Ian R. Rapoport reports on the Patriots as the lead beat reporter for the Boston Herald.
You can find his work at ‘The Rap Sheet,’ which is the Boston Herald’s blog on the Patriots and the NFL. Mr. Rapoport also provides regular Patriot Twitter updates.

Links to both are below:
http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/rap_sheet/
http://twitter.com/RapSheet


With Baltimore playing the Patriots Sunday, Mr. Rapoport has agreed to answer a few questions from Baltimore Sports and Life.

BSL thanks Mr. Rapoport for his time and answers provided.

Baltimore Sports and Life: “I do not believe a replacement for departed Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels was ever announced. Does this mean that Coach Belichick has had to dedicate more time to the offense?”

Ian Rapoport: “At this point, Bill O’Brien is the quarterbacks coach, and he’s effectively taken over the duties of McDaniels. He’s almost certainly calling the plays, although no one will say it. And as Tom Brady is fighting back from a year away because of knee surgery, O’Brien is the one tutoring him. Yet Belichick is involved. If there was any doubt, you saw evidence in the final quarter of the Patriots’ 26-10 win over the Falcons. Belichick was involved in the improvisation of a play that led to Chris Baker creating a route on the fly and scoring a 36-yard TD to seal it. Belichick said he’s not more heavily involved this year, that he’s always been involved in areas that need help. But take this as a sign that the offense needed his assistance.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “The Patriots spent 2nd, and 4th round picks in the 2009 draft, adding depth to their Offensive-line. The Pats have former Pro-Bowl player in-place at LT with Matt Light, LG Logan Mankins, and Center with Dan Koppen. Are they still capable of playing at that level? If there is a weakness with the Patriot line, is it on the right-side with Neal, and Kaczur?”

Ian Rapoport: “The offensive line showed signs of struggling in the first two games, as Matt Light allowed a sack to Aaron Schobel in the opener and the entire line scuffled with the Jets’ schemes in game 2. Brady wasn’t sacked, but he was hit seven times and hurried 15. Yet the linemen are entering the Ravens game coming off their best performance. Belichick said he’s never seen them come off the ball like they did against the Falcons, and they’re a reason Brady wasn’t sacked and Fred Taylor ran for 105 yards. The left side is certainly stronger than the right, and Nick Kaczur’s ankle injury doesn’t help. But the unit is improving. It’ll be interesting to see if they can stand Baltimore’s pressure.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “2006 1st-round pick Laurence Maroney is coming off of a 2008 season, which ended on Injured Reserve with a shoulder-injury. In the 2006, and 2007 seasons, Maroney had yard-per-carry averages of 4.4, and 4.6. The Patriots have a huge stable of other running-backs, including Fred Taylor who had 105 yards rushing Sunday. Beyond Taylor, there is also Morris, Faulk, and Green-Ellis. Is that group of backs preventing Maroney from fully-emerging, or does that amount of depth exist because there is limited confidence in Maroney emerging?”

Ian Rapoport: “I think it’s nearly impossible for anyone to be the featured back in this situation. But Maroney and Taylor were supposed to be the 1-2 punch. They still will be. But Maroney must stay on the field. He tweaked a thigh against the Falcons, and Taylor benefitted. Maroney is back this week, and he’ll have more opportunities. He certainly has the talent. But the more time he spends off the field, the more likely it is he’ll stay there. If he had been more dependable, I don’t think they would need such a stable of backs.”


Baltimore Sports and Life: “Cornerback Shawn Springs has had a long-productive career, but he is 34. Does the team think he can make it through an entire year? Beyond Springs, there are some fresh legs in the Secondary, including 2007 1st round pick Strong Safety Brandon Meriweather, and 2009 2nd round draft-picks Patrick Chung, and Darius Butler. Do you have an opinion on the Secondary as a whole?”

Ian Rapoport: “This may be the most surprising unit. Not only has Springs started one week at safety and then the next week at corner, but he’s been good. And he looks young and spry. His versatility has really helped, as has tough guy Brandon McGowan, who helped shut down Tony Gonzalez last week. Butler, Chung, and Terrence Wheatley are still developing, but the speedy improvement of Jonathan Wilhite has allowed them time to grow. What they’ve done thus far has been impressive. It began during camp with an emphasis on man-to-man coverage, and it has helped.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Like Baltimore’s Haloti Ngata, New England Defensive Tackle Vince Wilfork is one of the best in the game. Wilfork however is in the last-year of his contract. Did the exorbitant Haynesworth signing with the Redskins, make the Patriots believe it will be difficult to retain Wilfork?”

Ian Rapoport: “It’s tough to know where the Pats stand. They do not have a history of lavishly spending on free agents who may be replaced by one or more similar players. There is a possibility Wilfork is hit with a franchise tag, which keeps him around for at least another year. And this week’s ankle injury won’t help. He could play, he could not. If he does, he’s hugely valuable. But the team has gone to more of a 4-3 look this year, way more than in the past. If they use a four-man front, Wilfork isn’t as valuable. That may hurt his contract situation. But it’s too early to tell where it lands. He has said he wants to be a Patriot.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Obviously Baltimore fans are familiar with Adalius Thomas, and Jerod Mayo is the defending Defensive Rookie of the Year. What can you tell us about some of the other linebackers – Pierre Woods, Eric Alexander, Guy Guyton, etc?”

Ian Rapoport: “Really, Gary Guyton is the main guy besides Adalius Thomas and Jerod Mayo. Woods plays, and he can be steady on the outside. He had a key forced fumble against the Bills, though it came on special teams. But he’s become a part-time player, as the team has gone to more of a nickel look. They are thin at LB. Eric Alexander is a special teamer, mostly. Guyton is a speedster and he’s stepped right into the leadership void vacated by Mayo. But he’s not as tough against the run. He’ll be tested against a physical team like the Ravens.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “I expect that the Patriots will spread the field against the Ravens, and use 4 WR sets. As always, NE will look to Welker underneath (if he can go) when pressured, and attack down the field with Moss when they have the opportunity. New England will want to go no-huddle, to limit the ability of the Ravens to bring in new personnel. The game will be decided by the Ravens ability to get to Brady. The Patriots 3rd WR is Joey Galloway who has always relied on his speed. Does he still have the burst necessary to help? The 4th NE receiver is Sam Aiken. At 6’2, 215 lbs, he is the type of bigger WR who can give the Ravens problems. Do you see his role increasing as the year progresses?”

Ian Rapoport: “Galloway has struggled mightily this season, one that was encapsulated by him stepping out of bounds in the end zone last week, negating a score. His speed is still there, actually, and so are his skills. But he’s all in his head. The veteran hasn’t always been on the same page with Brady, and that’s hurt. Now, he too often looks like he’s trying to figure it out. He must improve, especially if Welker can’t go. As for Aiken, his role as a receiver has steadily increased. He was thrown at twice last week. Without Welker, he could see more time. And don’t forget budding rookie receiver Julian Edelman. He’s flashed some skills.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Raven fans are excited about pairing LJ Smith with Todd Heap in 2 TE sets, because of the mismatches that figures to create. It looks like NE has a similar situation developing with Chris Baker, and Benjamin Watson. Which TE has better hands?”

Ian Rapoport: “I think Chris Baker probably has better hands than Watson. Or at least, steadier hands. But Watson is still the athlete. And after a bad preseason, Watson has really come on strong. He had two touchdown catches against the Bills, including the game-winner. He’ll still have his drops, but he also can make the spectacular player. And he’s a better blocker. But Baker has been productive, too. Both teams have a really good situation at tight end.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “New England was tied at 10, with a tough Atlanta team, and answered the call; ripping off 16 unanswered points to win the game and improve to 2-1. Most impressively, they held the high-flying Falcons to 257 total yards. To me, this is further illustration of how mentally strong the Patriots are, and indication that they will again be a factor in January. This Ravens vs. Patriots game could have post-season implications as far as home-field advantage. Is the post-season even on the radar for NE, or is the total-focus just on week-to-week improvement?”

Ian Rapoport: “Interestingly, I have only vaguely heard the Patriots refer to the playoffs. Maybe something off-hand, and maybe something by accident. Sure, they probably believe this could have playoff implications. But there are too many other variables. I even doubt some of the players know the opponent after the Ravens. But that’s how the Ravens are, too.”


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Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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