You guys worried about Tom Brady yet? I'm starting to get there.

I don’t know what the odds are that the doomsday scenario (Brady on the shelf until 2010) plays out. Is it 1-in-10? 1-in-50? 1-in-100? I don’t care. If there’s any chance Brady doesn’t come through this with his health intact, I don’t like it. As it is, some doctors have said the odds of Brady getting to this point (i.e., suffering an infection following ACL surgery) were 1-in-200.

Sorry for the serious start to the mailbag. I don't know what came over me. On to our normally-scheduled topics: I'm a douche bag, my editor can't figure out homonyms and, believe it or not, ``turd'' is not officially a word. Unfortunately, neither is Happyland. But we're working on that.

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MF,

Pretty accurate on the grades this week. Hopefully this was a breakout ``we’re the Pats, dang it’’ game for the team and it helps the attitude going forward. Moss was up to his usual antics (in a positive way this time) and it just goes to show that when he gets the ball and scores he’s an incredible asset for any team. Keep him happy Cassel, and this might be a very interesting season.

John

Milford, NH

A: We all mocked Mike Tice and the Vikings when they came up with the ``Randy Ratio,'' but you can see their rationale. There's a huge difference between Moss when he's into it (Denver) and when he's not (San Diego). You could sense that Belichick was cognizant of that even last year. Go back and look at some of the games. There were many cases where Brady threw to Moss early to get hands on the ball. Maybe that's even more important this year.

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Felger,

I enjoyed Monday night's game very much. However it's very concerning to see Cassel take so many sacks. Can he be taught to GET RID Of THE FREAKIN BALL, or is this something we have to live with all year!?

Danny

Lowell

A: I don't know how Cassel is going to be able to conquer the problem this year, or ever. As we've discussed, some quarterbacks have gone years without developing that internal clock. It's hard to coach. The only positive thing you can say is that Cassel can't get any worse, so it's bound to improve some. And the offensive line can and should block better as well.

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Felgy,

It is time for fans to face some facts with Cassel. When compared to Brady, he pales. But when compared to other backup QBs, he more than holds his own. So my suggestion is stop comparing him to Brady and be happy we have a back-up that can step in and win some games and take care of the ball. I am sure there are going to be some more tough games for him as the season goes along, but there will also be some more good ones. That’s the problem with backups. They just are not as consistent as the starters. But at the end of the year they will be in the playoffs and in a league with no great teams (sorry Tennessee) you never know.

Rick

A: Agreed on all points, Rick. Cassel has stacked up rather well to the other backups currently getting starts across the league, and there've been a lot of them so far. In fact, he's been better than most, although Kerry Collins is undefeated in Tennessee and Jeff Garcia has won his last two starts in Tampa Bay to put the Bucs into first place in the NFC South. Either way, the way this year is playing out, we should have a lot of material to use in our debate about the importance of backup quarterbacks and whether it pays to have an established name or not. But we should also keep in mind how hard these situations are to compare. For example, if Gus Frerotte were being coached by Bill Belichick and throwing to Randy Moss and Wes Welker, you'd have to figure his numbers would look a little different than they do in Minnesota, where he's coached by the bumbling Brad Childress and surrounded by a below-average receiving corps. But your basic assertion is correct: Given the level of play at the (backup) position across the league, Cassel has hardly looked out of place so far.

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Felger,

It was a bittersweet win when you had to watch Rodney Harrison get carted off the field knowing it was probably his last game. It’s a disgrace to the position that he only went to two Pro Bowls. If he doesn't get voted in to the Hall Of Fame, shame on the NFL.

Rick Altham

A: He's not going to make it, Rick, and the Pro Bowl thing will be a big factor. And we all know what a joke that is; two-thirds of the Pro Bowl voting comes from opposing players and coaches -- and opponents HATE Rodney. Another thing working against him is the fact only eight safeties have been selected in the first place. And the last one was Ronnie Lott, who retired in 1994. He's also going to have some serious competition down the line from the likes of Ed Reed and John Lynch. I believe Reed has been a better player and deserves to go over Rodney. But I think Lynch and Harrison are basically the same guy. The only difference is that Lynch is well liked and went to nine Pro Bowls, and that will get him to Canton. You've certainly heard this stat before but it bears repeating: Rodney is the only player IN NFL HISTORY to record at least 30 sacks (30.5) and 30 interceptions (34) over his career. That production, in addition to his two Super Bowl rings and 15-year longevity, makes him Hall-worthy. But I don't think he'll make it. And that, to use your word, is a disgrace.

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Felger,

What is your take on the Brett Favre talking to the Lions before a Packer game giving them information about the Packers? And why can’t I find anything on this story on ESPN, or ESPN.Com?  Also what do you think ESPN would be doing if it was reported that Belichick was giving information out to other teams?

Chris

Needham

A: Nothing Favre does surprises me, and I have no problem bragging about the fact I was well ahead of the curve on the real Brett. I was done with him about five years ago. As for how the story was covered versus the Patriots' various misdeeds, it's a perfect example of bias. Brett has been more than helpful to the national media for two decades, and it categorically comes through in the coverage. Belichick, of course, has been giving the media the finger for years. So they give it back. It shouldn't be that way, but at the end of the day, human nature is human nature. So the next time Belichick does anything even remotely inappropriate, you can expect the scandal machine to crank right back up. Favre will always skate. Meanwhile, the Patriots-ESPN war took another interesting turn on Thursday night with that team-issued statement. It doesn't look like these guys are going to kiss and make up any time soon.

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Hi,

I was wondering if you could tell me why no one has picked up John Lynch. And since the Patriots have now lost Harrison for the season, could he be an option for them?

Thanks

CJ Neely

A: After the Pats released him after training camp, they put out the word that it might only be temporary. Well, nearly two months has passed and he's still not back. I think the reason is pretty simple. He can't run any more. He's been available to the entire league this whole time and no one has come calling. Did you watch that Broncos defense on Monday, CJ? Did you pay attention to their starting safety, Calvin Lowry? The poor guy was road kill. I don't know if I've ever seen a safety play worse, and yet Mike Shanahan felt he was a better option than Lynch. That should tell you all you need to know. All that being said, it doesn't feel like Lynch is ready to say goodbye. I encourage everyone to go back and read Rick Reilly's piece on Lynch at ESPN.Com posted two weeks ago.

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Hey Felger,

After watching Maroney run early in the season he makes Sammy Morris and BenJarvis Green-Ellis look like Jim Brown and John Riggins in comparison. You know how you always rip Moss for not making the players around him better? Well, how about praising Maroney for at least making the other running backs look a heck of a lot better than they really are? What is the official cause of going on the IR, torn labia? Or am I being too hard on the guy? Second, I just want some thoughts on Rodney Harrison. This guy was so great to watch. I think in `03 and `04 he was probably the second most important player on those teams behind Brady. Lastly, does Dale really not like you?

Dave

Woburn

A: 1) You're definitely being hard on him, Dave, although you're not alone. If I had a dime for every time someone compared Maroney to a female private part, I'd be a rich man. 2) Agreed on Rodney. He was the straw that stirred the drink on defense in those Super Bowl years. 3) Yes, Dale really does not like me. It's gotten to the point where I think he'd rather see Eddie across the table.

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Dale and Holley:

As if the Red Sox losing in Game 7 weren’t enough, you guys put Felger on with Holley? Oh good! Four hours of ``I said back in May’’ proclamations. Did Felger go to the Rob Bradford School of show promotions? I mean the man has more plugs than a hair loss convention. Is WEEI attempting to kick us while we are down? Just give me a hockey minute, and all will be forgiven.

Alex Griffin

Ipswich

A: Did you say ``hockey minute?’’ A pretty good week for the B's. Did you see Lucic on Thursday? That boy is a destroyer. Oddly, that hit seemed to ignite Toronto, not the Bruins. Oh well. Before the Leafs, the B's got back-to-back points against Pittsburgh and Buffalo, two of the more skilled teams in the East. And the B's played them even. On the other hand, the B's might be the worst shootout team in the history of hockey. When you don't have great goaltending or highly-skilled forwards, you tend to lose shootouts. You know you're in trouble when one of your top five options is Zdeno Chara, who nearly whiffed on his attempt in Buffalo on Thursday. Sorry, back to our regularly scheduled bag….

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Subj: Happyland

Mr. Felger,

I spend every day, all day, listening to the shows on WEEI (I'm a mailman…lots of driving and listening). I have rarely if ever agreed with your approach or opinions, but the way you made Mikey Holley dance around your quite valid points was about as entertaining a show as I have ever heard on the station. Holley was clearly on the defensive from the moment you, quite appropriately, nicknamed the show Happyland. RIGHT ON. Those two have no credibility when discussing anything Red Sox or Tito Francona oriented. If someone told them that Francona was bald they'd respond ``no, he's folically challenged and it's the style now.’’ Your perceptions about game 2 were right on the nose. And when you finally got Holley to admit that Tito's decisions actually contributed to the series loss, I hate to admit it, but  it was almost orgasmic for me. Thank you very much.

Yours,

Primo Lombardi

A: Michael never admitted that, Primo. He was steadfast in saying Terry’s decisions didn’t belong on the list of reasons the Sox lost that series. But I’m glad we could give you a little pleasure on your rounds. In Happyland, we call it a Dalegasim.

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Dale and Holley staff,

It took me awhile, but I have finally reached a point where I walk away from those discussions and arguments when I have no respect for someone's opinion and I know I'm only going to aggravate myself in the process. For that reason, I flip the dial when I hear Michael Felger on your show. I don't listen and I don't hear your advertisers’ spots. I'll be back when he's gone. BTW, Michael Holley, when Felger gets on one of his rants about toughness and standing up to people, please remind him (and play the spot) of Mr. Baseball's most memorable moment on the air. He didn't seem very tough did he? Otherwise I enjoy your show. Keep up the good work.

Tom Richissin

A: Tom is referring either to the Peter Gammons confrontation or the Sean McAdam argument. I sounded like a labia on both occasions -- I'll grant you that. But I think I may have been right both times. Nomar's pitch selection hurt him. And Manny is the best right-handed hitter of this generation. I'd take him over Pujols (or A-Rod).

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Felger,

One thing I hate about having Felger on there -- would you just look at the damn board and refer to the callers by name and not CALLER! Dale and Michael at least have the courtesy of doing that. That just annoys the heck out of me! 

Rob Tetlow

A: My apologies, emailer.

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Felger,

So you love the pitching matchups of games 5, 6 and 7. How about that match up between Garza and Varitek? Or maybe Price vs. Varitek? Or Maddon vs. Francona? I guess there were no other hitters on the bench hitting better than .056. Is that Theo's fault for having a substandard bench or Terry's for being so loyal to someone who is so bad?

Mike

Lakeville

A: Now you’ve done it, Mike. You are no longer welcome in Happyland. If you return, you’ll be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law (meaning you’ll be forced to listen to a fantasy football segment).

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Felger,

I'm getting my (expletive) handed to me in my fantasy league. It's embarrassing. Last week I sit Randy Moss to start Brandon Marshall. Needless to say I'm (expletive). Now that I have realized sitting Randy Moss on MNF should be outlawed, my problem is coming at running back. I have 3 very mediocre running backs (Ryan Grant on a bye), and within the past 15 minutes have each one starting for Sunday. I can't make up my damn mind. I don't care if you pick a name out of a hat, just tell me who to start and I will be reassured. I need to turn this season around, and it's all going to start with you. Ronnie Brown, Julius Jones or Jonathan Stewart.

Potentially your biggest fan,

Nick Infusino

Scituate

A: Let this serve as a warning, Mike in Lakeville. I’d go with Stewart. What do you say editor-boy (who, by the way, is Kirk Minihane, the fantasy columnist here at WEEI.com)?  (Ed Boy: This Nick guy must have some sweet receivers to leave Randy Moss on the bench against a defense ranked 28th vs. the pass. I agree with “Mr. Fantasy” on Jonathan Stewart. Good matchup vs. Arizona.)

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Hey Felgy,

I heard Danny from Quincy make a snide remark about Dale Arnold on your (Sunday) show. He pulled the same crap about two weeks ago except that he ripped you on the Baseball Show. I guess he's afraid to speak directly to anyone. You shouldn't let him get away with that crap. His act is really old and tired. There are a few 'EEI callers who trigger a channel changing reflex. He's at the top of the list.

George

Plymouth

A: Ripping people behind their backs? I was told that didn't happen at WEEI.

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Hey Michael:

I was disappointed that you allowed Screechy from Quincy to take a gratuitous cheap shot at Dale Arnold. You should have blown him up, or better still, crapped all over him and then blown him up. I don't know why your station takes that idiot's calls. I bet a lot of radios switch stations as soon as his annoying voice comes on. The same can be said of Steve from Fall River.

E-Man

West Boylston

A: For the record, I think the comment Danny made was that it was a toss up for him between Dale on the radio and Steve Harvey on TBS. I’m pretty sure it was a joke. Anyway, as someone who has been referred to as a feminine hygiene product for the last seven years on this station, I have hard time getting worked up over things like this.

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Hey Felger you douche bag,

Please stop saying ``we don't got this’’ or ``we don't got that.’’ Don't you got no learnin’? What is that, some kind of Midwestern twang?

Woburn

A: I don’t got no idea what you’re talking about.

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Smellger,

Glad you spent so much time bi&*ing about the cat walks in Tampa, they played a part in the Sox series.

Lisa Ladd

A: Just so you know, Lisa, I've added ``Smellger'' to my dictionary. I suggest editor-boy do the same. Otherwise, you got me on the catwalk thing. After ranting and railing against them for five months, they were a non-factor in the ALCS. A rare misfire by yours truly.

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Felger,

Your report cards have become boring statistical rundowns. That's all I got. Oh, one more thing, stop pissing off Holley. I think what gets him mad more than anything is you constantly interrupting him. Let the man finish his thoughts!

Alex

Boston

A: Something tells me that's not what makes Mike the most angry. I think it may have something more to do with nine simple words: Happyland. Happyland. Happyland. Happyland. Happyland. Happyland. Happyland. Happyland.

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Felgy,

The ``Steve Harvey Show’’ was on for so long I got into it…Did the kid spray Steve with the whip cream at the teacher's request? Can they replay the episode the next time instead of the pregame show?

Bill the Entertainer

A: I'd prefer they go with Happy Days. Or Laverne and Shirley.

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Mike,

Reports show that Philip Rivers played with a torn ACL in the AFC Championship game last year. Why couldn't Tom Brady have played out the season on that knee with an identical injury? Is it a toughness issue with #12?

Yoni

A: We officially have the dumbest email in the history of the mailbag.

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Hey Felger:

I know you got taken to task last week for some grammatical errors, but come on: The offensive line needs to ``bare’’ responsibility?  Thanks, but I would rather watch Logan Mankins run-block than see him bare anything.

Reid

A: Okay, editor-boy, we’re back on the homonym errors. Can’t we buy a program for that or something? It’s getting embarrassing.  (Ed Boy Note: I’d love to blame Felger for this one, but it is on me. I bear full responsibility. Or is the “bare”? I really have no clue, to be honest.)

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Dale and Holley,

How does a quality, classy lady like Sara end up with a turd like Felger?

Brian

Concord, NH

A: Speaking of spell check, Microsoft Word throws a red line under ``turd.’’ How is that possible? If a word like ``turd’’ doesn’t pass the proverbial sniff test (sorry), then something’s wrong. I don't want to live in such a world.

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Hey Felgy,

What’s the deal with the Big O stealing your adjectives on Comcast?  I’ve heard the word scoch (if I’m even spelling it correctly) used twice, and I have you down as the first user.  Keep it up you d bag.

Mike

Grafton

A: You have, in fact, spelled it correctly (at least according to urban dictionary). And I did, in fact, hear the Big O use it during our Monday conversation. My lawyers are checking into the copyright infringement laws.

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WEEI,

I get a kick out of your WEEI.com radio promo that calls Michael Felger a ``Top-Notch journalist.’’ Felger is a top-notch journalist like Matt Cassel is a top-notch NFL quarterback, like the Bruins are a top-notch NHL franchise, like Paris Hilton is a top-notch actress.

Sincerely

Mike

A: You don’t call this journalism, Mike?

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Felger you DB!

I wasn't trying to kill your Bruin's buzz last week but look at it objectively. Chiarelli has put this team through a silkwood shower the last three years to get the Sinden/O'Connell taint off them, but Jacobs is still there in the background with his abacus making sure the bottom line is right where it needs to be. Do you think J.J. cares that the B's lose more shootouts than the Clantons? Not if the team is in the black.

Solid report card.  It's important to point out things like Moss exploding AFTER Champ Bailey's groin rolled up like a window shade. And how many citizens in Happyland went triple Margot Kidder bat-bleep crazy when they found out that Brady's knee needed more surgery and antibiotics than Jenna Jameson? Do you think it could have gone any worse if Tom had just let Bechtel subcontract the surgery out to the epoxy bolt people? What the hell was the reasoning behind going with the sports medicine version of Dr. Nick? Seriously, when your doctor (Neal ElAttrache) loosely translates to "The Ratchet"  It's probably time for a second opinion or two. What are the odds that Ms. Moynahan or Ms. Bunchen had something to do with it? If I had to pick, it would be the former. Although I must say I am unfairly biased as also being married to a similarly named Brazilian. Will they try to name your kids Pele or Xuxa? Sure. Try to sabotage your career out of spite by sending you to Dr. Ratchet? Not so much.

Mike

Attleboro

A: Can you send pictures of your Brazilian wife?

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Felger,

You write two columns a week. You have the most cake job in the Boston media. Why the hell do you continue to abuse the English language like one of Michael Vick's dogs? For the sake of your marriage, I really hope you meant that you COULDN'T care less about the pictures Daubach has. (Ed Boy Note: I couldn’t get in touch with Felger so I asked Willie McGinest for his opinion. He agreed that Felger probably meant “could care less”.) And I know he's fairly new to this area, and you don't see his last name too often, but there are actually two Ts in Josh Beckett. It's getting harder for me defend you when you write like a third-grader.

Take it easy,

Matt

Boston

A: Editor-boy apparently stopped in the second grade. (Ed Boy Note: When I applied for this job I was told by Rob Bradford that Craig Mustard would soon have nothing to do and would become "official speller" for the website. I think he lied.)

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Felger,

After watching J.D Drew hit that home run (in Game 5) I jumped off my couch and starting chanting ``How do you like me now Felger?’’ You have been so critical of him for some time, and you may be right that he is hurt often but, I rather have him hit his usual home runs when the time counts. I was praying afterwards when he was talking about the game that he would say, ``How do you like me now Felger?’’

Best,

Scott MacLeod

A: Somehow, Craig Sager didn’t ask JD about me. Anyway, Drew’s strong play in the postseason only reinforces what I was saying in September. He was okay physically. I never said he wasn’t a good ballplayer. I said he doesn’t play through pain like most of his teammates do. I stand by that. Otherwise, isn't it amazing the Sox can win a game for the ages, one of the most dramatic comebacks in the long history of major league baseball, and the first thing Scott thinks of is Felger? That has to be some sort of gift.

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Hey Mike, 

I try to make it to a Pats away game each year. I went to the San Diego game last week and I had never noticed it so much, but the fan noise that the Chargers fans created simply dwarfs anything I have ever heard in Foxboro. I was two rows off the goal line where the Pats could not score and I could not even hear myself talk. You have said it before and I am sure you will say it again: Gillette is not a home field advantage unless there is snow on the ground.

John

Marblehead

A: The reason I know Gillette is so bad is that I’ve been to nearly every other stadium in the league. When Pats fans travel around the league they invariably find the same thing. That said, as I wrote in the report card, the Gillette crowd appeared to perk up last Monday.

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Mike,

I'm sure you are aware that the Patriots have a service where any current season ticket holder can sell their seats to a member of the much ballyhooed 50,000 person Season Ticket Waiting List. As of 6:30 on Monday Night, there were over 2,000 unsold seats. That did not happen last year. Seats were sold literally within minutes of being posted. That goes to my theory that the Patriots have the most Elastic Demand (BU School of Management) of the four Boston Teams. One 4-12 Season and that 50,000 strong will be down to Zero.

Tom

Watertown

A: I don’t agree, Tom. I think those days are gone for good because the NFL brand is too strong. A good indication of that is in the Pats’ television ratings. They haven’t suffered. I think the ``softness’’ in attendance (if that’s actually what it is) can be explained by the following: It’s a pain in the ass to see a game at Gillette. That’s especially the case if you sit in the 300’s, where you have no fancy road access, no special parking pass and have to spend 20 minutes schlepping up ramps to your section (the lack of elevators to the top level remains an appalling design decision). Add in the usual nightmares associated with Monday night games to the fact most of us have to work, and you can see why some folks decided to stay home and watch Matt Cassel on the flat screen.

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Dear Felgy,

You said for the first time this year Gillette provided a home field advantage. Over the summer you had the argument of when a team moves into a new stadium the team loses 'something.' How long does/will it take for Gillette to regain an edge? Or in true Felger fashion, will it never get an edge because we are so spoiled?  

Tim

Foxboro

A: I don't think it has anything to do with being spoiled. I just don't think new buildings are as loud as old ones, for a variety of reasons. I've seen it happen all over the country. There are a few exceptions, but the new Garden and Gillette aren't two of them. It's my opinion that they are destined to be quieter than the buildings they replaced. Remember, speaker volume doesn't count.

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Subj: Happyland?

Felger,

Your negativity and conspiratorial approach to sports coverage is at once exasperating and enjoyable!! Great title for the report card...Pass me some Kool Aid.

Thanks

John Nelson

A: I can't. Holley keeps hogging it.

That's it. I'm out. Catch you Tuesday in the report card. You can also hear me Sunday mornings on the radio, as well as weekdays filling in for Dennis and Callahan or Dale and Holley (well, maybe. We'll see if Dale gets his way). Bye.

Mike Felger can be seen nightly on Mohegan Sun’s Sports Tonight on Comcast Sportsnet. Reach him at mfelger@weei.com.