Quote:
Originally Posted by Just Passin' By
Yeah, it's really killed the Patriots this decade.
|
Ayup. In 2000 the Pats signed, as free agents, Joe Andruzzi, Bobby Hamilton, and Otis Smith. In 2001 they added Je'Rod Cherry, Mike Compton, Damon Huard, Larry Izzo, David Patten, Roman Phifer, Anthony Pleasant, Antowain Smith, Chris Sullivan, Mike Vrabel, and Ken Walter. They all contributed towards the first Super Bowl win.
Sometimes, with a young team, you gotta throw a lot of sh*t at the wall and see what sticks. So don't fret too much if a pick-up doesn't work out: the key is that they be CHEAP pick-ups, who won't ruin your cap for seasons to come. Save the big money for the big names (like the Pats did with Rosevelt Colvin and Adalius Thomas) and hope to hit on a cheap older guy or underutilized backup.
And don't fret too much if Pioli signs guys you haven't heard much about. For example, the Pats just signed LB Paris Lenon. He's 31, and he played for the crap-ass Lions. I'm sure they didn't break the bank for the guy. But he led his team in tackles, so I won't be surprised if and when New Englanders go from "Who the #$^& is he?" to "Omigod I love this guy!". Those are the kind of pick-ups Belichick and Pioli made together and hopefully the kind Pioli will make for you guys: the Wes Welkers of the world, who are just waiting for an opportunity.