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A: I've never heard them say that, Rob, I've just assumed that they feel that way. Given that the gap between the sides was a few million in 2006 - which would have been when Samuel was extending his deal with a year-plus to go on it - it would have naturally been a better move than paying him the franchise-tag figure of $7.79 million and later seeing him leave in free agency.

Mike, I think an area for improvement that can be addressed this off-season is the strength conditioning of the young defensive backs. Take Brandon Meriweather, he made great strides this season understanding the defense and reacting to plays based on good coaching and instinct. However, too many times I noticed he made the right read, got to the play, but couldn't fully bring the man down, particularly on running plays involving a RB either at or just through the line. Assuming that their tackling technique is sound (based on good coaching), I think improving their off-season strength programs would make a noticeable difference for next year. I was encouraged this year about the progress the young DBs made and think with some added strength to compliment their skill level, they will continue to progress. Your thoughts?
Brian

A: I think you nailed it, Brian, and made a very astute point. I thought Brandon Meriweather came on strong at the end of the year, but his next challenge is to get a bit stronger so when he makes a hit, the player with the ball is going backwards. A bit too often, Meriweather surrendered some extra yards after the initial hit (e.g. third-and-15 in overtime with Jets tight end Dustin Keller).

Mike, what are the rules regarding compensatory picks? The Pats lost Eugene Wilson, Randall Gay, and Asante Samuel. Do you think they could wind up with a third-round selection for Samuel and maybe a 4th or 5th for Gay? Is there a chance that we could get a pick for Wilson who really seemed to pick it up at the end of the season with the Texans?
David

A: David, those compensatory draft choices are awarded based on a complex formula that includes contracts, production and playing time, while also factoring a team's net loss of compensatory free agents. I do think the Patriots will get at least one extra third-round pick. Those picks are usually awarded in March.

While I agree with a division winner making the playoffs over a team with a better W/L record (e.g. San Diego/N.E. in the AFC), I don't agree with that team selecting ahead in the NFL draft. Unless they make the Super Bowl, Arizona (9-7) or Philadelphia (9-6-1) will pick ahead of N.E. in the draft. The 12 teams that make the playoffs should be seeded 21-32 in the draft order. What are your comments Mike?
Andrew, The Bahamas

A: I agree with you, Andrew. It is a question I hope to ask at league meetings this year to see if it is under consideration for change. My feeling is that a team is benefiting from playing in a weaker division by making the playoffs (e.g. San Diego at 8-8), but they shouldn't be rewarded in the draft by picking ahead of non-playoff teams who had a better record.

Mike, I understand the Patriots first-round pick improved one slot in the order, thanks to Arizona and Philadelphia still being alive in the Super Bowl chase. I also know the Chargers' second-round pick, owned by the Pats will be about 16th in round two. Do the Patriots' own picks in rounds 2-7 improve a slot or so, following suit of the first-round pick improving one slot? Can you publish the definitive picking slots for every round soon after the Super Bowl is over?
Paul Charles Bibaud

A: Actually, Paul, the Patriots are part of a four-team cluster at 11-5 so they will be rotating picks with those teams in ensuing rounds (they'll be 23rd in the first round; 26th in the second round, 25th in the third round etc…). The Ravens are one of those 11-5 teams in the four-team cluster, so if they're in the Super Bowl, it would reduce to a three-team cluster. For sure, the plan will be to post the exact position of the draft picks when those are made available after the Super Bowl.

Can you explain to me why it is so important for the QB to point out the "Mike" at the line of scrimmage? What's the deal? What is the importance of a "mike" linebacker and what does the "mike" do?
Mike, Waltham

A: Tom Brady once explained that he points out the "mike" linebacker to set the pass protection for the offensive line. So by identifying and communicating the mike linebacker, the blockers in front of him are all on the same page regarding the middle point of the defense and thus can have a better chance at carrying out their assignments successfully.

Does McDaniels' leaving open a spot for Troy Brown as receivers coach? Based on his strong work ethic as a player, and the respect he earned from his teammates, I'd think he'd be a good coach for Belichick to develop. Do you think he'd have an interest, and do you think he has the demeanor to succeed as a coach?
Gary

A: Gary, I remember Troy Brown being asked about possibly coaching, and if I recall, he said he wasn't interested in the grind that it would entail. It would keep him away from his family more than he desired.

Mike, a question on the NFL challenge rule. Basically, can a team challenge a non call? During the Tennessee/Baltimore game, the play clock obviously expired on Baltimore but no penalty was called. Could Tennessee have challenged that a penalty SHOULD have been called, and as a result make Baltimore replay the down with a penalty?
Andrew, The Bahamas

A: Andrew, that non-call could not have been challenged based on current instant-replay rules.

What are your thoughts on the Pats resigning Chris Hanson to the team next year. He did a solid job this year, especially in the wind in Buffalo. Will they try to keep him, or look for a less expensive option?
Eric, Atlanta

A: Hanson saved his best for last, Eric, as that punt in Buffalo was one of the best I've ever seen given the wind-whipped conditions. We know the Patriots have young punter Tom Malone already signed, and my hunch is that we'll see a veteran added to the roster to form a competition. I would think who that will be will be dictated in part by the Patriots' new special teams coach. I could envision Hanson returning.

Yeah so? whats your point?

Are you trying to imply that your different then a lot of those so called ppl who claim that Dorsey is a bust? and that those ppl are stupid?

Are you trying to prove something? honestly..what the heck are you really saying? that your smart?

*I think it is safe to say at this point in time there were a lot of expectations for the guy. Because Im gonna be honest and I say what I see, Dorsey was dominating in college and a lot of ppl including myself were excited when we took him. A lot expected him to be that kind of dominating player with an impact that could make a difference on a bad team.

so far he hasn't made any impact. his level of play hasn't transcended well from the collegiate level to the pros. Sadly, he hasn't exceeded or met expectations. Nor has he made progress when the season went on. I know the Nfl is a different game from college but, he was expected to be a dominating force in the middle and he hasn't even come close. That's the reality, and thats the truth.

I'll wait to label him a bust after they stop playing him out of position.

No. We assume that ESPN knows what they are talking about. We listen to the "experts" on the subject. So if you're a fan who doesn't watch tons of film, can't watch all of the games, can't dissect each game, but just gets to watch sportscenter, it would probably be better to listen to these experts. It's a lot easier to spit back what McShay just said instead of trying to do it yourself.

SIGN ALREADY MOTHER ****ER!!!

Go back one year for a DT that made an impact his rookie year - Okoye.

Hey.

Someone who knows WTF they are looking at.

Thanks for joining the discussion.

I dont think so... the jury is still out. DT's take a year or even two too come into thier own in this league. Not too mentions we have no DE's too help keep teams from double teaming him.

I seen alot of things outta him that i liked. He stood his ground alot w/ the double teams... sure he didnt move forward much but they didnt push him back alot either.

the article is too long but there are some bits and pieces about Pioli's possible move to KC.

I have said this before but...I don't believe Chiefs Planet is a balanced representation of the opinion of the fan.

The people that post on these boards and call into sports radio shows are a whole different breed, and there are not THAT many of them.

And what did he do this year?

Regressed.

I guess he's a bust.

How's he out of position? Isn't he the undertackle? That's what he's made for.

Anytime. :)

I don't believe Dorsey ever once played straight up on a guard at LSU, did he? That being said, what would motivate Gun and Krummie to think he could do it on the NFL level?

What's not stupid about "ppl" :drool: calling a player a bust during/after his rookie season?

Go **** yourself