In their first meeting, the Wildcat ran wild. Miami's star running back and New England's head coach tackle the unorthodox formation. Plus, news and notes from Wednesday's practice.
The Patriots head into Sunday's game at Miami tied with the Dolphins for second place in a highly competitive AFC East. The winner of the contest will answer a few questions heading down the stretch toward the postseason. For all the other questions surrounding the Patriots we bring another wide-ranging edition of Ask PFW.
After seeing the Dolphins' Wildcat formation rip it to shreds in Week 3, New England is doing everything it can to prevent a repeat performance this weekend.
Joey Porter's running his mouth again. Read all about that and the other news and notes leading up to this weekend's Patriots-Dolphins game in today's Patriots.com News Blitz.
Prepped at Central Coosa (Equality, AL) HS...Led the team to the state basketball title and was the leading scorer, rebounder, FG pct. leader and shot-blocker...Named Alabama's Class 4A player of the year as a prep senior in 1995 after averaging 20 points a game and leading Central Coosa HS to the state title...Had more than 300 yards rushing and receiving as a senior and scored 19 TDs as a TE...Was a Class 4A All-State LB...Also scored 4 times on defense...Completed an internship with Danny K. Davis, Chicago - District 7, in 2001...Was a guest speaker during "Encouragement Week" at the Community College of Central Alabama in Alexander City, AL during the 2001 offseason...Works with the Russell Medical Center in AL, which cares for patients that cannot afford treatment...Played in and donated money to the Juvenile Diabetes annual golf tournament...Established the Adalius Thomas S.L.A.S.H. (Sportsmen Lifting Academics & Sponsoring Hope) Fund...Works with his church youth group in Nixburg, AL, and developed funding for the program...While at home in Alabama during the offseason, enjoys visiting with elementary school children...Thomas joined other Ravens players, along with representatives from the United Way of Central Maryland, M&T Bank, Civic Works and Governor Robert Ehrlich's office, to help paint, frame and rebuild homes in Baltimore's Sandtown community on 10/7/03, as part of the 5th-annual NFL and United Way Hometown Huddle...He, along with former teammate S Will Demps and current Raven S Ed Reed, gave an inspirational message to HS students about a particular segment of the Ravens R.I.S.E. program...The Ravens produced 4 Ravens R.I.S.E. assemblies (2003) for Baltimore-area HS students...At each event, Ravens players discussed the 4 areas and taught how to Realize, Improve, Share and Expand their talents (R.I.S.E.)...The interactive and motivational assemblies incorporated music, visual presentations and Q&A periods with the high schoolers...Thomas was among 10 recipients of the "JB Awards" at the NFL Players Gridiron Gala in Washington on 4/16/03...Thomas was also a finalist for the Byron "Whizzer" White Humanitarian Award, given to the NFL player who best represents dedication to team, community and country....Hosted his inagural S.L.A.S.H. Golf Tournament on 5/10/04 to raise money for the Adalius Thomas Foundation...An avid chess player, he annually hosts a group of 45 children from the Knights of Valor chess team to take part in a tournament held at the Ravens' facility... Members from the Maryland Mentoring Program, a group he supports, participated in the challenge against Ravens players...Posed with his dog, Trina, in the 2005 Friends of the Baltimore Animal Shelter calendar, with proceeds from the sale benefiting area animal shelters...Thomas taught football skills to youth at Art Monk's football camp in July 2004...Also in July 2004, Adalius took part in a summer reading program with the Enoch Pratt Library system...Thomas read to students and stayed to sign autographs...Dressed as former President Bill Clinton at the Goodwill Gridiron Halloween Party in 2004...Thomas joined teammates and helped raise over $100,000 for Goodwill programs...Helped break ground for the new headquarters for the League for People with Disabilities (Oct. 2004)...Helped refurbish and rebuild homes with Sandtown Habitat for Humanity in the Ravens 6-week long project...Adalius was present for the NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle, where the Ravens presented keys to new homeowner, Robin Edwards...Holds a special relationship with Johnnycake Elementary - wife, Sheri, is a former teacher there...Thomas visits the school regularly and provided home game tickets to students...Also invited Johnnycake students to a special screening of Fat Albert in Dec. 2004...Participated in Modell's "Shop with a Player" event in Dec. 2004, where Thomas donated $100 gift certificates to 10 children to shop for the holidays...Also participated in the All Community Team preseason event and Auction Party, helping to raise over $200,000 in the silent and live auctions...Hosts a football camp in Mississippi each year...Also held his annual football camp on 4/23/05 in his hometown of Equality, AL...In July 2005, participated in the Baltimore City Police Fair...In Sept. 2005, Thomas participated in Edwin Mulitalo's 3rd annual luau, with proceeds benefiting Big Ed's Band Foundation...In Oct. 2005, worked with over 100 volunteers to help refurbish a home in the Sandtown community of Baltimore...In Nov. 2005, received an award from the Mentoring, Academics, Athletics in Partnership (MAAP) organization for his work in the Baltimore community...Served as a celebrity judge at the Pam Shriver Tennis Challenge in Nov. 2005...In Dec. 2005, participated in the ACT Annual Auction party that benefits the Ravens All Community Team Foundation and all of the player foundations...Appeared at the 8th-Annual ESPN Zone Baltimore Ravens Holiday Party to benefit the Baltimore Police Athletic League (PAL)...Joined former Raven teammates to serve as personal shoppers for 50 Baltimore youth, who received $100 gift certificates from Wal-Mart...Hosted his 3rd-annual S.L.A.S.H. Golf Tournament in June 2006, with funds benefiting his charitable arm, the Adalius Thomas S.L.A.S.H. Fund...Married his wife, Sheri, on 7/6/02...Has a son, Devin Jamal Thomas (12/10/98), and a daughter Alana (7/7/04)...Name is pronounced: ah-DAY-lus...Full name: Adalius Donquail Thomas.
Career Transactions
Drafted by the Ravens in the sixth round (186th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft ... Signed by the Patriots as a free agent on March 3, 2007.
Career Overview
Thomas, 29, is a veteran of seven NFL seasons and has played in 96 career games with 73 starts, all with the Baltimore Ravens (2000-06). The 6-foot-2-inch, 270-pound linebacker has recorded more sacks over the last three seasons than any other NFL linebacker, totaling 28.0 sacks from 2004-06. Thomas has totaled 436 career tackles (287 solo), including 38.5 sacks for 242 yards, six interceptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns, 50 passes defensed, 15 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries (including three returned for touchdowns) and 78 special teams tackles. Thomas has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice - as a special teams player following the 2003 season and as a linebacker following the 2006 season. In the Pro Bowl following the 2006 season, Thomas started at outside linebacker for the AFC team (coached by Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick) and returned a fumble 70 yards for a touchdown in the game.
In 2006, Thomas set career highs with 11.0 sacks and 106 tackles (75 solo) while starting every game on a Baltimore Ravens defense that led the NFL in allowing just 12.6 points per game. Thomas' 11.0 sacks last season led all Ravens defenders and tied for the fourth highest total among all NFL linebackers. Thomas recorded a sack or shared in a sack in 11 of 16 regular-season games in 2006 and tallied at least one sack seven times in an eight-game span during the season.
Thomas was drafted by the Ravens in the sixth round (186th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft. After playing in three games as a rookie, the Southern Mississippi product played in all 16 games with two starts in 2001 and recorded 39 tackles (27 solo) including 3.5 sacks and tied for the team lead with three forced fumbles. He also tied for the club lead with 18 special teams tackles that season. In 2002, Thomas started 12 of 16 games at defensive end for the Ravens and totaled 68 tackles (38 solo) including three sacks, and also recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned for his first career touchdown. Thomas earned his first career Pro Bowl selection in 2003 as a special teams player, leading the Ravens with a career-high 23 special teams tackles that year. He also started 11 of 13 games at linebacker and tallied 34 tackles (26 solo) including four sacks. Thomas started all 16 games for the first time in 2004 and totaled 80 tackles (48 solo) while finishing second on the team with eight sacks and recording a career-high four forced fumbles. In 2005, Thomas again started every game and set a Ravens franchise record by recording three defensive touchdowns (two fumble returns and one interception return), while leading the team with nine sacks and totaling 104 tackles (70 solo).
2006 Season
(Baltimore Ravens): Thomas set career highs with 11.0 sacks and 106 tackles (75 solo) while starting every game on a Baltimore Ravens defense that led the NFL in allowing just 12.6 points per game. Thomas' 11.0 sacks last season led all Ravens defenders and tied for the fourth highest total among all NFL linebackers. Thomas recorded a sack or shared in a sack in 11 of 16 regular-season games in 2006 and tallied at least one sack seven times in an eight-game span during the season.
2005 Season
(Baltimore Ravens): Started all 16 games and finished 3rd on the team with a career-high 104 tackles, careerhigh 9 sacks (-75 yards), 9 PD, 3 FFs, 4 FR (2 of which he returned for TDs) and 2 INTs (1 of which he returned for a TD)...Also posted 4 special teams tackles in 2005...Became the 1st Ravens to record 3 defensive TDs in a season...2005 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Tied a career high with 9 tackles, 1 FR (which he returned 9 yards for a TD) and 1 sack (-9 yards) in the season finale at Cle. (1/1/06)...Posted 5 tackles (4 solo) and a sack, when he forced a QB Brad Johnson fumble, which the Ravens recovered, leading to a FG and essentially sealing the game, in a 30-23 win in game 15 vs. Min. (12/25)...Netted 8 tackles, 1 sack (-11 yards), 1 FF and 1 FR (which he returned 35 yards for a TD) in the 48-3 win in game 14 vs. GB (12/19)...Shared the defensive game ball (LB/DE Terrell Suggs) as he tied a career high with 9 tackles, including 6 solo, 2 PD and an INT, which he returned 20 yards for a TD, in game 12 vs. Hou. (12/4)...Recorded 7 tackles (all solo), including 2 TFL, 1 sack (-7 yards) and 1 FF, in game 8 vs. Cin. (11/6)...Started and had 7 tackles (6 solo) and 2 QB pressures in game 2 at Ten. (9/18)...Also had 1 solo special teams tackle against the Titans.
2004 Season
(Baltimore Ravens): Started all 16 games for the 1st time in his career...Set a new career high with 80 tackles, including 48 solo...Finished 2nd on the team with a career-high 8 sacks (-28 yards)...Thomas also had 1 INT, 5 PD and 4 FFs in 2004...Adalius finished 3rd on the team with 16 special teams tackles in 2004...2004 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Posted 7 tackles (4 solo), 2 FFs and 2 sacks (-2 yards) in the 30-23 victory in the season finale vs. Mia. (1/2/05)...Recorded a career-high 9 tackles (5 solo), including 1 TFL, and a special teams tackle in game 15 at Pit. (12/26)...Posted 8 tackles, including 7 solo and 1 TFL in game 14 at Ind. (12/19)...Helped hold the Redskins to 107 total yards (2nd-lowest total in team history), including just 52 yards rushing in game 5 at Was. (10/10)...Started and posted 8 tackles, including 5 solo and 2 TFL in game 4 vs. KC (10/4)...Started and had 3 tackles (2 solo), 3 QB hits and 3 PD, 1 which he intercepted, in 30-13 win in game 2 vs. Pit. (9/19)...Also had a special teams tackle against the Steelers.
2003 Season
(Baltimore Ravens): Earned his 1st Pro Bowl nod as a special teamer...Saw action in 13 games, starting 11 before being placed on IR (12/17/03) with a dislocated and broken elbow...Registered 34 tackles (26 solo), 8 PD, 4 sacks and 1 FF...Also led the team with a career-high 23 special teams tackles and had 1 blocked punt in 2003...Was placed on IR on 12/17 following elbow surgery (12/9)...2003 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Started and had 5 tackles (4 solo), including 2 sacks (-12 yards) and 1 FF before leaving the game with a broken right elbow in game 13 vs. Cin. (12/7)...Started at LB and amassed 4 tackles (3 solo) and 3 PD in 44-6 rout in game 12 vs. SF (11/30)...Added 3 special teams tackles against the 49ers, plus a 22-yard KOR...Had 3 special teams tackles in game 7 against the Broncos (10/26)...Started and had 1 tackle and 2 QB hits in game 6 at Cin. (10/19)...Posted 5 tackles (2 solo) and 1 QB hit in 26-18 victory in game 5 at Ari. (10/12)...Subbed at OLB and recorded his 1st sack of the season (13 yards) in 33-13 win in game 2 vs. Cle. (9/14).
2002 Season
(Baltimore Ravens): Saw action in all 16 games, starting 12 at DE...Totaled 68 tackles (38 solo), 3 sacks (20 yards), 11 PD, 3 FFs and 1 FR...Had 2 INTs, 1 of which he returned for his 1st-career TD (11/10 vs. Cin.)...Also ranked 3rd on the team with 15 special teams tackles...2002 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Started and had 6 tackles (5 solo) in 23-19 win in game 14 at Hou. (12/15)...Recorded 1 sack (7 yards), 1 PD and 1 FF against the Texans despite being slowed by a knee injury suffered in the second quarter...Started at RDE in game 13 vs. NO (12/8)...Started at RDE and had 4 tackles, 1 FF and 1 FR in 27-23 win in game 12 at Cin. (12/1)...Had 2 QB pressures and provided a downfield escort, blocking for S Chad Williams as Chad tied a then-franchise record with a 98-yard INT return for a TD...Made a game-saving PD when the Bengals were on the Baltimore 10-yard line with 34 seconds remaining, (QB Jon Kitna was looking for RB Corey Dillon, Thomas stepped in front of the pass to bat it away)...Started at DE in 38-27 win in game 9 vs. Cin. (11/10)...Posted 5 tackles and 1 QB hit against the Bengals...Also had an INT, which he returned 25 yards for his 1st-career TD.
2001 Season
(Baltimore Ravens): Posted 39 tackles (27 solo) for the season... Tied for team lead with 3 FFs...Tied for team lead with 18 special teams tackles (S Anthony Mitchell)...Recorded 4 tackles (3 solo), including 1 TFL, in 26-21 defeat in game 13 vs. Pit. (12/16)...Made 1 ST tackle...Recorded 8 tackles (5 solo), including 1.5 sacks, 2 FFs and 2 PD in 39-27 win in game 12 vs. Ind. (12/2)...Made 2 ST tackles... Named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts...Started his 1st NFL game and recorded 5 tackles (4 solo), including a game-ending sack of QB Mark Brunell, in 24-21 win in game 11 at Jax. (11/25)...Made a team-high 4 special teams tackles...Led team with 3 ST tackles.
2000 Season
(Baltimore Ravens): Recorded 1 tackle in just 7 plays from scrimmage in the regular season...Played in 3 games...Did not play in 1 game and was inactive in the other 12...In the playoffs, he batted a pass and recorded a special teams stop...On inactive list in 3 of 4 postseason games...2000 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Recorded 1 PD and 1 special teams tackle in the Ravens' 16-3 AFC Championship Game victory at Oak. (1/14/01)...Played on special teams in game 11 at Ten. (11/12)...Saw 1st action of the season in 14-6 loss in game 8 vs. Ten. (10/22)...The defense held the Titans to a Ravens' record low 7 1st downs...Had an assist in 3 plays from scrimmage.
College
Twice named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year...A gifted athlete who was highly recruited out of high school as a basketball player, Thomas was an effective pass rusher who recorded 34.5 sacks during his collegiate career, to become the Golden Eagles' all-time leader...School officials said he is the best defensive player to come out of Southern Miss, and the greatest all-around player since Brett Favre...Won Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honors, and was a 1st-team all-conference pick as a senior in 1999...All-America 3rd-team choice by SportPage.com and Football News...Had 67 tackles, including 9 sacks for 65 yards and 16 TFL...Recovered 2 fumbles, forced 1 and blocked 4 kicks...In USM's 28-20 victory over Cincinnati, he had 12 tackles, 2 for losses, 1 FR and 2 blocked FGs, as he made his 1st career start at OLB...Earned 1st-team All-America honors by the American Football Coaches Association and 3rd-team honors from Football News as a junior in 1998...Was an All-Conference USA 1st-team pick and Defensive Player of the Year...Led the conference with 12.5 sacks, plus added 20 TFL...Recorded 71 tackles, 5 PD and 2 blocked kicks...All-Conference USA 1st-team pick by Football News as a sophomore in 1997...Started all 11 games and finished with 65 tackles, 9 sacks and a conference-high 15 TFL...Had 2 FRs, 1 FF and blocked 4 kicks...In USM's 28-20 victory over Cincinnati, he had 12 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 FR and 2 blocked FGs, as he made his 1st career start at OLB...Earned 1st-team All-America honors by the American Football Coaches Association and 3rd-team honors from Football News as a junior in 1998...Was an All-Conference USA 1st-team pick and Defensive Player of the Year...Led the conference with 12.5 sacks, plus added 20 TFL... Recorded 71 tackles, 5 PD and 2 blocked kicks...All-Conference USA 1st-team pick by Football News as a sophomore in 1997...Started all 11 games and finished with 65 tackles, 9 sacks and a conference-high 15 TFL...Also had 2 FRs and blocked 1 FG...Earned Freshman All-America honors in 1996 from The Sporting News...Played in every game but did not start, still finishing with 39 tackles, 4 sacks and 1 FR...Only player in school history to play both football and basketball...Earned a B.S. in sports administration.
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