Randolph Charlotin's New England Patriots Fan Profile

Is Willie Willing to Adjust? posted on 07/02/2009

Remember how Willie McGinest was irked when Junior Seau signed with the Patriots and was allowed to wear “55” right after Willie left for Cleveland? Well it sounds like McGinest wants to erase the years the fraud wore his number.

While speaking with The Boston Herald, McGinest said, “Yeah, I’ve talked to (quarterback) Tom (Brady), (defensive end Richard) Seymour and some other guys there. Those guys are lifelong friends, and I’ve heard some people say that it’d be a good fit. Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that? And with all the history I have, what we accomplished in the playoffs, that wouldn’t be a bad way to finish up.”

This is the first indication I’ve heard that Willie wants to play one more year. After the Browns released him, McGinest was contemplating retirement. Whether it’s an itch he must scratch for one more season or more about joining a championship-caliber team that he has a long history with for one more run at a ring, McGinest wants to play with the Pats in ’09. He wants his 55 back.

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Last Call for Bruschi in 2010? posted on 06/28/2009

Last week LB Tedy Bruschi expressed the possibility of playing beyond this season. Before kicking off the “Tee Off with Tedy” golf event, Bruschi said is attention is on this season and he won’t look beyond 2009. But after he finishes this season, he will check how he feels and decide then.

However he decides, I doubt Tedy will make it a long and drawn out process like former Green Bay/New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre. He’ll figure it out soon and get back to the coaching staff.

The good news for the Patriots is Bruschi is his own agent. With this being the final year of his contract, if Bruschi decides to play another year, he is unlikely to shop around looking for the highest bidder. Money isn’t what drives Tedy. He appreciates the Pats taking that chance on him in the 1996 NFL Draft and cherishes the moments associated with the three Super Bowl championships. If Bruschi plays an additional year, he wants it to be with New England.

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Conversation with Kerry Byrne of Cold Hard Football Facts posted on 06/24/2009

I had the opportunity to sit and talk with Kerry Byrne, the creator of ColdHardFootballFacts.com. We talked a little about his site and what's coming, as well as a little about the Patriots. If the video doesn't open, just follow the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxd_8JnOxWM

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Deep Thoughts posted on 06/20/2009

Earlier this week the Patriots further streamlined the linebacking corps by releasing rookie free agent ILB Antonio Appleby. Released before the University of Virginia product was OLB Angelo Craig.

That leaves Eric Alexander, Tedy Bruschi, Tully Banta-Cain, Vinny Ciurciu, Shawn Crable, Gary Guyton, Jerod Mayo, Pierre Woods, Vince Redd, Paris Lenon, and Adalius Thomas as the roster LBs (rookie Tyrone McKenzie is on injured reserve for the year).

In the short term, I sense one more veteran addition before the season starts. But I believe New England is thinking further than that.

There are two things on my mind. First off it’s those two 2010 second round picks they traded for during the NFL Draft. If I’m right, that gives N.E. three second round picks along with their first rounder. With all those early picks in stock, they have at their disposal the tools needed to trade up in the draft if need be.

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Two Points posted on 06/15/2009

One down, eleven to go. On Friday, June 12th, the Patriots reached a contract agreement with fourth round pick, OL Rich Ohrnberger. He hasn’t signed the contract yet, but the hard part is done.

With Ohrnberger a formality, the next question is how long will it take to sign the remaining eleven draft picks?

New England has a very good history of signing their draft picks. Only TE Benjamin Watson had a prolonged holdout before signing a rookie contract. With no first round picks, one would guess the Pats will have an easy time getting everyone under contract.

But the sheer number of draft picks presents a different set of complications. New England has set aside a pool of money for the draft picks and every individual is reaching for as much cash as possible. It’s easier to cut a pie in fewer pieces.

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