Tag Archives: Bill Belichick

The Patriots Are On To Kansas City

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What cliff is Tom Brady Falling Off Of?

  • Via CBS Sports

Tom Brady is headed to another AFC Championship. This will be his fourteenth Championship game in his career. All season long Brady has been criticized, from the Max Kellerman’s and Shannon Sharpe’s of the world, that he’s falling off a cliff. Brady’s performance in the playoffs is something we see year after year. People talk about how he’s isn’t good anymore, then he has the game of his life. Brady had probably his best game of the season yesterday. Now the test moves on to Kansas City.

It’s On To Kansas City

With the Chiefs next week, it’s a reminder if the Patriots won against the Dolphins they would be hosting the AFC Championship in Foxborough. Kansas City is tough to beat at home. Can the Patriots go in there and win? The answer is yes, because they have Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. If you don’t have both of those guys I’m not sure the Patriots win next week. Their presence sends a vibe to the team that anything is possible and they can win in any situation. Both Belichick and Brady have been in this position year after year. Belichick will out coach Andy Reid. Tom Brady will have a better game than Patrick Mahomes because of his experience and drive in these games. Brady put it the best after the game “Everyone thinks we suck and can’t win games, we’ll see.”

The Patriots Won’t Lose Next Week

The Patriots play better when everyone doubts them. When everyone say’s Brady isn’t good anymore is when he shuts them up on the field. They do their talking on the field. It’s been that way for 18 years and it will continue to be that way. Without Brady and Belichick they wouldn’t be where they are at right now. They both turn average players into game changers, like Phillip Dorsett and Rex Burkhead. I hope this dynasty lasts five more years. It’s been a fun roller coaster ride.

There is no way Kansas City wins next week. Andy Reid will find a way to blow it. Patrick Mahomes will make a mistake, because he’s a young player who might choke under pressure. Lastly, you’re playing against Belichick and Brady. They aren’t perfect, but perform their best when they are the underdog and everyone doubts them. They are great under pressure. They play for sixty minutes and make sure everyone is on the same page. These are the reasons why the Patriots will be heading to another Super Bowl.

Josh McDaniels Isn’t Going Anywhere…

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Josh McDaniels Is Likely to Remain with the Patriots

It is now safe to say Josh McDaniels will remain with the Patriots for one more season. The Packers have decided to hire Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur to replace Mike McCarthy. Green Bay is the only team McDaniels has Interviewed with per Ian Rapoport. Josh also reportedly turned down a request from the Bengals.

Josh McDaniels may have lost out on the Packer job, but it’s not all bad news for the Super Bowl Champion coordinator. The Patriots could be loading up this upcoming offseason while Brady’s window is still open.

He could be a part of another championship team, which would raise his stock for the future. His coaching career hasn’t been great outside of New England. His reputation took a hit last year, as he left the Colts at the alter. Maybe this is Karma coming back to bite him, although he’s still the offensive coordinator for the greatest quarterback of all time.

The Pats Had McDaniels Replacement In Kliff Kingsbury

Reports of Kliff Kingsbury stepping in as the new Patriots OC have been everywhere. Monday news broke that multiple NFL teams are interested in Kingsbury as a Head Coach. Once again it seems the Patriots lucked out with McDaniels not getting the Packers job. Kingsbury is being looked at by multiple teams, and he would surely take head coach money over OC pay. Green Bay may have just stopped the Pats plans from blowing up in their face. This situation is far from over, as we all know things can change at any moment. The Browns could still be in play for McDaniels. But for now, it’s looking like Josh will be wearing his Patriots visor for at least one more year.

Stephon Gilmore named First Team All Pro

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The Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore was named First Team All Pro by the AP today. The shutdown corner has been worth every penny since arriving in New England last year. Gilmore has proven to be one of the elite cornerbacks in the NFL, and is arguably the Patriots MVP this season.

Stephon Gilmore By The Numbers

Gilmore only allowed a 71.8 passer rating, while braking up 20 passes, finishing second in that category. The two interceptions Gilmore had shows that quarterbacks were throwing away from him. Pro Football Focus already ranked Gilmore as the top rated player at his position. The First Team All Pro honor is no surprise, as Tom Brady also had plenty of praise for his teammate on Wednesday. Brady compared Gilmore to some of the greats, saying he is right up there with them. Players like Law, Talib and Revis, two of which are future HOF CB’s.

Gilmore is a shutdown Cornerback


The Price was Right

This is Stephon Gilmore’s second Pro Bowl selection, but his first All Pro honor. Gilmore showed his value all year vs top notch opponents. The wide receivers Gilmore shadowed this year include DeAndre Hopkins, Antonio Brown, Stephon Diggs and Devante Adams, just to name a few. Gilmore raised the level of play from New England’s secondary as well. Jason McCourty and JC Jackson both have stepped up big time, and this secondary looks strong. The Patriots secondary has had some extremely impressive games in 2018 with Gilmore leading the way. The Vikings and Steelers dynamic WRs were no match for Gilmore and company.

Gilmore with the defensive play of the 2017 season

Stephon Gilmore started his Patriots tenure off slow, along with the rest of the defense last year. But as the season went on he improved each week, and made the play of the year breaking up a Blake Bortles pass attempt to finish the Jaguars off. Since that incredible play he continued to emerge as a top tier CB, and now is honored as the Top rated player at his position. The Patriots and fans hope that Gilmore won’t have anything to do with the Pro Bowl this year, as they’re all in for a Super Bowl run.

Brady’s at his best when spreading the ball around

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Who’s the Best Receiver? The Open One

Throughout Tom Brady’s illustrious career he’s always had the ability to find the open receiver, which is always the best option.

The Patriots played the lowly Jets on Sunday, a team that was depleted, and about to fire their Head Coach. Tom Brady looked sharp throughout the game, hitting four different players for TD passes. Phillip Dorsett and Chris Hogan saw an uptick in playing time and targets.

Brady’s Best Option In The Playoffs

The month of January has usually been dominated by Rob Gronkowski. Gronk has not seen his usual targets this season, but now it’s crunch time. He is the NFLs all time leader in targets (111), receiving yards (972) and TDs (12) by a Tight End in the postseason. He’s still a dangerous weapon for the Patriots when targeted.

The Patriots offense in 2018 has looked quite different then what fans are accustomed to. Tom Brady albeit against the Jets showed a glimpse of what’s to come in the playoffs. The key is to get back to what makes him great, spreading the ball around and getting guys involved early.

It’s Time For Everyone’s Best

The loss of Josh Gordon has now opened the door for Phillip Dorsett, Chris Hogan and Patterson. Hogan had 11 targets last week and was an overthrown ball by Brady from having a TD as well. Gronkowski didn’t see many targets again, but he showed everyone he still has gas left in the tank. One player to keep you’re eye on is Phillip Dorsett, he took a backseat when Gordon came to New England. The wide receiver now has a chance to be a big part of a super bowl run. He’s caught 16 passes on 16 targets since October, now that Gordon is gone Dorsett should be seeing more looks from Brady. TB12’s passer rating when throwing to Dorsettt is 120.1 and now the WR is in line for more action. 

Super Bowl Bound

The running backs are also a major part of the passing game, each RB can take it to the house, or catch passes from anywhere on the field. Brady may not have all pro weapons at his disposal, but that’s never stopped the Patriots before. The collection of players at his disposal could make it back to the Super Bowl once again.

My personal thoughts on this offense-spread the football around to everyone, get Gronk involved early. The Patriots Dynasty is far from dead. January is New England’s month, and in February anything is possible.

Search for Lombardi Trophy images.

Patriots Finally Have The Motivation They Need

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The sky is falling for the Patriots.  Just as people have started to come to terms with the loss to the Steelers, Josh Gordon is taking his ball and going home.  In fact, this bad news is finally enough to get Belichick’s bedrock philosophy back in vogue.  Bulletin board material is here, and just in time too.

Gordon is Gone

The details are still leaking out, but Josh Gordon appears to be looking at a suspension of some sort.  On the face of it, this is really bad news.  The Patriots have had trouble at receiver ever since Danny Amendola signed with the Dolphins last off-season.

Furthermore, the Patriots have five losses for the first time since they lost six in 2009.  That was the dreaded ‘I just can’t get this team to play the way we need to play’ team from A Football Life.

Things look bad.  So how is this a good thing?

Bulletin Board Material

Remember the halcyon days of the beginning of this Patriots dynasty?  Remember when teams took the Patriots lightly?  The Steelers are the masters of gifting Belichick with material to rile the troops.

During the 2001 Super Bowl run, the Steelers were happy to announce that their bags were packed for New Orleans and the Super Bowl.  The Patriots walked away with a 24-17 win in the AFC Championship.

The media at large was enough for Belichick in the runs to the 2001 and 2003 Championships.  No one gave the Patriots a chance against the Rams in 2001.  The hype machine for Peyton Manning was in full force in 2003.

There was a regular cornucopia of bulletin board material.  Belichick simply plucked it out of the air.

The End Of The Underdog

By the time Rodney Harrison was flapping his arms in the waning moments of the 2004 Championship against the Eagles, it was clear this motivation tactic was wearing thin.  The Patriots were favored in the game against the Eagles.  They had to dig deep to find little used wide receiver Freddy Mitchell declaring he didn’t know the Patriots defenders’ names.

In every playoff game since, other than perhaps an AFC Championship in Denver in 2016, the Patriots have been favored.  The media has begrudgingly given The Belichick’s their due.  Brady is now the GOAT.  Loosing to the Giants in two Super Bowls wasn’t enough to knock the luster off the great and powerful Patriots.

What Is Old Is New Again

It has been distressing to see Tom Brady go weird, and seemingly get Garoppolo traded.  To see Gronk looking mortal, and more interested in retirement and the WWE, than preventing miracle game loosing touchdowns.  Sure-handed Julian Edleman is dropping passes.  It looks like the Patriots are slipping, from the D to the QB, the special teams to the coach.

However, right now there is an opportunity Belichick has been looking for.  For the first time since 2003, the Patriots will be overlooked in the playoffs.  Some are saying they might not even make the playoffs.  This is despite the AFC East standings, which show the Dolphins two games back with two to play.

Bulletin board material has materialized, and Belichick will put it to maximum use.  Need to break through to an aloof Brady, an unmotivated Gronk, a shaky kicker, or struggling D?  No problem.

The Road Ahead

Currently the Patriots sit at 9-5.  That leaves them fourth in the conference. But what was true yesterday is true today.  The Patriots have the Jets and Bills left.  The Texans, who sit in third at 10-4, have the Eagles and Jaguars.  The Patriots hold the tie-breaker over Houston.  The Patriots are entirely capable of going 2-0 and ending at 11-5.  The Texans are entirely capable of going 1-1, and ending at 11-5.

Because the two top teams in the league, the Chiefs and Chargers, are in the same division, whichever ends with a worse record is the five seed.  Divisional winners go one through four.

With bulletin board material at his back, Belichick could be looking at the Number 2 seed.  He could also be looking a Divisional round game at home, then on to KC in the AFC Championship game.  Win that one, and the Patriots are back in the Super Bowl.

Belichick just got his secret weapon back.  The rest of the league will see it soon enough.

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Here is why Josh Gordon was on the sideline on final play

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New England has lost its second game in December, the first time since 2002.  The Patriots decided to take Josh Gordon out for the final play of the game.  McDaniels answered questions, and Josh Gordon’s absence on that play was a hot topic.

Josh Gordon Should’ve been on the field on Sunday

4th and Goal

Where was Josh Gordon

The Patriots loss didn’t come down to one single play, but again player personnel was an issue.  After the game Bill Belichick was asked about Gordon’s absence.  The head coach said they opted for Cordarrelle Patterson instead, which didn’t answer anything really.

Patterson is another big, athletic, jump ball receiver.  The answer from Belichick didn’t cut it for me, because having Gordon and Patterson in for the play would’ve made sense.  But that wasn’t the case, Gordon who played 58 snaps compared to Patterson’s 4 were swapped for the biggest play of the game.

McDaniels Explains Gordon’s Absence

The Patriots found themselves in position to tie the game after driving down the field.  The game looked like every other Patriots comeback, until the holding call on second down.  That penalty on second down moved the offense from the 11 yard line, back to the 21 yard line and loss of a down.  The Steelers took a timeout before Tom Brady’s final attempt to win.  Gordon ran to the sideline during the time out and left many scratching their head.

McDaniels wanted fresh legs for the final play?

Via SI.com

Josh Gordon wasn’t made available to the media after the game.  McDaniels said that “the offense had run quite a few plays in a row.”  He Seems to be indicating Gordon was tired.  He went on to say Patterson was sent in as a “fresh guy” to try and make a play.  He stated there is no ulterior motive behind the decision.

Josh Gordon Gives The Patriots the Best Chance to Win

The whole situation is strange, and Tom Brady could have used Gordon’s big catch radius and play-making ability on 4th down.  New England needs to win the final two games of the year, and Gordon needs to be on the field.  Josh Gordon is the teams leading receiver, tied for most TDs, and had quickly become Brady’s go to guy.  The Patriots need to play better on the field, but the play calling and coaching also need to be better moving forward.

 

Running Backs Will Be a Major Factor For This Offense

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Patriots Running Backs Need to Be More Consistent

Michel is important for NEs SB chances

Sony Michel has had great games when healthy this year.  The rookie has been a stud, making opponent’s respect the run game.  Last week in Miami wasn’t the same ground game as we saw against the Vikings. Sony Michel has the talent and football IQ to have great games.  The rookie just needs to be more consistent, weeks 4-6 he was running like a veteran.

New England lost him for a few  weeks after a scary looking injury.  Michel returned in week 10, although limited as the team wanted to be cautious.  He had 11 attempts for 31 yards, and the Pats lost to Tennessee.

New England came out of the bye with Sony looking great, as he rushed for 133 yards on 21 touches and a touchdown.  The last two weeks the Pats featured running back hasn’t eclipsed 65 yards on the ground or a touchdown.

The Running Game With The Return Of Rex

Sony’s Numbers were expected to go down slightly with Burkhead coming back from IR.  The Patriots brought Rex back in week 12, and Michel had his second best game of the year.  Since then, the numbers show that Michel is still getting the same amount of touches as he did weeks 4-6.  The yards and touchdowns haven’t followed.  Sony should get back on track against the Steelers, in a huge game for both teams.

Is Rex resting or still injured?

Rex Burkhead could be a huge playoff addition

Rex Burkhead came back from a long stint on the IR, looking to help the offense.  The hope was to take some pressure off of Michel and James White, since they’ve been overworked most of the season. Rex didn’t play in week 12, while Sony and White ran all over the Jets.  Burkhead’s return hasn’t been what I expected it to be.  Rex has only 11 rushing attempts for 22 yards in two games, with 3 receptions for 24 yards.  The Patriots could be bringing him back slowly, as they know what they’ve got in him from last year.

James White has been the glue, doing his job catching passes out of the backfield, also as the early down back on occasion.

White did have a good day running the ball alongside Michel in week 12, adding 73 yards on just 9 attempts.  This was his highest total of rushing yards of the season.  The following week, White had a great game against the Vikings.  But last week against Miami he had his lowest output of the year rushing and catching the ball.  New England’s on to Pittsburgh, and this running game should get back on track.

The Patriots Run Game Will Be Fine Moving foward

The Patriots have one of the best RB groups in the NFL, and they will need it against a tough Steelers run defefese.  James White and Sony Michel could be used heavily this week to keep Pittsburgh’s potent offense on the sideline.  James White and Sony Michel have been very impressive this year, but because of injury we’ve yet to see both at a high level consistently.  The offensive line, and injuries to Gronk and Dwayne Allen, have also contributed to some inconsistencies in the run game.

Running mates

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

New England is as healthy as it’s been all year, and the Patriots RBs are going to use that to their advantage.  James White and Sony Michel will most certainly be used heavily, since history shows this is when New England starts to lean on the run game.

Rex Burkhead could have a breakout game, or he could still be getting some rest for the home stretch.  Bill Belichick is impossible to predict, especially when it comes to RBs.  Anyone who plays fantasy football knows that.  The Steelers are having a rough stretch as of late, and I expect Michel and White to run all over them.  New England’s RBs will set up the play action pass, and the Patriots will need the run game the rest of the way to be SB contenders.

Patriots-Dolphins Preview

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The Dolphins’ Home Field Advantage

The way this Patriots team is built and the fact that the Dolphins’ best player, Xavien Howard, is out for the game will help Josh Gordon the most. The one issue is the game is in Miami, a place that always gives New England trouble.

Playing in Miami has always been tough

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Just in the past 5 years, the team is 1-4 in Miami. Historically the Patriots have not played well at Miami Gardens. The temperature is also expected to be relatively high too which may affect the game as well. The loss in Jacksonville is an example of the heat playing a factor against New England.

Bill Belichick won’t use the weather as an excuse, but we all know since 200, the Patriots have struggled in the heat. Former Patriot Tedy Bruschi said as much on ESPN when asked about why this team struggles in Miami.

Built for Success

The Patriots right now are just built for success. They are extremely healthy, have top 10 players in many categories including one of the best cornerback duos right now. Stephon Gilmore is questionable although Is likely to play, as he flew with the team for this matchup. The Patriots should be able to come out of this with a win. Look for Sony Michel and the running backs to have a big day.

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

New England should look to set up the run game early, using all three backs. Rotating the running backs will keep them from cramping up and running out of steam from the heat. Tom Brady will be able to take advantage of the injury riddled Dolphins. The running game will set up  play action passes, and more defenders in the box.

Patriots-Dolphins Prediction

The Patriots come in as heavy favorites despite recent history, and I don’t think it will be a blowout. Miami has played well at home this year, at 6-6 they will be looking for revenge from week 4. The rash of injuries to this Dolphins team, along with New England coming in almost at 100% will be the difference today. Not the heat.

The Patriots are really starting to look better on offense, defense and are only missing one player. The Patriots will win the AFC East again today, for the 10th year in a row. The players will get up for this “hat and T-shirt game” as they continue to try and get that number one seed.

(Patriots 28 Miami 17)

Brady and Gronk-Both Back at Full Strength

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Good News In New England on Thursday

The Patriots had a good practice yesterday, as Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were both removed from the injury report.  Tom Brady has been dealing with a knee injury, and has been limited at practice.

Rob Gronkowski has been fighting through ankle(s), and a a very concerning back injury. The future HOF Tight End has had back issues dating back to his college days, involving multiple surgeries.

Patriots Superstars Not Held Back In Thursdays Practice

Full participants

Via USA Today

The two Biggest Game-changers on the Patriots have been practicing, but both have been limited and listed on injury reports.  Thursday was a nice change of pace for the team and the fans, as both superstars were Full Participants.

Tom Brady’s participation has always been important, although Patriot fans have always known nothing would stop him from playing that week.

The Patriots can always count on Brady, but today’s news that he is completely off the injury report as a Full Participant is great to see.

Getting Healthy at The Perfect Time

Rob Gronkowski has been fighting through injuries his entire football career, this season in particular has been frustrating for him.

Unlike his quarterback, whenever Gronks name shows up on the injury report, the Patriots need to prepare as if he may not play that week.

Gronkowski’s back-Not holding him back this week

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The news that both players were full participants today is noteworthy, as New England is looking to clinch the division Sunday.

New England’s track record against Miami away from home has not been great during the Tom Brady era.  The Dolphins always play them tough, the Patriots can’t afford to drop a game in Miami as they often have.  New England is currently the number 2 seed behind KC, with the tiebreaker on their side.  So a win Sunday is very important if the Pats want home field throughout the playoffs.

Brady Passes Peyton For Another All-Time Record

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Tom Brady Breaks Another Record

Tom Brady continues to solidify himself as the GOAT. The 41 year old quarterback is breaking records on a regular basis, last Sunday he added his name to another one.

Brady took over as the All Time leader in passing yards in (regular season and postseason games.) The MVP passed Peyton Manning for the top spot in Sunday’s win over the Jets.

The record breaking pass went to Sony Michel, a running back who is still working on his pass catching. Brady got that out of the way in the second quarter, finishing the game with 283 yards. The Patriots quarterback now sits alone with 79,416 total yards, but Tom just cares about the win. After the game Brady was asked about the newest record.

“Just wins” Brady said, “ I mean that’s what we are here for, to win games. I’m trying to be a part of as many of these as I can.” No surprise Brady deflected questions about his own record, He ended his answer saying, “I’m just here to win.”

Brady Passes Manning as the All Time Passing leader

(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Every Week Another Record is in Trouble

Brady also tied Peyton Manning on Sunday as he reached 3,000 passing yards for the 16th time. He is now second in NFL history, behind Brett Favre who reached 3,000 yards 18 times. Tom will easily break that record too, as long as he can stay on the field for three more years.

Tom can pass Peyton Manning again this Sunday, as another regular/postseason stat is up for grabs. One touchdown pass from Brady on Sunday will make him the All Time leader in combined TD passes.

TB12

Via Nj.com

Tom Brady already has the Super Bowls, the postseason records, and now is finishing off the rest of the regular season records. Of course he won’t play forever, but in the meantime no record is safe. Brady isn’t in it for these records though, right now his focus is all about his favorite ring. “The next one” number six!