| Randolph Charlotin. 24th September, 2009 - 7:33 pm
 Dear Jabar Gaffney,
I was watching highlights on t.v. when I saw that big catch and run you made against Cleveland. Overall, you had a nice game: three receptions for 82 yards. I’d bet money that every catch was for a first down. Am I right?
So how’s life in Denver? We played against the Broncos in the past, but never with you at Invesco Field at Mile High. It must be an adjustment living at that high of an elevation. Are your lungs used to the thin air yet?
I can’t believe it’s been about six months since you left. It didn’t take long for head coach Josh McDaniels to sign you as a free agent (it still feels funny calling little Josh that). Coaching you for three years here in New England got McDaniels real familiar with what you can bring to a team, not just as a receiver, but for your veteran presence. You need to make a stronger impression on your teammate, Brandon Marshall, ha-ha!
I remember when the Patriots first signed you in 2006. It was after David Givens left for Tennessee and before Deion Branch was traded. You came in with Reche Caldwell, a pair of veteran receivers to replace the starting pass catchers. That was a lot of pressure on you two.
We had a good time that year, getting all the way to the AFC Championship. It’s funny, looking back at that year. Caldwell had the bigger numbers and made that big catch against San Diego to set up the game-winning field goal in the Divisional game. I remember thinking Caldwell was a better player than you.
But that drop against the Colts in the AFC Championship changed everything. I won’t forget that look on Caldwell’s face as he walked back to the huddle, knowing he dropped a probable touchdown pass. His eyes were as large as dinner plates! I lost all trust in him after that moment.
Thankfully we got rid of Reche and got some real receivers in Randy Moss and Wes Welker the following off-season. You hung around, Jabar, and showed your value as a third receiver. You caught so many first downs for us! I appreciated every one.
Joey Galloway is doing fine, in case you’re wondering. He’s working hard, trying hard. Joey doesn’t have a full grasp of the offense yet, but he will. We’re being patient with Galloway. He’s a veteran, so he’ll get it eventually.
I’m not complaining, but right now, Galloway has a way to go. He plays in your place, but he can’t replace you, Jabar. He doesn’t have any chemistry with Tom Brady, so Joey isn’t always where he’s supposed to be at the right time. What’s really disappointing are the drops. We’re starting to call Galloway the new Caldwell. It’s mean and a little unfair to him because it’s only two games into the season, but you were someone we could count on. I didn’t take you for granted, but I’m seeing exactly what we had with you now that you’re gone.
Sorry if I’m rambling a little bit. It happens when writing during a sleepless night. I’m just frustrated, ya know? You did what was best for you and I don’t blame you for making the decision you did. I still believe the Pats will be OK in the long run.
Whoa! Look at the time! I really have to get going now. And I know, I know…you have things of your own to do. I don’t know if you’ll reply or call back, but if you do, please don’t rub it in our faces that your team has a better record than mine (ha-ha!).
Good luck, Jabar,
--Pats Fans
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Dear Richard Seymour,
I watched your first game as an Oakland Raider on that Monday night against San Diego. I was very impressed. You were nearly dominant in that game. Two sacks! You were in beast mode!
I tried not to think too much about you in the Silver and Black, but after watching you for eight years as a Patriot, it didn’t look right seeing you as a Raider. You don’t even wear “93” anymore. You couldn’t get it with DT Tommy Kelly already wearing it and due to your last-minute arrival.
As stunned and surprised as I was that you were traded just a week before the season opener, I know it was 10 times more stunning to you. I hope you and your family are settled in on the West coast now. I’m sure it wasn’t easy to transition so quickly.
I guess you can say the team is holding up well without you. After a near embarrassing season opener, the defense put in a solid performance. I know you don’t have the time to watch us, but the pass rush doesn’t consistently apply pressure. Six sacks in two games sounds good, but for 60 minutes there isn’t consistent heat.
We saw first hand the difference constant pressure makes when the New York Jets came after Tom Brady down after down (do you still hate the Jets, or are you more concerned about the Denver Broncos? Be sure to give Jabar Gaffney a love tap for us if you get the chance, ha-ha!). I’m sure you would make a difference for us if you were still here.
In case you’re wondering, no, I’m not drunk right now. I just can’t sleep. Come on, I’m sure you had a couple of sleepless nights after you were traded.
I know head coach Bill Belichick said he traded you because he didn’t think he’d be able to re-sign you. How much did you want? I can’t predict what next year’s salary cap will be, nor do I know if the league and the player’s union will reach a new collective bargaining agreement. I know you’d probably want a fair market deal. But would you want so much that it would cost us NT Vince Wilfork?
I still can’t get over that you were traded for just one first round pick. And it’s not even next year! You better not re-sign with the Raiders after the season and make them a playoff team in 2010. We’re counting on that pick to be a top-5 selection. If you’re still there, you could play a big role in helping an Oakland turnaround. If it’s any less than the sixth pick overall (where you were selected back in 2001), then Belichick’s gamble would be a losing bet.
So tell me, and be honest. Do you get any satisfaction that your Raiders have the same record as the Patriots? Please don’t be bitter. Not all of us wanted to trade you. You know the business of the league.
Further proof that football is a business is that your number was just given away already. Can you believe it? We traded with Baltimore for LB Prescott Burgess, and he’s getting your “93”. I’m sure you know whose idea that was. Don’t take it personal. Belichick did the same thing right after Willie McGinest, Asante Samuel, and Ellis Hobbs all left. I’m sure there are others, but you get the point, right Richard?
I heard Raiders owner Al Davis smells like moth balls and formaldehyde. Is that true? If you’re one and done in Oakland, try and steal one of Al’s jogging suits for me. It could be worth something a few years down the road, ha-ha!
Anyway, good luck to you this year. It’s easy to say that when we probably won’t play against each other this year.
Hey, even though I really doubt it, would you be willing to sign with the Patriots when you become a free agent? I just had to ask. Alright, I’ve taken enough of your time. I’ll leave you alone now.
Best wishes, Big Sey,
--Pats Fans
Read more by Randolph Charlotin at his New England Patriots blog at RandolphC. He can be reached at talktome@randolphc.com. |
