Bleacher Report - Articles by K Kelly

2008 NFL Draft: A Changing of the Guard for the Patriots

K Kelly — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:16:36 -0400

It's no secret—in the confines of Gillette Stadium—that the Patriots' four linebackers are getting older.

The older age has been showing since 2001, and they have only added aging stars.

Many fans would like to see Darren McFadden in Patriot blue, but true fans want a young linebacker who can learn from what is possibly the best group of linebackers in the game.

I would love to see either Chris Long or Gholston holding up a Patriots jersey in April, from the stage of the NFL draft.

Coach Bill Belichick loves a defensive end that can step up and play linebacker when the need arises. Both, Long and Gholston could do that, especially if they were learning the ropes from Bruschi, Seau, Vrabel, and Thomas.

This way, when Bruschi and Seau leave, there will still be a smart, talented DE/LB, who can keep the system going.

If the Patriots can grab, either Long or Gholston early, and the other later on, they should be in good shape.

The defensive backfield could use some work as well, although they seem to have fixed it for now. Maybe a late rounder would be helpful.

Overall, the smart move is a LB. Long, a DE at Virginia worked out with the Patriots’ defense ends at the combine, but ran LB drills at his pro day.

Gholston is an Ohio State LB, and that is great for Belichick, as he's seen that system with Vrabel.

I like both of these guys to join the future Hall of Famers in the linebacking core.

Imagine, a talented, young, linebacker, who has been taught the ways of the league from the best?

Sounds good to me.

Troy Brown: A True Patriot

K Kelly — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:05:02 -0400

I grew up in Massachusetts and my family members have been fans of the Patriots since their induction into the league. I grew up in the cement and aluminum Foxboro Stadium and cheered on my Dad's favorite team for years.

Now, I'm 18 and I still have a deep love for the Patriots.

The aluminum stands of Foxboro and the luxury boxes of Gillette Stadium have seen their fair share of great players. Bruce Armstrong, John Hannah, Drew Bledsoe, Stanley Morgan, Ben Coates, and others—they have always had legends.

But a man not well known outside of the six states of New England will always have a place deep in the hearts of New England fans.

Troy Brown was drafted in the seventh round of the 1993 draft by Bill Parcells and was cut more times than the Patriots have sold out games. He stayed with the team, always doing what he was asked, and made a serious role for himself on the team.

He accomplished something not many players are able to do today, and that's stay with the same team for his entire career.

He was known for his punt returns, clutch catches, and his work on defense, but my dad remembers him most for his nature.

Troy is a kind-hearted man and has always stayed out of trouble. I remember going to a game and standing by the railing. He looked back at and gave us a wave and a smile.

He is Mr. Patriot and he will always be loved in New England

He may be moving on to another team now, but as a true Patriots fan I will always see him wearing No. 80 in blue.

Troy Brown, thank you.

From Japenese Hero in MLB to MLB Hero in Japan

K Kelly — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:21:03 -0400

Daisuke Matsuzaka has taken a road to the MLB that has seen more hype than A-Rod, more reporters than a Red Sox-Yankees game, and a tougher rookie season than Ryan Leaf. He did well in his first year with the boys who play amongst the green monster, and should be even better in the future. "Dice-K" as he is called, had more strikeouts than anyone could have imagined. From the day that the Red Sox won the rights to negotiate with the Seibu Lions ace, Daisuke has been uner the media scruteny of Boston, comperable only to that of New York City. From the translator press conferences to his rediculous work ethic, Daisuke is something the city of Boston has never seen.

Living up to the hype of the best pitcher from Japan ever wasn't easy. Daisuke was like one of those legends you hear about. One of those legends where the hero saves the day and wins the hearts of a nation. Daisuke won the hearts of the baseball world when he performed on the world stage at the World Baseball Classic. But the hype didn't start there. The most impressive story is of a performance in high school, where he threw over 200 pitches in a game. Once he signed with the Red Sox, he made his transition, and he made translations. The change of leagues took some getting used to. Working with Jason Varitek was an intricle part of that transision. The catcher who was is creditied with managing this staff of pitchers was able to overcome the language barrier and the game differences to help show how good of a pitcher he really is. Daisuke is becoming one of the best pitchers in the game. Within the next few years he should be considered among the elite in the game. Daisuke went from being the legend of Japan to the legend of Boston, and will return to his native Japan as a member of his new team. A team where legends are well known to be born and haunt the open air of the paradise known as Fenway Park. Ted Williams, Carl Yastremski, Babe Ruth, all of which have left their mark on the field of Fenway. Daisuke is quite possibly the next legend. He was able to achieve so much in his first year, who knows where his career is going? Anyone who has been luck enough to see the numbers over the right field bleachers. 9, 42, 3, who knows, maybe 18 is next?

NFL Draft: Top Seven

K Kelly — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:19:26 -0400

The NFL Draft is probably the best way to build talent through youth. If your team has the money and the time to let their talent develop, then this may be the way your future is headed.

The parody in the NFL, unmatched by other leagues, is seen easily in the draft. The worst teams are given the best chances to choose the young men to shape their future.

This year is no different. The draft has been described as shallow, but the first 12 or so picks should be highly talented.

1. Maimi Dolphins

I see them taking Matt Ryan with this pick. Parcells will want to start at the top in rebuilding his team, and what better way then to take a young QB for the future?

He is, however, warned against because of his high interception numbers, but he needed to throw to keep that team in the race for No. 1. Ryan is a QB who could develop into a brilliant passer and leader.

2. St. Louis Rams

The Rams will probably grab Glenn Dorsey here to help rebuild their defense. Arguably the best DL in the game, he could help the Rams for years to come.

This is a smart pick, similar to the Mario Williams pick a couple of seasons ago. A strong defense is anchored around their front seven.

3. Atlanta Falcons

This one is iffy. There are talks that Deangelo Hall will be traded for some draft picks. If that happens, look for the possibility of them reaching and taking Aquib Talib.

That is very unlikley, and any GM who would reach that far should be fired. I see them taking Chris Long, helping to fill the void left by Patrick Kerney last season. Long did exceptionally well at the combine and I see him being another smart pick.

4. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders will probably take the best player available here: Jake Long. They are also known for taking the high profile linemen.

Hey, why not take someone who can protect Jamarcus Russell?

5. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs will probably take another talented DB to replace Ty Law, possibly Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. They could use some help from youth in their secondary and Rodgers-Cromartie could be that answer.

He impressed scouts at the combine, his first NFL experience.

6. New York Jets

The Jets will jump on Darren McFadden, especially if they don't need to move up to get him. They need added talent, and pairing him with Thomas Jones in the backfield in the Big Apple could be just the right idea.

7. New England Patriots

They will take whoever the Falcons don't take. They would take Talib if Chris Long is gone, but they would much rather have Long.

Belichick likes defensive ends who can also play a little linebacker. Long wowed scouts at the combine so don't be surprised if it doesn't take the Patriots more than a few seconds to send in their pick (if he's still there).

One team you don't see here is the Dallas Cowboys. There was talk of the Cowboys moving up to take McFadden, but it won't happen. I think Michael Irvin put it best when he said, "Would the league please step in and drug test Jerry Jones?!"

Well put Michael, well put.

New England Patriots: The Aftermath

K Kelly — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:40:18 -0400

The Patriots almost made history in 2007 after finishing the regular season 16-0.

If they had only burned more time off the clock, if they had only made those last few stops, if only they..., the ifs are endless.

The Patriots are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, but that game slipped through their fingers.

With the beginning of the off-season, it starts all over.

The Pats are back at 0-0 along with all the other teams. The question is, can they do it again? This time of the year, this "off-season" as it's called for most teams, should be referred to the "aftermath" for the Pats.

They have let many free agents leave, some of who are young free agents. Eugene Wilson is not a big concern, but I feel that they may regret the loss of Randall Gay. Gay was begining to blossom into a good young corner, and was someone I wanted to see stay in the system.

They also lost some leadership without Troy Brown, Junior Seau (as of now), and Kyle Brady. Asante Samuel developed into a very good corner, but showed that he was in it for the money.

It's not all bad, though, they have begun picking up the pieces.

Arguably their most important free agent, Randy Moss, has resigned. Interestingly enough, the character-conscience Pats signed Moss around the same time that his lawsuit was dropped. Moss and Brady should be a good combo for years to come.

They have also brought in free agents like Tank Williams. Veteran presence is big in New England and look for further signings of veterans.

As far as the draft goes, the final step in the aftermath, their pick in the draft will likely be a safe one. It would be out of character for them to chose a high-priced linebacker or running back, (not that they need one), with the seventh pick.

They may choose to trade it to acquire more picks. I see them taking a linebacker anyway, especially if there is a good linebacker/defensive end still available.

There is talk that Chris Long may still be around, and, although he may be high priced, he would be Bill Belichick's dream. A strong defensive lineman who can step back and play some linebacker alongside some of the best veterans in the league.

Once the mini-camps are done and the season starts, they will figure out what they have and put the pieces back together. They have a strong foundation and should keep building on it.

The league is built on competitive balance, and for a team to win three Super Bowls, with three different teams, they must have something figured out.

Brady and Belichick are working with Scott Pioli, and look for them to keep up the good work. They still have their leaders, and they will lead their team through the aftermath, and into the cold days of December.

NFC Predictions from a Fan's Point of View

K Kelly — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:18:20 -0400

As an avid football fan, it is my passion to write about the NFL. As this is my first article, I feel that a good start would be to provide my outlook on the upcoming season and, specifically, my views on the NFC.

NFC East

1. Cowboys

2. Giants

3. Redskins

4. Eagles

Why?

I think the Cowboys are gearing up to get themselves stronger than last year and will be able to top the world champions.

Rumors say that Jeremy Shockey may be on his way out of the Big Apple, and that could help them. The Giants are strong and will be in it through the year.

The Redskins will be a step closer now with a full roster. Last year's unfortunate loss of Sean Taylor left them without a great safety and pro-bowler.

This year they will head into the season with a full defensive backfield, however I see them coming in third due to Jason Campbell still developing. Campbell will get there with the help of his supporting cast.

The Eagles seem to be staying in the basement as they just can't seem to make anything happen for their team.

I know they signed Asante Samuel to a big deal and that should sure help them defensively, but I'm not convinced. Samuel will help, but they are just too old.

NFC South

1. Saints

2. Buccaneers

3. Falcons

4. Panthers

Why?

Okay, here's the deal. I think the Saints have the players to make a serious run this year. Reggie Bush has another year under his belt, and Drew Brees has another year in this system.

They don't have a very high draft pick, but should be able to grab some talent at No. 10.

The Buccaneers just seem to be getting older by the day, but still have a serious amount of talent. They should be able to contend for another playoff run.

The Falcons, assuming they use their pick wisely, should be able to add some talent and get over the shock of the Michael Vick loss.

They have a full off season to prepare, and they should be getting better.

The Panthers haven't made very many strides so far to help their team. They will be helped by the recovery of Jake Delhomme, but will need a strong draft to improve.

NFC West

1. 49ers

2. Seahawks

3. Cardinals

4. Rams

Why?

What am I thinking, putting the 49ers first?

They have a great group of young talent on both sides of the ball, and are finally almost done rebuilding. Look for them to emerge from this fairly weak division.

This just in: the Seahawks have a good running back. Yes, Sean Alexander but also the addition of Julius Jones. These two running backs are just a sample of their full back field.

Look for the possibility of a split locker room between the two backs.

The Cardinals are riding on the development of Matt Lienart and the thought that Edgerinn James couldn't possibly keep struggling. I think they will keep making improvements but it will take time.

The Rams have a good running back, but their team still needs a lot of improvement.

NFC North

1. Vikings

2. Lions

3. Packers

4. Bears

Why?

The combination of Adrian Peterson with a developing Tarvaris Jackson is crazy. They will develop together and become a good team. They are young and should keep getting better.

The Lions should have success with their young team and, though they've lost some players on defense, should keep getting better.

The Packers will need Aaron Rodgers to be their leader and that may take some time. They also have a young team and should be better in a year or two.

The Bears resigned Rex Grossman and will need him to lead, too. His ability to do this will effect the team's record.

They may need a strong draft or free agency to be truly successful.

These are the standings from where I sit.

I think the NFL is such a beautiful part of life and provides us with the normal range of emotions, like nervousness, excitement, heartache.

And for those chosen fans every February, pure joy.

This is our world and these are our teams.