CSI New England , another atrocity perpetrated in the name of football …
By Tophatal
In the aftermath of another hellacious and disappointing postseason for the New England Patriots. As a passionate and avowed fan , I have to ask, how can a team that performed so admirably during the regular season , be so lackluster in the playoffs , but more so specifically in the AFC championship game which led to a thoroughly embarrassing loss to the eventual Superbowl eventual champions , the Baltimore Ravens ?
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Slideshow.
A great deal of the blame, now rests squarely upon the shoulders of head coach Bill Belichick and his coaching staff . And it cannot have escaped your notice , that a great deal of the team’s woes , stemmed from an inconsistent defense , who for much of the season , simply under-achieved , in spite of the attempts made by defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia , Belichick and GM , Nick Caserio to draft prudently over the past two seasons , with an emphasis being placed upon acquiring skilled defensive players . Granted, the franchise also went out, and traded for either pending free agents who could fill a specific role from a defensive standpoint. To my own mind, here they failed to acquire anyone who could fulfill the requirement s sought!
If the defense of the Patriots was said to be the team’s Achilles’ Heel , then its offense continued to be prolific throughout much of the season , with the franchise’s All Pro quarterback leading the way once again. Tom Brady continues to astound while remaining one of the league’s elite quarterbacks . Complemented by arsenal of productive players , such as Stevan Ridley , Brandon Lloyd, Wes Welker , Rob Gronkowski, and Danny Woodhead , Brady was able to make light work of the AFC East as the team won the division with consummate ease .
While racking up yards during the regular season , in coming away with victories that somehow at the end of it all would prove to be meaningless , as the postseason came around . Bill Belichick’s staff and I believe the players in general, were woefully neglectful and disconnected from the fact that the defense was amongst the most anemic within the AFC , much less the entire NFL. It has been this sort of complacency and demeanor of head coach that has systematically become ingrained into the team, that led to their and the season’s unraveling when they faced the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game. Now, if anyone would have mentioned to me that for the entire second half of that match-up the Patriots’ offense would be go entirely scoreless , not being able to muster a safety , offensive or defensive touchdown , much less a field goal . Then, I would’ve said “you’re completely crazy” ! . Yet, lo and behold , the facts would bear this out , as Joe Flacco and his teammate s simply laid waste to the Patriots’ ambitions for another postseason .
Well, put out the yellow crime scene tape, and cast it over the Patriots’ horrific postseason failings against the Ravens. Good God Almighty, when one of the most prolific offense in the NFL , is unable to even muster three points from a field goal , during the second half of a postseason game , given the prolific output from the franchise in recent years during the playoffs , then questions will have to be asked and answered, by Bill Belichick . Well as we know , the head coach showed his immaturity in not in failing to turn up for the mandatory post-game interview as required by the NFL hierarchy. Conceited , bombastic and a downright ass , these are perhaps the words, that can best describe the Patriots’ head coach , and self-absorbed genius. In many ways, the continued disparaging remarks about this franchise , I truly believe are not necessarily aimed at the players , but more so towards Bill Belichick , and his lack of candor , and the very fact that at times, he shows complete disdain for the press and fans alike . I may well be wrong in my assumptions , but if I am , then can someone point out to me , where I may well be mistaken in this belief ?
With the upcoming 2013 NFL Draft taking place from the 25th April through until the 27th April , it will be interesting the see the steps that will be taken by the Patriots’ staff as they seek to acquire players , that they believe will be complementary to their overall needs . And once again , I believe a great many of their choices will be predicated upon bolstering their defensive line , by way of this Draft . And while that premise at this juncture is based on supposition , Nick Caserio and Bill Belichick may well have a number of decisions to make concerning a number of the team’s impending free agents , and a number of unproductive players , who simply failed to live up to the lofty goals sought . With the likelihood that the salary cap is likely to rise by several million dollars , from the current figure of $120.6 million . It remains to be seen how the Patriots will address their own issues with regard to the roster’s payroll and the cap hit . The biggest off-season issue for coaching staff and front office is whether not to offer a multi-year deal to Wes Welker , who in the last five years has been the most productive receiver in the NFL.
Undoubtedly, a slot receiver of Welker’s caliber is not easy to come by , and he should be compensated likewise based upon his productivity , not just on this season , but simply based on his prolific production for the Patriots since he was acquired by the team as a free agent in March 2007 . From thereon-in , it has simply been about the player shattering franchise records ( career receiving & single season ) on the books of the Patriots. If Wes Welker released , there will be at least 31 other teams likely to show interest, in this versatile player . Doubt my word ? Watch the stampede that is likely to take place !
Undoubtedly, a slot receiver of Welker’s caliber is not easy to come by , and he should be compensated likewise based upon his productivity , not just on this season , but simply based on his prolific production for the Patriots since he was acquired by the team as a free agent in March 2007 . From thereon-in , it has simply been about the player shattering franchise records ( career receiving & single season ) on the books of the Patriots. If the player is released , there will be at least 31 other teams , likely to show interest, in this versatile player .
So the Patriots’ season ended with an emphatic thud , as they were laid to rest by the ever so resourceful Baltimore Ravens , who on the day went about the duty with an assassin’s creed , kill the subject , to get the job done and the rewards will come after . On the flip side of that coin, the carcass of the New England Patriots now lays strewn all over the greater New England area , and the head coach , hasn’t the goddamn decency to offer the fans or the public a cursory explanation. As a diehard fan of the franchise who tries to attend at least five games a season where possible , seeing the demeanor of Bill Belichick , though it hasn’t driven a wedge in between me, and my loyalty towards the organization , he has now begun to piss me off , for all of the wrong reasons , and a great many more , far too numerous to mention !
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Picture gallery .
What to your mind was the biggest failure of the New England Patriots this past season ? And do you believe that they can rectify their problems and still remain a dominant force within the NFL ? Or are you of the opinion that the franchise is slowly declining as force within the league ? Chime in with your comments as you see fit on the subject matter and anything else you believe to be pertinent .
Picture and slideshow details below.
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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady looks up at the scoreboard during the second half of the NFL football AFC Championship football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. AP Photo/Steven Senne …
(2) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco celebrates with Matt Birk (77) and Marshal Yanda (73) after throwing a five-yard touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta during the second half of the NFL football AFC Championship football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. AP Photo/Charles Krupa ….
(3) New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, and Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh , right, meet at midfield after the NFL football AFC Championship football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. The Ravens won 28-13 to advance to Super Bowl XLVII. AP Photo/Elise Amendola …
(4) The top defensive end taken in the 2012 NFL Draft , New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones speaks with the media in the locker room at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. The Patriots cleaned out their lockers after losing to the Baltimore Ravens Sunday night in the AFC Championship game. AP Photo/Stew Milne ….
(5) Patriots’ GM Nick Caserio , seen here addressing members of the convened press . The front office executive has a number of tough decisions to make this off-season as it relates to the New England Patriots’ franchise . One of the decisions in question, hinges on whether or not to resign Wes Welker or to ” franchise tag” the player for a second successive season and simply pay him the average salary of the top 5 players at the wide receivers’ position . AP Photo/ Chris Parsons …
(6) New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (83) runs out of the tackle of Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed (20) during the first half of the NFL football AFC Championship football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. AP Photo/Stephan Savoia ….
(7) New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (83) is congratulated by Tom Brady after catching a one-yard touchdown pass during the first half of the NFL football AFC Championship football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. AP Photo/Stephan Savoia …..
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‘TI’ ….. feat’g Wyclef Jean ….. “You know what it is ”
So , at this point of the season there’s definitely deal on the line for the New England Patriots , and here we now go again , indecision , conceitedness and a great deal that’s wrong , that warrants criticism of Bill Belichick and his coaching staff. .
As diehard fan of this organization , it’s not that I find it unfathomable the season imploded in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens . Belichick’s imbecilic behavior and the damn fact that , his disdain for the fans and the media , is becoming even more apparent .
The front office first and foremost need , to address the situation and resign Wes Welker , rather than let the player “test the free agency” market , this off-season. Welker deserves to be paid . Hell, each of the last four seasons he has averaged 110 receptions per year for each of the past four seasons, and has amassed over 500 receptions for the team , since being acquired by the franchise . in March of 2007.
As good as the offense has been during the regular season and in part of the postseason , there are signs that there are deficiencies on the team .
And as we know the defense of the Patriots was an ongoing mess that still has to be addressed by defensive coordinator Matt Patricia .
Brady , himself no slouch , but without Welker , his stats while impressive , they would not be what they are now without his best receiving option . .
Patriots’ free agents and their cap hit liabilities
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LaeAnn Amos , and boy , wouldn’t I like , to lay my “rod” in her moss ” !
Tophatal ………….
Best player on the Patriots’ team this season not named Brady , by far in a way , it was Wes Welker , and not Gronkowski or anyone else for that matter ! The team’s stats bear this out in the regular and postseason and by way of the team results throughout 2012 .
Word to the wise , GM Nick Caserio , pay Welker , rather than lose him to one of the 31 other franchises in the NFL , and specifically those in need of a great wide receiver .
Kara Allison
This Brit , loves his …………..women ……looking sexually overt and slutty !
Tophatal ………………….
I’m hoping the Pats can do something meaningful in terms of the upcoming NFL Draft . They’ve progressed nicely from a number picks from the 2012 draft, and the same could be said of 2011 , but beyond that , within the Caserio regime , it has become very glaring , as to how far the Patriots have fallen as a defensive unit over the past eight years at least .
NFL salary cap approx 120.6 million ………….. team salaries and those with vast sums to spend .
Courtesy of NFL.com
Very enlightening to say the very least .
Tophatal ……..
hanspostcard
Thanks for chiming in with a vote as it’s greatly appreciated !
Tophatal ……….
The Patriots’ offense played poorly against the Ravens. Brady missed throws he usually nails and even Welker dropped a sure first down pass that cost the team momentum. I don’t usually criticize the play calling because these are professionals and I’m not, but I question why they weren’t running the ball more on first down especially when they were so close to a scoring oppurtunity so many times. Gronkowski not playing hurt them, but not as much as Brady’s inaccuracy.
Better luck next year brother, cheers!
aero
There’s no denying that was a woefully lamentable display by the Patriots against the Ravens in the AFC championship game . If anyone had told me that the offense couldn’t have mustered even a ” safety” , touchdown or ” field goal” in the second half , then I’d have suggested that you were crazy . Lo and behold , that is exactly what happened.
Wes Welker of the Patriots .
Here’s the face of the most productive wide receiver in the NFL over the past five years . His career stats places him in the top 30 all time receivers in the NFL as well as the amongst the active players at the position .
This off season , the franchise does need to address a number of issues on the defense , as well as resigning Wes Welker . I’d hate for the player to be let go , but if it means franchise tagging him for a second successive season , then so be it !
Tophatal ……………
I see you haven’t gotten over it yet.
What is Brady, 7-7 in his last 14 playoff games?
Clocky be tickin’, bro.
Chris Humpherys (@SportsChump)
I’ve gotten over it , yes ! But like the dramas , ” CSI” and ” NCIS” , I thought I’d perform my own autopsy on the Patriots’ horrendous season , especially that goddamn awful second half performance against the Ravens !
GM Nick Caserio and lead consultant Floyd Reese have some issues to address as it relates to the Patriots’ roster , free agents , cap hit , and then there is the situation as it relates to Wes Welker , his contract status , and how much to pay the guy , be it as a franchise tag , or a five year $75 million contract , with a $ 39 million signing bonus . His stats , would suggest he’s worth it , don’t you think , when you think, that this past season , he earned just over $ 9.5 million in comparison to some of his peers , many of whom , were not as productive as Welker ?
Sheneka Adams , can jump my bones just because I say so and if she wants to . LOL,LOL,LOL !!!
Tophatal …………..
Yeah , 7-7 does seem mediocre , but I look at this way he he has a league MVP and three Superbowl rings , as well as a Superbowl MVP award and estimated $125 million fortune . And did I forget to mention, Tom gets to home and ” nail ” Gisele Bundchen ?
Tom & Gisele
Gisele
Come strong , or go home .
And Gisele as you and I would definitely prefer to see her ! Hot damn bro ! She needs some of the ” black meat” !
Any of your homey’s , that lucky ? LOL,LOL,LOL !!!
Tophatal ………………
I am glad. It serves the Pats right. Cheaters and Belichek is a butt hole. Ravens should have last year in the AFC Title game but missed TD catch and the choke city on the field goal from point blank range. if you like music check this site out http://www.bolaradio.com.br
Bobby Gee
I know that a lot of NFL fans still despise the Patriots’ franchise because of ” Spygate” , but since that episode , there has been a great deal worse that has gone on within the league , perpetrated by other teams as well as by the NFL hierarchy itself , and their failing to administer the HGH testing policy , which has been voted on and approved by the NFLPA (union) .
So let’s take a step back , and take a look at the big picture overall , and not just focus one incident from several years back . It is asinine to continue doing so , especially when, Belichick and the franchise have been punished for their crimes , albeit , the penalties were deemed minuscule , which I as a Patriots’ fan believe they were, and should been far more severe !
Tophatal ………….
Bobby Gee
When it comes to music , I’ve an eclectic taste , ranging from traditional jazz , new age jazz , rock, r&b , soul , some pop, reggae , rap and music specifically from the Far East and the African continent !
Paul Simon …. “Graceland”
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Miles Davis … “Blue in Green ”
U2 …… ” In the name of love ”
Ravi Shankar
Ryuchi Sakamoto ….. ” Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence ”
Talib Kweli …. “Get By ”
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Depeche Mode ………. ” Personal Jesus ”
Burning Spear …… ” Slavery ”
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King Tubby ………….. ” Murderous Dub ”
Tophatal ………….
Tophatal ………..
I doubt Welker will be back. You will see him with another playoff team though, making less than the Patriots would have paid him. Belichick tried to phase Welker out, by going with Julian Edelman in the slot, but once Edelman was injured Belichick had no choice but to go with Welker, and Welker produced as he always has. And this of course will weaken the Patriots even more.
Maurice Barksdale
Pats’ GM Nick Caserio , can ” franchise tag ” the player (Welker) for a second successive season and then seek to offer him a multi-year deal , based on the average salary of the top 5 players at the wide receivers position within the NFL .
I would rather see Welker remain a part of this team , rather than being the player , coming back to haunt what is already a less than average defense based on all standards necessary .
Tophatal …………..
Maurice Barksdale
The other issues facing the Patriots , is how they will deal with their overall position concerning the cap , and which players they believe no longer warrants being on the team’s roster . That I believe will be the toughest task ahead for Caserio , Bill Belichick and the entire coaching staff during the off-season and as a precursor leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft !
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Tophatal ………….