http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3252668 This move is about as far from surprising as it gets. I can only hope Zach has a bit more pride than Seau. The stink of spygate should be enough to keep most FA's away IMO.
"The stink of spygate" is a front office issue and won't affect free agency at all. The Patriots are one of the 3 best chances at a Super Bowl ring in the NFL. Thomas and his agent really enjoyed the visit with New England and seemed really interested from what I read in local papers. They are looking at different teams though and if Thomas signs with New England it probably won't be until around March or April.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (playaofthegame @ Feb 19 2008, 09:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>"The stink of spygate" is a front office issue and won't affect free agency at all.</div> But, grasshopper. When a fish stinks, it stinks from the head down. The question you gotta ask; was the fish pun intentional?
I can't see why Spygate, a front office issue, would prevent someone from signing. They're the best team in the NFL, even if they did lose the Super Bowl. The team is loaded with talent every which way and gives you a great chance to get to the Super Bowl every year. Plus, if you're at the point Thomas is at, you know you're time is running out, so getting a ring is priority number one now. Again, the Pats give him that opportunity, why not take it?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Feb 19 2008, 11:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I can't see why Spygate, a front office issue, would prevent someone from signing. They're the best team in the NFL, even if they did lose the Super Bowl. The team is loaded with talent every which way and gives you a great chance to get to the Super Bowl every year. Plus, if you're at the point Thomas is at, you know you're time is running out, so getting a ring is priority number one now. Again, the Pats give him that opportunity, why not take it?</div> The Chargers were poised to beat the Patriots if they were healthy, NE was clearly not the best team at the end of the season, starting from game 11 onwards. Giants rock and indeed are in their league. I do think the Chargers could have beat NYG though. That's the only tough call, NYG was surging (I'm not really sure). Sure they are an attractive team to join, but NE doesn't pay well. I'm sure players factor in that.
I thought the goal was to get younger on the defensive side of the ball? Their age really showed towards the end of the season and in the playoffs, so I don't know how much this will help.
Why would Zach pass on the Patriots? 1. Status of Belicheat uncertain due to Spygate II. 2. Status of Randy Moss uncertain due to an "accident". 3. Patriots don't pay top dollar. 4. Cowboys interested and Thomas is a Texas boy. 5. I read somewhere that the Chargers were interested and they don't have the Patriots' baggage. 6. I read somewhere that the Colts were interested and they don't have the Patriots' baggage. I wouldn't count on Zach signing with the Patriots until it actually happens. I'm torn. Part of me says go ahead and sign with the Patriots because I can't see anyone getting a full season out of Zach ever again. I don't think the concussion issue is going to go away. On the other hand, Zach is one of my favorite football players so I really hope I am wrong and he goes out in a blaze of glory and I'd hate to see him helping the Patriots.
I think what Dale is saying that there is a spectacular luggage sale in Foxboro which is good as its about time for bA to go on vacation someplace warm & beachy.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (blackadder @ Feb 19 2008, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Dale has great points, but, Chutney has arguably the best point outside of ZT's health.</div> I do not agree with Chutney completely, in the sense that he seems to place a lot of the blame on the NE defense towards the second half of the season. I think they played nearly the same, except their offense was exponentially less impressive and efficient. Is Zach a good fit in the 3-4 scheme anyway?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (huevonkiller @ Feb 19 2008, 05:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Is Zach a good fit in the 3-4 scheme anyway?</div> When Saban took over, there was much debate about this topic on Phins forums. My thought is that ZT and Bruschi are nearly identical IMO so i don't see why Zach can't be effective in a 3-4. If he has someone like Wilfork in front of of him then I don't see why not. If Colvin or Vrabel is the OLB on his side and Bruschi or Junior the other ILB then all the better.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (blackadder @ Feb 20 2008, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (huevonkiller @ Feb 19 2008, 05:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Is Zach a good fit in the 3-4 scheme anyway?</div> When Saban took over, there was much debate about this topic on Phins forums. My thought is that ZT and Bruschi are nearly identical IMO so i don't see why Zach can't be effective in a 3-4. If he has someone like Wilfork in front of of him then I don't see why not. If Colvin or Vrabel is the OLB on his side and Bruschi or Junior the other ILB then all the better. </div> Ah well that makes sense, I haven't been able to follow the Dolphins as closely recently so I could not say with certainty if he was a decent fit anymore. Junior is about 3 and a half years older than ZT too.
