http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/3622 Recent articles about Adalius Thomas en-us How the 2000 NFL Draft should have went. Tue, 13 May 2008 11:12:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266441 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266441 With less than three weeks left before the 2008 NFL Draft, the drums are beginning to beat louder for teams to make certain picks. The Oakland Raiders fans may be beating the loudest drums, just not the same ones. The sounds emanating from Raider Nation sound a lot like Chris Long, Darren McFadden, Vernon Gholston, or trade down amongst others. It seems like we hear this every year, but whatever the Raiders decide to do will have a deep impact on the first round and the rest of the draft. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:06:18 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/234334 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/234334 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. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:26:24 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233784 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233784 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. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:50:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/232603 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/232603 Do you think Tom Brady might be on the list? View who made the cut and who got left off. Also, for any Jets and Colts fans, the 21st century is a term for a period of time that started in 2000, so don't ask why Peyton Manning isn't on there. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:09:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/229005 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/229005 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! Sun, 30 Mar 2008 09:25:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/224162 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/224162 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. Sun, 30 Mar 2008 09:21:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/224159 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/224159 there was an article posted on this before and i just want to comment on a few things by this guy -Kevin Curtis is not a bum, he had 1200 yards and 8 tds this year...hows that bein a bum? -We offered Moss more than the Pats did, it wouldnt have mattered if we talked to him before Samuel he was goin back to NE no matter what. -Defense wins championships so I love that we talked to Samuel first and signed him. -And i dont know if this guy is a Giants fan but i think he is so, we treat players bad? were fans we dont treat them any way we arent the coaches, werent you guys the ones sayin Eli should be dismissed and coughlin should be fired after week 2 of the season? thought so -And Asante Samuel dropped a pick but thats one play, that didnt lose them the game, how bout adalius thomas's missed tackle on Eli manning that let him escape and pass to tyree, in which harrison couldnt pry the ball off of his helmet where he barley had grip....or the fact they averaged 30 points in the regular season and scored 14 in the playoffs...thats a the reason they lost not because on one play asante samuel dropped an interception BOTTOM LINE...YOU ARE A RETARD WHO KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT SPORTS Sat, 15 Mar 2008 14:14:56 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/201411 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/201411 In 2007, the Patriots were a force during free agency signing linebacker Adalius Thomas, tight end Kyle Brady and running back Sammy Morris. The Patriots quickly followed that up by signing receivers Wes Welker, Donte' Stallworth and Kelley Washington. So far in 2008, the Patriots have not brought in any new faces to join the team and are having a hard time closing the deal with Moss. The bigger concern may be who the Patriots released Rosevelt Colvin and Eugene Wilson and have lost Donte' Stallworth to the Browns and Asante Samuel to the Eagles. The Patriots also stand to lose Randall Gay. Whereas so far in 2008, Patriots have re-signed a few old boys in linebacker and speciel teams captain Larry Izzo, Tedy Bruschi and long snapper Lonie Paxton as well as Kelley Washington, their competition in the AFC EAST has improved dramatically. Bill Parcells has wasted no time during free agency, as the Dolphins have signed QB Josh McCown, WR Ernest Wilford, LB Reggie Torbor and TE Sean Ryan. The Dolphins also spoke with Arizona's defensive end (OLB in 3-4) Calvin Pace. Pace was given a contract, but will first meet with the Jets. Patriots fans knew there was interest from the Patriots, but it looks like we may miss the opportunity to talk to him. The Buffalo Bills also made a splash on defense by signing former Giants linebacker Kawika Mitchell, defensive tackle Marcus Stroud from Jacksonville (trade for 3rd and 5th round picks) and also former Minnesota defensive tackle Spencer Johnson. Even the Jets have been busy during free agency as they traded linebacker Jonathan Vilma to the New Orleans Saints for a 2008 4th-round draft pick (an optional 2nd-round 2009 pick if Vilma re-signs in 2009). The Jets also traded 3rd and 5th-round picks to the Carolina Panthers for defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. The Jets also signed offensive guard Alan Faneca to a record 5-year, $40 million contract, with $21 million in guaranteed money. But the interesting signing may still be to come with Calvin Pace, Randall Gay and Damien Woody expecting to visit the club. Soon we will take a look at the free agents still available and who may be a good fit with the Patriots. But I still think the Patriots will make a trade or offer up draft picks. Ty Law has basically admitted he wants out of Kansas City and would like to return to the Pats… And with the signing of Zach Thomas in Dallas there were rumors that the Cowboys were selling Thomas jerseys with the number 54 - but that is worn by Bobby Carpenter. I checked the website and Thomas is advertised as #55. Any one heard from Cinnci's Chad Johnson yet? Or Lito Shepard? Sun, 02 Mar 2008 08:58:25 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/177671 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/177671 Linebacker Rosevelt Colvin was cut by the Patriots earlier today. Does this mean they will re-sign Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau, both of whom are free agents? Could we see more 4-3 formations from the Pats next year? These are just two of the questions surrounding the defense that Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli will face this off-season... Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:52:58 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/168669 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/168669 Every team in the NFL face the challenges of winning a championship. Each owner and coach are competitive in having the best team on the field and having the right game plan to win. The players are to keep themselves physically and mentally in shape to execute the myriad of plays to win offensively, defensively and through special teams. o repeat and win being 18-0 with a repeat win for another AFC Championship this decade will lead to the Patriots Super Bowl Champship. The Patriots have the talent and experience in place to maintain the status quo of winning the next game and not looking past the Chargers. Take into account the three previous Super Bowl wins and experience of the coaching staff (even with Romeo Crennel, Charlie Weis and Eric Manwini gone), and the leadership still in place with Tom Brady, Troy Brown, Matt Light, Ben Watson, Kevin Faulk, Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, Richard Seymour, Asante Samuel and Rodney Harrison. Most of the historical Patriot experience and leadership reside on the defensive side of the ball. Belichick is a defensive guru and his defensive design is based on linebackers. The aging linebackers which also includes Adaluis Thomas and 18-year veteran and former Charger Junior Seau, is a talented group that knows what Belichick expects and execute to plan. With Seau looking for his first Super Bowl win you know this game against his former team will be high energy and emotional. Although not an area that was perfect versus the Jaguars in last week's win, the Pats did a great job stopping the running tandem of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. This is a good thing to see as we expect Tomlinson and the other Charger's RBs to be a big part of the game plan. With Rivers and Gates still questionable and Volek possibly finding himself in his biggest career opportunity in the world, the Chargers passing game will be suspect. Chambers and Jackson are quality receivers, but the Patriots defensive backs are able to cover and contain them. The Patriots defense understands the need to improve each week. So with the defense in focus, the key for the Patriots to win will be for the defense to limit the Chargers and for Tom Brady and the offense execute on offense without turnovers and special teams play to tackle well on punt and kick off coverages to limit the Charger's field position. Predictions: Pats 38 - Chargers 20 Tom Brady 383 yds, 4 TDs Maroney 123 yds, 1 TD Moss 5 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD Welker 8 catches, 86 yards, 2 TDs Stallworth 3 catches 37 yards Gostkowski goes 1 for 2 IN BILL WE TRUST! Sat, 19 Jan 2008 23:26:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/77575 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/77575 Despite having won their last game versus the New York Giants and finishing the season with a record breaking 16-0 record, the new year and playoffs level the field of competition. A loss in the playoffs means no chance for the Super Bowl. Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:21:03 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/58044 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/58044 Earlier this year it was interesting to read, listen and watch all the views on the New England Patriots for the upcoming 2007 season. 'Big time' signings in the offseason were made to catapult the Patriots past the Colts and compete for another Championship. The Colts have been a tricky team the last few times Belichick has had to face them. And truth be told, Belichick had the right ingredients last year in the AFC Championship - although a few of them were probably past their due date. Manning, on the other hand, has been on a roll versus Belichick over the last three games. Belichick did go out and obtain AD Thomas during free agency. Rodney Harrison is back as well and was not in those three losing games. Sun, 04 Nov 2007 11:22:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/34397 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/34397 Seems that Lewis had quite a show on Monday night, but it can be argued that his sentiments about his coach and former teammate are justified. His career isn't built on rivalries with other players, but it does seem like the fuse is getting a lot shorter these days for Inspector 52. Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:04:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/32703 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/32703 "The only problem I have is the coward comment. To call me a coward, you have my phone number. You can call me. I will call Ray, personally myself." Should get interesting.... Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:49:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/32677 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/32677