Welcome to The Blitz

Source: Rap Sheet by Jeff Howe

Welcome to The Blitz, the Boston Herald’s source for everything you’ll need to know about the New England Patriots.

My name is Jeff Howe, and I’ve been on the Patriots beat since 2009. This is my first day at the Herald, and I couldn’t be more excited to get it all started. It’s always been my goal to work as hard as possible to give the readers their best peek behind the curtain at Gillette Stadium. I’ll cover it all, from the team’s strategies with X’s and O’s to the players’ lives away from the field. You want to know what makes them tick and how they go about achieving success, and I’ll ensure you hear about it all.

I’ll be running The Blitz along with Herald colleague Karen Guregian, and we’ll compile all of our content right here. We’ll be at every game, practice and media session involving the Patriots, and we will continue to work tirelessly to keep you, the reader, completely up to speed.

While I feel like I’ve got a good pulse on the Patriots, I know there are always new ways to cover the team, so I’d love to hear if you’ve got any suggestions. If you’ve got something or someone you’d like to read about, hit me up on Twitter.

Otherwise, I hope you enjoy our new blog. While I’ve vowed to you that I’ll be working hard to give you the best coverage possible, remember that I’ll be having fun doing it. I hope that comes across in my coverage and right here on The Blitz.

Sure, football at its purest form is just a game, but it can mean so much more than that to so many people. I plan to treat it as such, and I’m looking forward to it.

New England Patriots' 4 Best, Worst Moves of 2012 Offseason

Source: Bleacher Report

The 2012 New England Patriots are a much-improved unit compared to that of 2011. No snaps have been taken, but that much is certain following the offseason Bill Belichick and company have had.

With dozens of free-agent signings and multiple high-profile draft selections, this years squad looks mighty promising already. However, not all of the moves this year have been perfect.

Here's my take on the four best and the four worst moves of the New England Patriots' offseason.

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Pelini puts rep on line with Dennard

Source: ESPN Boston

In a piece now posted on ESPNBoston.com, Field Yates catches up with two of rookie cornerback Alfonzo Dennard's former coaches. Dennard, the seventh-round draft choice from Nebraska, has been in the news for the wrong reasons after an April 21 arrest. Dennard's former coach at Nebraska, Bo Pelini, had strong words of support. "That isn't who he is, that's never been who he is, and that's not going to be who he is in the future," Pelini says in the piece.

Can Robert Meachem Be the No. 1 Receiver for the San Diego Chargers in 2012? (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

COMMENTARY | Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson are the type of big, physical players NFL fans think of when anyone brings up the term 'No. 1 receiver'.

Patriots Rookie Free Agents: Jon Opperud, OL, Montana

Source: Pats Pulpit by Jared Stegall

On Friday, the New England Patriots announced the signing of another rookie free agent, as they agreed to terms with Jon Opperud, an offensive lineman out of the University of Montana. Opperud, 22, was originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks as a UDFA in April, but was released last week.

Opperud (6'7, 300 pounds), was a three-year starter at Montana. As a true freshman, Opperud saw action all

NFP's Sunday Blitz: Kellen Moore, Russell Wilson fight to overcome size concerns (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Are Russell Wilson and Kellen Moore big enough? Plus, all the latest dope.

It's time for the Patriots and Wes Welker to stop playing chicken and reach a deal

Source: Eye on Foxborough

Welker has proven his worth and continues to excel on the field at an age where players are supposed to regress.

APWes Welker

Maybe Willie McGinest was right when he told Wes Welker "we're all expendable at Patriot Place."

How else to explain the situation that the wide receiver is currently locked in with the New England Patriots?

If anyone has earned amnesty from the hardline negotiating tactics that the Patriots typically employ, it's Welker. He's been the most productive member of the offense outside of TB12, has always put the team first, and should have earned huge points within the front office for shaking off a torn ACL as if he'd just pinched his finger in his gas cap.

He's averaged nearly 111 catches, 1,221 yards, and six touchdowns per season during his five years in New England, including the 2008 campaign where he caught 111 passes for 1,165 yards with Matt Cassel at the helm, for all those inclined to say that Welker is simply the biggest beneficiary of Tom Brady's immense talents.

So what gives? Why are the Patriots so reluctant to show any type of commitment to Welker beyond the 2012 season, where he will be paid $9.5 million under the terms of the franchise tag?

Yes, he's 31.

Yes, he makes his living over the middle of the field and never shies from contact.

Yes, he's routinely banged up and was listed with neck, rib and knee injuries last season and was limited in practice from Week 14 through the Super Bowl.

But despite all of that, he's still one of the most productive players in the NFL and had his finest season last year by catching 122 passes for 1,569 yards with nine touchdowns at an age where countless studies say he should have began regressing.

Bill Belichick is smart enough to know that Welker is a prototype and that no comparable players have existed in the NFL, yet, for some reason, his offer to Welker was classified as being "worse" than the two-year, $16 million offer the team extended to him during last season – at least that's what the receiver said before the machine got him and he began backtracking on his comments over the weekend.

It makes no sense. If the team has legitimate concerns about his durability and ability to stay healthy beyond 2012, then scratch this whole column and move on with your day. It would be senseless to commit anything to him beyond this year.

But that seems highly unlikely, and by refusing to look a few years down the road it could cost New England dearly against the cap. Welker is eating up a hefty sum this year, and will cost more than $11 million next season if they choose to hit him with the tag again.

It seems more reasonable to add another year to the previous offer at the same rate, giving him something around three years and $24 million. That way the money could be spread out a bit more so they still have room to sign upcoming free agents such as Patrick Chung, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

Maybe that isn't enough to get it down. Maybe Welker is looking to be paid like Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. Good riddance, if that's the case. Sluggers will always be paid more than doubles hitters, but Welker is surely smart enough to know that.

The cynics among us have already begun arguing that Welker has exterminated any such possibility by signing his tender and opening his mouth to negotiate through the media, but those folks are wrong.

If offensive lineman Logan Mankins can call Robert Kraft a liar, sit out seven weeks of the season and demand a trade and still be rewarded handsomely with a long-term deal, then Welker's hopes are still alive.

And as far as the leverage is concerned, he never had any. His best chance of procuring any guarantees beyond 2012 was by showing that he still puts the team first, as he always has.

There has to be room on every roster for a player like that.

Pats pass-catchers reliable, dependable

Source: ESPN Boston

Using targets and receptions as a baseline, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s favorite receivers in 2011 were Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Welker finished with an NFL-best 122 catches, while Gronkowski and Hernandez finished first and fourth, respectively, among tight ends in receiving yardage. One reason that Brady may have turned to this trio so often: reliability, and specifically their ability to consistently catch the football.

New England Patriots: Anything but Super Bowl Win Will Be Disappointment in 2012

Source: Bleacher Report

The New England Patriots will have a whole lot of pressure on them for the 2012 NFL season.

After a magnificent 2011 season that ended in a heartbreaking Super Bowl loss to the Giants, the Patriots made a slew of moves that launched them to the top of the list of favorites for Super Bowl XLVII. Whatever holes were revealed over the course of the 2011 season were fixed via free agency or the draft. This leaves Patriots fans looking forward to the start of the season more than ever. 

New England has the potential to blow by their competition—that's how good this team is. With a prolific offense and a revamped defense, the Patriots are talented enough to win every game they play. It's unlikely, but it's certainly possible.

The Patriots got the biggest steal in free agency, signing elite wide receiver Brandon Lloyd to a three-year, $12 million deal. $12 million! Lloyd gives the Patriots a deep threat that they haven't had since Randy Moss. The Pats played through all of last year without a legitimate stretch-the-field wideout.

Patriots tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez both enjoyed breakout seasons, with Gronkowski setting the record for yards and touchdowns by a tight end. The Boston TE Party combined for over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. Both of the young tight ends will look to continue their immense success this year. The Pats signed Daniel Fells and Brad Herman to add depth to the position. There were also rumors that Dallas Clark visited the New England facilities.

The Patriots signed some good defensive role players (Jonathan Fanene, Trevor Scott, Steve Gregory) during free agency, but they exploded in the draft, using all but one of their picks on defensive players. The Pats traded up twice to snag studs DE Chandler Jones and LB Dont'a Hightower. Tavon Wilson, Jake Bequette, Nate Ebner and Alfonzo Dennard were among the other draftees who were taken in order to improve the 31st-ranked defense in 2011.

The Patriots were granted the easiest schedule (record-wise) in 2012. The only games that could be potentially dangerous are against San Francisco, Denver and two against new-look Buffalo. However, three of those games are at home, where the Patriots are near unbeatable. 

In Super Bowl XLVI, the Pats were one or two plays away from winning the Lombardi Trophy. With a defense nicknamed "The Who" because of all the no-name players, this is quite remarkable. The offense, captained by Tom Brady, led the Pats through the season to a 13-3 record, a first-round bye and, eventually, the Super Bowl. 

The Patriots blew through most of their competition in 2011, so they'll be expected to bulldoze over opponents in 2012 with a better defense and, believe it or not, a better offense. 

This year's Patriots have put together a team that should be penciled in as Super Bowl champs. With the talent and experiences on this team, anything but the Lombardi Trophy will be a tremendous letdown.

Read more New England Patriots news on BleacherReport.com

AFC East links: No rushing Tannehill

Source: AFC East Blog

Buffalo Bills The team announced that its first two home games -- Sept. 16 against Kansas City and Sept. 30 against New England -- are sold out, the Buffalo News reports. The team plays seven games at Ralph Wilson Stadium, and one at Toronto's Rogers Centre -- Dec. 16 against Seattle. Miami Dolphins Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says the team won't rush the development of Ryan Tannehill, the quarterback Miami drafted eighth overall. "We drafted Tannehill because we thought he’d be a great franchise quarterback," Ross told the Palm Beach Post.

Wes Welker and Willie McGinest make peace

Source: NFL.com by NFL.com

Wes Welker and Willie McGinest engaged in a war of words when the Patriots wideout was looking for a new contract. With Welker's franchise tender signed, he and the NFL Network analyst are now putting their feud behind them.

Potential Patriots?

Source: Musket Fire by Tim Dillon

visit site to read more]

Potential Patriots? - Musket Fire - Musket Fire - A New England Patriots Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Former Patriots LB Weighs In On Seau

Source: Scout.com

Former New England Patriots linebacker talks about what he has in common with Junior Seau, and the former NFL great's passing.

NFP Sunday Blitz (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Are Russell Wilson and Kellen Moore big enough? Plus, all the latest dope.

Quick-hit thoughts around NFL & Pats

Source: ESPN Boston

Quick-hit thoughts around the NFL and with the Patriots: 1. The final phase of the Patriots’ offseason program begins Monday, with organized team activities, and quarterback Tom Brady will be in attendance. Even when Brady hasn’t fully participated in the offseason program in recent years, he’s taken part in the OTAs. The voluntary OTAs help build momentum heading into mandatory full-team minicamp (June 12-14), and the Patriots, in part because of strong locker-room leadership, have generally had excellent participation in recent years.

Kraft to accept Brandeis degree for Myra

Source: ESPN Boston

Patriots owner Robert Kraft will accept an honorary degree on behalf of his late wife, Myra, from Brandeis University, her alma mater, on Sunday. Myra Kraft was a 1964 graduate of the university located in Waltham, Mass., and became a university trustee in 1986. For 10 years she served as the vice chair of the board. She was a strong supporter of the school and several initiatives, including serving on the presidential search committee that led Brandeis to hire current president Frederick Lawrence.

Jim Leonhard: Should the New England Patriots Consider Signing Him?

Source: Bleacher Report

Depth wins championships.

The New England Patriots have seemingly embraced this notion, signing more free agents than any other team in the NFL this offseason. Aside from quarterback, the Patriots have signed at least one free agent from every position group, building talented depth throughout the entire roster.

However, the safety position still remains thin, with Patrick Chung, newly signed free agent Steve Gregory and second-round draft choice Tavon Wilson the only locks to make the roster.

While Chung has flashed the ability to be a top-tier safety at times throughout his three-year career, he has yet to prove he can stay on the field, having his last two seasons hampered by injury.

Wilson certainly looks the part with a thick frame, standing at 6'0'' and weighing 205 lbs, but his abilities are yet to be seen and should not be depended on to start in the event of an injury.

So who is there to step in should projected starters Chung or Gregory go down next year?

Sergio Brown? Josh Barrett?

I certainly hope not. These two played some of the worst football at the safety position I have ever seen.

If he can make a full recovery from a knee injury he suffered last December, the Patriots should strongly consider signing former New York Jets safety Jim Leonhard.

The Jets have boasted a top 10 pass defense over the last three seasons, and Leonhard has played a integral role in that success.

Described by Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis as the "quarterback" of the Jets secondary, Leonhard is an intelligent veteran who was a leader of an elite secondary over the last three years.

The Patriots young secondary could benefit from the addition of a veteran presence and could certainly use the depth.

While the uncertainty of Leonhard's health definitely presents some risk in a potential signing, Leonhard should come relatively cheap given said risk.

Why not sign him to a short deal and see how it pans out in training camp? Let him come in and compete, and even if his knee becomes an issue, perhaps he could land on the PUP list and bolster the roster later in the season.

Even a limping Jim Leonhard is better than a healthy Sergio Brown or Josh Barrett. 

With the Jets signing safety LaRon Landry earlier this offseason and the recent news that they will also be signing safety Yeremiah Bell, Leonhard's time with the Gang Green looks to be over.

The Patriots should be interested in a depth-enhancer like Leonhard. And Leonhard might just jump at the chance to join the team that swept his former squad a season ago.

Read more New England Patriots news on BleacherReport.com

Welker feels he needs to earn his long-term deal

Source: CSN Boston

Wes Welker doesn't have a long-term contract yet, but he's not whining about it. His plan is to go out and show that he deserves one.

Kraft to accept Brandeis degree for late wife

Source: ESPN Boston

Patriots owner Robert Kraft will accept an honorary degree on behalf of his late wife, Myra, from Brandeis University, her alma mater, on Sunday. Myra Kraft was a 1964 graduate of the university located in Waltham, Mass., and became a university trustee in 1986. For 10 years she served as the vice chair of the board. She was a strong supporter of the school and several initiatives, including serving on the presidential search committee that led Brandeis to hire current president Frederick Lawrence.

Top Five New England Patriots Players of All-Time

Source: Patriots Gab by Matt Loede

Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a play against the New York Jets

The New England Patriots have had a resurgence since the early 2000s, winning three Super Bowls and making the playoff in nine out of the past twelve seasons.

The Patriots were first founded all the way back in 1959 and played in the American Football League until 1970 when they joined the National Football League and have remained there ever since.  In 2007 the team nearly completed a perfect season, going 18-0 before losing to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.  Bill Belichick has been one of the most successful coaches in NFL history to date with a postseason record of 17-7 going into the 2012 season.  With that said, who are some of the top players in franchise history?  What follows are the top five players in New England Patriots history, in no particular order.

Tom Brady
Tom Brady has played a major part in New England’s success starting in the early 2000s, and was surprisingly selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft in 2000 by the Patriots.  Since that time Brady has remained as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, with three Super Bowl victories to go with two Super Bowl MVP awards, seven selections to the Pro Bowl, and has nearly 40,000 passing yards in his career to go along with 300 touchdowns and a quarterback rating of nearly 100, all incredible feats.

Sam Cunningham
Sam Cunningham was first drafted by the Patriots as a running back in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft, and played in nine productive seasons with the team.  Cunningham totaled nearly 50 touchdowns over his career, and his best season came in 1977 when he rushed for over 1,000 yards and another 370 in the air to go with five total touchdowns on the year.

Stanley Morgan
Morgan was one of the best wide receivers in New England Patriots’ history.  He was selected in the first round of the 1977 NFL Draft and played a total of 12 seasons with the team.  Stanley’s best season came in 1986 with the Patriots, when he had 1,491 total yards to go with 10 touchdowns for the year.  He was selected to four Pro Bowls over his career, with all of them coming as a member of the Patriots.

John Hannah
John Hannah was drafted in the first round of the 1973 draft as an offensive lineman for New England, and went on to have a stellar career with the team until his retirement in 1985.  He was selected to nine Pro Bowls over the course of his career along with ten All-Pro selections.  His number 73 is retired by the team, and Hannah was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.

Troy Brown
Along with Tom Brady, Troy Brown played an integral role for the Patriots during their dominance of the 2000s, and was first drafted by the team in 1993 as an eighth round picked.  Brown played with the Patriots for his entire career, lasting until 2007, and played numerous positions including wide receiver, punt returner, cornerback, and many more.  His best season came in 2001 when he had 1,199 yards as a receiver and five touchdowns as well.

Thanks to All Arena Seats

Welker not surprised Patriots playing hardball

Source: CSN Boston

The Patriots have always been stingy before handing some of their best players long-term contracts.

Pats' Welker backs off contract comments

Source: AFC East Blog

PEABODY, Mass. -- Two days after telling the Boston Herald that his contract negotiations had "gotten worse," New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker backtracked on his comments, writes ESPNBoston.com's Mike Rodak. "That was probably a bad choice of words, saying they've gotten worse," Welker said Saturday. "They've pretty much -- they've stayed the same. I'm franchised for the year and I'm completely happy with that."

Welker says he misspoke on contract talks with Patriots (Pro Football Weekly)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Despite a contract dispute, Patriots WR Wes Welker will be in Foxborough, Mass., on Monday for the start of the team's OTAs.  

New England Patriots: Which Draft Picks Will Have the Biggest Impact?

Source: Bleacher Report

The New England Patriots have done nearly everything right this past offseason.

They fixed their wide receiver problem by re-signing Wes Welker and Deion Branch, and by signing Brandon Lloyd, Donte Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney. The Pats have also added depth on the offensive line and the defensive line and padded their strong linebacker unit.

The Patriots just about nailed the 2012 NFL Draft, filling holes at cornerback and safety. They also found a strong pass-rusher in Chandler Jones. Bill Belichick and company also drafted a stud linebacker—Dont'a Hightower. 

Not every player drafted will live up to expectations and some picks might not even play. But with the amount of talent in the Pats' picks, some are sure to stand out in 2012.

Here are the drafted players that will have significant impacts on the Patriots, along with full stat projections.

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Welker not surprised by Patriots hardball

Source: CSN Boston

The Patriots have always been stingy before handing some of their best players long-term contracts.

Welker backpedals on comments about contract talks (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker on Saturday took back comments he made two days before that his contract negotiations had "gotten worse."

Wes Welker opts for a more politically correct route in contract talks

Source: Rap Sheet by Karen Guregian

On Thursday, Wes Welker spoke to me about how much he wanted to continue being a Patriot, how much he wanted to help the team win, and how he planned on showing once again, how much he “deserved” having a long-term deal.

When I asked him about the status of contract talks for that extension in wake of signing his $9.5 million franchise tender, he said it had “gotten worse.”

Asked to define “worse” Welker revealed the offer on the table was less than the two-year $16 million fully guaranteed contract that was offered to him during the 2011 regular season. He was clearly frustrated by that, but understood the dynamics, and just wanted to get on with the business of playing football and once again proving his worth.

Since then, there have been reports the Patriots weren’t happy with him for making their private negotiating sessions public. No surprise there. So with that as a backdrop, Welker spoke today at his annual football clinic at Bishop Fenwick High in Peabody.

The Patriots receiver took a more tactful approach when pumped about his contract. He completely pulled it back, playing it by the Patriot manuel, saying several times he had made a “poor choice of words.” (more…)

Patriots' Wes Welker backtracks from contract talks

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

Wes Welker recently signed his franchise tender and spoke out on the state of his long-term contract negotiations, which riled up the Patriots. On Saturday, the receiver said he regretted his comments.

Welker: 'I'm not frustrated whatsoever'

Source: CSN Boston

One day after a report was released saying the Patriots were upset by Wes Welker's recent comments about contract negotiations, the receiver did some backpedaling.

Wes Welker backs off of contract comments

Source: Eye on Foxborough

Welker said that he's happy to be franchised and OK with his current situation.

APWes Welker backtracked from the comments he made regarding his contract situation.

Wes Welker spent Saturday morning running damage control for the recent comments he’s made while campaigning for a new contract.

One day after telling the Boston Herald that contract negotiations with the New England Patriots have “gotten worse,” he stood before reporters at his football camp in Peabody and attempted to backpedal from his comments.

“That was probably a bad choice of words saying they’ve gotten worse,” Welker, who caught 122 passes for 1,569 yards last season, told reporters. “They’ve stayed the same. I’m franchised for the year and I’m completely happy with that and completely OK with it. I look forward to contributing to the team.”

The Patriots were reportedly upset with Welker for his comments in the Herald and for writing on Twitter last week that he was taking a “#leapoffaith” by signing the franchise tender that will pay him $9.5 million next season.

In the Herald report, the 31-year-old said that the team’s most recent contract offer was worse than the two-year, $16 million offer they made to him during the 2011 season. When asked on Saturday if he was frustrated by the current state of negotiations, he said he wasn’t.

“I know the words that came out maybe seemed that way, but I’m not frustrated at all,” Welker said. “I’m making five times more than I did last year. There’s no frustration here.”

The deadline for players playing under the franchise tag to sign new contracts is July 16. If the two sides remain at an impasse heading into next year, Welker can be tagged again for the 2013 season for $11.4 million.

Welker plans to report to offseason team activities on Monday and will be present when minicamp begins on June 12.

“I’m excited to be back. I’m excited to be a Patriot,” he said. “Excited to be out there on the field (for) the OTAs and minicamps with my teammates. Looking forward to the 2012 season, and just going out there and getting better.”

Earlier in the winter Welker threatened to skip camp in an attempt to force the Patriots’ hand, but ultimately sacrificed whatever leverage he had in negotiations by signing his tender against the advisement of his agent.

By doing so, he put the ball in the Patriots’ court and hopes that the organization will reward him for his loyalty.

"You’re getting all this information. You don’t really know who to believe or what to go with," Welker told the Herald. "I think at the end of the day for me, if I go out there and keep playing great football like I have been for the past five years, eventually, it’ll pay off.”

Wes Welker Q&A at football clinic

Source: ESPN Boston

PEABODY, Mass. -- The following is Wes Welker's question-and-answer session with reporters Saturday at the Old Spice Wes Welker Football Clinic, presented by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England: Nice day for camp? "Beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky. Having a lot of fun with these kids. They’ve yet to catch a ball on me today, I’m playing some pretty good defensive back. Very encouraged by my skills out there.

Welker backtracks on contract comments

Source: Boston.com

The receiver said he's not frustrated at all with contract talks.

AFC East links: Reggie Bush mesmerizes

Source: AFC East Blog

Buffalo Bills The Bills signed second-round pick Cordy Glenn, an offensive tackle from Georgia; the move leaves only one of the team's nine draft picks -- third-round receiver T.J. Graham -- unsigned, Chris Brown reported. Miami Dolphins Lydon Murtha told the Sun-Sentinel that he's not ready to cede the starting right tackle job to second-round draft pick Jonathan Martin, the former Stanford left tackle whom the team aims to switch to the right side to challenge Murtha.

Patriots weekend quick hits

Source: ESPN Boston

1. Wes Welker's football camp. The Patriots receiver is holding his Old Spice Football Clinic, presented by the Ronald McDonald House charities of Eastern New England, this weekend in Massachusetts. As part of the camp, Welker is expected to meet with reporters around 11 a.m. ET Saturday. Details to come on our Patriots blog. 2. Ted Johnson in town to talk concussions. The former Patriots linebacker spoke at Children's Hospital Boston on Friday, as part of a conference on concussions, and he detailed his struggles with post-concussion syndrome.

Former Patriots LB Ted Johnson: Seau's death a 'tipping point'

Source: NFL.com by Associated Press

Junior Seau's death got former New England Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson thinking again about his own career in the NFL and his struggles with post-concussion syndrome after he retired in 2005.

2012 Pittsburgh Steelers Build Offseason Excitement: A Fan's Giddy Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

It is mid-May and the sports world is not focused on the NFL. But hardcore fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers are already getting excited for the 2012-13 season. While I previously lamented how hard this offseason of goodbyes was going to be, I think the Steelers organization is making all the right moves to make the 2012-13 season a great one.

Patriots Hosting Dallas Clark Raises Questions

Source: Patriots Chronicle by Sean Rollins

It was reported Friday that former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark visited the New England Patriots. The pro bowler was one of the key receivers for Peyton Manning since he was drafted by the Colts in 2003.

The Patriots currently have four tight ends under contract. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are returning as key parts of the offense, free agent Daniel Fells was signed as a free agent, and undrafted free agent Brad Herman was signed out of Iowa. If the Patriots are seriously considering Clark, where does he fit?

While Herman could be on the Patriots practice squad in 2012 that still leaves three tight ends which is the number the team is likely to carry. Clark has been available as a free agent all offseason which means that the Patriots chose to sign Fells over Clark. Now the Patriots are coming back to a player they have already passed over.

While it could be argued that the Patriots would use four tight ends due to how much they use that position in the passing game, they are unlikely to use the tight end the same way in 2012. In 2011 the Patriots had problems at the wide receiver position which caused the tight ends to be used more. With the additions at receiver that the Patriots have made, there is no need for the tight ends to be a big part of the passing game.

This may be nothing more than just a visit but it raises the question of what’s the plan. The wide receivers will be much more of the focus now that the team has added much needed help to that position. Clark is still a very productive tight end who could help several teams and with Hernandez and Gronkowski as the key tight ends on the team and with Fells having already been deemed by the Patriots a better fit than Clark, there would be no room for him.

The other possibility is that the tight ends will be just as much used as last season. If that’s the case, the Patriots are way over-loaded on wide receivers. It was assumed that the signing of Brandon Lloyd and other free agents was too add depth to the position so it could be of much more use. But if the tight ends are still going to be such a big part of the offense, there is no need for the rapid signings of receivers that dominated the Patriots offseason.

As this was only a visit, it is unknown has seriously the Patriots are looking at Clark. With Clark’s skill set and production it’s unlikely he’d be willing to join a team that wouldn’t use him. If the team is planning on offering him a contract, it makes the signings of multiple accomplished receivers seem unnecessary. It remains to be seen the true reason for the inquiry into Clark but it’s just another thing to keep an eye on as the Patriots prepare for the 2012 season.

Seau's Restaurant Closes

Source: Scout.com

Hot News for LB Junior Seau

Former Patriots Weighs In On Seau

Source: Scout.com

Former New England Patriots linebacker talks about what he has in common with Junior Seau, and the former NFL great's passing.

Moss Getting A Do-Over In San Francisco

Source: Scout.com

Randy Moss was on the outs with Tom Brady in New Engalnd? He doesn't seem to have a problem in San Francisco.

Pats had TE Clark in for visit

Source: Boston.com

Dallas Clark played for the Colts for nine seasons.

Thoughts on Dallas Clark visit

Source: ESPN Boston

Following up with a few thoughts on free-agent tight end Dallas Clark visiting with the Patriots on Tuesday: One of the first things that came to mind is that the team can never have enough information. Clark is a good player who has hurt them in the past. He's available. So in the event the Patriots want to make a move at tight end (right now they are well stocked), a visit like Tuesday's provides a clearer road map for them, possibly giving them a better feel for where Clark is medically (he's missed 15 games over the last two seasons).

Another former Colt - Dallas Clark - comes for a visit

Source: Rap Sheet by Karen Guregian

One wouldn’t think the Patriots are in need of tight end help. No matter. Dallas Clark came for a visit on Tuesday, a league source confirmed.

Maybe Bill Belichick’s starting a Colt collection.

Already, two former Indy stars have joined. Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez is in the fold. So is Joseph Addai.

Clark? With Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez the two staples, and Daniel Fells, who has ties to Josh McDaniels, added, it wouldn’t appear there’s much room.  There’s also undrafted rookie Brad Herman out of Iowa in camp.

The 32-year-old former go-to-guy of Peyton Manning, is more in the mold of Hernandez. His best year was 2009, where he had 100 catches and 1,106 yards to lead all tight ends. He hasn’t played  much recently due to injury.  (more…)

Prisco's top 100 ranks Brady No. 2; Romo at No. 78

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

While we have yet to see where (or if) Peyton Manning will be on NFL Network's "Top 100: Players of 2012," Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com has already ranked him at No. 33 on his own list, though Manning didn't play a snap in 2011.

New England Patriots Host Free Agent Tight End Dallas Clark

Source: Bleacher Report

According to ESPN Boston, the New England Patriots hosted former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark for a workout at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday. 

The 32-year-old Clark is currently looking for a new team as it's clear that the Colts have moved on without, just like Peyton Manning, as they drafted tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen just a few weeks ago. 

This past season Clark just wasn't as effective as he's been in year's past, and most of that has to do with Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky throwing passes to him rather than Manning. Clark recorded 34 catches for 352 yards and just two touchdowns. 

This is an interesting piece of news considering that the Patriots already have the top tight end tandem in the NFL with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez—and not to mention that they added Daniel Fells earlier this offseason as well as signing Brad Herman out of Iowa, an undrafted free agent. 

If Clark can contribute, then the Patriots would be more than welcome to bringing him aboard—just another weapon for Tom Brady to utilize as he'll already be welcoming Brandon Lloyd and Anthony Gonzalez as well as welcoming back Donte Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney. 

 

Be sure to check out Tony Santorsa's blog: PatriotsPlus.

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What Service Would Signing Dallas Clark Serve the New England Patriots?

Source: Bleacher Report

The New England Patriots bringing in free agent tight end Dallas Clark for a workout may seem puzzling at first, considering their top-end talent at the position and the depth they've added this offseason, but if the team ultimately signs him, the decision to do so could look really smart if and when Aaron Hernandez goes down with an injury.

Clark has been the basis of comparison for Hernandez, with Hernandez being considered a much more athletic version of Clark. In his first two seasons, Hernandez has missed some time due to injury. He clearly wasn't himself in the 2010 playoff loss to the Jets, and the Patriots suffered for it. He was also missing during the Patriots' 34-31 loss to the Bills in Week 3 of 2011.

When Hernandez goes down, they need a reliable receiving tight end to fall back on. The Patriots added veteran free agent Daniel Fells and rookie undrafted free agent Brad Herman, but neither would be a suitable replacement in Hernandez's role.

Clark provides just the type of receiving presence at the position that the Patriots need on their depth chart as insurance against a Hernandez injury. He had an All-Pro season as recently as 2009, reeling in 100 catches for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns, as the Colts made their second Super Bowl appearance in four seasons.

Since then, however, he's missed 15 games in the past two seasons. In 2010 and 2011, he combined for 71 receptions, 699 yards and five touchdowns. 

If staying healthy is Clark's only problem, that's no problem for the Patriots. He's not likely to get injured in his situational/rotational role, and he'll probably only get a majority of the snaps in any given game if and when Hernandez goes down.

 

Follow @ErikFrenz. 

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Patriots Were Ready to Trade Up Higher Than 21 for Chandler Jones?

Source: Bleacher Report

Coming into this year's draft, the accepted conventional wisdom said that Bill Belichick doesn't trade up in first round. Trade down, even out of the round, yes, history clearly pointed to that. But trade up? That's just not his style.

Fast-forward to first round and the Patriots traded up not once, but twice in the round to land defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Belichick wanted the trade-ups badly enough to leave the team without any picks beyond the second round, which forced the team trade out of late second in a big loser of a deal on the pick value chart to salvage more picks.

Now we get word from Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com that he believes the Patriots were trying move up even higher than No. 21 for Jones. Reiss, one of the most trusted and level-headed voices on all things Patriots, writes that he thinks the Patriots were in talks to move up as soon as the first edge rusher, Bruce Irvin, went to the Seahawks at No. 15.

This theory makes sense because the teams picking between 16 and 20 (New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans) were all candidates to take Jones, especially the Bears and Titans, who were clearly in the market for a defensive end suitable to play in a 4-3 defense.

The Patriots are known for playing the draft very well. They always add extra picks and find themselves set up very well going into the following year's draft. This year, Belichick flipped the script and bet big on Jones and Hightower. Reiss understands why, saying Jones was poised and articulate. Reiss writes that Patriot first-round picks are reserved for "sure things," and that it's easy to see how Jones (and Hightower) fall into that category. Landing Jones, on the other hand, wasn't a sure thing until the Patriots traded up to the 21st pick, and it sounds like they willing to give even more to get a player they were so certain about heading into the draft.

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