INDIANAPOLIS -- Snaps played by Patriots defenders in Super Bowl XLVI while analyzing what it might mean (as charted in press box, small margin for error):
CB Kyle Arrington – 76 of 76
S Patrick Chung – 76 of 76
LB Jerod Mayo – 76 of 76
CB/S Devin McCourty – 76 of 76
LB/DE Rob Ninkovich – 73 of 76
DL Vince Wilfork -- 69 of 76
LB Brandon Spikes – 66 of 76
S James Ihedigbo – 59 of 76
DE Mark Anderson – 52 of 76
DL Kyle Love -- 41 of 76
DL Gerard Warren – 37 of 76
DE Shaun Ellis – 31 of 76
CB Sterling Moore – 30 of 76
DL Brandon Deaderick -- 27 of 76
CB Antwaun Molden – 25 of 76
LB Tracy White – 22 of 76
LB Dane Fletcher – 1 of 76
(Snaps include one extra for 12-men-on-field penalty vs. Patriots, 12-men in huddle vs. Giants, holding, offside and false start penalties, and a two-point conversion. No kneel-down included.)
ANALYSIS: The main aspect that stands out is how LB Tracy White played all of his snaps in the first half. This looked like a halftime adjustment, with the coaching staff going away from the “light” 4-3 with Rob Ninkovich playing end and the combination of White/Brandon Spikes/Jerod Mayo at linebacker. The Patriots went heavier in the second half in the base D, as DE Shaun Ellis saw his snaps spike (20 of 31 in second half). This change could also have been tied to the Giants losing H-back Travis Beckum to a torn ACL in the first half, which had their offense going bigger. Beckum is more of a hybrid type player and the speedy White was likely viewed as a counter to that. … LB Brandon Spikes was part of the base and nickel packages, coming off in the dime. This shows how Spikes is viewed as more than just a two-down linebacker by the coaching staff. … No snaps for Julian Edelman on defense. The Patriots moved Devin McCourty to safety in nickel and dime packages, tapping Sterling Moore and Antwaun Molden to come on at CB. S James Ihedigbo often left the field in nickel packages. … Veteran DL Gerard Warren was used in sub packages. … LB Dane Fletcher’s one snap was a good one, coming on the final play of the Giants’ opening drive of the second half, helping to force a field goal.
CB Kyle Arrington – 76 of 76
S Patrick Chung – 76 of 76
LB Jerod Mayo – 76 of 76
CB/S Devin McCourty – 76 of 76
LB/DE Rob Ninkovich – 73 of 76
DL Vince Wilfork -- 69 of 76
LB Brandon Spikes – 66 of 76
S James Ihedigbo – 59 of 76
DE Mark Anderson – 52 of 76
DL Kyle Love -- 41 of 76
DL Gerard Warren – 37 of 76
DE Shaun Ellis – 31 of 76
CB Sterling Moore – 30 of 76
DL Brandon Deaderick -- 27 of 76
CB Antwaun Molden – 25 of 76
LB Tracy White – 22 of 76
LB Dane Fletcher – 1 of 76
(Snaps include one extra for 12-men-on-field penalty vs. Patriots, 12-men in huddle vs. Giants, holding, offside and false start penalties, and a two-point conversion. No kneel-down included.)
ANALYSIS: The main aspect that stands out is how LB Tracy White played all of his snaps in the first half. This looked like a halftime adjustment, with the coaching staff going away from the “light” 4-3 with Rob Ninkovich playing end and the combination of White/Brandon Spikes/Jerod Mayo at linebacker. The Patriots went heavier in the second half in the base D, as DE Shaun Ellis saw his snaps spike (20 of 31 in second half). This change could also have been tied to the Giants losing H-back Travis Beckum to a torn ACL in the first half, which had their offense going bigger. Beckum is more of a hybrid type player and the speedy White was likely viewed as a counter to that. … LB Brandon Spikes was part of the base and nickel packages, coming off in the dime. This shows how Spikes is viewed as more than just a two-down linebacker by the coaching staff. … No snaps for Julian Edelman on defense. The Patriots moved Devin McCourty to safety in nickel and dime packages, tapping Sterling Moore and Antwaun Molden to come on at CB. S James Ihedigbo often left the field in nickel packages. … Veteran DL Gerard Warren was used in sub packages. … LB Dane Fletcher’s one snap was a good one, coming on the final play of the Giants’ opening drive of the second half, helping to force a field goal.
Every Thursday on ESPNBoston.com, there is a Patriots chat in the early afternoon. Today's chat kicked off at noon, can be recapped here, and included some of the following topics:
1. Brian Waters and potential retirement.
2. Devin McCourty and his long-term fit on defense -- cornerback or safety.
3. Julian Edelman and his long-term fit on the team -- offense or defense.
4. Areas to target to improve the team in 2012.
5. Tom Brady and the future. Can he lead the team back to the Super Bowl?
6. Thoughts on the defense and what changes could help in 2012.
1. Brian Waters and potential retirement.
2. Devin McCourty and his long-term fit on defense -- cornerback or safety.
3. Julian Edelman and his long-term fit on the team -- offense or defense.
4. Areas to target to improve the team in 2012.
5. Tom Brady and the future. Can he lead the team back to the Super Bowl?
6. Thoughts on the defense and what changes could help in 2012.
Rob Rang of CBSSports.com produces his latest mock draft and he goes with a split between defense and offense.
At No. 27, Rang gives the team Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.
At No. 31, the choice is LSU receiver Rueben Randle.
The feeling here is that receiver is a position that will be targeted this offseason. Time to study up on Randle a bit.
At No. 27, Rang gives the team Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.
Cox will appeal to Bill Belichick for various reasons, not the least of which is the fact that the 6-4, 295-pound junior is just scratching the surface of his potential. And make no mistake, the potential is there for Cox to be a star. The Bulldog defensive tackle earned the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week four times this season and is highly regarded by scouts because of his size, strength and ability to play inside or out in multiple fronts. That type of versatility will also certainly intrigue Belichick.
At No. 31, the choice is LSU receiver Rueben Randle.
The Patriots relied heavily on All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski in 2011 and struggled to generate big plays in the passing game with him limited. Bill Belichick has shown a preference to stay away from high-maintenance, first-round wide receivers but cannot deny the need for size and speed outside.
The feeling here is that receiver is a position that will be targeted this offseason. Time to study up on Randle a bit.
In a piece now posted on ESPNBoston.com, Mike Reiss analyzes receiver Wes Welker's contract negotiation with the Patriots.
Reiss then dissects those issues, sharing the viewpoint from each side of the negotiating table. To read the piece, CLICK HERE.
Bill Belichick's remarks Monday could have just as easily applied to receiver Wes Welker as they did the New England Patriots' 2011 season: "It's not about one game or one play or anything, it's the whole body of work."
Welker's inability to haul in an inaccurate throw from quarterback Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVI, a play that could have helped seal a victory but instead helped set the stage for the New York Giants' remarkable comeback, has been sliced, diced, analyzed and then dissected some more in recent days.
Some have asked if the play could impact contract negotiations between the sides, as Welker is scheduled for unrestricted free agency. It shouldn't. Belichick's words reinforce that thought.
No receiver has caught more passes than Welker over the last five seasons and his value to the team isn't diminished by the heavily debated Super Bowl play. The same issues that have held up an extension to this point remain in play.
Reiss then dissects those issues, sharing the viewpoint from each side of the negotiating table. To read the piece, CLICK HERE.
Quarterback Tom Brady and defensive lineman Vince Wilfork were mic'd up in Super Bowl XLVI, and NFL.com has the clips now posted.
Not a memory many Patriots fans want to revisit. At the same time, one can feel the intensity on the field and on the sideline.
Links: Part 1 Sound Fx (opening), Part 2 Sound Fx (first half), Part 3 (third quarter) and Part 4 (fourth quarter).
Here are a few of the notable quotes:
* Tom Brady, talking on the sideline after his intentional grounding call: “I looked at Gronk, I looked to Wes, he dropped, then I felt him, I had no place to throw it away. I threw it over his head. I didn’t want to throw an interception."
* Brady, after getting one of his passes batted away at the line of scrimmage by Jason Pierre-Paul: “It’s like throwing in a forest, dude, those guys arms are like …”
* Vince Wilfork to official Carl Paganelli, when Paganelli asked Wilfork whether he was held by the Giants' Kevin Boothe: “That was a bad call.” Paganelli then asked Wilfork why he didn't tell him that before he threw the flag. Wilfork jokingly responded: “As much as you guys miss, I deserve one. I’ll let you know when you miss one too, now.”
* Brady to Chad Ochocinco, who started the Patriots' opening drive of the third quarter with a 21-yard reception: “Way to get us started, that’s what I’m talking about. That's why we got you.”
* On the Giants sideline, linebacker Michael Boley talking about Rob Gronkowski in the third quarter: “Hey, 87’s a (expletive) decoy, he’s a decoy. … He’s about to be outta here.”
* Referee John Parry, talking to another official, after Wes Welker's drop with 4 minutes left in the game: “That was the game.”
* Patriots coach Bill Belichick, talking to his defense on the sideline right before the Giants took the field for their final drive of the game: “This is still a Cruz and Nicks game. I know we’re right on them, it’s tight but those are still the guys. Make them go to Manningham, make them go to Pascoe. Let’s make sure we get Cruz and Nicks.”
The first play of the Giants' drive was Manning's 38-yard pass to Mario Manningham, which was caught on the sideline ... right in front of Belichick.
* Brady’s comment when Manningham's catch was replayed in the Jumbotron: “He caught it.”
* Later in that drive, when the Giants had second down at the Patriots' 6 yard line with a little over a minute to go, Jerod Mayo and Vince Wilfork telling players in the huddle: “We gotta let them score, got to let them score.”
* Before the final play of the game, the Patriots' Hail Mary, Brady telling Aaron Hernandez and Gronkowski: “Run to the goalpost and catch it.”
Not a memory many Patriots fans want to revisit. At the same time, one can feel the intensity on the field and on the sideline.
Links: Part 1 Sound Fx (opening), Part 2 Sound Fx (first half), Part 3 (third quarter) and Part 4 (fourth quarter).
Here are a few of the notable quotes:
* Tom Brady, talking on the sideline after his intentional grounding call: “I looked at Gronk, I looked to Wes, he dropped, then I felt him, I had no place to throw it away. I threw it over his head. I didn’t want to throw an interception."
* Brady, after getting one of his passes batted away at the line of scrimmage by Jason Pierre-Paul: “It’s like throwing in a forest, dude, those guys arms are like …”
* Vince Wilfork to official Carl Paganelli, when Paganelli asked Wilfork whether he was held by the Giants' Kevin Boothe: “That was a bad call.” Paganelli then asked Wilfork why he didn't tell him that before he threw the flag. Wilfork jokingly responded: “As much as you guys miss, I deserve one. I’ll let you know when you miss one too, now.”
* Brady to Chad Ochocinco, who started the Patriots' opening drive of the third quarter with a 21-yard reception: “Way to get us started, that’s what I’m talking about. That's why we got you.”
* On the Giants sideline, linebacker Michael Boley talking about Rob Gronkowski in the third quarter: “Hey, 87’s a (expletive) decoy, he’s a decoy. … He’s about to be outta here.”
* Referee John Parry, talking to another official, after Wes Welker's drop with 4 minutes left in the game: “That was the game.”
* Patriots coach Bill Belichick, talking to his defense on the sideline right before the Giants took the field for their final drive of the game: “This is still a Cruz and Nicks game. I know we’re right on them, it’s tight but those are still the guys. Make them go to Manningham, make them go to Pascoe. Let’s make sure we get Cruz and Nicks.”
The first play of the Giants' drive was Manning's 38-yard pass to Mario Manningham, which was caught on the sideline ... right in front of Belichick.
* Brady’s comment when Manningham's catch was replayed in the Jumbotron: “He caught it.”
* Later in that drive, when the Giants had second down at the Patriots' 6 yard line with a little over a minute to go, Jerod Mayo and Vince Wilfork telling players in the huddle: “We gotta let them score, got to let them score.”
* Before the final play of the game, the Patriots' Hail Mary, Brady telling Aaron Hernandez and Gronkowski: “Run to the goalpost and catch it.”
Every Thursday on ESPNBoston.com, there is a Patriots chat in the early afternoon. Today's chat is scheduled to kick off at noon, and questions can be asked in advance.
Lead-in question: What areas would you target to improve the team in 2012?
Lead-in question: What areas would you target to improve the team in 2012?
Former Patriots safety Rodney Harrison was on ESPN Chicago Radio 1000 on Wednesday and discussed a few topics related to the Patriots' Super Bowl loss (listen HERE):
* Whose fault was the missed connection between Tom Brady and Wes Welker in the fourth quarter?: “You can say ‘That’s a catch Wes normally makes’ or you can say ‘You know what, Tom Brady should have hit him in stride.’ The fact is, it didn’t just come down to that play. They made so many mistakes in the first half that carried over to the second half.”
* Brady was off: “Tom probably could have done a better job decision making. ... It didn’t feel like the old Tom Brady when I played with him in that fourth quarter.”
* Thinks Rob Gronkowski "disrespected himself" by dancing at a team party after the loss: “I guarantee you this, if Willie McGinest, Tedy Bruschi, Larry Izzo, Richard Seymour or myself had been at that party, (Gronkowski) probably would have got his head rung. There’s no reason for that to happen.”
* Whose fault was the missed connection between Tom Brady and Wes Welker in the fourth quarter?: “You can say ‘That’s a catch Wes normally makes’ or you can say ‘You know what, Tom Brady should have hit him in stride.’ The fact is, it didn’t just come down to that play. They made so many mistakes in the first half that carried over to the second half.”
* Brady was off: “Tom probably could have done a better job decision making. ... It didn’t feel like the old Tom Brady when I played with him in that fourth quarter.”
* Thinks Rob Gronkowski "disrespected himself" by dancing at a team party after the loss: “I guarantee you this, if Willie McGinest, Tedy Bruschi, Larry Izzo, Richard Seymour or myself had been at that party, (Gronkowski) probably would have got his head rung. There’s no reason for that to happen.”
An interactive feature that allows you to grade each member of the Patriots -- players, coaches, personnel executives, ownership -- is now posted on ESPNBoston.com. Check it out here.
The plan will be to circle back in a few days and share some of the results.
When thinking about which player would get a sure-fire "A", tight end Rob Gronkowski was the first to come to mind.
The plan will be to circle back in a few days and share some of the results.
When thinking about which player would get a sure-fire "A", tight end Rob Gronkowski was the first to come to mind.
We're currently in a mix of Super Bowl recovery/transitioning to the offseason reporting on the Patriots.
When it comes to the second part of the equation, Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel provides some helpful information as it relates to the salary cap. Kelly breaks down the cap status of every NFL team and puts the Patriots in the category of "possible big spenders."
Kelly notes the Patriots have just shy of $102 million currently committed to their 2012 salary cap. The projected cap is between $121-125 million.
When it comes to the salary cap, the thinking here is that it's easy to get bogged down in numbers. Instead of doing that, Kelly's numbers are passed along to provide a general ballpark for where the Patriots stand.
They should have flexibility to make moves.
Part of the fun in the coming months will be analyzing and debating what those moves should be.
When it comes to the second part of the equation, Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel provides some helpful information as it relates to the salary cap. Kelly breaks down the cap status of every NFL team and puts the Patriots in the category of "possible big spenders."
Kelly notes the Patriots have just shy of $102 million currently committed to their 2012 salary cap. The projected cap is between $121-125 million.
When it comes to the salary cap, the thinking here is that it's easy to get bogged down in numbers. Instead of doing that, Kelly's numbers are passed along to provide a general ballpark for where the Patriots stand.
They should have flexibility to make moves.
Part of the fun in the coming months will be analyzing and debating what those moves should be.
SI.com's Don Banks, one of our favorite national reporters, pens a piece looking at what's ahead for the Patriots. Banks breaks things down into the following categories:
1. Salary cap
2. Free agency
3. Coaching staff
4. Draft position
5. 2012 schedule
To read Banks' piece, CLICK HERE.
1. Salary cap
2. Free agency
3. Coaching staff
4. Draft position
5. 2012 schedule
"The Patriots' list of 2012 opponents looks anything but daunting from this vantage point," Banks writes. "New England has just four games against teams that made the playoffs this season, and only one of those, at Baltimore, is on the road. That rematch of the AFC title game will be an obvious highlight of next season, as will home games against NFC title game loser San Francisco, and a Broncos-at-Patriots rematch of this year's AFC divisional-round playoff showdown in Foxboro.
"New England draws the NFC West and AFC South in 2012, and only the 49ers and Texans made this season's playoffs from among those eight teams. In addition, the Patriots will be heading back across the pond to face the Rams in London, and that late October matchup ensures New England a nice early November bye, exactly midway through the regular season."
To read Banks' piece, CLICK HERE.
Some quick hits surrounding the Patriots:
1. Some players are in the process of returning home. Rookie running back Shane Vereen tweeted, "On my way baq to Cali. ... See you on the flip side Boston!" Offensive lineman Nick McDonald tweeted, "On my way back to detroit.. Yes I'm driving.. stopping in niagra falls to stay the night.. Never been there." The next time many will return to town is for the team's offseason program.
2. On Grantland, Bill Simmons gives his 15 "silver linings" from the Patriots' loss to the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI.
3. Tight ends coach Brian Ferentz is a candidate to become Iowa's offensive line coach, Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com's Big 10 blog notes. In last Saturday's "football journey" on ESPNBoston.com, Ferentz's love of Iowa shone through.
4. Couple of programming notes for those who haven't tuned out: Sound FX tonight on NFL Network (9:30 p.m. ET) will feature quarterback Tom Brady and defensive lineman Vince Wilfork mic'd up from Super Bowl XLVI, and ESPN's "Outside the Lines" is talking New England Patriots today (3 p.m. ET).
5. Things should be a little quieter in this space over the next few days. My primary goal is to finalize the defensive snap counts from the Super Bowl and create a final document with snap counts for the complete 2011 season for followers to reference throughout the year. Outside of that, there might be an sporadic update here on the blog, but I'm going to lift the foot off the accelerator a bit. Thursday's Patriots chat is still on schedule (noon).
6. The New York Daily News notes that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are scheduled to play in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
1. Some players are in the process of returning home. Rookie running back Shane Vereen tweeted, "On my way baq to Cali. ... See you on the flip side Boston!" Offensive lineman Nick McDonald tweeted, "On my way back to detroit.. Yes I'm driving.. stopping in niagra falls to stay the night.. Never been there." The next time many will return to town is for the team's offseason program.
2. On Grantland, Bill Simmons gives his 15 "silver linings" from the Patriots' loss to the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI.
3. Tight ends coach Brian Ferentz is a candidate to become Iowa's offensive line coach, Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com's Big 10 blog notes. In last Saturday's "football journey" on ESPNBoston.com, Ferentz's love of Iowa shone through.
4. Couple of programming notes for those who haven't tuned out: Sound FX tonight on NFL Network (9:30 p.m. ET) will feature quarterback Tom Brady and defensive lineman Vince Wilfork mic'd up from Super Bowl XLVI, and ESPN's "Outside the Lines" is talking New England Patriots today (3 p.m. ET).
5. Things should be a little quieter in this space over the next few days. My primary goal is to finalize the defensive snap counts from the Super Bowl and create a final document with snap counts for the complete 2011 season for followers to reference throughout the year. Outside of that, there might be an sporadic update here on the blog, but I'm going to lift the foot off the accelerator a bit. Thursday's Patriots chat is still on schedule (noon).
6. The New York Daily News notes that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are scheduled to play in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
When receiver Tiquan Underwood was released the night before the Super Bowl, he took the potentially crushing news in stride and called the Patriots a classy organization.
He knew all along that as long as he wasn't claimed on waivers by another team, he'd be back with the team. That officially happened late Tuesday, with the team announcing that he has been signed to a future contract for 2012.
Underwood was one of seven players signed to deals for 2012, joining linebacker/defensive end Markell Carter, receiver Britt Davis, offensive tackle Matt Kopa, defensive end Aaron Lavarias, linebacker Mike Rivera and safety Ross Ventrone.
All the players, outside of Underwood, spent time on the Patriots' practice squad in 2011.
He knew all along that as long as he wasn't claimed on waivers by another team, he'd be back with the team. That officially happened late Tuesday, with the team announcing that he has been signed to a future contract for 2012.
Underwood was one of seven players signed to deals for 2012, joining linebacker/defensive end Markell Carter, receiver Britt Davis, offensive tackle Matt Kopa, defensive end Aaron Lavarias, linebacker Mike Rivera and safety Ross Ventrone.
All the players, outside of Underwood, spent time on the Patriots' practice squad in 2011.
Quick-hit thoughts on Patriots players scheduled for unrestricted free agency while gauging the possibility of their return:
DE Mark Anderson -- Had a consistent, solid year while playing on a one-year, $1.375 million deal and is a strong candidate to return because he can rush the passer. One of the team's best free-agent signings. Somewhat reminds me of Tully Banta-Cain in 2006, a player hitting the open market while his value is rising.
WR Deion Branch -- Says he wants to return and the door should be open for him, although it might be in a reduced role. This is one position that figures to have a new look in 2012, with more reinforcements targeted.
DE Andre Carter -- Two factors would play a big part in his return -- health and defensive scheme. If the Patriots go back to the 3-4, the fit might not be as good as it was in 2011.
C Dan Connolly -- Offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia raved about him at the Super Bowl. Would think he'll be back as a pivot who is still growing into the job.
DE Shaun Ellis -- Veteran submerged his ego to fit in as a reserve in 2011, but was ultimately replaced by Brandon Deaderick at left end. Projection from here is that it's more likely to be a one-and-done situation.
RB Kevin Faulk -- Tweeted today that he hasn't yet decided on retirement. After everything he's done for the organization, there will always be a spot for him in some capacity. Would be surprised if it's as a player in 2012.
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis -- He fits well with the offense and in the overall program. One would think team wants him back as long as the economics work.
LB Gary Guyton -- Solid pro who fell off the Patriots' map at the end of the year when he was a healthy scratch for the final string of games, he shouldn't have a problem finding a home elsewhere. Would be surprised if he's back here.
S James Ihedigbo -- Couldn't have asked for much more from him this year; arrived as a special teamer and contributed more than anticipated on defense. Smart player who fits in the program and should return, likely with more competition from others at safety.
CB/S Nate Jones -- In-season signing would face long odds to earn a roster spot if everyone's healthy. If he returns, it would be with depth in mind.
C Dan Koppen -- Missed all of 2011 with a foot injury and enters his 10th NFL season. Figures to be interest in bringing him back, with Dan Connolly's status likely tied to this decision from a team perspective.
LB Niko Koutouvides -- Helped solidify special teams when signed in early November. Should be back to vie for a roster spot in 2012.
CB Antwaun Molden -- Claimed on waivers from the Texans, he was solid in the kicking game and added depth on the outside at corner. Could see him back to battle for a roster spot.
WR Matthew Slater -- Has become a Larry Izzo-type leader on special teams and should be a top offseason priority to lock up.
DL Gerard Warren -- Added a lot as a veteran presence -- on the field and in the locker room. No reason not to have him back to compete for a roster spot and add depth.
WR Wes Welker -- Seems straight-forward from this perspective -- franchise tag or extension.
LB Tracy White -- Finished second on the team in special teams tackles and still runs well. Should be a place for him here, at the least to compete for a roster spot against an up-and-comer.
EXTRA POINT: Quarterback Brian Hoyer is a restricted free agent. The expectation is that the Patriots would tender him at least at the second-round level to protect their "asset" at the game's most important position.
DE Mark Anderson -- Had a consistent, solid year while playing on a one-year, $1.375 million deal and is a strong candidate to return because he can rush the passer. One of the team's best free-agent signings. Somewhat reminds me of Tully Banta-Cain in 2006, a player hitting the open market while his value is rising.
WR Deion Branch -- Says he wants to return and the door should be open for him, although it might be in a reduced role. This is one position that figures to have a new look in 2012, with more reinforcements targeted.
DE Andre Carter -- Two factors would play a big part in his return -- health and defensive scheme. If the Patriots go back to the 3-4, the fit might not be as good as it was in 2011.
C Dan Connolly -- Offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia raved about him at the Super Bowl. Would think he'll be back as a pivot who is still growing into the job.
DE Shaun Ellis -- Veteran submerged his ego to fit in as a reserve in 2011, but was ultimately replaced by Brandon Deaderick at left end. Projection from here is that it's more likely to be a one-and-done situation.
RB Kevin Faulk -- Tweeted today that he hasn't yet decided on retirement. After everything he's done for the organization, there will always be a spot for him in some capacity. Would be surprised if it's as a player in 2012.
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis -- He fits well with the offense and in the overall program. One would think team wants him back as long as the economics work.
LB Gary Guyton -- Solid pro who fell off the Patriots' map at the end of the year when he was a healthy scratch for the final string of games, he shouldn't have a problem finding a home elsewhere. Would be surprised if he's back here.
S James Ihedigbo -- Couldn't have asked for much more from him this year; arrived as a special teamer and contributed more than anticipated on defense. Smart player who fits in the program and should return, likely with more competition from others at safety.
CB/S Nate Jones -- In-season signing would face long odds to earn a roster spot if everyone's healthy. If he returns, it would be with depth in mind.
C Dan Koppen -- Missed all of 2011 with a foot injury and enters his 10th NFL season. Figures to be interest in bringing him back, with Dan Connolly's status likely tied to this decision from a team perspective.
LB Niko Koutouvides -- Helped solidify special teams when signed in early November. Should be back to vie for a roster spot in 2012.
CB Antwaun Molden -- Claimed on waivers from the Texans, he was solid in the kicking game and added depth on the outside at corner. Could see him back to battle for a roster spot.
WR Matthew Slater -- Has become a Larry Izzo-type leader on special teams and should be a top offseason priority to lock up.
DL Gerard Warren -- Added a lot as a veteran presence -- on the field and in the locker room. No reason not to have him back to compete for a roster spot and add depth.
WR Wes Welker -- Seems straight-forward from this perspective -- franchise tag or extension.
LB Tracy White -- Finished second on the team in special teams tackles and still runs well. Should be a place for him here, at the least to compete for a roster spot against an up-and-comer.
EXTRA POINT: Quarterback Brian Hoyer is a restricted free agent. The expectation is that the Patriots would tender him at least at the second-round level to protect their "asset" at the game's most important position.
Video of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski dancing at a team party after losing Super Bowl XLVI is getting a lot of buzz across the Internet and has sparked a debate as to whether it's something he perhaps shouldn't have done, or something that should bother Patriots fans.
* Woodson's take: "Everyone's going to handle a loss totally different. I don't really know the circumstances as far as where Gronkowski was and how everything took place. But at the same time, after a loss, especially a guy who just came off a high ankle sprain, was injured through most of that game and tried to fight his way through it, you want to see some kind of remorse, some type of feeling of 'Hey, we just lost this big game, let's try to control it.'"
* Mangini's take: "I don't think he was celebrating the loss. What they were celebrating was the accomplishment of getting there. It's the last time they're going to be together. There's going to be so much change with free agency and the draft. This is the last time this group on men are going to be together, and they have their families. Did he take it too far, was there alcohol? I don't know any of those things. But I don't think it was a celebration or him not caring about the fact they lost. It was more the event of being together in that moment."
* Your take?: Where do you stand? Do you think Gronkowski and some of his teammates should have been more remorseful after the loss and cognizant of how dancing at a party after the game would be perceived? Do you think the big man was just letting off some steam after a tough defeat and trying to enjoy his time with family and teammates? Or, do you think this is a non-story and wonder why we're even talking about this? Vote in the poll above and sound off in the comments section.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Reiss
Mike Reiss first started covering the Patriots in 1997 with the team's official newspaper, Patriots Football Weekly, before moving on to the MetroWest Daily News in his hometown of Framingham. From 2005 to 2009, he covered the Patriots for The Boston Globe, while also writing on the NFL. He started his popular Patriots blog in 2004. Send any questions or comments for Mike to his mailbag. Follow him on Twitter here.
Chris Forsberg
Chris Forsberg has been reporting on the Boston sports scene since 1999. With his video camera in tow, Forsberg covered everything from Massachusetts high school sports to Boston's pro sports teams. Follow him on Twitter.
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