A battle of QBs

Page 2 of 2 -- That's as powerful as anything I've seen, read or heard myself and I'm around the players every day. It's a powerful statement which truly reflects what Bill Belichick's actions did to this team.

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I'm still not convinced it's the end of the road. I've said, and I'll stick to it, you give Belichick the benefit of the doubt until it's proven the Milloy move has caused long-term problems. There's no doubt it caused a major problem in the first game against Buffalo.

One thing I didn't see too much of in this week's mailbag were Drew Bledsoe bashers. They tend to hide when he plays well. It's OK. You can write. Stick to your convictions if that's what you believe. I do.

I don't think I've ever seen a team do so much to help a competing team within the division get so good so fast. The Bills were in ashes just two years ago. The trade to Buffalo of Bledsoe, sparked their offense. Their offseason moves to revamp their defense has worked well, and taking Milloy away from the Patriots has made them a worthy contender. We don't even know what Willis McGahee can do yet. It didn't take long thanks to a little help from the Patriots.

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How much of the offense does a defensive player absorb? That is, when Milloy gets signed by the Bills how much of the playbook would he be prepared to impart to Bledsoe et al?
-- Scott Cote, Arlington, VA

A: Quite a bit, or as much as Bledsoe can absorb. Don't forget, Milloy knew the playbook as well as anyone.

As the entire league knew last year, they were able to run at will against us last season. With the additions we have made, do you foresee this being enough to be able to contain the run? Thanks for taking the time to read and hopefully answer my question.
-- Andrew Sherman, Sharon, MA

A: Hopefully they're better with Ted Washington. I think all of us are confused about whether they'll be able to do that based on the first game of the season.

I'm sure you are going to have 1000 questions on Milloy's release this week, so please disregard if you already have covered these angles. I have several questions: 1) What is the reputation of Milloy's agent around the league? Do you think it was the agent's unwillingness to negotiate the deal that ultimately led to Milloy's release? 2) How will this affect the Patriot's cap next year, given all the draft picks they will need to sign? The Patriots have kept their cap very flexible over the past few seasons -- will this handcuff them at all over the next couple of years? 3) Why wouldn't Milloy renegotiate when various other members of the team have agreed to renegotiations? 4) Will they now be able to sign Damien Woody? and 5) What kind of psychological effect do you think this will have on the team and the perception of the Patriots around the league? Last year, the Patriots were able to sign Colvin because of their reputation as a team that is loyal to its players and a team that has a chance to win the Super Bowl.
-- Larry Pohner, Foxboro, MA

A: Agent Carl Poston has a reputation of being a tough negotiator. He's more like a baseball or basketball agent than he is a football agent. What I mean is, baseball and basketball agents have a lot more thump than football guys, because for the most part, football agents are at the mercy of the teams in some respects because there's a hard cap and limited money. Poston takes that out of the equation and basically tells teams, 'this is what my client is worth if you don't pay him we'll go someplace where we can get paid.' As for next year, hit with a $4.4 million cap hit for a player you don't have isn't very pleasing. That's a lot of money. That could mean the difference between signing one impact free-agent or having to settle for middle-of-the-road types. Milloy felt he was still at the top of his game. Why renegotiate? And we have to be careful about that term. In most cases when a player has a large cap hit, the team guarantees the salary, uses some of it as a salary and the rest as a signing bonus and spreads the hit out over the length of the contract. To my knowledge, this wasn't done here. Woody is an interesting topic. They could franchise him at $5.7 million, but that seems a lot for a center. They'll try to negotiate, and being $4.2 million under the cap as we speak, they could do it now and offer Woody a nice deal to keep him. There's no doubt the Milloy deal will hurt them in being able to sign players around the league to "image" deals. Don't forget, Colvin could have made a lot more money with the Cardinals but he took the $6 million signing bonus from NE because he felt he could win here. I'm sure the image of the team has been tarnished a tad, but money talks.

Nick, please tell me there was a good reason for dumping an all pro safety who was the heart and soul of the defense? What has BB done? Is this all part of a plan to have two very high first round picks in next years draft? Was the cap money needed to finalize a trade for Orlando Pace and his new contract? There must be a reason for doing this 5 days before the season opener? I know that Bill's staff is not allowed to talk to the media, but was Romeo Crennel consulted about this decision? What are your sources saying about Mr. Crennel's reaction? Please tell me there is a reason to risk the integrity of what looked like a Super Bowl worthy defense 5 days before the season started?
-- Dan Meyer, Glastonbury, CT

A: Forget the Orlando Pace stuff. He's represented by Carl Poston as well. I think the Patriots felt that when push came to shove at the 11th hour, Milloy would buckle and agree to a reduction. Most players do buckle. But once you tell the guy he's going to be released if he doesn't do it -- then you have to do it or your word would never mean anything again. Crennel is a loyal soldier and I'm sure he was on board. I don't know that for a fact, but I've never known him to dabble in personnel.

Nick, Love the mailbag! I'm sure you're getting lots of question about Lawyer Milloy, so I thought I'd add mine to the pack. Isn't it the job of the coach to put the best team possible on the field? And, if that's the case, then didn't coach Belichick make a major mistake in releasing Milloy? Especially since he said, "You really don't replace a player like that. He has an element of toughness and leadership and dependability that has been a standard. They are big shoes to fill." So... why fill them? Why not leave them where they are? Most athletes are overpaid, so you pay the hefty price to win don't you?
-- Chuck Allen, Tiverton, RI

A: You're right. I don't think Bill explained the reasons for the release to the satisfaction of the fans. On the one hand he's acknowledging the impact of the player and how hard it is to replace him, but some of the answers such as it was done "for the good of the team" or "the good of the organization." Who buys that except some of his fan and media supporters?

Hey Nick Great to read about My favorite team from another city. I'm sure your gonna get a lot this same Question this week. What about Lawyer??? How will The defense I just got done bragging about fair without him? I'm not worried about him not being there its more about losing the team chemistry and will the other Players ( LAW ) rebel against ownership and not give their 100% ? I'm worried that they will stop working for the team. Also how does this work we save 4.4 million towards the cap this year and only 1.2 goes against us by doing this move but next year 4.2 Million goes against our Cap i don't understand haven't we screwed ourselves for next year to save a little this year? I am missing this cap stuff. Please explain. Thank you.
-- Bob Gesek, Philadelphia Pa.

A: I would worry about someone like Law because he knows he's next. he dodged the bullet this year, but I'm sure he's thinking everyday that this is his last season here. He's a key player, too. That's why the move not only affects who's playing free safety, but it effects your best corner. As for the cap stuff, it saves you money theoretically because his cap hit next season was $6.7 million, so you're saving, what $2.3 million on the cap.

For a long time even if it was a bad year we could always say "Yeah but we have the toughest guy in the league". Now what do we get to say? "We have the toughest capologist in the league?" There was an intense bond and admiration for Lawyer Milloy and the New England fans probably more than any other player. I would have rather had a losing season than see him released like some common rookie, or like some overpaid over the hill vet. Why did the management see fit to disrespect him and not honor their contract to him? With the way they have treated veterans like Drew, Lawyer, and Bryan Cox, does the Pats management now have an integrity issue with the fans and team?
-- Eric J Alexander, Vineyard Haven, MA

A: For the first time since the Super Bowl, I think the team has to win the fans over again. I've never seen such a backlash. If this forum is any indication, and I think it is, people are fuming over this. Losing to Buffalo confirmed their feelings. The only way this issue goes away is if the Patriots make the playoffs.

For the record, I hated to see Milloy go, however I see the problem being with the player and not the coach. If he really wanted to stay he easily should have taken a pay cut. Other Pats have done it...I guess Milloy wasn't that loyal. I get tried of players crying about "trying to provide for my family" when they make more in one season then most of us make in a lifetime. anyways, to my question. What was the Cap impact of my Pats on releasing Milloy now rather than the end of the season. PS..Good for Belichick playing hardball!
-- Trevor, NB, Canada

A: Your view is he wasn't loyal, but that's not how the players look at it. Their view is the team wasn't loyal to him. The players have a hierarchy. They understand which players should always make the money, and which players should take the cut. Milloy was a no cut guy in their eyes.

Just how stupid are the Patriots for releasing the captain of their defense a week before the season starts? They can kiss the division title and the playoffs good bye!
-- Alan Romano, North Reading

A: Alan, I can't go that far yet. I thought they were a wild card team with Milloy. Without him, they're worst, no doubt. The biggest problem I have is not so much the leadership void because I think that regenerates. I'm concerned about who is replacing him. Haven't seen a viable candidate yet.

Nick- I'll cut right to the chase. How could the Lawyer Milloy situation not have made headlines all off-season? We just lost a 4 time Pro-Bowler, and in the words of Tom Brady "The heart and Soul of this Football team". Given the logistics of the cap, and what Milloy was set to make this year it's quite obvious that if a deal didn't get done Milloy was GONE! In your own words...."But faced with a deadline of 4 p.m. today to be under the $74.6 million NFL salary cap, the Patriots elected to release Milloy. According to a person close to the negotiations, the team asked Milloy to take a pay cut of more than $1 million." Having said that what other alternative did they have? Please tell me that this did not just sneak up on all the Boston News Media?...or did it? The headlines in today's Globe read "Patriots pull a stunner with release of Milloy" As a paying season ticket holder, I'm very disappointed that the public was not made aware of this situation. Am I wrong in assuming that if the media had not been caught off guard, that the pressure would have been on both sides for a deal to get done? Either way it gives you all a lot to write about this season, and I'm sure Bob Kraft doesn't mind pocketing that extra 5 million. I was just curious if you could shed some light on this? I'm already sick of all the Milloy talk that you FAILED to write about for the last 6 months!!!!!
-- Jason Bessette, Attleboro, MA

A: Jason, we wrote about all off season. We wrote about at the time Tebucky Jones was traded. We wrote about it a lot. Usually it was in tandem with Ty Law's big cap number. But we mentioned it. We wrote that Milloy had rejected an attempt to renegotiate his contract.

What was the Patriots organization thinking when they cut Milloy 4 days before the season opener? I know it was more than just Belichick's decision, but what precedence does this set for future long term contracts? No one will trust the Kraft family or the Patriots organization on these contracts. Why make them if you don't live up to it...first Bledsoe now Milloy and I'm sure Law will be the next hit on the list? I think this is a blunder that could back fire on the Pat's...especially now that a division team has signed him and you play them twice a year? New England Sports...never without controversy. Nick, your take?
-- Wayne White, Leominster

A: This hurts them. Even Milloy said it. Players are saying it in the locker room. There are players who might think twice about staying here. But we're talking about what might effect them in March, in September. By March, it might all be forgotten, depending on they do this season.

Hello again. I was just curious. Is coach Belichick trying to help Buffalo win the division? First Bledsoe, now Milloy, and next year? Ty Law maybe? I wouldn't be surprised. I hope he knows what he is doing, cause sometimes I wonder, is he a great coach or a penny pinching business man? Time will tell. p.s. thanks for the encouragement on the sox. Turns out you were right. They are playing much better now. I knew they would. Ha, ha.
-- Danny Griffin, North Pole, AK

A: I can't deny they've helped the Bills. I've said it all along with the Bledsoe situation. I said the decision to trade Bledsoe was a good one at the time, but not to a divisional rival. Now they have Milloy. In return, the Patriots have received Ty Warren.

Do me a favor, start a petition to FIRE BELICHECK over the Malloy madness.
-- Matt, Boston

A: Too early for that, Matt.

Mr. Cafardo, What do you think the consequences of releasing Lawyer Milloy will have on the team being so close to the start of the season? I believe this has got to mess up the chemistry. What do you think?
-- James Jarvis, Abilene/TX

A: It messed up chemistry in Game 1. Let's see in Game 2.

Hi Nick, Can you contrast Milloy's situation with that of Ted Johnson's? The latter elected to take the pay cut to stay with the team ( a couple of times, no?), the former didn't...if he truly wanted to be a Patriot, the request for a $2.5 million compensation this year was reasonable. True, as Lawyer said, he has a family to think of...and Belichick has a family of 53 to think of, and the salary cap is one consideration. Also, is the move by the Pats a shot across the bow for Ty Law? If he thought he could put the screws to the Pats before this...and, considering the numerous draft picks the Pats get next year, they could be looking to re-tool their entire secondary, for less than one cornerback is scheduled to make.
-- Jeff Ruszczyk, Sterling, VA

A: With Ted, the Patriots were playing a 4-3 at the time and he was the odd man out. If he wanted to stay in NE he had to take a pay cut. He wanted to stay because he has a family here now and didn't want to uproot them.

Nick, what is it with this salary cap? How can Buffalo afford Milloy and Bledsoe when we can't? Are they working under different rules? I sure seems like it sometimes. Where are they NOT spending their cap money?
-- Dan Malin, Mt. Vernon

A: Don't forget, Buffalo re-tooled there when Tom Donahoe came in. They got rid of a lot of expensive vets and brought in younger guys. They won three games. Then when they thought they had a chance to get back into it, they traded for Bledsoe, spent about $22 million of their cap dollars on defense, and got Lawyer Milloy as the cherry on top with about $3 million top spare. That's why I've always felt Donahoe is the best at what he does in the league.

Nick, I love the move dumping Lawyer Milloy, I think he is a good player but he will not be impossible to replace. Had the Patriots guaranteed that money they would have limited themselves in the coming years in signing some of their younger top players (Seymour, Woody?.) or future free agents. This move proves that Belichick does not fall in love wit his players and no one is above being replaced. Maybe Milloy will end up winning 4 super bowls in buffalo (doubtful with Bledsoe at QB) but I still think the right move was made. The Safety position is probably the least important position on the field on the D side of the ball.
-- Remy Sheehan, LA, CA

A: I'm sure Patriots fans hope you're right. I don't see a replacement for Milloy. Maybe next year.

If Lawyer Milloy feels so strongly about his "teammates" why wouldn't he take a pay cut like McGinest and Johnson to stay with the Patriots. I don't think three million dollars is chump change. Too much greed with these players don't you think? Thanks.
-- Meredith E Barry, Wdbge, Va

A: I never accuse football players of being greedy. They don't have the guaranteed contracts of the other sports, and their careers are shorter. McGinest and Johnson were showing signs of their play declining, whereas Milloy had just been named to another Pro Bowl. There's a bit of a difference.

Nick: First of all I think the decision to get rid of Milloy was a bad mistake, he was a huge part of the defense and i think we'll miss him more thank Belichick thinks. Do you think it was a wise move to get rid of him or do think they should have looked at getting rid of people like McGinest whose production has really dropped off in the past few years. Also do you know of any way to contact Milloy to thank him for all he did while he was here?
-- Jim Imbert, Assonet, MA

A: A lot of people write to say they should have got rid of this guy or that guy to save Milloy. The Patriots saw it as a player who was making more than he should at the position he plays. They looked at it like a business plan that was a little bit off at this one position and wanted to get it into the right slot.

With Lawyer gone how do you think it effects the odds of the Pats making/winning the AFC Championship ?
-- Bob Galvin, Sudbury MA

A: It will have some effect. I think Lawyer was right when he said the Patriots had become a linebacker-oriented defense and where the safeties didn't have as big a role as in the past.

nick- In hindsight it seems that coach Belichick was prepared to say goodbye to Lawyer Milloy back in April or whenever it was that the Pats signed Rodney Harrison. He's fits the same description as Milloy ( hard hitting, run stopper) only at a much lower price tag. My question is why didn't the Pats brain trust take what they could get for him in a trade? If he's expendable, as his outright release indicates, wouldn't a fifth or sixth round pick be better that nothing? Also, if you know, when does the contract for NFL Sunday Ticket run out with DirectTV? It's criminal that we cannot get any game we want on PPV here in the States as they can in Canada. Thanks for the info. Keep up the good work.
-- Kevin Breckenridge, Pawtucket

A: Getting something is always better than nothing. The Patriots told me recently they never tried to trade Milloy. As for TV questions, I've said it before, not an expert in that area.

Nick, How can I send a letter/e-mail of thanks to Lawyer Milloy?
-- Dean Paolillo, Tyngsboro, MA

A: I'd just send it to the Bills in Buffalo.

Nick, First of all I agree with letting Milloy go. There is no way a strong safety is worth the money they would have had to pay him ($4.5mil). The top safeties in the league make about $3mil a year and never mind how he had no interceptions, no fumbles caused, no fumbles recovered, no sacks, and twenty less tackles than his previous career low. His production last year was really bad. can he turn it around? Possibly. Look, Orlando Pace will only make about $5.5mil this year and he is a dominant player at a difficult position. Safeties (strong & weak) are the easiest position on defense to replace...as Jimmy Johnson used to do...he would just find a big, physical, smart cornerback who was a little to slow to be a good corner and turn him into a safety. From a production on the field standpoint, I think the combination of Milloy losing a step (or two) and the huge improvements in the front seven there won't be much off a drop off. The emotional effect of this happening so close to the opener will be tough, but this is a veteran team with leaders on defense, so I don't think we need to worry. We will probably never know the true story, but although Belichick can be cold and emotionless when it comes to player moves he is not stupid enough to gamble that Milloy "might" accept a reduced salary. I have to believe that since Milloy's agent (hard nosed Carl Posen) agreed to the restructured offer by the Pats and it was Milloy that declined, the Pats were led to believe this would be a non-issue. That is until some how Milloy figured out he not only didn't need to take a pay cut, but that he could actually make significantly more money else where (Buffalo). In essence he pulled the rug out from under the Pats. I don't really blame him for going for the money since he knew there was no way he would be here next, but people should not place all the blame on the Pats organization either. There were quotes from Ty Law on the morning Lawyer was released saying how Milloy's "new team" appreciates him.....although it's impossible to prove do you think Milloy was talking to Buffalo before he was released and had a handshake offer in place?
-- Peter Wright, Providence RI

A: I agree with some but not all of your comments. As for tampering, sure I think it's possible he had a deal in place. But even if he did, the Patriots wouldn't benefit from a tampering charge. The team which is caught would be fined or lose a draft pick, but the Patriots would not be awarded the draft pick.

Hi Nick, I really enjoy reading the Patriots Mailbag. It is extremely informative. My question deals with the Lawyer Milloy matter. I acknowledge that he is a team leader and a major presence on the field, but if he wanted to be released and seek better offers elsewhere, why are we seeing all the boo-hooing? We should be happy for him and wish him well. I am just tired of the appearance that it was managements fault. Lawyer knew what his value was on the open market and he took advantage of it just any other player in the NFL would. Hard as it may be, we need to focus on the positive side. Is this situation similar to the Leon Gray matter from the late 70's?
-- Butch Asselin, Skowhegan, ME

A: Butch, you're taking this much better than most fans. I commend you for not being emotional about this issue. I think the overwhelming response is that the Patriots should have worked it out or left it alone and dealt with it next season rather than a few days prior to the Buffalo game.

Nick, I've been keying on the Pats run game given the current running back situation. During the pre-season games, I've seen the Pats O-line open up running holes but it seems to me that Smith or Faulk don't hit the holes fast enough before the opposing D collapses the hole. Can you comment on this aspect of the running game and which NFL players hit the hole the quickest?
-- Vince Chase, Glen, NH

A: Well, they don't hit the hole as fast as a Priest Holmes or Jamal Lewis or Ricky Williams or Edgerrin James for sure. Some runners like to follow their blockers and take what they can get that way. I think Antowain Smith is more that type of runner. Faulk probably tries to get through the hole quicker than Smith. I don't know, runners have different styles.

Obviously the departure of Lawyer Milloy was driven primarily by the salary cap. Now that Lawyer has been signed by the Bills, what effect does his signing have on the Bills salary cap? In other words, what will the Bills have to sacrifice following their signing of this well-paid veteran?
-- Jim Henderson, Boston MA

A: They signed him to a 4-year, $15 million deal with a $5 million signing bonus. This year the cap hit is $3.25 million (his $1.25 million prorated bonus and his $2 million salary). Next year, Milloy has a $1.75 million roster bonus, a $1 million salary, so the hit will be $4 million, same as '05. In '06 the hit lessens to $3.75 million. The Bills did a nice job with it, and I think Lawyer is happy, too.

Hey Nick, Great job on the column. I'm out here in Bear/Packer country . Mailbag is one of the ways I can keep up with things. Last year, the pats defense was 31st against the run. Milloy is always described as a "run-stuffing" safety. Someone on the defense will step up and take the leadership role. Rodney Harrison will be the strong safety now. The other safeties they have will rotate in at free safety. I don't think this move really hurt the team that much. Time will tell.
-- Les Stevens, Roscoe, IL

A: Anytime you lose a guy who knows the defense as well as Milloy, you lose something. He could cover up a lot of mistakes out there.

Nick, throughout the preseason, I have tried to maintain cautious optimism about the Pats chances because I feel that we have a murderous schedule and question marks at running back and on the O-line. But with the close of preseason, I started to feel good about our chances, especially when Pennington went down. However, the Milloy debacle has really brought me down and I wonder how the team will recover in time for the Buffalo game (especially seeing Milloy on the other side of the ball), and what kind of impact it will have on them in the long term. My question is this, with all of the heartbreak I have seen in the locker room, why couldn't the outspoken players ante up and make up the $1.5 million the Pats wanted to dock Milloy, if they valued his play and leadership so much? Is it that hard to renegotiate several contracts to make it happen? Thanks!
-- Greg Oliva, Roseville, CA

A: It wasn't that simple to the Patriots. As I explained, they put a certain value on each position, and the value they thought on Milloy's spot was no more than $3 million. They didn't feel they could rob Peter to pay Paul. They want each position in line with what they feel it should be.

Hello. Now, is it me, or did the Pats really screw-up in releasing Milloy. What on earth were they thinking?! It seems like Lawyer called their bluff. I think the Pats assumed he would take a cut in pay. Who's next - Ty Law, Troy Brown? I mean, for great talent like that, you need to pay the $$. I don't think the Pats' management really understands how much they hurt they team by letting him go. We don't have a guy equal to him to replace him. Plus, he was a leader and motivator, a very dedicated team member. Now, he's with the Bills! C'mon! Any thoughts?
-- Arthur Sweeney, Billerica, MA

A: You've expressed similar thoughts and brought out similar concerns of a lot of people. I think we all know that Ty Law is next. He knows that. Looking at other big cap numbers, Willie McGinest, Roman Phifer, Antowain Smith could all follow.

Will Lawyer Milloy receive a his Patriot bonus and a Buffalo bonus and salary? What will be the totals per year? Thanks!
-- Walter Antoniotti, Mooresville, NC

A: The only money Lawyer received from the Patriots was the $105,600 bonus for taking part in the strength and conditioning program. The rest is paid by Buffalo - a $5 million bonus and a $2 million salary this season.

Nick, I'm sure this will be the topic of the day but here goes. How much worse off are we without Lawyer? People keep talking of him losing a step last season but I'm afraid this situation will turn out similar to the move to let Curtis Martin leave. We may regret it for years, especially considering that he is playing for Buffalo now. BTW -- how does this increase Buffalo's chances of making a run this year?
-- Glenn Cipolla, Newburyport, MA

A: I'm sure it will hurt more this year than in the future. They'll be able to replace Lawyer in the years to come. It helps Buffalo because it hands them a proven leader a Pro Bowl safety, which was one of their weaknesses on defense. The Bills should be a good team. The Patriots have helped them quite a bit the past two years. They've given them good players in Bledsoe and Milloy.

Nick- Not one national columnist has said that the release of Milloy makes sense. Please be critical of Belichick and tell us what he should have done instead to solve the cap problem. Thank you.
-- Todd L, South Boston

A: Written it many times. Guarantee all but $650,000 of the $4.4 million base salary, spread the remaining $3.75 million over the remaining three years of the deal. You gain over $2 million in cap room.

I saw the other day that Robert Edwards was released from Miami. I was wondering if it is possible that he will be picked up by another organization, or if given the running back by committee that the Patriots currently have that they would have any interest in Edwards?
-- Harry Huang, Waltham, MA

A: I doubt it with the Patriots. They feel what they have is better. They're also waiting for Mike Cloud's return in Week 5.

Nick....this Milloy move is really making me sick to my stomach! I know this is the subject of this week's MB, but letting LM go like this, and to another div. opponent, is depressing to say the least. I think BB's ego is going to kill this organization. Why didn't they hash this issue out 5 months ago? Any inside information?
-- Jim Piacent, Millis

A: Patriots say they thought they had a deal in place with Milloy over the winter, and kept asking him to sign the deal and he never did.

Could you give us your analysis of releasing Lawyer Milloy? Was there no interest from other teams, in trading for him? It hurts that the Patriots released him, but it hurts even more that he was signed by Buffalo! Thanks!
-- Ben Peasley, Chimaltango, Guatemala

A: Patriots say they never tried to trade him.

The Belichick gamble Nick, without going into the technical merits of the decision, it seems that there is a pattern of decisions on how veterans and leaders are treated (Drew, Ted Johnson last year, Milloy this year) by Belichick that clearly indicate a feeling that in New England the coach is bigger than the individual players. I think this all works well as long as the team is winning, but I wonder if in the long term he will alienate the team. You have to be wondering how the players on the team feel about their commitment to the organization if someone like Milloy is let go like this. Do you see any potential negative impact in the long term (including their ability to compete for free agents)? Also, I question the wisdom of the specific Milloy decision. While I disagreed with trading Drew for sentimental reasons, Brady has proven to be a great alternative. But what is going to happen to that secondary? All of a sudden Rodney Harrison looks like a very lonely man....
-- Dino Cattaneo, Cambridge, MA

A: Bill has a certain coaching and management style and he's consistent with it. I think he wants to make sure there aren't a lot of big-name superstars on the team, but good, lunch-pail players who can play his style and scheme. He won a Super Bowl that way. As long as the team stays competitive, makes the playoffs, and wins, there won't be much backlash, but if they should not make the playoffs a second straight year some of that will begin.

Obviously the Pats are going with a young secondary. With Milloy released, and, no doubt, Ty Law either will be traded or released after the season is over, would the Patriots be looking at picking up another young safety/cornerback in the draft? Is there a fine line between "getting younger" and "taking a step back" in the secondary?
-- Dave, Minneapolis

A: I think a young safety will be a priority next season. Eventually, you have to part ways with your older players. You hope the timing is right. I think it was right with Otis Smith because he hadn't participated in preseason and the young corners had come along well. I agree Ty might be gone, but I think we need a full year of watching Samuel and Wilson before we can say that definitively.

Nick, What is all this gripe about Lawyer Milloy! Sure he is a good player but he made the pro bowl the last 2 years on reputation not by his on the field play, he is slow and to bulky to play safety, to many times he goes for the big hit rather than taking the sure tackle. The Safety position is the least important position on the defense, come week 8 I can assure you and all Patriots fans there won't be any talk of "we could have won XXX amount of games if Lawyer was still here" the bottom line is he is replaceable. I played HS and div 2 college football and the safety position may affect 3 ?5 plays max per game, Milloy is a decent player and will be missed but to over pay like Buffalo did, was insane. I know all the talk is how he was a good locker room guy and he will be missed there and how it will be hard to focus without him there?.., BS pull out that SB 36 trophy and ask the players would they rather have Milloy this season or a chance to win the SB again for years to come, with his salary there was no way the Patriots could have been players in the free agent market let alone keep there young core players!
-- Patrick Flynn, Hadley ,MA

A: Patrick, safety wasn't an insignificant position when Milloy was playing his best and leading that defense to a Super Bowl. Rod Wodson hasn't made the safety position insignificant over the years. Ronnie Lott didn't either. I thought Lawyer was effective Week 1 for Buffalo. He looked like the Lawyer Milloy of the Super Bowl season where he made plays, and was in the position to make plays. Maybe in the long run it's the best move. But how far in the long run? I'd rather have won with him now. And who wins the Super Bowl for years to come?

Will Troy Brown be returning punts this season? He is awesome back there, and can be trusted... but I'd like to see him healthy all season and that is a dangerous job.
-- Mike Peterson, Norwood, MA

A: He'll run most back but you'll see Kevin Fulk and Tyrone Poole back there as well.

Hey Nick: I read that the franchise number for NFL safeties, the average of the top-five highest paid players at the position, is $3 million. Since that was the number reportedly offered to Milloy by the Pats, why didn't they make him a franchise player or were they limited by his pricey contract that still had a few years left on it ? Regardless, I still don't understand how they could simply cut him free without even getting a draft choice for him. Thanks for commenting.
-- Steve Alpert, Norwell, MA

A: Steve, he can't be a franchise player while he's under contract. The only player they can name a "franchise" player is a player whose contract has run out and can become a free-agent. Tebucky Jones, for example. At the end of this year they'll be able to franchise Damien woody is he hasn't agreed to a deal.

nick, letting lawyer Milloy go was a huge mistake. his intangible value as a leader was of much more value than his stats. fans felt this way and what's more important, so did the rest of the patriot players. players like that are an integral part of a winning mix. remember brain Cox's value in the super bowl year. we haven't heard anything from bob Kraft on this issue. does he want another championship or just a healthy profit margin?
-- Rick Sullivan, Oford, NH

A: I was blown away by Milloy's popularity. I never thought the fans would be this upset, but they really are. For a team that won a Super Bowl based mostly on intangibles, I do wonder about this move from that point of view because Lawyer was still the respected leader who set the tone. We haven't heard from Mr. Kraft, and I think the reason is that he hired a head of his football department to make these decisions. If they work out, great. If Belichick has a series of moves that don't work out for the best, then he'll likely find himself being stripped of personnel matters much like Parcells was. But I think things would really have to go South for that to happen. I think Kraft really supports Belichick in everything he does.

The rest of the world is wondering why Boston continues to humiliate, embarrass, and abuse their sports heroes. No other city in the world can make the claim as Boston does...."We treat our heroes like crap...and we're never going to stop". Man...I pity your fan base.
-- Richard George, San Diego, CA

A: Can't argue with you.

Nick, the NFL record for kickoff return TDs in a season is 4. Any chance we could see Bethel Johnson break or tie that mark this year? He certainly seemed to have an explosiveness we've never seen before in a Patriots uniform while returning kicks this preseason.
-- Joe Kilinski, Gaithersburg, MD

A: Bethel has the speed to do it. There's more to it than speed, though. For one, he has to prove he can hold on to the ball, and then we can take it from there.

How could the Patriots go through an excellent and injury-free summer camp only to shoot themselves in the foot by cutting Milloy???? Are the rookies good enough to fill in?
-- Paul Casperson, San Antonio, TX

A: At the safety position the Patriots have a very good player in Rodney Harrison, and then they have guys who have been backups - Antwan Harris, Aric Morris, Chris Akins, Je'Rod Cherry. Could they prove they're No. 1 safeties? Sure. After Game 1, I didn't see it.

What was Lawyer Milloy doing in Training Camp? NFL teams have a simple rule that if a player and team don't agree to contract terms, then the player doesn't come to training camp. That was exactly the situation with Lawyer Milloy, although it wasn't revealed publicly. However contrary to what every team does, Bill Belichick let Lawyer go through training camp and even appear on the 53-man roster. This blunder almost certainly decreased Belichick's esteem with players. What went wrong?
-- Chris Baker, Harpswell ME

A: Milloy had a contract. He had to come to training camp or he'd be considered a holdout. When training camp started, the Patriots didn't say sign a new deal or don't bother coming to camp.

Hi Nick, Thanks for publishing my question last season. I have been devastated by the loss of Milloy. He has led this team for seasons, and I'm sure I speak for many other fans when I say that he will be sorely missed. Just in case he happens to read your mailbag, I wanted to send this on- Thank you Lawyer - for giving your heart, soul, and your body to New England. You have been a role model to other players with your dedication, drive, and positive attitude. You have class, determination, spirit, and a desire to achieve your goals that will take you to great places. We will miss you, but we appreciate all that you have done for this team, and the fans. Thank you for the great memories and good luck in the future. (Even if it is with the Bills!)
-- Eileen Doherty, Chandler, AZ

A: Lawyer is a reader of the Ask Nick mailbag. I'm sure he'll read it.

Who do you see as the Pats best strong safety with the release of Lawyer Milloy, and how you suspect Bill Belichick will change his schemes as a reflection of the inexperience in the secondary?
-- Jason Anderson, Amherst/ MA

A: Harrison is the best strong safety. I think the question is who is the best free safety? I have no idea. And I don't think they know the answer to that question either. Harrison will definitely play more "in the box" and be a factor in the running game.

Nick, I just can't believe that a difference of $600,000 was the reason to replace Laywer Milloy. His agent said they offered $3.6mil, but the Pats insisted upon $3.0mil. If he wanted him gone why not much earlier so he could have picked up another safety?
-- Peter Gallasso, Manchester, CT

A: I agree. They must have felt the guys they had behind Milloy could handle it.

I used to think that BB was smarter than all of us... Do you still think so given that he probably could have gotten a lot more than nothing (plus an cap hit acceleration) for losing Milloy? Does he have some weird defensive scheme up his sleeve that Milloy would be useless for? Even if he does, doesn't it at least hurt team morale? Isn't that worth something? Isn't Milloy worth more than Ty Warren? So why do you have to pay rookies so much only to have proven Veterans be cut?
-- Farris Khan, Northville, MI

A: As Milloy said, he felt this had become a linebacker-oriented defense. His role had diminished. I don't understand that to be honest with you, but I rarely question Belichick's coaching acumen figuring he knows what he's doing.

Nick, I see a lot of experts have put the Pats right in the hunt for a return to the Super Bowl. With the Milloy trade, how much do you that changes people's perceptions?
-- Bryan Healey, Watertown

A: It changes some. Now when you add Ted Johnson's loss because of injury, it gives you a different look at this defense. It's not as tough as it once was when they had those two guys.

Nick, I get the impression that Bill's "what have you done for me lately" mentality is wearing on the rest of the players. They need to know that if they do their jobs they will have a home. He is the ultimate efficiency specialist, he'll use you till you're all done and then send you packing with a very matter-of-fact and cold demeanor (See Brian Cox). In Milloy's case, respect, team morale, leadership and the mind that understood the D best were not worth what turned out to be an extra $600,000 per year. I think this repeated pattern is going to hurt the team in the long run and he'll be out in 3 years.
-- Chris, Somerville

A: I think there's some truth to what you say based on my conversations with some of the veteran players. Some of the younger players aren't really effected. They'll just follow orders until they reach the point in their careers where this happens to them.

Hi Mr. Cafardo! I look forward to your insight each week, and love this forum. If I remember correctly, last year the mailbag started the season by being available on Fridays. After an upwelling of support (by those of us who read mostly at work before the weekend games) it was moved to earlier in the week (Thursday maybe?). I know that the mailbag is not what puts bread on your table, and that you only have a certain amount of time to devote to it, but if you generally have formed your responses before Friday afternoon's posting, maybe you and Boston.com could post either Friday mornings, or even on Thursday, to help divert our attention away from work, and start the weekend a little earlier (at least mentally). Thank you for taking the time to read my question. Keep up the good work!
-- Randy H., Centerville, MA

A: Randy, we've heard this quite a bit. I think what we hear is people like to read it Thursday and Friday when they're at work. Makes sense. I think we did switch it last year. I could switch it again, but that decision would be Chris Begley's, the Boston.com sports editor.

Did Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli completely lose this Patriots team by cutting Lawyer Milloy and allowing him to jump within the division? And if so, is the only way to get the team back on the same page is for Belichick and Pioli to either resign, or be fired?
--JD Duhaime, Mansfield, MA

A: Hang in there JD. It's early still. Let's see how it plays out over the next few weeks.

Nick, you've got the greatest site on the web when it comes to the Pats. However, I can't believe that the Pats are as bad as they played on Sunday. It's so reminiscent of the times when the Pats were so poor that a disgruntled fan threw a hot hibachi at Russ Francis from the stands as he was making his way to the locker room. I mean, it was so obvious that the Patriots didn't go to Buffalo to play, seemingly deflated by the end of Buffalo's first drive. And Brady, as team leader, certainly did not seem to care. Do you think that letting Milloy go had such a HUGE impact as to take the Pats out of the game before it even began? And do you think that the move of letting Milloy go, then Milloy getting a pay raise, opened a Pandora's Box for other Pat's in the same situation who now see a brighter light beyond renegotiation? I truly think that BB's move cost him the respect of the team, opened up the eyes of many players on other fronts with the possibility of moving on to greener pastures without renegotiating, and may even be the beginning of a downward trend. What do you think?
--Name Rick Jones, Las Vegas, NV

A: I think we all have to be careful about the outcome of one game and how it related to the Milloy move. The game was definitely effected by Milloy because as soon as the fans saw him coming out of the tunnel they got all fired up, the players got fired up and it was all over. Things could change. The players could accept it in time and move on from it. These things are usually worse right when they happen and then things settle down. I'm not sure if they'll settle down or not, I'm just saying let's see it play out.

Hi Nick, As with most, I was shocked to learn the Patriots cut Lawyer Milloy. How is it that the Bills can support such large contracts as Drew Bledsoe's, Takeo Spikes', Sam Adams' and others while the Patriots who sell out all their games cannot? How much do the Bills pay out in salaries for 2003 as opposed to the Pats? Thanks.
--Sue Martin, Bridgewater, MA

A: I'm not sure of the exact dollar amount for the Bills. I think the Patriots' payroll is about $84 million, which should land them in the top 10. It's all about salary cap and what contracts are making it rise to higher levels than the team wants. The Bills had more cap room because they had younger players before they went on their spending spree this off season. Eventually, maybe even next season, they'll begin to feel the pinch as well.

Hi Nick! have a question and a comment...... Do you think that by having Lawyer Milloy practice with the pats last Sunday give the Bills a huge tactical advantage in preparing for the game? My comment: If that is so, then shame on Bill Belichick and pats management...... I also think that the pats getting trashed 31-0 was well deserved because of the way this was handled..... I am a Pats fan for life but I have lost a lot of respect for Bill because Lawyer left his heart out on the field for him every Sunday..... I also feel that the players do not trust him anymore and rightfully so.... Some people say that Lawyer was no team player for not taking the pay cut but in all honesty Milloy deserved every cent that he was due for in that contract......
--Cesar Rios, Tampa FL

A: I buy into the fact that Milloy helped them solve some of the game plan. I think the score is reflective of that. As far as trust goes, there are a lot of players on the team. I think the younger guys don't know any better but to trust the coaches. The older guys have been through things, have seen things and maybe they won't be as trustful. But what they do know is that they have to play well to survive on this team and in this league.

Not a question, sorry, but just to vent some frustration like all of us fans after the most dismal performance that I can remember from the Patriots. Quite frankly, I have expected the Patriots to be 0-3, but after today, it could be worst! Why? I blame this loss on Belichick and only him! After Tuesday I knew they were in trouble, and it showed today. No emotions, no leadership, and he needs to prepare himself for taking the responsibility of this loss, and Charlie Weis deserves the blame also. How many times did they need to go to the middle of the field before they could figure out they could not do this?? Right now, there is no leadership, and Mr. Brady, you showed your emotions today, and they were not very good. Faulk and Centers were the only two players that I felt played out there, the rest of them were terrible. And did Mr. Law play like he is done??? He knows he is gone after this year, and he got tanned many times. I really did not care about Bledsoe beating them, but the emotions did. And Belichick is to blame for this, and after one game does not make a season of course, but I question the fortitude in the future. They will get their you know what handed to them next week, and they do not beat the Jets at home, so oh boy, here we go again. Thanks.
--Doug Bisson, Dallas TX

A: Good ventilation.

Name Phone 978-317-8269 Email BoSox3054@yahoo.com Opinion Nick, In the third quarter of Sunday's game, Kevin Faulk put the team on his back and carried them to the goal line in my estimation. Only to be replaced by A. Smith for four downs, and the Pats wound up with no points. Why did they switch backs? What happened to going with the hot hand? I think if they stayed with Faulk they score and its 21-7 early third, a brand new ballgame. What do you think?
--Matt Williams, Orono, ME

A: In this running back by committee setup Smith is the short yardage guy.

Over the years I've realized that Bill Belichick is a lot like Bill Parcells - but without the people skills. If Parcells thinks that you're a player you can be come a 'Parcells' type of guy, and he'll show some loyalty in a tough business. My question is, I've seen none of that from Belichick, and is there a 'Belichick' kind of guy?
--Billy Sottile, Palmdale, CA

A: That's an interesting point. I think you're right. If Parcells liked a guy he'd show him loyalty by giving him a longer-term deal and decent money. But you have to understand, that was also in the early stages of the salary cap. Nowadays, you can't be that loyal or you'll shoot yourself in the foot. You have to make tough business decisions, but I don't think you make them so close to the start of the season. I don't know if there's another Belichick-type out there. Maybe Butch Davis?

Well, I was at the game today, and it was 10X worse in person that it could have been on TV. The Bills dominated, and the Patriots didn't have an answer, except for Kevin Faulk, who played OK. I honestly don't think the Bills are 31 points better than the Pats, but I guess I will take my lumps at work tomorrow as the Bills fans pour it on. So, when will Victor Green be in for a visit? I shouldn't say that, Antoine Harris wasn't that bad. The Bills D was unbelievable, but c'mon Tom- How do you not see Sam Adams (ya hit him right in the numbers), and how does Troy Brown only catch one ball? It's only one game. When they won the Super Bowl, they started 0-2. Do you think it was personnel this week, or was it just too much emotion from the Bills? I will tell you, sitting in the crowd, Bills fans didn't feel completely safe until the 4th touchdown. They were uneasy only up 2-0.
--Mike Fuore, Hamburg, NY

A: Bad game for the quarterback, but the Patriots were outplayed at the line of scrimmage.

After the single worst performance by a Patriots team that I can recall since before the Parcells era, I have to put the blame squarely on Belichick's shoulders. And not just for handing the Bills Lawyer Milloy, although that's unquestionably what he did and it certainly did come back to haunt us - and probably will again. But the Pats simply did not look or play like they were adequately prepared for that game. The offensive line lived up to its name. If there was an offensive game plan, they never came close to executing it (continuing the puns, maybe that's exactly what they should do to it). There were tons of stupid penalties (are there any other kind?), and an unusually lackluster performance by the special teams. This team had no business suiting up and playing this game. I think the team read its own reviews from the pre-season, but it's going to be a long, frustrating fall and winter if they don't snap out of it. I'm particularly concerned with the "greening" that Belichick has been doing. By that I mean, getting rid of experienced veterans (again, are there any other kind?) who still have game, and replacing them with youth for the sake of youth. You know what you get from rookies? Rookie mistakes! I took a wait-and-see attitude about Otis and Buckley, but shipping out Milloy was a terrible decision, and if they could get close on an agreement with him, couldn't they have negotiated the rest of the amount with someone else? Belichick has totally decimated the Patriots' defensive secondary, and for what? We got nothing for any of them. How bad do you think Ty and his young charges are going to get abused this season?
--Jason Rubin, Melrose, MA

A: I'll have to say this, I thought Belichick was pretty standup this week about how he messed up as much as the players. That's a gutsy thing for a coach to say. Give him credit for that, anyway. At least he let his players know that it wasn't just your fault. It's my fault to and now let's move on.

Who is the brain trust behind the release of Lawyer Milloy? In addition to being a major, last minute distraction before opening day, which doomed the Patriots on that day, they gave away a quality player for no compensation. And, as I have continually stated, they were equally stupid in dealing Bledsoe. Due to all of this, you can forget about the Patriots this year, and, after seeing how we treat our veterans and salary cap issues, we've been set 5 years behind. Totally inept management!!
--William Laudani, Coral Gables, FL

A: There must be some method to their madness that we just don't know about. These won a Super Bowl, so you give them some rope here. I wish they would explain the situation better. I wish they would explain what they tried to do rather than some of the comments they say for public consumption which don't flatter them in the least.

I simply don't understand what the Pats brass was thinking with Lawyer Milloy - even if he isn't the player he was a couple of years back. Not only did they give away (no draft picks even) their emotional heart and a true football "team" player; but also they have to have every player in the league wondering why would anyone want to play for them. The end result may not just be giving up a chance at the Super Bowl this season from the loss of team chemistry (we all remember how much that helped them win in SB XXXVI), but may adversely effect every player contract in the next few years. Will Seymore or Brady or any top player re-sign? Will Free Agents? Why do you think the Pats are so short sighted? Saving a few bucks now may cost them millions in future revenues and taken away a competitive edge. This is surreal. I'm so angry. Shame on you Bob Kraft.
--Kelly, Palo Alto, CA

A: The future ramifications of this will be interesting to watch. Again, I think if they win this story disappears. If they lose, it lingers for a long time.

Since the Super Bowl victory, Belichick has done nothing to prove he is the defensive genius he is touted as. He has done nothing to make this offense any better and he cut the heart right out of the team with Milloy. How long will Kraft put up with this, or is he just as bad?
--Kevin Stewart, Harrisburg/PA

A: Bob Kraft gives all of his managers in business and on his football team the opportunity to make their own decisions. If they work out, there's reward. If they don't, there are consequences. That's fair isn't it? He awarded Belichick a two-year contract extension after winning the Super Bowl. It's not a lifetime deal. It's a deal that says, "a job well done" but not one that can't be eaten if the coach doesn't win any more. There's no question the emphasis is on defense. Why wouldn't it be with a defensive coach? Prior to Milloy's departure, the Patriots devoted just under $30 million of the $74.6 million cap to defense, and only about $17.7 million to offense.

Is there anyway we can get Milloy back??? this season? And why would the Patriots front office be so stupid and let Milloy go? We could have dropped a player to keep him.
--Karleen Trigueiro, Lincoln, RI

A: Lawyer is gone and as Ty Law said, "Unless there's a miracle, he's not coming back."

Rather than just cut Lawyer Milloy and let him sign with a team in our division wouldn't it have made more sense to trade him to an NFC team for a 7th round draft choice or even their 53rd player? At least this way you are assured of where he goes. What would be the salary cap implications? I understand Milloy is on the Pats books for $2+ million this year and $6+ next year anyway. Bill Belichick gets a free pass from me 3 more years for winning the Super Bowl but as much as I try I just can't make any sense out of this move at all.
--Jim Litwinowich, Holden/MA

A: It always makes sense to make sure a Pro Bowl players doesn't wind up in your division. But two guys to the same team? Wasn't it about a year ago that Buffalo won three games?

I think the Lawyer Milloy debacle will go down as one of the worst moves in New England sports history. Ron Borges is right on when he reflects that the cutting of Milloy "gives one cause to wonder if this man [Belichick] has the slightest clue how human beings operate." Maybe from a pure football prospective cutting Milloy was prudent (I can't see how). But, anyone with "the slightest clue how human beings operate" would anticipate the deleterious impact on the psyche of the team when its heart and soul is cut out. I think the damage is irreparable. Belichick is so high on himself since winning the Super Bowl that he released a Hall of Fame quarterback and the single best player [Milloy] the Patriots had. Nick, show me the silver lining! Is there any hope?
--Charles Knowles, Lancaster, PA

A: Silver lining? Well, they're saving $4.4 million. They're about $4 million under the cap, though there aren't any players out there to use it on. They could use the money to take care of Damien Woody and Kevin Faulk on long-term deals. It does give Antwan Harris a great opportunity to prove he can do the job. Feel any better? Didn't think so.

Post Buffalo season opener, I am more sickened than even about the Patriots release of Milloy. There were some interesting comments in his post game interviews that raised serious concerns about the treatment and regard of players by the Patriots organization.

Why can a team like Buffalo afford Bledsoe, new defensive starters and a player like Milloy while the Patriots cannot? Is the remainder of the Buffalo team paid that much less than the Patriots players? It doesn't seem like it was really about the cap at all.

The release of Milloy and the nauseating performance on Sunday by the Patriots in Buffalo, make me seriously doubt that Belichick is any kind of intelligent manager. If football is a business, this was bad business. Does he bear the blame alone, or are others responsible , including the Krafts?

The surprising thing is that I wasn't that upset about the loss on Sunday. I was happy for Bledsoe and Milloy, who seems to be far smarter than his previous coach. If the Patriots would send one more of my favorite players to Buffalo, I might switch teams.
--Beasley Tudor, Shirley MA

A: Someone, I think Dan Shaughnessy, referred to them as the Buffalo Patriots.

Nick, the interesting question is: "Was Kraft given a heads up prior to the Milloy decision, since this seems to have been strictly a money decision that could have been resolved under the Cap rules. Given that the difference was 3.6 vs the Pats 3.0 million last minute offer, Kraft would have gladly paid 600k for a real good chance at the Super Bowl this year and then deal with Milloy next year. That would have been the sure bet. The gamble at best was 50/50 and even had Milloy blinked, he would have been a very unhappy player. As it was, the gamble failed and by the time the team recovers it may be too late to recover. The message sent to the players was a bad one that makes the mgt/ team unity thing sound hypocritical and will not be believed in the future.
--Bob Davis, Old Lyme, CT

A: I think the Patriots had a number in mind and they weren't going to add to it. And I get the feeling they knew Milloy wouldn't take it.

After four years of writing in vain I am not giving up and you have to answer my question some day. As Belichick got lucky with a Super Bowl I hope to get lucky with an answer. Why is Belichick regarded as a genius? For allowing impact players to get away at the expense of his false ego? No previous year deficiencies addressed in drafts for stocking up picks ? Isn't a bird in hand better than two in the bush? No tall receivers, no pass rushers, mediocre offensive linemen to protect mediocre QBs and RBs. I am sorry for all die-hard fans like myself but we need to question the very hiring of Belichick the Genius! (By the way the Super Bowl was a Beginners Luck issue for Brady and the bunch with Charlie Weiss and Romeo Crennel's dearth of resources so blatantly exposed since then). Belichick the Genius ?
--Nayab Zafar, Columbia

A: Nayab, I apologize if I've never answered one of your questions. I've always contended, and I've been very consistent with this, that Belichick is a genius as a coach. He's one of the best Xs and Os guys you'll ever see. I've also always contended that his personnel decisions don't match the coaching aspect of his total package. I mean, the perfect guy would be a combination of Belichick and Tom Donahoe rolled into one. I don't know how you question hiring him when he brought you a Super Bowl. Question each move if you want, but without Belichick you don't have a championship banner.

Hi Nick. In that end zone deflection Milloy made, he had his back to the ball, and never once looked at it. He held up his arm, got lucky, and appeared to be blocking the receiver's vision. I thought that was obviously pass interference. What am I missing?

Also, as a side note, it seemed plain to me that the Patriots were playing with a broken heart. (And this is a game of emotion.) Just the sight of Lawyer in a Bill's uniform broke mine. Soon as I saw that I had a gloomy feeling. I wonder why this wasn't remarked on by sportscasters and sports writers--AND WHY BELICHECK COULD POSSIBLY HAVE FAILED TO PREDICT IT!
--Derald Breneman, Londonderry, NH

A: I thought the same thing on that play. But that's instinct. He knew where the ball was. He just wanted to make sure he got there and then made the play. I never thought it was pass interference. I thought he made a good play. As I wrote in an other response, as soon he was introduced and all the emotion that came out of him, I knew it was going to be a long day for the Pats.

After watching the (buffalo) game two thoughts came to mind. I said after winning the Super Bowl (Milloy MVP) I'd give Belichick a 5-year window before I started questioning him again. That plan is now scrapped. This move will prove worse than the Curtis Martin debacle! Much worse. Bob Kraft should be ashamed of himself., with the prices he's charging. Pathetic.
--Brian Barrett, Somerville

A: You sound hurt, like many Pats fans.

Ok, Nick, I'll refrain from talking about Lawyer and focus on something else I noticed in the drubbing the Pats took from the Bills this week..the running game and the inability to stop the run. Travis Henry gained 80+ against the, um, revamped Pats D, and while Kevin Faulk was somewhat impressive (62 rushing), the running game hardly did anything when they needed to. While I don't expect this kind of performance in the future, it's still concerning, no?
--Dan Gullotti, JP, MA

A: In the end, those areas will make or break the Pats. I think last week was an aberration, so it's hard to judge how they'll be against the run or how they'll run the ball in a regular close game. Ted Washington should help stop the run, but they still have to prove they can run. When you're running down 21 points, the other team is going to give you the running game and stop the deep passing game.

After the big loss to the Bills, why are people jumping off the wagon? It is not like we lost to the Texans! The Bills are a solid team. Don't you think that we will be a contender this year and years to come? After all we have a young team with some experienced veterans.
--Jeremy Garden, Franklin MA

A: It's hard for anyone to project a playoff scenario after watching that. Let's see how they respond against Philly. The players are young, which means they'll make mistakes. They also have 22 players 30 or older who could break down. Ted Johnson already did.

Are NFL contracts even worth the paper they are printed on? It is an unwritten rule that just about every major deal over two years will be restructured during the life of the contract, usually with the player taking less money. I realize that the bulk of the money is not guaranteed, so why is it so difficult for teams to live up to their word (and honor a binding contract). We are quick to criticize holdout players who fail to honor their contracts, but teams receive a lot less criticism when they fail to hold up their end of the bargain. Why should a player like Milloy take a pay cut when he has been promised more money? On a related note, why aren't any grievances ever filed when a team fails to honor its contractual commitment?
--Rob O'Keefe, Norwood, MA

A: As you know Rob, the union is weak in football. Some players make good money in bonuses, but for what they put their bodies through on a weekly basis, it's amazing to me what they settle for.

Was Sam Adams Sr. a running back or lineman? The Globe said lineman but the video clips in Sunday's game showed an 'Adams' running for touchdowns... what's the real deal Nick?
--Paul Martin, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

A: He's a defensive tackle. He intercepted Brady's pass and ran 37 yards for the score.

I just read some comments from Lawyer Milloy on the Buffalo Bills website, and I am angry. He says, regarding his feelings about playing in Buffalo, "I'm on a good team" and "I'm playing football for fans that appreciate it." Now it's the Patriots players and, worse of all, Patriots fans that are the bad guys? Last week's mailbag doesn't even scratch the surface of the general feelings of Pats fans regarding Milloy's departure, and he has the nerve to dis us?

All I have to say to Mr. Milloy is this: Pats fans were as angry as you at your departure. Yes, you got a raw deal, but I think you, along with the Buffalo Bills, have been redeemed. Meanwhile, your former team and your loyal fans will find no such redemption in the upcoming season. The only ones responsible for the current situation are the staff and coaches of the Patriots, and I find your comments deeply offensive. I have changed my opinion of you, not that it matters. See you in December, when I hope retribution will be at hand.
--John Wolforth, Billerica, MA

A: John, I think you're taking one quote and making too much of it. In other quotes he's been very nice to the Boston fans. He's acknowledged them for their support.

I'm sick and tired of reading about how upset and hurt fans of the Patriots are. I too was a huge Milloy fan, and felt as though he was the leader of the defense, BUT in the NFL, there is a history of great players being released when a team must move on toward younger and in some cases, cheaper players. Lawyer was a great player, there is no doubt. But in the Patriots scheme of today and in the future, was he worth 7 million dollars? I don't think so. On another note; the Patriots' performance was totally unprofessional and pathetic. The team looked like a bunch of softhearted patsies. If they are just realizing that this sport is as much of a business as a game then where have they been for the past 15 years. Did it look as if the Niners were crying when they had to release Joe Montana, or Jerry Rice? Did the cowboys play any less hard with their greatest player Emmitt Smith gone? Or how about the jets? I was totally impressed with how hard that team played after losing 4 players to free agency and their starter for the season. I understand that Milloy was an important part of the team. But he was just one part. To play that soft and without heart is inexcusable and unprofessional.
--Nathan Riley, Gilford NH

A: I don't think there's any argument with what you're saying. You move on all the time and you mentioned other great players who did move on. But in those cases they were done in the off season and people expected it. This one happened five days before the start of the season and it was surprising to most people. The reason it's bad is because there's no replacement to speak of. In fact, I can't remember a situation like this in football, where a star player was released this close to the start of the season. Can you?>

Do you think the Patriots should maybe pick up a running back soon? Robert Edwards is still out there. He look pretty good in preseason but so did the Patriots! Smith just plain out sucks! the team is good enough to win a title but not with him running the ball. They should of cut him not Milloy!
--Nick Massucco, CA

A: I think they're just waiting for Mike Cloud in Week 5. As soon as his suspension is up, he'll be on the roster.

Loyal reader, first time writer...It sure feels like Belichick has made this a make or break year for himself. With the storm of controversy surrounding the Milloy cut and the absolutely miserable showing by the Pats at Buffalo, do you think Bill is here next year if the Pats don't make a serious run through the playoffs? Do you think he finishes the year if the Bills game was an indicator of things to come? I don't want to sound so defeatist after one game...but that was such a bad performance and we've got the Eagles coming up next. I was feeling pretty good about our team up and until a week or so ago...now I'm worried.
--Hank Asher, Manalapan, NJ

A: He signed a two-year extension. He's under contract for the next three years. I don't know, but I doubt it.

How can the Pats recover from that ugly game on Sunday? It appears that every aspect of the game needs immediate attention. How do you feel the outcome of the season will be after this devastating loss?
--Ann Elionfante, Meriden, CT

A: You can judge anything on one game. They were 1-3 the year they won the Super Bowl and 3-0 last year when they didn't make the playoffs.

I'll be as brief as possible -- following the Milloy release, does Coach Belichick still retain loyalty and respect from the remaining Patriots, or has he lost the trust of the troops? Thanks, --
--Neil Walsh, Fairfax Station, VA

A: Retains most of his respect. Some of the vets probably look at him differently now.

Hi Nick, thanks for all the info and insight that you provide the fans. My question is, with Milloy going to Buffalo, how much do you think the information he may have given them affected the game in terms of the Buffalo offense knowing what to look for when the Pats lined up of defense? Obviously that wasn't the only area the pats struggled in, but I'm just wondering if it get the ball rolling in the right direction for the Bills, so to speak.
--Richard Fournier, Franklin, MA

A: Yes. Big believer he helped solve some things for Bledsoe.

Hey Nick. Obviously, the release of Milloy is a heartbreaker for Patriot Nation. The loss in Buffalo wasn't a pretty sight, but the season rests on 16 games, not one. In last week's mailbag, I noticed you primarily focus on reporting the facts, but seem to hold back on your opinions (besides the Brady-Bledsoe debate). What's your real take on the Milloy situation?
--ate Greiner, New York, NY

A: Lousy timing. Let a good player go with no replacement in sight. Set a bad tone for the remaining veterans on the team who must wonder how long they'll be around. Having said all that, I also said I give Belichick the benefit of the doubt, that over time, he knows what he's doing.

Hi Nick. Longtime fan of your column. Having recently moved to NYC over the summer, I am starved for Pats coverage, your column and Boston.com definitely fill the void.

Here's my question ... what is up with our defense - Why would they trash the secondary in the off season, cut Lawyer before the first game, and not seriously improve the defensive line? OK, it's a multi-part question ... bottom line, it wasn't our secondary that killed us last year it was our pathetic run stopping. I think we were 31st in the league. What are they going to do about the d-line?
--Ivan Fernandez, New York, New York

A: They got Big Ted Washington to stop the run in the middle. Unfortunately the second part of that - Ted Johnson - is hurt and out for about half a season. we wonder how Washington will hold up. Now we wonder how Roman Phifer, a 13-year vet and 35 years old, holds up as Johnson's replacement.

Love the column you provide such great insight into the workings of the pats and the NFL in general. Knowing how close you are to the inside scoop.. Was wondering if you knew the what chances are that coach Belichick, known for his 'Parcellian' motivational tactics, will bring in Apollo creed to give that speech he gives to rocky in rocky III. You know the one about Rocky's manager being dead and how he has to forget about it and move on... i think it would apply. what do you think?
--Bernie, Boston

A: He stayed away from all of that stuff this year. I think he felt he can do that only so often for effect.

No questions, just some observations: I might be to optimistic, but the season definitely is not lost. Some new leaders will step up. Either veterans Patriots or some of the recent acquisitions. Also, the Pats put a licking on the Jets early last season and look what happened later during the rematch. Last thing, about Paul DeSalvo from Derry, N.H.: do you have to keep posting his comments? If you're doing it to be fair to the other readers, believe me, we don't mind if you skip him every few weeks.
--Jim Winquist, Waimanalo, HI

A: Paul's a good guy. He didn't write this week because Bledsoe had a good game. But he'll be back. The scenario you paint could happen. I'm not discounting that. You have a guy like Richard Seymour who is young and is leading the newer guys.

Is this what happens when too much authority is given to a single individual? If Billy Chickenbelly weren't also running the front office, he'd be in a better position to empathize with the players. As it is, he can't duck responsibility for cutting Milloy, and they know it.
--Bob Coe, Sudbury, MA

A: There's good and bad about wearing both hats. From a control point of view, the players know who is in charge. They're not gonna sneak up the back steps to Scott Pioli.

Are the players turning on Belichick like they did with him Cleveland?
--Adam Sullivan, Boston

t A: I don't see that happening.

Nick, i probably feel you will not respond to this but do not state that this was NOT in the Boston sports writers inner conversations during & after yesterday's disgrace. Did these guys "tank" the game in order to stick it to the coach for Malloy's release?? I think they did and i do not think the players "attitude" will be resolved soon!! Good-bye season. I did not bet on the game at all but be assured i will be all over the Eagles come Sunday, even if spread is as high as 10 pts.
--Robert Farey, Flushing, NY

A: I don't think this group of guys would do that. These guys are good people and good football players. many of them were on the Super Bowl team, so that's beyond anything I could even think about.

A belated welcome back. Thought most of the problem against the Bills was the emotional factor, but I'm struck with the lack of production from the rookies (the image of Deion Branch dropping a touchdown stands out in my mind). Do you think Daniel Graham will ever be the impact player the Pats envisioned? If not, will Fauria pick up more of a role. Is Branch for real? Givens? And what's the straight answer on these two cornerbacks.
-- Joe McGee

A: I really thought the sophomores would step out this year. After one game, haven't seen it. But it's early. Branch's drop was huge. This kid should be an excellent receiver, but you've got to catch that ball. Graham had a an excellent camp and preseason, so let's not give up yet. The rookie corners are decent, but they'll make mistakes. All rookie corners do.

I am not going to waste time and talk about the Milloy deal. He was/is a great player, great teammate, community guy. I know it's only one game but can people give the Bills credit for putting together a good defense during the off-season and constructing a solid game plan? The Patriots got outplayed and outcoached by the Bills yesterday so tip your cap and move on. I think the defense gets too much of the blame around here. The offense is what let the Patriots down yesterday and will continue this season. To have (-1) yards at the half is atrocious. They had opportunities to make something happen to swing this game but the Bills (as the last 7 regular season opponents with winning records have shown) have figured out how to put a stop to this "small ball" offense. The Patriots were lucky to make it to 9-7 last year (thanks Dave Wannstedt) and the year before the Super Bowl they missed the playoffs. Is it possible that we have maybe over-hyped this team? Yes we won the Super Bowl in 2001 but let's be real here, you look at every skill position on offense and the only guy that I would consider a "top ten at his position" is Damien Woody. I know people will say "well the Raiders do it" but the Raiders have receivers that are taller then 5'9" and are able to break tackles. Is it time to blow this offense up and try something different? Brady is a decent QB but teams are sitting on the short stuff and if his short stuff isn't working he has nothing else that will strike fear into opposing defenses. Again I am not blaming Brady 100% but he is the leader of this offense. How come we did not go after Sam Adams when he was available? I believe this is the second time we let him pass.
-- Kabongo, Lynn

A: I'll address Sam Adams. They had no interest. He was out there twice. I think the rap on Sam is that there are times he doesn't want to play. But he's played hard so far. I'll throw another name out there: how'd you like to have Joe Jurevicius? The Pats thought he was too much money so they settled on Donald Hayes.

The Milloy controversy will continue to swirl (great reporting on that last week, Nick), and the Brady/Bledsoe thing will come back from the grave. Such is life. My current thoughts are that the Dolphin and Patriot defenses are not as good as we all thought, and the Bills D is tops in the AFC. Milloy aside, the Buffalo D-line dominated. Takeo Spikes looks like the best LB in the AFC East. I have a theory on the Pats D. I called it the "Scottie Pippen Theory" (Scottie has been found lacking when not playing with Michael Jordan). Because Colvin and Harrison were so quiet this past Sunday, I am wondering if they are Pippens, given their ex-teammates Junior Seau and Brian Urlacher, respectively. Spikes played like Michael Jordan in the season opener; the guy was just everywhere. I don't question the release of Milloy--it looks like simple economics to me, with his huge charge against the cap in 2003-4. But, I thought the Pats D was still better this year sans Milloy, than the defense last year. Now I am starting to doubt. What do you think, Nick?
-- Timothy Tien, New York, NY

A: The Pippen theory is decent. One of the first things I asked both Colvin and Urlacher is how they thought they would do without each other. Both thought they'd be fine. We'll see. I think it helps that Washington is in the middle so Colvin should make some plays.

Monday, February 3rd, 2053. "Curse of the Esquire lives on in New England" as the Pats continue their titleless streak since the release (and subsequent pick up by division rival Buffalo) of Hall of Famer free safety Lawyer Milloy on that fateful day more than 50 years ago... The Bills along with that other legendary gunslinger Drew Bledsoe (also formaly of the Pats fateful) won 3 consecutive Superbowl titles after the pick up of the "Esquire" and began a dynasty in Orchard Park, NY. As it is and has been since 1918 for Boston sports. 1 title in 135 years. Hell hath not frozen over yet for Boston sports fans.
-- Darren Miles, Miami, FL

A: Good one.

Why is it that not one member of the New England press has taken Milloy and his agent Carl Poston to task for their complicity and avarice in these dealings? Understandably, it is far easier to please the masses, (especially after Sunday), and go after Belichick. However, there are a few Patriots fans that actually understand things like long term salary cap implications and exactly who and what the Postons and Professional Sports Management are about. As a syndication agent in the celebrity photography market, I take a keen interest in any agent-related matters and like to think that I know a thing or two about negotiations. As a lifelong Patriots fan, I may feel a little indebted to the man who ended my suffering and gave what I thought to be an impossible dream: The Lombardi Trophy. So, in the interest of fairplay and fair coverage, why doesn't someone take a hard look at Carl Poston and Lawyer Milloy? After all, to say that poor Lawyer is a victim and that Belichick is a buffoon seems a little too tidy and not very courageous. Maybe if Will McDonough were still around we'd get to the bottom of all this...
-- Jay Williams, Hollywood, CA

A: Poston wants the best deal for his client. That's his bottom line. He somehow found out that he could get a better deal out there, and decided not to come down to the Patriots' payscale. Simple as that. There's no secret here. You make it sound like there are some hidden stories. I don't think so.

Is it possible we have an all timer here? Could it be the release of Lawyer Milloy will rank up there in Boston sports lore with the selling of Babe Ruth or trading Jeff Bagwell for Larry Anderson? Have you EVER seen a sport transaction in any sport where the reaction was nearly 100% negative? There is no crossfire: No point - counterpoint: No debate. Who's going to argue in favor of the move? Gregg Williams?
-- Chris Stern, Santa Ana, CA

A: Pretty good analogies. If Lawyer leads them to a Super Bowl, I'd agree with it.

Before my question, I'll take a shot at responding on your behalf to the many people who will accuse you of being happy about the Patriots loss, due to your love of Drew and disdain for Tom. I have paid attention. You have consistently written that the Pats did the right thing in keeping Tom. You only had concern with trading a top notch QB to a division rival. Boy does that feel like a mistake today. I would like to remind everyone that the two wins last year did not validate the trade and the loss this week does not invalidate it. Tom will have great days again and like it or not, Drew is a future Hall of Famer. Here is my question. I have read that New England had to cut salary and were forced to cut Milloy. It is my understanding that they were within the cap with 51 players, but the last two put them over the top. Can you explain exactly where they were in relation to the cap and how it was necessary to release an impact player like Lawyer? Could they have tried to save on one or two mid-tier players instead? My last question is, if you sign a player to big money because he is a big time player and he goes on to play consistently like a pro-bowler, how does he later become "overpaid"? I guess that last one is rhetorical. Thank you, Nick.
-- Glenn Shapiro, Longmeadow, MA

A: Thanks for the defense. Sometimes people like to misrepresent my views and I think you've portrayed them accurately. I think they were right at the cap. If they were over, it wasn't something they couldn't tweak with a minor restructuring. I never bought that as an excuse. Just guarantee the yearly salary and spread it out as bonus. That's all you have to do. They had done that with Milloy three times, why not this time?

Nick, the media has been treating Belichick with "kid gloves" here. I would like to see someone in the media have the courage to ask Bill Belichick to answer and address the following question (at one of his press conferences): Question 1: "It is false information that Lawyer Milloy refused to take a pay cut to in order to stay on with New England; his agent offered to sign at $3.6 million which still represents a substantial pay cut ($800,000 or nearly 20%); so why did the New England Patriots say NO to their Pro-Bowl saftey, team captain, and on-field signal-caller when he offered to take a 20% salary cut?" Question 2: "Apparently the rest of the league, including the Buffalo Bills, think Malloy was enough of an impact player to easily be worth the $3.6 million. How come you do not?" Question 3: "This team would not have won a championship without Malloy in 2001. Don't you now have to prove to the NFL that you can win a championship without Lawyer Malloy in order to avoid being the laughing stock of the entire NFL for lowballing him and driving him away from the team he loved?" Ask those questions Nick, please ask those questions - directly to his face. Malloy agreed to a whopping 20% cut here - but Belichick lowballed him even more. Both Malloy and New England fans deserved better! This was a special guy here. Hold him accountable Nick!
-- Derek Larsson, Ashland, MA

A: The answer would be "We did what was best for the team."

Why in the world would Bill Belichick get rid of Lawyer Milloy? The Pats do this all the time. They did it w/ Doug Flutie and Drew Bledsoe. I have been a Pats fan for years and I'm jumping on the Bills wagon. Go Buffalo!!! I have been a dedicated Pats fan even when they were 1 - 15. But we can only stand so much. What did Bill think that Lawyer wasn't worth the money? My son is 10 years old and even knows that they made a huge error.
-- Rose Pignatare, Spring Hill, FL

A: I saw a lot of Patriots fans rooting for the Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium last week. I think you have some new Bills fans in New England as well.

I understand that some players need to be inactive each game, but I was very surprised to see Dan Klecko as one of them against Buffalo. Injecting an energetic and determined player with no ties to the past into the game would have added a spark, and might have helped keep the players minds off Milloy's departure. I know he has lined up across the whole D-line and also as a linebacker, so he has many responsibilities to keep track of - do you think the coaches thought he was not ready yet? Do you see him more as a linebacker or a lineman? We need that motor in there!
-- John Costello, Wall, NJ

A: They use a three-man line and they have eight linemen so two are going to be inactive every week. I just don't think they felt Klecko was ready for prime time and they had enough special teams people. He was the odd man out. I was more surprised A. Pleasant was out.

Even though the most die hard Patriots fans realize that the NFL is nothing more than a business, Shouldn't fans have a legitimate feeling of being let down by the organization? Milloy represented all that was good with the Patriots - especially in the Super Bowl year. Milloy offered to take almost a million dollar paycut to stay with the pats and the team said that was unacceptable. Well Milloy had a right to be angry and he instead went on to get a $2 million dollar raise for this year. All I know is that when I'm paying 5 dollars for a Pepsi in Gillette this year I want to see my team win and without Milloy this defense is in rough shape. Is there anything more to the composition of a team anymore than just dollars and cents?
-- Marc Bertrand, Quincy, MA

A: People are upset and that brings out anger with things such as ticket prices, and concession prices and parking prices, all things the Patriots have been able to avoid. They need a winning streak starting this Sunday in Philadelphia to calm everyone down.

Do you think Kraft was really behind the Milloy release? Do you think he felt Milloy was overpayed? Or do you think he (as he says) doesn't get involved in the decisions on such things? If the decision was soley Belichick's, do you think he could get fired by Kraft for the debungle? Will Belichick ever admit the decision was a mistake? I personally think he ought to first meet with Ty Law and let him know that he has seen the light of the bad decision and let Ty know he won't try to get him to take a pay cut. He should also address the team, apologize to them all and let them all know that going forward, a deal is a deal. A contract signed will be honored. Unless your performance is drastically disappointing (IE Terry Glenn), you will not be asked to renoegotiate for less money or be cut.
-- Chuck Dore, Portsmouth, RI

A: Kraft had nothing to do with it. This is a decision made by his head of football operations - Bill Belichick.

I know everyone will be really upset with the opening loss Nick but what did the Pat's management expect. You take the leader of the team and cut him a few days before the opener?! I understand the decision but definitely not the timing. If it had been back a month or so ago or whenever training camp started then I think I could understand. But to try and play hardball with Milloy a few days before opening kickoff was one of the dumbest moves ever by any Patriots head group-and that takes in a lot of dumb moves of past management. I think the Pats are in for a long season because if Sunday's game is any indication,the team looks totally demoralized. Everyone knows what these athletes equate with respect- money. And I can't blame Milloy for wanting all he can get, but he gets some blame also. 600K isn't much of a difference to give up but I also understand the ego of letting the team take away what is rightfully his. His comment that he wasn't giving in like McGinest and Johnson might make him feel better but the fact of the matter is that most of these football players never see the end of these big contracts. I also blame his new agent- Carl Poston. He was getting no cut of Milloy's present contract so it was better for him to not give in. He's just as greedy. I haven't given up complete hope, after all it is only one game, but this is going to leave a bad feeling for quite a long time.
-- E. MacLeod, Weymouth MA

A: You can spread the blame, sure. Poston should get some of it because I think if Milloy had his old agent, Ray Anderson, who is much more diplomatic, Lawyer would have been here. But it just became a question of should Milloy have to take a cut of any kind? Sometimes you just have to pay a top player top money.

If tampering by the Redskins, or any other team, can be proven in the Lawyer Milloy case. What could the NFL do?
-- Mark Giardina, Webster, NY

A: Fine the team who tampered and perhaps take a draft pick. However, the Patriots do not benefit. They get nothing.

First of all, I was completely devastated when I saw the headline on this website! Lawyer WAS the heart and soul of this team. If you look at his statistics and his leadership together as well as the fact that he is still 29 years old, I believe it was a HUGE MISTAKE. You made the comment that you are giving Belichick the benefit of the doubt for now. Well, I disagree based on this....The fact that the "roster move" occurred a few days before the opener tells me that the intentions on both sides was to agree on a compromise. Therefore, it was probably a last resort to release him. The problem here was that there needed to be a zero tolerance for this deal not working out. As evidenced by the opener, this couldn't have turned out worse. This event doesn't just send a message to Ty Law about who's next but it sends the wrong message to the players and to the rest of the league as to how the Patriots are going to treat their most beloved and loyal top performers. That is the most central issue in this whole tragedy. Sure, Milloy may have been a "little" overpaid with a compromise but he deserves it. The truth is I know I could look at other areas on this team first before I would ever want to take the heart and soul out of this team. Thanks for taking the time to listen to my rant. Keep up the great work Nick! P.S. Any Pats fans that are in L.A. this season, stop by Sonny Maclean's in Santa Monica
-- Chris Rice, Los Angeles, CA

A: I'm not saying give him the benefit of the doubt forever. I'm saying let's see what happens beyond this awful game against Buffalo. Lets see what happens when this whole thing is over what we're left with.

Enough with the Milloy stuff. Will Antowain Smith be on this team next year? His cap number must be heading up while his performance (thus far) is heading down. Where do the Pats go from here with the running game?
-- Glenn Cipolla, Newburyport, MA

A: He'll be on the team if 1) he has a good season; and 2) renegotiates his contract so he doesn't get the $2 million option bonus. Otherwise, no.

I agree that we need to give Belichick the benefit of the doubt, and one week vs. the Bills is obviously not enough time to play this out. They cannot replace his leadership overnight, but where do they turn now to beef up the defense now that week 1 is over and players can be signed without a guarantee? Any thoughts also as to whether they are clearing CAP space this year to make a bigger acquisition this coming offseason?
-- Scott Whitney, Los Angeles, CA

A: They have some cap problems next year. I think the savings will be eaten up by increases to players like Tom Brady who goes from $3.3 to $8.5 on the cap. They may not be a big player in free-agency.

I HAVE THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR BILL BELICHICK. MASSACHUSETTS HAS A LABOR LAW CALLED NONPERFORMANCE YOU CAN AXE AN EMPLOYEE AND NOT PAY THEM. HE SHOULD AXE THEM ALL. BECAUSE THEY CHEATED BOB KRAFT - A GREAT OWNER WHO'S TRIED TO GIVE THEM A GREAT TOWN TO PLAY IN AND A GREAT STADIUM. THEY SHOULD DONATE THEIR WEEKS SALARY TO MILLOY'S FOUNDATION IF THEY'RE SO BEHIND HIM. YOU WOULDN'T SEE THEM GIVE A PENNY.
-- Gil Ferri, Andover, MA

A: Interesting take.

With the offensive zero the Patriots put up, do you think that next year the Pats will use both first round picks on big time offensive players?
-- Andrew, Northboro, MA

A: It has to be a running back, right?

Was [or is] Belichick really that naive, or dumb, or has he lost it?
-- Bob Maddison, Belfast ME

A: None of the above. He made a business decision that the masses dislike.

I don't see the value in keeping Ty Law. He is consistently caught on pass interference and is beat more often than not in coverage. Am I the only one seeing this? Lawyer was a leader; Ty goes spouting off too often and fires up the opposition. All these negatives and at the highest cost to the Pats, Why? Daniel Graham looks to be another Kleem....will it take 4 years before he gets us some production? If you can't hang onto TD passes, move him on down the road. Your thoughts?
-- Paul Iannelli, Kennesaw, GA

A: Ty is still the best they have. He can still cover the top receiver. Graham needs to get going and step up. He's a first round pick in his second year.

If the League investigates tampering possibilities in the Milloy situation, and if they find that, in fact, tampering occurred, what would the remedy be? Is there any chance that Milloy's contract with the Bills could be nullified and he can return to the Pats? (I know, it's wishful thinking, right?)
-- Gerri Corrado, Boston, MA

A: The contract stands. The team caught would be fined a substantial amount and likely lose a pick.

What's up Nick? Glad the mailbag is back. I know many readers will think this is an old topic but I just wanted to put in my two cents. I was really pissed when Belichick traded Bledsoe, but it really comes down to this. Brady is better at the short controlled passing game, which fits in with Belichick's overall plan, strong defense, Ok offense. When Parcells was here it was strong offense, pretty good defense. Those who say Bledsoe could never win a Super Bowl are wrong. In SB XXXVI we would have been tied if not for two defensive mistakes that led to touchdowns for GB. In the end it was too much to overcome. Overall I have to agree Brady fits better into this offense, but I still think Bledsoe is the better QB. The Belichick teams are good and have won a Super Bowl, but the Parcells teams were more exciting to watch. Curtis Martin is in his last year of his contract I believe. Herm Edwards looks like he wants to go with Lamont Jordan. DO you see the Jets releasing Curtis after this season? Think Parcells will pick him up? I don't think Belichick will, but then again you never know.
-- Rich Ellis, Whitinsville MA

A: The question is whether Curtis is on the downside. He looked slow in his first game.