Patriots, Brady closer to extension

steve — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:21:49 +0000

The New England Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady have made some progress in contract extension talks.

Talks have progressed far enough in recent days that it is possible a deal could be reached by the end of the summer.

If a deal does not happen, it is probably just a matter of the complexity of the contract with regard to the salary cap.

Brady has just one year remaining on his contract, so the Patriots have to be careful that he does not hit the free agent market.

In an age when quarterbacks are more important than ever, numerous teams would throw crazy money at Brady.

Patriots face tough schedule next season

bud — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:16:49 +0000

By Bud L. Ellis

In half of their games in 2010, the New England Patriots will face teams that made the playoffs last season.

The National Football League has released its schedule of home games and road games for the upcoming season. Dates and times have not been finalized, although the Patriots may be playing on Thanksgiving Day at Detroit.

The road schedule doesn’t appear too daunting. Only two of the eight games are against playoff teams: AFC East division rival the New York Jets, and AFC West champion San Diego. The rest of the road slate includes trips to Buffalo, Miami, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Chicago.

At home? That’s a different story. Six of the Pats’ eight home games are against playoff teams. It’s a murderous slate that includes matchups with the Jets, AFC wild-card qualifier Baltimore, AFC North champion Cincinnati, NFC wild-card qualifier Green Bay, NFC runner-up Minnesota and AFC champion Indianapolis. Also at home will be division games against Buffalo and Miami.

Based on opponents’ win percentage from last season, the Patriots’ schedule is sixth-toughest in the NFL.

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