Great job this week on the responses. One thing, though: Some of you were actually kind of nice. What’s up with that? Hopefully we’ve dispensed with the pleasantries and can get back to straight vitriol.

Meanwhile, this is the idea going forward, folks. The report card will be written a day after the game (except for this weekend, in which we’ll have the card up Monday from the Friday Eagles game), then the mailbag on Thursday. Your responses are essential to the process. (Do me a favor and be sure to include your name and hometown). Coming soon, I will read a few of the good ones via video. Here we go…..

Hey Felger,

What happened? Did the Herald finally figure out that you’re a professional journalist and fire you? Anyway, I agree with your points on the back-up quarterback situation. Looking at your list, with the possible exception of San Diego and Volek, I do not see any of those teams being able to go all the way to the Super Bowl with their backup. However, I think what you’re hoping for in a backup is someone that can go in in an emergency and help your team steal a few games and stay in the playoff hunt until your #1 returns. All the quarterbacks listed, if on a good team, could do that.

Take care,

Marty in Hyannis

A: I won't accept any gratuitous shots at my former employer, Marty. Hey, we came close on the walkthrough story -- doesn't that count for something? I'm just glad someone enjoyed my backup quarterback list, in which I listed 20 guys better than Matt Cassel. Ground-breaking stuff. I disagree with your premise though; if Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson can win Super Bowls, then guys like Leftwich, Huard or Green (if healthy) could, too.

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Felger,

I don’t how you can handle all the idiots that called Monday morning and thought that the friggin’ sky was falling because they lost a pre-season game. I would have just blown them up. Good work, D-Bag

Joseph Femino

A: My family doesn’t get it when I tell them my nickname has actually become a term of endearment. I include this email as an example for their benefit.

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Mike,

I heard you Monday talking about Matt Cassel and have to agree with you that he was really not as bad as he looked.  I too went back and looked at the tape and the offensive line did not give him any time to get into a rhythm not to mention they couldn’t run block either. I do agree that it is only a pre-season game but is Ellis Hobbs ever going to cover anyone? Get rid of that bum he is a glorified nickel back at best.  The noise from 890 was killing me. EEI is much clearer.

Angel

A: Ah, the 890 noise. Sort of a low, metallic hum. Much worse that static, in my opinion. Cassel was 6-for-10 with two clear drops and a third incompletion that could have been caught (a high screen to Laurence Maroney). He threw only one bad pass – his first. I've heard others say he threw the ball okay but lacked command of the offense. I think there's some truth to that. On Ellis Hobbs, he’s just not as good as he thinks he is.

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Mike,

I agree with a lot of your report card, and with what I have heard on the radio. I would like to take the back-up quarterback discussion a step further. A game manager could work in Brady's absence, but not without a development of the running game. Even last year (I know, they were so prolific), I had misgivings over the pass emphasis at the complete cost of the running game. Imagine what a running game could have done to slow that Giants pass rush!

Sincerely,

Jonathan Parker

A: I go back and forth on this. I think the running back position, in general, is overrated. I have no problem with a pass-happy offense since that's what the league has become. The key is being able to put the ball on the ground when you have to. The Pats did that several times down the stretch, most notably in the AFC title game against San Diego. But in the Super Bowl, for whatever reason, they couldn’t switch it up. I thought the coaches erred in sticking with their original game plan (trying to throw deep against the Giants safeties) too long. In other words, Jonathan, I think it was at least partly a coaching thing.

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Felger,

You are the most opinionated idiot ever on WEEI. Listening to you flip and flop and make no sense, one has to wonder how the hell you ever got this job. WEEI has always been my favorite station, but when you’re on I listen to anything but you.

Kevin LeBlanc

A: May I recommend 890-AM? Just ignore the hum.

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WEEI,

When I hear Felger’s voice, all I can say is, ``Thank God for FM radio.''

Jim

Exeter, NH

A: My favorite is WXRV in Haverhill. ``The River.’’ Adult contemporary. I used to go to WBOS when it was ``rock without the hard edge,’’ but then they got too edgy for me.

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Felger,

With that softy Marcus Pollard being released, do you see the Pats carrying two tight ends and bringing the extra back to have five running backs. I think they will.
  

Brian Shea

A: I was surprised the Pats even signed Pollard to begin with. They used to beat him up pretty good during his days with the Colts (Roman Phifer’s punishment of him in the 2003 playoffs was part of what spurred Colts president Bill Polian to push the league into their ``point of emphasis’’ in the secondary), and while the Pats’ offense has gotten more finesse-oriented in recent years, Pollard, in my opinion, took that too far. Right now, what other tight end on the roster gets consideration to make the final 53 other than Ben Watson and David Thomas? I don’t see one. Since this is now predominantly a three-receiver offense, maybe they can get away with it. On the possibility of carrying five running backs, isn’t it a waste to carry both Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan if neither plays a prominent role on special teams? Seems to be two guys doing basically the same thing. Heath Evans and Kevin Faulk have different roles in the offense, not to mention special teams, so they probably stay.

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Hi Mike,

I loved how you stood up to Trey Wingo Wango (On ESPN the day Matt Walsh testified before the NFL and cleared the Pats of taping the Super Bowl walkthrough). I can’t stand that guy. A lot of those guys at ESPN hate the patriots. I do enjoy Colin Cowherd though.

Take Care,

 Spud

A: A lot of people have asked me about that exchange (It’s been taken off you tube. If you’re interested in it, search around. It shouldn’t be too hard to find). I don’t know Wingo. Never met him. Have no problem with him. But it was clear they wanted me to be the spokesman for the paper, and that’s not my job. There's also a little background that's relevant to what happened: Just before the interview, I was on hold with their control room when my call-waiting beeped. It was my editor at the Herald. I clicked over.

“Are you about to go on ESPN and speak on behalf of the Herald?” he asked.

“No, they called and asked if I’d give my opinion on the story,” I answered. “Why?”

“Because they just went to commercial saying you were coming on next to defend the paper and give our position,” he said. “Let me make this clear. You will NOT speak for the paper. Let us handle that.”

“No problem.”

So that was the backdrop. Next thing I knew, 30 seconds later, ESPN put me on air and asked me to speak for the paper. So that was the result. As for ESPN and the national media hating the Pats – yup, that exists. It’s very real. But don’t think it’s just a media thing. League personnel. Opposing team personnel. Operations people. Fans outside of New England. You name it. We’re wearing the black hats. Finally, I agree on Colin, Spud. I thought he was the best guy they had.

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Hi Mike,

What did you think of the commentary on the NFL network Sunday night?  I thought it was brutal.  Sterling Sharpe was a very good receiver but his broadcasting skills leave a lot to be desired. 

Vinnie Polinsky

 A: A perfect example of national media guys rooting for the Pats to fail, Vinnie. And I agree that Sterling Sharpe is brutal, but the only reason he draws criticism around here is because he’s anti-Patriot, not because of his broadcasting skills. Tommy Heinsohn, for example, isn’t exactly Vin Scully, yet no one around here complains about his “broadcasting skills.” He wants us to win, so we like him. Sharpe wants us to lose, so we don't. That’s the deal.

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Mike,

 Since we all strive for accuracy, I keep hearing you say on the radio that the Pats won the SB in 2003 with Asante & Randall Gay as starting corners. However, that's wrong. Ty Law and Tyrone Poole were the starting CBs in 2003. Both were hurt in 2004 and Asante and Randall ended up being the corners as the season progressed resulting in winning the SB vs. Philly. That was the year. Not 2003.

Dan Doyle

A: You are absolutely correct, sir. Thank you for correcting me in public.

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 Mike,

 Just happened to come upon this site when cruising Barstool Sports (for the sports not the chicks). Good luck and hope it's a good gig for you.

Terry Thayne (over 70-years-old. Don’t know why I’m still looking at chicks),

 Ludlow, VT

 A: I include this email for only one reason: I think barstoolsports.com is greatest website in the history of the internet. It’s the reason Al Gore invented the thing. How can you not appreciate a 70-year old playing “Guess that Ass.” Check out the site if you don't know what I'm talking about.

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 Michael,

 How do you think Coach B will get Harrison and Lynch on the field at the same time? If he does this are we too slow in the defensive backfield?

John Staveley,

Fitchburg


 A: Yes, they will be too slow -- it's why I think Brandon Meriweather and James Sanders are so important to this defense. Lynch and Harrison together might be alright if they are on the field in three-safety or other exotic packages, but in a base defense I think that could be very problematic against the pass.

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 Hi Mike,


Glad to hear you are back at WEEI. Used to use you for filler during the Big Show commercials when you were down the dial. Let me be clear up front, though: I believe you are a twit. Your antagonism works, I fall for it all the time. I do agree with the premise that Cassel was not as bad as mentioned by announcers, etc, but a ‘B’ when you throw your first pass right to the opposing linebacker (who deserves an ‘F’ for dropping it). Keep pissing me off and I'll keep writing.


CD

A: CD, I know what you mean about “filler.” I used to get calls from 5 p.m. to 5:10 p.m. while everyone was waiting for Glenn to come back from commercial. Otherwise, isn’t it amazing how you can agree with me and still hate me? It’s a special gift.

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Dear WEEI,

I can't believe I just heard those hateful comments from Felger (on Dennis and Callahan on Aug. 18). Calling people who put their trust in God and live by His principles “nut jobs” was just uncalled for, disrespectful and downright insulting.

We evangelicals have every right to stand up for our faith and our beliefs, which come directly from the Word of God. We would be hypocrites if we did not vote for candidates who share our beliefs. I will be praying for Felger because he really needs it. God was listening to his words and hopefully will forgive him or he pays the consequences one day.

Susan

A: This email got me thinking about everyone's personal version of hell, because according to you, that's obviously where I'm headed. What's yours, Susan? For me, it'd be an eternity of listening to Greg Dickerson interview Tony Allen in the Celtics locker room.

Felger,

You Wisconsin-bred, cheesehead weenie. You can rip Belichick. You can rip Seymour and Harrison. Heck, you can even rip Brady but when you rip Neil Diamond I have a serious problem. The man is a musical genius. “Crackling Rosie.” Forever in blue jeans.” “Coming to America.” And do I even have to mention “Sweet Caroline.” The hits are endless. Anyone who does not appreciate him is an idiot. How does your lovely wife put up with you?

Rick

A: How my wife puts up with me is a totally separate issue. No one knows how she does it. On Neil Diamond, Rick, it’s hard for me to think of musical artist who sucks worse than he does. As I said on the air Wednesday, he was cool for exactly four minutes in his life -- signing “Dry your Eyes” in “The Last Waltz,” the 1978 Martin Scorsese movie on the Band. Sweet Caroline is a disgrace of a song.

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WEEI,

Felger and Haggerty together on the radio? I could get used to that. Oh wait, I already did. When is the "Not What We're Looking For" segment coming on?
  

Jay/Boston

A: A former Mike Felger Show chronic from down the dial making an appearance. Stay classy Jay.

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Hi Michael,

What bothers me is how the fan base around here takes the “In Bill We Trust” attitude. The NFL has evolved into a passing league, and the NFL's best defenses have evolved into fast and athletic units – two things the Pats are not. I know Bill likes his veterans, but we should have had a few Jerod Mayo types learning under these veterans a few years ago. Another thing: We need to stop talking about Richard Seymour like he's still a dominant force.  He has not been the same guy for 3 years now and has been constantly injured. What I see happening is that this fan base will turn into the Yankees of the NFL. Before you know it, it will be half a dozen years or better since we've won a title. But the fans will talk about the team as if there's nothing wrong and the Pats are the team to beat. I love the team just like the next guy, but I won’t let three Super Bowls cloud how I judge their flaws.

Pete

Bellingham

A: Your views, while compelling and perfectly reasonable, are not welcome here at WEEI. I’m going to tell Dale and Holley you had the gall to criticize both Bill Belichick and Richard Seymour in the same paragraph. Expect a letter from them.

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Felger,

You're a DB. Just kidding. Figured I'd start off the same as I'm sure a lot of people did. Got a leftover football question that I wanted to get your thoughts on. Colts beat San Diego in the divisional round last year. Who wins that AFC Championship game at Gillette?

Mo

A: What a great question, Mo. Given how the Pats played against the Giants, you have to wonder. Although it appears to me the Colts were teetering themselves. A more pertinent question is what the outcome of the AFC title game would have been had LaDainian Tomlinson, Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates been healthy?

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Michael,

Football season just wouldn't be right if I couldn't get your spin on the Pats. Looking forward to the report cards have always enjoyed them didn't always agree but always found them entertaining. When do we start the movement to get you your own show? Good luck and keep us informed, but please stay away from baseball!

Denis Denommee

Marlborough

A: One problem with your wanting me to get my own show, Dennis. I’d have to talk baseball on it.

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Hey Mike,

I sent your former station manager at 890 an email the week you left and told him I was shocked about your leaving. Your show on 890 was pure quality. So keep on bringing the opinions, they are true entertainment. What did you say about Randy Moss … .a dog … not too many catches. WEEI has got to have Felger predictions for the upcoming year.

John O.

A: For the record, John, I said last August that Moss would finish with under 50 catches and under seven touchdowns. Nailed that one. That was after I reported he was being traded to the Green Bay Packers. Suffice it to say, I’ve retired from making Randy Moss predictions.

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Mike,

I've enjoyed all of the cougar and MILF talk on the radio this week. Odd as it may sound, Suffolk Downs could be a legitimate cougar den this Friday night with the appearance of the band Super Diamond.  Lead singer "Surreal Neil" has been known to make these women swoon. You can bad mouth Neil all you want, but Super Diamond can still bring it. Friday night, 8 p.m., after live racing.  A lot cheaper than the real Neil, too, $25 and plenty of easy parking.

Christian Teja 
VP of Marketing & Communications 
Suffolk Downs

A: Christian, my feelings on Neil Diamond are well-established. The grand poobah of suck. Now you’re inviting me to see a Neil cover band? Crazy. You’ve clearly come to the right place for Cougar and MILF talk. I've developed something of an unhealthy obsession on the topic. For those who weren’t listening, we did a Top 10 Hollywood Cougars list from Asylum.com on Wednesday, and the list was disappointing in so many ways. Some women listed (Elizabeth Hurley, 43; Teri Hatcher, 43; Pamela Anderson, 41) are certainly smoking. It’s just that they’re MILFs, not cougars. One (Susan Sarandon, 61) is a GILF -- and I don't care if she's technically a grandma or not. And Madonna, perhaps the pinnacle of cougardom, was listed WAY too low at No. 8. On the list we had, I consider only three as legit, top-end cougars, Madonna, Demi Moore and Sharon Stone. Well, responses poured in, and listeners provided some valuable additions such as Diane Lane (at 43 too young to be a true cougar in my opinion – but totally fabulous), Sela Ward (phenomenal coug) and Jane Seymour (a little GILFy, but I’m buying). Then we got some suggestions (Lorraine Bracco, Sarah Jessica Parker) that proved to me we still have a lot of awareness to raise. But, Christian, as much as I love cougars, I don’t love them that much. No sale on fake Neil at the horse track. Thanks for asking, though.

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Felger,

I can't believe that I agree with everything you wrote! Please do not make a habit of this. You will become very boring.
  

Thanks

Mike from Lakeville
P.S.: Please refrain from writing about hockey.

A: So I can’t talk baseball or write hockey? According to most, I suck at football. And the last thing you want is my NBA commentary. Know what that leaves us? Cougar talk!

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Hi Mike,


I have to tell you that when I first started reading your columns in the Herald, and seeing you on various TV segments, YOU REALLY GOT ON MY NERVES --
UNTIL I REALIZED I DID NOT LIKE  THE NEGATIVE THINGS THAT YOU HAD TO SAY ABOUT OUR LOCAL TEAMS WHICH WAS ME AND NOT YOU. You call it like it is whether it is positive or NEGATIVE and I now appreciate you as ONE OF THE BEST REPORTERS. I like that I get an accurate account of our teams, and thanks to you I now accept the negative or positive aspects of them!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the great work and best to you in your new position.
A.R. Buonomo

 A: My mother hired this guy.

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Mike,

What happened to your eyebrows and why do you hate them?

Just wondering,

Matt

P.S.: If you're going to use the Dead for bumper music, have some decency and cut out the Sugar Mags crap and give us heads a snippet of something tasty (i.e.: Estimated, Scarlet/Fire, Loser, etc).

A: It’s possible my eyebrows are being drowned out on TV by my savage tan, Matt. As for the Dead bumper music, I’m totally with you. I think the producers played Truckin’ because that’s all they had in their system. I’m still kind of new at the station, so I’m a little reluctant to throw my weight around when it comes to the producing end. But I’m going to start. However: Loser? As bumper music? What, Stella Blue wasn’t available?

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 Mike,

Amazingly, you have transitioned your awkward (Mike plus awkward equals Mawkward) broadcasting brand nicely to your new gig. Also, if you have any left-wing ideas spew them readily since WEEI is Republican Radio (Callahan = Limbaugh Lite).

Matthew McNulty

 A: Mawkward. Brilliant! As for the political views, I feel like I’m representing the center, not the left. But next to these guys I probably come across as George McGovern.

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Hi Mike,

You said we could ask you about anything, so my question is: What happened to the lovely Wood on TV 4? I’ve heard you make some remarks on EEI but, I never heard or read the exact reason why she’s no longer on the air with WBZ-TV 4.

Phil

Methuen

A: Sara’s contract at WBZ ran out in March, so that was that. Even though she hasn’t been working since, she still doesn’t cook, clean or do my laundry. Given those conditions, I feel it’s best she get back to work so we can hire someone to perform those tasks. Hopefully, you’ll be seeing her soon somewhere.

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Welcome back Felger,

I have an extremely dumb suggestion that I feel safe to make after watching both pre-season games: How about Drew Bledsoe as Brady’s backup? I know. I know. Lots of history between Drew and Big Bill, but if all parties are willing to lay aside their pride this thing could actually work. I think the Pats will be desperate for a backup and Drew is better than most backups around the league.

Dan Donahue

Methuen

A: The Methuen contingent coming on strong. I love dumb suggestions, because I usually think of them first. And, yes, this has crossed my mind. I would totally do it. And I think Bill would totally do it -- he has no problem re-connecting with players he once had a problem with. The issue is Drew. He’s always been clear that as soon as he wasn’t a starter, he was going to retire. He never even wanted to compete for a job. As soon as Romo took the job in Dallas, he was gone. So I don’t think Drew would do it.

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Felger,

Wow, I know (Monday’s column) was your first "from Mom's basement" effort, but come on!

"Then there's the motivation. For all the heartburn Spygate caused the Krafts, it actually worked in Belichick's favor last season. Every day he was able to walk into his locker room and tell his players that the league felt they cheated their way to three titles. It was the ultimate ``no respect'' card, and no team plays that better than the Pats. Now that card is gone. Add it all up and the 2007 Pats were a team on a mission."

So let me see if I understand what you are trying to say: Last year, the Pats were motivated, but this year they won't be? Last year, the Pats were called cheaters, but this year they won't be? Last year, the Pats were hated, but this year they won't be? Last year, the Pats were on a mission.  So let's see, what could the Patriots' mission possibly be this year … How about, win a Super Bowl!

Joe

A: Thanks for quoting me accurately, Joe. You have to admit, that was a unique set of circumstances last season, and I can't imagine they will be repeated. Who knows, Neil Diamond could play Gillette and then we'd all be screwed. Kind of like a personal version of hell.

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Thus concludes the first Felger mailbag. Please keep these coming. Next report card, analyzing the Eagles game Friday, will come Monday.

Email Mike Felger at mfelger@weei.com. Also check out Mohegan Sun’s Sports Tonight on Comcast Sportsnet.