Our corporate cousin and good friend Tom Curran of CSNNE.com joined PFT Live on Wednesday to discuss a wide range of Patriots-related topics.
The obvious starting point and biggest story surrounding the team at this point relates to the return of Wes Welker, who has signed his franchise tender. Curran gives his view on why the move was made, and whether a long-term deal is coming.
Curran also provides an assessment regarding the glass-two-thirds-empty chances of receiver Chad Ochocinco making it onto the opening-day roster, even after slashing his pay for 2012.
Then there’s a Blutarski-esque assessment of the possibility that left tackle Matt Light will unretire, despite the urgings of quarterback Tom Brady that Light return.
Speaking of Brady, Curran responds to the future Hall of Famer’s recent abandonment of his “10 more years” career plan, which has been replaced with “for as long as they want me.” Curran believes that, realistically, Brady has five more years -- possibly as many as eight.
The key, which meshes with Wednesday’s comments from Redskins coach Mike Shanahan regarding Donovan McNabb, is Brady’s commitment to keeping himself in top shape. That’s a commitment he didn’t have a dozen years ago, as that classic photo from the 2000 Scouting Combine confirms.
To the extent I haven’t completely spoiled the segment, please watch it. Not for us, but for Tom. He’s a tad fragile, and we’re hoping to boost his self-esteem a bit.