usmc
On the Practice Squad
Posts: 283 
Likes: 566
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Post by usmc on Jul 30, 2020 6:56:18 GMT -5
The quote below is from Pats Pulpit and centers and on Pat Chung's decision to protect his family and not play football this year. Central to this is his discussion with coach, Bill Belichick who supports his decision. I am grateful we have a head coach and players that live and think sensibly and set an example for all of us to do the right things in our lives.
Read below:
Before opting out, however, the three-time Super Bowl champion had to talk with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick about his decision. While he pointed out that the conversation was private, Chung did say a few words about the future Hall of Famer and his relationship with his players.
“He understands that it’s a serious pandemic going on; he totally got it,” said Chung. “You guys think Bill is like this drill sergeant, but he’s actually a very caring person. He totally understood, and that was it. It was a short phone call.”
Chung, as noted above, was not the only Patriot to call it a season: linebacker Dont’a Hightower, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, running back Brandon Bolden, fullback Danny Vitale, and interior offensive lineman Najee Toran also opted out of the 2020 season. While the expectation is that no other players will join them, Chung noted that he would not be in a position to speak about his teammates’ intentions.
“I can’t really speak on those guys,” he said. “I know a lot of guys are thinking it is a scary situation. And whatever they decide, that’s on them. I can’t really speak for them. Like I said, everyone has a different situation. Some people don’t have people at high risk in their household or around them. Hopefully, whatever they do they make the right decision that is going to keep their families healthy, keep them healthy and be safe.”
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Post by ATJ on Jul 30, 2020 7:49:13 GMT -5
Good stuff, USMC.
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Post by irishmob7 on Jul 30, 2020 8:48:15 GMT -5
Chung is lying. He's a cokehead so his words can't be trusted. I've heard right on this forum and on the radio waves that the players hate Bill Belichick. Specifically, they hate him even more now bc he was so mean to Tommy and kicked him to the curb so they're refusing to play for him.
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Post by Wozzy on Jul 30, 2020 9:15:47 GMT -5
He was going to be cut anyway... after just getting extended. I'm sure it makes sense... somehow.
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Post by PatsFanInExile on Jul 30, 2020 10:07:10 GMT -5
Even Solder opted out. Must be some residual hate stemming from his time in NE under BB. Or Joe Judge is contaminated from his time in NE, so he brought the toxicity to the NYG.
Either way, it traces back to NE.
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Post by rkarp on Jul 30, 2020 11:21:19 GMT -5
you know we see Gronk coming back after taking time away to heal, rejuvenate, refresh. maybe Chung and Hightower can do so as well? Hightower would be 31 years old.
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Post by philskiw on Jul 30, 2020 12:21:25 GMT -5
These guys are going to come back out of shape. Some fail drug tests. A year off with pay is a recipe for disaster.
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Post by mthurl on Jul 30, 2020 12:47:33 GMT -5
These guys are going to come back out of shape. Some fail drug tests. A year off with pay is a recipe for disaster. These guys are kidding themselves if they think they are ever playing again. It’s over. |
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Post by Wozzy on Jul 30, 2020 13:18:54 GMT -5
you know we see Gronk coming back after taking time away to heal, rejuvenate, refresh. maybe Chung and Hightower can do so as well? Hightower would be 31 years old. Agree here, they could take a year and come back stronger. Or they could realize how fun retirement is and stay that way. |
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Post by oklahomapatriot on Jul 30, 2020 13:26:36 GMT -5
These guys are going to come back out of shape. Some fail drug tests. A year off with pay is a recipe for disaster. that ain't coming back. maybe Vitale. |
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Post by muzwell on Jul 30, 2020 13:51:06 GMT -5
These guys are going to come back out of shape. Some fail drug tests. A year off with pay is a recipe for disaster. We’ll see. Not sure what you mean by “with pay” though? $150K is a nice salary for the average Joe. But for these guys it’s poverty wages. I imagine most of them will want to come back and play. Get one or two more years of big cash. Whether they can make it back? Some will. They’re young, fit guys. I don’t see Cannon back, but High and Chung I do think they will play again. In NE or somewhere else. |
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Post by philskiw on Jul 30, 2020 14:10:52 GMT -5
These guys are going to come back out of shape. Some fail drug tests. A year off with pay is a recipe for disaster. We’ll see. Not sure what you mean by “with pay” though? $150K is a nice salary for the average Joe. But for these guys it’s poverty wages. I imagine most of them will want to come back and play. Get one or two more years of big cash. Whether they can make it back? Some will. They’re young, fit guys. I don’t see Cannon back, but High and Chung I do think they will play again. In NE or somewhere else. if you have all that coin and you can take a year off and still make expenses why not? It’s not like if you come back next year and your fired. Yiu still have to try out but you have a leg up on the new guys. |
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Post by TrueChamp on Jul 30, 2020 14:22:15 GMT -5
These guys are going to come back out of shape. Some fail drug tests. A year off with pay is a recipe for disaster. These guys are kidding themselves if they think they are ever playing again. It’s over. Big difference as well between coming back to the NFL and coming back to N.E a year older, a year away from football and large cap hits. All 3 are done here imo. |
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Post by TrueChamp on Jul 30, 2020 14:49:34 GMT -5
Good article on why Chung was replaceable and the cap saving extension was questionable in the 1st place. He covers JJ William's learning safety and J Jones already knowing it, as well as obvious candidates Dugger Phillip's and even Brooks. www.clnsmedia.com/lazar-patriots-have-plenty-of-in-house-options-to-replace-patrick-chung/"However, Chung’s 70.5 completion rate allowed into his coverage was a career-worst mark last season, and he surrendered his most yards per target (7.4) since the 2016 season. The team was counting on Chung for one more season, hence the contract extension, but his arrow was pointing downward, and his successors are already in place on the roster." |
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Post by rkarp on Jul 30, 2020 15:07:09 GMT -5
Good article on why Chung was replaceable and the cap saving extension was questionable in the 1st place. He covers JJ William's learning safety and J Jones already knowing it, as well as obvious candidates Dugger Phillip's and even Brooks. www.clnsmedia.com/lazar-patriots-have-plenty-of-in-house-options-to-replace-patrick-chung/"However, Chung’s 70.5 completion rate allowed into his coverage was a career-worst mark last season, and he surrendered his most yards per target (7.4) since the 2016 season. The team was counting on Chung for one more season, hence the contract extension, but his arrow was pointing downward, and his successors are already in place on the roster." there was one poster here that really complained about the Chung extension. remember? |
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Post by rkarp on Jul 30, 2020 15:10:26 GMT -5
I think Cajuste and Copeland/Jennings/Uche have to produce. I really like Uche.
I had speculated all spring could Cajuste win the RT spot in camp. time for him to put up. I understand due to his injury, he has been in the building all off season. the staff has to have a pretty good feel on his health/strength.
whats Newhouse doing by the way?
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Post by irishmob7 on Jul 30, 2020 15:58:14 GMT -5
I think Cajuste and Copeland/Jennings/Uche have to produce. I really like Uche. I had speculated all spring could Cajuste win the RT spot in camp. time for him to put up. I understand due to his injury, he has been in the building all off season. the staff has to have a pretty good feel on his health/strength. whats Newhouse doing by the way? Would prefer they stick a traffic cone out at RT instead of putting Newhouse back there. Poor Cam is going to need another 15 surgeries this offseason if Newhouse anchors RT. But seriously, I loved the Cajuste pick and think he could be a stud (health permitting). I watched a lot of WVU games in 2018 bc I really liked watching Grier and that offense (yes, the Big 12 defense is garbage). I noticed Cajuste quite a bit: 1) bc he's friggen massive 2) he just punished would-be tacklers. Guy is an animal out in the open. I'm not sure if his pull game will translate perfectly to the NFL but he looked like he could pull a bit which is a big plus in the Pats offense. Just stay healthy, big boy. |
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Post by rkarp on Jul 30, 2020 16:10:29 GMT -5
I think Cajuste and Copeland/Jennings/Uche have to produce. I really like Uche. I had speculated all spring could Cajuste win the RT spot in camp. time for him to put up. I understand due to his injury, he has been in the building all off season. the staff has to have a pretty good feel on his health/strength. whats Newhouse doing by the way? Would prefer they stick a traffic cone out at RT instead of putting Newhouse back there. Poor Cam is going to need another 15 surgeries this offseason if Newhouse anchors RT. But seriously, I loved the Cajuste pick and think he could be a stud (health permitting). I watched a lot of WVU games in 2018 bc I really liked watching Grier and that offense (yes, the Big 12 defense is garbage). I noticed Cajuste quite a bit: 1) bc he's friggen massive 2) he just punished would-be tacklers. Guy is an animal out in the open. I'm not sure if his pull game will translate perfectly to the NFL but he looked like he could pull a bit which is a big plus in the Pats offense. Just stay healthy, big boy. my point on Cajuste was that if he does elevate into the RT spot, the team would need a swing/back up T. That could be Herron? Newhouse was "serviceable" last season? that was with an aging vitamin salesman back there. Maybe with Cam, Newhouse would look better? |
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Post by TrueChamp on Jul 30, 2020 17:01:07 GMT -5
Good article on why Chung was replaceable and the cap saving extension was questionable in the 1st place. He covers JJ William's learning safety and J Jones already knowing it, as well as obvious candidates Dugger Phillip's and even Brooks. www.clnsmedia.com/lazar-patriots-have-plenty-of-in-house-options-to-replace-patrick-chung/"However, Chung’s 70.5 completion rate allowed into his coverage was a career-worst mark last season, and he surrendered his most yards per target (7.4) since the 2016 season. The team was counting on Chung for one more season, hence the contract extension, but his arrow was pointing downward, and his successors are already in place on the roster." there was one poster here that really complained about the Chung extension. remember? Yes I already gave you credit. Even Jets fans get things right every once in a while.  |
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Post by philskiw on Jul 30, 2020 17:06:15 GMT -5
Chung never could cover. Teams target him. Probably why they let him go to the Eagles the first time. Good tackler but don’t leave him 1 on 1 in coverage. I also didn’t think he should have been extended.
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Post by muzwell on Jul 30, 2020 17:15:23 GMT -5
Would prefer they stick a traffic cone out at RT instead of putting Newhouse back there. Poor Cam is going to need another 15 surgeries this offseason if Newhouse anchors RT. But seriously, I loved the Cajuste pick and think he could be a stud (health permitting). I watched a lot of WVU games in 2018 bc I really liked watching Grier and that offense (yes, the Big 12 defense is garbage). I noticed Cajuste quite a bit: 1) bc he's friggen massive 2) he just punished would-be tacklers. Guy is an animal out in the open. I'm not sure if his pull game will translate perfectly to the NFL but he looked like he could pull a bit which is a big plus in the Pats offense. Just stay healthy, big boy. my point on Cajuste was that if he does elevate into the RT spot, the team would need a swing/back up T. That could be Herron? Newhouse was "serviceable" last season? that was with an aging vitamin salesman back there. Maybe with Cam, Newhouse would look better? Define serviceable? He didn't actually get anyone killed? I'm in the ABN Camp, anybody but Newhouse. What about Cunningham? Can't be worse than Newhouse. |
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Post by thejuice on Jul 30, 2020 17:23:21 GMT -5
Good article on why Chung was replaceable and the cap saving extension was questionable in the 1st place. He covers JJ William's learning safety and J Jones already knowing it, as well as obvious candidates Dugger Phillip's and even Brooks. www.clnsmedia.com/lazar-patriots-have-plenty-of-in-house-options-to-replace-patrick-chung/"However, Chung’s 70.5 completion rate allowed into his coverage was a career-worst mark last season, and he surrendered his most yards per target (7.4) since the 2016 season. The team was counting on Chung for one more season, hence the contract extension, but his arrow was pointing downward, and his successors are already in place on the roster." lazar almost always nails it. and i think he did here. again, i think chungs teaching to the young guys and leadership is what theyll miss most with him. as you mentioned as far as his play on the field, while still good last year, it had begun to dip. but with joejuan and dugger they honestly should be able to make up for the loss of him without much if any issue... honestly, on the field they could maybe be an upgrade over him. but as rkarp pointed out earlier this year, it was a puzzling extension to give him. but with all the cap space well have next year, it wont be a big deal at all to take that hit next season. the huge loss is hightower. they really need to bring in another vet LB to help lessen that sting. cant put all the weight on bentley, simon, a few rookies and a new guy in copeland (who is promising). again with chung, losing high's leadership is going to hurt a lot too. |
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Post by thejuice on Jul 30, 2020 17:25:11 GMT -5
Good article on why Chung was replaceable and the cap saving extension was questionable in the 1st place. He covers JJ William's learning safety and J Jones already knowing it, as well as obvious candidates Dugger Phillip's and even Brooks. www.clnsmedia.com/lazar-patriots-have-plenty-of-in-house-options-to-replace-patrick-chung/"However, Chung’s 70.5 completion rate allowed into his coverage was a career-worst mark last season, and he surrendered his most yards per target (7.4) since the 2016 season. The team was counting on Chung for one more season, hence the contract extension, but his arrow was pointing downward, and his successors are already in place on the roster." there was one poster here that really complained about the Chung extension. remember? yeah that guy while annoying from time to time  nailed it then and is even more right now. if only we could remember who that was hahaha. good call then and even better now though karp. but as i said, luckily well have a ton of cap space next year so taking that cap hit wont be a huge issue... but you were right the whole time... bad deal when it was signed. |
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Post by thejuice on Jul 30, 2020 17:26:35 GMT -5
I think Cajuste and Copeland/Jennings/Uche have to produce. I really like Uche. I had speculated all spring could Cajuste win the RT spot in camp. time for him to put up. I understand due to his injury, he has been in the building all off season. the staff has to have a pretty good feel on his health/strength. whats Newhouse doing by the way? agree totally on all of the above. i just think they should bring in a vet LB and a vet RT (or Guard if they move Thuney to RT?) to compete with all these younger guys. alleviate some of the pressure, you know? |
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Post by TrueChamp on Jul 30, 2020 19:42:03 GMT -5
Good article on why Chung was replaceable and the cap saving extension was questionable in the 1st place. He covers JJ William's learning safety and J Jones already knowing it, as well as obvious candidates Dugger Phillip's and even Brooks. www.clnsmedia.com/lazar-patriots-have-plenty-of-in-house-options-to-replace-patrick-chung/"However, Chung’s 70.5 completion rate allowed into his coverage was a career-worst mark last season, and he surrendered his most yards per target (7.4) since the 2016 season. The team was counting on Chung for one more season, hence the contract extension, but his arrow was pointing downward, and his successors are already in place on the roster." lazar almost always nails it. and i think he did here. again, i think chungs teaching to the young guys and leadership is what theyll miss most with him. as you mentioned as far as his play on the field, while still good last year, it had begun to dip. but with joejuan and dugger they honestly should be able to make up for the loss of him without much if any issue... honestly, on the field they could maybe be an upgrade over him. but as rkarp pointed out earlier this year, it was a puzzling extension to give him. but with all the cap space well have next year, it wont be a big deal at all to take that hit next season. the huge loss is hightower. they really need to bring in another vet LB to help lessen that sting. cant put all the weight on bentley, simon, a few rookies and a new guy in copeland (who is promising). again with chung, losing high's leadership is going to hurt a lot too. Agreed. Hightower is obviously the concern and nobody will replace him at least not this year. But...I think the best secondary in the league can protect this young linebacking core. Disguise weakness and put them in the best position to succeed. John Simon and Wino could really shine this year. Bentley is a question mark but we all remember how he looked in limited opps his 1st pre season. We really only need 1 of Dugger Jennings or Uche to make a big impact in year 1. I like those odds. The real concern is the D line. Will they expose the LB core? |
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nailed it then and is even more right now. if only we could remember who that was hahaha. good call then and even better now though karp. but as i said, luckily well have a ton of cap space next year so taking that cap hit wont be a huge issue... but you were right the whole time... bad deal when it was signed.