Can the Pats "make" any player?

[Dave Gray]

When I hear that T.O. is a free agent, or L.T. or Vick or whoever else.  I don't usually want them.  I also don't want some of the high profile draft picks (namely Tebow).  However, if any of these guys go to the Patriots, I would fear them. 

I think that the Pats, as an organization, over the last 10 years, have set a precedent for "team first".  I think that everyone is expendable -- even Brady, if it absolutely came down to it.  I think that it allows for them to bring in problem children and tweeners and make them work, because the system around them is so good, and the basic structure of the team is good.

I don't think that Tebow has any shot to be a good QB for the Ravens (another good team), but I think that if the Pats got him and used him sparingly, in specified roles, that he would be an asset.  I think this is true for almost any big name player in the league.

[StL FinFan]

They have that reputation and until one of the projects fails, they will continue to have that reputation.

[MaineDolFan]

No.

They have the unfair tag of being able to do that due to two players:

Corey Dillon and Randy Moss.

Corey was one of the best running backs of his generation and was playing behind an o-line in the 'Natti that couldn't block Tommy from a box of doughnuts.  He ran for over 1,000 yards while playing for bad Bangels teams.  And then people are amazed that he came to New England and did well?  He wasn't a bad guy, he was sick of losing.

Randy Moss was really young when he did a bunch of dumb shit.  He aged.  He also was in a horrible situation and playing with a QB that made Jay Fielder look like Dan Marino in Oakland.  So, again, why was anyone shocked when one of the best wide receivers ever comes to a situation with one of the best QBs ever and suddenly performs?

Winning cures everything.

Last year, when things weren't going right, Moss started taking plays off. 

It wasn't New England that "turned the players around", it was winning.

[Brian Fein]

I agree with Maine.

I think the Patriots stopped being about "team first" when Brady became an arrogant ass and they signed Randy "I want the ball or I won't run the route" Moss.

But no one talks about how they signed Fred Taylor and he still sucks.  No one talks about how Lawrence Maroney, a highly scouted RB out of college, is a huge bum now.

The bad stories are often overshadowed but the good ones.  But they do exist.

[SportsChick]

Yep. Winning is a great cure for what ails you.

[MaineDolFan]

I agree with Maine.

I think the Patriots stopped being about "team first" when Brady became an arrogant ass and they signed Randy "I want the ball or I won't run the route" Moss.

But no one talks about how they signed Fred Taylor and he still sucks.  No one talks about how Lawrence Maroney, a highly scouted RB out of college, is a huge bum now.

The bad stories are often overshadowed but the good ones.  But they do exist.

No one talks about New England's amazing ability to not draft.  They always trade out of spots for "value picks."  It always bites them in the ass.  When they do pick at their slotted position they blow it.  Mayo was okay rookie year, couldn't get out of his own way last year.  Maroney falls over when a breeze hits him. 

They pick up guys all the time that don't work out.  Joey Gallaway comes to mind. 

[Brian Fein]

  Joey Gallaway comes to mind. 

Great point - I totally forgot about him too...

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Patriots have picked up some projects that have worked and some that haven't.   

I think the biggest difference between the Patriots and other organizations is not the willingness to take on "problem children" but that the are much quicker to cut their losses when things don't work out.  If the Patriots draft a guy in the 4th round and sign another player as a UDFA, and in camp the UDFA does slightly better the NEP will cut the 4th rounder and keep the UDFA.  Most other teams will only keep a UDFA over the 4th rounder if he is obviously knocker your socks off better b/c they are reluctant to admit they made a drafting mistake. 

The reason why the Patriots have a better track record with projects is none of their projects have hurt the team, a few have done little to improve the team, but if a player isn't working out the Pats will get rid of him quicker than other teams.

As for Tebow, he might make a decent TE for NE, but NE is not going to develop him into a QB.