ONE. FINAL. RUN.

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This is my 2015 Patriots "chise". I played through the 2014 season and when Brady didn't retire I decided to make a "journal" of the 2015 season. This is on Madden 15 on XBox One.

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BRADY, BELICHICK TO RETURN
By Tim Honks, Staff Writer

Tom Brady stared at the scoreboard and cursed as Joe Flacco and the Ravens took a knee to run out the clock.

After a 12-4 regular season this wasn't how it was supposed to end. A first round playoff exit at home was unacceptable.

"We certainly expected to make a much deeper run in the playoffs. To win a football game you need everyone to do their job, that's even more true in the playoffs. Anyone who watched that game surely knows that didn't happen for us." Coach Bill Belichick said following the loss.

It was pretty clear that the group he was referring to was the offensive line. Brady was sacked six times in the loss. He was hit or hurried on nearly every pass attempt.

Despite the addition of Mackenzy Bernadeau via a preseason trade the offensive line was still the Patriots glaring weakness. Brady was sacked and hit more than he had been in a number of years. At 37 years old it made for a long season.

"You know I'd be really sore for a lot of the week leading up to Sunday. Ten years ago I'd be good by Tuesday, Wednesday at the latest. This year it's closer to Friday before I feel one hundred percent. It wears on you." Brady said mid season.

The hits and the early exit led many to speculate that Brady, along with Belichick, might be heading for retirement.

After a couple weeks to clear his head Brady spoke with Belichick, they both decided they weren't ready to walk away.

"There's still a lot of desire there for both of us. Last year left a bad taste in our mouths and neither of us wanted to go out like that. We know this team can be something special and neither of us were ready to walk away from it just yet." Brady said last month.

With most of their pieces still in place many familiar with the situation feel the Patriots could be just a few pieces away from being the top team in the AFC, if not the entire league.

With Darrelle Revis and Patrick Chung being the biggest potential departures the Patriots will likely have to open their checkbook to keep the band together.

The team already extended Stevan Ridley during the season. The Patriots also dealt Shane Vereen to the Jaguars last season when a deal couldn't be reached.

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REVIS ISLAND STAYING IN NEW ENGLAND
By Tim Honks, Staff Writer

Coming into the off-season the Patriots had one player above all others that they wanted, maybe even needed, to resign. Darelle Revis originally came to the Patriots on a one year deal that was friendly for both sides. If Revis under performed the Patriots weren't locked into a long term deal. If Revis wasn't happy in New England he could bolt.

Both sides were very happy with how things worked out and that mutual happiness has led to a contract extension. The deal is rumored to be another single year contract worth about what the 2014 version was. When asked why a longer contract wasn't agreed upon a spokesperson for the team simply said that both sides were comfortable with the deal that was put in place.

Another player whose contract was up was safety Patrick Chung. After a period of negotiating the two sides have decided to part ways. New England has Duron Harmon waiting in the wings and the coaching staff feels he will not be much of a downgrade, especially with the likes of Revis, Brandon Browner, Devin McCourty, Kyle Arrington and Logan Ryan accompanying him in the defensive backfield.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is long time special teamer Matthew Slater leaving New England. The seldom used receiver is seeking a bigger offensive role elsewhere.

Fullback James Develin also signed an extension, terms were not made public as of yet.

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NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS?
By Tim Honks, Staff Writer

Following another 12-4 season and a quick playoff exit the Patriots were expected to be somewhat active in the early stages of free agency. They weren't. Not even a little bit. With the draft set to kick off tomorrow the Patriots have not come to terms with a single new addition to the roster. Rumors circulated that the team made offers to Mike Pouncey and a few other offensive linesman but they ducked out when the price got too high. The Patriots are not known for getting into bidding wars for the most part so it should come as no surprise that they haven't made any big moves.

"We're very confident in our scouting department and our ability to fill our needs through the draft and from our younger players getting the opportunity to step up." Coach Belichick said when asked about the lack of moves.

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RUN FOR THE DESERT
By Jamal Martin, Staff Writer

"This will be the biggest move you'll see in years in the NFL. This could change the balance of power in the entire NFC." One GM said after learning that DeMarco Murray had officially signed on with the Cardinals. Murray inked a 6 year 54 million dollar deal to play in Arizona. The Cowboys were unable to retain their star after retaining Dez Bryant on a 1 year deal worth over 12 million.

"It's unfortunate but we obviously couldn't keep them both. We felt it was in the teams best interest to keep Bryant and we're confident that we will be able to come to terms on a long term contract with him during the season." A Cowboys representative stated yesterday.

The arrival of Murray in Arizona should help ease the transition from Carson Palmer to Ryan Mallett or a rookie should they go that route in the draft.

Murray ran for 1,032 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 186 carries in 2014, he missed 6 games due to a hamstring injury. Murray says he is "back and stronger than ever."

Murray's relatively low number of career carries makes most experts confident that he will bounce back.

Major Free Agent Moves
QB C. McCoy - Bills
QB M. Sanchez - Bills
WR P. Garcon - Bills
HB A. Ellington - Browns
QB R. Mallett - Cardinals
HB D. Murray - Cardinals
WR J. Kearse - Chargers
WR H. Douglas - Dolphins
HB J. Stewart - Falcons
WR M. Colston - Falcons
QB M. Cassell - 49ers
QB R. Fitzpatrick - Giants
WR D. Amendola - Giants
TE J. Cameron - Giants
HB R. Mathews - Giants
SS P. Chung - Giants
QB A. Davis - Jaguars
C S. Wisniewski - Jaguars
HB A. Bradshaw - Jaguars
HB S. Vereen - Lions
HB J. Starks - Panthers
HB K. Moreno - Raiders
DE C. Jordan - Raiders
HB F. Gore - Ravens
WR H. Nicks - Seahawks
WR C. Shorts III - Seahawks
QB M. Moore - Titans
HB R. Helu Jr. - Titans
WR M. Wallace - Titans
HB C. Spiller - Vikings
HB D. McFadden - Vikings
WR W. Welker - Vikings
LB B. Irvin - Vikings

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PATRIOTS DRAFT RECAP
Round 1 Pick 24



Onaje Asante
OL Wisconsin
6-03 303
21 Years Old

The Patriots addressed their biggest need in the first round of the 2015 Draft by taking versatile offensive lineman Onaje Asante. The former Wisconsin Badger played all five positions on the line during his time at Wisconsin. Primarily a left tackle in college Asante projects as a Guard or Center in the NFL, New England's two biggest weaknesses. Asante's run block skills were among the best in the draft and his pass blocking is not far behind. He is very strong and possesses quick feet. Asante will likely start for New England from day one.

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PATRIOTS DRAFT RECAP
Round 2 Pick 24



Lamar Walden
DL Florida A&M
6-04 270
20 Years Old

With Vince Wilfork approaching the twilight of his career the Patriots used their second round pick to acquire who they hope could be a potential replacement. Walden, who played both inside and outside at FAMU, possesses good strength despite his smaller stature. He got high marks for power moves and finesse moves and showed an ability to beat his opponent with either. Doesn't tackle quite as well as you would like to see but that should be an easy fix. Has linebacker speed and safety agility and acceleration. Walden could beat out Alan Branch and start alongside Wilfork.

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PATRIOTS DRAFT RECAP
Round 3 Pick 24



Stefan Thompson
LB Georgia
6-02 237
22 Years Old

In need of depth at linebacker the Patriots selected Stefan Thompson from Georgia. Thompson is a solid tackler with decent speed and strength. He runs down plays well. Good in zone coverage. He projects as a middle linebacker in the NFL but could function on the outside if needed.

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PATRIOTS DRAFT RECAP
Round 4 Pick 24



Nolen Baldwin
OG Kentucky
6-04 300
22 Years Old

Baldwin was brought in to further the Patriots rebuild of their offensive line. He is a raw player who will need coaching to excel at the NFL level. Has solid strength and above average speed. Needs to polish blocking techniques.

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PATRIOTS DRAFT RECAP
Round 5 Pick 24



Lenny Buchanan
SS Vanderbilt
6-02 210
24 Years Old

When the Patriots chose not to resign Patrick Chung they knew they would need to add a player to fill his spot in the secondary. Buchanan comes in and is expected to battle Duron Harmon for the open spot at Strong Safety. Buchanan is better than most safeties in man coverage but does lack a little in zone defenses. He reads plays well and does well in press coverage. Tackles well. Has trouble getting off blocks. Hits like a linebacker. Has WR caliber hands. Decent speed, great acceleration and agility. Came to Vandy as a runningback and does well with the ball in his hands.

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PATRIOTS DRAFT RECAP
Round 6 Pick 24



Treyvon Ford
WR New Hampshire
6-06 232
24 Years Old

At six foot six and 232 pounds Treyvon Ford looks shockingly similar to Lions superstar receiver Calvin Johnson, who is listed at six foot five and 236 pounds. Ford, who chose UNH over bigger schools to be able to continue playing basketball, came to the program as a quarterback. After his sophomore season he was asked to move to receiver where he excelled, breaking nearly every Colonial Conference receiving record in just two seasons. Ford has solid but not great hands and can get the ball in traffic. Not a great route runner. Excellent release. Great vertical. Not a burner but above average speed for his size. Not the most elusive guy but he will run over defensive backs. Doesn't fumble.

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PATRIOTS DRAFT RECAP
Round 7 Pick 24



Josh Diaz
DE/OLB North Texas
6-05 264
21 Years Old

Diaz was picked in the seventh round to add depth at the defensive end and outside linebacker spots. Diaz played both spots in college and could play either in the Patriots 4-3 defense. Diaz gets off blocks well and pursues plays well. Very strong player. Does get tired late in games.

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WELCOME BACK
By Tim Honks, Staff Writer

After just one season away in Buffalo linebacker Brandon Spikes has rejoined the Patriots. Signed to a one year deal at just over five million Spikes was brought in to provide insurance if Hightower's injury lingers. Spikes was in New England from 2010-2013 before signing with Buffalo last year. Spikes recorded a career high 103 tackles with Buffalo in 2014. He cited a desire to "come home" as his main reason for returning to New England.

Spikes will wear number 52 as his old number, 55, is worn by Akeem Ayers.

The Patriots also signed quarterback Scott Tolzien and wide receiver Tiquan Underwood, who was with the Patriots in 2011.

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MORE REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE
By Tim Honks, Staff Writer

The Patriots and Packers agreed to a trade today that sends Packers center J.C. Tretter to New England in exchange for the Patriots 2016 3rd round pick. Tretter should get a chance to crack the starting lineup in New England.

The Patriots also announced they had signed several undrafted free agents:
QB Denolious Crawford - Western Michigan
HB Marcos Briscoe - Purdue
HB Spencer Greer - Navy
FB Acey Darman - Georgia
WR Jorian Clayton - Eastern Michigan
WR Arryn Hickman - Florida Atlantic
TE Anthony Diaz - Buffalo
G Jerron Conley - UCLA
G Jesse Orr - USF
DT Alani Pleasant - UCLA
OLB Aevry Shepherd - Wyoming
MLB Cotton Hunt - Drake
DB Margarito McGee - South Carolina
S R.T. Mullins - South Carolina
K Jesse Barker - USC
P Barry Ferrell - Memphis

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Patriots Training Camp Roster Analysis

Offense

Quarterbacks
##|Player|Age|HT|WT|College|EXP
12|Tom Brady|38|6-04|225|Michigan|15
15|Denolious Crawford|24|6-02|236|Western Michigan|R
10|Jimmy Garoppolo|23|6-02|226|Eastern Illinois|1
16|Scott Tolzien|28|6-02|213|Wisconsin|4Brady returns for a 16th season and he's made it clear he wants another ring. Garoppolo was drafted last year in the hopes that he could be Brady's eventual replacement. Tolzien was signed to add depth and experience behind Brady. If Garoppolo outplays Tolzien it is unlikely they will keep three. If Tolzien wins the backup job expect them to keep those three. Crawford has a slight chance of sticking around on the practice squad.
In: Brady, Garoppolo
Bubble: Tolzien, Crawford

Runningbacks
##|Player|Age|HT|WT|College|EXP
29|Legarrette Blount|28|6-00|250|Oregon|5
21|Marcos Briscoe|20|5-11|205|Purdue|R
35|Jonas Gray|25|5-10|230|Notre Dame|2
23|Spencer Greer|22|5-11|207|Navy|R
22|Stevan Ridley|26|5-11|220|LSU|4Ridley and Blount split the bulk of the work last season with Shane Vereen being traded early on. Gray made a few spot appearances but didn't do much when he did get a shot. Greer and Briscoe were both signed as undrafted free agents. It's unlikely that anyone will do enough to change the Ridley and Blount duo form getting the bulk of the work. Either Greer or Briscoe has an outside chance of making the roster but not both.
In: Blount, Ridley
Bubble: Gray, Greer, Briscoe

Fullbacks
##|Player|Age|HT|WT|College|EXP
44|Acey Darman|22|6-03|242|Georgia|R
46|James Develin|27|6-03|255|Brown|5Develin saw the field more than any other fullback in the NFL last season, he proved to be a very important piece of the Patriots offense by blocking in the run game. Develin scored a pair of rushing touchdowns as well. Darman is a better ball carrier but is well behind Develin in terms of blocking. Expect Darman to be an early cut.
In: Develin
Bubble: Darman

Wide Receivers
##|Player|Age|HT|WT|College|EXP
82|Josh Boyce|23|5-11|205|TCU|2
86|Jorian Clayton|24|6-04|210|Eastern Michigan|R
17|Aaron Dobson|24|6-03|200|Marshall|2
11|Julian Edelman|29|5-10|198|Kent State|6
88|Treyvon Ford|24|6-06|232|New Hampshire|R
18|Arryn Hickman|22|6-01|212|Florida Atlantic|R
19|Brandon LaFell|28|6-02|210|LSU|5
14|Tiquan Underwood|28|6-01|185|Rutgers|6The arrival of Brandon LaFell in 2014 gave the Patriots the best second receiver they have had in a long time. Edelman once again was the teams top receiver but LaFell wasn't far behind. Dobson showed enough last year for the Patriots to feel confident cutting ties with Danny Amendola. Ford could be a huge addition to the receiving corps and has impressed so far at OTAs and in camp. Boyce will have to separate himself from UDFAs Clayton and Hickman. Underwood is a long shot to make the roster as the team is more likely to keep the less expensive rookies if they are anywhere close in ability.
In: Edelman, LaFell, Dobson, Ford
Bubble: Boyce, Clayton, Hickman, Underwood

Tight Ends
##|Player|Age|HT|WT|College|EXP
83|Anthony Diaz|21|6-03|263|Buffalo|R
87|Rob Gronkowski|26|6-06|265|Arizona|5
47|Michael Hoomanawanui|27|6-05|260|Illinois|5
81|Tim Wright|25|6-04|220|Rutgers|2Tim Wright came over in the Logan Mankins trade with Tampa Bay and proved to be a valuable piece albeit in a limited role. Hoomanawanui is primarily a blocker. Not much needs to be said about Gronkowski, who may regard as the best tight end in the league. Gronk caught 121 passes for 1,159 yards and ten touchdowns. Anthony Diaz, whose cousin Josh was drafted by the Patriots, is primarily seen as a training camp body and could have a short stay in New England. The Patriots will most likely keep all three holdovers as they frequently use multiple tight end sets.
In: Gronkowski, Wright, Hoomanawanui
Bubble: Diaz

Offensive Line
##|Player|Age|HT|WT|College|EXP
70|Onaje Asante|21|6-03|303|Wisconsin|R
69|Nolen Baldwin|22|6-04|300|Kentucky|R
63|Mackenzy Bernadeau|29|6-04|333|Bentley College|7
61|Marcus Cannon|27|6-05|335|TCU|4
68|Jerron Conley|20|6-03|303|UCLA|R
71|Cameron Fleming|22|6-06|218|Stanford|1
67|Jesse Orr|22|6-02|291|USF|R
77|Nate Solder|27|6-08|320|Colorado|4
66|Bryan Stork|24|6-04|300|Florida State|1
53|J.C. Tretter|25|6-04|307|Cornell|2
76|Sebastian Vollmer|30|6-08|320|Houston|6Vollmer and Solder are arguably two of the top offensive tackles in the league and showed no signs of decline in 2014. Bernadeau helped the line immensely when he came in and took over at LG. Center and Right Guard were both train wrecks in 2014. The Patriots looked to remedy that by drafting Asante in the first round, Baldwin in the 4th and by snatching Tretter off the trade block from Green Bay. They also signed UDFAs Orr and Conley, who are both longshots but possible practice squaders. The Patriots should have one of the top offensive lines in the league if the starting unit can mesh. The team is likely to keep nine but could drop another if they have enough versatility in the top eight.
In: Solder, Bernadeau, Asante, Tretter, Vollmer, Baldwin, Cannon
Bubble: Conley, Fleming, Orr, Stork