Patriots' Moves Make Sense

Due to the lockout, the time to sign free agents was shortened to a very small window and the amount of players that needed contracts was quite large.  Everyone has gotten caught up with the key signings made by the Philadelphia Eagles, but another team that has made a few key off-season moves was the New England Patriots.

Adding Chad Ochocinco gives Tom Brady another big target at the wide-receiver position

When the news broke that they had signed defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, many criticized the decision to sign those two because of the baggage that each person brings to the table and how the Patriots are seen as the "class" of the NFL by signing great talent with good reputations.  Ochocinco may just be one of the most outspoken players in NFL history, while Haynesworth has been criticized for having all the talent in the world, but never playing to his full potential, even taking plays off.  But, the way I see it, both moves could turn out to be key to getting the Patriots back to where they were five or so years ago.

If you think about the entire league, there are probably only a handful of coaches in the NFL that can demand and gain a player's respect and Bill Belichick is definitely one of them.  It has been well-covered on how much respect Ochocinco has for Belichick, but as for Haynesworth, I see this as his best opportunity to win a Super Bowl, so even for someone who has motivational problems, it's hard not to get pumped up to play well for a team such as the Patriots.

This could finally be the year that we all see Albert Haynesworth's full potential

But, the signings didn't stop there.  Yesterday, longtime Jets tackle Shaun Ellis decided to leave the Meadowlands and sign with the division-rival Patriots.  Everyone viewed this as a huge pickup for the Patriots and an even more devastating loss for the Jets, but there may be more to it.  With Ellis deciding to leave the Jets and join a foe like the Patriots may be viewed by some as a sign that he believes that the Patriots are closer to winning it all than the Jets are.

Shaun Ellis made a bold statement by leaving the Jets and joining their rival the Patriots

All in all, the Patriots are ready to get back to having the success that they had early in the 2000s and these signings are a big step in the right direction.  Gosh, I'm not even a Patriots fan and I think they're the favorite to win the AFC this season.

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