Bleacher Report - Articles by Gary Wolff

New England Patriots: This 'Bud Adams' Is For All The Whiners Out There

Gary Wolff — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500

For all you whiners and complainers and naysayers out there jumping all over Belichick, go watch the video of Bud Adams...that is just for you.

I'm sick and tired of hypocrites and cry babies!

How can you not admire the call, regardless of who you wanted to win.

The 30-40 yards they would have netted on a punt would have been gained back in two plays. The Patriots defense was gassed as they were thin at both defensive line and linebacker. Time was a non-factor.

Assuming the punt wasn't returned for even more favorable field position, the defense would have given up the underneath stuff and Indianapolis would have been on the 30 yard line with three time outs remaining and 1:40 on the clock.

And if you foolishly completely disagree with this probable and logical assessment, whats the difference! If you make the play, you win the game. It is not like Belichick and the Patriots haven't earned the right to make such a call.

Where were all you whining fools when Belichick made the same call against Atlanta? Oh yeah, they converted on that one.

From my standpoint, it was beautiful. I hate to see the loss, but they didn't lose because of the call. They lost because they didn't make the first down.

If you want to complain about Belichick, complain that they burned a timeout before the drive started so that they couldn't challenge a bad spot.

Or you can complain that the Patriots are too aggressive when they are ahead by 17 points. They should be playing more ball control offense at that point to milk the clock.

But don't complain because a future hall of fame coach who has made countless 'genius' decisions makes a gutsy call in an attempt to have his clutch, future hall of fame quarterback make a play to win a game.

Maybe you enjoyed the Ravens-Browns game more last night.

This Bud Adams is for you guys. Reap it.

Saints-Patriots Superbowl Paradise

Gary Wolff — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:39:52 -0500

Before the season I stuck my neck out, predicting the Saints would make it to the SuperBowl this season. There is a long way to go, but barring a Brees ACL tear, I'm confident in my early prognostication.

I like living dangerously though, so let me now say it will be the Patriots in the big game representing the AFC.

Saints—Patriots Superbowl. That would be a super scenario for me personally, as I grew up in Sharon, MA, the town next to Foxboro (or Foxborough if you prefer) and have been a Patriots fan since I've been five years old.

Since 2001, I have lived in Mandeville, LA, just north of New Orleans, and have adopted the Saints as my second favorite team.

Although I would be devastated to see the Patriots lose another Superbowl, I could offset some of that pain by celebrating a historic win for the Saints.

But the point of this article is not to bore you with my NFL loyalties. The point is that my predictions are a lot easier this season than in years past.

In absolute terms, I would have a 6.25 percent chance of being correct picking an NFC or an AFC representative for the Superbowl. That is, to predict either the AFC or NFC team that will make it to the superbowl, prior to the season, you have a 1/16 chance.

To pick both teams you have less than a 1 percent chance of doing that prior to the season.

However, as informed fans of the game, we can improve our odds of picking the best teams. It is clear, and clearer this year than in many others, that many teams can be eliminated from the pool, thus improving your chances.

In the AFC, I have a 1/5 chance, or a 20 percent chance of picking the correct team. It was clear (sorry Jets and Dolphin fans, but you should have known better than to get your hopes up this season), that New England was the only team with a chance from the AFC east. Pittsburgh and Baltimore were clear choices from the north, and we have to throw in Cincinnati this year. They finally are playing up to their potential. Of course we have Indianapolis.

So there you have it. Five teams that have a shot. What? San Diego? Denver? Not happening this year.

The NFC is just as easy. Saints, Eagles, Vikings, Cowboys, Giants. To be honest, I have to say the Cardinals should be on the radar, but since they made it last year I felt they were statistically eliminated from my analysis.

In the NFC, 1/5 chance, or 20 percent chance of picking the correct team.

Assuming you buy any of this, the next logical question to ask your self is, "Why are the majority of the teams clearly non-competitive before the season even starts?"

Well, we finally reach the point of this article and explain the associated picture. NFL parity is no longer, and it won't be for the foreseeable future, unless a new collective bargaining agreement is negotiated that includes a rookie salary cap.

If the CBA doesn't materialize, parity is done. If it does, but doesn't have a rookie salary cap, parity is done. Given the tremendous amount of risk tied to picking in the top 10 of the draft the model that created parity initially now ensures it can not exist.

When rookie salaries were reasonable, all the uncertainty of evaluating talent, and the uncertainty of the longevity of ones career due to injury risk, was something a team could rebound from. That is, if a top 10 pick didn't work out, a team could survive such a mistake.

Now, such a mistake is compounded and makes the probability of improving lower and lower each season. Oakland is a perfect example. You draft a guy number one, pay him $30 million guaranteed (even though he has never worked a day in his life), and he's a bust. Your team stinks, and gets another high pick. You have to pick, you pick wrong again, and you are dead. You can't manage the cap, and you are a sinking ship.

Parity was great. It gave all fans hope each season, and it put a premium on coaching and player execution (forcing players to strive for excellence).

But parity is dead in the NFL unless the politics that governs every aspect of our lives these days gets purged from the NFL and common sense prevails.

As a lifelong NFL fan I care greatly, but as a Patriots fan, I'm in good shape even if the ship starts to sink.

Its a Bit Early, But May I Say It Now: Wow!

Gary Wolff — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:16:46 -0400

Julian Edelman was quick to point out that he "had a long way to go" when asked about his impressive debut last night when he suited up for the New England Patriots who took the field in Philadelphia last night to battle the Eagles.

So let me tow the humble Patriot line and say "there is a long way to go" before we can meaningfully say that the Patriots have struck gold in the 2009 draft.

OK, that said, let me now tell you what I really think. Bill Belichick is excellence in action. It is very interesting to watch his decision making in the rear view mirror. Since he took the helm for Mr. Kraft we've seen an artist orchestrate an epic concert.

He definitely sees the forest through the trees. He is the best football mind of our generation. Like a world chess champion, he can see 20 moves ahead of where the board currently sits. He can evaluate all the variables, in all their complexity, large and small, put them in a blender and come out with the perfect elixir.

This years draft class laced up for the first time last night, and its hard to be anything but impressed by the debut performances of the talent brought in this season. His ever changing draft philosophy this year was focused on moving out of the first round, and getting many value picks to fill out a deep and experienced team with athleticism.

Looking back to previous years drafts, its easy to point to the late round gems he mined, like Tom Terrific (6th round), David Givens (7th round), Dan Koppen (5th round), Asante Samuel (4th round), Matt Cassel (6th round), Stephen Neal (undrafted wrestler), Mike Wright (7th round).

History also shows he picks as good as any in the early rounds. Here a just a few of his successes: Richard Seymour (1st round), Logan Mankins (1st round), Ty Warren (1st round), Vince Wilfork (1st round), Kevin Faulk (early round), Deion Branch (2nd round), Steven Gostkowski (mid rounder), Jerod Mayo (1st round).

Free agency, off season trades, and reclamation projects have also been areas where he stands above his peers: Wes Welker (trade for 2nd rounder), Randy Moss (trade for 4th rounder), Corey Dillon (FA), Rodney Harrison (FA), Adalius Thomas (FA), Mike Vrabel (trade for middle rounder).

These examples are far from the complete list of outstanding moves he's orchestrated. There have been, of course, some that didn't work out, like drafting Steve Stachelski early, who never even made it to camp.

I'm predicting a couple of years from now, when we look back at this years draft class, I'll be even more complementary towards Bill's abilities to evaluate, assemble, and coach players than I am now.

Julian Edelman was extremely effective last night, likely fooling many casual fans into thinking Wes Welker had changed his number to 11. This 7th round quarterback was unstoppable from the slot as a receiver. He also had a 75 yard punt return for a touchdown. And oh, by the way, he had several special team tackles on multiple coverage teams and threw several effective blocks.

This 7th rounder will be a force in his rookie year and into the future.

Ron Brace, a second rounder this year, held his ground at the defensive tackle spot and looks like he will be a solid role player this year, and future starter.

Patrick Chung was very active, made a lot of solid tackles, blocked a field goal attempt, and was a special teams standout last night. He too will get significant time this year and clearly looks like he will excel at this level.

Darius Butler took a few lumps, but for a corner's first time in the big leagues, he held his own and showed the athleticism that it takes to become an outstanding cornerback.

Like Logan Mankins, Sebastian Vollmer's early selection was a 'head scratcher' to many so-called draft experts. There is a long way to go before we will know if he will be an all-pro caliber talent like Mankins, but based on what I saw last night I could see him being a ten year starter and perennial pro-bowler.

Others in the class who got some playing time (Tyrone McKenzie and Brandon Tate did not play due to injury) looked solid and looked physically like they belonged on the field and could compete at this level.

Later round DT Myron Pryror got a lot of time and made some physical, stand out plays, including a sack of Mcnab.

So although there is a long way to go, it looks like a banner year for the Patriots organization. Many talking heads will be, over the years, pointing out each week when they talk about the production of Julian Edelman, questioning how no one drafted him until the 7th round. They will be marveling at how the Patriots were able to get Burgess for a bargain price from Oakland. They will looking back at 'top ten' draft classes for teams and be talking about the 2009 Patriots draft.

New Orleans Saints Will Tweak Streaking Offense

Gary Wolff — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:37:54 -0400

In recent years I estimate the New Orleans Saints have run more than 40 percent of their plays from a three wide receiver, one tight end, one running back set (3WR/1TE/1RB).

This was a comfort zone for them for good reason. Either the team was playing catch up because of their undermanned defense, or they were sticking with their big play offense because they were so bad on short yardage third downs.

The Saints have essentially the same offensive personnel, but they need to, and will, adjust thier game plans this year.

The Saints have Gregg Williams as their defensive coordinator this year, and the team has brought in some new talent and experience to bolster the struggling secondary of last year.

In order to become more balanced, which they must to make a Superbowl run, the Saints must improve their defense dramatically. A great catalyst to improving this defense will be for the offense to posses the ball longer during the games.

To posess the ball longer, coach Payton needs to adapt his game planning to the strengths and weaknesses of each opponent, and tone down, just a bit, the big play focus for a more steady approach.

With all the talent at the skill positions on offense, its going to be a challenge for Payton to both tone it down a bit, and to effectively utilize all his weapons. His instincts are going to have to be sharp, so he can go with the hot hand week to week, or even quarter to quarter.

So how do the Saints posses the ball longer? Well, they need to run the ball more effectively, get Shockey the ball and have him show up consistently, and develop the mentality and grit to consistently pick up first downs in short yardage situations by running the ball up the gut.

The Saints next favorite formation seems to be the 2WR/2TE/1RB set. This is where I believe they need to mix it up. Some how, the Saints need to have two and three running back sets.

In order to commit to and develop an effective, consistent running game, the Saints need to run more plays out of multi-back sets so they can disguise their running attack.

Pierre Thomas and Heath Evans in the backfield on first and second downs, with Shockey and two wide-outs, give the offense a lot of options. Evans would be essentially a blocking back in this scenario, but he is versatile enough to take some plays as a half-back to give some added flavor to the game plan.

From this personnel package, the Saints can establish an inside the tackles running attack, and mix it up with a short passing game consisting of some wide-receiver screens, quick slants, and Shockey exploiting linebackers on seam routes.

Shockey will have to step it up and block a lot more. But he has to step it up in the passing game as well. He really needs to be a big factor this year. He is due, and it will be fun to see him have a great year.

What about Reggie? I know everyone is squirming in their chairs reading this because I don't have Reggie in the game. Think Kevin Faulk. Reggie will be a third down back and run draws and catch short passes in space.

Also, when running in their more traditional 3WR/1TE/1RB set, that RB should be Reggie Bush. He should go in motion to the slot, and essentially make it a 4WR set.

This puts a ton of pressure on the five linemen, yet that pressure can be neutralized by a smart, accurate quarterback. That is what the Saints have in Brees. He can make the quick read and hit receivers in stride, exploiting the talents of Bush and the wide outs.

The 3RB sets I referred to above would include Reggie Bush and his role again should be to go in motion and essentially become a wide-out. This would be a variation to the two back set that I hope to see get a lot more play, and would allow Payton to satisfy his need to run creative, unconventional plays as well.

Again, as I stated in an article I wrote last week, the relatively anonymous role player, Heath Evans, I believe is a key component to transforming the Saints offense into a dynamic machine that can play wide open, or control the ball.

He can pick up first downs in short yardage situations, he can open holes for Pierre Thomas, he can pass block, and he has decent hands.

His presence will allow Payton to have a much more flexible game plan that will at times slow the streaking offense of the Saints, but at the same time, make them more balanced, more effective, and most importantly, more capable of making the plays to win games.

New Orleans Saints Will Rise to the Top in 2009

Gary Wolff — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:52:48 -0400

The New Orleans Saints will represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLIV.

Is that direct enough?

I've stuck my neck out now.

I feel good about this, but I've placed calls to my insurance agent for life insurance just in case.

As with every team, a few things need to come together this season for the Saints to meet my expectations—and for me to keep my head on my shoulders.

Ten wins is a must for a playoff birth this season, although I expect to see the Saints end up 11-5, and possibly 12-4.

That is asking a lot from a defense that has been horrible the past couple of seasons, yet that is how things work in the NFL. Not much happens gradually. While there are teams that improve year-to-year and win consistently, more often than not a team's successes evolve quickly.

This is typically due to exceptional quarterback play, a bit of good luck, chemistry, and young talent.

The Saints' season depends on quarterback Drew Brees. Brees needs to have yet another Pro Bowl caliber season for the Saints to taste success. Without a strong season for Brees, the Saints will be mediocre at best.

The "good luck" component is not something you can forecast, but life experience has shown me that superior preparation and a gritty, never-say-die attitude tips the odds in your favor.

Success starts at the top and head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams are tireless workers who have a lot to prove.

I am confident that they will work together, complement each other, scheme effectively, and have their team ready to play each week.

The lack of chemistry is likely the weak link in this chain, and could be the reason why the Saints falls short.

Defensive end Charles Grant must serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy and tight end Jeremy Shockey recently needed medical assistance after partying too hard.

Neither episodes bode well for team chemistry.

Team leaders must show up and work harder than everyone else, and players like Shockey and Grant must show up and find a way to overcome their selfish instincts and play team ball with a team attitude.

The Saints have the leaders to make this happen. Brees has shown up and is leading the way and running back Reggie Bush could emerge as a leader this year.

Full back Heath Evans is a determined newcomer who has tasted victory. He has the grit and work ethic to inspire others and will be picking up first downs by grinding out short yardage in key situations. Together, this should give him credibility in the locker room.

Chemistry is a huge factor for this Saints squad and it must evolve, starting in the off-season.

In spite of these hurdles, I believe.

I believe Payton will put it all together this year. He will have a cool head in tight situations and manage the clock well. His schemes will have his offensive talent playing like an orchestra.

Williams will have full control over the defense and he will quietly blend the right talent with the right calls, allowing an otherwise average defense to excel.

I believe Brees will stay healthy, and dish the rock fast and furiously to his hungry play makers.

I believe Bush will gallop while running back Pierre Thomas dazzles, Evans grinds, Shockey excites, and wide receiver Marques Colston and the other receivers streak.

I believe a balanced attack will emerge this year. The Saints will be able to control the ball and win a game both the old-fashioned way, and by simply outpacing their opponents.

The improved secondary, the new coach, and a ball control offense will produce a top ten defense.

Whether the Saints limp in to the playoffs at 10-6, or fly in at 12-4, they will make it to the title game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

With their young talent, team chemistry, and Pro Bowl quarterback, the Saints will find a bit of luck to put them over the top and into Super Bowl XLIV.

Payton's Offseason Moves Should Keep a Smile on His Face In January

Gary Wolff — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:02:24 -0400

Coming off a flat playoff loss to the Bears, the Saints have had two highly anticipated, somewhat exciting, yet ultimately two very disappointing seasons. As with every team, one way or another, the head coach bares the burden for the fate of the team.

Sean Payton got a lot of traction after starting out his Saints tenure successfully. Furthermore, after surviving the once probable departure of the franchise to become the glue, the identity in large part, that kept Southern Louisiana from falling into the abyss of despair post Katrina, Sean Payton has been spared the hyper-scrutiny that is now the norm for his peers.

However, under the radar he shall fly no more. Although the city is still struggling for a host of reasons (I didn't mention Nagin, so you shouldn't either), the new deal for the team to stay in New Orleans, along with the simple passage of time from the impacts on the city in 2005, have allowed the resilient Saints fan base to raise their expectations to a very high level for the coming 2009 season.

There were many dents and worn parts in the Saints machine coming into the off-season. From what we can see at this early stage however, there is reason to optimistic that Coach Payton will have his team prepared for the epic competition that will be the 2009 NFL Super Bowl derby.

The Offense:

The concerns are primarily in the backfield. Of course, every Saints fan knows, and most casual NFL fans came to realize due to the highly chronicled and highly pathetic results of the short yardage 3rd down offense, that the Saints absolutely needed to overhaul their rushing attack.

Deuce is out. He was a great Saint, and deserves nothing but respect and admiration for his job on the field...Thanks Deuce.

Although the personnel wasn't overhauled, I believe the rushing attack will be by the start of the season. There is a lot of speculation about bringing in other backs, but I believe the unheralded former Patriot, Heath Evans, will play a vital role on this team.

There are three things that need to be done to overhaul the rushing attack:

1 - Get a short yardage back. Evans is the man for this. Evans is not a huge bruiser, yet he has the size to get 1-2 yards when you need it on a consistent basis. He has moxy and just enough talent to be the man they need.

2 - Feature Thomas. Payton needs to scheme for and commit to getting Peirre the rock and committing the offense to the run. Of course they will primarily be airing it out, but they need to establish a rushing identity, and that will come by properly using Thomas and Evans.

3 - Acknowledge what Reggie Bush is and what he is not, and use him accordingly. Reggie needs to stay healthy. He works hard and is committed, so lets hope he fares better this year than last regarding his health. Peyton needs to use him exclusively like the Patriots use Kevin Faulk.

If he's in on 1st or 2nd downs, he needs to go in motion, split out to the slot, or loop to the flat to enhance the passing game and widen the spreads of the defensive linemen. On third down you can give him an occasional draw play, but Peyton must give up on trying to make Reggie develop as an inside runner.

If used like Faulk is, he will find some lanes inside on draw plays, but Reggie will be Reggie when in space and when running screens. This will keep the defensive front seven on their heels. This will help Thomas tremendously, keep Reggie on the perimeter, and hopefully keep Reggie healthy.

The Defense:

As I've read many times in the last few months, I must concur that by far the best move the Saints made this off season in regards to the defense is the acquisition of Gregg Williams.

There were significant weaknesses at all three levels of the defense last year. The linebacker situation, with Vilma back in the mix, is serviceable. The secondary was its typical incompetent self last year, as it has been the last few years.

Injuries played a factor, but the talent simply wasn't good enough. Yet the biggest problem in the secondary was that the defensive front's play was shameful. Again, some bumps and bruises slowed Grant and Williams, but the motor, the effort, the pride just didn't seem to be there.

I won't go down the road about complacency after being shown the money, but if these guys don't produce this year under the new coordinator, I surely will have a negative opinion in that vein to write about.

So optimistically, I see Gregg Williams scheming for and motivating successfully Grant and Smith so that they can create some pressure each week and ramp up the teams sack totals dramatically. Obviously, this will make the secondary's jobs much easier. Ellis looks solid and should improve greatly from his rookie campaign.

The two rookies, Jenkins and Vaughn, are going to need to excel and stay healthy for optimal results, but getting Greer and Sharper as well will be a significant improvement in talent and experience over what we've seen in the last few years.

Arnoux unfortunately is hurt, but at least it was at the linebacker spot, and not in the secondary, where their draft was neutralized.

Drafting a skilled directional punter could prove to be a very shrewed move if he pans out. That is a lost art in this game, and I'd love nothing more than to see some punts go out of bounds inside the 10 as opposed to everything bouncing in the middle of the field on the five and just barely crossing into the end zone as the gunner misjudges his timing trying to down the ball.

Over all assessment:

In general, I'd give the Saints an 'A' right now for their offseason moves. A ton of that optimism depends on the the current talent up front being ready to play and committing themselves to the new coordinator, so that his knowledge and experience can be implemented properly. If Grant and Williams don't have outstanding years, and if Ellis doesn't improve, then it will be another disappointing year.

Sean Payton has a rare smile in the picture above. He looks relaxed and confident. His state of mind, confidence level, and leadership, are the second biggest factor in my grade assessment.

He, like Grant and Smith, needs to show up and perform. Payton is a tireless worker, so I'm not comparing him in regards to effort, but he has under achieved, and he needs to win at least one playoff game this season to remain in the unique, resilient, and crazy chocolate city.

A Terrell Owens Overdose

Gary Wolff — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 11:45:44 -0500

Overdose.

By writing this, I am throwing fuel on the fire. But I, like many others, cannot help myself, and this is half of the perpetuating problem.

Bottom line: We have had too much, way too much, of T.O. over the last decade.

Look, the guy is an outstanding talent when he is committed, keeps out of trouble, and produces.

So what is the problem? He is a cancer in the locker room.

Why? It is not because of what he says. Most of what he says is accurate or at least heartfelt. The problem is T.O. will not shut up, and the media will not stop featuring him.

The reason T.O. is a cancer is because everyone on the team has to focus on T.O. every day because they are constantly asked about T.O.

Every football show I watch as a fan mentions T.O. I never want to hear anything more about him.

I think his teammates, regardless of the team, share my desire.

We have simply overdosed on T.O. The specifics of what he does, what he says, and what is said about him are irrelevant. The problem is that we are constantly exposed to T.O. chatter and questions.

Enough is enough. No one besides T.O. wants to hear another thing about him. If he could simply shut his mouth for a season, the media would eventually stop talking about him.

It would all just go away.

But that will not happen, so hopefully he does not get a contract, so we are not subjected to further talk about T.O. I have heard enough for 10 lifetimes.

I promise I will never speak of T.O. again.

2009 AFC Forecast: AFC East

Gary Wolff — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 08:23:00 -0500

My team, the New England Patriots, is out. So although I'll have fun rooting against teams and individuals that made it to the playoffs, I'm more interested in next year.

Here is my early prediction of what we will be looking at at the end of the 2009 regular season, starting here with the AFC East.

New England Patriots

The Patriots bounce back from their inadequate 11-5 2008 season to go 11-5 in 2009, but win the division easily this time.

If Pioli and/or McDaniels leaves, c'est la vie. Not to say they are not huge assets to the team, as they are, but Bill Belichick is the franchise. He has been preparing for the departure of these guys for a couple of years now, and I'm sure he will have a plan to move forward with out them.

The offense, lead by Tom Brady or Matt Cassel, is in the top five in the league with the pro-bowl receivers, excellent line play and depth, and Kevin Faulk's critical contributions.

The defensive front seven will be excellent. The secondary will be a question mark as it has been for this entire decade, but we have several good, young guys who know the system and hopefully enough of them can stay healthy next year to give some stability to the group.

Key Move

Franchise Cassel.

Time will tell as to whether Brady is back in week one or not, but either way, Cassel is on the team to going into the 2009 season. He might get traded, which would be great for the Patriots as that would indicate that both Brady is healthy and that O'Connell is going to be as good.

We will miss Cassel when he does leave. He's a great story and appears that he will be an elite QB. Hopefully he ends up in the NFC.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills are a good team. They will finish second to the Patriots next year but will likely miss the playoffs yet again. They have a solid line, an outstanding backfield, and with Reed, Parrish, and Evans healthy, they can have a deceptively good passing game, assuming J.P. is on the bench and Edwards continues his growth.

The starting defense is outstanding, and if they draft a pass rusher that can make a splash on third downs, they will be a tough team to beat.

That said, the AFC East has a hard road to hoe next season as they play AFC South and the NFC South, therefore, they will come up short again, and that will likely cost Jauron his job 2010 as there will be some big name coaches looking for jobs (Holmgren, Cowher, Shanahan, and more).

Key Move

Drafting a pass rushing end who has an immediate impact across from Schobel on 3rd downs.

Miami Dolphins

Although the Dolphins earned what they achieved this year, they simply are not that good, had a lot of favorable situations, and will be on the decline talent wise next year.

Brady getting hurt, concealing the Wildcat fad until facing the Patriots, and a very weak schedule, all aided the Dolphins run to the playoffs.

Next year, the Dolphins won't be able to compete with the Patriots, their first place schedule against tougher divisions, and the fact that the Williams/Brown tandem won't be nearly as good next year as they were this year, means the Dolphins will find it tough to win a lot of games in 2009.

Chad is an outstanding competitor and leader, but he doesn't carry a team slinging it around, and they will need a lot more of that next year against the physical teams they will be facing off against regularly next season.

Key Move

Parcells sticking around to manage the team under the new ownership.

New York Jets

The wings came off this year, and things won't be fixed anytime soon. If they had beat the Dolphins, Mangini is still there and the Jets can move forward next year. But losing 4 of the last 5, including a must win against the Dolphins, the coach had to go.

I don't think Mangini was that good or that bad, but having to get a new coach, a new quarterback (or even worse and having Favre back), and a new system for whomever the QB is, means the Jets struggle next season.

Besides the obvious challenges, the way they lost, the fact they are in New York, and the fact that the Giants are organizationally solid, puts a lot of additional pressure on the franchise. The kind of pressure that typical clouds your judgement and results in poor decision making.

Key Move

Hiring of their coach, who releases Favre if he doesn't have the smarts to simply retire.

In summary, the AFC East will be a lot like it has been for the past seven years not including this year. The Patriots, in spite of a lot of change, dominate, the Bills compete but come up short, the Dolphins stink, and the Jets wallow in green envy of the Patriots, making one bad move after another trying to find the quick fix to get even with Kraft.

The Road Out of Foxboro Is Filled with Potholes

Gary Wolff — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:34:04 -0500

Bob Kraft has constructed and nurtured a fantastic culture and home for any NFL player. Sir Kraft has great vision, has much power amongst the league owners, is very personable and relates with many of his players one on one, and has in my opinion created a home for players that is the most desirable in the league.

Bill Belichick's no nonsense, all-football approach, the stadium, the Patriot hall of fame, the non-football support system for the players, and many other components all add up to the best place in the league to land as a player.

But like in all walks of life, people get complacent and think the grass is greener elsewhere, or at least they think the money is greener.

Here's a list of some recent players and coaches that have traveled the treacherous road out of New England. Granted, some left because they felt they could advance their careers, and you can't blame them for that, but many left for the almighty dollar, which is a big mistake in my opinion.

Regardless of the reason one leaves New England voluntarily, it is a bad choice. There is no place better to be.

David Givens

A seventh rounder who, in his rookie year, could get open but couldn't catch the ball. Worked his butt off and became an outstanding starter. He had it made, playing with Tom Brady and being coached up by the masterful crew in New England.

Like many, he forgot how he achieved his success. Definitely through his own doing based on his commitment and effort, but with out the coaching, the system, and the players along side him, his achievements could not have been so grand. He lost sight of this perhaps and went for the big contract, which always seems to be out there.

He got his money, and never played again. He blew out his knee and never seemed to recover.

Deion Branch

A second rounder who got a decent rookie contract as a result. A pretty good talent, but beyond his talent and commitment, he lost sight of the environment that allowed him to reach his maximum potential.

Then he got greedy, overlooked the benefits of the Kraft and Patriot family, the coaches, the players, the endorsements and other financial opportunities that he had, and focused solely on the big contract.

The ego can work for you and work against you. Deion found out how average his talent really is in the great Northwest.

Ty Law

Ty was big in college, and came into the NFL with a big contract as a result. In spite of the grief he got about "needing to feed his family," I stood up for Ty (I did grow up in MA and am a U of Michigan grad, so its hard not too) because he simply wanted to get what his contract said.

You can't argue with that, even though almost all contracts have voidable, impractical years stuck on the end of them to massage player and agent egos. Anyway, Belichick, a man of high character, honored Ty's demand to get paid what he negotiated to get paid.

However, that still wasn't enough "respeck" for Ty, he had to be the highest paid player at corner. Didn't matter who or where, just show Ty the money baby. He's still around and still getting paid.

Can't say he didn't do the right thing, but I can say he could have made as much money as he needed for the rest of his life, and had so much more than monetary wealth, if he took a little bit less to stay in New England.

David Patten

I'm not sure David wanted to leave when he did, but he accepted a relatively lucrative deal from Washington and was a total bust there. He's in New Orleans now and meeting with some modest success, but he would had it all if he stuck around.

Randall Gay

Randall was undrafted I believe—either that or a seventh rounder. Nick Saban obviously liked him because while at LSU, he put a bug in Belichick's ear about Gay. As fate would have it, he became a key contributor and did a serviceable job and then some on his way to getting a Superbowl ring.

He too, left for browner pastures. Although in Randall's case, he went home to New Orleans, so I can see where that has some legitimate pull beyond the green backs. He is playing for New Orleans still, but not very well.

Daniel Graham

Graham, a mauling blocker, supposedly with some hands. He had a very good career in New England, but never became the receiver he should have. His stature and tenure with the cultivating environment in New England enabled him to demand top dollar as well.

He, like Gay, took a deal with his home team. Denver in Graham's case. I thought under Shanahan, with Cutler as the QB, he would break out as a receiver. He's done little in Denver to earn his fat contract.

Damian Woody

Woody couldn't handle the shotgun snap. I thought that was a joke at first, but apparently he just couldn't do it and got bumped from center to guard. Oddly enough, that incompetence ended up benefiting him in terms of a huge contract for a guard at the time he left for Detroit.

I'm not sure how much more he got by going to Detroit than he would have had in New England, but I guarantee you it wasn't worth it. Woody escaped to the Jets this season. I guess anything is an improvement over Detroit.

I must confess I'm surprised Woody is still in the league. He left for Detroit for the money, but also because I think he didn't want to work as hard as he would have needed to to earn his contract in New England.

Lawyer Milloy

To his credit, Lawyer is still playing. I thought he would have been out of the league long ago after leaving New England. He has limited speed and stone hands. Now, he is actually reaping some rewards for his persistence after many years of football misery in Buffalo and Atlanta.

Good for him. I'm sure it wasn't worth the few extra dollars he banked after agents fees and taxes et al.

Drew Bledsoe

I'm not sure if Drew belongs here, as Drew is a man of huge character that had no desire to leave the franchise he helped resurrect. But since his career floundered so badly besides the one outstanding year in Buffalo, I thought it fit the bill of a pothole-filled road out of New England.

I love Drew and am sure he is a happy and wealthy man today. He deserved better from New England, Buffalo, and Dallas, and surely both those latter franchises would be in a better place today if they put more faith in Drew.

Charlie Weis

Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. I suspect you'll be back with us soon, once McDaniels gets snatched up by some team and you get sick of the negativity you have to endure in your current situation. You had great relationships, a lot of dough, and everything you wanted but the title. Was it worth it?

Romeo Crennel

Romeo deserved a chance, and given his age, I commend him for going for it. Unfortunately, the first go around as top dog in the NFL is always a tough scenario and most often ends like his tenure in Cleveland ended. He did a decent job. He just had a lot of bad situations that piled up on him.

I hope he gets another shot or ends up back in New England. He left for the right reasons, but nonetheless, there's not place like home.

Eric Mangini

The rat.

Robinson-Randall

Not sure why I put him in here. He didn't leave, he got tossed out the door and ended up nowhere. He started 19 games and got a ring (if my memory serves me correctly). Whatever the hell he did, he shouldn't have done. He should have stayed the course and prospered in New England.

Thanks Mr. Kraft! I ain't goin' nowhere.

Even New England Patriots' Clouds Have Silver Linings

Gary Wolff — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 02:32:51 -0500

After a courageous and exciting regular season, the Patriots fall victim to an imperfect system of promoting the best teams to the postseason and must sadly go home early.

Disappointing. Very, very disappointing. However, the team and the fans can hold their heads high and look forward to a very bright future.

Here are a few benefits and/or simple pleasures of the misfortune:

1. Brett Favre will finally retire.

2. Eric Mangini is unemployed.

3. New York fans are disgraced and miserable.

4. The Patriots players will have some time to rest, heal, and spend time away from football.

5. Matt Cassel got his chance to shine, and shine he did.

6. The Patriots' defensive backups and rookies got a lot of playing time, ensuring the defensive front seven will be a force to be reckoned with next season.

7. Josh McDaniels got tested and came through like a champion.

8. The offensive line showed their excellence and honed their teamwork.

9. Bill Belichick once again displays he is the dominant coach and dominant football mind of his time.

10. Junior came back to the playground and we all enjoyed that. Hopefully he sticks around. Rosie too.

11. The chip the team needs to have on its shoulder is clearly defined and ready to be toted around next season.

12. My vague argument of how I believe Favre isn't and hasn't been a great quarterback was encapsulated for all loyalists to undeniably see.

13. The shameful demise of the Jets will deflate the energy towards the new stadium and could help shape the endeavor as a financial noose around the necks of the New York teams.

14. Gholston was a ghost, and Mayo was a superstar.

15. The worst possible scenario that could have possibly occurred when the Jets cut loose Pennington and acquired Favre came to fruition, which will cause pain and suffering for New York fans for the rest of their lives.

Eric Mangini Conspiracy

Gary Wolff — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 12:58:56 -0500

As the story goes, at least to the world outside the inner circle of the Belichick bloodlines, Mangini betrayed, or at least defied Belichick by abandoning the Patriots for the bitter rival New York Jets.

He, like a defiant son coming of age, left home on bitter terms, discarding the expected loyalty, arrogantly turning his back on his mentoring before it was complete, and taking the playbook and some personnel with him.

Mangini, young, confident, and now legitimized by the New York Jets ownership, took on the task of destroying his mentor. Apparently, although just like Belichick in many ways, Mangini didn't like the authority held over him by Belichick, and left home to make a name for himself.

His hypocritical stab in the back exposing the meaningless and soon to be blown way out of proportion Spygate happenings, was a notch on his belt for sure. It was a very satisfying blow to his despised mentor, especially since he was unable to one-up him at his craft.

Mangini must be feeling very happy and proud now. He has managed to put a season ending knock out punch to the chin of Belichick.

Great job Eric. You have proven yourself an admirable man, making everyone so proud.

Good luck finding another job and more friends. Maybe you can shine Bill's shoes for him...Oh, I guess that won't work as his footwear doesn't need a shine.

Perhaps Barney Frank will give you a bail out. He's another accomplished New Yorker.

I Was Wrong About Favre

Gary Wolff — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 12:06:02 -0500

The other day I wrote an article titled 'Emperor Favre is Naked'. The premise of that article was that Favre is overrated and not a hall of fame caliber player, but because he has played so long, he has Hall of Fame stats.

Well, as many people pointed out, I was wrong!! Favre is a Hall of Fame quarterback. His statistics prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt, and he certainly will be a first ballot entry into Canton.

So farewell Brett. You are a likable, fun guy who can sling the football like few others.

As a Patriots fan, I am just glad you were a Packer and not a Patriot. Although I cannot deny your numbers, I can and will always say that you have that intangible quality that keeps you from being considered one of the greatest, but apparently this amateur writer just cannot seem to define what that quality is.

Your gritty, bi-polar performance today in a must-win game against the Dolphins is a microcosm of your career from this biased fan, and I am grateful I only had to suffer the manic nature of your football persona the three times it affected my team. All three were a big letdown for New Englanders (2002 game against the Jets that decided the AFC East, the 2008 game as a Jet against Miami that decided the AFC East, and of course the crowning achievement of your career, the Superbowl triumph against the Patriots).

Enjoy your retirement. I bid a fond farewell to you and to the soap opera that follows you.

Bill Belichick: Genius or Zen Master?

Gary Wolff — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 03:24:26 -0500

Bill Belichick's legacy will be within the limited spectrum of the sport of football.

There will be much to learn from studying his philosophy, his methods, and his career. So much so that he is already somewhat of a living legend. A genius, in fact, as proclaimed by many, both from the realm of those whose opinions would matter as well as many whose opinions have no merit to make them worthy.

I, as a Patriots fan, love Belichick. Yet I am intrigued by him and admire him more for his perspective on life than on football alone.

Now, I must confess I don't know BB, and don't know anyone who knows BB, and I've never even read his book(s). So my perspective on him that I share now is from afar, and based off of his press conferences only, which we all know are a small fraction of the man as a whole.

This is what makes the man great—a genius, if you will:

His ability to evaluate character, and see whats inside men before they are even able to see it and find it themselves
His ability to break down a task into its components, prioritize them, and then focus with laser-sharp precision on the current task.

No. 1 is what makes him a football legend. It is what allows his "system" to work. Obviously he has a superior football mind, but his ability to identify the character of men relative to what it takes to be a professional football player is the basis for his excellence.

No. 2 transcends football and is the essence of living harmoniously and abundantly. "Now," meaning this current moment, is all that ever exists. If you can focus on "right now," and do what is necessary "now," to allow you to reach your greater goal, one step at a time, you have no choice but to become hugely successful.

This is a Zen-like quality or ability. So although Bill loves football, that is just a blessing for all us football fans that this Zen master is amused and motivated by this complex game.

His passion could have easily been middle east culture, and then we would have been deprived of the greatest football coaching legacy of our time and been left watching integrated Palestinian and Jewish philanthropic activities instead.

In all seriousness, though, Napolean Hill said (I'm paraphrasing) that the only thing a person has complete control over is his thoughts. And fortunately, what you think about produces the results you experience in your life. So that leaves us in total control of our lives, if, and it is a big if, we can focus our minds properly.

Belichick is a superior role model, and his results prove it.

Emperor Favre Is Naked

Gary Wolff — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 02:29:06 -0500

Before I solicit the wrath of Favre faithful, let me honor the man. Kudos to Brett Favre.

A fierce competitor
A fun-loving, genuinely likable personality
A record-setting NFL quarterback

OK, now for all of those with blinders on, I, who see Favre naked, would like to fill you in. Brett is not a great quarterback and is not a Hall of Fame quarterback. He will make the Hall, don't get me wrong, and it won't aggravate me that he does.

His incredible ability to stay healthy enough to play every week, and his ability to play at a high enough level to keep a starting job are admirable and potentially worthy enough on their own to earn a spot in Canton, Ohio.

But Farve has been an average quarterback his entire career. Even when he was winning MVP awards, it wasn't about what he did, but about who he is. I don't see it. I see him naked, so I can't explain to you what people see that allows them to distort the facts of what they are seeing into the legend that he has become.

What I do know, is that Favre, even when he won his Lombardy Trophy, was above average at best. That Superbowl was won for the Packers by Bill Parcells, Reggie White, and Desmond Howard. Favre did little beyond his basic responsibilities to earn that victory.

Had Parcells not selfishly and hypocritically undermined his commitment to the Patriots by creating a huge distraction about himself; had Parcels not been foolish enough to kick to the ball to the white-hot Howard; and had Reggie White's will not been imposed upon the opposition; it's likely Bledsoe out-performs Favre in the clutch to strip off his clothing for all to see.

Again, I do like Bret Favre. He is good for the NFL, he is good for Wrangler, and he is certainly a great citizen of our great country.

But he is what he is, and not what everyone seems to make him out to be.

HOWEVER, if he beats the Dolphins on Sunday, I'm eagerly drinking the kool-aid and will deny claim to this article.

Go Jets!

Four Strikes and You Are Out

Gary Wolff — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 05:16:53 -0500

Either it defines the greatness of the sport, or the futility of it, I cannot decide. What is 'it'? 'It' is the fact that an entire NFL season is defined by a few plays. Is that fantastic, or is it pathetic? I don't have bi-polar disorder, but the emotional swings I get when I ponder the Patriots season gives me some insight into what that affliction must be like.

I grew up in Sharon, Ma, a town bordering Foxboro. So I had no option but to bleed red, white, and blue (and silver now-a-days). I am very grateful for the current decade of Patriots history. My memories of this time will bring joy to me for the rest of my life.

The 2008 season though is not as sweet as I had once anticipated. Lord Brady went down in the first quarter of the first game. That's a devastating event, especially since we had unfinished business from the prior season. However, if Randy Moss and the rest of the team could handle that shock and disappointment, well, I had to man up as well. After crying myself to sleep that night, I awoke with strength and faith that Belichick would make things right. Although Cassel looked weak in preseason, I had faith in him because he appeared to be an accurate thrower, had all the physical skills, and BB believed in him..."In Bill We Trust in Patriot Nation."

So after the enormity of the season thus far: the blood, broken bones, torn ligaments, concussions, thousands of miles traveled, medications and physical therapy, the hundreds of millions of dollars spent... after all of the emotional ups and downs, the season is defined thus far by four events:

1 - Brady went down and Matt Cassel emerged.

2 - Ben Watson knocking the ball out of his own hands during the Jets game.

3 - An errant snap that lead to a 30+ yard loss in the Jets game.

4 - A pathetic and foolish dead ball call against Dave Thomas in the Colts game.

If the Patriots take care of business, and the Jets lose, as they most surely will, especially now that the time slot for their game is moved so that they will know they have nothing to play for prior to kickoff (Baltimore cannot and will not lose to Jacksonville, as Jacksonville won't show up to contend them), then an epic and courageous season will be all for nothing. And why? Because of only four specific events, the latter three of which are such a tiny part of the whole, yet the defining parts.

If Watson doesn't strip himself of the ball or if the errant snap doesn't take place, the Patriots, who were unstoppable by the hands of the Jets in that game, win easily and control their own destiny.

If the refs don't make a ridiculous call where a tight end leading a run play pushes a would be tackler in front of the play one second or less after the whistle, then the Patriots have a realistic shot of tying or winning the Colts game. Let me digress a bit, as this call is symbolic of a widespread problem in the NFL. Dave Thomas was hustling his butt off, to win a game and more playing time. He pushed, with his hands, to the shoulder pads of, a would be tackler. He was doing his job. The whistle blew and his momentum carried him into the tackler, who saw him coming and braced for the impact. It was not a malicious play, it was not a blind shot, or a shot to the head, or a shot with the helmet. It was simply football. But the refs, who called but 1 or 2 penalties the entire game, took away a first down, and put the Patriots in a fourth and 16 position, taking them out of field goal range, with a dead ball foul call that technically was not a penalty, and certainly was not a wise call even if it were technically a penalty given the context of the game.

Why should some old man with a subjective whistle decide the fate of a game where millions of dollars, millions of people, lots of pain and sweat are invested. It can't come down to that. Fortunately for San Diego, they have a chance to redeem the horrible fate they suffered by the hands of a zebra.

So, I ask you, is it glorious, or simply maddening, that the enormity of an NFL season is filtered down to a few random plays?

J-E-T-S... Jets - Jets - Jets... This is the first and last time I will ever truly stand side by side of a Jets fan.

For the good of the game (OK, at least for the good of me and my fellow Patriots fans), lets hope the Patriots make it in to the playoffs. They deserve it based on their courage, their level of play, and their win/loss record. Unfortunately, 'deserve' has nothing to do with it.