Yardbarker: Vince Wilfork

[Patriots] Vince Wilfork Wants To End His Career With The Patriots

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:46:55 -0500

Vince Wilfork voiced his desire to emulate Troy Brown, and retire a lifelong Patriot. The nose tackle, who has two years remaining on his current...

[Patriots] Vince Wilfork Wants To End His Career With The Patriots

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:46:55 -0500

Vince Wilfork voiced his desire to emulate Troy Brown, and retire a lifelong Patriot. The nose tackle, who has two years remaining on his current...

[Patriots] Vince Wilfork Wants To End His Career With The Patriots

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:42:41 -0500

Vince Wilfork voiced his desire to emulate Troy Brown, and retire a lifelong Patriot. The nose tackle, who has two years remaining on his current...

[Patriots] Vince Wilfork Wants To End His Career With The Patriots

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:42:41 -0500

Vince Wilfork voiced his desire to emulate Troy Brown, and retire a lifelong Patriot. The nose tackle, who has two years remaining on his current...

Week 1 Gridiron IDP Roundup

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:20:50 -0500

After the success of this weekly column last year, coupled with the rising popularity of IDP fantasy leagues, FIO has once again returned with the IDP Roundup. These are the names you should know for this coming week in IDP.

Patriots working with the number 75

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:01:09 -0500

Defensive tackle is wearing his usual number 75 and although so far has not been dominating in the preseason, he is expected to push the opposing offensive line back and add some pressure to the quarterback and break off a block to tackle the QB or running back trying to sneak by him. Newly signed veteran guard/center Mike Flynn from Massachusetts is also wearing the number 75 in cam. After 10 season playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Flynn is looking to catch on with the Patriots. Considering the health issue the Patriots have had along the offensive line so far this offseason, one would hope someone of Flynn's experience and versatility will stays healthy to make the team. The Patriots as a team are also now down to 75 players as roster moves have been made today at 4pm in line with NFL rules. To comply the Patriots have sent offensive guard Neal Stephens to PuP. Which means he does not take up a roster spot, but also that is he not eligible to play for the Patriots during the first six weeks of the season. The Patriots also place Tackle Ryan O'Callaghan on IR due to his shoulder injury. The players released from the team includes last years fan favorite - in the preseason - running back Kyle Ekle. Eckle was released as well in 2006 and picked up off waivers before the Patriots signed him again in 2007. I expect Eckle to hook on with another club. The unfortunate thing for him has been the addition of RB Lamont Jordan. Jordan bring more versatility and experience then Eckle, but if the Patriots do not keep five Jordan or another RB may hit the road this weekend when then the roster must be trimmed gain from 75 to 53. That is right 22 more cuts to happen after this Thursday's game. In the meantime, veteran cornerback Jason Webster and rookie guard/center Ryan Wendell were released from the team. So it looks like Flynn's number 75 isn't up just yet and he has a great chance of making the team now that two OL players from 2007 will not be on the active roster as of the start of the first game of the season. Thursday will be an interesting game to watch as for 22 players it will be their last time on an active roster for the Patriot before the season begins. Likely veteran cuts - QB Matt Cassel, ILB Victor Hobson or ILB Eric Alexander, DT LeKevin Smith, Unexpected veterans and would be a big surprise - RB Kevin Faulk or RB Sammy Morris, S John Lynch

Read It And Weep, Prisco

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:49:48 -0500

I loved Prisco's top 50, but there were definite faults in it. Even though he did a great job tackling the Brady v. Manning topic, some of his picks were, how do you say, questionable. Here is my attempt at naming the top 50 players in the NFL. With 1696 players on the active roster, cutting it down to 50 is tough, but here I go. 1. Tom Brady/QB/New England Patriots (Prisco Ranking-1): Ugh. I hate this. I hate putting Brady at number one. 50 touchdown passes does qualify him for this spot though. This doesn't feel right. Do I have to put Patriots players on my list? 2. Peyton Manning/QB/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-2): Ah, this feels better. Manning in his downyear through for more than 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, got his team a first-round bye while missing his top wide receiver for most of the year. Scary to think of what he can do with the whole team in his "great" years. 3. Randy Moss/WR/New England Patriots (Prisco-4): When he's not bumping traffic cops, he's pushing off of cornerbacks and safeties to break the receiving touchdowns in a season record (although that title is complete bogus). He should do well again this year, but not 20+ touchdowns. 4. LaDanian Tomlinson/RB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-3): LDT is a Hall of Fame running back, but there are other backs in the league that are catching up to him. Tomlinson can do it all: run, catch, and even pass. He's the definition of an all-around back. 5. Bob Sanders/S/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-7): Sanders is definitely the best defender in the league. No other defensive player changes a game in the way that Sanders does. We've all seen what the Colts did on defense in 2007 as opposed to the Sanders-less 2006. 6. Jared Allen/DE/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-12): Legal matters aside, Allen has moved into the category of a healthy Julius Peppers and Dwight Freeney as the game's premier pass rushers. He got 15.5 sacks in 14 games last year. It is crazy to put him out of the top 10. 7. Antonio Cromartie/CB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-NR): I have no idea how Antonio Cromartie was not ranked by Prisco. Cromartie led the league in interceptions, returned a missed field goal for a touchdown, and he recovered 2 fumbles. He was definitely the best corner in the league last year. 8. Adrian Peterson/RB/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-15): Peterson exploded onto the scene last season, running for over 1300 yards, leading the league in rushing yards per game, and taking home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. 9. DeMarcus Ware/OLB/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-9): Last season, Ware had the best season of his career. He had career-highs in sacks and tackles, and he is only going to improve. 10. Walter Jones/OT/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-16): Even though the Seahawks have no offensive weapons, the Seahawks have a top 10 offense. How is it possible? This man is the reason why. 11. Nnamdi Asomugha/CB/Oakland Raiders (Prisco-29) 12. Brian Westbrook/RB/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-20) 13. Reggie Wayne/WR/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-22) 14. Steve Hutchinson/OG/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-19) 15. Albert Haynesworth/DT/Tennessee Titans (Prisco-14) 16. Terrell Owens/WR/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-13) 17. Jeff Saturday/C/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-NR) 18. Champ Bailey/CB/Denver Broncos (Prisco-5) 19. Shawne Merriman/OLB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-11) 20. Kevin Williams/DT/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-10) 21. Dwight Freeney/DE/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-25) 22. Ed Reed/S/Baltimore Ravens (Prisco-23) 23. Jason Peters/OT/Buffalo Bills (Prisco-27) 24. Richard Seymour/DE/New England Patriots (Prisco-30) 25. Braylon Edwards/WR/Cleveland Browns (Prisco-34) 26. Devin Hester/RS/Chicago Bears (Prisco-50) 27. Andre Johnson/WR/Houston Texans (Prisco-26) 28. Chad Johnson/WR/Cincinnati Bengals (Prisco-28) 29. Asante Samuel/CB/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-37) 30. Patrick Willis/MLB/San Francisco 49ers (Prisco-43) 31. Antonio Gates/TE/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-24) 32. Osi Umenyiora/DE/New York Giants (Prisco-42) 33. Tony Romo/QB/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-NR) 34. Tony Gonzalez/TE/Kansas City Chiefs (Prisco-46) 35. Steven Jackson/RB/St. Louis Rams (Prisco-33) 36. Patrick Kerney/DE/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-NR) 37. Mario Williams/DE/Houston Texans (Prisco-6) 38. Ernie Sims/OLB/Detroit Lions (Prisco-39) 39. Larry Fitzgerald/WR/Arizona Cardinals (Prisco-31) 40. Ben Roethlisberger/QB/Pittsburgh Steelers (Prisco-17) 41. Lofa Tatupa/MLB/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-40) 42. Adrian Wilson/S/Arizona Cardinals (Prisco-NR) 43. Shawn Andrews/OG/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-38) 44. Tommie Harris/DT/Chicago Bears (Prisco-36) 45. Pat Williams/DT/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-NR) 46. Aaron Kampman/DE/Green Bay Packers (Prisco-45) 47. Drew Brees/QB/New Orleans Saints (Prisco-35) 48. Brian Urlacher/MLB/Chicago Bears (Prisco-32) 49. Larry Johnson/RB/Kansas City Chiefs (Prisco-NR) 50. Plaxico Burress/WR/New York Giants (Prisco-NR) Unranked Players On My List That Are On Prisco's List: Carson Palmer (8) Charles Woodson (18) Steve Smith (21) Vince Wilfork (41) Kellen Winslow (44) Marcus Trufant (47) Wes Welker (48) Fred Taylor (49)

Vince Wilfork on Draft Day

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:52:30 -0500

Vince Wilfork, who lost his father to Diabetes, chats with NE Patriots Draft about what he is doing to help, and what he thinks about the upcoming NFL Draft and Season.

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.

Wilfork and Patriots to host 2008 NFL Draft Parties

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 04:54:45 -0500

New England Patriot defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and his wife Bianca will be hosting their 5th Annual Vince Wilfork Draft Day Fundraiser Party at Pinz Entertainment in Milford. The event will the raise money to support the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Wilfork and several teammates as they wait to see which player the Patriots will select in the draft. Fans will also be able to participate in a live silent auction for premium Patriots items, with all proceeds benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.pinzbowl.com. For more information e-mail fans@vincewilfork75.com. This event will be the best event to see the players and watch the draft while contributing for a good cause! More draft parties? The New England Patriots will be hosting their annual NFL Draft Party at Gillette Stadium. Fans will be able to meet Hall-of-Famer John Hannah, other alumni players and current cheerleaders. There will be draft updates from the front office and fans will be able to walk down to the game field. Admission price ($65.00) includes: Buffet Lunch and 3 Complimentary Soft Drink Coupons (access to cash bar) Participate in our Patriots Draft Party Mock Draft for a chance to win a pair of 2008 Patriots Season Tickets! Appearances by current Patriot players Special Appearance and Autograph Signings by John Hannah and select New England Patriots Alumni Updates from the front office and coaching staff Visit to the Patriots Playing Field (bring your camera!!) Visits from the New England Patriots Cheerleaders and Pat Patriot HUGE TVs Free Parking Raffles Event Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008 Location: Gillette Stadium Doors Open: 2:30 PM Ticket Limit: Tickets will be sold on a first-come first-serve basis, and there is no limit on the number of tickets you may purchase (subject to availability). All tickets are non-refundable. GO PATS!!!

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!!

Will the Patriots be Mossed?

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:29:01 -0500

All things being equal, most writers and fans figured Moss would sign with the Patriots after both the Patriots and Moss became quiet on the subject. In trying to put a deal together that should be cap friendly and keep Moss super happy, they let Asante Samuel go without a proper contract negotiation. Now Samuel will soar with the Eagles. The Patriots did not give Donte' Stallworth his contract extension and also cut Rosevelt Colvin and Kyle Eckle saving huge numbers against the salary cap. Colvin will end up somewhere else for less money, but again it does not appear the Patriots tried to re-work the contract. Moss will be good for the Patriots and help bring up young receiver Chad 'who?' Jackson into the top receiver we all expected when the Pats moved up to grab him early in teh second round of the draft. Jackson could turn into a Moss/Stallworth type of player as he has speed and can catch the ball. It seems his attitude has kept him on the sidelines. Yes I know - I said Moss could help fix that… If the Patriots create all this cap space and do not sign Moss, then they have lost the chance to keep a few good players that know their system and not have many good players to choose from in free agency. But then maybe they give Vince Wilfork a huge extension… Any one else thinks this could turn into a mess like Deion Branch?

NFL Playoffs: Super Bowl XLII Preview

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:08:08 -0500

With only a few days left until the big show, FIO co-founder & editor Matt Hinzpeter takes a look at the New England/NY Giants match-up for Super Bowl XLII. Included are: Game-Time Forecast, a review of the two teams' 2007 Regular Season Meeting, a look at the present state of both teams on offense and defense, and a Game Outlook with prediction.

Does Vince Wilfork play dirtier than Rodney Harrison?

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:30:22 -0500

Rodney Harrison is the perennial player's choice for dirtiest NFL player, but this year Harrison's teammate Vince Wilfork is taking a run for the money. Wilfork's most recent fine came after the AFC Championship game, a fine Wilfork calls "ridiculous." Whether it's an eye-poke, cheap shot to the knee, or simply grabbing a facemask and twisting a guy's neck, the Patriots defensive tackle has amassed for himself quite the repertoire of dirty tricks. He has been fined by the league four times this year. He has only half that many sacks during the same time. WILFORK: "It's bad because you go out there and you get a penalty and the first thing you say is, 'Am I going to get fined?' It's ridiculous. Anything you do that's a penalty, it's a fine. I don't think the game should be like that, but the NFL makes the rules and we have to abide by them. We have to do a better job of abiding by them." "We" have to do a better job of abiding by them? How about you start with yourself, Vince? In the regular-season finale, Wilfork was fined $15,000 for the eye-poke against Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, and he didn't dispute the dirtiness of that play. Neither of those plays, though, holds a candle to Wilfork's cheapest shot of the year: Blatantly trying to take out the knee of Bills QB J.P. Losman, who missed a few games because of a knee injury incurred on the play. It's a shame that Wilfork himself hasn't been forced to miss any action this year. Here is a video of the Losman play, arguably Wilfork's dirtiest play of the year.

Offseason Team Needs: AFC East

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 02:27:05 -0500

With the NFL regular season come and gone, many of us sit and sulk as our favorite team's year is done. However, now may be one of the busiest times of the year for football: the NFL offseason. FIO co-founder and writer Adam Allen breaks down each team throughout the league and discusses some key offseason moves that need to be made. This time around: the AFC East.