ONE. FINAL. RUN.

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ONE.
FINAL.
RUN.

As many of you likely already know I recently announced my retirement from chising. Lack of time to commit and do the chise how I really want to was my biggest reason. After just over a month away from it something wasn't sitting right. I'd pulled the plug with two active Madden chises in the works and left them both very much incomplete. That isn't how I wanted to go out.

I've been thinking about this for a while. Mudcat, Soapy, Ghstrdr57 and a number of other quality chises always bring back the itch to get something going again. Ross and Jwinn coming back intensified the feeling.

I realized something about a week ago. Throughout all of my NFL chises over the years I couldn't recall a single Superbowl victory.

I knew i didn't want to commit to a long-term project as my time is limited now but will become even more so in the spring. I needed something where a lot of the pieces were in place and I just needed to put the finishing touches on it. I needed to make one final run.

I started thinking about which teams fit the bill then realized they were right there in front of me. I had started an offline chise with this team and had just wrapped up season one. With the key players already in place and a few positions that needed tweaking I decided to pull the trigger.

This chise will be a departure from what I typically do. I intend for this chise to only run for one season and the goal is to win a Superbowl. Typically, like most of us, I look to a project that could take a few seasons before much success is to be found. With this team it's all about winning now.

Without further ado I present to you One Final Run.

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BRADY, BELICHICK TO RETURN
By Tim Honks, Staff Writer

Tom Brady stared at the scoreboard and cursed as Joe Flacco and the Ravens took a knee to run out the clock.

After a 12-4 regular season this wasn't how it was supposed to end. A first round playoff exit at home was unacceptable.

"We certainly expected to make a much deeper run in the playoffs. To win a football game you need everyone to do their job, that's even more true in the playoffs. Anyone who watched that game surely knows that didn't happen for us." Coach Bill Belichick said following the loss.

It was pretty clear that the group he was referring to was the offensive line. Brady was sacked six times in the loss. He was hit or hurried on nearly every pass attempt.

Despite the addition of Mackenzy Bernadeau via a preseason trade the offensive line was still the Patriots glaring weakness. Brady was sacked and hit more than he had been in a number of years. At 37 years old it made for a long season.

"You know I'd be really sore for a lot of the week leading up to Sunday. Ten years ago I'd be good by Tuesday, Wednesday at the latest. This year it's closer to Friday before I feel one hundred percent. It wears on you." Brady said mid season.

The hits and the early exit led many to speculate that Brady, along with Belichick, might be heading for retirement.

After a couple weeks to clear his head Brady spoke with Belichick, they both decided they weren't ready to walk away.

"There's still a lot of desire there for both of us. Last year left a bad taste in our mouths and neither of us wanted to go out like that. We know this team can be something special and neither of us were ready to walk away from it just yet." Brady said last month.

With most of their pieces still in place many familiar with the situation feel the Patriots could be just a few pieces away from being the top team in the AFC, if not the entire league.

With Darrelle Revis and Patrick Chung being the biggest potential departures the Patriots will likely have to open their checkbook to keep the band together.

The team already extended Stevan Ridley during the season. The Patriots also dealt Shane Vereen to the Jaguars last season when a deal couldn't be reached.

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REVIS ISLAND STAYING IN NEW ENGLAND
By Tim Honks, Staff Writer

Coming into the off-season the Patriots had one player above all others that they wanted, maybe even needed, to resign. Darelle Revis originally came to the Patriots on a one year deal that was friendly for both sides. If Revis under performed the Patriots weren't locked into a long term deal. If Revis wasn't happy in New England he could bolt.

Both sides were very happy with how things worked out and that mutual happiness has led to a contract extension. The deal is rumored to be another single year contract worth about what the 2014 version was. When asked why a longer contract wasn't agreed upon a spokesperson for the team simply said that both sides were comfortable with the deal that was put in place.

Another player whose contract was up was safety Patrick Chung. After a period of negotiating the two sides have decided to part ways. New England has Duron Harmon waiting in the wings and the coaching staff feels he will not be much of a downgrade, especially with the likes of Revis, Brandon Browner, Devin McCourty, Kyle Arrington and Logan Ryan accompanying him in the defensive backfield.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is long time special teamer Matthew Slater leaving New England. The seldom used receiver is seeking a bigger offensive role elsewhere.

Fullback James Develin also signed an extension, terms were not made public as of yet.

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NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS?
By Tim Honks, Staff Writer

Following another 12-4 season and a quick playoff exit the Patriots were expected to be somewhat active in the early stages of free agency. They weren't. Not even a little bit. With the draft set to kick off tomorrow the Patriots have not come to terms with a single new addition to the roster. Rumors circulated that the team made offers to Mike Pouncey and a few other offensive linesman but they ducked out when the price got too high. The Patriots are not known for getting into bidding wars for the most part so it should come as no surprise that they haven't made any big moves.

"We're very confident in our scouting department and our ability to fill our needs through the draft and from our younger players getting the opportunity to step up." Coach Belichick said when asked about the lack of moves.

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RUN FOR THE DESERT
By Jamal Martin, Staff Writer

"This will be the biggest move you'll see in years in the NFL. This could change the balance of power in the entire NFC." One GM said after learning that DeMarco Murray had officially signed on with the Cardinals. Murray inked a 6 year 54 million dollar deal to play in Arizona. The Cowboys were unable to retain their star after retaining Dez Bryant on a 1 year deal worth over 12 million.

"It's unfortunate but we obviously couldn't keep them both. We felt it was in the teams best interest to keep Bryant and we're confident that we will be able to come to terms on a long term contract with him during the season." A Cowboys representative stated yesterday.

The arrival of Murray in Arizona should help ease the transition from Carson Palmer to Ryan Mallett or a rookie should they go that route in the draft.

Murray ran for 1,032 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 186 carries in 2014, he missed 6 games due to a hamstring injury. Murray says he is "back and stronger than ever."

Murray's relatively low number of career carries makes most experts confident that he will bounce back.

Major Free Agent Moves
QB C. McCoy - Bills
QB M. Sanchez - Bills
WR P. Garcon - Bills
HB A. Ellington - Browns
QB R. Mallett - Cardinals
HB D. Murray - Cardinals
WR J. Kearse - Chargers
WR H. Douglas - Dolphins
HB J. Stewart - Falcons
WR M. Colston - Falcons
QB M. Cassell - 49ers
QB R. Fitzpatrick - Giants
WR D. Amendola - Giants
TE J. Cameron - Giants
HB R. Mathews - Giants
SS P. Chung - Giants
QB A. Davis - Jaguars
C S. Wisniewski - Jaguars
HB A. Bradshaw - Jaguars
HB S. Vereen - Lions
HB J. Starks - Panthers
HB K. Moreno - Raiders
DE C. Jordan - Raiders
HB F. Gore - Ravens
WR H. Nicks - Seahawks
WR C. Shorts III - Seahawks
QB M. Moore - Titans
HB R. Helu Jr. - Titans
WR M. Wallace - Titans
HB C. Spiller - Vikings
HB D. McFadden - Vikings
WR W. Welker - Vikings
LB B. Irvin - Vikings

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PATRIOTS DRAFT RECAP
Round 1 Pick 24



Onaje Asante
OL Wisconsin
6-03 303
21 Years Old

The Patriots addressed their biggest need in the first round of the 2015 Draft by taking versatile offensive lineman Onaje Asante. The former Wisconsin Badger played all five positions on the line during his time at Wisconsin. Primarily a left tackle in college Asante projects as a Guard or Center in the NFL, New England's two biggest weaknesses. Asante's run block skills were among the best in the draft and his pass blocking is not far behind. He is very strong and possesses quick feet. Asante will likely start for New England from day one.

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PATRIOTS DRAFT RECAP
Round 2 Pick 24



Lamar Walden
DL Florida A&M
6-04 270
20 Years Old

With Vince Wilfork approaching the twilight of his career the Patriots used their second round pick to acquire who they hope could be a potential replacement. Walden, who played both inside and outside at FAMU, possesses good strength despite his smaller stature. He got high marks for power moves and finesse moves and showed an ability to beat his opponent with either. Doesn't tackle quite as well as you would like to see but that should be an easy fix. Has linebacker speed and safety agility and acceleration. Walden could beat out Alan Branch and start alongside Wilfork.

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PATRIOTS DRAFT RECAP
Round 3 Pick 24



Stefan Thompson
LB Georgia
6-02 237
22 Years Old

In need of depth at linebacker the Patriots selected Stefan Thompson from Georgia. Thompson is a solid tackler with decent speed and strength. He runs down plays well. Good in zone coverage. He projects as a middle linebacker in the NFL but could function on the outside if needed.