It's the Law

The Pats website -- home page on all of my computers -- has been having a hard time coming up with enough content to keep people clicking merrily along during this lockout.

Recents posts have included updates on the Pats cheerleaders (OK, there's nothing wrong with that), a look at the greatest jersey numbers in team history, and a feature on the cranberry bog at Gillette. Every day is a slow news day.

Today there was a story on Ty Law being honored at the annual gala The Tradition. Not all that exciting. But Patriots.com also had a story debating if Law was worthy of Hall of Fame status. Not Pats Hall. That's a sure thing. But NFL Hall. Not so sure about that.

Law was a five-time Pro Bowl cornerback. One of the best over the last 15 years. He finished with 53 career interceptions. The 22nd most in league history. More importantly, he is a three-time Super Bowl champ and one of the best clutch playoff performers the position has ever seen. Law is a great Patriot. But -- in my mind -- not an NFL Hall of Famer.

That raised the question among my tailgating friends as to which Pats are worthy of the yellow blazer. There was a flurry of texts all day.

Brady is in for sure. Of course.

Rodney Harrison and Corey Dillon should make it, mostly for what they accomplished with San Diego and Cincy, respectively. But the fact that they came to New England and were key parts in Super Bowl titles clinches their case for the Hall.

Vinatieri gets in. There has to be a spot for the best clutch kicker of all time.

Other Hall candidates? Willie McGinest. Tedy Bruschi. Troy Brown. Mike Vrabel. I think they are all worthy but not quite the superstar that usually makes the Hall. Their numbers aren't flashy. Of the four my vote goes to Willie. He holds the record for most career playoff sacks with 16. Now THAT'S a flasy number. Willie was truly the leader of one of the greatest dynasties in league history.

There's another Patriot from the last 10 years who is a sure Hall of Famer.

That #81 guy.