Fans seek safety

Page 5 of 19 -- A: I'd be surprised about Watters unless they suffered an injury. Don't forget, they're getting Mike Cloud in Game 5, so if things aren't going well they have Cloud to fall back on. I would guess Harris gets the nod as the starter and the most reps because he's got the most experience in the Pats defense. Tebucky Jones told me the other night that while Harris is small, "he's not afraid to hit you." As for the AFC East, yeah, I see Pats at 10-6, but I also see Miami at 10-6. I haven't yet committed to the Bills winning the division like many national types are, and I also don't think the Jets will be as bad as 6-10.

ADVERTISEMENT

Who will be Brady's favorite WR target, Brown or Patten?
-- Scott Burkey, Raleigh, NC

A: In terms of numbers, Brown. But Patten may get more long balls.

After letting Tebucky Jones go and now Lawyer Milloy, are the Patriots going to have adequate depth at the safety position? All over the NFL defenses struggle when safety play is inconsistent.
-- Robert (RZA) James, Boston

A: Well, great question. If Rodney Harrison is the Rodney Harrison of old, great. If he's not, they're in trouble. Let's see if Antwan Harris can do the job. I've always liked the way he played - always around the ball.

Hey Nick. Love you work man. Nick I am shocked and comfused with this release of Milloy. I had hope for us making it back to Superbowl but now (especially if Bills sign him) I am not so sure if we can make to playoffs. What do you think Nick?...what kind of buisness is this?....I hope Belichick knows what he is doing..thanks man for listening to us Pats fans...
-- Pat Patel, Lowell, MA

A: Bill is not against dumping a popular player if he feels it's the right thing to do. As he's often said, his job isn't to poll the fans or the media on his decisions. He does what he feels he has to do.

Hey Nick! Long time mailbag reader, but you have yet to directly answer one of my questions.... here's hoping on this one. There has got to be more to the Milloy story than what we have been hearing. The Pats were under the cap for this year and had no reason to cut Milloy for money alone. And I will never accept that a younger player was ready to take the place of one of the consummate professionals (based on what we read) on the roster. Was Milloy unhappy and very vocal about it? A timebomb waiting to go off? Is Milloy in some trouble we don't know about? Was this a message to Law's agent to renegotiate or else? C'mon Nick, you have the inside scoop!!! Tell us the real answer to what appears to be a foolish move for a playoff caliber team. Thanks in advance for your thoughtful insight.
-- Dan Farah, Fort Myers, FL   Continued...