State of the Pats, March

Well, looks like March didn't quite come in like a lion for the Pats, but they certainly weren't sheepish and their approach to free agents as well. Here is my quick hits on what they've done SO FAR in the free agent pool

Their own free agents - they signed the key ones and this is their biggest splash. Kevin Faulk, Vince Wilfork, Stephen Neal, Leigh Bodden, and Tully Banta Cain are all big ones for them. They were key pieces last year on a team that definitely needs an overhaul. You got your 2nd best leader and clutch player (Faulk), your defensive stud (Wilfork), you key guard (Neal), your best d-back (Bodden), and your best pass rusher (Banta-Cain) back. Those are huge. The ones that got away are not going to be immense losses, though I am still a Ben Watson and Jarvis Green fan. They will be missed.

As for their new additions

David Patten - Add Van to his last name and I would ask if this is an Eight is Enough Reunion. Honestly, why this guy back? He knows the schemes, and will be great in camp (to help the younger guys and Brady), but why???He was out of football last year. Wonder if he will be a coach-in-training.

Marques Murrel - This is an okay addition. Always good to have an ex-Jet and a linebacker (the Pats never have enough of those). Hasn't done much to raise eyebrows, but this is certainly not a bad move....just not a rah,rah one.

Alge Crumpler - Well, add another yawn to the list of new players coming in. Crumpler may be past his prime, but he is a solid run blocker, which will come in handy. This is a solid addition, but a lateral move with the loss of Ben Watson.


Not a lot to be excited about regarding new pickups. But, as Bill Belicheck said this week, they are far from being done with moves. Amen!