Yardbarker: Tedy Bruschi

Redemption is a dish best served "gold"

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:21:45 -0500

Okay that title is pretty lame, but the New England Patriots have had two weeks to sit on the embarrassing loss to Miami... and the 49ers are going to pay for it. Bottom Line: Some are predicting a huge passing day for Cassel, but I think it's going to be a balanced team effort. Head to the Bottom Line and tell us what you think!

Patriots and Giants not likely to be Super preseason finale

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:09:23 -0500

With both Super Bowl teams suffering injuries on the defensive side of the ball, it will be interesting to see how much playing time the defensive starters will have as the Patriots play the Gaints in the final preseason game for 2008. The Patriots have played poorly in all phases of the game and injuries to quarterback Tom Brady and the offensive line have left little opportunity to see how the offense will really perform at the start of the season. At this point I no longer care about the back up QB position and we should get rid of Cassel and let Gute and O'Connell pick up the slack if anything happens to Brady. Along the offensive line the positions to watch should be left tackle with the return of Pro-Bowler Matt Light from injury and right guard with veteran Mike Flynn still looking make the team. There are still a number of running backs on the roster and the possibility of five making the team will leave one looking for a new job after the weekend. The initial loser seems to be rookie BenJarvis Green-Ellis who may make the practice squad, but this game could be the deciding factor for Lamont Jordan or maybe another running back like Sammy Morris or Kevin Faulk…. Looking at the wide receiver position, we know Randy Moss and Wes Welker are the number 1 and 2 receivers, after that it is anyone's game with Jabar Gaffney and Chad Jackson taking most of the reps. Kelley Washington will make the team for his special teams ability and Sam Aiken is also possible, but with an injury he could be put on PuP and make room for Ray Ventrone to stay on the roster. Defensively the Patriots are a bit deeper with experience then on the offensive side of the ball, but it is still performance on the field we have yet to see in the preseason. The defensive line has not been able to stop the run well enough to give Patriot Nation confidence. The linebackers have had some success, but Tedy Bruschi is showing his age and the youngsters Jerod Mayo and Shawn Crable are still learning the ropes. Victor Hobson could be a casualty as he has not stood out so fare this preseason and has only had 3 tackles. Pierre Woods and Eric Alexander are two others to watch as both have been in the system, but still do not stand out enough to warrant keeping them on the roster much longer. The defensive backs are a curious lot, as the depth of talent has dwindled due to injury and we have still yet to see the impact of defensive back guru Dom Capers. The cornerbacks still play way too far off the receiver and it is obvious that Ellis Hobbs still has issues with giving up too much room and getting beat. Fernando Bryant has been mediocre at best and the rookies Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite are still learning from their mistakes, but it is too early to tell if they are the talent that (ahem!) Asante Samuel and Randall Gay were in their rookie season. With age and experience comes our safeties Rodney Harrison and John Lynch. James Sanders needs to prove he is capable to replace Harrison in the long term. Brandon Meriweather is still suffering from an injury but hopefully he is healthy enough not to be put on PuP. Special teams - the third phase of the game has been doing well offensively with Stephen Gostkowski hitting all his kicks. Chris Hanson had a bit of an issue in the last game in ball placement, but overall has been pretty effective. Stopping the opposing team from running the ball back on kick offs and put returns has been just terrible. The Buffalo Bills have had a great special teams group the past few years and this is where they will beat the Patriots in 2008. I do not expect anything great to come from this game, hopefully there will be no serious injuries to any of the players from either team.

Patriots Training Camp- Why So Physical?

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:34:11 -0500

If the Patriots thought they were going to breeze through their 2008 creampuff schedule on their way back to the Super Bowl, they quickly discovered upon their arrival at training camp that they were sorely mistaken. Literally.No, instead of 2008 AFC East Champs hats and an AFC Championship Game placeholder, all they've gotten are beatings from each other on a daily, and sometimes twice-daily, basis.Eleven of the first 14 practices for the 2008 Pats have been in full pads, with heavy contact.There have been lots of 11-on-11 goal-line work, including Saturday, when rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo stuffed Laurence Maroney on the 1-yard line and got the win for the defense.Patriots Fan Weekly reporter Paul Perillo called it the play of camp thus far, and that makes me warm and happy inside.But why so physical?It's possible Bill Belichick might be worried his team could be overconfident heading into a schedule that sees them playing teams with a 2007 winning percentage of just .387, and only 99 total wins between the lot of them.It's hard to get excited about the 49ers and Rams.It's also possible that, with their entire record-setting offense returning, Tom Brady and Co. might think about holding back a bit. Save something for the finish. Something they didn't have last year in the final minutes of the Super Bowl.Belichick is reminding them that you cannot hold back in the NFL, and every single team they face is going to come at them with everything it's got.What do Brodie Croyle and the Kansas City Chiefs have to lose if the Pats trounce them in the opener? Nothing.Always fear a team with nothing to lose (see New York Giants).At a time when other teams are easing up a bit due to the 80-man roster limit, the Patriots have taken it to another level.The only problem is that, by practicing like this, injuries become a major factor.Wes Welker and Ellis Hobbs came off the PUP list Saturday, but starting Pro Bowl left tackle Matt Light has been MIA for nearly a week.The right side of the line was already shaky; the team needs the left side to remain intact.They've treated their veterans gently, giving multiple days off to Brady, Tedy Bruschi, and Richard Seymour. Rodney Harrison missed the first few days on the PUP.Meanwhile, everyone else is butting heads. Constantly.Should the Patriots make it out of the training camp and the preseason without a significant loss, they will hit the ground running. They will be ready for every team's "A" game. Even if it is the Cardinals.

Belichick Sex Tape Cements Patriots' Standing as Dynasty

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 18:01:06 -0500

Some things in life are better left unsaid, especially when they're unconfirmed. But what the hell, this is funny in a morbid sort of way. A former sportswriter who travelled with the Patriots posted his grand finale "last day as a New England Patriot" on his new blog yesterday.

Among other things, Tommy Rider writes that Tedy Bruschi is a complete jerk and woefully disliked by his teammates and far from the man the fans see. He also claims Bruschi isn't a team leader and the real team leaders are Tom Brady (mmm), Matt Light, Richard Seymour and Rodney Harrison. He goes so far to say that Harrison is the nicest guy on the team, which is kind of funny since he's one of the dirtiest players in the game.

Rider also writes that Corey Dillon is a miserable piece of feces and that Randy Moss is the best player he's ever seen - and a likable guy to boot.

And then we come to Bill Belichick, described by Rider as willing to kill his mother if it meant winning a football game. That synopsis could probably be made by any football fan who follows the game closely. What one would never conjure up is a Belichick sex tape.

I heard from someone who is close to the case that there is a sex tape of Bill Belichick banging the married woman he had an affair with. I shit you not. The husband who is suing that woman for being unfaithful to him has a tape of his wife and Belichick screwing while the two of them were still married. Belichick is a very powerful man so I imagine he's doing everything in his power to squash this from getting out but it could only be a matter of time. A part of me doesn't want to see it but another part of me can't help but be intrigued.

Wow. I can't figure out what's more stunning: that there might be a Belichick sex tape or that a former Patriots employee would be intrigued by it. If Belichick really did star in a homemade movie of sorts, you'd have to think he executed with great tactics and used every advantage he could gain to put on a winning performance.

Roger Goodell has yet to comment on the matter.

"Ex-Pats" Writer Decides To Burn Bridges And/Or Create Elaborate PR Stunt

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:31:46 -0500

There's either an extremely elaborate story coming out of Foxboro or.....yeah.....there's an extremely elaborate story coming out of Foxboro. I don't even know where to start with this one, but I'll give it a shot.

Tom Casale was, up until recently, apparently a writer for Patriots Football Weekly. Tom has "been let go" for one reason or another (so says he) and now he wants to drop some bombs and nuke the place on his way out. Pats fans then decide to believe the plan via the comments and other websites. And......Herrrrrrrrre We.......GO!

Now that my time with the Patriots is over, I'm sure some of you would be interested in info from a guy who worked on the inside of an NFL Dynasty. Before I give out that info, I want to make it clear that nobody in that organization did wrong by me. Bill Belichick never yelled at me and the players were more than accommodating 99 percent of the time. I have no axes to grind with anyone. The things I write below are simply the truth from information I've obtained and observations I've made over the years. (Good so far....)

--Tedy Bruschi is much more popular with the fans than he is with his teammates. He isn't the team leader people think he is. Actually, Bruschi rarely talks to any of his teammates. (Enh...not bad...)

--Corey Dillon is about the most miserable piece of shit you would ever want to encounter. You should see the looks and gestures he would give fans when we went on the road. (That's a little better...)

--Hold on for this one: I heard from someone who is close to the case that there is a sex tape of Bill Belichick banging the married woman he had an affair with. I shit you not. The husband who is suing that woman for being unfaithful to him has a tape of his wife and Belichick screwing while the two of them were still married. (And Scene!)

Well then. Forget Spygate! We're on to Sex Tape Gate!!! The line forms behind me for the first peek. What's that? You just threw up??? Wuss.

I'm sure they'll receive a ton of press for this tomorrow, and watch for mainstream media to pick up on it around 10 a.m. or so. It should be a fun day in Foxboro and I'm curious to see how far this reaches. Very, very clever move though if you ask me.

Oh and by the way....it's for a betting website. Come on people.

My Last Day as a New England Patriot (Pregame.com)

Bill Belichick sex tape?

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:32:07 -0500

Tom Casale covered the Patriots the last couple of years for Patriots Football Weekly, but now has headed over to pregame.com (NSFW language). With his time at New Engalnd done, he takes the time out to write about his interactions with players and coaches of the organization. Some interesting facts include Teddy Bruschi being a total a-hole to Randy Moss being the best player he has seen with his own eyes and extremely popular in the locker room. Also Casale states that Belichick is just a miserable human being. But not only a grumpy old man, but supposedly a grumpy old man with a sex tape.

2008 Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Q & A - Positional Bargains

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 01:05:16 -0500

With fantasy football drafts right around the corner, the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football staff is ready to get you prepared for draft day. To do so, staff writer Chris Ziza offers his expert insight on which fantasy football players can be had at a bargain price in your fantasy football draft. Make sure to click the link to read the full article...

Rookies making their way to Foxboro, two players released

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:49:43 -0500

With the excitement of the draft dwindling behind us, the New England Patriots are looking forward to their new rookie talent to arrive in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Today, first round draft pick Linebacker Jerod Mayo will be introduced by Robert and Jonathan Kraft to the fans and media. The drafted and undrafted rookies will go through a two day mini-camp beginning on Friday and we will have updates from Bill Belichick. Who will attend the rookie training? According to NEPatriotsDraft.com the following players are undrafted free agents picked up by the Pats: LB Vince Redd (Liberty), Mike Dragosavich (NDSU) - signed by the team, DE Chris Norwell (Illinois), TE Jon Stupar (Virginia), C Ryan Wendell - Fresno St.), OT Josh Coffman (ECU) - 2 years/$0 Bonus, DL Casey Tyler (Portland St.) - 1 year/$0 Bonus, DL Carlos Feliciano (Maryland), LB Gary Guyton (Georgia Tech), RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis (Ole Miss), LB Keith Saunders (Alabama), SS Mark Dillard (La Tech) and both RB Kenny Cattouse (Troy) and TE Tyson DeVree (Colorado) on a tryout basis. After the draft the Patriots reviewed their personnel and have released veteran linebacker TJ Slaughter and former practice squad member defensive back Tim Mixon. Still no word or updates on Junior Seau or Ty Law to return to the team. It should be in interesting weekend to see how the rookies adjust and to see if there are any other roster moves.

Patriot Puzzle Pieces: 3rd Down D

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:26:24 -0500

When the Patriots employ their nickel defense with the "frisco", or three down-linemen, front, Rodney Harrison moves to linebacker. Expect Victor Hobson, who is better in a short zone than Bruschi, to join Rodney inside. Adalius Thomas and Mike Vrabel will rush from the edge.

Patriot Puzzle Pieces: Base Defense

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:50:30 -0500

We will project the current starters prior to the draft, and detail which positions need attention in April's draft. Base defense is up first and then we will look at third down defense, including the nickel, dime, and "Cali" packages.

Free Agency not urgent for Patriots

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 09:25:04 -0500

With free agency seemingly dead in the water, there are still a few NFL teams looking to fill needs, but will they wait for the draft or take a veteran they know will add value? It is interesting to see how 2008 has been similar for the Patriots to free agency periods before 2007. There was too much hype on the Patriots in 2007 and now media pundits feel the Patriots have had a terrible offseason due to losing Asante Samuel, Randall Gay and Eugene Wilson from their secondary and cutting Rosevelt Colvin. Jamie recently gave a review on the Patriots free agency moves and outlines his thoughts and grades. Although the Patriots have found a few additions in the secondary with CB Fernando Bryant (lions), S Tank Williams (Vikings), CB Lewis Sanders (Falcons), CB Jason Webster (Bills), these players seem to be often injured and decent replacements for the likes of Gay and Wilson or at the very least special teamers. Dom Capers knows a few of these players and they all seem to be tough physical kind of guys he likes to have to play up in the box. I am hoping that Capers is able to improve the secondary and I agree with Jamie, 'if Bryant is the starter alongside Ellis Hobbs to start the season, I don't like the Patriots' chances to make it back to the Super Bowl'. Ty Law is still available (as well as Hank Poteat), but even then I do not like to depend on him to start the whole season. The draft is deep with cornerbacks more so then safeties, so I see Meriweather playing safety in 2008 rather then filling in at corner as he did in early 2007. If Law does join he along with Capers should be able to bring along the young talent into the Belchick mindset relatively quickly. Worse case scenario Troy Brown returns as a nickle back and the Pats at least said no to 'Pac Man' Jones. Overall, I disagree that cornerback is the top need for the Patriots this offseason as the Patriots have often filled the voids in the secondary with players off the street and have used quantity over quality. If we look at the Patriots roster, the greater need is still youth at linebacker with only Pierre Woods and Eric Alexander are the only 'veterans' (sorry Izzo is special teams and comes in on goal line defenses) behind Tedy Bruschi, AD Thomas and Mike Vrabel. They have never played well enough to even come in during the early blowouts in 2007… TJ Slaughter was recently signed and Panthers Adam Seward (RFA) was brought in for a check up with no contract given. These are back-ups not starters even if they figure out the Patriots system. Junior Seau is still surfing and has not made up his mind to return and the Pats may be interested in Takeo Spikes, but age is still a concern. So sure the Patriots did re-sign a few key players like Randy Moss and Lonie Paxton. And Tedy Bruschi is old and slow, but still a team leader and play maker having the most tackles on the team in 2007 - not bad! I think keeping Gaffney is great as he adds value with Stallworth gone, the others that were re-signed are all fillers and not game changers and talent to get to the Super Bowl. I would grade the free agency as a D, based on the Patriots not doing enough to fill the gaps and not much opportunity to draft starters in the draft. Having said that … IN BILL WE TRUST!

Pats interested in LB Spikes

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 09:21:49 -0500

According to the rumor section of Sports Illustrated, the Patriots are one of four teams interested in LB Takeo Spikes. Previously, I figured that Spikes wouldn't be on their radar due to the fact that he has played in the 4-3 his entire career and is coming off an injury that shortened his only season in Philadelphia. However, if this rumor is true, Belichick must feel that Spikes has the ability to make the switch to the 3-4. If Takeo is fully recovered from his injury, he certainly has the athletic talent to make an impact and fill the linebacker void in New England. Spikes hasn't played a full season since 2004 with the Buffalo Bills. He likely would play outside, which would free up Adalius Thomas or Mike Vrabel to move inside with Tedy Bruschi. I also wouldn't rule out Spikes playing inside, though he is better suited to play OLB due to his size and pass rushing ability. On a separate matter, Fox Sports posted an article giving a side-by-side comparison of Chris Long and Vernon Gholston, the top two DE/OLBs in the draft. While I would be ecstatic for the Pats to land either one, if given the preference I would take Chris Long. He has great character and intelligence, is an excellent pass rusher, and plays the run better than Gholston. He also has the benefit of working with one of Belichick's friends and a former Parcells staff member along with Belichick, Al Groh. I feel that gives him a leg up on Gholston as far as the Patriots go.

Patriots targeting draft prospects

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:59:49 -0500

The Patriots have been quiet during free agency, this week they have been making the rounds visiting prospective draft candidates. If you look closely, you may be able to determine what area they are concentrating for the draft. The Pats have been to USC to hold private workouts for linebackers Keith Rivers and Thomas Williams, as well as defensive end Lawrence Jackson. USC has a strong defensive unit including defensive end Sedrick Ellis (a potential top ten pick) and cornerback Terrell Thomas. Former Patriots Head coach and now USC head coach Pete Carroll has high expectations for his players. "Our guys in the draft are all terrific kids," Carroll said in a phone interview. "They've been through a lot and have done nothing but win. They have very high expectations for themselves. The game matters a lot to them, and they're there for their team. They're going to be good picks in that regard. The way they work and how they study the game, you can just bank on all of these guys." The Patriots have worked out Purdue linebacker Stanford Keglar. Most analyst predict Keglar as an inside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4 defense and utilizing his size and speed to drop back in to coverage. Kelgar may be a good replacement for Tedy Bruschi. The Patriots held a private work out with The Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston (nice website I found nepatriotsdraft.com). If Gholston is available at the No.7 pick, the Patriots would be able to utilize him as a pass rushing OLB and able to play as a down lineman in their 3-4 system. Gholston would join fellow alumn Mike Vrabel as a versatile DE/OLB type player the Patriots love to have. If selected, Gholston would be the first DE/OLB by the Patriots since Willie McGinest was selected the first year Patriots owner Robert Kraft owned the team in 1991 Bill Belichick himself is in Florida and had a visit to the University of Florida and worked out defensive end Derrick Harvey. Harvey is a possible selection with the No. 7 pick and would most likely play as an outside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4 system. After a quick review of the Patriots schedule and draft prospects interviewed and worked out, one may assume the Patriots are looking to build their draft board with a defensive mindset. For those of you that like message boards on the draft check out this one on the Patriots I found in doing my research. IN BILL WE TRUST!!

Patriots players contribute off the field

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 04:09:41 -0500

Football players from the New England Patriots and around the NFL are associated with multiple charity organizations and attend charity events. Offensive Lineman Matt Light and his Light Foundation have been hosting various events over the last few years. This year in June, the Light Foundation will bring together Native American youth and youngsters from Rhode Island for a two-week outdoor experience with a five-day football camp. The event will support the local Northern Cheyenne Boys & Girls Club. Light recently spent a week on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation hunting buffalo. The meat from that harvest will help feed hundreds of local children from the Boys & Girls Club Light is also planning a July golfing event in Ireland. As part of the Southwest Ireland Charity Golf Tour, Light, a few other NFL players and fans will be touring Ballybunion Old Course, the Waterville Course, The Dooks Links, Tralee, and Ring of Kerry. All proceeds will go to the Light Foundation. "The Light Foundation strives to empower young people to reach their highest potential by initiating and supporting hands on programs and events that promote the development of secular moral values and personal financial acumen so as to instill a sense of self-reliance, sufficiency and independence. We endeavor to accomplish this mission by combining traditional outdoor activities and experiences with athletic endeavors addressing the physical and mental aspects of humanity that make us all unique." Other Patriots are also helping with charities clos to their heart, as Linebacker Tedy Bruschi met recently met at Gillette Stadium with other stroke survivors from around New England. The event is part of the American Stroke Association large-scale stroke awareness campaign. Pictures and film from the event will be used as a part of their campaign. Although we are still waiting to hear if Junior Seau is interested to return to the NFL, he recently held his 16th annual golfing tournament for his Junior Seau Foundation. Seau was interviewed by Fox Sports about coming back to the NFL and he said he hasn't really thought about it yet as he is still recovering from shoulder surgery. Rodney Harrison was one of many NFL players in attendance and also interviewed. A former teammate with Seau in San Deigo, Harrison commented on Seau's commitment to attain high goals on and off the field. It is great knowing the players are contributing to make the world a better place. GO PATS!

Tedy Bruschi Staying With Pats: Why Fans Are Happy

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:24:12 -0500

Tedy Bruschi is staying with the Patriots; why he's a fan favorite.