It Is What It Is Cast: Mike Giardi on the 2011 Patriots and the future of the team

Are you ready for some football football. Is what it means yeah. Test test software. TV is what it is -- Christopher price. Call -- WEEI. Dunhill everyone welcome to another edition.

Upbeat it is what it is test I am pleased to be joined this week but might purity of Comcast sports net might tell you know what. No no it's a pleasure to have -- first of all I wanna start off with this it and I know we're -- we're not gonna beat this into the ground because now it's -- in the rearview mirror. Iraq has been a whole lot of time talking about it but. Tell me a little bit about your thoughts about Super Bowl 46. Things that jumped out -- leading -- what's the -- there they're built the first go round but you know if you've gone back if you re launched at all. You know what are some of the things bit dude jumped out to you about that can.

He just randomly in no particular order. Once again the lack of it and vertical threat you know all your long. They got away it without you being alone vertical threat and since they ended the year what ought you know -- as much as we dispute don't -- because of the lot a it's I'm going gonna come back to bite them and I think it. Didn't mean the biggest game of the mall. To have a guy. That you invested money -- to be able would be that that deep threat begun -- field on to not have that data that on the big aids. Attribute we got out there to make a play. And goto made it one -- entire game I think that was under I think I look back on look at from the -- that they were in accommodations and you know not happy healthy and out you know I think that it's certainly was with a big future for them. -- looking at the way they played. Sadly on the interior. I think -- really quiet. Game -- wolf for. And very disappointing game for your Hotmail think. Mayo is to me he's a solid football -- obviously a tremendous leader I think that the so please view it by a moment Selig and you make a moment ago -- afterwards you. Look like you gotta keep physically you know I think that didn't just got to do with the fact they -- to game but I think. You understood -- performance was not what it needed to be. And I think it would get back on that last drive I don't know are you felt the time but I remember. Turning out actually -- about -- New York sports writers or -- down McConnell. It ready to go on the field with respect -- they want we're all herded like cattle are you I guess I remember -- too good speaker -- that working apartment they're up to joke real culprits are ignorant on yeah it's good. They got no chance of stopping -- an athlete you know create the mine to perform that they put forth. -- Although -- won't change -- you can -- the court that game admiral Craig it's it would stop giants. -- were true.

Which was weird because defense of lead to that point. They actually at least looking at the numbers deeply pretty well I mean that this was a team this is a defense that it held. A pretty good running team of very good passing team to what thirteen points fifteen points at that time.

Yeah yeah I know I -- know. They'll they'll -- here. We got an existing -- did -- defensively to get it done and still to come down. To play makers wouldn't want to focus are not neglect and bought jet. Which to me just not enough playmakers on that defense move the guy like Andre Carter and you look back -- performance you know we're not giving it to Jack they couldn't block them. He worked in the backfield competently and mark in -- nice job trying to duplicate. What car bought the table what. They need more guys like that -- and look at that the second and third level defensively. You know you can email all the money -- not. Not play maker spike had the potential to be a playmaker -- yeah I'd be aware going. On they've maxed out Rob Ninkovich cannot take you to do vertical or where a -- this -- linebacker what. There are certain limitations did and of course we we know you should be secondary. You know having recorded -- such a massive step back. You know what and -- Sort of killer thing and although some say all that and they were they were close you know that close to winning. Another Super Bowl -- that's where telecheck GM expert Belichick the coach.

Which is still amazing to me and it did they were that close I know I talked over the course -- at least in my opinion were probably the least flawed team and a wildly flawed conferences here because. That there were just no real challengers it was just one of those great years where the opportunity was there to be seized and they were able to ride that all the way to the conference championship. In the end did this team all over achieved under achieve a worthy about as good as we thought they --

Think they or or cheap goods that are that the -- still not that brought it here mr. -- the current. And again you're right that there are so many flaws. You're a single this year there were no great candidates aren't you aren't a great you're they have there owners used. But the patriots from you when you look at that that Defense Department you Matthew -- out of necessity to be an element out of necessity on defense to -- That crew group defensively in that eleven are you what model and sixty or seventy got that they use. To get to where they got. Not an -- the group. There guys have to do too much. There got -- court -- what happened to me. It they struggle from Europe or talk or did you let -- warcraft it was that figured he would sit back they got guys on Nazi and the front to back it's still could not Jim what were people. Davenport proved to -- gotten. I'd never get second but -- most current spirit or Walt. What major flaw that not really be able to correct it over the course of the year. And then it ends up being that close to me. -- really don't say a lot of -- a -- thought about the optics were leading into the well that you could argue that this is Belichick stepped. Coaching job. Because of what that general you're telecheck let them to work where a shipment you can --

It's the most talked about when Matt Chatham earlier this week the idea that this might have been setting aside 2001 because 2001. At least in my eyes remains the gold standard for what he was able to do but. When you look at the collection of talent I've talked to a scout about that this week where.

All -- did offer it to do it fairly remarkable feat just looking at that's secondary what hole. No I'm poppy I'm recorded for them to go down a lot of got it probably play it the most consider -- a very different the back with Carl Erica are you could -- play over the final say what it fixed route to the regulars and drop off. And I'm not saying from an interception -- where he would -- interception and first what ten games. What you've bought your most consistent from the back and not an undrafted. Are true aren't virtual -- I could not -- from I think you become a a a it. Good at cornerback in the fleet what you're not we'll be about the front to back are good human being about the front to back that's. That's with a lot that the coach the other that group. He thought that was starting at one point it won't mold them starting you know you guys. There's a little while to see what you want to remove just that they're not guys that should be consistently playing in the national football -- Richard that Iraq promoted got all the way to do that noticeable.

Two of the guys that stand out from me on the defensive side of the ball really intriguing guys are Brandon Spikes in Rob Ninkovich spikes in that. I think he's really progressed particularly is a run stopper I think there is an ability there he is shown flashes. Of being a three down guys know Ninkovich is another guy who I think struggled with -- fact that they went from. You know the three million sets of reforming and sets in -- of his responsibilities change but you really seem to pick up on that. As the year went on those are two guys at least for me on the defensive side of the ball that there's been really interesting in bring a lot to the table.

I can't say enough about me what you think we all know what a guy who has. Act out here. Abilities physically going to be in the academic -- that -- compared Brandon Spikes spiked through it like I make it -- outside guys spiked to the mobster what you're doing. Cheered if you look like should be an outside linebacker physically. Rob it's just kind of -- current or article walked on the street and if you get what we were met for -- I'm not sure people would know or -- or pick it up to be -- where what. He's not a football where -- you could be in good football player so Smart he Max Martin intelligence that the out I'm. You know getting after the passer. The machine today you're we talked about for years and they finally got them except getting this year it will be just because the Carter -- a spot -- pressure we didn't get to the quarterback and sack him. -- a lot of -- I think are adamant second in my my overall stats this year. Quarterback pressures right that's a lot for or who hear him -- come I think you know I'd say maxed out and abilities physically. I still think he's Smart enough to look at better. Next year -- that's certainly something that what Belichick and the patriots he prince's death have to be happy about certainly not the absolutely. Or -- to take it step in and it's our -- go to meet. So you do what we bought a commitment there are some grumbling about what they're really apps are not come -- and -- Ellsbury. Everybody is different book and -- came back and five. Lot less weeks than its spiked to come back and that's something that fact what. -- is just. He's a bumper I remember when -- and that will for content that haven't had someone like that in a while. You're excited the plate with him and I think the Grammy can to sort of control it is. Impulses some darned if you will and you he works a little harder. You're right I don't think anybody thought to be accurate -- back attribute all your progress. The end of the year. I think the potential exists there -- not to be a -- linebacker will be disruptive -- from the guys -- can -- Place for the even know yet that's something may need to address that need more equipment that Britain's -- big war vote got it altogether. Minutes get right to be won -- gotten it that helps them go forward.

Stick on the defensive side of the ball do you bring back Andre Carter and marketing Anderson and in if so how. Deep into your pockets do you go when it comes to when it comes to paying them.

Yeah I mean I think. I'd like to bring it all back I think in person has the ability to action maybe a little bit more then you know -- partners. Well -- career come off a very good year for the the patriots and that will certainly draw and when you're just I think across all the all the Smart card got that Belichick and -- that you are Leo I I think yet and so probably get more money than there were very. Article that we -- out that. That plays out want to get -- I think Carter that guy that walked the comeback I think they -- were in the locker room. It I think it depends on money you get someone got to be foolish not. Would it be got for for for not sincere -- fortunate not to you guys is they've come up that'd be great. -- five million dollars maybe more than one year on the deal with the to me despite this year that keeps himself in on grid you know one year. We're -- and looked up at the end of the year -- go from there are not what people look back are I think it's probably highly unlikely we'll that you you double that.

I think -- that chances are good that you can get Carter back because I think in not to say that Anderson didn't buy into the program. But having Carter brought into the program to such an extent that he would come back cure for. I wanna see a pay cut but but but something less than market value because he did enjoy his time here so much. And there's a sense of unfinished business there with him as well because he ended the season. With a calf injury in Denver.

Yeah I'm not I I agree I think that that we could certainly appeal to a much regard Britain Monty over the course -- real work. You didn't strike me as the guy who even though he might nearing the end of looking to Max out is two dollars -- went to the guy wants so. All local party trophy. The industry and then you brought -- he got this year probably look at it does and then I've been on the field. Made it yet you get all the media. They did on the different thing in the patriots we're adaptable -- met in the world so I would think that Andre we were expecting Marcus. That they contribute to take it. But you know when you're when you're twenty to twenty year old and you're coming off the current year yet for you get the global think. You know he'd been forced him not to at least not go put -- name out there have been looking offers. The --

What is the what is the future for Ochocinco hold your New England you know that there's the belief that. You know -- fundamentally right now as we speak they have two wide receivers under contract BOT -- Underwood. In Chad Ochocinco and no I can't imagine that they're gonna bring Ochocinco back on the same kind of dime that they had this year in so the idea of him. Being a part of this offense going forward I don't know off IC in 2012.

I hope we that they don't. And it is not a post more active but I think. When that guy. With first to people while you know so -- that the playbook in. Odds -- not gotten like body. All that much. That he had that hatred to me I'm. And they are honored to be big city and he -- to talk about this city heaven. And a fresh start on that and a patriot way. But the patriot way it not just keep your mouth shut it. You know stick your head in the playbook and studying film and it's getting within its -- I know that probably I think I'm not a media guy. What -- from the airport well. You know the Albrecht -- in your rookie from from all adopt firm and picked it up. Like that's you know what walker comes from from often -- what all that complex and you -- me. It is. Smart enough to be debated is the problem picking up all and Ochoa is not yet it and mark Ottawa and spoke with football intelligence -- the work that the what not what it needs to be despite what you know publicly. It's it's there. On our neighbor and a guy like step back I just know that you had your opportunity. And they need to be good. And you look into it and it's Tibetan people ball and it stoking it and maybe we -- to partly responsible -- a lot of civil war because. That Robert I don't know that it happened but it they're replicate what you what to bring to the table.

See at the start of the year I was kind of an -- just that -- you know what just given time it's a really complicated offense you know. He got here in the last week to July in you know if he had the full offseason if he had that run up if he had UT's in the passing camps. You'll he would be at a level where he needs to be in this -- say you know 456 weeks into the season. But the more I talk to guys about it both on and off the record. In that the guys that stuck out for me and won the wonderful Sunday cohosts who was it was for who said -- This is a complicated office this isn't the most complicated often tells -- almost got to get it off until the part of was down in in in Washington with the -- the Redskins comparatively this is easy to pick up in his the year went on I started to say would you let. Maybe there's -- the team that usually in his in his other guys kind of got here and got into the system like Underwood -- you mentioned you do you -- human ecology and got it. Wes Welker you know -- here and you'll seem to pick up and a snap. It's all about chemistry and it's all about -- working with a quarterback in its all about it in your playbook in in his that you went on I think we just homeless.

Yeah I mean might as well -- I -- we're human food -- when it started I wasn't so concerned about. -- are you not catching move 567 passes and -- you're ignorant you know preceding game or. First couple weeks I think premiere look hit. Well it's November and -- we're not not where you need to be by November there and I can I think you're sort of certain -- And I we got we got an amber and -- of the earth began to chase your and the thing I'd just. You know up. So what bothered me if I would now I think it's something that -- that would prevent me from wanted to bring -- back and I think. It's if you -- the commitment in how does that change their offense really. Well you know he doesn't have to be that guy he wasn't -- fanatical. And another guy with recruits and it out to someone wrote quote that situation you know Carson Palmer very very well. Carson that did not like playing -- the last couple years because he was on reliable. What coasting on your talent and not done enough. -- related to your -- whatever it may be. Well Carson Palmer that the strike near the guidance. As also an obsessive about those people just not ready yet and Carson Palmer that probably -- You know what does that say about arm in arm arms the back and look at it you measure all against the all right thought about it you know -- matter at all people -- Stanley. Think he's got an of that nicoderm TV equal commitment coming from community we'll be working well -- could -- for its -- to accept or.

We talked about some of the region decisions that they have to make on the defensive side of the ball marking Anderson and Andre Carter. We also have I think a very interesting one to make a running back and we'll talk about the wide receivers momentarily but when it comes to BenJarvus Green Ellis. Is he a guy that you wanna make your feature but I mean he's the feature back right now but do you want to pay him. Like key feature Becky doesn't but of the crazy numbers he's never going to be a guy who's gonna put up. 15100 yards a year and you dolby you'll be debt Karabakh but I still think that he is a perfect fit. For this system for what he doesn't affect you doesn't complain when it doesn't get enough touches. If -- you know eat eat eat consistently hits that four yards per carry mark he just seems to be a guy who is a good fit here in New England. Do you think the patriots keep him long term make a long term commitment to.

I don't I don't to not let me look like you're an adult that what that need to see him go because I think you is in many ways that. At that perfect patriots you know. Guys too macho and work our. Pretty weather app a ball our arms were 25 times I think -- the -- in the draft and who would movie. We know we're under contract or about a year and you know I can't imagine him. That it -- point eight million maturity to what I regret not going any higher at nor can I am not going. -- war war years and what you'll see them all let's consider -- that the he's so reliable believe that affected you play -- all part of -- fumbled football is simply remarkable but I just I. -- Then anytime you want it to you when -- went out the other guys who played that it happened -- Yep they don't have the track record that -- what. Maybe -- her sudden.

The one place that are hurt him linked to his Kansas City with a real history is relationship you know he has a background pioli the fact that they're running backs are up as well. The fact that they have some -- it would seem to be a good fit for him with the chiefs.

probably would be a good fit and yet money you know we're we're you guys. -- you're running back that course of your career a wake of their career is not that long -- an opportunity cashier and from a lot of different. Our success and guarantee. You force not not the states. The difference -- Herbert would believe the patriots are offering that at long term security that that I'm sure I mean what might.

to -- wide receiver spot obviously the number one priority this off season I would imagine you would agree with me on this is Wes Welker. Do you I imagine the idea that you know you wanna franchise him you wanna keep him here as long as possible even if that means just for one year -- say. Nine plus some of the franchise tagged with the idea -- gonna keep negotiating with him going forward but did the name that really stands out for me really. It is Deion Branch -- in I think it's a similar situation to Benny and that. He has great experience in the system is he's you know he's got a big supporter in in -- checked. As well as Tom Brady. But the long term question remains is he a guy you wanna commit to long term. That's a much -- Benny but did the the idea that that he is not the wide receiver that he used to be.

Not a lot receiver ready to be yet -- still had value you're probably more value than anywhere else. I think is an ideal world. Bring along younger receiver whether that's in draft or one of these younger free agents. Who can learn from beyond and eventually. See that's roll from beyond I think. They want to bring him back don't you could expect. If -- 64 catches this year I don't think you can expect that sort production problems and I don't think you want that kind of production from what you wanna reduce below BC on the guy. Smart enough to know that -- in his career against mediate. Good money. You want to -- we just got the chance to play it for Super Bowl last year you know come back and you -- what he would do. I don't quote got that would take alt on the L I don't think that it takes its all wanted to keep them here. When -- proper amount of law and respect if you will and not necessarily in dollar just. Pray that the U wanna come back I think we like to have them back again you don't want him could be. Europe will receive. At least not at the end of the year wouldn't -- be getting out of -- and that. You know that needs to explore or whether that's through the draft or through free agency I think you make a solid effort to bring him back.

I think the need one more wide receiver in here. The need to get younger at the position first on the need one more.

Like that they can develop a lot receiver group.

And and that's a great Christian army that that's one of those things in in this is something that I know we've kicked around before. Debt that this organization's inability to develop young wide receivers continues to puzzlement. In -- don't know where to Trace that back to I don't know if that's on the quarterback I don't know if that's on the offense because you can pretty much -- look at every other position on this team. And they are able to. Really build from -- In doing a good job -- from him particularly you know plays like the offensive line tight ends. You know that they do a good job across the board -- building in in really using their own prospects but they just can't seem to get a rate when it comes to young wide receivers.

Yeah I'm I'm not really sure that it that they just they're whipping from a from an evaluation camp what what they're. -- Because Yeltsin went -- game not just as a returner but in Hewitt who -- the wide receiver Chris remember that critical part playoff game gets votes were score. That Seattle game. At Gillette where it makes it's unbelievable diving catch to help when Mac game as well. But. Chad Jackson on the -- trade up you can disaster Phillip price but in the third round. He. Audited -- years here. -- I'll I don't I didn't it would appear that it at the elation that from from from important -- guys and I think you heard. To bury it sources over the course department Jett Jackson not someone else wanted to with -- bill wanted to build trusted. If more people that information. Well they've got a couple good about it where you are not because they should not be at this stage where. They haven't developed -- that since it's playing on the slots -- from a wide -- into. Awful war upon what position to say they develop this guy. You know people want it done there -- the -- that -- that. Why why did that position like -- they do I think they maybe need to reevaluate how they go about the -- there because. Yeah it. The -- cause you're gonna spend money auto show and that doesn't work I mean you've got to be able bodied guys there that you -- guide to quote open the system. It's yet to sit at the -- and the quarterback. And you know to be amended and how long long term cost control they're not going on with the money on -- Reggie Wayne and I did mention a lot now. You've got ample vault up the number again what kind of adjustment will be ordered to come here. In which you submit that kind of investment. You could do develop -- young receivers and me and players in the.

Talked to -- chatter about this earlier this week the idea that if this is Kevin faux last year this was Kevin faux last year. In New England uniform we all know and I think all the fans know. What he means. On the field in what he's been able to bring to this franchise on the field. But if he leaves this team even if he decides to retire this springer fees now waived his team going into the 2012 season. What kind of -- leadership -- does that leave in the locker room and who amongst the young players is most likely in your eyes to step up and feel that way.

were very good question -- Obviously if you wouldn't and the cute and not just mobile link to that that happened awkward to see what they're and remember compliment you're. On the shelter. All of what. Did you -- I'm -- you can't say enough good things about it in there are huge -- probably throw. That's off you know that. That's. That's a whole I'm not sure you can fill because again when those guys should go back now -- no one of the few guys that that it has been here all time. We understand what it took would be chip it's retarded warriors move through to a quiet by their standards -- years people greater. You're you're only when no game and not thirteen and -- people when. -- I don't know until the board. Certainly not deposition. -- then walks I think he did it become the combat. On. I like. Ranch in locker but the big year. All you hear and what -- mean happy I'm not sure fight me. Young personalities on the offensive side of the ball like can really sort of lead that group and again that's the sort of Orton got -- Whitley and and believe. If you if you knew -- if you like seven if you update walk. They're just gonna have to -- a little are all rapid development they're art in this first year it's really applaud them because. That is what the -- support not a very good question hurt but that there are sitting here thinking I'm trying to come up with. We aimed at gap between the opera improbable -- that really nobody that. It jumped out reaffirming control our --

Heat for me is not only he's one of those guys now lock Herman in Brady I think it probably the other one in May be Vince as well. Where not only guys on his side of the ball listen to -- but but guys across the locker room listen to him that that is to say guys in the on the side of the ball. Take into account what he says his words carry a lot of weight -- locker room and I just think it's gonna be interesting to see. Who steps up in assumes that mantle of leadership if this is indeed -- for Kevin --

To bring capital back. In it obviously you that are incredibly reduced role this year -- know. -- there's no real all welcome to play in wanna develop these younger guy ought to count on the -- never -- did get rid of the law so that explosion but you just bring him back. It's its debt and cheap and you know. That experiences. No we are able wanna come we got -- written and what wondering.

I think he's one of the three guys who Bill Belichick will let you go out on his own terms it Troy it was that one of them in Bruschi was the other one. In -- think of those guys that wanted to play one more year Belichick would have moved heaven and earth to try and get them on the roster and it's a default wants to play one more year. I think Belichick will let him be on the roster for one where -- that's to -- not to say he's gonna have any sort of on fuel role. But if he wants to be on this roster in 2012. I think he's gonna spot.

I think that's not gonna cost you all that much -- team and it pretty well under the cap here. About the number we -- yet so. I like it I don't think there's there's all that receive candidate you know I believe that he not and appear here next year. Makes a lot of sense. No I'm sure Kevin understand. That he's at you as the very on the net boardwalk he understands it. You're an impact on the field is not going to be great and that's what makes a lot of sense to me doesn't strike me as someone who it was career -- who -- you know.

You know -- last question for me. As I'm sitting and talking view. I'm seeing that he's certain odds making the service has installed the patriots. As the favorites to -- Randy Moss for the 2012 season. What what where -- end up in that -- there's always to teams here that they have been of the patriots they of the bears which is an intriguing possibility. The Redskins the 49ers the jets the -- the cowboys Eagles. Does he -- going on and it's if if he doesn't -- disease and a.

I can't imagine millions here and we would have obviously -- I was one of those guys who sort of floated the idea that maybe they should. Thought in my yard tried to bring him back there once you became evident that. You're not you'll probably not gonna get the production you water at a boat show in the fact that they didn't. I can't imagine that come back and repeat it I'd probably gonna help them last year. At least for today and ability to stretch the field vertically -- the sultry yeah. That capability that they didn't make that phone call -- try to bring him back while -- interpreted back now to make it got to knock them last year. Let the market for -- show. And they didn't do that I don't understand now why they come back and and and take debt work again forgotten that now our football or your your prior you're about their expertise and and what not much for.

Mike I appreciate your time this has been fantastic do we need to do it again very very soon -- Darker there are lol have you back on I'll tell you I'll tell you this we'll have you back on sometime between now in the draft in April so again I really appreciate you dynamite journey from Comcast sports net. Thanks a lot.

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