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The New England Patriots saw a change in the front office yesterday, as former GM drogers' replacement is fairly new GM botastiac. The new GM stated that "the team was in okay shape, but not to the caliber I want it." After winning the division the last year, this confused some. But the new GM didnt lie, as a recent trade proved he is focused on a "slow and smooth" rebuild. This trade gave away a few starters, including FS **** Conn and CB Mike Haynes. In return comes the Carolina 1st round draft pick and Tampa Bay's first rounder. Botastiac said on the trade: "Puts us on the right direction. I believe 3 first round picks is quite comfortable and nice, but we could also trade up." Talks have been circulating in the front office on trading for a fourth first rounder, although some say this would not be a good move.

Next up New England plays against the elite Kansas City Chiefs squad.

After a new GM takes the helm, the Patriots play perhaps the best opponent they will all year: the Kansas City Chiefs. The game started out with a fast 75 yard score by the Pats. Kansas City's offense then took over and scored 10 straight, but the Pats came back with another score. After another KC TD, New England took over with 13 points straight. But with the inability to put the game away, the D allowed KC to come back late in the 4th to take the lead. On New England's final drive, the Pats made it to the red zone. A laser of a pass to Stanley Morgan for his 3rd TD of the game, and for the lead, was overturned due to a holding call. The next play, Grogan threw a game ending pick. Stanley Morgan had a career day, and he topped it off with OPOTW honors.

The Patriots play a struggling 0-4 Denver team next.

New England took on a struggling Denver team, and no doubt it was a struggle. New England can credit their defense for the win, as they racked up 4 interceptions in the 43-3 win. The offense was a struggle though, as Grogan threw 2 picks and also fumbled it twice (one lost). Stanley Morgan, for the third week in a row, caught a TD pass. His help to the offense has definitely been an asset. "All i gotta do is break a few tackles. Y'all think its all a big thing, ya know. Its just football." Although a great defensive performance, 2 starters seem to be batting heads to see who was the better defensive player. CB Roy Clayborn collected 2 picks and has 2 tackles, while CB Preston McCray got 7 tackles, 1 sack, and a pick. The better player seems to be hard to see, but Preston McCray might of had a better game.

New England (3-2) plays a sluggish division rival in Miami (0-5) next.

New England took the field with home field advantage against Miami, and it worked. New England has a great, but not impressive, 20-3 win over the now 0-6 Miami Dolphins. New quarterback Theodore Hawkins threw a TD and no picks and completed 75% of his passes. The running game was better this week, as Marlin Briscoe accumulated a TD, 48 yards on 29 carries. But, Sam Cunningham carried the ball 9 times for 46 yards. This puts in interesting case in for Cunningham trying out starter next week. The defense had a second straight all star performance Rod Shoat having an interception and Nelson and Adams picked up a sack each.

New England (4-2) plays the Minnesota Vikings (3-3) next.

With a win streak mounting, the New England Patriots played the Minnesota Vikings at Foxboro Stadium. Minnesota scored early to take a 7-0 lead, and a lead that would stand for awhile. The Patriots managed to score a 22 and a 51 yard FG by K Jon Smith. Minnesota scored yet again to take a commanding 14-6 lead. The game looked like an upset after Jon Smith kicked his 3rd FG. Early in the fourth quarter, Theodore Hawkins passed a 21 TD pass to Daryl Stingley for the 15-14 lead. Going for two, Marlin Briscoe barely reached the goal line for the 2 point conversion. The score would stay the same as New England would ride a come back win 17-14. New starting RB Sam Cunningham ran 19 times for 57 yards. Briscoe ran 7 times for 31 yards. Hawkins finished the game completing 20 of 25 with 305 yards and a 130.83 QBR. Steve Nelson was the best defensive player with 8 tackles and 1 sack.

New England (5-2) plays the Miami Dolphins (1-6) next. New England leads the series 1-0.

After 2 straight losses, New England headed out to Cleveland to play the 9-0 Browns. Heading in to this game, the Pats were the under dog, but leaving the game, they are more of a oversight than an underdog. Keeping the score close, New England lost 22-7 in what would have been a loss anyway. The Pats need to keep their head up as an almost insurmountable schedule awaits, including 3 teams with 2 or less losses. QB Theodore Hawkins reportedly came down with a leg injury. Though he is probable, the Pats' coach has already made the decision to start Steve Grogan in the next game against Buffalo. "The next game is a tough one. To prevent further injury it would be smart to start Grogan who has already proved himself to be a dependent starter."

New England (5-5) plays division rival Buffalo (4-6) in a must win game next.

A drubbing of division rival Bills last week the Pats ready upped to play the 1 win Packers. With Theodore Hawkins still injured, Grogan started for the second week in a row. New England failed to get any good drives going in the first half, but had the lead 6-0. Late in the 4th quarter, the Packers scored a TD to take the lead 7-6 with 10 minutes left. New England had to punt their next drive, but the defense held strong and New England got the ball back. With 6 minutes left, Sam Cunningham scored the winning TD to beat the Pack 12-7. Sam Cunningham had a second break out week while Grogan struggled. The Pats plan on playing Hawkins next.

New England (7-5) faces tough competition in San Diego (9-3) next.

After a surprising finish to a slow season for the Patriots, awards week approached. Here is the New England Players who won awards this year:

MVP and Defensive POY: MLB Steve Nelson

Rookie GM of the Year: botastiac

Will continue this next season. Im slackin!!!

The Patriots pinpointed several needs in free agency and seemed to address most of them. They missed out on a couple of good players, and a few other solid players as well. All in all, it was a good free agency to lead up to the draft.

DAY 1:
DT Juan Rodas
This player definitely makes the d-line stronger. He now sits on a d-line that features Ray Hamilton and Richard Bishop. He will be the second best d-line man on the team, right behind Hamilton. Rodas used to play for the Bills, and he did not show us much stats as he started less than half of the games for the Bills. Now as a starter, let us see what this 25 year old can do.

DAY 2:
The Patriots did not sign anyone missing out on a player that would have helped a lot in LDE Bobby Riordan

DAY 3:
For the second day in a row, the Patriots miss out on a player that would have helped a decent secondary. We will be seeing Mason Dantzler's services twice a year against Buffalo.

DAY 4:
QB Kurt Diedrich
This is not a big signing. Diedrich will be replacing Gibson who will be leaving in free agency this year. He is young, and we should see him play this preseason

FS Albert Christensen
With both Robert Amaral and George Davis leaving, Albert will help fill the void they will leave. He will be the new starter in front of Bob Howard. He is young and he is one of the fastest players on the field. Instead of Dantzler, this is who we get.

So the Patriots filled holes and upgraded positions, and we will see what the Patriots do come draft time.