High School Game Plan Fails Patriots

Today was the perfect time to open the Patriots offense for Matt Cassel and let him start airing the ball out. Instead the Patriots stuck with their past games plans and continued to work on short passes that made the completion percent look nice but nothing else. If Matt Cassel can't be the quarterback who can pass the ball down field and help the offense score points then don't put him on the field. We would be better off using the game time in a failed season to develop a younger Kevin O'Connell, because if Cassel can't be a down field passer now, he never will be, he is completely useless to the New England Patriots. Losing today was tough to take, it was the Miami Dolphins after all. Several people have used the words "karma is a bitch" or "karma sucks" and while that maybe true, right now I'm not upset about losing to Miami, I am upset with how we managed to lose. Trailing 21-6 with about a minute left in the first half and knowing Miami gets the ball first in the second half, the Patriots offense went out on the field and continued to good off with the damn short passes. I don't care if coverage was tight, at some point you need to say the hell with it, send Randy Moss deep, air it out and let Moss do what he does best, make amazing plays. Early in the fourth quarter the Patriots had a series that went, incomplete short left, Cassel 2 yard rush, Cassel 2 yard rush, punt. It was clear even before then that this team gave up. The Patriots have a bye next week and then have back-to-back games out west, first in San Francisco and then in San Diego. It may benefit the team to remain out west between games, if not to save them from the excessive jet lag, than to save the players from seeing the trashing they are sure to take in the media over the next couple weeks. If the Patriots aren't competitive in three weeks against the Chargers it will be clear this team is toast for 2008. At least we have the ability to look forward to the day Tom Brady returns to the huddle for the Patriots.

REPORT: Brady Tears ACL; Done For Season

If reports are accurate, the Patriots quest for redemption just got a lot more difficult. Multiple sources are reporting that Tom Brady suffered serious damage to his left knee when hit in the first quarter on a dirty hit by Kansas City Chief Bernard Pollard. Matt Cassel played well in relief of Brady but the Patriots could still look around and see what kind of deal they might be able to make for a veteran QB. Among names that could be disussed over the coming days will be Kerry Collins, Brad Johnson, David Carr, A.J. Feeley, Rex Grossman, Kurt Warner and Trent Green. Warner is the only starter in that group, but if the compensation was good enough Arizona has Matt Leinert on the bench and cerainly would entertain moving Warner.

New York Herald?

The Boston Herald today apologized to the Patriots ownership, players, employees and fans for the crap they printed the day before the Super Bowl. "On Feb. 2, 2008, the Boston Herald reported that a member of the New England Patriots video staff taped the St. Louis Rams’ walkthrough on the day before Super Bowl XXXVI. While the Boston Herald based its Feb. 2, 2008, report on sources that it believed to be credible, we now know that this report was false, and that no tape of the walkthrough ever existed. Prior to the publication of its Feb. 2, 2008, article, the Boston Herald neither possessed nor viewed a tape of the Rams’ walkthrough before Super Bowl XXXVI, nor did we speak to anyone who had. We should not have published the allegation in the absence of firmer verification. The Boston Herald regrets the damage done to the team by publication of the allegation, and sincerely apologizes to its readers and to the New England Patriots owners, players, employees and fans for our error." The article appears in Wednesdays print edition as well as on the Herald site. The comments were already piling up early this morning. Here is a sampling of what some fans had to say. maverick4 I am never reading the Herald for the rest of my life, and I hope the writer of that article, who everyone knows by now, is severely punished for this. To publish a false report, of this magnitude, the day before the Superbowl, is unforgivable. dino246 responsible journalism? Give it a try sometimes! Rogie You need to man up Tomase must be at least suspend if not terminated as does the editor who approved and ran the story. How did you go from having "a source" to having "sources" and don't forget your response to the Globe when they had someone who made up a story. Lets see if you practice what you preach. Integrity If John Tomase is fired, I'll think about reading this publication again. Anything short of that is just empty words. If the Herald was used as some kind of manipulated platform as the timing of the article suggests, then that also needs to come to light. Until then this is just a half-assed apology for a maliciously unsubstantiated allegation the Herald made at a critical time for the New England Patriots. caylee You guys are truely ridiculous...I took 1 Jouralism class in high school, and hardly paid attention and even I know that you're suppose to check your sources out. Over and over again. Okay, so you guys didn't see the tape, but you didn't even talk to someone who actually saw "the tape"???? Haha...thats horrible. How do u report something based on a rumor? Nothing more then a Tabloid. bushy You "own up"? LMAO. How big of you. There is only one way you people can "own up" and that's that every editor who allowed the story to run is fired immediately. That Tomase should be fired as well goes without saying. If heads don't start rolling at the Herald, and I mean immediately, everyone there better start looking job starting 7am this morning.

Post Draft Free Agent Signings

Each year in the hours following the NFL draft teams sign those players who were not drafted. I will update this post with those players who have signed with the New England Patriots. Vincent Redd, LB, Liberty Chris Norwell, DE, Illinois Casey Tyler, DT, Portland State Josh Coffman, OT, East Carolina Keith Saunders, DE, Alabama Jonathan Stupar, TE, Virginia Mike Dragosavich, P, North Dakota State Ryan Wendell, C, Fresno State I'm also hearing conflicting reports on Mike Dragosavich, he's a punter from North Dakota State. Some say he has signed with the Patriots while another source has said he decided to sleep on several offers. If the Patriots do sign him he will have a great shot at making the team with his strong leg. Update: Dragosavich has mulled his offers and decided to join the Patriots. As I stated above, he will have a great chance of making the team this summer.

#197: Bo Ruud, LB, Nebraska

Linebacker Bo Ruud finished an outstanding Nebraska career during the 2007 season, his third consecutive year as a starter. Ruud developed a knack for being around the football throughout his career and by the end of 2007 he joined his older brother, Barrett, and father, Tom, among the top 30 tacklers in Nebraska school history. Ruud’s 216 career tackles rank 22nd on the Nebraska career chart, and he had 10 games with eight or more tackles. He finished with six career fumbles caused, four fumble recoveries and five interceptions. He returned three of his five interceptions for touchdowns, including two memorable touchdowns in back-to-back weeks in 2007. A four-year letterman, Ruud lined up as the WILL linebacker for his first three years, before switching to the SAM spot as a senior. He played in and started 10 games, missing the Texas and Kansas games because of injury. He finished the year tied for fifth on the team with 54 tackles, including 28 solo stops. He also added four tackles for loss and caused a pair of fumbles. Ruud had a tackle for loss in each of NU’s first three games, then made six tackles, and returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown to ignite the comeback win over Ball State. A week later, Ruud made 14 tackles in the win over Iowa State and gave Nebraska a comfortable lead with a 93-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter. The return was the third-longest in school history and the longest ever by a Husker linebacker. The Lincoln native suffered a knee injury early in the game against Texas A&M, which also forced him to the sideline for the next two games. He returned for the season’s final two games and capped his career with eight tackles at Colorado. Despite missing most of three games, Ruud was an honorable-mention All-Big 12 choice. Ruud was also the recipient of Nebraska's Guy Chamberlin Trophy at the conclusion of the season, which is presented to the Husker senior who has shown by the play and contributions to the betterment of the University of Nebraska football squad that he has the qualities and dedication of Guy Chamberlin to the Cornhusker tradition. Bo's older brother, Barrett, also won the team award in 2004, while their uncle, Bob Martin, claimed the honor in 1975. Ruud started 13 games at WILL linebacker in 2006, and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors from the league coaches. He tied for fourth on the team with 65 tackles and made seven tackles for loss helping Nebraska rank among the Big 12 leaders in scoring defense and rushing defense. Ruud also had two sacks, two interceptions, a team-high three forced fumbles and also recovered a pair of fumbles. Ruud stepped into a starting role in week two of his sophomore season and went on to earn honorable-mention All-Big 12 honors. He made 80 tackles and tied for third on the team with 14 tackles for loss. A business administration major, Ruud was a two-time second-team academic All-Big 12 selection and a four-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. He was one of 20 Huskers to graduate in December of 2007. From Huskers.com

2008 NFL Draft: Patriots

This post will be updated through the entire draft with information on trades and selections by the New England Patriots. The Patriots will start Saturday with two selections on the day, that could change as the early picks of the first round unfold. There are scenerios in which the Patriots could find themselves trading out of the #7 pick and adding more picks either on day one, day two or future years. The Patriots are expected to make their first selection around 3:50 PM. Current Patriots selections: Rd...Pck....Selection .1.....7....Traded to New Orleans .1....10....(via NO) Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee .2....62....Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado .3....69....Traded to San Diego .3....78....(via NO) Shawn Crable, LB, Michigan .3....94....Kevin O'Connell, QB, San Diego State .4...129....Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn .5...153....(via TB) Matt Slater, WR, UCLA .5...160....(via SD) Traded to Tampa Bay .5...164....Traded to New Orleans .6...197....Bo Ruud, LB, Nebraska .7...238....Traded to Tampa Bay Saturday updates: 3:43 PM: Patriots just went on the clock to a chorus of boos from the crowd. 4:01 PM: The Patriots traded the #7 pick and #164 pick to New Orleans. The Patriots get the #10 overall and #78 overall. 4:08 PM: Patriots back on the clock and could make another deal here to move down further. 4:15 PM: Patriots have selected Jerod Mayo from Tennessee. Sunday updates: 11:24 AM: The Patriots made another trade sending the 69th overall pick to San Diego for the 160th overall pick and a 2009 second round pick. The Patriots then drafted LB Shawn Crable from Michigan with the 78th overall pick. The Patriots have one remaining third round selection at #94 overall. 11:37 AM: This one kind of surprised me, the Patriots just took QB Kevin O'Connell from San Diego State with the #94 overall pick. 1:23 PM: The Patriots add a second CB with Auburn's Jonathan Wilhite. The Patriots currently have 3 picks remaining in the draft, one in each remaining round. 2:53 PM: The Patriots traded the #160 and #238 picks to Tampa Bay for the #153 pick, with the pick the Patriots selected Matt Slater a versatile player from UCLA, he can play both WR and CB. 4:28 PM: New England uses it final pick in the 2008 draft to take Bo Ruud a LB from Nebraska. Unless the Patriots make a deal their day is done.

#153: Matt Slater, WR, UCLA

LOS ANGELES - There were times when Matthew Slater wasn't sure if this would ever happen. From the time Slater entered UCLA, his career had been marked by setbacks. First, the numerous injuries that never seemed to end. Then the position changes. Blessed with superstar speed, Slater began his time in Westwood as a wide receiver. Then he was a cornerback. Then he was a safety. Through all of this, all Slater ever wanted was to be able to contribute to the team and find a role he could thrive in. Finally, Slater has found that opportunity. A senior who is now a backup safety, Slater has emerged as a force on special teams as a kick returner for the 11th-ranked Bruins (2-0), who will face Utah (0-2) today in a non-conference game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. "I've finally found my niche," said Slater, one of the most respected locker room presences on the team. "In my mind, special teams is about relentless effort. I thought about all the hard times I've been through here, and said, 'Now I have a chance, let me make the most of it.' "These last few years, I felt like I've had an opportunity to leave my mark on the program, and that's in the form of being a great special teams player. But I'll take it how I can get it." But for Slater, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman Jackie Slater, getting to a point in his career where he could contribute seemed like a process that would not yield these results. Slater finished second in the state 100 meters his senior season at Anaheim Servite High. He arrived at UCLA as a wide receiver and almost immediately found himself injured with turf toe. He was redshirted in 2003. In 2005, he sustained a stress reaction in his left leg and missed the early part of the season. In 2006, with the Bruins desperately needing secondary depth, Slater moved to cornerback but was limited by a shoulder injury and briefly considered giving up football to run track. "He was so desperate to get on the field and do anything to contribute to the team," Jackie Slater, a longtime Rams star, said by phone. "He wanted to do it with his God-given ability, which is his speed and his tenacity. "As a guy that has played a lot of football, the thing that impresses me the most is his commitment to UCLA. It's one he stood by through hell or high water, and it's hard to stay that way when you're met with so many disappointments along the way ... he's been the ultimate teammate." This season, Matthew Slater switched to safety. But with standouts Dennis Keyes and Chris Horton starting, Slater knew he might not be able to contribute there. So in the offseason, he approached special teams coordinator Gary DeLoach with an idea. Slater, who began making people take notice of his special teams tackles last season, wanted a chance to return kickoffs, feeling it was one thing he could do to help the program. From the Press-Enterprise

#129: Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn

Wilhite is an undersized pass defender with excellent foot quickness and speed to cover receivers on deep routes. Even though he gives up considerable height to bigger opponents, he has the leaping ability and body control to compete for the jump balls. In his three seasons at Auburn, he has broken up 14 passes and intercepted three others. He joined the program in 2005, as the Tigers won a recruiting battle for a player that College Football News rated the best junior college cornerback in the country during his freshman campaign at Butler County College. Wilhite was an All-Northeast Louisiana first-team and All-District second-team selection during his career at Ouachita High School. He spent three seasons competing as a wide receiver and running back for head coach John Causey. Upon graduation, he enrolled at Butler County (Kan.) Community College. He red-shirted in 2003, taking over right cornerback chores the following season. In 10 regular season games, he posted 44 tackles (23 solos) with seven pass deflections and ranked among the nation's leaders with a Kansas Jayhawk Football Conference-leading five interceptions. He earned National Junior College All-American team and All-Conference first-team accolades that season. Wilhite transferred to Auburn in 2005. He took over right cornerback chores for the final seven games of the season, coming up with a career-high 47 tackles (35 solos). He also broke up seven passes and intercepted another. He missed three games in 2006, but started the 10 that he played in, finishing with 24 tackles (20 solos), five pass break-ups and a forced fumble. But, he was hampered by a nagging right hamstring pull and later missed the Cotton Bowl with a right knee meniscus tear. A left shoulder injury limited Wilhite during 2007 spring camp and lingering hamstring issues limited him to six starting assignments -- two at right cornerback and four at nickel back. He still posted 30 tackles (22 solos) with a sack and a fumble recovery. He also knocked down two passes and intercepted two others. In 34 games at Auburn, Wilhite started 23 contests. He registered 101 tackles (77 solos) with a 9-yard sack and a quarterback pressure. He recovered and caused one fumble, adding fourteen pass deflections and three interceptions. From nfl.com

#94: Kevin O'Connell, QB, San Diego State

Kevin O'Connell literally put himself on the map as a senior. Of all quarterbacks invited to the NFL Combine, he was the only one not listed as a potential pro prospect in preseason evaluations. After working under the tutelage of former NFL quarterback and present Aztecs head coach, Chuck Long, teams now view O'Connell as one of the finer athletes at his position eligible for the 2008 draft. O'Connell is a rarity in college sports, having served as team captain in each of his four seasons with the Aztecs. He is the first player in school history to lead the team in both passing and rushing in the same season (2007). He holds the school career record for yards rushing (1,312) and touchdowns rushing (19) by a quarterback. A dual threat, O'Connell also showed off his strong arm for the Aztecs. He finished his career second in school history by completing 664-of-1,151 passes (57.69%) and gaining 9,001 yards in total offense. His 7,689 yards passing placed him third on the SDSU all-time record chart, while his 46 touchdown tosses rank fourth in Aztec annals. O'Connell was a standout in both football and basketball at La Costa Canyon High School. After missing a good portion of his junior year with injury, O'Connell was named All-Region by Super Prep and honorable mention All-Region by Prep Star. He added All-League, All-North County and All-San Diego accolades. In his final season, O'Connell passed for 1,950 yards and 19 touchdowns for the 7-4 Mavericks. He also ran for 310 yards. During his injury-shortened junior campaign, he threw for 980 yards and seven scores on 56 completions. During his prep career, he earned three letters in football and two more in basketball. O'Connell turned down a scholarship offer from Colorado, spending his 2003 season redshirting at San Diego State. He was named team captain midway through the 2004 season, taking over at quarterback for the final five games while competing in nine contests. He ranked third on the team with 347 yards and a score on 73 carries (4.8-yard average). He connected on 115-of-236 tosses (48.7%) for 1,328 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions, amassing 1,675 yards in total offense. As a sophomore, O'Connell started all 12 games. His 3,065 yards in total offense rank ninth on the school single-season list. He threw for 2,663 yards on 233-of-375 chances (62.1%), as he produced 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also proved to be a fearless runner, ranking second on the team with 402 yards (school season-record for a quarterback) and five touchdowns on 140 carries (2.9-yard average). However, in addition to his 12 interceptions, he turned the ball over five times on 12 fumbles. O'Connell's 2006 season was cut short by a right thumb ligament injury that required surgery. He was hurt in the season opener Texas-El Paso, missing the team's next six contests. He appeared in seven games, starting four. He hit on 59-of-101 attempts (58.4%) for 635 yards, including five interceptions and three touchdowns. He turned the ball over twice on three fumbles and rushed 48 times for 155 yards (3.2-yard average) with two scores. In 2007, O'Connell earned All-Mountain West Conference second-team honors, becoming the first Aztec quarterback to be named first or second team all-conference since Dan McGwire was a first team pick in 1990, when SDSU played in the Western Athletic Conference. He also became the first player to lead the Aztecs in both rushing and passing in the same season, as he ranked first in the MWC and 23rd nationally in total offense per game (289.2 yards per game) and was second in the league in passing average (255.2 ypg). Overall, O'Connell completed 257-of-439 passes (58.5%) for 3,063 yards, 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He paced the Aztecs with 135 carries for a school record (for quarterbacks, breaking his own 2005 mark with 408 yards (3.0-yard average), setting another SDSU quarterback record with 11 touchdowns on the ground. He even got in the receiving act, catching two passes for 44 yards. His 3,471 yards in total offense rank fourth on the school chart. In 40 games at San Diego State, the four-time team captain gained 7,689 yards on 664 of 1,151 passes (57.69%), 46 touchdowns and 34 interceptions. He totaled 1,312 yards on 396 carries (3.3-yard average) and 19 touchdowns. He added 44 yards on two receptions and a pair of solo tackles. He touched the ball 1,547 times for 9,001 yards in total offense, an average of 222.03 yards per game. From nfl.com

#78: Shawn Crable, LB, Michigan

Shawn Crable may lack a true position, but wherever he lines up, he is a difference maker for the Michigan defense. Crable is a truly remarkable athlete, possessing excellent speed for his size and extraordinary strength. He recorded 84 tackles and 7.5 sacks this season for the Wolverines. His school record 26.5 tackles for loss averaged out to 2.2 TFL per game this season. As a tri-captain for the Michigan football team, Crable finally started to show some of the talent and leadership that made him a sought after recruit in high school. Crable was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after their game with Northwestern on September 29th. He tallied 10 Tackles (5 for loss), a sack and a forced fumble against the Wildcats. Crable also had an excellent game against Ohio State, recording 10 tackles (2.5 for loss), and forcing a fumble. Crable played outside linebacker, defensive end, and occasionally defensive tackle for the Wolverines this season. That type of versatility will make him highly sought after during this year's draft. Crable projects best as a pass rushing OLB, particularly in a 3-4 defensive scheme. However, his coverage skills and experience at DE could lead a team to use him at DE on third downs. Crable has the potential to be an Adalius Thomas type defender in the NFL. From FFToolBox.com

#62: Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado

2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting ReportAfter making an immediate impact as a freshman, registering 24 tackles, Wheatley stepped it up in his sophomore season, making 33 tackles and picking off four passes. Nagging wrist problems meant that the talented corner missed all of 2005, but he came back strong in 2006, making 57 tackles and five interceptions; which led to first-team All-Big 12 honors from the league's coaches. Wheatley followed up his excellent junior season with an impressive senior year, making 42 stops and five interceptions despite missing the final two games of the regular season due to a hairline fracture in his foot. He had a huge game against Texas Tech, picking off three passes in a 31-26 Buffaloes victory and he also had an interception return for a score against Arizona State. For the second year in a row, Wheatley was named first-team All-Big 12 by the coaches. Wheatley has excellent cover skills and a nose for the ball, and he can compensate for his lack of ideal size with his speed. However, if his size isn't a concern, then his myriad of injury problems throughout his college career, from the wrist problems that bothered him for a couple of years, to the broken foot this season, and groin and hamstring problems at other points as well. From FFToolBox.com

#10: Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee

2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting ReportBig things were expected of Mayo this season after he earned second-team All-American honors from Rivals.com in 2006 with 83 tackles (a total that would have been higher had he not suffered a knee injury late in the season). He showed that there were no lingering effects from the injury in 2007, as he put together a fantastic campaign. His 140 tackles -- 79 solo -- led the Southeastern Conference. He had 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, two pass breakups and five quarterback hurries. He was named first-team All-SEC by the AP and league coaches. Mayo covers a lot of ground, as evidenced by his high number of tackles. He's explosive off the ball, which makes him an effective blitzer. He has decent speed -- 4.67 seconds in 40-yard dash. He's capable as a run stopper and in pass coverage. He has good instincts and is a hard hitter. He doesn't miss many opportunities to make tackles. Mayo needs to improve at the point of attack and become better at shedding blockers, a key to success in the NFL. That makes him project as an outside linebacker in the NFL. He also needs to improve at closing down running lanes. If he can get his speed in the 4.5s at the combine, it could greatly improve his draft stock. He is expected to be a second- to third-round selection. From FFToolBox

Patriots, Ty Law Close To Deal

The New England Patriots are reportedly close to signing former Patriot Ty Law. The 34-year-old Law was a long time player for the Patriots before leaving to play with the New York Jets, he also had a stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. Signing Law could help the Patriots after the loss of Asante Samuel this off season. Law has not missed a game the past three seasons since leaving New England. Yesterday in his weekly mailbag Mike Reiss said: The last time I spoke with Law, a few weeks ago, he was visiting with the Jets and made it sound as if his signing was imminent. That didn't turn out to be the case. He is still a free agent. What this tells me is that what teams such as the Jets and Patriots are offering is less than he is willing to play for. So he's content to wait things out, perhaps into training camp, to see if teams will sweeten their offer.

Ringing In A New Fenway Season

The Boston Red Sox kicked off their 2008 home season with a tremendous ceremony honoring the 2007 World Series Champions. All four major sports trophies were in the house Tuesday as all time greats of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins joined members of the current New England Patriots and members of the 2004 World Champion Red Sox team to bring the rings out to the field, they also brought with them trophies from their sport. The Celtics players brought the NBA trophy, one they hope to win again this season. The Red Sox guys carried out the '04 trophy, the Patriots players had one of their Lombardi trophies and the Bruins players carried the Stanley Cup. When the World Series banners were dropped down from the Green Monster like in 2005, they dropped a wall sized 2004 banner and then dropped a 2007 one over it, the wind started blowing the 2007 banner up to keep the '04 one showing. The Boston Pops were once again there to perform throughout the ceremony. The rings were presented in groups, led my the manager and coaches, then trainers and staff, the catchers, infielders and so on. Johnny Pesky again got a big ovation. Eight players had slightly different rings. On the side with the name of the player was a Boston "B" logo and a World Series trophy, the eight members of both championship teams had trophies on either side of the "B". No idea if coaches from both teams or Pesky's were also like that with double trophies. David Ortiz was the last to receive his ring and then led the team to center field to raise the 2007 Championship flag, Pesky and Ortiz raised it up the flag poll. Bill Buckner was on hand to toss out the first pitch and received a long standing ovation. He tossed a strike to Dwight Evans. In the game, Daisuke Matsuzaka had another strong outing as Boston beat Detroit 5-0 behind Kevin Youkilis' 4-4 afternoon. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performed God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch. A video was also unveiled with Neil Diamond wearing a Sox jacket leading Fenway in the singing of Sweet Caroline, the video played on the center field video screen and at the end Diamond shouted out "GO RED SOX". I have searched and searched and this is the best video I could find of it. I hope the video becomes an everyday thing at Fenway instead of just the audio track. The Red Sox should also release the video that was played on the screen on its official website so those not in attendance can actually see it.

GREATNESS

Over the next several weeks three teams will have a say in just how great the New England Patriots are, and yes, if the Patriots fail to win the Super Bowl the season will be a complete failure. However, Super Bowl or not, this Patriots team is the greatest in NFL history. Many people will immediatly throw around teams...1985 Bears, 1972 Dolphins, 1962 Packers, 1991 Redskins or the 1989 49ers. Those teams however suceeded in a time when building great teams was much easier. Teams today have to deal with salary caps, and the Patriots have become the best team and best utilizing its resources. Some fans of football will never recognize the Patriots of 2007 as the greatest team ever if they don't win the Super Bowl, many still wont even if the season ends with another ring and a 19-0 record. There however surely can't be any argument with saying Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback ever. Three Super Bowl trophies after four seasons, a 16-0 record, NFL record for touchdown passes in a season, the most wins in his first 100 career starts. Brady will attempt to win his fourth Super Bowl, which would tie the high mark for a quarterback in just his seventh season, yet even without that achievement he has surpassed his childhood idol Joe Montana as the greatest passer in NFL history.

Record Setting Patriots; Pats 56, Bills 10

The New England Patriots kept up their pace to several NFL records and at the same time came away with more then one record on Sunday night. ● New England tied a franchise record with 56 points in their 56-10 win in Buffalo. The record was previously set in a 56-3 win against the New York Jets in 1979. ● The 56 points scored by New England is the most by an NFL road team since 1978. ● Randy Moss became the single season Patriots franchise record holder for touchdown receptions with 16. The previous record was held by Stanley Morgan at 12. ● Tom Brady became the alltime Patriots career leader in touchdown passes. Brady now has 185 touchdown passes in his career. The previous record was held by Steve Grogan at 182. ● Randy Moss tied an NFL record with four touchdown receptions in the first half. ● Tom Brady extended his own franchise record with 38 touchdown passes on the season. ● The Patriots 510 yards of offense is it's most since 1979 when they gained 593 yards in a 56-3 win over the New York Jets. ● The Patriots have scored 54 touchdowns on the season which sets a new franchise record with six games remaining.

Did The Colts Finally Get Caught Cheating?

It has long been suspected that the Indianapolis Colts pumped noise into the RCA Dome when the opposition had the ball and during yesterdays game against the New England Patriots they may have finally been caught. Early in the fourth quarter there was a skipping type sound heard. ProFootballTalk.com and Sportting News are both reporting this story. Yahoo Sports is reporting that the NFL has begun a formal investigation against the Colts. Jeremy Green, the son of former Vikings coach Dennis Green admitted on ESPN Monday that the Vikes used to pump artifical crowd noise in the Metrodome, Tony Dungy was among the current Colts coaches who were on the Vikings staff then.

Patriots 24, Colts 20

In a history making day the officials nearly picked up an assist for the Indianapolis Colts. Despite bad calls against New England that led to a franchise record 146 penalty yards, the Patriots rallied behind MVP Tom Brady for a 24-20 victory. Brady in the win collected another three touchdown passes to set a new franchise record at 33, that record will be broken each week til seasons end. Randy Moss tied Stanley Morgan for the Patriots record with his 12th scoring reception of the year. Moss later added what could be the catch of the year in the NFL when he went up and brought down a high Brady pass with one hand. Moss had 145 yards on nine catches. Early in the 1st quarter, former Patriots Adam Vinatieri missed his first kick ever in the RCA Dome, a 51 yard field goal attempt on the games opening drive. Vinatieri later added two field goals. The Patriots have their bye next week. With the win and New York's loss today the Jets are officially eliminated from the AFC East race. The Dolphins have already been eliminated. If the Bills lose to Miami next weekend the Patriots could clinch the AFC East the following weekend when they travel to Buffalo.

Game Day Predictions

The 8-0 Patriots and the 7-0 Colts. The game of the year. The ESPN experts split between the two teams. The guys at Sunday Countdown also split between the Pats and Colts. The ESPN Madden simulation gives the Patriots a 35-21 win. The Fox Sports experts give the Pats the edge. Yahoo picks the Pats across the board and 65% of Yahooers picked the Patriots. Greg Lee is the only traitor in the Boston Globe picks. Eric Wilbur takes a look around the sports world for predictions. My pick: Patriots 45 Colts 24

Running Up The Score

The topic of discussion amongst many sports writers and tv commentators over the past couple weeks has been about the New England Patriots running up the score. In back to back weeks, Tom Brady has led passing attacks late in games with the Patriots up by atleast 21 points. Many are calling it classless and some are even suggesting players on other teams should purposely take out Tom Brady. The argument has come up many times in college football but it's not one we hear much in professional sports. Where was the outcry when the Rangers beat the Orioles this past August 30-3? You might remember this game, the Rangers scored a combined 16 runs in the fibal two innings. How about the Yankees 22-0 loss to Cleveland in 2004 when the Indians scored two three-run homers in the 9th? How about when the Yankees beat Tampa 17-5 and 21-4 on back to back days? Professional athletes are paid to perform. In the NFL the offense is paid to score points, and if they go onto the field without the intent to score then they are commiting fraud against the fans who are paying to attend the game. If teams are sick of geeting blown out and embarassed by the Patriots then they need to construct a defensive plan that will slow down the Patriots offense. But to attack the Patriots for doing their job is just plain ridiculous.