Yes, I would take Deion Branch over Randy Moss. That’s no joke and not something I say just to rile you up. I’ve been saying it for over a year. And in this mailbag, I’ll prove to you why I’m right. (By the way, Troy Brown agrees with me).

I’ll also tell you why the Patriots should turn Brandon Meriweather loose more often, why Bill Belichick may not exactly be an  “old friend” of Mike Holmgren and why Madonna is still more impressive to me than Elisha Cuthbert.

Other than that, I don’t think there’s much else worth talking about, do you?

--

DB,

Glad to know that Dean Pees is still alive. I didn’t notice until late in the Seahawks game, when I almost had a heart attack when I saw a Blitz!! Wow. Imagine that, some pressure and some toughness. This team has nothing to lose. I hope Pees actually lets his guys make plays instead letting the whole league know how soft this secondary is. I think Dickerson’s post-game Celtics questions have more toughness than the pats secondary.  Anyways, I hope to see some hard-hitting against Raider Nation – maybe even more than one blitz!

Peter Pepler

A: Way to get the Tanguay/Dickerson bashing off to a strong start. As for that game-winning blitz, it sure was a refreshing change from what we’ve been subjected to for much of this season. I actually think Pees and the Pats starting dialing up more of those pressures against Pittsburgh two weeks ago, so there’s a trend. As we’ve said before, they have nothing to lose in trying it, because they’re not stopping anyone playing straight-up.

--

Felgy,

Anyone who has watched the Pats the last three years, with the exception of Pete Sheppard, knows the Pats defense has had problems going back to the Indy game (in the 2006 AFC title game), when they couldn't stop the Colts when they had to. Their tackling was horrible at times last year, but the offense was putting up record numbers so it wasn't as obvious. Their tackling has been a problem that should have been cleaned up. It looks to me like wrapping a guy up is a lost art. It does surprise me that a team coached by Belichick continues to have problems with that part of the game.

Paul

A: I won’t disagree with you, Paul. The Pats are not a great tackling team. But I’d say there are only around a handful of teams in the NFL that are. No one actually practices tackling any more – the risk of injury is too great for players who make so much money. The situation even extends to the college ranks, where practice time is limited in the first place and scholarship athletes are too value to put in harm’s way when nothing is at stake. It would be nice to consider the Pats in that elite group of good-tackling teams. (Tennessee, Pittsburgh and Baltimore may be the only ones in the AFC), but they just aren’t.

--

Felger,

This is what the Pats get for not paying anyone. I just watched Deion Branch run 65 yards up the field. What would the difference be between signing Deltha O’Neal, or me, or you? It’s a poor excuse for a defense, and it’s making me sick.

Eric

A: The Pats pay people, Eric. They just didn’t pay Asante Samuel. Or Branch. I don’t think Deltha O’Neal was part of that Branch play. But I know what you’re saying.

--

Hey Felger you douche bag! 

You are hands down the best sports writer in the city! But enough of the grab-ass....Will the Patriots honestly miss Tedy Bruschi? Really? Will they? He hasn't made one memorable play this year. I know Belichick is loyal to his veterans, but even he can't be too heartbroken over this. Is Monty Beisel available? Can we trade Cassel for him straight up or maybe throw in a conditional 2nd rounder as the cherry? I think he would really help with our playoff push.

Kevin

A: I think Tedy’s loss will be much more intangible in nature than tangible. I think he’s been okay this year playing next to Jerod Mayo and is still a viable run defender, but his days as a playmaker ended in 2005. Do you realize that since the start of that '05 season, Bruschi has forced just one fumble and intercepted just one pass? That's over a span of 60 games, including playoffs. The forced fumble came three years ago (Week 15 of the ’05 season). The pick was over two years ago (Week 2 in ’06). He hasn’t done anything in either category since. His tackle stats have remained high, but the ball-hawking numbers have fallen off a cliff. By comparison, in the four seasons leading up to that fateful ‘05 offseason, Bruschi recorded 10 interceptions and forced 10 fumbles. So that's the story on that.

And say what you will about Beisel, he’s going to the playoffs this year. You’ll be able to say hi next week, in fact.

--

Felgy,

One thing I keep hearing, and it drives me crazy, is that the Pats only chance is to win the wildcard (No. 6 seed, as you keep mentioning). I contend that they may have a better chance at winning the division than the wildcard. If they ran the table then the Jets would only have to lose one of the division games they have left. Baltimore needs to lose two games (granted, they have a very tough schedule) for the Pats to make it. Again, not saying it will happen, but I think it’s just as likely if not more for them to win the division.  Just want someone to mention it.

Chris Mo

A: Consider it mentioned, Chris. And I think you’re probably right. But whether it’s the division or the wild card, this is what I think: If the Pats run the table and get to 11 wins, they’ll be in. Since the NFL went to six playoff teams per conference in 1990, no 11-win team has failed to make the postseason. And only five 10-win teams have been left on the outside (2007 Browns, 2005 Chiefs, 2003 Dolphins, 1991 Niners and 1991 Eagles). So if the Pats get to 11 wins and still get squeezed out, it will be a huge aberration.

--

Mike,

I could not agree with you more on LeKevin Smith. As I was watching the game, I said to myself, who the hell is this number 90? He's getting consistent pressure and being held on almost every play with no flags? Finally, somebody actually playing with motivation and desire, instead of relying on previous reputation (i.e. Richard Seymour).

The D-back situation is beyond repair. They need a major overhaul in the offseason if they plan on contending next year. This year has been thoroughly entertaining, but it will stop in round one if they make it. You simply cannot be the '05 Steelers with that group - Delta, Hobbs etc. I'm 5-foot-9 and I think I'm taller than Hobbs.

Add Benjamin Watson to the botched draft pile with Maroney and Jackson. He sucks. I keep hearing people say that he blocks well. Hello? He does not block that well, and TEs are supposed to catch the ball too! And hold onto to it! Especially when nobody hits you! I remember hearing over and over how great he was going to be. I was waiting for the second coming of Ben Coates. What a bust.

Moss has so mailed it in. I was watching him in Seattle and couldn't help thinking he's the kid on the playground who stops trying because he's on the crappy team...rolling his head around and pouting like a spoiled brat because his buddy Tom's not around. I half expected him to fake an injury or something.

PS, I still can't believe you got The Wood to marry down so substantially....nice job.

Keep up the good work Felgy,

Pete

A: 1. Smith took advantage of the disarray on the Seattle line (4-of-5 starters out due to injury) more than anyone on the Pats. Good for him. It’s too bad Richard Seymour, who got to avoid playing against All-Pro left tackle Walter Jones, couldn’t dominate against that group.

2. I don’t know if the secondary is beyond repair, but it certainly needs an infusion. Ellis Hobbs just can’t be your No. 1 corner. He’s not good enough. To me, Meriweather is a big key. If he can be the guy he was in Seattle on a consistent basis, then I think the pieces are in place to turn it around. But whether it’s him or someone else, they need a true play-maker back there. It’s been a common denominator through all their big years, whether it was Ty Law, Rodney Harrison or Samuel, they always had that one guy (and sometimes more) who could make a game-changing play on the ball. I don’t think they have that now.

3. Watson is no bust (he was drafted with the last pick of the first round, after all). Just because you don’t live up to your promise doesn’t mean you’re a bust. A disappointment, yes. But no bust.

4. I don’t agree with you on Moss. I don’t think his attitude has been an issue. He just hasn’t gone up and gotten the ball nearly as consistently as he did last year. And in Seattle he was jammed at the line – and he doesn’t like that.

5. The Wood will come to her senses eventually, obviously, and I'll eventually be on the street along with Deltha O’Neal.

--

Felgy,

To preface, I'm not one of those that is going to overreact if the Patriots don't make the playoffs. I won’t assume that they're going to have to reinvent the wheel in order to stay competitive for the next few years. They still have depth and loads of talent on their roster. But considering that it looks like the Dynasty could be, for all practical purposes, on the decline, do you think it could be possible that most of the cards are on the table for the next off-season in terms of trades? By that I mean that either Brady or Cassel is going to stay -- it'd be stupid to sign Cassel to a big deal to be a back-up; so it's probably going to be Brady staying. But do you think they'd seriously entertain a Brady trade? How about Moss? They're clearly at a bridge right now, and I have a feeling that what is done this offseason will determine not whether they'll be competitive for the next few years (they will), but whether another string of championships are left in this team. What do you think?

Greg

Manchester, NH

A: I think we can all travel to fantasyland and have a lot of fun playing with what-ifs, Greg. We’ve already talked about what the Pats would do if they got a Hershel Walker-type offer for Brady (they’d think about it, right?). But what if the Pats put Seymour on the trade market? Next year will be the last of his current contract and with Vince Wilfork also up after 2009, a predicament looms. Signing both could be tough. Would the Pats consider getting something in return for Seymour, the older and more injury-prone of the two, while they still had the chance? There’s also the whole CBA mess to consider. We could have an uncapped year coming up in 2010, so that certainly impacts the decision.

But I’d be surprised if anything dramatic happened like that. I think they’ll keep as many current pieces as possible and try to take advantage of Brady’s remaining window (3-5 years?). I expect them to do everything they can to franchise and then quickly trade Cassel for draft picks while figuring out the Wilfork/Seymour situation. Ideally, the Pats can come to terms with Wilfork on a long-term deal (he wants one badly) and then hang on to Seymour by any means necessary (the franchise tag will still be available to them, cap or no cap). And as long as Brady is here, so is Moss.

Clearly, this is all a topic for another day.

--

Felger,

In the past I have heard that Belichick's philosophy on the secondary is that it doesn't really matter who you have playing there as long as you have a good-to-great front seven. He would point to the Giants Super Bowl teams as an example. However, given that in today's NFL the passing offenses are more complex and more important than they were in the eighties and nineties, should there be some shift in that philosophy? I think having at least two really good cover guys is a must in the NFL today and you can make an argument for having three. Thoughts?

Matt

Westborough

A: I think you're right about Belichick's philosophy, although he’s never stated it in so many words. If anything, he’s always emphasized that you can never have too many guys who can cover. But, based on his actions (not resigning Law or Samuel; never drafting a corner in the first round), I think you could say he devalues the position in terms spending big money there. And he’s far from the only one who feels that way. Just look at the Colts, who've cycled through several sets of corners since Tony Dungy took over. Bill's feeling is rooted in his experience with the Giants, where, as you said, it was all about the front seven. Dungy is a bit different, as his cover-2 scheme just doesn't ask the cornerbacks to play in a lock-down, one-on-one mode. But I agree with you that those philosophies need some re-evaluation. And it's not because of the complexity of offenses, but, rather, the use of spread formations and multiple receiver sets. Just look at the way the Pats play offense. If you don't have some guys who can cover on the other side, you're toast.

--

Mike,

I’m a huge college football fan and was hoping the Pats took Brandon Meriweather when their selection came a few years ago. I couldn’t figure out how he could be such a playmaker at Miami but seem to be non-factor with the Pats. At Miami he was always around the ball making plays – I believe they also blitzed him a lot. Do you think the Pats scheme is too complicated/passive to best utilize his skills? Are they better off trying to make him the playmaker on a defense now that has lost most of their stars? Should they let him gamble more and try to create turnovers?

Joe

A: Yes. Why not? This defense is screaming out for playmakers, so why not give Meriweather every chance to be that guy? As we've discussed, the Pats have proven they can't stop anyone when they play back. Might as well take some shots, and Meriweather is as good a candidate as any for the duty.

--

Subj: BC sucks

Felger,

The Orange Bowl committee would have been drawing warm baths and opening veins if they had to sell a BC v. Cincinnati Orange Bowl. The only thing better than capturing Osama Bin Laden would be finding him, making him disrobe and discovering he was wearing a BC Superfan t-shirt.

How much 2008 Salary Cap did the Patriots NOT spend?  Can they carry over unspent $$$ and unearned incentives to next year in order to make a big splash in the free agent market for a title run next year?

Mike

Southie

A: Like you, Mike, I was heartbroken over the Eagles' loss last week. It was so stunning. They usually do so well in those situations. As for the Pats cap, yes, whatever they are under this year they can defray into next year by drawing up some phony incentive clauses for fringe roster players. They have a very good track record of doing this in the past, using the likes of Rashard Baker and Kyle Eckel to move cap room. We're talking substantial dollars, too. In Eckel's case, they were able to push over $5 million in cap space from 2007 to 2008. It's a maneuver they deserve credit for.

--

Hey Felger:

On Saturday, I heard Steve from Fall River tell Mutt and Bradford that he graduated from BU.  As with everything that waste of air-time says, no one cares. But it made me wonder if BU has an actual declared major in ``A-hole'' or is it just a trait acquired by everyone who goes there? I don't really believe that Steve went there or to any college, but you and Eddie from Lynnfield did. Just curious.

Eman

Boylston

A: If you're asking if I remember running into Steve at the Dugout or Walter Brown between periods, no. I have no recollection. But that doesn't mean it didn't happen. And BU does not offer degrees in A-hole. I was able to take advantage of their D-bag program, though. Hey now!

--

Felger,

Boston College is the Chicago Cubs of college football. It's a fact of life BC will never play in a major BCS bowl. Felger, please have no sympathy after last week's e-mailer (ain't karma a *****).

Brian,

Boston

A: Ah, yes. Let's re-live the glory of last week's note from the BC chancellor:

FELGER,

F-YOU AND ALL THOSE BLOWHARDS AT WEEI. I HOPE YOU AND EVERYONE OVER THERE JUMPS OFF A BRIDGE WHEN THE BC EAGLES WIN THE ACC TITLE GAME THIS SATURDAY.

John

Medford

A: I rather enjoyed the hockey over the weekend, too, John. I think I’m going to rerun this email every week just for kicks.

--

Hi Felgy

Saw your Comcast show for a few minutes last week and you had Bert Breer on. He was trying to scoop everyone with stating A. Thomas is close to coming back. Two days later he was put on IR. I guess reporters can get railroaded sometimes from sources, but can someone really throw that out on the air and be that wrong? Similar to your reaction, I was excited about the possibility of a Thomas return. I just think it was a bit irresponsible to throw something out there that was obviously not even close to the truth. Love to hear your thoughts on that topic.

Ed

A: How do you know it was not “close” to the truth? Belichick said the day they put Thomas on IR that they were holding out hope he could return but decided in the end that he wouldn't be able to. After all, it did take three weeks for them to formally shut him down, so there had to be some chance he’d be back. Bert obviously got a bad piece of info, but that doesn't mean he was way off. Just off. You buying that? It's not like he had Randy Moss going to the Packers or anything.

--

Felger you ass-kissing DB,

I heard your rant on the Sunday show, asking the question, why can't the Pats go on a Super Bowl run? I thought it was Smerlas talking. It was such a smooch job Sheppard might have been embarrassed (not really, I'm sure he is quite proud of you). Are you trying out for a spot on the BIG SHOW? The Pats have had the easiest schedule in the history of the NFL, and don't cry about injuries. The Seahawks had 4 of their 5 O-linemen out Sunday, and in case you didn't notice their starting quarterback was also out. Keep up the rump-swabbing and the Big Show will welcome you with open arms.

Markus

A: A momentary lapse, Markus. I apologize. It won’t happen again.

--

Mike,

Do you think the Red Sox have any interest in possibly Ben Sheets or Oliver Perez? Both would make a great No. 4 or 5 starter in our rotation. They would seem to have more value than throwing huge money at CC Sabathia, or taking a chance on AJ Burnett with his injury history. And you have to worry about a guy CC being so heavy that he may not last the duration of a 6 - 8 year contract that he wants.

Thanks,

Eric Dolan

A: I wouldn't touch Sheets with a 39-and-a-half-foot pole. Next to Sheets, JD Drew is an iron man. I'm serious. If Sheets isn't the biggest sally in baseball, I don't know who is. I think Pettitte would be a phenomenal No. 5, but I've been told that's pure fantasyland. I'd take Brad Penny over everyone else.

--

Hey Felger,

This is completely unrelated to the game but in regards to your comment about Enberg calling Belichick and Holmgren “old friends.” You said to check some old competition committee transcripts. Do you have any interesting stories about Belichick's relationships around the league? Is he really disliked? What are your favorite Belichick stories? What do you think of Belichick personally? I find bits of inside info like this really interesting so please indulge me.

Dave

Woburn

A: I got quite a few emails on this. I was speaking figuratively, not literally, on the competition committee transcript thing. I don't think they keep those. But as to the point: It's my informed opinion that Holmgren is one of those coaches Belichick loves to beat, just like every past or present member of the competition committee. Holmgren was part of the crew that famously pushed through the emphasis on illegal contact in the secondary and then later had a rule changed in midseason regarding the calling of timeouts by players prior to field goals (Vrabel used to try and call a second timeout after one had just been granted in an attempt to distract the kicker, which is now illegal). After the Pats beat the Seahawks at Gillette in 2004, I remember driving home and getting a call from someone on the team who reminded me, and therefore my readers, that Bill had extended his winning streak against competition committee members, a list including Dungy and Polian on the Colts and Jeff Fisher in Tennessee. That was basically my point.  Maybe Bill and Holmgren have gotten closer in the years since (Holmgren was not a harsh critic during the Spygate stuff last year), so maybe they are “new'” friends. But “old” friends? Not so much.

As for Bill's relationships around the league, it's a mixed bag. He definitely has some friends and some colleagues who are loyal to him. But I'd say there are more folks on the other side of that fence. Fellow coaches. League personnel. Media. You name it: Bill has some rotten relationships across the board. If he thinks you’ve crossed him or stood against him, you're pretty much on the list. And in the world of football, there's a lot of crossing going on. Some coaches deal with it. Other make enemies. It's just how Bill chooses to handle it.

I do believe it all came home to roost with Spygate. It started with a rotten relationship with Eric Mangini. It was sparked by some rotten history across the league. And it was fueled by some rotten relationships in the media. It's over now, but unless Bill has changed his approach, the enemy list has only grown because of it.

--

Hey Felger,

I once heard a caller on EEI say that his wife thought Dickerson looked like Jughead on the Archies. Every time I look at him I think of that call some 5 years ago. Can not believe it has not stuck. Can not believe he has.

Bill

Sandwich

A: Outstanding.

--

Felger,

I need you to clear up one situation with Cassel in regards to the franchise tag. I understand all the stuff that has been already mentioned in terms of using the tag to keep him around to work out a trade, etc. The one situation that I think could be an issue is this: what if Cassel decides that he wants to sign the (approximately $14 million) contract that is part of the franchise tag? In other words, what if he somehow decides that this is his one and only chance of winning the lottery, and he doesn't care that it means that he will be a backup if he stays here? What if he just wants that 1 year guaranteed contract? Yes, I do have too much free time on my hands to think of these crazy situations.

Steve

Windham, NH

A: Don't beat yourself up, Steve. This is what we do. Your question is a good one, and I have an answer: The Pats won’t franchise Cassel unless they have assurances from him that he won't sign it. Maybe that will necessitate them having conversations that may be deemed inappropriate by the NFLPA or against the spirit of the CBA, but so what? It happens all the time in that league. As I’ve stated before, Cassel will be working with the team, not against it, to get out of town and get a new deal and a starting job.

--

Mike

In the Mansfield/Walpole Super Bowl game Walpole attempted an extra point kick and it was blocked and picked up by Mansfield. Mansfield tried to run it back but was stopped. If Mansfield had got the ball to the other end zone how many points (if any) do they get? I never saw this happen in a pro game -- have you?

A DB from Foxboro

A: The pros don’t do it, that’s why you’ve never seen it. A returned extra point or two-point conversion in college and Massachusetts high school is worth two points.

--

Felgy,

You get a bad rap. I don’t think you’re a D-bag. On the contrary, you’re a critic, which is a positive attribute in your line of work. Being around the EEI guys just emphasizes that you aren’t the puffy blue jacket guy. That being said, this Pats game was brutal to watch. I was shocked they pulled it out. Their D is atrocious. Injuries have ravaged this once decent unit.  When Wilhite pulled up on the 23-yard scramble by Seneca at the end of the game, I certainly thought the Pats were done. Reminded me of that game versus the Dolphins 10 years ago when the runner didn’t go out of bounds….I can’t remember the linebacker who pulled up, but it was a game changing play.

By the way, if you ever interview (player’s name redacted), ask him about the race down Hanover Street he had with the owner of (North End restaurant name redacted) before the second Dolphins game. I swear it was the most surreal thing I have ever seen. (Player), looking like a college student wearing a hat and a long sleeve t-shirt underneath a regular T, gave the 300-pound (and very out of shape) owner a block start in a two block race and beat him by 10 yards. Hysterical. When I was about to cross the sidewalk, (a Patriots offensive lineman, redacted) said to me "can’t let you by, sorry bud.’’ I wanted to reply "I’m no Osi Umenyiora,’’ but I didn’t because I’m a (expletive). Anyway, if you print this, please don’t use my name. Thanks bud, keep up the good work.

Anonymous

A: The linebacker in question from that game against Miami was Ted Johnson. That’s what Borges was getting on Pete Carroll for in that famous press conference confrontation. As for your story, I have no idea if it’s true or not. However, the players you say were involved, which I redacted in an attempt to prevent a lawsuit, make it totally believable. I welcome more anonymous emails on the event.

--

Felger,

Are you nuts? You’d rather have Deion Branch than Randy Moss? Man, you really love being the contrarian. Branch filled more the Welker role, by going over the middle. Moss gets double covered, which opens up the underneath routes. Did you not see the 23 touchdown hook ups last year? And you’d rather have Branch? Are you nuts? Sometimes I question whether you actually think about what you’re going to say before you blurt it out.

Steven

Connecticut

A: Let’s commence with the Moss vs. Branch topic, and before we go any further, let me make three things clear:

1. I’m not saying Branch is better than Moss. Moss is a better receiver with more tools. He’ll be a deserving Hall of Famer and Branch won’t.

2. I’m saying I’d rather have Branch for this team and these quarterbacks. This is a Branch/Brady thing, not just a Branch thing. I don’t care what Branch has done in Seattle. I know what he did in this system and with this quarterback. In most other offenses and with most other quarterbacks, I’d take Moss.

3. I didn’t “blurt” it out on the radio last week. Check with my 890 chronics. I said it all last year, too.

The reasons why I’d go with Branch are simple. He and Brady were a special combination that did their best work when the stakes were the highest. They delivered in all conditions and against all forms of coverage, and you can’t say that about Moss (he doesn’t love cold weather or press coverage). More simply, Branch got open and caught the ball, which are the only two things Belichick has said he cares about, and he did it when the Pats needed it the most. Moss is more durable, stretches the field better and draws double coverage more consistently. I acknowledge that. But Branch, when healthy, was a more dependable part of the offense in more big games.

Branch is also younger and cheaper. The contract that the Pats balked at paying Branch doesn’t seem so bad now. Branch got a six-year, $39 million deal – but like most long-term NFL contracts, the key was the guarantees and money due in the first three years. By that measure, Branch got $22 million over three years with $13 million guaranteed. Moss got $27 million over three years with $14 million guaranteed. If the Seahawks retain Branch, they’ll pay him $4.9 million in 2009 and $5.4 million in 2010. Moss is due $6.4 million in each of the next two years.

Okay, let’s dig in.

--

Felger,

You idiot! You’ve got to be kidding me. Moss is a Hall of Fame receiver. Branch is a lead candidate for the hall of shame. Moss had how many touchdowns last year? What do you need attention? You belong in a psych ward!

John Lynch

A: We’re going to play a game for the next few questions. It’s called guess that playoff stat line. Who put up the following numbers: 10 catches, 143 yards, touchdown, 14.3-yard average…..That would be Branch in Super Bowl XXXVIII, the one where he DIDN’T win the MVP.

--

Subj: I am now dumber for having listened to Felger

Hey Felger,

Ask Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli (maybe even as Mike Holmgren and Hasselbeck) who they would rather have: Deion Branch or Randy Moss?  What do you think they would say? I can't believe how moronic you make yourself sound sometimes.  I am now dumber for having listened to that argument.

Corey Merrill

A: The Seahawks would definitely take the trade back if they could. They were stupid to think Branch would fit their West Coast offense. He’s far better off in the Charlie Weis-style spread offense. Anyway, that’s Seattle’s fault, not Deion’s. Guess the playoff stat line: one catch, 14 yards, no touchdowns…..That would be Moss in the divisional round against Jacksonville last year.

--

To: Dale and Holley

Subj: Branch vs. Moss

This 40-year season ticket holder says: Holley, Felger is right. Branch was a better fit for Brady and the team. He is also much younger. Would the Pats be better with Samuel and Branch instead of Moss? Pioli messed up on these two decisions.

A: Playoff stat line: four catches, 116 yards, touchdown, 29-yard average; also, two rushes, 37 yards, touchdown……That would be Branch in the 2004 AFC title game, which was played in 11-degree (minus-1 wind chill) temperatures.

--

To: Dale and Holley

Felger and Dakota are absolute fools. It’s common sense that Moss is better than Branch. It’s not even worth trying to back up. Ask 1000 football fans who is better – and the only two saying Branch will be the aforementioned dinks.

Julie Ford

A: Again, I’m not saying Branch is better. I’m saying I’d rather have him on this team. Big difference. Playoff stat line: One catch, 18 yards, no touchdowns…..You got it. Moss in the 2007 AFC title game, which was played with a kickoff temperature of 23 (nine wind chill). Having fun yet?

--

Felger,

You'd rather have Chad Johnson or Deion Branch over Randy Moss? Can we go back to the good old days when you'd rather have David Carr over Matt Cassel? That was far less painful to my head.

Johanna Sparling

A: I thought NOTHING was more painful than my backup quarterback talk. Playoff stat line: 11 catches, 113 yards, 12.1-yard average…..You remember that one, right? That was Branch’s MVP performance in Super Bowl XXXIX.

--

Subject: Felger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with Felger about Branch. Moss is about Moss. I also as a Bruins fan would rather have Sturm then J. Thornton. Jumbo is the A-Rod of hockey in the playoffs. A big no show. Nice Job Felger. I am still boycotting your column.

Thanks

Mike

Lakeville

A: I don’t know if I agree with the Thornton-Sturm point, but thanks for the support. Playoff stat line: five catches, 62 yards, touchdown…..Nope, not Branch. That was actually Moss in the Super Bowl loss last year. A veritable explosion for him.

--

Felgy,

You moron. Branch can't stay on the field. Branch was once very good when he played, but he’s fragile. He’s missed about one-third of the games for Seattle. Ask the Seahawks if they would redo the trade/signing.

Bob Parks.

A: Branch is not durable, no doubt about it. But it got much worse in Seattle than it was here. In four seasons with the Pats, Branch missed a total 11 regular season games. He played all 16 games once and in 15 games another year. He never missed a playoff game. Playoff stat line: eight catches, 153 yards, 19.1-yard average…..Bet you forgot that one. That was Branch in his final game as a Patriot, the 2005 Divisional round loss at Denver. Even in defeat he showed up when it counted.

--

To: Dale and Holley

Subj: Branch vs. Moss

This 40-year season ticket holder says: Holley, Felger is right. Branch was a better fit for Brady and the team. He is also much younger. Would the Pats be better with Samuel and Branch instead of Moss? Pioli messed up on these two decisions.

ERE

A: Playoff stat line: Two catches, 18 yards, no touchdowns…..Okay, this one’s a cheap shot. But I’m still taking it. It’s Moss in the 2000 NFC title game in New York as a member of the Vikings. This is the one where he was upset over not being able to get his posse on the field.

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Subj: WOW!!!

Michael Holley, tell your boy Felgy that he's lost his mind. Deion Branch, while a very good receiver, had a total of 14 TDs during his playing days with the Patriots. Moss on the other hand had 23 TDs last year alone. I think it's Felgy with the short term memory loss. He should remember that the Eagles in SB 39 had to account for a 1600+ yard rusher (Corey Dillon), while the Giants only had to stop an injured Maroney.

Rob

Plymouth

A: Let’s play guess that playoff score line, Rob: 24-21….That would be the score of the Pats SB 39 win over the Eagles. Let’s try another one: 17-14….Doh!

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Jesus Felger,

I like Branch too, but please put down the crack pipe. It’s not healthy! In 11 playoff games, Randy Moss has 42 Catches for 817 yards and 10 touchdowns with a 19.5-yard average. 11 playoff games, Deion Branch has 49 catches for 725 yards and only two touchdowns with a 14.8-yard average.

Andy Sussman

A: So you’re saying that Deion Branch and Randy Moss have played in the exact same amount of playoff games and Branch has more catches than Moss? Go figure.

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MF,

I sure am glad I don’t have Moss on my FFL roster. Makes me wonder if he was pressed at the line at all last year with Brady throwing him the ball and teams are just now figuring it out -- or we’re just seeing Randy taking a little vacation this year till his buddy returns.…Randy being Randy maybe?

John

Milford, NH

A: For the 1,000th time: I disagree that Moss has had an attitude problem this year. He’s been fine. He’s just not playing as well as he can. Period. And, no, teams did not start jamming him hard at the line until midway through last year (the Eagles in Week 12 were really the first to make a point of it).

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Felger you DB!

I know it's a shame that the NFL announced it was laying off people, But God, I hope the morons that thought of the NFL in 3D were the first ones to get their walking papers.  Yeah, because it was such a huge success with Jaws 3. Was the person who presented this idea dropped off at League headquarters in a fusion powered Delorian? And why where the Chargers vs. Raiders featured?

L.T. being a dainty wussbag in 3D really isn't a draw, and any close ups of the coaches or owners need to come with a parental advisory for small children and pregnant women. Norv Turner's face makes Edward James Olmos look like an Oil of Olay model. And any close up of Al Davis would put the NFL in risk of a copyright infringement lawsuit from Tales of the Crypt. Pure nightmare fuel right there.

Mike

Attleboro

A: Imagine the Ellis Hobbs “penis point” in 3-D.

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Are you serious, Felger?

Madonna over Elisha Cuthbert? Maybe Madonna back in the “Cherish” video days, but the Ms. Olympia Madonna over yet another top-notch Canadian export? Yikes. And didn’t you say Stray-Rod's muscle-bound, blonde mistress was “nails?” Does the Wood know that you're a closet tranny-chaser?

Happy Holidays,

NC

A: I like ‘em fit, even in the extreme. Yes, I enjoy the body-builder look. Sue me.

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Dude,

You're on crack if you would take Madonna over Elisha Cuthbert. You never take the "I've given more rides than the village bicycle,’’ high-maintenance whore from New York over the wholesome Canadian girl with just the right amount of kink...Madonna has been with Jose Canseco AND Dennis Rodman. Just think about the sheer geometry of that. You'd be called out on strikes before you even got the plate.

Watch Old School again and then tell me that Cuthbert is overrated...and then you can call me a Felger Mailbag Chronic.

Joe Haggerty

A: Yes, this is THAT Joe Haggerty, the guy I discovered and made a star at 890. Get a life, Joe. You’re chronic. (Copy Ed Note: Haggerty is also the Bruins beat writer for WEEI.com. How times have changed. I bet Stan Fischler never referred to Mamie Van Doren as a “whore”.)

But while he’s here, I might as well explain myself, since Joe’s opinion is precisely the thing I’ve been fighting against for years now. If my research is correct (always questionable), Cuthbert was 20-years-old when Old School was filmed. Of course she was fabulous in that movie. SHE WAS 20! Who isn’t good-looking at 20? Even Haggerty probably got chicks at that age. All Cuthbert had to do was roll out of bed and she had an ass you could eat lunch off of. Now she’s 26 and still bringing it. Good for her, but that’s still no great feat. I’m not impressed. Let’s see what her story is at 36. Let’s see if she’s still in the game after having a family. I’ll give you 100-1 that by the time she hits 50 she’ll be unplayable. Madonna, meanwhile, is just hitting her stride!

Don’t tell me you people want more. I’m toast. Bye.

Michael Felger can be seen nightly on Comcast Sportsnet and is a regular contributor for WEEI.com. He can be reached at mfelger@weei.com.