is it actually possible the afc east is wide open

[jvan1973]

Your first post literally says it's the worst division in the AFC by a lot.

Details

[jvan1973]

The AFC East has 7 wins. The AFC and NFC South divisions each have 6 wins so both of those divisions are the worst in football right now.

bengals and browns were on byes last week

[NFLfan]

The AFC East has 7 wins. The AFC and NFC South divisions each have 6 wins so both of those divisions are the worst in football right now.

Yes, the AFC South is bad but the Colts team is playing better than any team in the East and Houston is better than Buffalo, Miami, and the Jets. JMO. I did not make it clear but my main point was that the NFC East was not playing as poorly as the poster suggested.

[dgambill]

I think the Bengals may be the best team in the afc. The patriots better figure out how to get separation and how to protect brady or its gonna be a long day

Cincy definately shut them down last year so I definately agree they have the players to beat them....but its in foxboro...and well...I haven't seen too many teams go in there and win...and a team that is as ticked off as the Patriots will be next weekend...tall task for the Opie the gun slinger.

[dgambill]

You think the NFC East is worse than the AFC East? Dallas is doing surprisingly well. Philadelphia at 3-1 is playing well too. The Giants seem to be coming together. Perhaps you are referring to the NFC South. They are all not playing as well as was expected.

The AFC East seems to be the worst. Any team there can win the division with an 8-8 record.

Its early....and I am a very big on Bill Belichek/Tom Brady come Nov./Dec. not Sept/Oct. Also I as bad as the Jets are Rex always plays a competitive game....they don't have the talent but he makes sure they play hard. Miami has a lot of talent on that team but just are inconsistant and I like the Bills defense and running game...indeed if you had seasoned qbs on those teams they would probably beat NE in that division but they don't....so they are inconsistant. I really just think the AFC South is attrocious...Jax is not who I thought they would be...that defense is no where as stout as they showed last year...and Tennessee is a mess...can't run,pass or defend either....Houston is playing like an 8-8 team...I thought that going in and so far they have shown that. NFC East is a mess outside Philly....Giants/Cowboys/Redskins all have issues that will get exposed over the course of a season if you ask me....I could be wrong but I doubt it....and beating up on each other to me isn't impressive. That Cowboy win over NO was though I will give you that one. One thing I will say...Philly is better today than NE...but come playoffs...they aren't built to win imo...they don't have the defense and that offense can be kept off the field as we saw with SF. I think the Patriots on the other hand will have their offense sorted out and that defense will gel together...Bill always gets them ready and while neither will be ranked top 5 they seem to always have great game plans....and are built to win in the playoffs...clutch QB, tough opportunistic defense, can run or control the clock with the pass. So yes...I think all 3 divisions are pretty sorry but at the top NE will be the better team come playoffs vs Colts vs Philly...because none of the other teams will be in it. Of course just my opinion which isn't worth much I know. 

[jvan1973]

Cincy definately shut them down last year so I definately agree they have the players to beat them....but its in foxboro...and well...I haven't seen too many teams go in there and win...and a team that is as ticked off as the Patriots will be next weekend...tall task for the Opie the gun slinger.

i can't remember the patriots getting curb stomped like they did last night either

[NFLfan]

Its early....and I am a very big on Bill Belichek/Tom Brady come Nov./Dec. not Sept/Oct. Also I as bad as the Jets are Rex always plays a competitive game....they don't have the talent but he makes sure they play hard. Miami has a lot of talent on that team but just are inconsistant and I like the Bills defense and running game...indeed if you had seasoned qbs on those teams they would probably beat NE in that division but they don't....so they are inconsistant. I really just think the AFC South is attrocious...Jax is not who I thought they would be...that defense is no where as stout as they showed last year...and Tennessee is a mess...can't run,pass or defend either....Houston is playing like an 8-8 team...I thought that going in and so far they have shown that. NFC East is a mess outside Philly....Giants/Cowboys/Redskins all have issues that will get exposed over the course of a season if you ask me....I could be wrong but I doubt it....and beating up on each other to me isn't impressive. That Cowboy win over NO was though I will give you that one. One thing I will say...Philly is better today than NE...but come playoffs...they aren't built to win imo...they don't have the defense and that offense can be kept off the field as we saw with SF. I think the Patriots on the other hand will have their offense sorted out and that defense will gel together...Bill always gets them ready and while neither will be ranked top 5 they seem to always have great game plans....and are built to win in the playoffs...clutch QB, tough opportunistic defense, can run or control the clock with the pass. So yes...I think all 3 divisions are pretty sorry but at the top NE will be the better team come playoffs vs Colts vs Philly...because none of the other teams will be in it. Of course just my opinion which isn't worth much I know.

You clearly think very highly of the Patriots despite their poor play against 3 of their 4 opponents, one being the lowly Raiders. The 2014 Pats don't look like the Pats that we are used to. Can they turn it around? Possibly. It helps that the division is not strong.

Unless Dalton throws multiple INTs, I don't believe the Pats beat Cincinnati next weekend. The Bengals may arguably be the most balanced team in the AFC. I like them and the Chargers a lot this year.

[-JJ-]

What amazes me is that previously reliable players seem to be hurting Brady.

 

Nate Solder in the past I thought was a pretty reliable left tackle.  But he seems to be giving up at least a sack a game.  

Well take out one cog (Mankins) and it can gum up the others.

[Moose Of Woe]

Well take out one cog (Mankins) and it can gum up the others.

Not only Mankins, people really undervalue what a great O-line coach can do.

 

Regardless of who was in the lineup, Brady had a fortress 9/10 games. The run blocking wasn't too shabby, either.

[Dr. Guildo]

Anything is possible.

[Jules]

Well Miami already humiliated them so.........anything is possible.

 

[HtownColt]

I'd take the Dolphins if I had to choose

[Yehoodi]

fortunately for the pats this year it seems the other three teams appear to be in a funk too . . . so maybe it will be a wash and all will drop off equally. And if so the pats would be the olds on favorite to win the division . . . however of one of the teams gets out of a funk and makes a run and the pats are still struggling the who knows what will happen . . .

 

I do think the pats have a chance to get things turned around and if they do, then they will be in good shape division wise . . .

[Shane Bond]

You fans are the only ones who are pushing the Jimmy thing...and its just rediculous to even fathom...Tom Brady has more talent in an old sweaty t-shirt than Jimmy has in every bone in his body. Don't get me wrong....I think Jimmy has the chance to be a special young qb some day...but that day is far from now....if you thought the team is bad WITH Tom then imagine without him....uggh. Everybody in that locker room and on that staff know Tom is the man there...and it isn't even close. I mean I understand the fantasy of the back up qb....if you have Geno Smith starting...but Tom freakin Brady...its a joke...there is no pressure there...if anything Tom creates the pressure on everyone else to step their game up. He holds them accountable and gives them championship aspirations...without him...that team falls off a cliff.

Its debatable...AFC South is pretty pathetic along with the NFC East. Records don't tell the whole story....and NE started off just as poorly last year (the only difference is they won some close games they really had no business winning and are losing them this year) but they righted the ship...found their identity and showed what championship caliber qbs/coaches can do for a team. They are missing the running game they had last year...especially Blount...he really was the hammer that made that gave that offense some physicality. If they sort out their OL issues they will be fine...give Brady more than 2 seconds to look down field and he will be great. Unless you have Wilson or Kapernicks legs any qb that gets pressure like that last night is going to look terrible. Its what killed Denver (along with a toothless defense) in the SB and it happened last night.

If they lose to Cincy at home I will be concerned...thats a tough place to play...especially an angry/embarrassed football team....yikes Cincy better be ready for a mauling imo. NE rarely loses at home...and especially not to AFC teams...and especially not after a loss. This isn't arrowhead....home of the loudest fans in football (new record last night)...they are at home...and will play like a bunch of * off dudes.

The mauling they gave to Raiders?.

[amfootball]

You clearly think very highly of the Patriots despite their poor play against 3 of their 4 opponents, one being the lowly Raiders. The 2014 Pats don't look like the Pats that we are used to. Can they turn it around? Possibly. It helps that the division is not strong.

Unless Dalton throws multiple INTs, I don't believe the Pats beat Cincinnati next weekend. The Bengals may arguably be the most balanced team in the AFC. I like them and the Chargers a lot this year.

There is reason for the hope as the Pats looked awful early last year too AND had a ton of injuries to key players. That being said, until I see Brady look more engaged and not sulking on the sidelines, I am not convinced this will turn around. Last year he was at least engaged and yelling at his receivers. No fire this year for whatever the reason. IF it does get turned around, it will start with #12.

[Valpo2004]

fortunately for the pats this year it seems the other three teams appear to be in a funk too . . . so maybe it will be a wash and all will drop off equally. And if so the pats would be the olds on favorite to win the division . . . however of one of the teams gets out of a funk and makes a run and the pats are still struggling the who knows what will happen . . .

 

I do think the pats have a chance to get things turned around and if they do, then they will be in good shape division wise . . .

 

I would agree here. . . the AFC East doesn't look much better then the AFC south at this point.  

[NFLfan]

There is reason for the hope as the Pats looked awful early last year too AND had a ton of injuries to key players. That being said, until I see Brady look more engaged and not sulking on the sidelines, I am not convinced this will turn around. Last year he was at least engaged and yelling at his receivers. No fire this year for whatever the reason. IF it does get turned around, it will start with #12.

Yes, the Pats did not play well early last year. I remember that they almost lost to the Jets who were playing very poorly at the time. However, the Pats did not look as bad as they do this year. You're right in saying that Brady does not look engaged and does not seem to have that confidence he normally demonstrates. Even in the Pats' blowout of the Vikes, Brady did not seem to have a Brady game. It was the defense and special teams that were responsible for the win.

You did not have too much of a problem with the Mankins trade. Do you feel any differently? How is the TE who came in the trade doing?

[amfootball]

Yes, the Pats did not play well early last year. I remember that they almost lost to the Jets who were playing very poorly at the time. However, the Pats did not look as bad as they do this year. You're right in saying that Brady does not look engaged and does not seem to have that confidence he normally demonstrates. Even in the Pats' blowout of the Vikes, Brady did not seem to have a Brady game. It was the defense and special teams that were responsible for the win.

You did not have too much of a problem with the Mankins trade. Do you feel any differently? How is the TE who came in the trade doing?

I would not say that I didn't have an issue with the trade but more that I understood given his contract numbers, age, and injury history. What is interesting is the Pats did resign Wilfork who is one year older than Mankins and the defensive line anchor like Mankins was for the O and Vince has not looked good at all. The Pats may have made a mistake in not letting him walk. So I am inclined to think that they made the right move with Mankins and really, one guy is not going to solve the Oline mess. They still do not have set positions yet which is stunning. Guys are subbing in and out all the time. I do think they miss their Oline coach, Dante Scarrnecchia more than any player. In fact, he might have been the most underrated coach on that team for the last 30 years.

 

Tim Wright has not done much but in fairness, he is still learning and Brady and the Oline just have not been good enough. The only real productive receiver has been Edelman and that is more of a factor of the short routes he runs and his ability to create some separation. Although Lafells has been coming lately so hopefully that continues and Gronk had a nice game too and was more like his old self.

 

What is baffling for me is the amount of talent that exists on this team that is underperforming. Revis looks like just another CB out there. Some have suggested that he is not giving maximum but just going through the motions. Not sure if I believe that as they have had playing a lot of zone but it does look like he is not all in. The Dline has been horrible now in two games, Miami and KC, vs the run. So I am not sure what is going. I really feel like the coaching needs to be better. I also think Josh McDaniels needs to dial it down and play to this team's strengths which is the run game and play action game. We don't have one receiver to stretch the field so lining Brady up in the shotgun seems silly to me. Get him under center and let him work play action off the run. They did that toward the end of last year with a ton of success.

[dgambill]

You clearly think very highly of the Patriots despite their poor play against 3 of their 4 opponents, one being the lowly Raiders. The 2014 Pats don't look like the Pats that we are used to. Can they turn it around? Possibly. It helps that the division is not strong.

Unless Dalton throws multiple INTs, I don't believe the Pats beat Cincinnati next weekend. The Bengals may arguably be the most balanced team in the AFC. I like them and the Chargers a lot this year.

I do...and that is what I'm basing a lot of my opinions on. I feel that way until they prove me otherwise...but 10-13 yrs of past results won't gurantee future results but until they prove me wrong I'm going to feel that way. Honestly I have such respect for that organization that until someone kills them (beats them in the playoffs) I still think they are a very dangerous snake....even if their venom isn't as potent as it once was. I'm not going to look at the numbers last year but I would venture to bet that their numbers aren't far off how they started last year as far as yds etc....and then they got healthy and started to gel and by the end of the season they were a top 5 team....and clearly the second best team in the AFC. Brady started VERY slowly last year...and finished strong...in fact was an MVP candidate for many...so I think they will right the ship. If they don't I will be happy to say that they aren't America's team or team of destiny but I'm not going out on that limb....its mighty thin limb and its full of a bunch of talking heads right now...and I won't be surprised to see Bill and Tom saw it off.

 

I do like the teams you mentioned...and well Andy hasn't been clutch in big games....and Sunday night in Foxboro...not many regular season games bigger. I think Cincy and Denver get the byes and Baltimore and SD get the wild cards imo.

[dgambill]

There is reason for the hope as the Pats looked awful early last year too AND had a ton of injuries to key players. That being said, until I see Brady look more engaged and not sulking on the sidelines, I am not convinced this will turn around. Last year he was at least engaged and yelling at his receivers. No fire this year for whatever the reason. IF it does get turned around, it will start with #12.

Honest question do you think he has taken enough punches to the gut to question what the organization is doing to surround him with players that he can get it done with. For every Revis they sign they let go of a Welker (who like him or not had great report with Brady which is clearly important in that offense as we see the struggle with Amendola and others), Mankins, Moss, Blount, Seymour, Law etc...I know a lot of those players fell off after leaving but perhaps they would still be very valuable in the right situation (system)...all the pay cuts etc and he is seeing he is alone out there perhaps its getting to him? Just wondering your opinion? Especially drafting young qbs like Mallett and Garopolo in 2nd and 3rd rounds where they could have been getting him more help. What do you think?

[dgambill]

The mauling they gave to Raiders?.

I think after the embarrassment of monday night will laser focus the coaches and players to cut down the extra stuff and focus on what they do well....get back to their identity and do what they do best. I don't remember what happened after the Saints drumming several years back but I doubt they followed it up with a lackluster effort. I know we haven't seen any thing to say its going to turn around...we've seen bits and pieces..but the talent is there if they block and play defense as they can they can beat anyone. I don't think Cincy has any reason to be overconfident going in....sure they aren't going to be scared...but I beat they have healthy respect for the Pats.

[NFLfan]

I do...and that is what I'm basing a lot of my opinions on. I feel that way until they prove me otherwise...but 10-13 yrs of past results won't gurantee future results but until they prove me wrong I'm going to feel that way. Honestly I have such respect for that organization that until someone kills them (beats them in the playoffs) I still think they are a very dangerous snake....even if their venom isn't as potent as it once was. I'm not going to look at the numbers last year but I would venture to bet that their numbers aren't far off how they started last year as far as yds etc....and then they got healthy and started to gel and by the end of the season they were a top 5 team....and clearly the second best team in the AFC. Brady started VERY slowly last year...and finished strong...in fact was an MVP candidate for many...so I think they will right the ship. If they don't I will be happy to say that they aren't America's team or team of destiny but I'm not going out on that limb....its mighty thin limb and its full of a bunch of talking heads right now...and I won't be surprised to see Bill and Tom saw it off.

I do like the teams you mentioned...and well Andy hasn't been clutch in big games....and Sunday night in Foxboro...not many regular season games bigger. I think Cincy and Denver get the byes and Baltimore and SD get the wild cards imo.

Many people feel the way you do about the Pats. Are you a Colts fan? Do you have the same level of confidence in the Colts organization? I do. I hope the Colts get the bye over Denver but that won't be easy, as Denver already beat the Colts. (I am a Vikings fan.)

Was it Dalton that you referred to as Opie in another post? It seemed out of character for you.

[dgambill]

Many people feel the way you do about the Pats. Are you a Colts fan? Do you have the same level of confidence in the Colts organization? I do. I hope the Colts get the bye over Denver but that won't be easy, as Denver already beat the Colts. (I am a Vikings fan.)

Was it Dalton that you referred to as Opie in another post? It seemed out of character for you.

I'm a big Colts fan...born and raised outside Bloomington and was like 6 when the Colts came to Indy so they have always been my team...even when I couldn't watch them due to the Blackouts and had to watch my dads team the Bears. Speaking of my late father he was a red head too so the Opie thing was all in good jest....I assure you Andy just looks so innocent...red heads get the bad rap lol. That all said Tom and Bill and the Pats organization has proven it to me for years and years they will figure a way out to win....great leaders find a way so I have faith they will figure it out...until they've been eliminated to me they are a dangerous threat. Cincy hasn't shown that yet...Marvin and Andy have to prove it to me...just like Matt Ryan and Atlanta...I know they are good....but how good...and in the big games??? I think the Colts have a favorable schedule and a really good team so we have that shot....to me it won't matter if we are the 1 or 2 seed....I think we can win in Denver or at home...and yet they could win either place too as Peyton is comfortable in our building (minus Mathis)...but to get home field against Cincy and NE would be huge.

 

Good luck with the Vikings...I wasn't sold on Teddy...guess I still have my doubts but I like what they are doing on defense and with the coaching staff....they had some rough patches in the past with some of their coaches and staff etc but I think they are trending in the right direction. So what do you think you guys should do with AP? I was surprised you didn't try to trade him before the season seeing you were a couple years away from really contending or even opening up your new building.

[amfootball]

Honest question do you think he has taken enough punches to the gut to question what the organization is doing to surround him with players that he can get it done with. For every Revis they sign they let go of a Welker (who like him or not had great report with Brady which is clearly important in that offense as we see the struggle with Amendola and others), Mankins, Moss, Blount, Seymour, Law etc...I know a lot of those players fell off after leaving but perhaps they would still be very valuable in the right situation (system)...all the pay cuts etc and he is seeing he is alone out there perhaps its getting to him? Just wondering your opinion? Especially drafting young qbs like Mallett and Garopolo in 2nd and 3rd rounds where they could have been getting him more help. What do you think?

Honestly, I don't know. Brady has always been such a company guy and fully bought in to the Patriot Way. He has taken multiple under market contracts with the feeling that the Pats would surround him with the talent necessary to win Super Bowls. They certainly did that in 2007 when they got him Moss and Welker and a fourth SB appearance and then of course Gronk and Hernandez in 2010 which led to a fifth SB appearance in 2011.

 

I am not sure why Kraft and Belichick are taking such a beating or why Tom is all of a sudden this upset. It can't just be the Mankins trade as that is the Pats MO and he knows this. They will always trade away aging vets with large contracts for picks/players. Perhaps he is ticked at them drafting Jimmy in the second round but they had to as they knew Mallett was not the next QB for the team and Brady is 37. So again, not sure why is upset now. They have continually surrounded him with less talent his entire career than Manning, Brees, Rodgers, etc and he has 3 rings and 2 other SB appearances. It's not like what they have been doing hasn't been working.

 

He also could be mad about his contract as the scuttle here is that his camp believed the extension he signed was just a placeholder for more money come 2015 and now is that not only the case but he could get traded. His deal is very team friendly for any team that is interested in him. Maybe he sees the writing on the wall? Not sure but he is ticked and talking to the media off the record about it.

[NFLfan]

I'm a big Colts fan...born and raised outside Bloomington and was like 6 when the Colts came to Indy so they have always been my team...even when I couldn't watch them due to the Blackouts and had to watch my dads team the Bears. Speaking of my late father he was a red head too so the Opie thing was all in good jest....I assure you Andy just looks so innocent...red heads get the bad rap lol. That all said Tom and Bill and the Pats organization has proven it to me for years and years they will figure a way out to win....great leaders find a way so I have faith they will figure it out...until they've been eliminated to me they are a dangerous threat. Cincy hasn't shown that yet...Marvin and Andy have to prove it to me...just like Matt Ryan and Atlanta...I know they are good....but how good...and in the big games??? I think the Colts have a favorable schedule and a really good team so we have that shot....to me it won't matter if we are the 1 or 2 seed....I think we can win in Denver or at home...and yet they could win either place too as Peyton is comfortable in our building (minus Mathis)...but to get home field against Cincy and NE would be huge.

Good luck with the Vikings...I wasn't sold on Teddy...guess I still have my doubts but I like what they are doing on defense and with the coaching staff....they had some rough patches in the past with some of their coaches and staff etc but I think they are trending in the right direction. So what do you think you guys should do with AP? I was surprised you didn't try to trade him before the season seeing you were a couple years away from really contending or even opening up your new building.

I like to read posts by fans like yourself who give other teams the credit they deserve. I did call you "the voice of reason" once; you show that all the time.

Regarding the Vikings, I think their offense is stronger than their defense. We have a good set of skill players and the O-line had been pretty strong. However, one of our starting guards Brandon Fusco went on IR last week. I and most Vikings fans are very happy to have Bridgewater. I was hoping he would play tonight so the country could see what we have seen from him. He plays like a 5-year veteran. He is poised and sees the field well. He does not make mistakes. I am so impressed with him. There are thunderstorms in the forecast tonight; so Zimmer has chosen to sit him.

As for AP, I don't believe in permanently banning any player unless the player intentionally killed someone (like Rae Caruth). I think AP has more value to the Vikings than to another team. So, I don't believe we will get value for him in a trade. I would prefer to keep him and have him return after he has paid his dues (suspension, jail time, etc). Of course, if he has to do a lot of jail time, then he probably has played his last game with the Vikings.

[dgambill]

I like to read posts by fans like yourself who give other teams the credit they deserve. I did call you "the voice of reason" once; you show that all the time.

Regarding the Vikings, I think their offense is stronger than their defense. We have a good set of skill players and the O-line had been pretty strong. However, one of our starting guards Brandon Fusco went on IR last week. I and most Vikings fans are very happy to have Bridgewater. I was hoping he would play tonight so the country could see what we have seen from him. He plays like a 5-year veteran. He is poised and sees the field well. He does not make mistakes. I am so impressed with him. There are thunderstorms in the forecast tonight; so Zimmer has chosen to sit him.

As for AP, I don't believe in permanently banning any player unless the player intentionally killed someone (like Rae Caruth). I think AP has more value to the Vikings than to another team. So, I don't believe we will get value for him in a trade. I would prefer to keep him and have him return after he has paid his dues (suspension, jail time, etc). Of course, if he has to do a lot of jail time, then he probably has played his last game with the Vikings.

Thanks for the compliment. Mostly I just LOVE sports....the life lessons in it..the drama...the entertainment...and all the time I see great stories of accomplishment and hard work, or you see a story of someone that has overcome something...it is just great way to introduce children and people to the challenges of life....so many life lessons. Its not perfect but put into proper context it can be incredibly powerful and resonate with people. I appreciate other teams and players...try to respect them and the fan bases. I don't like being a homer guy...of course I'm going to root for my team but I'm not going to ignore the problem on ours or the good things about others. Really I appreciate a well played game...probably a huge reason even though Peyton is no longer here I still root for him...love the preparation, the execution, and appreciate what he brings to the game. I'm starting to see that in Luck so I'm very excited that while Peyton may soon be gone we have people in the league that can carry on that tradition and I can get behind.

 

AP...I doubt he will play again there. They can't move him so I think he will be cut. Not to get into all the stuff surrounding that story or any others its just best for the team moving forward and for him to get a fresh start....will be interesting to see where he ends up....hopefully not Oakland or Jacksonville and waste away his talent. Living in Kentucky I saw almost all of Teddy's games at Louisville. I'd like to say I saw all that stuff you mentioned and I did at times but I'm very worried about his slender frame (he got banged up easily there too even if he played hurt). Hopefully he develops into a good qb...Minnesota is going to need that to compete in that tough division.

[dgambill]

Honestly, I don't know. Brady has always been such a company guy and fully bought in to the Patriot Way. He has taken multiple under market contracts with the feeling that the Pats would surround him with the talent necessary to win Super Bowls. They certainly did that in 2007 when they got him Moss and Welker and a fourth SB appearance and then of course Gronk and Hernandez in 2010 which led to a fifth SB appearance in 2011.

 

I am not sure why Kraft and Belichick are taking such a beating or why Tom is all of a sudden this upset. It can't just be the Mankins trade as that is the Pats MO and he knows this. They will always trade away aging vets with large contracts for picks/players. Perhaps he is ticked at them drafting Jimmy in the second round but they had to as they knew Mallett was not the next QB for the team and Brady is 37. So again, not sure why is upset now. They have continually surrounded him with less talent his entire career than Manning, Brees, Rodgers, etc and he has 3 rings and 2 other SB appearances. It's not like what they have been doing hasn't been working.

 

He also could be mad about his contract as the scuttle here is that his camp believed the extension he signed was just a placeholder for more money come 2015 and now is that not only the case but he could get traded. His deal is very team friendly for any team that is interested in him. Maybe he sees the writing on the wall? Not sure but he is ticked and talking to the media off the record about it.

I didn't realize he has been saying things to the media. Basically I understand the Patriot way...but Tom isn't the same qb he was in 2007...and the defense and offense aren't even CLOSE to that team. The one thing they have always had was a great offensive line. Gave him time to set his feet and let his receivers work to get open. He doesn't have that now and I'm sure that bothers him. They knew they were going to have line issues in camp...I heard the Patriot announcers on NFL Network commenting about it and the issues they had seen all camp etc...then they let their best one go. Sure he was older and he wouldn't fix the whole thing but it wasn't just Mankins pass blocking but his run blocking too that helped that unit. I'm sure he is frustrated by several things...and then he sees what Elway does in surrounding Peyton with young talent. They may lose a Decker but they get a Sanders to fill in...to think I have a few really good years left and they aren't all in after what he has given to them probably doesn't sit well. Also Brady and like who is left Wilfork? from the last winning SB team. The culture of Championships is basically gone...sold off to the highest bidders and they haven't really replaced it with better players. Perhaps keeping a Seymour or Law or Welker or Kelly or Mcginnist could have resulted in a better outcome instead of looking younger. Younger doesn't always equal better...good young players can but if they aren't talented it isn't necessarily helping the team. Honestly I think this funk is going to get worked out...and I think we will see them run better plays and use better protection to get this offense kick started and we will see the old Brady come back (not a Brady that is old). Its a combination of things...personally I wish we got to play them earlier during this funk rather than later but Tom has a ton of fire..and he won't go down without a fight.

[NFLfan]

Thanks for the compliment. Mostly I just LOVE sports....the life lessons in it..the drama...the entertainment...and all the time I see great stories of accomplishment and hard work, or you see a story of someone that has overcome something...it is just great way to introduce children and people to the challenges of life....so many life lessons. Its not perfect but put into proper context it can be incredibly powerful and resonate with people. I appreciate other teams and players...try to respect them and the fan bases. I don't like being a homer guy...of course I'm going to root for my team but I'm not going to ignore the problem on ours or the good things about others. Really I appreciate a well played game...probably a huge reason even though Peyton is no longer here I still root for him...love the preparation, the execution, and appreciate what he brings to the game. I'm starting to see that in Luck so I'm very excited that while Peyton may soon be gone we have people in the league that can carry on that tradition and I can get behind.

AP...I doubt he will play again there. They can't move him so I think he will be cut. Not to get into all the stuff surrounding that story or any others its just best for the team moving forward and for him to get a fresh start....will be interesting to see where he ends up....hopefully not Oakland or Jacksonville and waste away his talent. Living in Kentucky I saw almost all of Teddy's games at Louisville. I'd like to say I saw all that stuff you mentioned and I did at times but I'm very worried about his slender frame (he got banged up easily there too even if he played hurt). Hopefully he develops into a good qb...Minnesota is going to need that to compete in that tough division.

You appreciate the good in sports and in the people involved in sports. If you like movies, you may be interested in seeing one that a forum member (Jay Kirk) recommended. Its title is When the Game Stands Tall. It is based on a true story. It has everything that you and many of us like about sports. You will enjoy it.

One day you will have to tell me more about what you saw in Bridgewater's play in college that you did not like. When he has taken the field for the Vikings, the whole team plays much better. It is a small sample size but so far we like what we are seeing from him.

Going back to your first post here, do you still believe the Pats will beat the Bengals this Sunday?

[dgambill]

You appreciate the good in sports and in the people involved in sports. If you like movies, you may be interested in seeing one that a forum member (Jay Kirk) recommended. Its title is When the Game Stands Tall. It is based on a true story. It has everything that you and many of us like about sports. You will enjoy it.

One day you will have to tell me more about what you saw in Bridgewater's play in college that you did not like. When he has taken the field for the Vikings, the whole team plays much better. It is a small sample size but so far we like what we are seeing from him.

Going back to your first post here, do you still believe the Pats will beat the Bengals this Sunday?

I think NE wins a tight one 20-19. I think Cincy moves the ball but the pats hold them to a gaggle of fgs and while they may get fewer chance to score make the most of their attempts. It's a Sunday night game in foxboro....magic or mystique whatever it is they hold on. Like trying to win in the old boston garden that home field is pretty hard to overcome.

There isn't a ton not to like in college with the kid. Played big in big games. Played hurt a lot and read the defense and worked his progressions. What I didn't like is that he doesn't drive the ball. When he tries like in his pro day he gets inaccurate and loses his spiral. He is thin....very thin and playing hurt is awesome but u just don't want your qb getting hurt. He can't help it... He gets nicked up easily so I have worried about him being durable. Back to driving the ball. You don't have to have jay curlers arm but the windows get intensely smaller in the nfl. I question his arm and hand size. Cold weather games could affect him in a couple games in college I know he didn't look great... It seemed to affect his grip. He was very accurate but with the spread threw tons of short hitches screens etc. downfield throws weren't completed to the same degree. I can't question his leadership and how bright he seemed... I just question his pure ability....and really people were saying first pick in the draft and top 3 pick etc and I just didn't think he was going to translate to a super star. I saw him as a top of the second rd guy and I think he was a good pick where u got him. To me there wasn't a cam Newton Matt Ryan or Andrew luck but I thought Bortles was indeed the best qb prospect over him and Manziel. I guess I've seen so many great college level qbs but the jump to the nfl just doesn't translate....whether it's one of the many Florida qbs we've seen down through the years or whatever. Great kid.... Great competitor.... Just worried about size mostly.