As a Patriots fan, who should you be rooting for in the playoffs? While many of you would obviously have trouble rooting for the Eagles or Steelers, it might be in the Patriots best interest. If you keep your emotions out of it, a clear picture emerges of who Pats fans should root for.<br /><br />Although after checking the <a href="http://sports.bodoglife.com/sports-betting/nfl-football.jsp">Super Bowl Odds</a> this might sound far-fetched, we should be rooting for an Eagles vs Ravens matchup. This would move our 1st-round draft pick up one spot from #24 to #23 (Eagles) and would also bump up our 2nd-round draft pick one spot (Ravens).<br /><br />None of you will have any problem rooting against the San Diego Chargers already, but it would be bad news if the Chargers made it to the Super Bowl. If you plan on doing any <a href="http://sports.bodoglife.com/sports-betting/football-futures.jsp">Super Bowl Betting</a> though, they have some good odds. If the Chargers made it to the big game, their 2nd round pick would drop from #47 to at best #63. That pick was traded to the Patriots last year.<br /><br />Looks like we need to cheer for Asante Samuel a couple more times...<br /><br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

Over the next two weeks we'll be looking at the Patriots positional groupings and assigning grades based on expectations and performance during the 2008 season. We'll start with the signal-callers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Quarterbacks Group Grade: A-</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Matt Cassel: A</span><br />The 7th-round afterthought made some serious cash during the 2008 season. Showing great speed and elusiveness along with an arm that improved each week probably will earn him about $14 million dollars -- the price of a Patriots franchise tag.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Kevin O'Connel: C</span><br />Handed the ball of really well, but didn't get the playing time and pass attempts to give him anything but an average grade.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Matt Guttierez: C-</span><br />Expected to be the backup QB by quite a few fans and pundits, Guttierez disappointed by spending the majority of the year inactive as the 3rd quarterback.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Tom Brady: Incomplete</span><br />We hope the Golden Boy will be back at 100% for the start of the 2009 NFL season, as Matt Cassel probably won't be around.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

We're listed at the <a href="http://www.dcprosportsreport.com/MockDraft.htm">NFL Mock Draft Database</a>, the <a href="http://www.hailredskins.com/">HailRedskins Database</a>, our very own <a href="http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2008/05/2009-patriots-mock-draft-database.html">NFL Mock Draft Database</a> and at the <a href="http://walterfootball.com/draftdata.php">Walter Football Database.</a><br /><strong><br />NE Patriots Draft finished 4th out of 94 mock drafts in 2008 according to the <a href="http://www.thehuddlereport.com/FREE_CONTENT/top100mock.shtml">Huddle Report</a>.</strong><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Order based on NFL Standings after </span><strong>Week 17</strong><br /><br />Updated January 1st, 2009<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. Detroit Lions</span><br />Andre Smith, OT, Alabama<br />Reminds us of a Shawn Andrews with better feet. A massive talent with a massive frame makes for a top-drawer prospect.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />2. St. Louis Rams</span><br />Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia<br />Best passer in the draft really has no weakness. Has a game that reminds some of Matt Hasselbeck.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. Kansas City Chiefs</span><br />Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech<br />A true triple threat, with his running, catching, and YAC skills all being off the charts. Easily the best WR prospect in 2009.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. Seattle Seahawks</span><br />Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss<br />Big, strong, and athletic are three great things to be if you're a tackle in the NFL. Possesses great balance and employs leverage well in pass-protection.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5. Cleveland Browns</span><br />Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech<br />While his quick first step and long body makes him a terror to pass block, Johnson needs to work on his variety of moves and shedding blockers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">6. Cincinnati Bengals</span><br />Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia<br />A nimble big man that can really block for his QB, Monroe could improve his strength and run-blocking skills.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">7. Oakland Raiders</span><br />Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas<br />The RAK would be a great addition to the Raiders defense. His athleticism is off the charts, as he will show at the combine.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">8. Jacksonville Jaguars</span><br />Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State<br />The most complete, if not talented, corner in the draft. Needs to work on recovery speed and playing the double move.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">9. Green Bay Packers</span><br />Tyson Jackson, DL, LSU<br />Needs to play harder, but has the potential to be a pro-bowl lineman if he asserts himself. Plays best off the edge, but is strong enough to come inside as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">10. San Fransisco 49ers</span><br />Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma<br />The Sooner QB looks like a natural NFL talent. His good pocket presence makes his plus arm even better.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />11. Buffalo Bills </span><br />Rey Maualuga, LB, USC<br />Playmaker on defense that can run, hit, catch, and tackle with the best of the them. Would make a great combo with Paul P and Mitchell.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">12. Denver Broncos</span><br />Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois<br />Has the potential to be a shutdown corner at the next level, and is still learning the position. Great speed and agility offset false steps that coaches will work to get rid of.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">13. Washington Redskins</span><br />Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest<br />Great linebacker prospect that hits hard and can cover as well as stop the run. Will continue to improve as a pass-rusher.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">14. New Orleans Saints</span><br />James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State<br />Has a tendency to stay blocked, but can use speed to disrupt both the running and passing game.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">15. Houston Texans</span><br />George Selvie, DE/LB, South Florida<br />Needs to fill out some more, but is a perfect fit coming off the edge Think Roosevelt Colvin during his prime.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />16. San Diego Chargers</span><br />Taylor Mays, S, USC<br />Elite size and athleticism combined with solid coverage and tackling skills make Mays a can't miss safety prospect.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2008/05/2009-nfl-mock-draft-part-2.html">NFL Mock Draft - Picks 17-32</a> / <a href="http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2008/06/2009-nfl-mock-draft-round-2.html">NFL Mock Draft - 2nd Round</a><br /><blockquote><br />Finding <a href="http://www.vividseats.com/nfl/new-england-patriots-tickets.html">Patriots tickets and game schedules</a> is easy with VividSeats.com. Use Vivid Seats as your one-stop resource for <a href="http://www.vividseats.com/nfl/">NFL game dates</a>, <a href="http://www.vividseats.com/nfl/denver-broncos-tickets.html">Denver Broncos tickets</a> and team updates throughout the season.</blockquote><br /><blockquote>Check out <a href="http://www.docsports.com/current/nfl-mock-draft.html">Doc’s NFL Mock Draft</a> at <a href="http://docsports.com/">docsports.com</a></blockquote></span>
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<a href="http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2008/05/2009-nfl-mock-draft.html">NFL Mock Draft - Picks 1-16</a> / <a href="http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2008/06/2009-nfl-mock-draft-round-2.html">NFL Mock Draft - Round 2</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">17. New York Jets</span><br />Everette Brown, DE, Florida State<br />A great junior pass-rusher that has the frame to get bigger and better.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">18. Chicago Bears</span><br />Brian Cushing, LB, USC<br />An instinctual linebacker who gets all he can out of his size, speed, and strength. Diagnosing plays early help Cushing mask his lack of elite top-end speed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">19. Tampa Bay Bucs</span><br />Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa<br />Built for a zone-blocking scheme that loves one-cut backs. Has the speed, power, blocking, and vision to be an elite 3-down back on Sundays.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">20. Detroit Lions (DAL)</span><br />Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest <br />Smith is a reliable, cool customer that can hold his own on an island or in zone coverage.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />21. Arizona Cardinals</span><br />Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State<br />Great power and vision combine to make for a formidable running threat inside the tackles.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">22. Philadelphia Eagles</span><br />Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri<br />A terror to cover or tackle, Maclin brings a home run threat to each play that he participates in.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">23. Minnesota Vikings</span><br />Eben Britton, OT, Arizona<br />Can help shore up any line in the NFL with his strength, feet, and smarts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">24. New England Patriots</span><br />William Moore, S, Missouri<br />Big and strong, can lay the wood along with providing coverage skills and run support. Has a high football IQ.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />25. Atlanta Falcons</span><br />Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama<br />Mount Cody, weighing in at close to 370 pounds, is an absolute terror to interior linemen. Great as an anchor for a 3-4 defense.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">26. Miami Dolphins</span><br />Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama<br />Could compete with Mays to be the first Safety taken in the draft. A true leader and ballhawk in the d-backfield.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />27. Baltimore Ravens</span><br />Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia<br />Quick and strong, Sintim is tailor-made for a 3-4 defense. He rushes well off the edge and can cover a bit as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">28. Indianapolis Colts</span><br />BJ Raji, DT, Boston College<br />Able to play in either the 3-4 or 4-3, Raji is a fine senior prospect. Not a beast against the pass, but will get a couple of sacks.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />29. Philadelphia Eagles (CAR)</span><br />Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss<br />Andy Reid loves him some linemen, and Hardy can really get after the ball.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">30. Pittsburgh Steelers</span><br />DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt<br />Moore shows a high football IQ and good zone coverage skills while being able to blitz and provide run support as well.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />31. New York Giants</span><br />Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia<br />An elusive runner that can also bang inside. Great explosiveness once he hits the edge.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />32. Tennessee Titans</span><br />Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland<br />Big, strong receiver with soft hands. Will stretch defenses with his size. Could improve his cuts to accentuate his straight-line speed.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2008/06/2009-nfl-mock-draft-round-2.html">2009 NFL Mock Draft - Round 2</a><br /><br />Check out our <a href="http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2008/07/2009-nba-mock-draft.html">2009 NBA Mock Draft</a> too!<br /><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" type="application/rss xml" rel="alternate">

<a href="http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2008/05/2009-nfl-mock-draft.html">Picks 1-16</a> / <a href="http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2008/05/2009-nfl-mock-draft-part-2.html">Picks 17-32</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">33. Detroit</span><br />Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri<br />Coffman would be a great fit for when McDaniels and Cassel show up in town.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">34. Kansas City</span><br />Alex Mack, C, California<br />The Chiefs need people to block, so Thigpen can make some plays. Mack would be a nice addition to go with Branden Albert.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />35. St. Louis</span><br />Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina<br />If Matt Stafford doesn't want to become shell-shocked like Marc Bulger, the Rams need to invest in some offensive line help.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">36. Cleveland</span><br />Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma<br />The Browns have an interest in not killing Brady Quinn, Duke will help.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">37. Seattle</span><br />Percy Harvin, WR, Florida<br />The oft-injured, but sublimely talented Gator would be just what the doctor ordered for Seattle's anemic offense.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">38. Cincinnati</span><br />Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati<br />Bengal fans being happy with a pick seems ludicrous, but this could actually happen-Mickens and Leon Hall would be a good start on overhauling the defense.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">39. Jacksonville</span><br />Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State<br />The Jaguars are in need of a reliable receiver that won't drop passes or acid. This Buckeye is your man.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">40. Oakland</span><br />Ciron Black, OT, LSU<br />This beast would be a smart pick for Al Davis and company, so you know that it is probably wrong. Got any fast guys available?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">41. Green Bay</span><br />Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky<br />Strong, big corner fits the mold for the Packer's style. Woodson and Harris can't play forever.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">42. Buffalo</span><br />Jonathan Luigs, C, Arkansas<br />Buffalo has some problems in the middle at times, and with two good RB's in Lynch and Jackson, Luigs should open some gaping holes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">43. San Fransisco</span><br />Xavier Fulton, OT, Illinois<br />This quality pass-blocker will help improve the line for newcomer Sam Bradford.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">44. Miami (WAS)</span><br />Victor Harris, CB, Virginia Tech<br />The Dolphins continue their upgrade in the secondary with the Macho Man himself.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">45. New York Giants (NO)</span><br />Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati<br />Depending if Kiawanuka moves back to OLB, the Giants might need another good pass-rusher.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">46. Houston</span><br />Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina<br />Andre Johnson and Nicks would be an incredible duo for the AFC South to stop.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">47. New England (SD)</span><br />Max Unger, C, Oregon<br />Unger's versatility would be found very useful for Bill Belichick. Being able to play all 5 line positions is an incredible asset.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">48. Denver</span><br />Lesean McCoy, RB, Pitt<br />My guess is that the Bronco's new coach wouldn't have drafted Maurice Clarett. Everrrr.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />49. Chicago</span><br />Patrick Chung, S, Oregon<br />Chung is a hitter that hopefully isn't as brittle as Mike Brown.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">50. Tampa Bay</span><br />Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn<br />This big boy would help a Bucs defense that looked like it went, gulp, <span style="font-style:italic;">soft</span> in December.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">51. Dallas</span><br />Darius Butler, CB, UConn<br />Newman and Henry are getting old and brittle. Jenkins and Butler would be the future for this dysfunctional family.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">52. Arizona</span><br />Jason Smith, OT, Baylor<br />We're not as high on Smith as others, but Levi Brown and Kurt Warner would love to have Smith on the other side of the line.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">53. New York Jets</span><br />Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida<br />David Harris and Spikes would make for a good duo.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">54. Philadelphia</span><br />Herman Johnson, OG, LSU<br />Andy Reid loves his some linemen.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">55. Minnesota</span><br />Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma<br />Adrian Peterson? Good. Chester Taylor? Good. Blocking? Great.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">56. Atlanta</span><br />Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St.<br />A little blanket for Matt Ryan to snuggle up in.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">57. Miami Dolphins</span><br />Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma<br />The Dolphins could use a big receiver to go with the speedy Camarillo and Ginn.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">58. Baltimore</span><br />Evander Hood, DT, Missouri<br />Ray Lewis always likes big people to protect him.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">59. New England</span><br />Joe Burnett, CB, Central Florida<br />Quality coverage and return skills, along with the appearance of a ton of upside make Burnett a top-flight corner prospect from the same school as Asante Samuel.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">60. Carolina</span><br />Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State<br />After missing on Lucas and Fresno State's Richard Marshall, Francies might be asked to start.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">61. Pittsburgh</span><br />Russel Okung, OT, Oklahoma St.<br />Perhaps Pittsburgh would like to see Big Ben play a whole season sometime.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">62. Indianapolis</span><br />Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan St.<br />Receiver might be a problem for the Colts, but with no value here, they get a great backup for Joseph Addai.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">63. New York Giants</span><br />Nic harris, SS, Oklahoma<br />James Butler just isn't going to cut it for this good of a defense.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">64. Tennessee</span><br />Quan Crosby, WR, Texas<br />If he doesn't catch passes, he can at least keep VY happy.<br /><br />Check out our <a href="http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2008/07/2009-nba-mock-draft.html">2009 NBA Mock Draft</a> as well!<br /><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" type="application/rss xml" rel="alternate">

After yesterday's impressive but ultimately disappointing end to the Patriots season, it is now time to shift our focus onto the 2009 season, starting with the 2009 NFL Draft. You can check out our <a href="http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2008/05/2009-nfl-mock-draft.html">2009 NFL Mock Draft</a> here.<br /><br />The Patriots will have the following first day picks:<br /><br />#24 (Patriots 1st Round)<br />#47 (From San Diego)<br />#59 (Patriots 2nd Round)<br /><br />You can also expect the Patriots to receive a 3rd Round compensatory pick from Asante Samuel's departure.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

The Patriots will be missing the following players against the Bills, as they have been declared inactive.<br /><br />RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis<br />OL Wesley Britt<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">LB Tedy Bruschi</span><br />S Ray Ventrone<br />OL Billy Yates<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">DE Richard Seymour</span><br />DB Lewis Sanders <br /><br />Marshawn Lynch and Jabari Greer are both out for the Bills.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

The following Patriots are listed on New England's Injury Report:<br /><br />Out<br />LB Tedy Bruschi (knee)<br />S Ray Ventrone (jaw)<br />C/G Billy Yates (hand)<br /><br />Questionable<br />LB Gary Guyton (ankle)<br />OT Mark LeVoir (ankle)<br />CB Deltha O'Neal (ankle)<br />OLB Vince Redd (ankle)<br />S James Sanders (abdomen)<br />DB Lewis Sanders (shoulder)<br />DE Richard Seymour (back)<br />DE Ty Warren (groin)<br /><br />Probable<br />CB Ellis Hobbs (shoulder)<br />OT Matt Light (shoulder)<br />NT Vince Wilfork (shoulder)<br /><br />Richard Seymour was the only questionable player to have no participation in practice, all others saw at least limited action.<br /><br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

The last Power Rankings of the year (week 17), and the Patriots end up in 9th. Hopefully they get the chance to prove that they are better than that in the playoffs. Let's hear it for the Jags and Jets this week!<br /><br />1. Tennessee Titans<br />2. New York Giants<br />3. Pittsburgh Steelers<br />4. Indianapolis Colts<br />5. Carolina Panthers<br />6. Atlanta Falcons<br />7. Baltimore Ravens<br />8. Dallas Cowboys<br />9. New England Patriots<br />10. Miami Dolphins <br />11. Minnesota Vikings<br />12. Tampa Bay Bucs<br />13. New York Jets<br />14. Philadelphia Eagles<br />15. Denver Broncos<br />16. Chicago Bears<br />17. New Orleans Saints<br />18. San Diego Chargers<br />19. Houston Texans<br />20. Arizona Cardinals<br />21. Jacksonville Jaguars<br />22. Washington Redskins<br />23. Buffalo Bills<br />24. Cleveland Browns<br />25. San Fransisco 49ers<br />26. Green Bay Packers<br />27. Seattle Seahawks<br />28. Kansas City Chiefs<br />29. Cincinnati Bengals<br />30. St. Louis Rams<br />31. Oakland Raiders<br />32. Detroit Lions<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

<span style="font-weight:bold;">The Patriots Are On Fire! </span><br /><br />Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals has proven yet again that New England is truly a force to be reckoned with. Tying their own team record of four games of 40 or more points in one season, the Patriots seem to be gaining more and more momentum as the season draws to a close. <br /><br />40 also seems to be the magic number, as New England achieved their sixth 40 point win in the team’s history. Excellent game play despite the bad weather during the game brought the game to blowout proportions as records were set and beat throughout the game. <br /><br />In the third quarter, Randy Moss made a 76 yard touchdown on a screen pass, leaving the score at 38-0. This was the longest completed catch by a Patriot player since 2003. Moss is now tied for sixth most career touchdowns in NFL history, with 136 total touchdowns. Jerry Rice currently holds the title for most career touchdowns with a total of 208 touchdowns. <br /><br />Matt Cassel also did an outstanding job, completing 20 out of 36 passes, for 345 yards total in the game and three touchdowns. These three touchdown passes were the 19th, 20th, and 21st of the season for Cassel. <br /><br />According to the <a href="http://patriots.com">Patriots Website</a>, several streaks were continued:<br /><br />“The Patriots won their 11th straight game in the month of December, improving to 23-2 in December since the beginning of the 2003 season.<br /><br />The Patriots won their 15th consecutive regular-season game against NFC opposition, finishing their third straight regular-season with a perfect 4-0 record against the NFC.<br /><br />The Patriots have not lost a regular-season game to an NFC team since Sept. 18, 2005 at Carolina.<br /><br />The Patriots won their 10th straight game against an NFC West team. The last time the Patriots lost to an NFC West club was on Nov. 18, 2001, when St. Louis claimed a 24-17 win at Foxboro Stadium.<br /><br />Sunday’s game was the 159th consecutive home sellout for the Patriots, a streak that includes every regular-season game, playoff game and preseason game since the beginning of the 1994 regular season.”<br /><br />By-line:<br /><br />This post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of <a href="http://www.sportsmanagementcolleges.org/">sports management schools</a>. She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com <br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

The following Patriots are inactive for the game against the Cardinals:<br /><br />ILB Gary Guyton<br />RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis<br />S James Sanders<br />ILB Tedy Bruschi<br />OL Dan Connolly<br />OT Wesley Britt<br />OL Billy Yates<br />QB Matt Gutierrez<br /><br />Expect Junior Seau and Roosevelt Colvin to see extended playing time today, with Guyton and Bruschi both out. Good news, however, from the Arizona sidelines, as Anquan Boldin and JJ Arrington won't be suiting up.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

The following Patriots were listed on Friday's Injury Report:<br /><br />Out<br />LB Tedy Bruschi (knee)<br /><br />Doubtful<br />S James Sanders (abdomen)<br /><br />Questionable<br />LB Gary Guyton (ankle)<br />CB Ellis Hobbs (shoulder)<br />OL Mark LeVoir (ankle)<br />OL Matt Light (shoulder)<br />OLB Vince Redd (ankle)<br />DB Lewis Sanders (shoulder)<br />DB Ray Ventrone (ankle)<br />DE Ty Warren (groin)<br />WR Kelley Washington (thigh)<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

The top teams in the <span style="font-weight:bold;">NFL Power Rankings</span> had a tough go of it in <span style="font-weight:bold;">Week 16</span>, as the top 18 teams all have a legit shot of winning any given Sunday. We still feel the Giants and the Titans have the edge, but they don't seem nearly as good as they did a few weeks ago.<br /><br />Also, Dick Jauron can jump in a freaking lake.<br /><br />1. New York Giants<br />2. Tennessee Titans<br />3. Pittsburgh Steelers<br />4. Carolina Panthers<br />5. Indianapolis Colts<br />6. Atlanta Falcons<br />7. Baltimore Ravens<br />8. Dallas Cowboys<br />9. New York Jets<br />10. New England Patriots<br />11. Minnesota Vikings<br />12. Miami Dolphins <br />13. Tampa Bay Bucs<br />14. Philadelphia Eagles<br />15. Denver Broncos<br />16. Chicago Bears<br />17. New Orleans Saints<br />18. Arizona Cardinals<br />19. Houston Texans<br />20. San Diego Chargers<br />21. Jacksonville Jaguars<br />22. Washington Redskins<br />23. Buffalo Bills<br />24. Cleveland Browns<br />25. San Fransisco 49ers<br />26. Green Bay Packers<br />27. Kansas City Chiefs<br />28. Seattle Seahawks<br />29. Cincinnati Bengals<br />30. St. Louis Rams<br />31. Oakland Raiders<br />32. Detroit Lions<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

The Patriots have released their inactive list for the game today against the Oakland Raiders. Here are the early inactives:<br /><br />S James Sanders<br />RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis<br />TE Tyson DeVree<br />C/G Dan Connolly<br />C/G Billy Yates<br />OT Wesley Britt<br />ILB Tedy Bruschi<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

Here is the official Patriots Injury Report courtesy of the New England Patriots. All questionable and probable players saw limited action in practice, while Woods, Bruschi, and Sanders all didn't practice.<br /><br />Out<br />OLB Pierre Woods (jaw)<br />LB Tedy Bruschi (knee)<br /><br />Doubtful<br />S James Sanders (abdomen)<br /><br />Questionable<br />CB Ellis Hobbs (shoulder)<br />OLB Vince Redd (ankle)<br />DE Ty Warren (groin)<br />WR Kelley Washington (thigh)<br /><br />Probable<br />CB Deltha O'Neal (shin)<br />NT Vince Wilfork (shoulder)<br /><br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Three Up</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">LeKevin Smith, Rosie & Junior</span>- Last week they were mowing the lawn or watching from the sideline, now they are holding our season together.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matt Light</span>- Had some incredible kickout blocks to spring Wes Welker for yards after the catch.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brandon Meriweather</span>- Unbelievable timing for the best play of his young career.<br /> <br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >Three Down</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nick Kaczur</span>- There is a reason that Welker gets more YAC on the left side on those screens.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Injuries</span>- Seriously, this is getting really ridiculous. Is Chris Slade visiting tomorrow?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Tackling</span>- The Patriots made Maurice Morris look really good on Sunday.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

Here are your <span style="font-weight:bold;">Week 15 NFL Power Rankings</span>. The five through nineteen spots are remarkably close, with the Steelers and Panthers just trailing the Titans and Giants.<br /><br />1. Tennessee Titans<br />2. New York Giants<br />3. Pittsburgh Steelers<br />4. Carolina Panthers<br /><br />5. Baltimore Ravens<br />6. Indianapolis Colts<br />7. Atlanta Falcons<br />8. Tampa Bay Bucs<br />9. New York Jets<br />10. Dallas Cowboys<br />11. Minnesota Vikings<br />12. New England Patriots<br />13. Miami Dolphins <br />14. Arizona Cardinals<br />15. Denver Broncos<br />16. Philadelphia Eagles<br />17. New Orleans Saints<br />18. Chicago Bears<br />19. Washington Redskins<br /><br />20. San Diego Chargers<br />21. Green Bay Packers<br />22. Houston Texans<br />23. Buffalo Bills<br />24. Cleveland Browns<br />25. San Fransisco 49ers<br />26. Jacksonville Jaguars<br />27. Kansas City Chiefs<br />28. Oakland Raiders<br />29. Seattle Seahawks<br />30. St. Louis Rams<br />31. Cincinnati Bengals<br />32. Detroit Lions<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><br />Check out more <a href="http://www.thesportsdollar.com/2008/12/week-15-nfl-power-rankings-sports.html">NFL Power Rankings</a> at The Sports Dollar!<br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

The following Patriots have been declared inactive for the game today against the Seattle Seahawks:<br /><br />WR Kelley Washington<br />OLB Vince Redd<br />OLB Pierre Woods<br />OT Wesley Britt<br />OG Billy Yates<br />TE David Thomas<br />DE Ty Warren<br /><br />Warren being out again hurts for the Patriots, although the Seahawks will be without their starting QB, Matt Hasselbeck.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

The following Patriots were listed on their official injury report on Friday:<br /><br />Out<br />OLB Pierre Woods (jaw)<br /><br />Doubtful<br />OLB Vince Redd (ankle)<br />WR Kelley Washington (thigh)<br /><br />Questionable<br />LB Tedy Bruschi (knee)<br />CB Ellis Hobbs (shoulder)<br />RB LaMont Jordan (calf)<br />DE Ty Warren (groin)<br /><br />Probable<br />C Dan Koppen (elbow)<br /><br />Koppen should play, as well as Hobbs and Bruschi. Ty Warren has been described as 50/50, while it would truly be doubtful to see Redd or Washington in action on Sunday afternoon.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

According to <a href="http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2008/12/ad_to_injured_r.html">Reiss' Pieces</a>, the Patriots have some good news and some bad news for their fans.<br /><br />Adalius Thomas, who was sidelined with a broken forearm the last few weeks, has been placed on IR and will miss the rest of the season.<br /><br />Junior Seau, who played for the Patriots for the last two seasons, came out of "graduation" to fill Thomas' roster spot.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

As speculated on yesterday, Roosevelt Colvin has returned to the Patriots. On returning from the retired life, Colvin had this to say, "It's a good chance to run around, play football for a couple games. I have some personal situations I'm dealing with, but it's what I've known in my life the past 14 years."<br /><br />Colvin will bolster an OLB corps that is missing Adalius Thomas and Pierre Woods due to injuries. Thomas has a broken arm that may be close to being healed, while Woods has a mouth injury.<br /><br />Colvin, who will wear #95 instead of his normal #59 worn by Gary Guyton, was an integral part of the Patriots 3-4 defense from 2003-2007. He suffered a devestating hip injury that he overcame to regain his pro-bowl form. Colvin was released during training camp this year by the Houston Texans.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

According to team sources and reports on Boston area TV, Adalius Thomas may return as early as the game against the Arizona Cardinals. His pass rush ability would be a sight for sore eyes at Patriot Place. We're hearing that we will hear a timetable on his return sometime this week.<br /><br />In other news, the Patriots announced that they will be invading England in 2009, to play against the Tampa Bay Bucs. Luckily for the Patriots, Tampa Bay will be the home team, meaning that the Pats won't lose a home game. As Belichick said, London is better than China.<br /><br />Jason Webster has been placed on IR by the Patriots Front Office. There are no reports of who will replace him on the active roster, although we are speculating that the Patriots will sign former Patriot Roosevelt Colvin, whom New England hosted today at Gillette Stadium.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">

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The <span style="font-weight:bold;">Week 14 NFL Power Rankings</span> are starting to be broken down by direction. The East is on top, while the West is on bottom. Neither the AFC or NFC West has a team in the top 12, while their Eastern counterparts have four.<br /><br />Quite a few shakeups this week as some bad(?) teams played well (Broncos, Eagles) and some good(?) teams played terrible (Colts, Patriots). <br /><br />1. New York Giants<br />2. Tennessee Titans<br />3. Pittsburgh Steelers<br />4. Carolina Panthers<br />5. Tampa Bay Bucs<br />6. Atlanta Falcons<br />7. Indianapolis Colts<br />8. New York Jets<br /><br />9. Baltimore Ravens<br />10. Dallas Cowboys<br />11. Minnesota Vikings<br />12. New England Patriots<br />13. Washington Redskins<br />14. Arizona Cardinals<br />15. Denver Broncos<br />16. Miami Dolphins<br /><br />17. Chicago Bears<br />18. Philadelphia Eagles<br />19. New Orleans Saints<br />20. Buffalo Bills<br />21. Green Bay Packers<br />22. Houston Texans<br />23. Cleveland Browns<br />24. Jacksonville Jaguars<br /><br />25. San Diego Chargers<br />26. San Fransisco 49ers<br />27. Kansas City Chiefs<br />28. Oakland Raiders<br />29. Seattle Seahawks<br />30. St. Louis Rams<br />31. Cincinnati Bengals<br />32. Detroit Lions<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Check out other <a href="http://www.thesportsdollar.com/2008/12/week-14-nfl-power-rankings-sports.html">NFL Power Rankings</a> at The Sports Dollar!<br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/NePatriotsDraft" rel="alternate" type="application/rss xml">