The Patriots showed up on Monday to begin off season work outs at Gillette.

The news from Boston.com is that Hoodie won’t be using a Defensive Coordinator this season. Dean Pees elected not to come back at the end of his contract in January of this year.

That leaves room for players to step up and have more of a leadership role. And that was a big problem for the 2009. Well that, and the Pats giving up the 4th quarter way too often.

Linebacker Jerod Mayo wants to step into more of a leadership role with the new space left by Pees:

“I think I can definitely step my game up as far as being a vocal leader on this team,’’ Mayo said. “Last year, I still was a second-year player. I still tried to lead by example, but this year I think losing guys like Junior [Seau] and Tedy Bruschi, even though that was a couple of years ago, I think it was a void as far as having that vocal guy on this team in general.

Randy Moss has announced that 2010 will be his last in a Patriots uniform. Why? “The Pats don’t pay”, he’s reported as saying.

Fair enough. The Patriots are not exactly famous for breaking the bank to go after big name players. In addition, there are plenty of other holes that need to be filled before Moss gets his share.

Vince Willfork was tagged in the hopes of working out a long term deal to lock him down, and after him the Patriots have to negotiate with the biggest name in the franchise’s history. Brady’s contract will also be up in 2010, and to say that resigning him for whatever he wants is New England’s biggest priority is a massive understatement. ESPN is guessing Brady will get between $15-$20M a year for a multi-year deal from Foxboro. As far as the fans go, the guy could ask for every vestal virgin in the New England area and we’d be idiots for not turning them over.

In addition there are holes all over the offensive and defensive line and that leaves Moss standing alone crying into that ridiculous beard as a secondary consideration.

Don’t get me wrong, I want Randy to stay and to finish out his career with Brady in New England. I think they’re an incredibly lethal duo. But the New England mentality of “no player is bigger than the system” has gotten us a Playoff bound team for the majority of the last decade and three rocks to go along with it.

The problem with New England fans is after the 2007 season, nothing else but complete and utter domination of the entirety of the NFL will satisfy. And it’s not going to happen that way again, but we still think Brady, Moss, Welker and the Hoodie can get it done. I’d love to see Brady and Moss go for another single season passer/receiver record. But it’s not going to happen.

Whether or not Moss stays will not determine the fate of the Pats in 2011. He’s an incredible receiver and rightfully popular with the New England fans, but there are too many other problems to nail down first.

Although, I will miss the Moss Mask!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Wes Welker went out in the first quarter in today’s game against the Houston Texans. New England was down by 7 when Welker went out.  The score was tied at 13 at the half.

The injury was a result of trying to cut during a run  after a 13 yard reception from Brady. He went down and immediately began holding his left knee. He was able to hobble off the field and was very emotional from the sidelines. There’s video on NFL.com.

So what does this do the Pats’ playoff picture? I had to scrap the article I was writing about our chances against Indy and/or San Diego as a result of the injury.  His importance can’t be overstated… he’s the man. He came into today’s game with 122 catches for 1,336 yards and four touchdowns.

Also being reported today on ESPN.com: Brady has been playing with three broken ribs. Apparently, he was busted up in Week 13 against Miami and has been playing injured ever since.

If I’m a handicapper, New England looks like a wounded animal… hurt and more than likely angry. Which makes them very unpredictable.

I’ll have an article on the New England Playoff Picture later this week after the results of tests on Welker’s knee are out. Keep ‘em crossed.

UPDATE: Both ESPN.com and NFL.com are reporting that Welker has torn both his anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his left knee. The long and the short of it is, it’s gonna take a miracle for Wes to be in the Playoffs… more than likely, his season is done.

Which means Julian Edelman, the rookie receiver will be stepping up to fill some very big and fast shoes. Edel went for 10 receptions and 103 yards after Welker exited the game.

And the field is set for the Pats… next up is Baltimore in Foxboro.

We’ll be covering it all over in the GUFS 2009 NFL Playoffs blog… come watch me destroy Tyson Heck and that gaggle of panty waist fops down in Baltimore!

… and the Division title.

The Pats dismantled Jacksonville in a 35-7 rout in Foxboro, guaranteeing themselves the AFC East Division Title and a playoff spot.

The game, and the score, definitely has larger implications. TFB threw for four touchdowns and Welker went 13 for 13 for 138 yards. Moss caught 3 of Brady’s 4 TD passes and was definitely in better spirits after the criticism from the Panthers last week.

He even got to dance around with Moss Mask.

Despite the 10-5 record, there are varying opinions about why the Pats are suddenly in an upswing and what it means for the post-season:

• That Pats always win when Brady practices…. ummm…. yeah.

• Peter King says we’ve all given up on the Pats too soon. And I really want to agree with him. But not sure that I can…

There is a grim resignation among every thinking Pats fan that I’ve talked to that this is not our year. The Return of TFB has been exceptionally satisfying, watching Moss and Welker tune up on opposing defenses is more laughable than that new Steven Seagal show.

The problem has been, and continues to be, the defense. It will not hold up under a solid offense and I have repeatedly stated, and continue to think, we’ll be out of the Playoffs as soon as we go up against a team with a strong offense.

I’m very happy we’ve done as well as we have, and there isn’t a doubt in my mind the Pats will be back in the Super Bowl within the next season or two… but not this year. But, I would be really happy to be wrong, too. Then again, 6 Division Titles in 7 years is nothing to be ashamed of.

What do you think?

And now, a special note to all of you Colts fans that are pissing and moaning about being 14-1: Tough shit. I’m already fed up with the “Peyton wasn’t on the field…we didn’t have our A Team” whiny, candy ass moans of loss.

Scoreboard.

I don’t care if Peyton Manning or the corpse of old Grandma is out on that field. Indianapolis lost. There is no A Team or B Team in the NFL. You field the team you have and you live with the decisions you make… so knock off the crying.

And by the way, I’d rather be 18-1 with a pair of balls and know that my team tried their best and lost than coddling Precious Manning for the Playoff run. Your team might have the skills, but the coach doesn’t have a whole lot of heart. Nothing like playing to win, huh Peyton?

We’ll see you in the Playoffs.

Oh, the humiliation.

Sunday’s 22-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins puts the Pats at 7-5. By way of comparison, this is the same record at Week 13 from 2008 when Cassel was QB and we all knew New England wasn’t going anywhere.

This week’s loss solidifies my opinion about this year’s team. There are too many holes, and too many weak spots for New England  to be a serious contender. The Pats will make it into the Playoffs, but will go out as soon as they face a decent team. We’re in a weak division, and the important games, and today’s seeming cake walk, prove that the ‘09 Pats are not getting it done.

The problems:

• Mentality

This is not a team with a lot of consistent mental toughness. From top to bottom the team does not show the intensity it takes to get into the Playoffs and make a run.

Brady said it himself after today’s loss:

“I think that’s the most important thing, being mentally tough to overcome adversity. And when things don’t go your way you have to fight back. That’s a challenge for all of us. I think at times we do. And at times I don’t think we fight very hard. We have leads in the second half and leads in the fourth quarter and we’re just not closing the game out when we have the opportunity to.”

And where does this problem hurt the most? At the end of games and on the road. The ‘09 Patriots are winless on the road this season.

So…what the hell? Does Bellichick need to pitch a fit? Do the wives and girlfriends need to show up with golf clubs? Whatever it is, the game needs to be stepped up, and especially at problem number 2:

• Secondary

It looks like a piece of cheese cloth back there. There’s no leadership and the Saints provided a blueprint on scoring against the Pats’ defense. Jared Mayo not withstanding, that’s some weak sauce.

• Second Half Offense

And let’s be honest, Pats have sucked in the second half…they can’t close the deal any more than those guys from the “Twilight” movies.

Brady threw for 350 yards today, but that’s worthless if it’s not for TDs. He couldn’t convert on the 1st and goal and threw for a 2 INTs in the 4th quarter. It’s one team in the first half or three quarters and the B Team for the rest. Way to go Channing Crowder.

4 games to go and the Patriots are going to have to put on a clinic to make it anywhere in the Playoffs.

Let me preface everything in this post by saying Scoreboard. The Patriots lost to the Colts on Sunday night 35-34. But if you think Peyton Manning and the Colts weren’t handed the victory by one insanely dumb play from the Hoodie, I have some Easter Island heads to sell you.

You’ve seen the recap by now, and if you haven’t Peter King gives an excellent recap of the game and pretty much what I was thinking (and continue to think ). Obviously, we can’t know everything going on on the field during the game. Was there a lack of confidence in the Pats defense to keep Peyton away from the end zone 70+ yards out with 2 minutes left?

Or was it an overconfidence in Brady and the offense to make it on 4th and 2?

And I think that’s what happened. I think they wanted to stick it to Peyton. And oh man, I wish they had. I had visions of a photoshopped Peyton with the word “Defeated” in 20ft letters across his forehead.

I admire the balls behind the decision. You can talk all the smack you want, but don’t say the Patriots aren’t ballsy in the clutch. Even if they were a little too ballsy Sunday night. Stupid ballsy.

Here’s a quote from my buddy Jeff about the game:

Belichick!?!! What an idiot … Stupidity like that will cost you a division title and a first round bye.

Hard to argue. Hopefully, the Pats learn from their mistakes.

See you in the Playoffs, Peyton.

This week, the Pats (4-2) hop on a plane to play against the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-6) in London. Outstanding.

In light of our international adventure this week, I thought I would offer Queen Elizabeth II some tips when meeting some actual royalty, in the personage of our own TFB. I’ve been watching that incredibly tedious “The Tudors” on Showtime, so I know what’s up.

• Do not attempt to touch TFB. You may shake his hand if he offers it, but do not attempt to initiate any type of physical contact. When shaking his hand, be mindful of the three ginormous Super Bowl rocks on his fingers. These are quite important to the people of the United States, and frankly, the World.
• You may initially address Tom Brady as “You Magnificent Bastard” or “The Greatest Active Quarterback in the NFL”, and simply “Tom Terrific” from then on.
• Typically, people meeting Tom Brady are required to prostrate themselves before him. In this case, because you are the leftover remnant of an aristocratic theocracy that once dominated the planet with a naval armada and continent spanning empire, a small curtsy will be acceptable.
• Attire will also be an important part of your visit with TFB. The typical conservative woolen/fur wrap and tiara , while exciting for delusional and juvenile women the world over, is not acceptable when meeting the Pats’ quarterback. I suggest purchasing a Tom Brady #12 jersey. We also have it in the female fit version. Highly recommended.
• Whatever you do, do not bring up the 2007 NFL season, Peyton Manning, or that time TFB was photographed wearing a New York Yankees hat. All of these topics are considered strictly verboten and would be considered an affront to the personage of Tom Brady.
• You may make limited eye contact with TFB, but do not attempt to stare him down or illicit any type of response in this fashion. General rule of thumb would be to simply avert your eyes.
• If you are graced with the opportunity to eat with Tom Brady, you must ask his opinion on what is the best type of food and beverage to consume while watching him break another ridiculous NFL record. Last week, he told the King of Jordan that Memphis style Ribs and a 12 pack of your own Bass ale would go splendidly with his 5 TD passes in a quarter. Both the food and the game were perfectly delicious!
• Do not turn your back on Tom Brady. He turns his back on you.
• Gift giving is frowned upon with TFB. His presence is more than enough of a gift to you and your tired, propped up “reign”. And you have nothing he wants.
• On Sunday, be sure to tune in and watch Tom Brady and the New England Patriots dismantle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pats are giving up 15 points to the Bucs. Put a few shillings on the Pats, Your Majesty.

Was it an ugly win? Absolutely. Does Brady look like the legendary Brady of 2007? Nope.

But there’s one word for all the critics and naysayers and big mouths who have already announced the end of Brady’s career, and decided the Pats suck; or for this clown over at Fox Sports who has decided Brady can’t compete any more because one time, he too had a knee injury; that word is  :  SCOREBOARD.

Ask the Atlanta Falcons how that word tastes if you don’t think it’s that potent.

The Pats are 2-1, winning over the Falcons today 26-10, and that’s with a depleted roster. Welker didn’t suit up, and Maroney and Wilfork went out injured.  And no matter what ESPN tells you, one man and his Easter Island forehead do not win games on their own.

Bill Simmons had an excellent article about the two schools of thought among Pats fans about the fate of the 2009 Pats: they’ll bounce back with Brady, or they won’t.  But he refuses to commit to one way or the other. And rightfully so. Why? Because it’s Week 3. Not Week 10, or even 6. He brings up some of the poor choices the Pats have made with their draft picks. The Pats’ weaknesses will show up in the defensive line and in a weakened receiving corps. Not at quarter back. Brady threw for TD number 200 today, and this is only his third game in a over a year.

I know the Patriots are the Yankees of the NFL. Non-Pats fans love to hate them for the way they play and the way they win. But you can bet the Patriots will be in the Playoffs, even if they almost never beat the spread.

In the meantime, to all the idiot savant/ sports pundits: keep talking. Keep saying Brady is done. Keep yammering and railing about the demise of Brady’s career. He is the greatest active quarterback in the NFL, and no amount of blathering or Peyton worship will change the three Super Bowl rings and the single greatest season by a QB of all time.

Will the Patriots make it to the Super Bowl this season? I don’t know, and in fact, I doubt it. There are too many holes that need to be filled. But they will be there again before Brady is done.

Other notes:

• National Football Post is reporting that the Pats have had four players in for workouts to bolster their receivers: former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chris Davis, Anthony Armstrong, Courtney Taylor and William Franklin. They also took a look at Larry Beavers (former Panthers kick return) and Terdell Sands (former Oakland defensive tackle).

• Randy Moss caught for 116 yards in 10 catches, making this his  61st career game with 100 receiving yards.

Next week, it’s the Ravens at home, which is sure to be one of the toughest games of the season. Baltimore looks muy formidable.

It’s hard to believe that he’s been gone for so long. As if anyone could forget, his last full game was in the Super Bowl, when New England lost to the Giants because the Pats’ offense was unable to adequately protect Brady. Which is why the only way the Bills will be able to beat the Patriots is if they can get to Brady consistently. Now, if the Bills can’t get to Brady before he fires one of his near perfect passes, there’s no way that the Bills secondary will be able to slow down Wes Welker or Randy Moss.

Welker is nothing if not dependable. True, he’s best at catching short, shotgun passes, but he and Tom Brady have a history of marching down the field that way.

As I am watching the game, it’s tough not to be optimistic…Moss is looking good! Welker is injured, but I’ve seen him take some SERIOUS hits and keep going. Between Welker, Moss and Joey Galloway, they’ll get it done.

Nice try with the no-huddle offense, Dick Jauron. It’s only going to make T.O. tired.

It’s not Brady’s knee. And it’s not about Richard Seymour’s departure and the aging defense. In fact, it’s not really about football at all.

And yet, I’m compelled to address this Prince vs. MJ style question brought up by The Boston Herald yesterday. Typically, the Herald has very solid, if placid, sports coverage. But check out this article by Jessica Fargen: “Tom Brady has a bunch of fame, but how does he compare to Peyton Manning?”

I love this article for a couple of reasons. I obviously write for a very editoral blog, and that comes with the basic premise that the topics will skew in favor of the teams I’m covering. But Fargen’s article is such a loaded question from the get go, that I have to love it for its unabashed stupidity. The topic is moronic: Which QB is more popular? And the title suggests the answer: Peyton is, and can Brady live up to it?

And the correct answer, given by any number of Pats fans in the comments section, is: WHO CARES?!?!?!

I’ve stated repeatedly that Peyton is the ultimate media darling. He’s covered even when he has nothing going on. But now, even the Boston Herald is making up stories to talk about his superiority over Brady, and not even in football.

Brady = 3 Super Bowl rocks, and the greatest single QB season of all time. Every active QB is second place to that right now.

But what’s important in this article is how recognizable he is. Look, nobody is proud of him for doing those metro cologne ads. But it’s like the Yankees cap incident… It’s Brady, so we’ll look the other way and pretend it didn’t happen. And can we get back to football now in the sports section of the Boston Herald?

To Peyton’s credit, he doesn’t ask for these idiot articles to be written, and the man has done a tremendous amount of charity work for children.

And good for him. But he’s no Tom Brady. Even if Jessica Fargen wants him to be.

Brady and the boys get ready to crush the life out of the Bills tonight on MNF in Gillette! The only question is will they cover the spread?