Mike Dussault

Here is what [Mike Reiss] believes is the story behind the story on why Jeff Demps ultimately decided to sign with the Patriots instead of a handful of other interested clubs: When it initially appeared Demps wouldn’t be going to the Olympics, the Patriots had arranged a trip for him to come to New England for a workout. They were the most aggressive of any team in the NFL at the time. But on the day Demps was supposed to travel to New England, he learned that an injury to Mike Rodgers opened a spot for him on the U.S. Olympic team. The Patriots had to eat the plane ticket, but Demps essentially showed the team loyalty by giving it the first opportunity to sign him upon his return from London.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/here-is-what-mike-reiss-believes-is-the-story/

The Bill Belichick trademark 3-4 base defense always had three big guys up front – the two 5-technique defensive ends flanking the burly nose tackle. Think Ty Warren and Richard Seymour as bookends, with Vince Wilfork at the nose. But this is a new-look defense, with just two big bodies in the middle and then two hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker types on each side. Put three big linebackers behind them – one of whom was a first-round pick (Dont’a Hightower) – and you have the makings of a new-look, more flexible front-seven. So far, so good with this significant change.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-bill-belichick-trademark-3-4-base-defense/