Taking care of business

1) The Patriots signing offensive tackle Nick Kaczur to an extension through 2012.

2) Defensive lineman Vince Wilfork saying he was frustrated at his contract situation remaining unsettled.

3) Robert Kraft previously talking about the uncertain labor forecast as a consideration with contract extensions.

Let’s get right to the questions. …

Mike, the uncertain labor situation is really starting to intrigue me. The big piece I don't understand is in relation to Robert Kraft's stance on not getting extensions signed because of the uncertainty of the labor agreement beyond this season. My question is this: What is going to change between now and next offseason that will all of a sudden give Mr. Kraft and the Patriots the clarity they need to re-sign Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour, Logan Mankins, and Stephen Gostkowski? After hearing Wilfork's comments recently about his contract extension, I'm starting to buy into his line of thinking that Mr. Kraft is using the labor uncertainty to his advantage by having that as a blanket excuse for not re-signing guys. Once push comes to shove next offseason and these guys are free agents, won't Mr. Kraft still be under the same cloud of uncertainty he's under now?
Sheila, Framingham

A: Sheila, I think what Robert Kraft was saying -- but didn’t say -- is that the team is being careful with big-money extensions without knowing what the future rules will be. As we saw with Nick Kaczur’s extension through 2012, the Patriots are willing to sign players into future years, it just has to be a deal where they don’t incur too much risk. I’m assuming that the team feels what Wilfork is seeking would be too risky from a pure dollars perspective. As for what will be different next year, the big thing will be an understanding of whether there is a salary cap or not, which can help teams plan accordingly. If there is not a salary cap, players like Mankins and Gostkowski wouldn’t even be unrestricted free agents. So, in those cases, the uncertainty would no longer be there.

I don't understand the Patriots giving Nick Kaczur a contract extension before Wilfork, Seymour, Mankins and Gostkowski. Are they trying to antagonize Wilfork? Despite Wilfork's best efforts, do you think this might get ugly now?
David, North Attleboro

A: David, I don’t think the Patriots are trying to antagonize Wilfork at all. They’ve negotiated with him and offered him a contract – and possibly contracts -- but it’s not to the level that Wilfork is seeking. While I’m sure both sides would like a resolution, a team can’t stop pursuing its other business while waiting to strike one deal. So I can’t blame the Patriots. Also, if you look at Kaczur’s extension, it averages about $4 million per season. That’s much less than what Wilfork is seeking, so it’s really in a different ballpark. I could sense that Wilfork was a bit peeved, and since it seems that an extension is unlikely, that’s why I’ve said that the Patriots would be doing the right thing by agreeing not to franchise-tag Wilfork next year. That would eliminate any hard feelings and give Wilfork a chance to earn what he feels he’s worth, while incurring the risk to make it through 2009 healthy.

Hi Mike, when the Patriots try to evaluate who the No. 2 QB will be, why do they not let Andrew Walter or Kevin O'Connell play with the starters on offense? I understand the risk injury factor, but how can playing with the second stringers be a true evaluation?
Nick, Montreal

A: I think it comes to repetitions, Nick, and how to best distribute them through the roster. I’m sure Bill Belichick is balancing that thought against how important it is to get Tom Brady reps, or to evaluate the backup linemen. In some cases, I agree that it would help to see how the backup quarterbacks play with the starters. But if it came at the expense of doing everything possible to get Brady ready, I’d vote against it.

We all love Tedy Bruschi, but it’s starting to look more and more like he wont be a fit in our defense. If the Pats deem they don't need him, do you think they ask him to retire?
Anthony

A: Anthony, I think the Patriots will treat Bruschi with the class and respect that he deserves as a player in his 14th season. If they feel that he is not part of their plans, I’m quite certain they’ll tell him why they feel that way and figure out a way for a graceful exit -- whether that’s a Junior Seau-like graduation or something else. I don’t think Bruschi’s name will all of a sudden show up on the team’s cut list.

Hi Mike, this is probably a rehash, but I need to get it off my chest. Nick Bouniconti was a great player but all-time Patriot? Tedy Bruschi has been to five Super Bowls, an integral part of four and a lifetime Patriot. You have done him a great disservice not putting him on you all-time Patriot team. In fact, he is probably one of a handful of true all-time Patriots. Granted Nick may be an all-time great, but not a Patriot. I think most lifelong Pats fans would agree.
Dave, Winchendon

A: Dave, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Those teams are always tough to pick and I picked that one strictly based on performance. Buoniconti is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and a large part of that was his seven years in New England (1962-68), when he totaled 24 interceptions, 18 sacks and was the leading vote-getter on the 1966 AFL All-Star team. I was judging solely based on football production, but if you were asking me who is the pure Patriot, it’s Bruschi hands down.

Mike, you often site Ben Watson's salary as a reason to keep him on the roster. I look at in the completely opposite direction, his salary is the main reason why he's expendable because it would be a minimal cap hit. Like many others, I'm just tired of his virtually non-existent production at the tight end position. I understand his blocking skills and familiarity with the offense certainly add value but I just can't get past his disappearance in the passing game and how injure prone he is. I truly think the tight end has really been missing from the Patriots' offense since the Ben Coates days and it would make the rest of the receivers that much more deadly. Is it time to cut their losses?
Andy, Brighton

A: Andy, one of the notable stories of training camp has been the emergence of Chris Baker as the No. 1 tight end. So with that in mind, I think Watson is a solid No. 2 and that’s why I’d keep him with that $900,000 salary. You don’t have to ask him to do as much but he’d rate highly among No. 2 tight ends across the league in my book. With David Thomas as the No. 3 option, I see that as a solid group.

I don’t understand your enchantment with Julian Edelman. Whose spot does he take? I don't see room for him. He is this year’s Michael Bishop, a "fantasy" player that really can’t make it.
Jim

A: I think the Patriots will keep six receivers -- Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Joey Galloway, Greg Lewis, Edelman and Sam Aiken. If Edelman is the primary punt returner, that increases his value to earn a roster spot not just on the 53-man roster, but also on the 45-man game-day roster.

I just don't see Matthew Slater making this team even with his "top-end speed". He muffs too many kickoffs, doesn't make many tackles on special teams, violates the fair catch rule in coverage, etc. Please comment on the value you see in him that I don't.
Kent

A: Kent, I see a player who is often the first down the field on special teams, and one who plays with that fearlessness that you need to have on special teams. Slater has made his share of mistakes, but my hunch is that the Patriots won’t be giving up on him just yet.

Hey Mike, Why is Laurence Maroney still on this team? Over the last year and half the best back on this team is BenJarvus Green-Ellis. He is always getting positive yardage, hits his holes, and just flat out makes plays. Maroney has not done any of that, which is why he is a waste of a roster spot. I know the salary cap number is the main reason why he will be on the final roster. Please tell me there is a good chance he will not be on the team in September.
Curtis

A: I sense that you are not alone, Curtis, and that many Patriots fans are down on Maroney. For a former first-round draft choice, he hasn’t met expectations. But in terms of this year, I think he’s had a consistent, solid camp, and in games, has taken what was there. With expectations down, I believe he could be primed for a surprise season, and will provide a potentially explosive impact on kickoff returns. As for Green-Ellis, I agree that he’s looked solid and deserves a roster spot to this point. I’d just counter that a lot of his production is against second- and third-unit players, which is important to factor into the analysis.

Mike, did you see anything positive in the Bengals game? I sure didn't. No rushing game, no sustained offensive drives, no killer instinct on defense, and no suitable backup QB. Six points against the Bengals? Where's this improved team we've been promised?
Jason, Melrose

A: Jason, I did see some positives. Here were the main positive things I took out of the game: 1) Strong defensive line play from the first unit; 2) Greg Lewis solidifying his spot at receiver in the four-wide package; 3) Fred Taylor running hard; 4) Wes Welker and his 32-yard receiver screen; 5) Rookie cornerback Darius Butler looking tough.

Mike, new additions and rookies have been getting a lot of press, but what are your thoughts on Adalius Thomas' camp and upcoming season?
Shanguis, Phoenix

A: Pretty consistent and at times Thomas looked like the best defender on the field. He still moves well and the athleticism is easy to see. I think he’ll have a solid year in 2009.

Hi Mike, I just noticed that LB Adam Seward was cut by the Colts. Would the Patriots still have interest? Also, any updates on Tank Williams?
Kevin, Hoboken, N.J.

A: Kevin, Seward took a visit to New England as a restricted free agent last year, but never was presented an offer sheet. Then he was an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and the Patriots had a chance to sign him, but passed again. I think Scott Pioli was the Patriots official who liked Seward most, and my hunch now is that there is not interest there from New England. As for Tank Williams, I see him on the outside looking in at this point. I view him as the type of player who could return at some point during the season if there is an injury.

The Raiders can cut Lorenzo Neal. In your opinion, is there any chance of the Patriots signing him?
Gustavo

A: Gustavo, I don’t see Neal as a possibility because he is limited in what he does -- pure lead blocker. The Patriots would presumably be looking for a bit more flexibility, and I think we’ll see tight end David Thomas handling that role in 2009.

From what you've seen so far, how much does the defense miss Mike Vrabel? Is it making up for his loss?
Gene

A: Gene, I think it’s too early for me to tell. The defense looks a bit different in terms of approach, which is a part of it. If they play more four-man line instead of the 3-4, which we’ve seen to this point, I think the loss of Vrabel will be easier to absorb. Here was a comment from defensive end Ty Warren from Monday on the defensive scheming: “It seems like they’re trying to mix it up a little bit. I don’t want to say that’s going to be the concrete thing, you have to see where it goes. You see how comfortable they are with the personnel we have to determine that. I know there have been times in the past when we said we’re going to run this, and didn’t.”

What are your feelings about the Pats recent fiddling with a 4-3? Do you think that fits their team better? The Patriots certainly have a number of talented defensive linemen I believe Derrick Burgess will be most valuable them in a three-point stance in the trenches. Also, could what team the Pats are playing be a factor in deciding whether to use the 3-4 or 4-3?
Matthias

A: At this point Matthias, I like the 4-3 a bit more than what I’ve seen from the 3-4. It seems like they’ve created some consistent pressure on some inside rushes out of the four-man line. Rookie Myron Pryor, in particular, has caught the eye with that. I do think it’s possible that the Patriots could determine their defense based on what team they are playing. This has traditionally been the way they do it under Bill Belichick as a multiple defense.

Mike, do you think that the Broncos/Chiefs/Browns are licking their chops waiting for the Pats to make their roster cuts? It seems to me that players 54-60 will be snapped up by these less talented teams who may share the same philosophy as Belichick. Do you think this will make it more difficult for the Pats to stash their own developing players on the practice squad?
ASB

A: I think this is right on, ASB. Another factor with this is that those teams are going to know the players have been well-coached and schooled in a similar system. I’ll be interested to see if this leads to any trades in which the Patriots pick up a late-round draft choice.

After the firing of Romeo Crennel by the Browns I was surprised that he didn't hook up with the Patriots again. Do you see any chance of that happening?
Fred, Washingtonville, N.Y.

A: Fred, it is always possible, but Crennel is taking this year off as he recovers from hip surgery. If I had to guess, I think he’ll wind up elsewhere in 2010.

Hey Mike, what is the deal with Brandon Tate? Is he still hurt, or is he not playing or what?
Mike, Charlotte, N.C

A: Tate remains on the active/non-football injury list. He’ll likely be moved to the reserve/non-football injury list when the season begins, making him eligible to come off after Week 6. Around that time, we should have a better idea if Tate will contribute to the team this season.

Has Ryan O'Callaghan had any reps at guard?
Jack

A: Jack, I haven’t seen O’Callaghan at guard. He’s been at left and right tackle.

We have seen nothing from Shawn Crable at OLB this preseason or Derrick Burgess at OLB in a 3-4 (like many of us may have suspected when he was acquired). Would it be fair to guess that we very well may see them both worked at OLB (standing up) in a 3-4 over the next two preseason games? More so this week against the Redskins since the first team will be worked well into the second half? What is your stance on these two players?
Brandon

A: Brandon, it’s possible that we might not see Crable at all, as he has been held out of practices the last two days after tightening up in the Bengals game. As for Burgess, I’d only be guessing because we’ve only seen individual drills in practice. My hunch is that he’s strictly an end in sub packages.

Mike, I was curious why during some portions of practice, some players wear different colored caps over their helmets. Why is that?
Edward, North Attleboro

A: Those caps are used in special teams drills to remind players who is on what side of the special teams drills. Because offensive players (white jerseys) and defensive players (blue jerseys) are both part of special teams, the caps on the helmets are needed.