James Christianson from nepatriotsdraft.com joins the Hometeam  to talk about the NFL Combine and who is standing out, who is working out, and who is not meeting expectations.  Also who are the Patriots looking at….

Guest: Steve Muench, from ESPN Boston and Scouts Inc joins The Hometeam to talk about the NFL Combine and who the Patriots might be looking at.  Also the Patriots needs and what surprises he has seen out there so far.

Also Audio Quick Hits where a 12 year old doesn’t want LeBron to ruin his Saturday nights and an unexpected car accident while a reporter is talking about gas prices. Also get into Ryan Braun’s suspension being taken away

Steve Muench, from ESPN Boston and Scouts Inc joins The Hometeam to talk about the NFL Combine and who the Patriots might be looking at.  Also the Patriots needs and what surprises he has seen out there so far.

By: Tommy Rowe
Tweet to @trowe9110

The Patriots have been very quiet when it comes to signing free agents in the offseason during the Belichick Era; big names rarely even get looked at by New England let alone sign contracts with the reigning AFC Champions due to the franchises paranoia of possible bust like Adalius Thomas and Roosevelt Colin. Though those players were not total disappointments, the Patriots have not gotten the production out of the big named free agents they had hoped when signing them and because of that they have been weary going after an elite talent. This year though they must change the way they approach an offseason. They are coming off a Super Bowl lost to the Giants have the potential to make it back in 2012, but they have the same chance at destroying the chance at winning another Super Bowl before the Brady/Belichick Era ends if they don’t trend carefully.

Some of the big name free agents this year involve the elite of the elite in the NFL. DE’s Mario Williams and Robert Mathis, LB’s D’Qwell Jackson and Curtis Lofton, WR’s Marques Colston and Brandon Lloyd, RB’s like Matt Forte and Ray Rice and the most needed position in New England CB has some big names like Carlos Rodgers, Brent Grimes, and Brandon Carr (all went to the Pro Bowl this year). The Patriots can make or break their season in 2012 by either taking a gamble at some of these names or completely falling for the draft again and waiting another 3 years for full development. Value over talent must take a back seat for the year, because the tools are in front of the Patriots’ faces to make it back to the Super Bowl and if they choose to just ignore them and continue doing things they have done for years then 2012 may be the beginning of a real rebuilding phase for the Pats.

The problems in the Patriots 32nd ranked secondary cannot be address through the Draft, that just might make them worst. The free agents available can absolutely pay off for them if they commit to the money part of the deals. The Patriots are cheap there’s nothing else to it and as a fan you must acknowledge the fact they will not willing pay a player unless they can make it work for them. It’s the reason that Ty Law left the team and same with Willie McGinest, Asante Samuel, and other key members of the Patriots long run as the dominating team of the NFL. It has been there philosophy to not pay big time money to players and put themselves in cap jail, but they must make a change if they want to feel confident about making a back to back run at the Super Bowl. The 49ers of the 90’s had a similar system in how they handled their team, but they made a huge change in philosophy to stay competitive with the rest of the league. I’m not saying the Patriots will self-destruct if they don’t invest into free agency, but they will have a possible set back that they could not recover from if they don’t take advantage of some players wanting to play for a contender.

By: Tommy Rowe

It has been a solid week since New England’s story book season was ruined by the reigning World Champion New York Giants. With a young team and a great chance at going back to the Super Bowl, the Pats look to 2012 and prepare for, potentially, one of the more interesting offseasons in Patriots History. One topic that will possibly be the biggest one of the summer involves an old friend of the Patriots. He announced yesterday that after sitting out a year that he wants to come back for 2012 and play football; that friend is Randy Moss.

At 35 years old, Moss will definitely not attract teams like he did 5 years ago. But his age is the least of his problems that may keep him from fulfilling his goals for 2012; the attitude and poor work ethic that Randy has shown throughout his career will and always shall be his Achilles Heel. The talent has always been with Moss, but due to his lack of determination and underachieving mindset, Randy will never be as good as he could have been. He has never fully changed his ways and seems to give up when things aren’t to his liking. But to think that he took a year off and hasn’t changed a bit is Ludacris to suggest. Randy knows that his past will haunt him and taint his image when talking about him as a Football player, but if you’re the Patriots why not take a shot at Randy? Would you rather have Chad Johnson back; didn’t think so.

The receiving core has not been elite in a while for the reigning AFC Champs, Wes Welker and Deion Branch are your two best wideouts and though they have been productive above all expectations, they are slot receivers at best and won’t ever be anything more. The draft has not been a great “get out of jail free card” when it comes to finding a marque wide receiver. Brandon Tate a bust, Taylor Price a big bust, Chad Jackson a huge bust. The one receiver that the Patriots have had where with him they could do anything they wanted to when passing the ball was, and still can be, Randy Moss. The reason I say still can be is because he is still very close to the organization. Randy attended the funeral of Myra Kraft back in August to everyone’s surprise. He sat close to Robert Kraft (Patriots Owner and CEO) during the services and signed the farewell card as “Randy Moss Kraft”. Coach Belichick and Moss have still kept in contact and have treated one another like family since Randy’s arrival in 2007. We know the relationship with Tom Brady is still strong also. The Patriots took Moss in and showed him respect, something teams throughout his life never did. Even though he didn’t deserve their respect and he did quit on the Patriots back in October of 2010, I would still bring him in if he keeps his attitude and childish behaviors locked up for good. The numbers don’t lie and I do believe that Randy Moss will be a New England Patriot once again. You could see the expressions and feelings he was showing when he came back to Foxbrough as a Viking in 2010, he knew he screwed up big time and would take it all back if he could. Everyone deserves a second chance and just because Moss isn’t your typical model citizen, doesn’t mean he shouldn’t get that second chance.

Moss’s Notable Career Numbers:

10 Career 1,000+ yard receiving seasons – 2nd all-time; (behind Jerry Rice’s 13)
64 career 100 yard games – 2nd all-time; (behind Jerry Rice’s 76)
153 touchdown receptions – 2nd all-time; (behind Jerry Rice’s 197)
73.6 receiving yards per game – 7th all-time
154 total touchdowns scored – 4th all-time
14,858 receiving yards – 6th all-time
954 career receptions – 10th all-time

By: Tommy Rowe

The Patriots showed signs of anxiety early and it turned out to be the beginning of the end for their Super Bowl dreams. The Giants dominating performance in Super Bowl XLVI was too much and too familiar to the AFC Champions as the Giants, as they did in 2007, drove down the field late in the 4th Quarter as they took the lead from the Patriots 21-17. There was a minute left to play and with two time outs the New England faithful had hope for one last miracle drive. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. Brady threw 2 straight incompletions followed by a crushing sack by DE Justin Tuck before converting a 4th down attempt to Deion Branch. Two plays after. Brady then chucked a Hail Mary pass down to the endzone from his 50 yard line where Hernandez and Gronkowski both had shots to catch the miracle ball. With no time left the Giants pulled away with the upset yet again and won their 2nd Super Bowl Title in 4 years.

A lot will be taken and criticized about this game but it all will lead to the ending result, the Giants played hard and out played their opponent who couldn’t take advantage of the plays they had. The Patriots had the back breaker of the whole game, the lone interception made by LB Chase Blackburn who was covering TE Rob Gronkowski on a broken protection passing play. That set the Giants momentum into full swing from there and despite what the score said, the Pats were playing hurry up and not the kind they have been dominate in all season long. On the drive before the Giants last, WR Wes Welker was wide open on an outward slant route, Brady threw the ball not so well and cost Welker a great catch that no doubt would have clinched the Super Bowl for the Patriots. The Giants took advantage of the crushed confidence of their opponent and drove down the field where MVP Eli Manning completed an outstanding pass to Mario Manningham who was double covered by the sideline and soon after it set up Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw for the game winning touchdown run with 1:01 to go and the rest was history.

Despite the bad taste of defeat back in the mouths of fans, players, and coaches a like. The season was better than most thought the Patriots were capable of doing in 2011. A lot of people outside New England had the team missing the playoffs all together and falling behind the New York Jets for the AFC East Title; they proved many, many people wrong and are still one of the elite teams in the NFL. To have the problems and holes they did, and to be able to Win the AFC Championship and come down to the last minute of Super Bowl XLVI with those problems still visible and come up 4 points short is a pretty damn good accomplishment. We are so used to winning championships in Boston, but the dominance the city has had for the last 11 years is unlike anything the world of sports has seen or will ever see again. To call this lost devastating is overkill; to call it an unexpected disappointment is just right. To compare this to 2007 is just so ridiculous as well in so many ways, because nothing can ever compare to a lost as heart-stomping as Super Bowl XLII in 2007 was for the New England Patriots. If we got through that, no lost will ever be as painful. Over all the 2011 season was fun, exciting, and memorable all around win or lose and to see the Patriots still find ways to get the job done with all the changes and problems show how good they have been and can still be.

By: Tommy Rowe

It has been 4 long years since the Patriots lost a chance to become the greatest team and own the greatest season in NFL History. The chance at 19-0, perfection, and immortality were swept away by the city that has been hated by Boston fans for ages and ages, New York. And years later that New York Football Giants stand in the Patriots way once again to become Champions once more. The collapse in Super Bowl XLII to the hands of Giants will never be avenged let’s be honest fans. You cannot avenge 19-0 unless you go 19-0, the mission was so surreal and mind blowing that nothing like it will be seen again in our life time. But, hard feelings will be present in the minds of the Patriots’ Franchise and pay back for the Super Bowl that could have been theirs will definitely be there on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium for Super Bowl XLVI.
You cannot avenge a lost like Super Bowl XLII, but that doesn’t mean the Patriots won’t go for it. Brady has had that killer look in his eye and he can be a politically sounds as he wants to be, he’s not fooling anyone. He wants blood for losing a shot at perfection and a 4th ring and he will come out swinging showing that karma is still lurking around. The consensus is favoring the Giants for this game because of their balanced Defense, I get that their front four is lethal when near healthy and I respect the players on that line, but besides Tuck, Umenyiora, Canty, and Pierre-Paul who else on that defense really have that is just as lethal or good? If you look beyond the defensive line you will see this defense is not as scary as “experts” makes it out to be. The reason the linebackers and D-backs have been so impactful for the G Men is due to the pressure and excellent pass rush that the Line creates. Boley and Kiwinuka are the only threats not playing on the defensive line for the entirety of this game. If the Patriots can hold back the Giants from creating any pressure and protect Tom Brady then the Patriots will not only win the Super Bowl they will expose the Giants as the overhyped team they truly are.
Super Bowl XLVI will be full of mixed emotions and history old and new. The Patriots and Giants over all have great high powered offenses and Defenses with many holes but can make big time plays when needed. The one thing the Giants do not have over the Patriots is the will and motivation to fight and win it all for one of the most unbelievably kind people that roamed this land; Myra Kraft. Her spirit has been with the Patriots all year long and tonight she has a front row seat on the gridiron in Indy. Patriots win 27-24 and add on to their already remarkable and honorable Legacy.

By: Tommy Rowe

Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick has been loose and relaxed as anyone as ever seen him. Even Tom Brady finds it amazing to see his “drill instructor” of a head coach is laughing and joking around with the team days before the biggest game of the season, Super Bowl XLVI. It has become such a topic amongst Patriots’ Fans that conspiracy theories for Belichick’s sudden perkiness have been popping up on Radio Row in Indy. One that is striking the hearts of Patriots fans everywhere is something they don’t want to hear days before the Super Bowl. Is Belichick under the relief that this may be his last game with the Patriots?

It makes sense to think Bill is being this relaxed to help his team out in preparation mentally for the Giants, but that is unlike Belichick to do even when it involves that unexpected. Just the thought of Bill leaving the Patriots sickens me to my stomach, but it will happen eventually. But thinking about it in his mind makes sense, if this game is to be the last time Belichick Coaches the New England Patriots, then so be it. The man has accomplished so much and after this weekend, what motivation will he have to remain with the team? Not much, he basically is on the last line of his to do list. It’s hard to explain to some who don’t understand this logic, but when a man completes what he has in front of him and has nothing else to chase after, what reason is there to stay in their field? Belichick sought out to be the best coach he possibly could be; He has done that and more. He turned the New England Patriots into a model sports organization, he has befriended and coached one of the greatest players in NFL history (Tom Brady), he has 3 rings has a head coach, and is preparing hopefully to obtain his fourth. The man coached an undefeated team, and has done so many other wonderful things that his mentors and opponents could only dream of accomplishing. It would not surprise me if Super Bowl XLVI is the last game for the great coach we’ve all come to honor and appreciate.

It is hard for me to accept this, the professional in me says you have to but the fan in me won’t allow me to accept that the man who gave us so many memories with the Patriots may never coach again in New England. We have seen other great coaches enjoy games like this in the manner Belichick is expressing himself and they all went out the same way; retirement. The reason I write this is because it makes perfect sense to Bill’s laid back personality and though it may not be true, it gives fans more of a reason to appreciate the times we share with one another watching this team that has defined our region for an entire decade and for years to come. All I am asking out of my readers is to acknowledge the possibility that Bill Belichick may be coaching his last game this Sunday night with the Patriots and value every second of this game and what happens. Bill Belichick will have the entire support of New England on his side this weekend and win or lose we are all grateful for what he has done for the sporting world in this region. Knowing him also, he will give this game everything he has and the players will not let him down, the Giants should be scared as hell right now knowing our coach is coming after them with every and will not let up on them, revenge starts Sunday and hopefully I am wrong about this being the last time Bill puts the head set on. GO PATS FOREVER!

By: Tommy Rowe

As fans, analyst, and broadcasters that affiliate with the New England Patriots, we all know what Tom Brady is capable of. From the day he lifted the franchise’s first Lombardi trophy to now as he prepares for his 5th attempt at the NFL’s greatest prize in a Pats uniform, we have seen number 12 fight and prevail through it all to become a living legend. But even after everything he has done and accomplished in his 12 year career, there are those who still give comeback kid no credit what so ever. These people just treat his achievements like you treat your son or daughters’ little hand held trophy they get for playing soccer. One who has completely gone overboard with the disrespect of Tom Brady is Rob Parker of ESPNnewyork.com and clickondetroit.com. Parker has been quoted on ESPN’s “First Take” that Tom Brady is the most overrated player in the NFL. Well I may be a college student learning what I still can about the world of sports, but I know for a fact that Brady, win or lose Sunday in Indianapolis, is one of the greatest players in NFL history; that my readers is pure fact and the truth.

All fan hood and bias opinions put aside, Tom Brady has accomplished everything a young player wanting to be an NFL star could ever dream of doing. 3 Super Bowl titles (possibly a 4th) he has 5 Super Bowl appearances (tied with the great John Elway for most all time), he is a 2-time Super Bowl MVP, 2-time NFL MVP, first ever unanimous MVP elected, holds the record for most TD’s in a single season (50) and the lowest INT count ever in one season (4), he is tied for 1st with the greatest of them all Joe Montana with 16 career playoff wins and has a shot to break it Sunday night, 2nd quarterback in NFL history to be a part of an undefeated regular season (Bob Griese, 1972), he is the 4th quarterback EVER to throw for 5,000 yards in a single season and has the second highest total all time (5,235 yards). Everything Brady has accomplished he has carried the weight of disrespect along the way. This skinny, white, “out of shape” quarterback, who went in the 6th round has done it all and yet some people still feel the need to criticize him.

Half of the quarterback that were picked before Brady and said to be better at the position than him are out of the league and some didn’t even start for the Teams that took them over the living legend. Giovanni Carmazzii was portrayed as the next Joe Montana in the 2000 NFL Draft. He was picked 91st overall and 108 picks before Brady and today he breeds goats on a farm outside Tom’s home town of San Mateo. Despite all this Brady welcomes it and sometimes makes it up himself, why is that though? He wants to be better than he already is. He is never satisfied with himself and even though he knows of all the jaw dropping achievements he has worked his heart out for, it’s not good enough to him.

Tom Brady has one thing no other player in our life time has, heart, glorious passion, and determination to be the best of the best. The drive he has to out due everyone and silence his critics who know nothing of this amazing sport (aka Rob Parker) is unlike anything you can imagine. We New Englanders know it first hand as we speak with honor and pride to have watched this man rise to immortal status. The man deserves respect and even though he may not accept it, people need to acknowledge the fact he is one of the greatest win or lose in Super Bowl XLVI. You should not call yourself a fan of football is you agree with Rob Parker’s comments or anything close to them. You can have an opinion; I encourage it actually for others to speak their minds. But know what you are about to say, be ready to defend your opinion and have facts to back it up. Those are the three basic rules of opinion making and Rob Parker, you failed horribly. Tom Brady is one of the greatest ever, my facts are listed above and I stand by this for all time. He will have the game of his life on Super Bowl Sunday and his legend will continue to grow come 6;30pm on February 5th that is also fact.

By: Tommy Rowe

What a nail bitter that was, huh?! The Patriots, by the skins of their teeth, pulled off a remarkable win over the Baltimore Ravens; surviving a last minute field goal missed by Billy Cundiff to send them to Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI. Despite how the game was played, the Patriots won when it mattered and made the plays that helped them survive the Ravens aggressive onslaught. It doesn’t matter how they did it, they are going to their 5th Super Bowl in 10 years and that is reality; enjoy this fans because the Pats don’t always get this opportunity. To make this Super Bowl even more special, the Pats have a chance to bury some demons once and for all against the perfect opponent; the New York Giants.

Both teams got into the Super Bowl over fluke plays no questions about it. If Baltimore hit the 32 yard field goal and 49ers’ return man Kyle Williams stayed away from the ball after a punt, we are talking overtime in both games and completely different outcomes also. But that’s the game of football, you make mistakes and it will cost you. The Patriots and Giants both capitalized on their opponents’ mistakes and because of that, they earned the right to move onto the Super Bowl in Indianapolis. These two teams will be asked more questions involving their battle in Super Bowl XLII then their victories to get them into this year’s Super Bowl. Whether we like it or not, that will be the backdrop of this game and why shouldn’t it be? Painful memories put aside, as fans this is the match up you want. This is the chance to final bury all of the past failures in one dramatic win. The Patriots have proven to every critic that they can win and make it to the Super Bowl on offense and scattered defense. The Giants though are the most complete team they have faced yet, they handed the Patriots their last lost back on November 6th and since the Patriots have won 10 straight. But the Giants, despite going up and down since beating the Pats the first time around, are white hot and look like nothing will stop them in their quest for a 2nd championship in 4 years. They are an elite team, regular season records don’t mean a thing at this point in Football. Whoever plays the best and executes better than the other team will move on and now it’s do or die for both of these elite franchises.

I have a gut feeling that the Patriots will win this; due to everything that is on the line for them losing is not an option. Yes they do not have the pressure of going 19-0 or anything remotely close to 2007, but they have a shot to not only bury all past failures and demons but also grab a nice helping of revenge. I do not care what the players and coaching staff says going into the media week and Super Bowl, everyone involved with the New England Patriots even those who were not with the team in 2007 are dying inside for revenge and Brady more than anyone else wants to finally put an end to those memories. He’s pissed, the players will fight for each other and the Patriots will be driven by pure revenge and anger that if I were the New York Giants; I’d be scared to hell. We are less than 2 weeks from the biggest game of the year and we are just getting warmed up!