Tag Archives: #BillBelichick

Christian Sam Film Review: The Linebacker New England Needs?

So for about a month, I have been continually raving about how New England will get an athletic, fast first-round linebacker in Rashaan Evans or Leighton Vander Esch. Well, it didn’t work out like that. In fact, the Patriots did not draft a linebacker until the fifth round, where they took Ja’whaun Bentley and Christian Sam. Sam is referred to as the type of linebacker I have been wanting. Let’s get an understanding of how he really plays.

Against the Run

Sam is very patient in run defense. He waits for the play to develop to get the best position on the runner to make the tackle.

With his quickness, he uses a side-step move a lot to get past offensive linemen and tackle the runner.

The side-step move doesn’t work every time. He tries it here with no luck. He gets taken out of play.

The thing is that Sam isn’t great at taking on contact. His quickness and patience are his strengths in the run game. He puts his shoulder down here and tries to lead with power. The fullback consumes him with ease.

Analysis

Sam is fairly decent in the run game. He consistently makes tackles, as shown in the first clip against Oregon. His side step move is not consistent and can take him out of play. He also is helpless if a lineman can lock him or limit his movement. All that being said, he is a smart, instinctive, and dependable player. Although he is undersized, he still makes his presence known against the run.

Against the Pass

Sam is extremely gifted in coverage. He matches up with running backs well, as shown here. He takes away the quarterback’s check down option. This forces the quarterback to scramble and eventually get sacked.

His football IQ and diagnosis are very high. He immediately recognizes the screen and tackles the back for a loss of yards.

Sam is dropped into a zone coverage here. His reaction time is fast and therefore makes an excellent pass breakup.

Open-field tackling is a thing of beauty right here.

Analysis

This is where Sam can bring the most help to the team. He matches up with well with running backs, which is something the Patriots had trouble with in the playoffs (Corey Clement and Corey Grant still haunt my nightmares). Sam has a high football IQ, is stellar in zone coverage, and is a sure-fire tackler.

Conclusion

Thus, Christian Sam definitely has the potential to be an amazing linebacker. His cover skills are a dire necessity. He is most likely going to be a rotational player, but there is a chance he could overtake Elandon Roberts as starting middle linebacker. Although, the more likely prospect for that role is Marquis Flowers.

No matter what happens, expect to see Sam to still be wearing a Patriots uniform come September. Hopefully, you readers out there get a better understanding of the type of player Sam is. Is he the linebacker the Patriots need? Only time can tell.

Boston Sports Extra Mock Draft 2.0: Pats Get Brady’s Heir?

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Quarterback abundance. Trading a whole city to move up in the draft. Cleveland having the first pick. This 2018 draft has it all, and will definitely go down as one to remember. At least five quarterbacks are expected to be taken in the first round with the draft class being compared to the one in 1983. Mock drafts are mostly horribly wrong, but they are fun to do.

Photo Credit: USA Today

The Patriots have two picks in the first round this year, and there has been a plethora of rumors about them moving up in the draft to select their quarterback of the future. It is impossible to know exactly what Belichick will do come draft day, but let’s try anyways. This is Boston Sports Extra’s second and final mock draft:

1. Cleveland Browns – Baker Mayfield, QB

Yes, I know. Ten million other mock drafts have Sam Darnold as this pick. However, Cleveland has a lot riding on this pick. They have to look at the intangibles here. Mayfield is a born leader with a fiery determination. He has that prove-it mentality and is willing to do whatever it takes. Cleveland could use his command of the offense, and he can be the future of their franchise.

2. Buffalo Bills – Sam Darnold, QB (via mock trade with NYG)

I have read so much on how Dave Gettleman will go with a running back or defensive player here. The Bills have been desperate to trade up, so I’m thinking of a way to satisfy everyone’s needs here. Bills get their man to develop along with AJ McCarron. Stay tuned for the Giants.

3. New York Jets – Josh Rosen, QB (via IND)

The Jets traded THREE second round picks, as well as number six to move up to this spot. They have been linked to Mayfield, but with him off the board they take a proven passer in Mr. Chosen Rosen.

4. Cleveland Browns – Saquon Barkley, RB

They passed on him at number one, but they won’t here. Barkley is a rare talent and can be a humongous spark in this revamped team. Imagine having Mayfield, Barkley, and Landry leading that offense. Kinda scary if you think about it.

5. Denver Broncos – Josh Allen, QB

Elway has had a serious problem trying to find the future quarterback for this team in the draft. Paxton Lynch might have been the biggest waste of a first round pick that I have seen. The Broncos go with the strong-armed quarterback in Allen to develop behind Keenum who, let’s face it, is not a long term plan at quarterback.

6. Indianapolis Colts – Bradley Chubb, DE (via NYJ)

They traded down and still got arguably the best defensive player in this draft. The Colts could go with Quentin Nelson to protect Andrew Luck, but Chubb is too good a prospect to pass up.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Derwin James, S

James is an amazing talent at his position. He’s learned from Pro-Bowlers, Landon Collins and Jalen Ramsey, and he’s ready to make a difference, no matter the team. The Buccaneers would greatly improve their secondary by adding James, who has that certain attitude and skill set they need.

8. Chicago Bears – Quentin Nelson, OG

The Bears have been focused on building around Mitchell Trubisky, and will continue here. With Josh Sitton gone, this seems like the perfect pick. Another option they could go with here is Tremaine Edmunds.

9. San Francisco 49ers – Roquan Smith, LB

Man, the 49ers just can’t stop winning. They won five straight with Jimmy G. They won the coin flip to get this pick, and they draft an absolute stud with it. Reuben Foster, who had great promise, will be cut if he is found guilty of his charges. That leaves a hole in the roster which Smith can definitely fill.

10. Oakland Raiders – Tremaine Edmunds, LB

Raiders can use all the help on defense they can. Their secondary looks better with Gareon Conley and Rashaan Melvin, so they look to improve their linebacker corps with arguably the best linebacker in the class.

11. Miami Dolphins – Vita Vea, DT

Dolphins have shown interest in drafting a quarterback, but choose to address a 307 pound hole in the defense. Vea is an absolute MONSTER. If you don’t believe me, watch his film against UCLA – or against anyone to be honest. Perfect fit for the Hawaiian who will love the beaches in South Florida.

12. New York Giants – Harold Landry, DE (via mock trade with BUF)

I mentioned how I had a way before how Buffalo and New York can get what they need. Harold Landry is an absolute beast with amazing technique. He can absolutely replace JPP.

13. Washington Redskins – Marcus Davenport, DE

Davenport is an untapped freak of nature. He can complement Jonathan Allen on a defensive line that faces Zeke and Ajayi twice a year.

14. Green Bay Packers – Denzel Ward, CB

Ward is the perfect person to pair with Kevin King to improve the Packers depleted secondary. Another option here could be a pass rusher.

15. Arizona Cardinals – Calvin Ridley, WR

Arizona could go quarterback, but instead choose to develop a wide receiver under the great Larry Fitzgerald. Look for them to draft an offensive linemen in the later rounds to protect their injury-prone quarterback.

16. Baltimore Ravens – Lamar Jackson, QB

Flacco is on the back end of his career, so the Ravens could look to develop an amazing athlete. They addressed the wide receiver position in free agency, but can still go with that here if it’s someone they really love.

17. Los Angeles Chargers – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB

The influx of quarterback picks allowed Fitzpatrick to fall. Chargers would definitely not pass him up, and he would be an amazing replacement for Tre Boston.

18. Seattle Seahawks – Mike McGlinchey, OT

Seattle’s reign is over. There are so MANY holes on this team. I think the first option they should go is to protect their quarterback so he doesn’t run like a chicken with his head cut off every play. Look for Seattle to draft cornerback here as another option.

19. Dallas Cowboys – D.J. Moore, WR

Goodbye, Dez Bryant. Hello, D.J. Moore. Dak gets another weapon, so he doesn’t have to rely on Zeke for their offense to be productive. We saw last year how that turned out.

20. Detroit Lions – Da’ron Payne, DT

Lions need help on the interior. Matty P should love the ‘Bama product. Welcome to the House of Payne.

21. Cincinatti Bengals – Will Hernandez, OG

Bengals drafts Hernandez to have a powerful player for Joe Mixon to run behind.

22. New York Giants – Derrius Guice, RB (via mock trade with BUF)

Instead of taking Saquon at No. 2, they trade down and take an end to replace JPP and a running back to give a spark their offense desperately needs. Guice’s 2016 season was remarkable, and he would be rated higher if it wasn’t for his injury plagued 2017.

23. New England Patriots – Rashaan Evans, LB

If Rosen and Mayfield are off the board early, Patriots won’t trade up. Instead they elect to pick an absolute Saban-bred stud in Evans. If you want to know why, then click here.

24. Carolina Panthers – Jaire Alexander, CB

Alexander is not far behind from Ward as a top cornerback. Hip movement is fluid and coverage is excellent. He honestly shouldn’t fall this far.

25. Tennessee Titans – Leighton Vander Esch, LB

Mike Vrabel will love having this extremely athletic linebacker to help the depleted core. ‘Nuff said.

26. Atlanta Falcons – Taven Bryan, DT

I still think Bryan is a perfect fit for Atlanta. His versatility on the line can help a team who lost both Dontari Poe and Adrian Clayborn.

27. New Orleans Saints – Mike Gesicki, TE

I’m sticking with my pick if Gesicki here. The trio of Thomas, Kamara, and Gesicki is a matchup nightmare. Brees will love having a Jimmy Graham-like target

28. Pittsburgh Steelers – Josh Jackson, CB

Jackson has a lack of experience, but his seven interceptions this year should not go unnoticed. Maybe he can finally help the Steelers beat the Patriots this year (probably not).

29. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dallas Goedert, TE

Defense is definitely not the priority here. If I were the Jaguars, I would go with Mason Rudolph here. However, this is the same team that just gave Bortles a long contract, so I doubt they will listen to me. I don’t think Austin Sefarian- Jenkins is a No. 1 tight end, so Goedert seems like the more likely approach for the Jag.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Connor Williams, OT

Vikings spent big bucks on a flashy, new quarterback and now have to make sure that they can protect him.

31. New England Patriots – Justin Reid, S

Patriots fans are probably scared of drafting this player because he is a Stanford safety, and our last Stanford safety is absolutely terrible (*cough* Jordan Richards). Well, you guys can RELAX. Reid is the real deal- smart, versatile, and great in coverage.

32. Philadephia Eagles – Hayden Hurst, TE

Yeah, I particularly don’t like making a pick here to make this team better (I’m not salty, you are). Anyways, the GM of the Eagles doesn’t think like that. Looking at the Eagles depth chart, they don’t have a lot of holes in the roster. There is not a lot of depth behind Zach Ertz, however. Enter Hurst, a huge catch machine who can create matchup issues for opposing defenses.

So Where’s Brady’s Heir?

Photo Credit: NESN

I do realize what I put in the title. I’m not about clickbait garbage. I do think the Patriots will draft their future quarterback – just not in the first round. Mason Rudolph at No. 43 is a potential prospect. Other later round picks could be Kyle Lauletta, Luke Falk, Logan Woodside, and Alex McGough.

Three Wide Receivers the Patriots Could Acquire Before August

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Brandin Cooks’s trade to the Los Angeles Rams is one of the most surprising moves of the off-season so far. The wide receiver was one of the leading players in the league last season for the New England Patriots. His transfer to LA, though, does give Bill Belichick more draft picks to play with ahead of the new campaign.

Belichick and the Patriots will also be monitoring the league closely to see if any of the leading wide receivers in the NFL become available. Tom Brady needs another weapon to throw to as he bids to win his sixth Super Bowl ring. Here are three wideouts which could be in a Patriots Jersey for the opening game of the new season:

Odell Beckham Jr.

Since joining the league in 2014, Odell Beckham Jr. has established himself as one of the leading wide receivers in the NFL. Not only is he at the end of the most receiving yards and touchdown charts, he is capable of the amazing catches as he has shown on more than one occasion.

Beckham’s future in New York very much looks in doubt as contract talks have broken down, which means his future may now be elsewhere. The Giants have stated they will be looking for two first round draft picks for Beckham. It appears it is a case of who will be prepared to give up the most for the 25-year-old. Beckham’s best years could still be ahead of him.

Given their talents, Brady and Beckham Jr. will certainly bring the best out of each other. Therefore, the Patriots are surely considering making an offer for the Giants player. Releasing Cooks may just have been the first piece in the jigsaw in putting a plan together for the new season, which includes Beckham. The Patriots are already the favorites in the betting for Super Bowl LIII. If they can pick up a player of Beckham’s ability, they will be a great bet to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Especially if you open up a new account for a free bet as reviewed and detailed by Oddschecker before the new season begins.

Courtesy of The Daily Meal.

Dez Bryant

Dez Bryant has been with the Cowboys since they drafted him in 2010. In 2014, Dez had the best year of his career, scoring 16 touchdowns and recording 1320 receiving yards.

Bryant is still considered to be one of the elite WRs in the league. However, his figures have not been as good as the likes of Antonio Brown, Julio Jones and Beckham Jr. over the last couple of years. A move away from the Cowboys might just be the best thing for the former Oklahoma State Cowboy.

Bryant has yet to sign a new contract with the Cowboys, so it remains to be seen if the two parties can agree on new terms, or if the 29-year-old will become available over the next few months. Belichick is sure to be a fan of the three-time Pro Bowl player.

Courtesy of Cheesehead TV

Demaryius Thomas

Demaryius Thomas has been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the NFL since 2012, and is one of the reasons as to why the Denver Broncos have managed to reach two Super Bowls in the last five years.

Horse Tracks: Welcome back, Demaryius Thomas https://t.co/SnPSX0ThVD pic.twitter.com/SjviQXSff8

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) March 14, 2018

Since Peyton Manning retired, the Broncos have yet to find a quarterback they are comfortable with. This could lead to Thomas considering his options. Consequently, he may push for a move away from Denver before the start of the 2018 season.

This wouldn’t be the first time Belichick has opted for an experienced receiver to help bolster his roster. Given his track record, Thomas will surely jump at the prospect to work under the future Hall of Fame coach.

In the meantime, the focus for Belichick and the management team at the Patriots will be on the 2018 NFL Draft, which begins on April 26 from the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Courtesy of The Denver Post

Cover image courtesy of NFL.com.

Who Will the Patriots Draft at Quarterback?

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Tom Brady Endorsing Lamar Jackson

Tom Brady will go into this season being 41. Belichick knows he has to draft a quarterback this upcoming draft to be realistic. There is no way that Belichick won’t go into this season without drafting a quarterback. It looks like Tom Brady is all in on Lamar Jackson.

On NFL Network’s Instagram, there’s a post which is what you see in the picture below. Tom Brady comments “He’s a beast!!!!” with a thumbs up emoji. Moreover, you can take this one or two ways. One, that’s who Brady wants to be his successor. Or two, he thinks the Patriots defense is horrible and Jackson would run all over the Patriots defense. Personally, I think it’s the first reason.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhcvXfilJ-_/?hl=en&taken-by=nflnetwork

Lamar Jackson is a 2016 Heisman Trophy winner and can tear defense’s apart with his running game. Also, with Brady endorsing the Instagram post, it seems like he wants the Patriots to draft him. Jackson’s response on Twitter shows he’s excited when the GOAT spoke.

The🐐 Spoke 😈 https://t.co/Woo9c2IMH2

— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) April 12, 2018

The Options at the Quarterback Position

The second option the Patriots could have is Sam Darnold out of USC. Furthermore, could the Patriots trade with the Cleveland Browns to take Sam Darnold number one or four overall? Belichick wants to give Josh McDaniels the best team possible when he takes over next season. Finally, there is no way Tom Brady will sign an extension. He’s done after his contract is up. If he wasn’t done, why would he be endorsing a quarterback on Instagram? Seems like Brady doesn’t know Belichick is leaving, but he realizes that it’s almost time for him to hang it up.

In addition, it would be a slap in the face to Robert Kraft and fans that thought he was going to play till 45. However, there’s no way he’s playing till he’s 45. The end of “Tom VS. Time” told you that. So who will the Patriots draft? Almost certain that remains to be seen but it will be either Lamar Jackson or Sam Darnold. Consequently, you have Nick Caserio going to all these private workouts because he knows Belichick is gone in a year. He wants to make sure who they draft will be a good fit for the Patriots’ system post-Belichick.

Cover image courtesy of Daily Snark.

Robert Kraft Knows the End Is near for Tom Brady

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It Seems Kraft Regrets the Decision to Trade Jimmy Garoppolo

Via NBC SportsAfter everything that has come out regarding the Patriots, Kraft is coming to a realization. The end is near for Tom Brady, and even Bill Belichick too. As for Brady, it seems like he’s going to play out his contract and retire. This would mean one more year with Belichick and one year with Josh McDaniels as head coach.

Kraft Doesn’t Have Any Problems with Brady’s Contract

Via CNBCRobert Kraft told Jeff Howe of the Athletic that he doesn’t have any problems with Brady’s contract. If it becomes an issue then they will figure it out. A year ago in March, Kraft talked about how he just talked to Brady and he wants to play till he’s 45. Now with Garoppolo gone, Brady’s referencing how he needs to spend more time with his family. It’s getting Kraft thinking that he’s losing his coach and quarterback in these next two years.

Now Kraft has to be upset with Brady when they just traded Garoppolo. At least the coach is all set and Belichick is realistic. Brady, however, is kind of being selfish. Kraft also said, “I don’t think anyone would have believed 10 years ago that he would have played this year, gone to the Super Bowl and been MVP of the league at 40 years old. It’s just unbelievable. It speaks to the way he takes care of himself, the way he trains, how much film he watches, one of the hardest working guys. He is driven to excel. I think as long as he feels he is like that, he’ll keep playing. We’re so lucky to have him in our system.”

The Patriots will draft a quarterback this draft. You have one year to groom him with Brady Belichick and McDaniels. Then one year with Brady and McDaniels. Three years from now we’ll be looking at a completely new Patriots team.

Should Alex Guerrero Be Allowed to Work with the Patriots?

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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Alex Guerrero: Health Guru / Locker Room Menace

This past season for the New England Patriots was filled with more drama involving its own clubhouse than I can ever remember in recent history. The drama started to unfold when Seth Wickersham cited a rift between Kraft, Belichick, and Tom Brady. The drama stemmed back to one man: Alex Guerrero.

For those not familiar with Mr. Guerrero, he is Tom Brady’s trainer, health guru, close personal friend, and now ENEMY of Bill Belichick. The Wickersham report basically stated that Belichick was unhappy with Guerrero’s presence in the clubhouse and on the sidelines, which ultimately lead to a ban him from being associated with the Patriots. To no one’s surprise this did not settle well with TB12, who loves having this guy around. Let’s face it, he played an ENORMOUS role in saving Tom’s career.

SIDE NOTE – Not sure if anyone noticed in Tom vs Time, but EVERY TIME Brady got treatment at the Patriots facility, it appeared to be on a massage bed in some sort of luxury suite.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Should He Be Allowed to Work with the Team?

The question football fans have surrounding this situation is an easy one: is Bill taking this entire situation too far? My answer is simple. Yes, he is going WAY too far with this one, and usually I don’t question The Hoodie (unless it comes to sitting Malcolm in the Super Bowl). But I have to question this decision from an outsider’s standpoint.

It has been speculated that not only Tom, but other Patriot players have reached out to Alex for help with battling injuries or his health methods. Guys like Jimmy G, Gronk, Julian Edelman, and now Malcolm Mitchell have been reported as other players seeking for Guerrero’s guidance and methods. Don’t get me wrong, I can understand Bill’s perspective behind banning Alex from the locker room because he doesn’t want to undermine the trainers. But guess what Bill: TIMES CHANGE, METHODS CHANGE, THINGS CHANGE. If certain guys want to enhance their health and ability to perform on the field and for the good of the team, then let them. Nothing wrong with new methods.

Malcolm Mitchell, Julian Edelman, and Rob Gronkowski do have something in common with Tom Brady, and that is INJURIES. These three guys knew beforehand about Tom tearing his ACL and also being 40 years of age, yet still playing at the highest level imaginable. Why wouldn’t these guys want to seek help from the same man who put Tom’s health and training over the edge? With Julian tearing his ACL too, and the numerous injuries Gronkowski has sustained, why wouldn’t they want to get better and improve for the long-term? It’s a NO BRAINER! Let these guys do what they have to do! And let’s immediately get them some avocado ice cream!

photo credit- @OnlyInBos

Closing Argument

Since working with Guerrero, Tom Brady has been an absolute mad man. A man on a mission. An old dog still in the fight, and off his chain. The last thing I want to do is upset the Greatest of All Time. Brady has credited his recent success in large part to Alex and the worth ethic that he has. A no days off mentality, and boy has it showed. Tom is going to be 41 and is still THE BEST QB in the NFL.

I 100% back Tom in this decision and hope Bill doesn’t ruin relationships over Alex and his methods. Alex should just be hired by the team and guys who want to train with him can do so. There’d be no chastising like Rob Gronkowski dealt with in a locker room incident. Tom, Bill, and Robert Kraft have built a legacy together here in New England. One can only assume they won’t let a trainer get in between that and ruin another Super Bowl run… Or a friendship

BOTTOM LINE- Dont piss off the GOAT !

The Patriots’ Future is Lined up in the Draft

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This upcoming draft is going to say a lot about the New England Patriots’ plans. Trading Brandin Cooks for the 23rd overall pick has opened many doors. They can select the quarterback of the future, bring in an elite WR, or stay put and address needs within the roster.

Draft the Heir

There are multiple reports saying that the Patriots have interest in drafting a quarterback early. As reported by Benjamin Allbright, the Patriots have interest in Josh Rosen. Another report by Jason LaCanfora says the Patriots are eyeing Sooners standout Baker Mayfield in the draft. Apparently, the Patriots have an “affinity” for Mayfield, and are strongly considering moving up to draft the quarterback. Drafting a promising young quarterback now would allow them to learn from Tom Brady. If the Patriots go this route, they will be giving up a lot of assets that would help them win now. However, as much as I do not want to admit it, the Patriots and football will go on once Tom Brady retires. It is crucial that the Patriots have a ready and able quarterback when that time comes.

Staying Put

The Patriots have a need at left tackle, linebacker, and cornerback, which they can address at picks 23 and 31. At pick 23, the Patriots can either fill the need at left tackle or linebacker. They have a shot at landing either Rashaan Evans (who they just met with), or Leighton Vander Esch. Evans will bring much-needed athleticism to the Patriots’ front seven. Vander Esch is another big athletic linebacker who would help the Patriots out tremendously. However, if the Patriots choose to solidify Brady’s blind side they could select Kolton Miller. Miller protected Josh Rosen and earned Second Team All Pac 12 honors. At 31, the Patriots can address their need at corner. A name that comes to mind is Mike Hughes. Hughes was awarded first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors, and was a key cog in UCF’s undefeated season. The Patriots would be able to restock their offensive line or fill holes in the defense with these two selections.

All In

The asking price of Odell Beckham Jr. is two first round picks. The New England Patriots have two first round picks. Trading for OBJ means the Patriots are all in with Tom Brady and winning a sixth ring. Brady and Odell have been flirting with each other all year on Instagram, and it would be a match made in football heaven. Mathematically, Odell’s contract would perfectly replace Cooks. They are both on the fifth year option of their rookie deals. Odell wants it to happen, Brady wants it to happen, most Patriots fans want it to happen. The only thing Bill needs to do is make the phone call.

Balls in Bill’s Court

Coach Belichick has the opportunity to set the Patriots up for success after both he and Tom Brady call it quits. It is going to be up to him to decide if he wants to go all in for the next two years (or maybe one) or set up the empire for a continued run of dominance. The ball and the Patriots future is in his court.

Can We Move on from Malcolm Butler?

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Move on from Malcolm Butler

FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 24: Cornerback Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots has an Interception against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)

The Super Bowl was two months ago, and people are still on the Malcolm Butler benching. Yes, he should’ve played in the second half. However, there’s a reason he didn’t. That reason is very simple: he never traveled with the team. Instead of seeing a doctor before the team left, he saw one on the day of the team was leaving.

All this talk about Malcolm Butler being benched is really annoying. He was benched because he missed the team plane. By the time he got to the Super Bowl the Patriots already had their game plan in place. The plan was Malcolm would have a limited role. However, Butler didn’t have a good week in practice, so he never played in the game.

Belichick Will Go Around the Answer Because It’s “the Patriot Way”

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick stands on the field before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)Bill Belichick always has his way of doing things. Butler should’ve went to the doctor before he left. The plane is huge. He could’ve gone to the doctor and sat by himself on the team plane. They gave him a chance with a limited role when he got there. However, he wasn’t into the plan and didn’t play in the game at all.

Butler should’ve played in the game because it’s the Super Bowl, but Bill was trying to prove a point. Now you can argue that wasn’t a time or place to have a teachable moment. But if we know Belichick, he doesn’t care what game it is. If he’s trying to prove a point he will. The reason has already been out about Butler. You just have to read in between the lines.

Reason number one: Butler didn’t travel with the team. Reason number two: he didn’t have a good week in practice, and was then benched for the entire game. Butler has moved on, or so we thought, since he likes to keep talking about it. The Patriots sure have moved on, and maybe somebody else will as well soon. Stay tuned.

Rob Gronkowski Is Back for Another Season

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Rob Gronkowski will be back for another season with the Patriots. The speculation comes after his Super Bowl comments about weighing his options out. According to ESPN, though, Rob Gronkowski will be in a Patriots uniform this season. The rift between him and Belichick still remains, however.

Gronk 'pretty certain' he'll return, sources say https://t.co/9KipqGbBQF pic.twitter.com/gDfB6y7mvi

— ESPNBoston (@ESPNBoston) April 1, 2018

The “Patriot Way” Is Getting Old

Gronkowski likes to be taken out of his shell. Meaning having the power to do and say what he wants. Belichick didn’t like that Gronk told Amendola to be free and happy in a Instagram post. With everything mostly held in-house at One Patriot Place, some players are starting to get sick of the “Patriot Way”.

Bill’s way of doing things has been the same for 18 seasons. He’s brought five Super Bowls to New England and drafted the greatest quarterback of all time. However, players want to have more fun. Gronk wants to win, so as long as Brady returns, he’ll follow in suit. He won’t return next season for Belichick; he’ll be back because of Brady.

(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Kraft confirmed the other day that there is tension between him and Belichick. However, there was more tension when Kraft first became the owner of the team. Let me say this- there’s no way he would ever leave Brady stranded. He’s already lost Amendola, Edelman is coming back from injury, and who knows how Brandon Cooks will do.

Rob Gronkowski Is Tired of Belichick’s Orders

Via Bleacher ReportGronkowski and other players have tension with Belichick, but that’s not stopping Bill from doing what he thinks is best for the team. Bill has made appearances at the majority of combines and NFL camps this off-season. Why is that? Yes, because he loves the game, but there could be even something bigger happening. Bigger than just Gronkowski coming back.

Gronkowski will be back for at least two more years, as long as Brady keeps playing.

Biggest Risers and Fallers in Free Agency Thus Far

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In one of its craziest offseasons, the NFL has seen a flurry of free agent moves and trades. Which teams are likely to rise and improve? Which teams are likely to fall and decline?

Risers

Cleveland Browns – This was a gimme. The Browns looked like they belong playing in college football, with winning only one game in two years. What does new GM and resident savior in Cleveland do? John Dorsey reshaped this whole team by trading for Jarvis Landry, Tyrod Taylor, and Damarious Randall, and signing seven free agents, most notably being Carlos Hyde, T.J Carrie, Chris Hubbard, and Darren Fells. They did take a hit with the retirement of Joe Thomas, though. With a transformed offense and still having two of the top five picks, the only way this team can go is up.

Photo Credit: theplayoffs.com

Chicago Bears – One of the most complete offseason so far, the Bears have acquired good players in all three aspects of the game. They signed two receivers and a tight end in Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Trey “Philly Special” Burton, which gives now second-year quarterback Mitch Trubisky some much-needed weapons on offense. They also signed OLBs Aaron Lynch and Sam Acho, along with resigning Prince Amukamara to bolster the defensive side of the ball. The Bears also contain a high draft pick to address the defense too. Along with the signing of kicker Cody Parkey, these Bad News Bears have the chance to change their name.

Photo Credit: dynastyleaguefootball.com

Tennessee Titans – Am I upset that two of my favorite players are on different teams? Absolutely. Do I wish the best for them? Absolutely, they deserve it. The Titans now boast a two-headed monster with the shifty Dion Lewis and powerful Derrick Henry. Malcolm Butler is going to a secondary that already boasts the interceptions leader and a very promising rookie. There isn’t a lot of weakness on the team. Linebacker is the biggest need and will most likely be addressed in the first round of the draft. Face it, Titans are going to be a scary team this year.

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Other risers: Rams, Texans, 49ers

Fallers

Seattle Seahawks – Russell Wilson might as well scramble every play with that offensive line that’s “protecting” him. Seattle also lacks a real run game although potential standout Chris Carson is returning from injury, and they lost pass catchers Paul Richardson and Jimmy Graham. The breakup of the Legion of Boom and losses of Michael Bennett and Sheldon Richardson leaves this team with too many needs on both sides of the ball.

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Detroit Lions – The Vikings got Cousins and Richardson, the Packers got Graham and Wilkerson, and the Bears got A-Rob and Taylor Gabriel (and more). All other teams in their division got better which leaves the Lions grasping for whatever leftovers they can get. They did sign LeGarrette Blount who will improve their otherwise nonexistent run game. However, the losses of Haloti Ngata, Tahir Whitehead, and Eric Ebron are drastic. Deshawn Shead and Devon Kennard can improve the team a little bit, but they are going to need a great draft, a couple more FA signings, and a bigger beard from a certain someone in their management.

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Arizona Cardinals – The solution to losing an injury prone quarterback? Get another one. And better yet, pay him $20 million a year. Especially when your offensive line needs serious improvement. Why not cut one of your best defensive players while you are at it? This was a pretty easy one. Sam Bradford is a high-risk player and the loss of Tyrann Mathieu is devastating.

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Other fallers – It was hard to really say if a team was a faller because many teams lost notable free agents, but made signings that could make up for it. Those teams would be neutral or undecided until further notice.