Randy Moss, New England Patriots / Image: Zuma Press

Today, coach Belichick sent four players home because they were late arriving to practice. One of those players was receiver Randy Moss. Of course, many people look at Randy’s behavior as an early sign of defiance because he has had a tendency to become disgruntled and drift off into a world of neglect when things aren’t going his way. And lately things have not been going his way (just five catches in those last two losses). Still, I wonder what kind of punishment a day off is? Coach Belichick wouldn’t elaborate on the details of the discipline because that’s the team’s policy, but I hope a stiff fine was included because that’s really the only way to punish a player at this level.

The Patriots are a team in trouble. And until they get everyone on the same page (as they’ve done when they’ve been successful), they are a long way from a lock to make the playoffs this season.

Source: Patriots.com

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Bill Belichick Sends Randy Moss Home

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts / Photo: Newscom

The Pats couldn’t challenge the controversial decision because they wasted two timeouts on their final drive and had nothing left to possibly overturn that ruling. As I saw it, Kevin had the first down when he caught the ball. But because he briefly bobbled it, he was not awarded forward progress that would’ve essentially ended the game in New England’s favor.

I don’t really blame Pats head coach Bill Belichick for going for it. After all, his success rate on 4th down is over 70%. But when you’re on your own 28-yard line with the game on the line, this is a very puzzling decision. It’s having supreme confidence in your team’s ability to convert, but it’s certainly going against the percentages. And it cost the Patriots the game.

As far as the Colts are concerned, this is an amazing comeback. After Peyton Manning threw his second interception of the game with just over seven minutes to play, I felt the game was over. But with their resolve and New England’s questionable decision-making, the door was opened for their victory. And the Colts merely walked through that door.

Source: NFL.com

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Colts Stun Patriots to Remain Unbeaten

Tom Brady, New England Patriots / Photo: Newscom

Tom has been under criticism for not performing up to his typically superhuman levels so far this season, but he now seems to be in “mid-season form,” as they say. Which makes sense because it’s pretty close to mid-season. Tom finished his impressive work day completing 29-of-34 passes for 380 yards. His six TDs tied a franchise record. Granted, Tom’s achievements were more-or-less target practice against the NFL’s second-to-last rated defense. But given the elements and the fact he was playing against a professional football team, it was nonetheless very impressive.

Source: NFL.com

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Tom Brady Has Career Day, Patriots Roll

Tom Brady, New England Patriots / Image: Zuma Press

Sure, the Bills practically handed the Pats the game with a bonehead costly late turnover. But Tom shook off some early rust and did what he had to do. He completed 39 passes for 378 yards with two late touchdown passes, making up 11 points in less than five minutes to get the win. And in the National Football League, it doesn’t matter how you win. It only matters if you win. And as long as Tom Brady is under center, the New England Patriots have a pretty good idea how it’s done.

Source: NFL.com

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Tom Brady Returns, Finds a Way to Win

Tedy Bruschi, New England Patriots / Image: Zuma Press

He spoke about his plans (or lack of plans) during a football camp for about 70 young athletes at Gillette Stadium today. According to Tedy, when a player has reached his 10th season, it’s best not to plan any further than the current season. Now, no mention was made on Brett Favre’s philosophy of retiring and unretiring, but I’m guessing Tedy would be in favor of ending it (for real) when the time comes. He did say he would like to remain in football as a coach. I could see that.

Source: NFL.com

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Will Tedy Bruschi Retire After 2009 Season?

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

The New England Patriots signed free agent receiver Joey Galloway (recently released by Tampa Bay) to a one-year contract today. Terms of the deal weren’t available at the time of this post, but this is another perfect pickup for the Pats. New England has a knack for finding wily veterans who still have just enough “in the tank” to produce in a system that allows them to thrive to the absolute best of their abilities. With Tom Brady throwing the football and Randy Moss on the other side of the field, this decision was a no-brainer. He’ll fit in as the third receiver (with Wes Welker the number two) and give the Patriots another option to stretch the field with. Even though last season was a forgettable one for Joey (13 catches, 138 yards and a foot injury), if he can stay healthy, he should enjoy a very productive season in New England.

Source: ESPN.com, Photo: Newscom

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Patriots Sign Joey Galloway

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

It looks like former Jacksonville Jags running back Fred Taylor will be finishing his National Football League career in New England — where all good veteran players go to end their time in the NFL. All partial kidding aside, it’s really a perfect fit. Fred still has some tread left and won’t be expected to shoulder the workload. He’ll share time in a currently crowded backfield with Laurence Maroney, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris and contribute maybe 10 touches each week. And that’s on a good week. Plus his leadership and knowledge of the game will pay huge dividends to the team. Fred spent the first 11 years of his career with the Jags.

Source: NFL.com, Photo: Newscom

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Patriots Sign Fred Taylor

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady married supermodel girlfriend Gisele Bundchen and her three dogs yesterday. Apparently, they tied the knot at St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica, CA with just a small group of family and friends in attendance. Tom and Giselle were rumored to have become engaged last Thanksgiving. I can’t believe I’m writing about this. I could care less. I mean, I’m happy for Tom, but really — whatever. I just hope it produces a lot of traffic and I can make a nice chunk of money off it.

Source: Usmagazine.com, Photo: Newscom

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Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen Get Married

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The New England Patriots placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on backup quarterback Matt Cassel today. The Pats will keep Matt if they have any doubts that QB Tom Brady won’t be ready for the start of the 2009 season. But if Tom is ready (as he’s expected to be), it’s likely New England will trade Matt rather than pay him the $14.65 million brought by the tag (of course, the Pats aren’t stupid — they could also offer him a long-term deal). In a statement released by the Patriots today, head coach Bill Belichick said:

“Matt has been a pleasure to coach his entire career and last season in particular, when his years of hard work and commitment resulted in a most impressive performance. We look forward to working with Matt again in 2009.”

After a phenomenal 2008 season, Matt is nearly as hot a commodity as his mentor. He was certainly an adequate replacement, completing 63% of his passes for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns. Those are good enough numbers to start for any team in 2009. And he just might get that chance.

Source: Patriots.com, Photo: Newscom

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Matt Cassel Gets Franchise Tag

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady says his knee rehab is coming along very well. He had this to say on a Toronto radio station today:

“It’s going really well. Anyone who’s come back from injuries that require surgery … it’s just a process and there are some good days and some bad days, and you’ve just got to keep plugging through it. It’s life, like I said. Things come up and you’ve just got to focus your energy and attention on all the positive things that you can gain. It affects you in a lot of ways, so … I’m excited about the process and excited about working with so many wonderful people that have helped me. I’m the most well-taken-care-of knee patient in history so I’m very, very fortunate.”

Source: Patriots.com

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Tom Brady Says Rehab is Going ‘Very Well’