Mike Reiss Q&A

Hey Mike, I have been watching the Pats since I was little, and I haven't see any coach be able to take any team with any guys to atleast the playoffs, I wondering do think that Bill will stay with the Pats once his contract is up, maybe retire, or go to another team? Also do you think he'll be in the NFL Hall of Fame? Then for tonights game do you think that we will see more of the rookies and new comers? I also Have to ask since T.O is only in a one yr contract with the Buffalo Butts, Do you think he might want to try going out for the Pats next season, if he did that would be a dominating WR group.

Hi Mike -

Ever since his 95 YD mind blowing-reputation making tackle of Champ Bailey's interception return four years ago, I've always thought of Ben Watson more as a Linebacker than a Tight End. Given BB's penchant for players with multiple position flexibility, shortage at the LB position, and Watson's perceived vulnerability at TE this year - doesn't it make sense to see how he might look back there?

Mike

Is there a way for a player to improve his ability to catch the football...meaning both receivers and DBs. How?

To Ryan
I see BB keeping this thing going for a while. He has the ablility to reload season after season through the draft and free agency. I think he stays as long as Brady is effective. I do think, someday when he leaves the Patriots , he will coach the Naval Acadamy. Finish where it all started for him. Hollywood couldn't write a better script. He could have any job in the world, and he will chose instead, a bunch of hard nosed eager to learn recuits that volenteer to play football and have little or no hope of reaching the NFL.(Due to their military obligations.) Heck he would make them a BCS contender.

Don,

I think that might be one of the most idiotic questions that I have ever read. You most definitely breathe through your mouth.

Mike, one thing that is of interest to many people is seldom discussed -- what do these big guys eat at their three or four meals each day? I heard last week that during the hot weather practices, the OL guys might lose as much as 10 or 12 pounds. All we ever hear is that they drink Gatorade and water. I want to know how many eggs Matt Light eats for breakfast. How many pancakes would someone like Seymour digest at 7 AM? How about it Mike, you must see what goes on between practices at their luncheon facilities. Let us in on it would you? I would love to know who has the biggest appetite on the team?

Hey Mike. I posted these two comments to today's Pats' stories earlier, but would like your take on each...

Can the D-Line be disciplined enough to stand their ground or will the overrated Wilfork and Seymour continue to take themselves out of plays leaving huge gaps for opponents' running backs as they did last year and seasons past?

The running game ON PAPER should be much better than it has been. Perhaps it's the blocking schemes and NOT the RB's or even the O-Line. While there are I'm sure many reasons, one stat that I did notice is that the running game is much more productive when there is a leading back ahead of the runner to take out the first LB/Safety ready to make the tackle. It also was much more productive over Steven Neal as he gets to that LB/safety.

Mike ...my fantasy draft is sunday...do I bother with a pats RB?..any inside info on who will be taking the bulk of the carries? How do you like FHS's chance in the Bay State league this year? Word is Jason Phillipo has been seen taking snaps with Mark Freeman in the backfield. Can they re-live the magic of the '93 season?

Hey Mike I am pretty enthralled with this julian edelman kid. He has been getting alot of comparisons to Wes Welker and I can see why. They have the same stocky build that is born to live in the slot. What do you think his chances of making the team and contributing this season are?

Hi Mike,
Do you envision the Patriots deploying more 3 receiver sets or 4 receiver sets on 1st and 2nd down? I would imagine that this would depend on the strength of the defense that the Pats are facing....
I've been down to camp several times and have been impressed with the hands of Edelman...I would think that they will try to find ways to get him on the field with Welker, Moss, and Galloway...

Hi Mike. My question is in regard to the negotiations for Vince Wilfork. Could it be that the Patriots aren't in a position at this time to renegotiate and ultimately increase his cap number until the Pats know who is on their active roster and what available cap space they have?

How do you see Burgess is being used effectively? As a defensive end on 1st and 2nd downs and as an OLB on 3rd?

I can't see Hoyer clearing waivers

That's ridiculous. Every team is cutting 1 or 2 QBs in 2 weeks... You think someone's going to pick up un-drafted rookie free agent Hoyer to replace, in the worst case scenario, an un-drafted rookie free agent that's had the pre-season to learn a system. Hoyer will clear waivers for a joke. Even if he were to recieve offers, what young QB would give up a chance to sit and learn from one of the best pocket passers in the game's history.

Mike,

Can you explain exactly what a "Play action" maneuver is and how it differs from other types of offensive plays?

Thank you.

Mike,

Can you explain exactly what a "Play action" maneuver is and how it differs from other types of offensive plays?

Thank you.