Pats Pulpit

New England Patriots Links 5/17/12 - Should Patriots Say 'Yes' to No-Huddle More Often?

2012-05-17T14:00:10Z

Erik Scalavino explains why the no-huddle offense isn't used more often during games - and it has nothing to do with the Patriots' lack of defense last year.

I wrote a detailed analysis of the team’s no-huddle offense around mid-season last year and, in it, discovered that the team scored two-thirds of the time when they went no-huddle (which was about a third of the time). They huddled two-thirds of the time, but scored just once every three drives from the slowed-down tempo. So, I asked Bill Belichick and Tom Brady why they didn’t use it more often when it appeared to be so successful.

Their responses were revealing. Essentially, they said operating without a huddle is advantageous only when going up against defensive personnel who aren’t equipped to match up with the players the Patriots have on the field. The disadvantage, from New England’s standpoint, is that they can’t substitute when they’re not huddling. This limits the number of plays they can run with the personnel they have out there.

For instance, if the Patriots have their third-down back on the field with three receivers and one tight end, that personnel package isn’t always the desired one for goal-line situations, when a "heavy" package is more likely to succeed. So, no matter what improvements the Patriots make to their 2011 league-worst defense this year, they will have no effect on the offensive play calling.

Now, the lack of Light’s steady presence is surely a loss for New England’s o-line, but I have little doubt about Solder’s ability to step in and perform. For one, he’s far more prepared for the role than Light was when he was handed the job as a rookie in 2001. Secondly, Solder is a more talented player and could potentially be better than Light ever was.

However, I share your concerns about Vollmer’s health, which puts the right tackle position up for grabs. Cannon, it would seem, would be the frontrunner to replace Vollmer, if he can’t go, but you could see competition for that role from any number of young players on the roster, such as Matt Kopa (a 2011 practice squadder), or perhaps veteran Robert Gallery, if he’s not thrust into the right guard role.

TEAM TALK

Patriots Today - Thoughts from the rookies. (2.03 min. video)
Patriots Today - Friendly confines for Francis. (1.56 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

Karen Guregian looks at the WRs available on Brady's menu for 2012: all comfort food options.
Field Yates looks at each position on the roster and examines it through the age microscope.
Jeff Howe notes Wes Welker shows once again how he's one of the greatest team-first players in Patriots history.
NESN reports newly retired Matt Light helped run a camp at the Ron Burton Training Village this week, where he says the main focus is to help kids be "real." (2.27 min. video)

NATIONAL NEWS

Pat Kirwan (CBS Sports) Welker's smart to avoid holdout, now Patriots should reward him.
Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) Young guns: Top 10 NFL players under the age of 25. Rob Gronkowski makes the cut.
Matt Williamson (ESPN) Ranking the AFC East WR corps. New England ranks no. 1.
Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) A realistic assessment of Brady's career duration. Plus a video segment with Tom E. Curran (16.30 min.)
Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Why is the TE 'seam route' so tough to defend? Using video of a Gronkowski TD to break down technique.
John Clayton (ESPN) Opportunity knocks at minicamp.
Andrew Brandt (ESPN) Rookies sacrificed in new CBA.
Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) Finance issues could plague draftees.
George Koonce (ESPN) Guest column: Surviving life after the NFL.
Jack Bechta (Nat'l Football Post) NFL regional combines are working.
Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) ESPN president: John Gruden is a star, we'll ride him.
Ryan Van Bibber (SB Nation/NFL) Damned Lies: Your guide to NFL offseason storylines.
Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Revis raves about Tebow.
Jarrett Bell (USA Today) NFLPA makes case to overturn bounty punishment.
Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Report: League may eventually release some bounty evidence.
Albert Breer and Steve Wyche (NFL.com) Anthony Hargrove, Scott Fujita present at grievance hearing.

Logan Mankins Ranked No. 64 On 2012 NFL Top 100 List

2012-05-17T03:17:00Z

For the second straight year, New England Patriots left guard Logan Mankins has made Top 100 list of NFL players, as voted by the players, coming in at No. 64 overall in the 2012 ranking. He joins Vince Wilfork (No. 81 overall) as the only two Patriots that have made the list thus far.

Mankins' 2012 rank is noticeably lower than where he was a year ago, as he topped all NFL guards as the No. 39 ranked NFL player in 2011. While Mankins repeated his pro-bowl performance last season, his late season ACL injury could have contributed to the lower rank. Former New Orleans Saints guard Carl Nicks (No. 76 overall) is the only other guard to be named in the countdown thus far.

Regardless of the decline in rank, players around the league still consider Mankins to be one of the best guards in the league today.

Said Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Raheem Brock of Mankins:

"He's just a great overall offensive lineman. He's not just a great pass blocker, he's a great run blocker, too. He's pretty good at trying to disguise the run and the pass. In Indy, they know how we played. We spin a lot, and one play or another, he might set me up, knowing I'm going to spin and the other guy is coming to clean me up. They'd kind of laugh at you because it was kind of a set-up."

"People don't pay to see offensive linemen play, but he's one of the best," Brock said.

Added Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Evan Mathis of Mankins:

"Really laid-back guy off the field, doesn't say much, but when it's time to perform, he gets out there and he's mean, playing with aggression, and playing through the whistle," he said.

Tom Brady, Jerod Mayo, Rob Gronkowski and Wes Welker are all candidates to crack the Top 60 names on the list.

Report: Patriots, Jeremy Ebert Agree To Four Year Deal

2012-05-17T00:38:14Z

According to sources close to WEEI.com's Christopher Price, the New England Patriots and seventh-round selection Jeremy Ebert have agreed in principle to a four-year deal worth about $2.148 million. The team's final choice in the 2012 NFL Draft will earn $48,200 as a signing bonus.

Ebert, a 6'0, 195 pound wide receiver out of Northwestern, was the only offensive player selected by Patriots in this year's draft. In his senior season at Northwestern, he had 75 receptions for 1,060 yards and 11 touchdowns. He finished his collegiate career included 156 receptions and 20 total touchdowns.

Ebert will join an already crowded New England wide receiver corps that includes veterans Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, Deion Branch, Chad Ochocinco, Donte Stallworth and Anthony Gonzalez. With all of the competition that he'll have in training camp, he's likely in line for a practice squad spot.

Ebert is the second Patriots draft choice to sign on, as second round choice Tavon Wilson signed on for four years and $4.217 million earlier this month.

Wednesday Patriots Notes: Rob Gronkowski, Bill Belichick, Alfonzo Dennard

2012-05-16T22:29:06Z

When the Patriots offense takes the field on any given play, I used to firmly believe that quarterback Tom Brady was the best player on the field for New England. After watching them last season, I second guessed my prior judgement many times.

After a very solid first year in the league, Rob Gronkowski exploded onto the NFL scene, as he developed into one of the league's most elite tight ends. In 2011, caught 90 passes for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns, which was worthy enough for an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection. He and fellow tight end Aaron Hernandez teamed up to form an unprecedented two-headed monster at the position.

On Wednesday, NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah compiled a list of the top players in the league that are 25 years of age or younger. While the 22-year old Hernandez was one of those who just missed the cut, the 23-year old Gronkowski did make the cut. More from Jeremiah:

The word "Beast" is grossly overused in today's sports vernacular. However, in Gronk's case, there is no better term to describe him. In just his second season, he established himself as the best tight end in the NFL. He hauled in 90 balls for 1,327 yards and 17 TDs (a record for tight ends). He had multiple TDs in seven different regular season games. He has ideal size, speed and hands. His ability to use his frame to wall-off defenders on third down is a huge luxury for Tom Brady. I'd also rank him as the second best red-zone target in the NFL behind only Detroit's Calvin Johnson.

BELICHICK TOPS FORBES HIGHEST PAID COACHES LIST

It's a pretty common thought that the best coaches around professional and collegiate sports should be paid the most. So it was no shock when we learned that arguably the best coach in sports is also the highest paid one.

For the second straight year, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was ranked number one on the 2012 Forbes.com Top-10 highest paid coaches. Belichick, who earns a whopping (but well deserved) $7.5 million dollars annually, is one of the most methodical and successful coaches the NFL, and professional sports for that matter, has ever seen. The Forbes profile on the highest paid coach:

1. Bill Belichick

New England Patriots
Annual Salary: $7.5 million

Career Record: 175-97 (.643)

Titles: 3

Two excruciating losses to the Giants have left Belichick short of what would have been a record five Super Bowl titles. After a so-so run in Cleveland in the 1990s, he's won over 72% of his games since taking over at New England in 2000.

DENNARD WAIVES PRELIMINARY HEARING

When the Patriots selected Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard in the seventh round of this year's NFL Draft, they were getting a very good value pick, with one giant drawback. Off the field issues.

Just five days before the start of the draft, Dennard was arrested in Lincoln for allegedly striking a police officer. If convicted, Dennard could face up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He remains free on $5,000 bond.

The latest news out of Foxborough is that Dennard has reportedly waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and will be arranged May 30 in Lancaster Country District, on the charge of third-degree assault.

New England Patriots Links 5/16/12 - Wes Welker: The Least Entitled Man in the World

2012-05-16T15:11:02Z

Twitter / @WesWelker

I signed my tender today. I love the game and I love my teammates! Hopefully doing the right thing gets the right results. #leapoffaith

Mark Daniels notes Donte Stallworth considers himself a changed man. Stallworth felt 'surreal' stepping back in Gillette Stadium.

"I’m a lot more mature now than I was then. I feel like I’m playing better. I’m in a better place, mentally, physically," Stallworth said. "I just felt like at that time I was trying to mature and grow into a professional athlete. I feel like I’m a lot further down the road than I was last time."

He says he returns to the Patriots a different player, now understanding the game and running better routes. And he’ll need every advantage he can get, joining a loaded receiving group that added Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney [stats] and Anthony Gonzalez to the returning Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Chad Ochocinco. Competition is nothing new to Stallworth, who’s played on six different teams in his last six NFL seasons.

"I think you just come to the reality that basically you have one shot to prove yourself," said Stallworth. "And then whatever happens after that is really up to me and my performance."

TEAM TALK

Erik Scalavino gives his take on the news that Wes Welker signed his franchise tender.
Patriots sign second-round Draft choice DB Tavon Wilson; QB Mike Hartline released.
Erik Scalavino tackles the Ask PFW mailbag: A mid-May mix.
Cast your ballot for the 2012 Patriots Hall of Fame enshrinee.
Patriots Today - Markell Carter is a happy camper. (2:32 min. video)
Patriots Today - Meet FB Spencer Larsen. (02:37 min. video)
Player Interview: Donte Stallworth (9.39 min.)
PFW in Progress - The PFW crew recaps the recent Patriots rookie mini camp; Donte Stallworth joins in for a while. (2 hour program)

LOCAL LINKS

Christopher Price takes a closer look at Wes Welker's decision to sign his franchise tender.
Shalise Manza Young reports now that Wes Welker signed his franchise tender, he can now re-join his team ASAP.
Christopher Price discovers that five years later, Donte Stallworth is ready for his second stint in New England.
Karen Guregian notes that Tom Brady has reached out to another expert to help watch over his throwing mechanics as his friend, the late Tom Martinez, used to.
Paul Kenyon wonders what Josh McDaniels will do, now that the offense is loaded with wide receivers.
Field Yates catches up with Julian Edelman and Devin McCourty Tuesday afternoon at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Field Yates posts a few soundbites from Julian Edelman and Devin McCourty at the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center yesterday.
Jeff Howe thinks Chandler Jones is ready to take on Patriots' 'heavy' playbook, and 19 other Patriots thoughts.
Mike Reiss runs down the signing bonuses and guaranteed salaries for the seven rookie free agents signed after the draft.
Mike Reiss takes a closer look at the one-year contract signed by running back Joseph Addai, and what it might mean for the Patriots.
Mike Reiss answers his weekly reader mailbag: Mixed bag this week.

NATIONAL NEWS

Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Patriots still have work to do with Welker.
Ian Rapoport (NFL.com) Why Patriots WR Wes Welker played the only hand he could in signing his franchise tag.
First Take (ESPN) Did Welker give up his leverage? (4.58 min. video)
Don Banks (SI) 7 strong hunches for 2012 season. "News flash: The Bills are closer to dethroning the mighty Patriots in the AFC East than the big, brash Jets."
Tom Van Riper (Forbes) The highest-paid coaches in sports. Bill Belichick tops the list.
Report (Omaha World-Herald) Alfonzo Dennard waives preliminary hearing.
Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Not every first-round contract will be easy to negotiate.
Peter King (SI) MMQB Tuesday Edition; Mail.
Dan Arkush (Pro Football Weekly) Not-ready-for-prime-time gems.
Greg Gabriel (Na'tl Football Post) Is the new CBA good for young players?
Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) My offseason film study guide for rookie DBs.
Jason Whitlock (Fox Sports) How to make football worth the risk.
NFL Total Access (NFL.com) Which 2011 playoff team will miss out in 2012? (1.51 min. video)

Base salary: $725,000 Signing bonus: $75,000 Workout bonus: $50,000 Roster bonus: $218,750...

2012-05-15T20:27:17Z

Base salary: $725,000
Signing bonus: $75,000
Workout bonus: $50,000
Roster bonus: $218,750
Incentives: $300,000
Salary cap charge: $1.36 million

A Breakdown Of Joseph Addai's Deal With The Patriots

Patriots WR Wes Welker Signs Franchise Tender

2012-05-15T17:57:31Z

According to his official twitter account, New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker has signed his franchise tender with the team. The tender is worth $9.5 million over one year.

In the tweet, Welker stated that he "love the game" and his teammates and that "hopefully doing the right thing gets the right results." Clearly, Welker is signing the tender in good faith that the two sides will continue to work out a long term extension.

From a fan perspective, this is awesome news. Not only does it get the team's top receiver and Tom Brady's favorite option under contract for at least one more year, but it shows fans exactly how committed Welker is to the team. For the Patriots organization, having Welker under contract gives the team a lot more leverage in negotiations. Welker will now be required to show up for training camp and mandatory mini-camp (in June), or he will be sacrificing part of his $9.5 million salary. The team no longer has as much urgency to get a deal done. At the same time, should they fail to extend Welker, it would qualify as a bad PR move since Welker has taken this "leap of faith," as he described it.

For Welker, there is not much to gain from this move from a financial perspective. He's played into the Patriots hand in that sense. Nonetheless, this move shows a renewed commitment to the team and will allow him to get into team workouts and OTA's, acclimate with the team's new additions and make the necessary preparations to have a successful 2012 season.

Patriots Announce Signing of Tavon Wilson; Release Mike Hartline

2012-05-15T14:38:46Z

The Patriots have started to move with their younger players and announced the signing of Tavon Wilson and the release of Mike Hartline. Hopefully they can continue to fine-tune the roster as the off-season gets into full swing.

Wilson was selected in the second round, 48th overall, and was considered a shock to most draftniks. While he was a long term starter and a quality player in his conference, he didn't receive recognition in the post-college process and was not invited to the combine or other activities. Still, Bill Belichick and the Patriots thought he deserved to be drafted and jumped at the chance to take him. The contract is 4 years, $4.217 million, with a $1.507 million signing bonus. The first two years of his contract is guaranteed, while the final two are not. As is typical with top round picks, unless Wilson is devastatingly bad, he's assured to be around for at least two seasons.

Hartline was expected to be a camp body and his release gives the Patriots space to sign another team's castoffs.