Two Down in Two Days

The World Champion New England Patriots have lost two players in the past two days. Troy Brown, a wide receiver who has spent all 12 years of his NFL career with the Pats, has not been offered an option year by New England. This now places Brown as a free agent as of yesterday; by not picking up Brown for another year, the team saves $5 million. Brown was an offensive captain for this past 2004 season and leads the Patriots record with 2,524 punt return yards. Yesterday, the team also lost Joe Andruzzi, a guard who has played the last 5 years with New England. He became a free agent like Brown on Wednesday and has been signed by the Cleveland Browns, which is now being coached by Romeo Crennel, who helped coach the Pats' defensive line this past year. Andruzzi was one of the most experienced players on the line and is leaving a big role to be filled by next season. The Patriots also released players Ty Law and Roman Phifer this past week from their lineup. With Tedy Bruschi still in question of whether he'll be able to play after a mild stroke and the loss of two major coaches for the team, the invincible Patriots are looking a little less invincible this week...or are just looking at the big picture...a fourth Superbowl?