. All three contracts are written so the big money and related cap hits don't occur until at least 2008. Should the Patriots see fit to release any of the above mentioned players before they are guaranteed to play in 2008, there is minimal financial impact on the Patriots. The inpact these players can have on the Patriots' 2007 season in relation to the nominal salaries and cap hits involved is laughable. Many Patriots fans realize this. As I understand his way of doing business, Snyder signed contracts with his players that were not back-loaded, leaving his team on the short end of the $$ and salary cap scenario from year 1 of those big contracts written.
Thomas got $20 mil guaranteed? How is that not a cap breaker? Moss and Stallworth signed incentive laden deals so financially they aren't on the hook BUT they are problem players. Stallworth is always hurt(he plays w/ the pain but his production suffers) and we know what Moss can be. They also gave up $10 mil guaranteed for Wes Welker AND a 2nd and 7th rd pick which looked asinine enough at the time but after acquiring all these new WRs it looks even wore now. In this ofseason they brought in a player who was suspended for drugs last year(Morris), a player in the drug program now(Stallworth), a problem child(moss) and drafted a player who shot someone. Good LR's can sustain 1 maybe 2 of these types of players but 4? That's alot to ask. As or Snyder, his team was never in cap trouble, thy were creative w/ their contracts which was why they signed new big $ players every year. it's not just about the cap, it's about core dynasty players looking around the LR an noticing former core dynaty players gone b/c they wouldn't pay them but seeing new, overpiad faces for players that have never helped them. How do you think samuel feels that NE won't pay him but he sees other players getting paid ridiculous amounts?
Instead of hoping for the Patsies to implode in order for the Jets to win, I'd rather put my faith in the Jets and hope they overtake the AFC East with everyone firing on all cylinders. Instead of wishing bad on the competition, expect and demand our team to play their best. The win will then be satisfying.
I predict two Pats WR are cut in TC and we pick up at least one of them and the board will be very happy about it.
My first thought was that the Pats would likely trade Chad Jackson and try to get a 2nd round pick back out of the deal. Then I thought some more about Moss and Stallworth potentially being unreliable (both have missed major parts of seasons recently) and I realized they'd probably keep him around. I agree completely on Caldwell, although I think the Pats will go down swinging on him trying to trade him right up until the moment they have to let him go.
I realize a team was dumb enugh to give up a 2 for Welker, dumb enough to give up a 1 for Banch and the pats also got Moss for a 4th BUT there is no way I could see any team givng up a 2 for Chad Jackson.
Here are some more Patriots potential attitude problems: 6. Brandon Meriweathber (S) Why? The guy is crazy. 7. Rodney Harrison (S) Why? Meriweather can outplay and possibly outcrazy him. That means Rodney will have no choice but to step up the crazy. 8. Lawrence Maroney (RB) Why? He'll implode under the pressure of being the every-down back. Then his knee will implode. Enter Kevin Faulk. 9. Kevin Faulk (RB) Why? He's old. 10. Tom Brady (QB) Why? Now a proud father of nineteen, Tom will realize that there are more important things in life than winning Superbowls. 11. Teddy Bruschi (ILB) Why? Before a game, while Teddy plays with his kids, he'll think to himself "Wait - I'm only doing this for the reporters. I'm a complete fraud and an asshole to boot." Teddy will then decide to turn over a new leaf and he and Tom Brady will quit football to start a day care center. 12. Bill Belicheck (Coach) Why? Bill will decide that his mission on earth is complete and return to his true form to rule the underworld.
13. Mike Vrabel Why? I hear he once got a speeding ticket. He also has been accused of living in Mass. 14. Vince Wilfork Why? He was drafted by the Patriots. Also doesn't play for the Jets.
Quite the contrary. I fully understand. It is a clear sign of jealousy and immaturity. Plus, I'm a certified idiot! :lol:
Randy Moss only plays when he wants to. Merriweather is a gun toting thug. I guess I am immature and jealous.hmy:
