on the subject . . .
Gee, here’s yet another article extolling the countless virtues of the great and infallible Patriots dynasty . . .
ESPN.com Pasquarelli – dated 7/16
>>>>>>“New England caused a ripple on its quarterback depth chart Thursday by adding free agents Jim Miller and Kurt Kittner for training camp. But the big news surrounding the Patriots quarterback position is yet to come. At some point in the next year or so (maybe even sooner), given their current salary cap situation and the negotiating position they have adopted, the Pats will make adjustments to Tom Brady's contract. The two-time Super Bowl most valuable player is under contract through 2006 and his salary cap charges, while not unwieldy, are big enough to be potentially problematical. Brady is due base salaries of $5.5 million (2004), $5.5 million (2005) and $6 million (2006). He'll get all of that, and more, in the next three years. The Pats were interested spectators when the Indianapolis Colts were going through the negotiating ordeal with Peyton Manning earlier this offseason. The bet is that, when it comes to Brady, the Pats will never get to the point where he is entering the final year of his deal and essentially has the franchise backed into a corner. Owner Bob Kraft and the NFL's most talented front office will never permit such a situation. Nor or they likely to ever pay anyone, even Brady, a signing bonus even approximating the $34.5 million Manning got from the Colts. Rest assured, the Brady situation will be addressed well ahead of time.
# Not to boost the Pats too much, but the signing of Miller, whose surgically repaired right shoulder might not even be fully rehabilitated until just before the start of the season, is yet another example of the team's organizational foresight. Since there is no signing bonus involved, the only element New England will invest in Miller over the next two months is time, and perhaps some patience. The payoff, though, could be very good for a team that lacks an experienced backup to Brady on the roster. Miller is a bright guy and a proven leader. If his arm is sound by early September, and he can do more than just lob the ball, New England will have filled a hole for the minimum base salary $660,000. If the Patriots coaches determine Miller is never going to be 100 percent, they can release him, and the cost will have been just room and board at training camp. It's amazing that some other teams in need of an experienced backup weren't inclined to make the same arrangement for Miller. It's also a sign of the short-sighted approach most other teams take in such circumstances.”<<<<<<<<<
08 -0700
Doesn't say much for Rohan Davey, does it?
