Top dogs

Page 5 of 18 -- A: The guys I think are superb are Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Tedy Bruschi, Takeo Spikes, and Derrick Brooks.

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Hello, Nick. I enjoy reading the mailbag every week. My question revolves around next year's draft. The Pats need a running game. I think the Pats should seriously think about drafting Kevin Jones, an RB from Va Tech. He looks like he can be a game-breaker. What do you think of him?
Paul Maitino, Billerica

A: He's exciting to watch. I'm just not sure what type of back this regime prefers. I'm guessing they want a bigger guy like Antowain Smith who can move. A Fred Taylor type, for example.

Nick, Nice mailbag. I agree with you most of the time. My question: Regarding a question in a previous edition about the offensive coordinator talking to the QB while the play is in progress. Isn't communication cut off before the QB goes to the line for the play? If not, why can't coaches change the play when the QB goes to the line?
Bob Lewallen, Front Royal, Va.

A: The communication is cut off, but he could yell it at the top of his lungs from the sideline if that's where he's situated. I guess I misunderstood the question.

The offense has struggled frequently this season and I have wondered why the Pats have not used the hurry-up offense more during the game. It seems that Brady is just the right type of quarterback to thrive with a hurry-up. (Look at all his late game comebacks.) But then I think, "they're 10-2, they haven't needed to use it." Is this something that Belichick and Weis are holding back on to surprise someone with in the playoffs, where you don't get a second chance? This would seem like Belichick's style.
Dave H., South Bend, Ind.

A: Dave, I think you did answer your own question. One thing the Patriots don't want to do is turn the ball over and there is greater risk of doing that in the hurry-up.

I'm Boston-born and raised rooting for all the Boston sports teams. In answer to your question of "What will success be?," It seems this team can win it all. I believe a Pats-Cheifs game could go either way if played at Arrowhead. If Pats have home field, Pats win it. I also think it is assumed the AFC will win the Super Bowl this year though it is not guaranteed, of course. I said when the Pats won the Super Bowl that if they never won it again, I would be fine. This comes from enduring season after season of disappointment from the Red Sox. It gives you a "just give me one championship and I can die in peace" type of attitude. So, if the Pats don't win it all this year, it won't be devastating as if they had lost to the Rams, but it will disappointing because I think they have the team and coaching to accomplish another Super Bowl title and how often to you get the chance to win it all? You need to take advantage when you got the goods. Thanks.
Rob Crose, Idaho Falls, Idaho   Continued...