A lot talk surrounding last month’s NFL Draft choices for the New England Patriots, particularly the choice to select Ryan Mallet as he fell to number 74. The big issue with this choice seems to be the apparent lack of logic surrounding the pick: The Pats have the leagues best quarterback in Brady and just this past season signed him to a contract making him the highest paid player in the league. So why take Mallet–a QB, and one with documented off the field “issues” at that?
If Brady continues on his current arc of production, he’ll have productive season through 2013. That being said, what better quarterback t0 learn from than the master himself? Obviously Belichick see’s something in the young gun slinger worth investing in, worth developing. Under Brady’s tutelage he could emerge as the heir apparent. Also, in the event that Brady suffers another season or careers (gasp!) ending injury, Mallet may just have the physical attributes and football acumen to lead New England ala Matt Cassel circa 2008. Another hypothetical, but assuming the Pats aren’t ready to be done with Brady, and Mallet succeeds, they might just have a major player to trade for the draft picks Belichick loves so much.
And those so called character flaws their recent acquisition has? What better place than New England, which has not only the veterans to keep young renegades in line but also a philosophy, proven by the likes of Randy Moss: Rock the boat and you’re gone.
Confused? Maybe. But while we sit here playing checkers (yes, even me the former player) Belichick is out there playing chess. He’s 2 steps ahead of the crowd and 10 steps ahead of the Secret Service. All this from a self proclaimed Buffalo Bills fan (yes, there are two of us left). I only wish the hapless wagon circler’s in Western New York could get a coach with the ability or philosophy of Big Bill.
The bottom line for me is, that at the end of the day, I believe in Belichick—the rings and records speak for themselves. In Bill I (we) trust.
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