Maybe this is why the Pats didn’t give Welker an extension? I kid of course.
Look, we all love watching Welker play, and with the number of receivers the Pats have developed over the years there’s no question there’s some risk should the Pats lose Welker after this year, which at this point seems probable, BUT….
There is no denying that receivers start to lose it after age thirty. Couple that with Welker’s penchant for taking huge hits where he makes his living in the middle of the field and it’s easy to see why the Pats might balk at giving him a monstrous long term contract. The risk that Welker is not the same player within the next two years is considerable and it’s not like the Pats give out big, long-term contracts anyways.
The Patriots offense is going to be built for the long-term around Gronk, and really, if you had to choose between Welker and Hernandez as the complimentary piece who are going to put your money into? To be honest I’m not even sure the lack of Welker long term deal means a long term one for Hernando next off-season, but it’s clear Welker is the riskier investment.
It’s always tough when it comes to the Pats, players we have grown to love and contracts, but the front office in Foxboro doesn’t let nostalgia get in the way of their offers. They continue to do things with a long term outlook, and ultimately that’s the thing that has kept them winning over the past decade, not loyalty to great players who have been a blast to watch.
It’s unfortunate, but it just goes to show that we should all enjoy this year of Brady and Welker together, it might not ever happen again. And that’s okay.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/maybe-this-is-why-the-pats-didnt-give-welker-an/
Bubble Watch: Trevor Scott – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Bubble Watch: Trevor Scott – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Since the moment we signed him I’ve been on the Trevor Scott bandwagon. I think he has a chance to be the biggest contributor of all the new comers this year.
With Mark Anderson having signed with the Bills and Andre Carter remaining a free agent as training camp approaches, Scott has the inside track to a role as an experienced veteran and edge player. Scott had 12 sacks over his first two seasons in the NFL, and like Anderson last season, the Patriots likely hope that Scott can bounce back and be disruptive in the passing game. If rookies Chandler Jones and Jake Bequette don’t make an early impact, the team could be leaning on Scott and fellow veteran Rob Ninkovich as defensive ends in their 4-3 scheme.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nal5ryJ2eqM
What better Patriots thing do you have to do on this Monday than watch the second half of the regular season game against the Rams in 2001. This was the game that gave the ‘01 Pats the confidence they could compete with the best in the NFL.
(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)
https://www.patspropaganda.com/what-better-patriots-thing-do-you-have-to-do-on/
The feeling is that there’s too much ground to make up to get a deal done by the 4 p.m. deadline later today,” Schefer says. “It doesn’t look like there will be a long-term deal for Wes Welker. I don’t think he expects one, I don’t think the Patriots expect one. That doesn’t prevent the two sides from revisiting the topic today, as they will. But it will not be easy to get that deal done.
Schefter: Welker deal not expected – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
I really wasn’t holding out much hope for a long term deal getting done.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-feeling-is-that-theres-too-much-ground-to/
Gronkowski has reportedly been told to cut back on the public stunts and shirtless escapades, according to Shalise Manza Young of the Boston Globe. “Via a league source, Gronkowski has been told by the team that his summer of Gronk, so to speak, is over,” she writes
https://www.patspropaganda.com/gronkowski-has-reportedly-been-told-to-cut-back-on/
Scout’s notebook: Safeties – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Scout’s notebook: Safeties – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
The most important key to the Patriots’ safety play in 2012 is the return to full health of Patrick Chung. Chung is their most gifted and, within their system, most experienced safety. His ability to stay on the field is paramount to the secondary’s success. If he can be penciled in as one starter, it remains to be seen who his partner will be. The leading candidate is veteran Steve Gregory, who signed a three-year pact this offseason to join the Patriots. Other potential starting candidates include second-round pick Tavon Wilson. James Ihedigbo, a recent re-signing, played extensively in 2011, but is probably best suited in a situational role. Fellow veteran Will Allen, who has played primarily as a corner in his career, worked at safety this offseason. Reserve options include Josh Barrett, Brown and sixth-round choice Nate Ebner, who will be a fascinating player to watch in training camp; his role at Ohio State was almost exclusively on special teams.