Mike Reiss

  (11:56 AM)

Good afternoon and welcome to today's chat. For those joining in who might be regulars on our Patriots blog, and are having trouble with the comments section, I'm told it's an issue we've had over the last 24-48 hours. I am having the same issue, as I am unable to comment. Thanks for your patience.

Mike Reiss

  (11:58 AM)

For today's chat, the plan is to go from noon-12:30. Part of the reason is that I'm here in Bristol at ESPN headquarters for some computer repair. We'll plan to make up the time a bit later in the season.

Mike Reiss

  (12:00 PM)

One question asked on our Patriots blog, to discuss in today's chat, is a possible surprise cut. Always tough to predict, but one player who came to mind was veteran OL Robert Gallery. If Logan Mankins is ready to go, and Brian Waters comes back, is there room for him? There probably is, but I wouldn't be shocked if it goes in the other direction.

Mike Reiss

  (12:00 PM)

Here we go...

Bill (Hartford)

Is Hightower signed yet? If not, anything to be concerned about there?

Mike Reiss

  (12:00 PM)

Bill, nothing yet on Hightower. Don't think there is a reason to be concerned. Believe it will get done by the time it counts -- the start of training camp.

Chris (Maryland)

Do you know any other teams that would be courting Andre Carter? Do you think Jake Ballard will start the season on PUP or IR?

Mike Reiss

  (12:02 PM)

Chris, at this point, it sounds like Carter is not yet ready to pass a physical, so I don't think there has been much courting. One team I've speculated as a possibility if Baltimore. Pure speculation, but after the Suggs injury, it makes some sense to me. On Ballard, I think it's PUP. To go on IR, he'd have to clear waivers and the Giants could just claim him back.

Pete (Vermont)

Hi Mike Just curious but who is or was your favorite Football journalist ??

Mike Reiss

  (12:02 PM)

Nice. Like this one, Pete. Will McDonough of the Boston Globe was my choice.

Tyler (Peterborough, NH)

Hey Mike, considering Matt Light's retirement along the shaky injury status of both Mankins and Vollmer, and finally the uncertainty surrounding Waters, aren't there justified questions and second-guessing about not getting OL depth in the draft this year? Isn't that an imperative for the 2013? And do you subscribe to John Clayton's Theory of 150 when it come to the O-line?

Mike Reiss

  (12:04 PM)

Tyler, I wasn't in Professor Clayton's class to learn about the Theory of 150, so let me study up on that one and give you the answer in the coming weeks. On the OL second-guessing, I don't subscribe to that line of thinking because I thought they did some good work last year with Solder and Cannon. Also have some young developmental types on the interior. Can't stock every position every year.

Damian (Birr, Ireland)

Hi Mike. Firstly can you give a shout out to all the guys playing in the American Football in Moneygall in Ireland on Saturday to mark the 4th of July. Great buzz around it and yours truly has the pleasure of commentating. Just another sign of the huge increase in popularity in the game this side of the Atlantic. My question is about Andre Carter. If he comes back fit and healthy this year he is a lock for a roster spot. Who is most at risk if/when he comes back?

Mike Reiss

  (12:06 PM)

Damian, best of luck to the team and good luck with the commentating. On Carter, if he comes back, I think he'll have a roster spot (assuming good health, of course). At that position, I see the likes of Rob Ninkovich, Trevor Scott and Chandler Jones. I think they'll all be there. So if Carter comes aboard, his presence could affect a player at another spot, possibly a special teamer. Tough to say right now.

Clark (Muncie,In)

Who wears the green dot on defense for the 2012 season?

Mike Reiss

  (12:06 PM)

First thought: Jerod Mayo.

Matt (Bristol CT)

One more surprise roster cut of mine: Dan Koppen. I have a hunch that BB would rather let him walk and find a starting role than have him stay as a backup. Remember, they let him check out the free-agent market.

Mike Reiss

  (12:07 PM)

Thanks Matt. I'm right in your backyard today, here in Bristol. Koppen an interesting case in that I wouldn't be surprised if he starts all 16 games (with Connolly at guard if Waters isn't there), or has a legitimate fight for a roster spot. Not known as a versatile player, it pigeon-holes him a bit.

Blair (Ottawa, Canada)

Hey Mike,I think the suprise cut might be Deion Branch. I know, understand and appreciate his rapport with Tom Brady. But might he be the suprise cut ?Thanks, Blair

Mike Reiss

  (12:07 PM)

Thanks Blair. Lot of Branch thoughts on this one. I'm in Branch's corner. Still think he's on this club and contributing.

The Missing Link (Parts Unknown)

Earlier in the week, you guys posted an article about unsung heroes, where the author highlighted Slater's special teams work by noting he plays on all 4 units. Can you list who else plays on all 4 ST units, or is Slater the only one?

Mike Reiss

  (12:08 PM)

Greetings, "The Missing Link, from Parts Unknown." I had to do one of these. http://www.google.com/search?q=The+MIssing Link, Wrestler&hl=en

Mike Reiss

  (12:13 PM)

On the special teams, some core guys from last year: LB Tracy White, LB Niko Koutouvides, LB Dane Fletcher and S Sergio Brown a few from last year.

Mike Reiss

  (12:13 PM)

Here is a link on the topic from the Super Bowl: http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/7515220/new-england-patriots-special-teamers-primed-super-bowl-xlvi

Mike (DC)

Mike, reading preview pieces on the division this year, the Bills are being rightfully touted as a rising team, signing Mario Williams, but they also seem to give a lot of credit to Mark Anderson and write as if they have a top notch pass rushing duo. Not that I didn't love what he gave the Pats last year, but didn't the Bills sign the second best pass rusher on one of the worst pass rushes in football? and on top of that, decide to play him on the right end against the best one on one blockers the other team has to offer? I think it might be overexuberance, your thoughts?

Mike Reiss

  (12:14 PM)

Agree, Mike. Well thought out by you. And they paid him a lot. I like Anderson, but not at that price tag.

Dave Barry (Briarcliff Manor, Ny)

As much as I hate to think about it, Brady is on the back nine of his career. Year in and year out the team manages to reload as opposed to needing to rebuild. The Colts saw their fortunes turn without Peyton and I wonder where you think the Patriots are (will be) when Tom calls it quits. Are they really a more solid, top to bottom, team than most or are we fooled because we have Brady/Belichick? Love your insights.

Mike Reiss

  (12:15 PM)

Thanks Dave. I think there will be a dip post-Brady. He's that special. But I do think the overall structure in place, with Bill Belichick as coach, will keep the Patriots competitive. Certainly more competitive than the Colts were last year.

McAwesome (Florida)

Mike, How much better do you think the Patriots defense will be? I am hoping with a better pass ruch, our secondary will get better, less time to get open. That being said do you think we will have to outscore our opponet every week, or will we be able to rely more on defense?

Mike Reiss

  (12:15 PM)

I do think they will be better, starting in one of the big trouble spots from the past two years -- third down (28th last year, 32nd in 2010). More speed and athleticcism.

MarkJ (Japan)

Mike, "Scout's Notebook" and "Bubble Watch" are two best readings this summer. I am enjoying every bit of them and just want to say thank you to both reporters and ESPNBoston!

Mike Reiss

  (12:16 PM)

Awesome, MarkJ. That's kudos to colleagues Mike Rodak (Bubble Watch) and Field Yates (Scout's Notebook), who not only came up with those ideas themselves, but are also executing them. That's why they're two first-round draft choices.

Jim L. (Macon, GA)

I'll give you 2 surprise cuts -- one on offense and one on defense. On offense, it's Deon Branch. I just don't see room for him at a crowded receiver position and with the emphasis on the young tight ends in the offense. On defense, Rob Ninkovich. I don't think it bodes well when a player is asked to change positions prior to training camp and move to a DE position where there are already a bunch of young players and free agent additions. My question for today is, do you think Josh McDaniel is the next head coach of the Patriots and, if so, when do you think that would happen?

Mike Reiss

  (12:17 PM)

Thanks Jim. Respect the viewpoint, even as I see it differently with both Branch and Ninkovich. On McDaniels, I do believe he'd be in line to take over whenever that time comes. Let's say 5-7 years.

peter (football addict from austria)

i have a question about the saints bounty case. is there any statistical evidence about more injured players in saints games than in others? Because from my point of view there is less reason for such a harsh punishment if there are no effects on the number of injured or "carted off" opponents. there is so much talk about the right mentality of D-players. How is it possible that a player that has to give it all just to play in the league plays with added aggression to injure somebody? I know that it is false to tell a guy to hit another guys head but it has been a private coaches speech so its a little different to judge. parents that tell their kids to hit the ... out of another player in pop warner dont get fined either. greets peter

Mike Reiss

  (12:18 PM)

Peter, I'm not aware of any evidence of more injured players in those games. I'm not particularly close to this story, more locked in on everything and all-things Patriots here on ESPNBoston.com.

Alain (Zürich, Switzerland)

Hi Mike, do you expect some changes in terms of O-philosophy? Coach B always seems to be ahead in that regard and is "inventing" new trends, like the 2 TE he drafted 2 years ago..Now with all the D's (and O's) in the league adjusting to this, can we expect something new out of the Pat's O?

Mike Reiss

  (12:19 PM)

Alain, I don't think we'll see a major shift. One area I do think they'd like to improve is situational rushing. When they need a yard, can they get it? Just a thought from this perspective that the running game has been productive, but at certain times in the clutch/pressure moments, it didn't always produce the desired result last year.

Cole (Shanghai, China)

Hi Mike, my impression is that the Pats are a little shorter than average in the secondary, how do they compare with other teams and do you think this was a factor in the stats last year?

Mike Reiss

  (12:20 PM)

Cole, shorter as in size, or roster numbers? Either way, I don't think size was a big reason for the struggles. More than anything, it was technique and assignment related.

Jon (Adams, MA)

More likely trade candidate before the season, Mallet or Hoyer?

Mike Reiss

  (12:21 PM)

I don't think there will be a big market for either unless they blow up in the preseason, Jon. Hoyer would be my pick.

Dylan (SLC, UT)

My surprise cut is Danny Woodhead. I think with Vereen healthy and Ridley and Addai Woodhead becomes expendable. Particuliarly if we keep a fullback in Kettani, Fiametta, etc.

Mike Reiss

  (12:21 PM)

Thanks Dylan. Woodhead played 33 percent of the snaps last season and I thought he played a solid Super Bowl. I think he sticks on the roster, but respect the viewpoint.

jblackburner (ATL)

Mike, my surprise cut is Edelman, in favor of a spot for either Bolden, Forston, or Jeremiah Warren, any of which would obviously be surprise keeps. My question: do you think McDonald offers good Mankins/Waters "insurance"? I have heard the team is high on McDonald... any insight?

Mike Reiss

  (12:23 PM)

Edelman's value a s a punt returner and potential Welker replacement in 2013 keeps him on my roster, but you're not alone in targeting him as a possible surprise. As for Nick McDonald, he probably fits best at center, at least based on what we saw last year. I think they like him. Guard would be his second position.

Tim (Boston, MA)

Hey Mike,One guy that comes to mind is Ron Brace. If he comes into 2012, either with continued injury troubles, or just not showing he can be an impact on this team, I could see enough being enough and him finding himself without a spot.

Mike Reiss

  (12:23 PM)

Thanks Tim.

Mike Reiss

  (12:23 PM)

Wouldn't be surprised either way on that one.

Nigel M (London)

Hi Mike,First up, I think a surprise cut may well be Zoltan Mesko - with the way the offense is shaping up - who needs a punter anyway?Just how balanced do you think the Patriots will be this coming season - even though we are only talking a lucky break here and there in both Giants Superbowls I kinda feel like the Patriots have assumed the role of the Rams. Martz famously wouldn't run the ball - now we have a fantastic passing offense that doesn't seem capable (or willing) to commit to a ground game when the chips are down.

Mike Reiss

  (12:24 PM)

Nigel, I sense some sarcasm there. Thanks. Mesko on the cusp of entering that top tier of punters. After 10 years, the Patriots can feel good about that one -- drafting and developing their own at the position.

Jon (Adams, MA)

Mike - you've remarked on the RB depth chart several times throughout the offseason - but what are your thoughts now? If Vereen is healthy could he bump Ridley and become the primary? Granted a committee is likely, but someone has to be the lead-horse, no?

Mike Reiss

  (12:24 PM)

Jon, they'll probably go game to game on the RBs. So I don't think a lead horse is mandatory.

MATT ABE (MANSFIELD, MA)

YOU PREDICT CONNOLLY STARTING SEASON AT GUARD OR CENTER?

Mike Reiss

  (12:25 PM)

Matt, if all goes according to plan, I think they'd like him at center. That would mean Mankins is ready at left guard and Waters is back at right guard.

Anthony Powell (Boynton Beach, Florida)

Mike what do you think is holding up a contract extension for Wes Welker and is it a classic case of the Patriots being cheap again?

Mike Reiss

  (12:26 PM)

Anthony, I don't think it's about cheap or anything like that. I think the team is projecting a flat salary cap the next few years and has to be careful on how much it is committing in 2013 and 2014. They set a value on Welker and Welker sees it differently. It happens with every team.

Steve (Venice,FL)

With Ras-I Dowling back and the respectable play of Sterling Moore late last year, do you see Arrington losing his starting spot this year?

Mike Reiss

  (12:27 PM)

Steve, my sense is that the Patriots would like Arrington to be their slot guy in the nickel. Thought he played well against Cruz in the Super Bowl in that role and we saw him in that spot in offseason camps.

Rob (Borough of Manhattan)

Hi Mike - Hope you had a great 4th! My vote for surprise cut this year is Myron Pryor. I think the fact that the team has built up some good depth in the interior DL this offseason, combined with the fact that Pryor has had a tough time staying healthy, will be his undoing in Foxboro. It's too bad because I thought that Pryor was a really effective player (particularly against the rush) when healthy the last few years.

Mike Reiss

  (12:28 PM)

Thanks Rob. Pryor, to me, is more of a health question than anything. When healthy, he's shown he can play. But the last two years have been tough in that regard for him.

Paul (Nectars in VT)

For a surprise cut I'm going with a player who would be a true surprise: Brian Waters. A lot of people (including me, actually) thought he was one of our best O-lineman last year so I'm personally hoping this DOESN'T happen. But if a couple not-improbable pieces fall into place--Mankins comes back a little ahead of schedule and looks good; Gallery shows he is a quality but cheap backup; Koppen returns close to starter form--then I could see Connelly starting at RG, Koppen back at C on the cheap, Gallery/Cannon/other young guys as backups, leaving Waters and that $2M+ salary the odd man out. I like the classy vet and I do see the O line as a potential concern so please tell me how wrong I am...

Mike Reiss

  (12:28 PM)

Wow, Paul. That would be a big surprise. Waters only on the books for $1.4 million. That's great value if he wants to return, and the team wants him back.

Prasad (Baltimore)

As Pats fans we are extremely aware of BB's mantra, "do your job". This is what he preaches to his players and staff and what he bases his personnel decisions on, especially on defense. A lot of fans are down on guys like Jerod Mayo who "do their job" but have not made game-changing plays regularly. Do you think that we have a bunch of workers out there that perhaps do not have big-play potential? Is everyone too focused on their assignments to make high-risk, high-reward decisions on the field?

Mike Reiss

  (12:30 PM)

Prasad, when I read this the first thing that came to mind was that Mayo made a pretty big play at the end of the Redskins game last year. He didn't have a good Super Bowl, but I see big-play potential there. Let me think about this some more, so as not to just dismiss it, but my initial sense was that it was a little bit harsh on Mayo.

Tim (Boston)

Hey Mike,All the talk about this years rookie class has been focused on Jones, Highsmith and to a lesser degree, Bequette. But what about Tavon Wilson? What kind of role do you envision he'll have on this team? With a second-round picked used, I sure hope he's a contributor. Could you see him winning a starting role next to Chung as a rookie (a la Eugene Wilson, where the similarities are many)? Or do you think he's most a ST and depth guy on the defense?

Mike Reiss

  (12:31 PM)

Tim, first thought was special teams and sub packages. Can play LB-type role in sub.

kenny (maine)

Hi Mike. With Mankins and Vollmer injured and Brian Waters unknown, do you think we have the guys to step up and replace these 3 with guys on the team already.

Mike Reiss

  (12:31 PM)

Kenny, the concern here would be less on the interior and more on Solder's transition to left tackle. I think Solder is capable, but it's still a big move for a player who was replaced at halftime of the Super Bowl at right tackle.

Rick (Providence )

Marcus Cannon intrigues me. I think he can be a special player. He came in last year slowly due to his cancer and ended playing some good minutes at the end of the year. Do you think it is better to settle him into one position and let him becaome special at that spot or would you bounce him around the line? I think if Vollmer is healthy I put Cannon at RG and leave him there. Mankins and Cannon can be a great duo with Solder and Vollmer as the bookends. I know Waters may be coming back but would it be better to start Waters and keep bouncing Cannon around or just thank Waters for his time and go with Cannon?

Mike Reiss

  (12:32 PM)

Rick, it looks like right tackle right now for Cannon. They very well might slide him inside at times during camp just to have that versatility in mind, but the sense I get at this point is that they like him at that tackle spot a bit more.

CbusGeekSquad (Columbus Ohio)

Hi Mike, I was wondering if you were planning on trying the video chats that AFC East blogger that James walker tried? Took time for him to get used to it but then, he could answer a lot more questions. Appreicate your team's work.

Mike Reiss

  (12:33 PM)

Let me check it out. I'm unaware of the video chats, but if we think it would make us better on ESPNBoston.com, we're all for it.

Mike Reiss

  (12:33 PM)

Let's go for another 5...

Eric (Winsted, CT)

Hi Mike. I am looking at BB's development of the backfield (2 promising RB's, a veteran Addai, and 3 solid FB options) and wondering if Bill is looking to better manage Tom's long term health/productivity. If the RB's develop as hopes that can lower Brady's pitch count. And the addition of FB's and Addai can bolster pass protection from an O-line that has some question marks. If so, this looks like great planning on BB's part. Thoughts?

Mike Reiss

  (12:35 PM)

Eric, I wouldn't limit Brady's pitch count. I think he's in great condition and while they probably want more out of the running game in certain areas (situational, explosive plays), I still think they'll lean mostly toward the pass. Overall, when it comes to the running backs and the building of the roster, I do think Bill Belichick obviously knows a thing or two about that. The results are proven.

David (North Attleboro,Ma)

The Patriots play three preseason games in 10 days. How can that be good for player safety? Isn't Roger Gooddell being inconsistent when it comes to making money for the league and player safety?

Mike Reiss

  (12:36 PM)

David, that isn't good for player safety. At the end of the day, it's always a balance of many things. In this case, it's TV, as the second-week preseason game on Monday night compresses the schedule.

Dennis (WPB FL)

Mike a surprise cut could be Joseph Addai, however instead of a player being cut how about a trade in the back-up quarterback situation. Doubt the Pats coaching staff would cut either back-up, but if Mallet impresses enough during camp can you envision Hoyer being traded or if Mallet does not improve will he be traded? Also, do you have any insight if the Pats plan to carry three quarterbacks again this year?

Mike Reiss

  (12:37 PM)

Thanks Dennis. I think they'll carry three if they perform well in preseason/camp. I just think a lot of the talk on the QBs has created an expectation that is unlikely. Any team could have signed Brian Hoyer for a big contract and a second-round draft choice this offseason as a restricted free agent, and there was no action. I don't think a big preseason is going to change much. I just don't see the suitors.

Justin (Sharon)

Is it September 9th yet?

Mike Reiss

  (12:37 PM)

Perfect Justin. Let's end on that one. Can't wait.

Mike Reiss

  (12:38 PM)

The plan from here will be to go through some of the chat questions and post some leftovers on our Patriots blog. As always, you all brought it today. Appreciate it. Hope you had a Happy 4th, and we'll catch up again.