Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
According to multiple media reports, the New England Patriots are in hot pursuit of Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers.
Peppers, who was franchised by the Panthers and has yet to sign his one-year tender, would be a major upgrade to the Patriots' defense. Peppers is known around the league as one of the best ends that consistently harasses quarterbacks and makes offensive tackles wake up in a cold sweat at night.
But perhaps the one drawback would be that the Patriots would have to convert Peppers into an outside linebacker in New England's complex 3-4 scheme. This would mean that Peppers' priorities would change slightly. As an end, he gets paid to sack the quarterback and also seal the edges on running plays. As an outside linebacker, he can still play on the edges at times and attack the quarterback and play the run, but now he'd have to start covering running backs out of the backfield and tight ends -- something that he hasn't been asked to do in Carolina. It may be an adjustment, but if the rumors are true then how can you not side with the Patriots if they want Peppers?
Apparently the Pats are dangling a second-round pick (No. 34 overall), which they received from the Chiefs in the Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel deal. Not only would the Pats have to give up a draft pick or two, but you know Peppers would want a big payday as well. I think it's a shot worth taking since the Pats still need help on defense -- I love Tedy Bruschi and the passion he plays with, but he's close to calling it a career and it pains me to watch him try and cover anyone -- and Peppers is a franchise-type defensive player than can impact a game with one tackle or strip-sack.
Just trade Cutler already!
Jay Cutler, meet your new coach Josh McDaniels and now say goodbye ... for good. This head-scratching feud between the former Patriots offensive coordinator and Denver's star quarterback (doesn't he play just like Brett Favre, force the ball into coverage because he thinks his arm is like a cannon) needs to end quickly. Big deal, McDaniels wanted to trade for Cassel since he worked with him in New England and he would have had to trade cry baby Cutler to do so. But Cutler, showing his immaturity and lack of leadership, complained to the media and has been throwing insults in every direction, sort of like the way he throws picks to the opposition.
Quick solution.
Detroit needs a QB so ship him to the hapless Lions and McDaniels can live and die with his hand-picked slinger. This soap opera needs to be cancelled.
