Collins locks up the #2 job, Colt and Chase fighting for the #3

^I wonder how much Pioli's departure will harm their personnel track record. Pioli was a strong force who could provide a veto voice if Belichick was about to make a mistake. Now, if Belichick is wrong, the mistake remains because no one is there with the power to call him out.

I'm not picking on Belichick here. Even the most savvy personnel folks make mistakes. It is the nature of the beast.

Well, I was referring more to their personnel decisions (based on the whole "eye for talent" thing)

2006-2008 they had 26 draft picks. Of those 26 picks, 16 are not on the Patriots anymore (some aren't even in the NFL). So basically my point was yes they stock up on draft picks which is great because even though 16 aren't even on the team anymore, 10 are. I mean you look at the Redskins 2004-2006 we only had 16 total picks.

So they put themselves in position to make mistakes with their "eye for talent" But I think a lot of people assume that because Tom Brady was a 6th round pick, the Pats have the magic touch when it comes to picking players.

I'm glad you mentioned this because this is what irks me a bit about people that make the arguments that "oh our team can't recognize talent and others can". Every draft pick is a gamble and sometimes you get a Brady or some other diamond in the rough in the later rounds. Sure teams are looking at talent throughout all the rounds, but no one can tell for sure how each draft pick is going to pan out. If Bledsoe doesn't get hurt, Brady doesn't get his chance.

By the way, if Mitchell works out and makes the roster, this will be the second year that we get a 7th rounder to be good enough to make the roster and get significant playing time his rookie year.

Can someone remind me how much of the offense Zorn said Campbell (and his other quarterbacks) knew and executed last summer? Drawing a blank

Can someone remind me how much of the offense Zorn said Campbell (and his other quarterbacks) knew and executed last summer? Drawing a blank

There was an article circulating previously which said 50 passing plays.

There was an article circulating previously which said 50 passing plays.

So, not 50%. But 50 passing plays? Interesting

Yeah, I remember clearly that it was 50 passing PLAYS.

Yeah, I remember clearly that it was 50 passing PLAYS.

Crazy. I heard that Chase knows and can execute 90% of the playbook (according to practice). I just find that hard to believe so early in his NFL career.

Crazy. I heard that Chase knows and can execute 90% of the playbook (according to practice). I just find that hard to believe so early in his NFL career.

Perhaps he is just super smart and has been studying his guts out?

;)

Perhaps he is just super smart and has been studying his guts out on learning the playbook?

;)

Copyright Joe Gibbs. :laughing2

^I wonder how much Pioli's departure will harm their personnel track record. Pioli was a strong force who could provide a veto voice if Belichick was about to make a mistake. Now, if Belichick is wrong, the mistake remains because no one is there with the power to call him out.

I'm not picking on Belichick here. Even the most savvy personnel folks make mistakes. It is the nature of the beast.Early returns are: probably none. Since Pioli took the KC job, New England's player preferences have not changed, and KC seems to be operating a similar ship, but without a clear plan for future success.

Have not been impressed by Pioli (solo) at all. Trade for Matt Cassel? Eh. Draft Tyson Jackson with No. 3 overall pick? We'll see. Trade Tony Gonzalez? Good move in a vacuum, but inconsistent with Bowe's temporary benching/Cassel trade/Bobby Engram signing.

Not to bore with baseball details, but the other Kansas City team tried to replace it's incompetent GM with a much respected, intelligent baseball man from another organization, and he's been a complete disaster. The football version hasn't been all that impressive either, at least to date.