Couple things...

[Celtics_Champs]

I didn't feel like making a couple different threads for random questions and comments so.. here goes.

first, how glad are you BB and co. had the right mind to move down and grab mayo instead of move up and select Ghoulston. He has been a stud, while I have heard nothing on Ghoulston.

But now on to the main question. If we franchise Cassel, can we trade him? They had this on the radio today, and reported that Peter King said no you couldn't do it. It wouldn't be allowed. But then 2 different callers called up and said that jared allen was franchised. Then traded to the vikings two months later. i don't know the whole deal with that, but if we can. Wouldn't that be the best thing to do. Keeps him away from the jets, plus we can get something for him.

[Basketball Jesus]

I honestly believe Mayo is the defensive rookie of the year. After watching Thursday night’s game, it’s hard to argue that he’s been the linchpin of the Patriots’ defense this season. As a rookie. In an extremely complex defensive scheme that flows through the linebacker position. I know Chris Horton is getting a good deal of press because of the INTs, but Mayo has definitely meant more to his team than Horton.

I’m not too sure on franchised players being traded. I questioned that too when I read PK this morning; as far as I can tell both exclusive and non-exclusive franchise tags don’t have any clause stating a player can’t be traded.

[Basketball Jesus]

What I would like to know is what the hell happened to Logan Mankins? He’s looked pretty bad for most of the season.

[Celtics_Champs]

I have noticed that. He needs to grow the beard back.

I can't say I notice the linemen doing well, I just dont watch for that. Just when they **** up. You don't know how many times I have cursed at Billy Yates. Light seems better this year then he has in the past.

[sunshinekids99]

What I would like to know is what the hell happened to Logan Mankins? He’s looked pretty bad for most of the season.

I was wondering the samething. Only thing I could think of is maybe an injury?

[Basketball Jesus]

The main problem I’ve seen with Mankins this season is that he’s getting blown completely off the line by faster interior linemen and linebackers. Aside from the Jets game, he’s held his own against bigger and stronger competition but he is just not able to get good footing and a good base when he’s required to pick up speed rushers. He’s usually caught with a shoulder in the backfield when he turns to pick up his blocking assignment on passing situations.

Strangely, he’s done quite well in run-blocking situations, often getting to the second level and consistently out-muscling guys out of the holes.

I think a lot of his troubles have to do with teams sending linebackers through the B gaps more frequently with Cassel under center than Brady. Or at least that’s what it seems like. Unlike Brady, Cassel doesn’t have a quick release and pocket presence to take advantage of an upfield linebacker, and he’s very susceptible to being flushed out of the pocket when facing pressure. Whereas Brady would use the out-of-spot LB to hit his slanting receiver on a hot route, Cassel just tucks and runs.

I don’t know if this is a fundamental flaw in Mankins’ game or not. Last season he didn’t face this situation often but when he did he was still meeting the LB pads-on and removing him from the picture.