Randolph Charlotin's New England Patriots fan blog

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.

Continue reading "Is Willie Willing to Adjust?"

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.

Continue reading "Last Call for Bruschi in 2010?"

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

Continue reading "Conversation with Kerry Byrne of Cold Hard Football Facts"

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.

Continue reading "Deep Thoughts"

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.

Continue reading "Two Points"

Pop quiz!

Quick, look at this old skool Patriots jersey and name the player.

If your answer is a Laurence Maroney 2009 AFL 50th Anniversary jersey, then you really need to learn about the Patriots history.

This is a throwback Sam Cunningham jersey, also known as Sam “Bam” Cunningham. He was a Patriot from 1973-79 and 1981-82. He was part of a backfield that rushed for over 3,000 yards. 1978’s 3,165 yards rushing is an NFL record that still stands today. Cunningham is the Patriots all-time leading rusher.

Why am I telling you this? Because on Wednesday the Patriots announced that the fans voted Jim Nance as the latest addition to the Patriots Hall of Fame, beating out defensive lineman Houston Antwine and center Jon Morris.

Continue reading "Shallow Halls"

As I’ve been busy with work as well as producing video interviews, I haven’t been able to post like I should. To make up for lost time I’m going to cover a few subjects in one post:

On the day Rodney Harrison retired, two ESPN analysts were asked if Harrison is a future Hall of Famer. The ex-coach didn’t hesitate to say yes, pointing to Rodney’s record of being the only defensive back with at least 30 interceptions and 30 sacks. The former receiver compared Harrison to today’s best safetys, Pittsburgh’s Troy Polamalu and Baltimore’s Ed Reed, and said no.

The dilemma for Harrison is as much respect he earned as a player, he was hated by opponents. He earned a reputation as a dirty player for playing to the whistle, sometimes beyond the whistle. That, along with being a ferocious hitter, made him well disliked by offensive players.

Continue reading "Closing Speed"

This doesn't have anything to do with football, but when a new local team hits the scene as does well, I won't ignore the accomplishment. Tom Ryan is the head coach and general manager of the Boston Blazers. In their expansion season, they went 10-6 and reached the playoffs. They deserve to be heard from.

 If the window doesn't open, click here.

Continue reading "Conversation with Tom Ryan"

On Saturday, I saw this man, Jesus Christ. Today, Patriots fans will see their savior, Tom Brady, take the field with the team for the first time since his knee injury.

According to all reports, Brady’s recovery following surgery to repair his ACL and MCL is on schedule. Naturally Tom Terrific is hungry to go all out and go above and beyond. Thankfully the coaching and training staff will hold him back when necessary.

Everyone expects Brady to be fully recovered and able to play at his previous level of excellence. With those beliefs, the expectations are through the roof.

ESPN revealed their NFL Power Rankings for 2009. Super Bowl Champions Pittsburgh is the top seed. New England is second.

Continue reading "Brady Back, but Patriots Still Not Complete"

Last week I wrote a column after DE Jason Taylor signed with the Miami Dolphins. My take was after losing out on Taylor, the Patriots lost their chance of finding a competent veteran replacement for LB Mike Vrabel.

Just today I read in The Boston Herald that New England was discussing a trade with the Oakland Raiders for DE Derrick Burgess. Apparently these talks have been going on since around draft time. Oakland’s asking price is a second or third round pick for the veteran entering his eighth year.

Wait a moment…it’s coming…ah…Ah…AH…

…Uhhhhhhhhh…nothing. Nope, I don’t get a feeling of excitement for this potential trade.

It’s not that I’m unfamiliar with Burgess. I remember he started with the Philadelphia Eagles and signed with the Raiders as a free agent. Burgess had his best two years upon arrival in Oakland, with 27 sacks over two years and two Pro Bowl births.

Continue reading "Derrick Burgess Not a Big Deal"