Hours Before Kickoff: Week 3

On Saturday September 20, the Patriots began a new tradition and held their first Hall of Fame induction ceremony in front of the Hall at Patriot Place. For those already Patriot Hall of Famers, the event properly entered their names and accomplishments into the new home for Patriot immortals.

Joining the ranks was Ben Coates, the massive pass catcher that raised the bar for tight ends. He dominated the position before the likes of Tony Gonzalez, Todd Heap, and Dallas Clark. The big difference between Coates and many of today's premiere tight ends is Coates was also a powerful blocker.

But that's not what we remember about Coates. We think of him as QB Drew Bledsoe's safety net, the man that was always open over the middle regardless of the defender in Coates' shadow. The original Big Ben, Coates was so large that his body shielded away anyone that might be on his back in a hopeless attempt to knock the pass away.

Even more entertaining was Coates after the catch. He was able to drag a defender for extra yards, sometimes in pairs or a small group. He was dangerous in the red zone not just because he was a huge target, but if he caught the ball just short of the end zone, Coates got the last few yards the hard way.

It's something to think about because Coates followed in the footsteps of Marv Cook, a two-time Pro Bowler himself. Coates watched Cook make a name for himself in '91 and '92, Coates first two years with the Pats. But by '93, while both players started at least 10 games with New England, Coates surpassed Cook and became an unstoppable offensive weapon.

Take a moment to think about New England's history at the position. Russ Francis was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Pats before Cook was a two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro in 1991. Add the honors together and it doesn't match what Coates did with five Pro Bowls and a two All-Pro selections. That's a heck of a history at the position!

Coates wasn't the only star. All Hall of Famers received a bright red blazer with a logo on the left side. They were called to the stage one by one, as Patriots owner Robert Kraft helped them put on the jacket. When a group of three were seated on the stage, each player was asked a few questions about their memories with the team.

It was something to hear about some of the records set by these people:

• QB Steve Grogan's 12 rushing TDs by a quarterback remain an NFL record
• LB Andre Tippett's two-year total of 35 sacks between '84 and '85 is the best consecutive seasons for any outside linebacker
• LB Nick Buonicotti is the franchise all-time leader in interceptions by a linebacker with 24

Or some of the long standing records only recently surpassed:

• QB Vito "Babe" Parilli held the franchise record for touchdown passes in a season, with 31, from 1964 until 2007
• WR/K Gino Cappeletti retired after the 1970 season as the franchise leader in career points with 1,130 points until 2005
• WR Stanley Morgan's 1986 season set franchise records for yards (1,491) and touchdowns (10) until 2007

Unfortunately three Hall of Famers were not in attendance. DE Bob Dee and DT Jim Lee Hunt passed away. And LT Bruce Armstrong just couldn't make it. For those who did attend, the fans were treated to G John Hannah admitting he "misses hitting people" and how Coates was not intimidated by playing in front of 60,000 after playing before 3,000 fans at Livingstone College by "keeping my head down and playing."

Thankfully, unlike the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction I attended in August, the ceremony moved along quickly and didn't drag on. Plus arrival and departure wasn't a poorly orchestrated operation. I was able to take my car, park in the parking lot instead of a fairground miles away, and was able to walk to the event and back instead of waiting on buses.

Not that I went straight home after the event. I perused the Pro Shop and saw John Lynch jerseys that weren't discounted (another sign of his eventual return?), as well as plenty of other knick-knacks and apparel.

Then I walked through Kraft City, the still developing shopping, eating, and entertainment neighborhood around Gillette Stadium. There were some storefronts not yet occupied, but it shouldn't take long.

As for the Hall at Patriot Place, it opens to the public on Monday, September 22nd. It took me years to finally get to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. My wait to visit the Patriot Hall will be much shorter.

I haven't forgotten about the game tomorrow. A few things I'm looking for:

They handled Favre: Miami QB Chad Pennington is a intelligent passer, but lacks the arm strength and elusiveness of New York Jets' Brett Favre. If the defense, particularly the secondary, plays to their potential, they should be able to contain the Dolphins offense

Mute Button: Dolphins loudmouth, LB Joey Porter, will be a virtual non-factor. He'll make a play here and there, but won't make any critical plays

Step by Step: QB Matt Cassel will make gradual progress as he continues to take care of the ball and advance the offense. There could be more chances downfield as they test Miami's young secondary

Bottom line, it's just what S Rodney Harrison said - just prove it on Sunday. Porter will prove he's full of hot air, again. Miami won't make Porter a prophet. Patriots by 14.