This was a stunning result in the Ukraine. Fulham and Shakhtar end the game 1 - 1. More important though Fulham move on in the Europa League with an aggregate difference of 3 - 2. This tie could go down as one of the most important ties in Fulham's recent history. They now move on to the final 16.
Shakhtar controlled the majority of the match. Shakhtar had 17 corners and were constantly in the Fulham half. The difference was the brilliant defense of Fulham. Yes, that includes Stephen Kelly who played great. The combination of Hangeland, Baird, Hughes, and Kelly stopped Shakhtar Donetsk time after time. This was though a complete team effort.
The first half started pretty much with complete domination by Shakhtar Donetsk. They were constantly in the Fulham half and were passing the ball beautifully. The barrage started right from the 1st minute with a shot by Luiz Adriano.
In the 3rd minute a strike by Willian was tipped over the net by Mark Schwarzer. This was actually a tremendous save by Mark Schwarzer. Shakhtar were constantly moving forward. In the 14th minute Fernandinho had a nice shot that was saved by Mark Schwarzer. On top of the shots I can't even tell you how many corner kicks there were for Shakhtar. In the 26th minute Willian again missed a close shot that went wide. To Fulham's credit they were playing tremendous defense and they were well organized.
Fulham finally got the ball in the Shakhtar half. In the 33rd minute off of a set piece Brede Hangeland headed the ball past Andriy Pyatov. The ball was sent into the box beautifully by Damien Duff. Fulham now lead 1 - 0 and 3 - 1 on aggregate.
Shakhtar continued to control the ball until halftime. The home fans must have been shocked with the score. At the half Fulham lead 1 - 0.
The second half opened up similar to the first half. However, Fulham were beginning to control more of the ball in the second half. The first chance for Shakhtar came in the 52nd minute. Adriano's header went right to Mark Schwarzer. Shakhtar continued the pressure with Costa's shot in the 62nd minute, and then in the 68th minute a shot by Rakitskiy.
The dramatic ending to this match started in the 69th minute. A run by Costa just next to the net led to a beautiful pass to Jadson who put his shot by Mark Shwarzer. Now the crowd was really going crazy. Could Fulham hold on and go ahead in the Europa League? With a little over 20 minutes and stoppage time left Fulham led in aggregate 3 -2.
Shakhtar kept pressing forward which was leading to a few openings for Fulham to counter. Chris Baird in the 89th minute had a shot that went high off of a free kick. Then, in the 89th minute Zoltan Gera got loose on a counter and was one one on with goalkeeper. His shot went wide of the net.
We then go into stoppage time which was four minutes. Rakitskiy had another shot, but it was saved by Schwarzer. Fulham were able to eat up a good amount of the stoppage time by controlling the ball. However, just before the game ended Captain Danny Murphy was given a red card for a dangerous tackle. Fulham were playing a man down for about a minute. Then the nicest noise I have heard all season came out. The referee blew his whistle and Fulham tied 1 - 1. More important they move ahead in Europe on aggregate 3 -2.
I never thought a tie could be so sweet. Again, this was an incredibly important result for Fulham. The team and Roy Hogdson deserve so much credit for these 2 matches against Shakhtar Donetsk. Sometimes the most talented team doesn't win. Sometimes the better team wins.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
My 5 Keys to Victory for Fulham at Shakhtar Donetsk
The day of reckoning is tomorrow. Fulham play at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Final 32 of the Europa League. The game is at 6PM UK Time and 1PM EST. Fulham hold on to a slim lead in the competition. There are several questions going into this match. What starting lineup will Roy Hogdson go with? Will they play defensive and protect the slim lead? How will the referees effect this match? Which style of football will dominate? All of these questions and more will be answered after the game. Below are my 5 keys to victory for Fulham.
1. Stephen Kelly has to be at this best in this match on defense. I have been hard on him. However, he has looked out of place in several matches. Was he beat on the Luiz Adriano goal in the first match? With the attacking style of Shakhtar Donetsk, for Fulham to win he is going to have to be at his best. I will be watching Stephen Kelly.
2. Fulham can't afford to sit on the lead. Fulham hold a narrow 2 -1 lead going into the match. They cannot afford to sit back and let this team attack the entire game. It is imperative that the ball is pushed up to Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera. They need to attack and score. If they do decide to sit back I believe this is a recipe for disaster. Shakhtar have too much talent.
3. Fulham need to dictate their style of football on Shakhtar Donetsk. Shakhtar play a more wide open attacking football. Some could call it a "beautiful style" of football. Fulham need to play their physical brand of football. They need to force their will on Shakhtar. Players like Bobby Zamora and Dickson Etuhu can set that tone.
4. Fulham need to be aware of how the referees are calling the match. Unfortunately, the referees I believe will play a major part in this match. Fulham need to play how the match is being called. If the officials are letting them be physical they need to take that physicality as far as they can. If they are calling it close they need to be careful with their physical play. Physical players like Dickson Etuhu and Bobby Zamora have to be careful. Fulham don't need anymore red cards that effected the last Roma match.
5. Mark Schwarzer needs to have an exceptional game in net. I think he will be under constant pressure. He is a great goalkeeper. I have faith that he will be on his game.
I am sure there are other keys for the match but these 5 stand out to me. Shakhtar Donetsk are a very impressive team. This game will be a tough challenge for Roy Hogdson. If Fulham can control the game they have a chance. Let's hope for the best.
1. Stephen Kelly has to be at this best in this match on defense. I have been hard on him. However, he has looked out of place in several matches. Was he beat on the Luiz Adriano goal in the first match? With the attacking style of Shakhtar Donetsk, for Fulham to win he is going to have to be at his best. I will be watching Stephen Kelly.
2. Fulham can't afford to sit on the lead. Fulham hold a narrow 2 -1 lead going into the match. They cannot afford to sit back and let this team attack the entire game. It is imperative that the ball is pushed up to Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera. They need to attack and score. If they do decide to sit back I believe this is a recipe for disaster. Shakhtar have too much talent.
3. Fulham need to dictate their style of football on Shakhtar Donetsk. Shakhtar play a more wide open attacking football. Some could call it a "beautiful style" of football. Fulham need to play their physical brand of football. They need to force their will on Shakhtar. Players like Bobby Zamora and Dickson Etuhu can set that tone.
4. Fulham need to be aware of how the referees are calling the match. Unfortunately, the referees I believe will play a major part in this match. Fulham need to play how the match is being called. If the officials are letting them be physical they need to take that physicality as far as they can. If they are calling it close they need to be careful with their physical play. Physical players like Dickson Etuhu and Bobby Zamora have to be careful. Fulham don't need anymore red cards that effected the last Roma match.
5. Mark Schwarzer needs to have an exceptional game in net. I think he will be under constant pressure. He is a great goalkeeper. I have faith that he will be on his game.
I am sure there are other keys for the match but these 5 stand out to me. Shakhtar Donetsk are a very impressive team. This game will be a tough challenge for Roy Hogdson. If Fulham can control the game they have a chance. Let's hope for the best.
Former New England Patriot Player Mosi Totupu dies at 54
I just saw this article on Profootballtalk.com regarding Mosi Tatupu. Former New England Patriot player Mosi Tatupi died at the age of 54 According to Profootballtalk.com per the Honolulu Star Bulletin "the cause of death is currently not known." Profootballtalk.com also reports that Tatupu "reportedly had been suffering from high blood pressure and other health issues."
I have been a fan of the New England Patriots since 1975. I was a huge fan of Mosi, and today is a very sad day. Mosi was not just a running back he was a true football player. He did run the ball, but he was a great blocker. He was also a special teams player. He is the type of player that gave you everything he had. He even had his own fan club called "Mosi's Mooses." When I think of players from the 80's Mosi's name comes up near the top.
Mosi after his playing days still lived Massachusetts. He was the running backs coach for Curry College. His son Lofa Tatupu currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks. My heart goes out to him and the rest of the Tatupu family.
I have been a fan of the New England Patriots since 1975. I was a huge fan of Mosi, and today is a very sad day. Mosi was not just a running back he was a true football player. He did run the ball, but he was a great blocker. He was also a special teams player. He is the type of player that gave you everything he had. He even had his own fan club called "Mosi's Mooses." When I think of players from the 80's Mosi's name comes up near the top.
Mosi after his playing days still lived Massachusetts. He was the running backs coach for Curry College. His son Lofa Tatupu currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks. My heart goes out to him and the rest of the Tatupu family.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Why would Bobby Zamora leave Fulham this summer?
Why would Bobby Zamora leave Fulham this Summer? This is the question I am pondering today. I was on one of my favorite sites today friendsoffulham.com. I noticed one of the posts was regarding Bobby Zamora. The post on friendsoffulham.com was entitled " Who are we going to lose Zamora to in the Summer".
My first thought that came to my mind was why? I read the reasons in the comments behind the original post. The reasons I was reading from posters ranged from "Bobby Zamora doesn't like it here" to Fulham is a "small club".
The first reason "Bobby Zamora doesn't like it here" is an interesting question. I have seen some of the gestures he has made after scoring goals. Is that gesture meant for the fans or is it meant for his critics? I haven't read or seen anywhere that he is unhappy at Fulham. If he was so unhappy why did he want to stay at Fulham rather than go to Hull?
The second reason I read was Fulham could lose him this summer because they are a "small club". This reason to me is the real argument. In past the larger clubs would take the best players from the smaller clubs over the summer. They can offer more money and possibly European football. I can see why many people would automatically think Bobby Zamora will likely be gone this summer. A team in the "big four" or like Manchester City can cherry pick and get whoever they want.
I personally think he will stay this summer. First, he is under contract with Fulham. He is not free to just walk. Second, if he is happy with the club and flourishing in this system why would he want to leave? He is a key person in the club and scoring goals at a great pace. Third, if the club values him like I think they do, they should do everything they can to make sure he stays. They might be a "small club," but if the desire of the player is to stay and the team wants him to stay I think combined sides can make it happen. I would hope that Fulham would try to offer him a new contract to ward off new bidders this summer.
The "Brede Hangeland" saga this summer is a perfect example of what I just described. Every day from say June until the transfer window closed it seemed I read somewhere that he would be leaving to a bigger club. Arsenal was the club mentioned the most in regards to Brede Hangeland. Brede made it public he wanted to stay, but it was obvious he was looking for a better contract from Fulham. This saga continued the whole summer. Even when Hangeland went public with his desire to stay the media still kept saying he was in "play" with another team. What happened in the end? Brede Hangeland signed a new contract with Fulham and stayed with the team. There was a desire by both sides to make it happen.
In my opinion as long as there is a desire for both sides to continue to work together Bobby Zamora will continue to be a Fulham player.
My first thought that came to my mind was why? I read the reasons in the comments behind the original post. The reasons I was reading from posters ranged from "Bobby Zamora doesn't like it here" to Fulham is a "small club".
The first reason "Bobby Zamora doesn't like it here" is an interesting question. I have seen some of the gestures he has made after scoring goals. Is that gesture meant for the fans or is it meant for his critics? I haven't read or seen anywhere that he is unhappy at Fulham. If he was so unhappy why did he want to stay at Fulham rather than go to Hull?
The second reason I read was Fulham could lose him this summer because they are a "small club". This reason to me is the real argument. In past the larger clubs would take the best players from the smaller clubs over the summer. They can offer more money and possibly European football. I can see why many people would automatically think Bobby Zamora will likely be gone this summer. A team in the "big four" or like Manchester City can cherry pick and get whoever they want.
I personally think he will stay this summer. First, he is under contract with Fulham. He is not free to just walk. Second, if he is happy with the club and flourishing in this system why would he want to leave? He is a key person in the club and scoring goals at a great pace. Third, if the club values him like I think they do, they should do everything they can to make sure he stays. They might be a "small club," but if the desire of the player is to stay and the team wants him to stay I think combined sides can make it happen. I would hope that Fulham would try to offer him a new contract to ward off new bidders this summer.
The "Brede Hangeland" saga this summer is a perfect example of what I just described. Every day from say June until the transfer window closed it seemed I read somewhere that he would be leaving to a bigger club. Arsenal was the club mentioned the most in regards to Brede Hangeland. Brede made it public he wanted to stay, but it was obvious he was looking for a better contract from Fulham. This saga continued the whole summer. Even when Hangeland went public with his desire to stay the media still kept saying he was in "play" with another team. What happened in the end? Brede Hangeland signed a new contract with Fulham and stayed with the team. There was a desire by both sides to make it happen.
In my opinion as long as there is a desire for both sides to continue to work together Bobby Zamora will continue to be a Fulham player.
New England Patriots putting in new field turf at Gillette Stadium
When I read the press release from the New England Patriots I was a little surprised. From a press release yesterday on Patriots.com there will be a new field turf being placed down on Gillette Stadium. According to the press release from Patriots.com it states " The New England Patriots, the New England Revolution, and FieldTurf have jointly announced that Gillette Stadium will be resurfaced with FieldTurf Duraspine Pro, the new standard in artificial turf and the latest turf innovation from FieldTurf."
According to the press release, the field will be ready for The New England Revolution opener against Toronto FC on April 10th. The New England Patriots started using FieldTurf shortly after the New York Jets game in the 2006 season. I think I read awhile back that the turf had a shelf life of 10 years.
To be honest I am glad the New England Patriots are changing the turf. I actually hope this surface is more like real grass than what they currently have. I think the turf right now is actually too fast of a surface and reminds me of playing in a dome. What gives me hope about the surface is information from the press release. The press release states "the field is designed with international soccer in mind and is expected to meet and exceed the tenets of FIFA's 2 - star rating system."
Also, I wanted to give a quick update on the Vince Wilfork situation. He has been given the "franchise tag" by the New England Patriots. According to a press release by the New England Patriots, the organization placed the franchise tag on Wilfork and will continue to work on a long term deal.
According to the press release, the field will be ready for The New England Revolution opener against Toronto FC on April 10th. The New England Patriots started using FieldTurf shortly after the New York Jets game in the 2006 season. I think I read awhile back that the turf had a shelf life of 10 years.
To be honest I am glad the New England Patriots are changing the turf. I actually hope this surface is more like real grass than what they currently have. I think the turf right now is actually too fast of a surface and reminds me of playing in a dome. What gives me hope about the surface is information from the press release. The press release states "the field is designed with international soccer in mind and is expected to meet and exceed the tenets of FIFA's 2 - star rating system."
Also, I wanted to give a quick update on the Vince Wilfork situation. He has been given the "franchise tag" by the New England Patriots. According to a press release by the New England Patriots, the organization placed the franchise tag on Wilfork and will continue to work on a long term deal.
Monday, February 22, 2010
10 things I think about Fulham Football Club this week
Each week I will summarize my thoughts on the team . I will give you my "10 things I think." The past week was a huge success for Fulham. They beat Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday at Craven Cottage. They followed up with a victory on Sunday against Birmingham City. Roy Hodgson and the Cottagers have their work cut out for them to top last week.
1. I think Shakhtar Donetsk's players and coaches might have come into Craven Cottage a little over confident. They did start off a little slow. They are the defending UEFA Cup Champions. Fulham were fortunate to get an early goal on the Ukranian team. Shortly after the first 3 minutes Shakhtar controlled the rest of the first half. Going into the second half the game was tied 1 - 1. It took a great goal by Bobby Zamora early in the second half to gain control back to Fulham . I have a feeling Shakhtar will not be over confident this Thursday.
2. I think not having Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okaka available for the Europa League makes it much harder on Fulham to advance. Nicky Shorey has been very solid on defense. Stephen Kelly in my opinion has been below average. I am a little nervous seeing him out there in the Ukraine. Stefano Okaka not being available as a striker just hurts the bench and adjustments if needed. I think Stefano also needs more action. It is too bad these 2 players are not available.
3. I think even if Fulham do not advance the Europa League their play in the league is a success. I keep going back to 2 years ago. Look at how far Fulham have come. It seems like yesterday the Cottagers were fighting just to stay in the EPL. Roy Hogdson has done such a great job in a little over 2 years.
4. I think I actually miss John Pantsil. Until he got hurt in the Chelsea game he was holding his own with Drogba. He also could push the ball up and get everyone moving forward. Chris Baird has done a nice job except for his own goal yesterday. You could argue if Pantsil doesn't get hurt they might have pulled that game out against Chelsea.
5. I think there is a chance that Clint Dempsey might be coming back sooner than later. I keep reading reports that he might be coming back as early as next month. I find that hard to believe. If he could come back for the last 4 - 6 games to me that would be a huge bonus.
6. I think Alex MacLeish is a class act. I read his comments after the Birmingham City match. He was very gracious after the loss. These are quotes from an article on Fulhamfc.com called "From the other Side" . McLeish stated " We lost because of 2 pieces of inspiration from Fulham. The finishes were brilliant" he said. "That is the difference in quality that we need to aspire to." McLeish also discussed one of the Fulham strikers. He stated " And Bobby Zamora was the big difference. Today, My players had a hard games against one of the best strikers in the league."
7. I think Fulham can conquer America. I wrote about this last week. If you are interested please check out that entry. Fulham I think are the type of team that could be a huge draw in the States. America loves an underdog. I think Fulham fit that bill.
8. I think it is still possible to get into 7th position by the end of the year. I know it is a longshot but you never know. Aston Villa currently have 45 points in 7th position. That is 8 points ahead of Fulham. We would have to go on an incredible run including winning on the road. I know I am probably just dreaming.
9. I think it will take an incredible effort to move on in the Europa League. Shakhtar Donetsk look "scary good". If we get a good result on Thursday it would be incredible. This team has so much quality. I am sorry if I can't be more optimistic.
10. Bobby Zamora I think should be playing for England in the World Cup. I think his play over this year speaks for itself. I don't think I need to say anymore about this subject.
It was a great week for Fulham. I can't wait for Thursday.
1. I think Shakhtar Donetsk's players and coaches might have come into Craven Cottage a little over confident. They did start off a little slow. They are the defending UEFA Cup Champions. Fulham were fortunate to get an early goal on the Ukranian team. Shortly after the first 3 minutes Shakhtar controlled the rest of the first half. Going into the second half the game was tied 1 - 1. It took a great goal by Bobby Zamora early in the second half to gain control back to Fulham . I have a feeling Shakhtar will not be over confident this Thursday.
2. I think not having Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okaka available for the Europa League makes it much harder on Fulham to advance. Nicky Shorey has been very solid on defense. Stephen Kelly in my opinion has been below average. I am a little nervous seeing him out there in the Ukraine. Stefano Okaka not being available as a striker just hurts the bench and adjustments if needed. I think Stefano also needs more action. It is too bad these 2 players are not available.
3. I think even if Fulham do not advance the Europa League their play in the league is a success. I keep going back to 2 years ago. Look at how far Fulham have come. It seems like yesterday the Cottagers were fighting just to stay in the EPL. Roy Hogdson has done such a great job in a little over 2 years.
4. I think I actually miss John Pantsil. Until he got hurt in the Chelsea game he was holding his own with Drogba. He also could push the ball up and get everyone moving forward. Chris Baird has done a nice job except for his own goal yesterday. You could argue if Pantsil doesn't get hurt they might have pulled that game out against Chelsea.
5. I think there is a chance that Clint Dempsey might be coming back sooner than later. I keep reading reports that he might be coming back as early as next month. I find that hard to believe. If he could come back for the last 4 - 6 games to me that would be a huge bonus.
6. I think Alex MacLeish is a class act. I read his comments after the Birmingham City match. He was very gracious after the loss. These are quotes from an article on Fulhamfc.com called "From the other Side" . McLeish stated " We lost because of 2 pieces of inspiration from Fulham. The finishes were brilliant" he said. "That is the difference in quality that we need to aspire to." McLeish also discussed one of the Fulham strikers. He stated " And Bobby Zamora was the big difference. Today, My players had a hard games against one of the best strikers in the league."
7. I think Fulham can conquer America. I wrote about this last week. If you are interested please check out that entry. Fulham I think are the type of team that could be a huge draw in the States. America loves an underdog. I think Fulham fit that bill.
8. I think it is still possible to get into 7th position by the end of the year. I know it is a longshot but you never know. Aston Villa currently have 45 points in 7th position. That is 8 points ahead of Fulham. We would have to go on an incredible run including winning on the road. I know I am probably just dreaming.
9. I think it will take an incredible effort to move on in the Europa League. Shakhtar Donetsk look "scary good". If we get a good result on Thursday it would be incredible. This team has so much quality. I am sorry if I can't be more optimistic.
10. Bobby Zamora I think should be playing for England in the World Cup. I think his play over this year speaks for itself. I don't think I need to say anymore about this subject.
It was a great week for Fulham. I can't wait for Thursday.
10 Things I think about the New England Patriots this week
In tribute to Peter King of SI.com who does an entry in his column each week " 10 things I think I think" I will do my own version each week. Since it is officially the off season you wouldn't think there would be much to talk about regarding the New England Patriots. I couldn't be more wrong.
1. I think Randy Moss is wrong regarding that the New England Patriots " really don't pay". He had several comments which were reported by Chris Gasper of the Boston Globe. I have talked about this in a prior entry. First of all they gave Randy Moss a very nice 3 year deal after the 2007 season. They also gave very good contracts to Tom Brady, Adalius Thomas, Richard Seymour, and Ty Warren. Over the years the Pats have paid close to the cap. To me the perception is not the reality.
2. I think Willie McGinest is right about the Vince Wilfork situation. On ESPNBoston.com, McGinest said "pay the man". He was referring to that he thinks the New England Patriots need to pay Wilfork. I agree with him. However, if Vince is looking for an "Albert Haynsworth deal" than I would understand if they don't come to terms.
3. I think if the New England Patriots can't come to terms with Vince Wilfork they need to franchise him and then trade him. The franchise deadline is coming up. If the New England Patriots and Vince Wilfork cannot come to terms soon the Pats need to do the right thing. Wilfork has played out his 6 year deal. You can get something for him in a trade. Both sides would then win in this situation.
4. I think the New England Patriots need to sign their restricted players first. Logan Mankins and Stephen Gostkowski are restricted players. These players are worth whatever the market value is for there services. They should try to come to terms with these players now. We have already seen what has happened with the Vince Wilfork situation. I think they need to be proactive much more with their own players.
5. I think signing Leigh Bodden is extremely important. Leigh's play was very solid last year. He is not Asante Samuel but he definitely got the job done. He knows the system and that is very important. Plus I have been reading online that he might want to come back to the Pats. There is no salary cap so they can afford to pay their own players. Please don't let him hit the free agency market. The Pats need to this now.
6. I think Tom Brady will play until he is 40 with the New England Patriots. There has been speculation last year in the media how long Tom Brady will play. I have heard him at least a few times say on "Dennis and Callahan" that he wanted to play another 10 years. Those statements were made about 3 years ago. I also think he will be with the Pats until his career is over. I can't imagine the Patriots not making sure he is Patriot for his entire career. It would be a very bad business move for the Kraft's to let him go somewhere else.
7. I think The New England Patriots need coordinators. In my opinion having no coordinators is ridiculous. Bill Belichick is going to be spreading himself too thin. He needs coordinators he can trust and be able to delegate those responsibilities to. With no coordinators how can the greatest coach in football be at his best?
8. I think the New England Patriots need to bring in veteran "character guys" on defense. Keith Bulluck and Kyle Vanden bosch are both available.They are veterans who can add leadership and can still play. If you sign them for a year you can buy time while you groom their replacements through the draft.
9. I think there is no way The New England Patriots are going after Julius Peppers. He is going to be too expensive and the Pats have too many of there own players they need to take care of.
10. I think the New England Patriots need to trade for Deion Branch. I have mentioned this in a prior entry. To me if he is healthy he is a wonderful number 2 or number 3 receiver. He already knows the system and could be a great stop gap until Wes Welker comes back.
These are just my opinions and I am sticking to them.
1. I think Randy Moss is wrong regarding that the New England Patriots " really don't pay". He had several comments which were reported by Chris Gasper of the Boston Globe. I have talked about this in a prior entry. First of all they gave Randy Moss a very nice 3 year deal after the 2007 season. They also gave very good contracts to Tom Brady, Adalius Thomas, Richard Seymour, and Ty Warren. Over the years the Pats have paid close to the cap. To me the perception is not the reality.
2. I think Willie McGinest is right about the Vince Wilfork situation. On ESPNBoston.com, McGinest said "pay the man". He was referring to that he thinks the New England Patriots need to pay Wilfork. I agree with him. However, if Vince is looking for an "Albert Haynsworth deal" than I would understand if they don't come to terms.
3. I think if the New England Patriots can't come to terms with Vince Wilfork they need to franchise him and then trade him. The franchise deadline is coming up. If the New England Patriots and Vince Wilfork cannot come to terms soon the Pats need to do the right thing. Wilfork has played out his 6 year deal. You can get something for him in a trade. Both sides would then win in this situation.
4. I think the New England Patriots need to sign their restricted players first. Logan Mankins and Stephen Gostkowski are restricted players. These players are worth whatever the market value is for there services. They should try to come to terms with these players now. We have already seen what has happened with the Vince Wilfork situation. I think they need to be proactive much more with their own players.
5. I think signing Leigh Bodden is extremely important. Leigh's play was very solid last year. He is not Asante Samuel but he definitely got the job done. He knows the system and that is very important. Plus I have been reading online that he might want to come back to the Pats. There is no salary cap so they can afford to pay their own players. Please don't let him hit the free agency market. The Pats need to this now.
6. I think Tom Brady will play until he is 40 with the New England Patriots. There has been speculation last year in the media how long Tom Brady will play. I have heard him at least a few times say on "Dennis and Callahan" that he wanted to play another 10 years. Those statements were made about 3 years ago. I also think he will be with the Pats until his career is over. I can't imagine the Patriots not making sure he is Patriot for his entire career. It would be a very bad business move for the Kraft's to let him go somewhere else.
7. I think The New England Patriots need coordinators. In my opinion having no coordinators is ridiculous. Bill Belichick is going to be spreading himself too thin. He needs coordinators he can trust and be able to delegate those responsibilities to. With no coordinators how can the greatest coach in football be at his best?
8. I think the New England Patriots need to bring in veteran "character guys" on defense. Keith Bulluck and Kyle Vanden bosch are both available.They are veterans who can add leadership and can still play. If you sign them for a year you can buy time while you groom their replacements through the draft.
9. I think there is no way The New England Patriots are going after Julius Peppers. He is going to be too expensive and the Pats have too many of there own players they need to take care of.
10. I think the New England Patriots need to trade for Deion Branch. I have mentioned this in a prior entry. To me if he is healthy he is a wonderful number 2 or number 3 receiver. He already knows the system and could be a great stop gap until Wes Welker comes back.
These are just my opinions and I am sticking to them.
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