On this job, little to work with

The decision could be 100 percent health-related. The 60-year-old Pees has had recent surgery for prostate cancer. A blood clot was discovered in his leg. And he had to leave the final game of the season against the Texans with bronchial spasms, which mimicked symptoms of a heart attack. But he cited none of that, simply saying, “I need some time to think of what I want to do.’’

Perhaps Pees is looking for a place where he might have a bit more defensive talent to work with. He wasn’t exactly dealt a great hand, you know. The Patriots have been shedding talent on the defensive side of the ball for the past two years, maybe longer. Perhaps what he was saying to Bill Belichick was, “Hey, Bill. My name’s Pees, not Houdi ni.’’

There is no doubt where the buck stops with any Patriots personnel issues. The HC of the NEP calls all the shots around here. He is picking the groceries, and he’s had more bad days at the supermarket than good ones in the past few years.

Let’s see, where did it all start to unravel? Oh, that’s right, Asante Samuel. He was allowed to walk out the door, and that secondary has never been the same. No one is going to argue that point.

The Patriots once had defensive backs of real stature. But it essentially has been mix and match and pray for rain for the past several years, depending on veteran retreads and hoping one or two of the 117,000 DBs they’ve drafted would work out. There is now a sliver of hope with the likes of Darius Butler and Patrick Chung, but we’ll see.

Brandon Meriweather? Oh, that’s right. He’s now going to the Pro Bowl? What? I’m going to go all John McEnroe on you and say they cannot be serious. No one who watched the Patriots closely is going to do anything but laugh about that one.

Coach Bill finally drafted for need in 2008 when he utilized the 10th overall pick on Jerod Mayo to address a serious linebacker problem. Mayo was a brilliant rookie but was hampered this season by an injury that restricted him until very late. Next year, he’ll be fine.