Russ Hochstein analysis

I don't like it. He always stepped up when we needed him.

I hope we don't live to regret this move. Hochstein, as Reiss said, never missed a beat when called into the game. Didn't he even start a Superbowl after Damian Woody was injured during the 2003 playoffs? Like always, I am sure Coach Belichick is making the right call... but Russ will be missed.

Must be Cornhusker Clearance Days. First Smith, then Hochstein. Nunn and Adams must be next.

They should of traded Billy Yates. Yates really sucks. I liked Hochstein and what he brought to the team.

Mike, did you have him on your 53?

Hi Jess, I did have Hochstein on my 53. This opens the door for Wendell or Connolly as the backup center.
--Mike

Hockstein was a fantastic contributor... all work and no BS type of guy. True Patriot. Although the move is understandable given the younger talent he will be missed.

P.s. Reiss you rock. It's so awesome to have a Boston sports writer who doesn't think that it's necessary to bash our own teams in every issue.

Mike, your the class of the Globe's staff...really enjoy your work.

Mike, didn't Ohrnberger get some reps at center earlier on? Could this trade have been the precursor for them keeping Bussey or O'Callaghan instead?

Do you see any other offensive lineman taking over Hochstein's role as short yardage FB?

Also, who's the backup long snapper now?

I hope Wendell has bulked up. He is listed at 275 pounds on

the roster. Connolly was having trouble last year on some of

his snaps.

Surprising move. I thought Hochstein was untouchable based on his ability to play fullback and the team not having a traditional FB on the roster. Mike, Any idea who might replace Russ at FB in the power package?

I have no problem with this move...while Hochstein was a good contributor and versitile to boot, I like the idea of getting younger at OL/planning for the future and managing the roster thoughtfully.

Mike, Could any of the TE's fill the FB role? Has that been discussed? Or might they been employing more 2 TE sets rather than using a traditional FB?

The seventh rounder the Pats just got back was the pick they sent to the Broncos with LeKevin Smith for a fifth rounder. In effect they just traded Hochstein and Smith for a fifth round pick. Given the depth along the offensive and defensive lines, there's not much to complain about here. And more importantly, the Pats have three more second round picks in next year's draft, giving them a real shot at overhauling much of the time while staying very competitive. You never want to dump veterans too quickly, but I can't fault the organizational approach here, especially in the face of the 2010 uncapped possibility.

We've talked a lot about how have ex-Patriot coaches and managers with the Browns, Broncos, and Chiefs makes it harder for us to stash players on the practice squad (which I agree with).

However, today's move with Hochstein shows the plus side, I think. In effect, there is a "market" for Hochstein because 3 ex-Patriots teams are familiar with him and must bid against each other, knowing if they don't that one of the other teams will claim Hochstein on waivers. This is what allows us to get ANYTHING for Hochstein. We didn't get anything for Tank Williams because no one really knows what he can do.

Another way to look at the trade - Derick Burgess for Hochstein, Smith and a 3rd pick.

Now, I'm concerned with the FB situation.

He was a good player. The new guy better be better!

Who plays fullback now? ........hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Wow, I'm stunned! Hochstein has proven he can get it done at guard, center, long snapper, blocking tight end and bull-dozing fullback. I had him and Ornberger backing up the 3 interior line spots. I thought of him as an integral part of the offensive line, and nowhere remotely near "the bubble". As much as it hurt to lose Vrabel, Evans, Izzo and Paxton, the reasoning was clear on each of those. With this, I just don't get it. Is Wendell or Bussey so good that they wouldn't pass waivers to get to the practice squad? Has any other team seen enough of either of them to pick them up? I know Bill knows more than I do, but right now I'm hating this move.

I'm with you, RobertBro. I couldn't do any better describing his contributions to the team. Part of it is sentimental, too. He's been with the team for a long time, and I own one of his jerseys, but I can't imagine that his skill has dropped off that much.

Patriot's loss will be Denver's gain. Russ is very versatile. I now will call Denver my favorite team and no longer the Patriots. Denver is closer to home anyway. I hope Denver pays Russ more.

Russ Hochstein is a proven NFL player to quote your own analysis "Hochstein’s value to the team came in his versatility as a backup. He played center and guard, and when called upon to fill in, the offense seldom missed a beat. Hochstein also was productive as a fullback in a power package toward the end of the 2008 season", so how come we only get a 7 round pick? What does Josh McDaniels have on BB anyway?

Mike, I think the Patriots o-line is over rated. Going as far back to the super bowl vs the NYG, where the o-line was run over, till last season where they gave up the most QB sacks in the NFL. I also think this may be part of Maroney's running problems too. Matt Light at left tackle going up against a speed rusher off the end, reminds me of a turn stile at the MBTA. I'm not impressed with the o-line and I think they are over rated

Ryan Wendell makes the team. Belichick likes those Fresno State _-lineman, coached by Pat Hill, his old O-Line coach in Cleveland. I believe Wendell started all four years at Fresno State, playing one season in 2004 with Logan Mankins.

I am concerned about the trend to give away established veterans with Patriots' tradition. Vrabel and Cassel for Patrick Chung is assinine, cap or no cap. Hochstein is a solid family guy who would lay out his life for the team at any position; guys like this don't just pop up out of nowhere. And only a 7th round pick?

Still think Ryan O'Callaghan is going to get cut Reiss? Not a chance.