Bradway would probably do that.... remember we signed alot of our own players who were 29-32 yrs old and let the 26 yr olds walk from 2002 after....I probably would have done the same thing though. This 4-12 season, is better for the long run, cause if we went 8-8 Bradway would probably still be here and he would have found a way to keep everyone and fuck our cap even more. (but thats the nature of being a GM for a couple yrs on the same team) the new regime can have a couple losing seasons before everyone goes crazy.
Well it was inevitable that we released Mawae sooner or later. He was one of the highest payed centers and he was pretty bad last year before getting hurt. Granted Heimerdinger's system wasn't suited for him, but it really exposes how much of a liability he is when he has to block someone without pulling or getting a huge head start on a block. Mawae has trouble because he is small and doesn't engage in blocks well unless rounding the corner or using his agility to his advantage. Heimerdinger's system and I think Schottenheimer will use man to man blocking schemes that require larger lineman to run block and work together in pass blocking.
Sowell was not making minimum salary, but he wasn't making a ton. Look, the coaching staff wanted to change ways. Look at Schottenheimer's offense. Does the fullback touch the rock more than 10 times a season? NO. Mawae was coming off injury, and maybe this "locker room leader" BS is just a little overblown. Maybe there was more problem there than you know.
I like Mawae, I have met him on a few occasions, and i thought he was a decent guy. Tough ball player and still has something left, but at the end of the day, you support the jersey. My wonders with Sowell, is if teh FB will even play a big role in our O this year? I think San Diego(Shotenheimer) uses a FB consistently, but I dont think NE does, at least no one comes to mind, except Dan Klecko and other goal line guys. Maybe Mangini isnt that concerned about a pass catching FB? and thought it better to spend money elsewhere.
Someone asked if the pats used a FB alot, so I answered the question. It will certainly be Schotts offense.
Neal didnt touch the ball that much but was very important in opening holes for LT. The FB is a blocker first and Neal was an excellent blocker. The top 2 F's the past few years have been Richardson from KC and Neal. It is time for Askew to rise to the challange that has been presented to him.
I agree, Askew needs to contribute. I never classified Pass as a FB, he may be, but i thought he played in the single back set a fair bit as well, when the other Pats RBs were banged up. If Askew isnt afraid to bang heads, he could be key.
The new FO said players would have to take paycuts and those who didnt would have to go so they cut mawae and sowell. It sends a message to the rest of the players no more bloated contracts just becuase you have been around for a while. Its a great team move and smart
Even though Edwards deserved it, Mawae took his shots at Herm's back as he left. I will always admire what Mawae did between the lines, but his mouth finally caught up to him..... and he obviously hasn't accepted responsibilty for that yet. Mangini was here when Mawae led the Al Groh mutiny too. Now, he's still shooting his mouth off, only proving the point that he makes way too much noise.
