Turnovers, not injuries, reason for loss

Page 17 of 17 -- Hi Nick. When i see A. smith in the backfield I loose all hope that anything positive can happen. I vote for packaging as many draft picks they have to get the best available RB in '04. RB should be # 1 priority.
Justin Fernandes, Springfield

A: Justin, I don't think anyone would argue with you as we stand right now. After 16 games, it might be something else.

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Hey Nick! I am writing from the Bronx, yes the Bronx. I have been a Pats fan since watching Steve Grogan destroy the jets in a blowout in I believe '79. My question is this, who do you believe has the best chance of becoming the third Patriot to become a Hall of Famer? will it be Armstrong, Bledsoe, and Cappalletti or maybe you had someone else in mind. Keep up the good work.
Pasquale Mellampe, Bronx, New York

A: If I were a voter, I'd vote for Ben Coates. But of the people you mentioned the "best chance" will be Bledsoe.

Nick, Are the Pats considering hitting the waiver wire for a veteran linebacker (or two) to fill in for Johnson, Vrabel, and Johnson? Glenn
Glenn Cipolla, Newburyport

A: I know that another mans trash could be another mans treasurer, but not much to chose from.

I know Robert Edwards was released by the Dolphins earlier this year. Has any team picked him up. It seems to me he was a decent 3rd back. Any chance the Pats might want to take a second look?
Tom Maszczak, Nashua

A: Nobody picked him up and the Patriots opted for Pass. Edwards didn't appreciate the way Belichick handled his release here. I don't think you'll see him here.

Nick, I read your GTM column this week, good article, Grogan is one of my all time favorite Pats. Not to resurrect a dead issue, but another one of my all time favorites is Bledsoe. No mention of him on the GTM? Come on, as Patriot QB's go, other than Grogan, no one was tougher or more durable than Bledsoe. I like Brady, but I don't think he has even shown Bledsoe-esque toughness yet. Thanks for the great stories
Joseph Shinnick, Chapel Hill, NC

A: Certainly didn't mean to slight Drew. His toughness speaks for itself, but in that piece obviously I felt Grogan was the toughest of the tough and we have to measure every one else's toughness to Grogans. Brady is playing in pain right now and you have to give the guy credit for that.

What has been the general breakdown of people supporting the Lawyer Milloy cut and people opposing it? I assume it's about 99% against.
Eric J Alexander, Vineyard Haven

A: In this forum, which to my knowledge is the biggest Patriots forum on the internet, yes.

Hi Nick, With the team depth now thin due to injury, any chance of a major trade (draft picks ) for a disgruntled / benched player ? The team is well under the cap and could use help on both sides of the ball. Or is it likely BB will ride out the season and accept whatever record and its high draft picks. You would expect a team with such major injuries to be easily sub-500. (Although I BE-lieve!) John Harrison`s Roast Beef in N. Andover rules !
John Poirier, E. Bridgewater

A: I wish the trading deadline (Oct. 14) meant something.