Tag Archives: #BillBelichick

New England’s Changing Talent

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The New England Patriots are once again in the midst of an incredible stretch of success. They’ve won two of the previously three Super Bowls, and are looking to make it three of four next Sunday. Historically, there is a core group of players responsible for this level of success. The 1970’s Steelers boasted an endless group of Hall of Famers on both sides of the ball. The 1990’s Cowboys had the trio of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin.

Even the Patriots teams of 2001-2004 had Tom Brady and Troy Brown on offense to compliment Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, and Willie McGinest on defense in each Super Bowl. This iteration of the Patriots dynasty lacks that core group. There’s been an astonishing change in each Patriots team, which makes the success that more impressive. Different players keep coming through New England’s revolving door of talent, yet the success doesn’t stop.

New England’s Changing Talent

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The Patriots Best Weapons Have Struggled to Stay on the Field – Image credit NBC Boston

The Offensive Core

In theory, the Patriots offense would run through quarterback Tom Brady, receiver Julian Edelman, and tight end Rob Gronkowski. When all three are on the field together, they’re practically unstoppable. The problem is keeping all three on the field. Brady is an ironman, but injuries have plagued both Edelman and Gronkowski over the years.

The trio was able to stay healthy for the entirety of the 2014 season, and unsurprisingly it led to the Patriots finally getting the elusive fourth ring. Since then, keeping both on the field has been a challenge. Gronkowski only played in eight games in the 2016 season and missed the entire postseason. Nonetheless, the Patriots still went on to win the Super Bowl without the big tight end.

2017 could post the biggest challenge of them all. Edelman tore his ACL in the preseason, ending his season before it began. Gronkowski suffered a concussion in the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He seems likely to play in the Super Bowl, but it’s not certain yet. Obviously, Brady is the most important piece of the core, but the fact that the Patriots could win three Super Bowls with that trio only playing in one is nothing short of amazing.

The Defensive Core

New England Has Had to Look to Several Different Players for Big Plays – Image Credit USA Today

 

Offensively, the Patriots have struggled to keep the core on the field together. Defensively, the Patriots have constantly rotated the heart of their defense. In 2014, the defense was led by the ferocious linebacker duo of Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins, to go along with defensive linemen Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich. The secondary was held down by safety Devin McCourty and cornerback Darelle Revis.

Two years later, only Hightower, Ninkovich and McCourty remained from that defense. Collins was replaced by Kyle Van Noy, Revis was replaced by Malcolm Butler (who had a pretty big impact against Seattle), and Jones was replaced by Trey Flowers. All three replacements were able to adequately fill the shoes of their predecessors, and helped New England get ring number five.

Once more, 2017 could be even more of a challenge. Ninkovich retired in the offseason and Hightower went down in week seven. With these losses, Devin McCourty is likely to be the only major star to have played significant snaps in all three Super Bowls.

Offensive Role Players Stepping Up

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Receiver Danny Amendola Makes the Biggest Plays at the Biggest Moments – Image Credit Getty Images

With all of this turnover, how are the Patriots able to remain so successful? Having Bill Belichick as coach and Brady as quarterback obviously help, but they can’t do it alone. Each season, they have depended on their depth to step up. Each season, it’s been a different supporting cast stepping up.

In order to field this much success with that much star turnover, logic would dictate that the group of reserves would stay consistent. Logic would be wrong. Offensively, the only players outside of Brady to have seen all three Super Bowls are receiver Danny Amendola and left tackle Nate Solder.

The only running back left from the 2014 squad is James White, who wasn’t even active for Super Bowl 49. LeGarrette Blount and Shane Vereen starred against the Seahawks, while White stole the spotlight against Atlanta. This year, the backfield is likely to be headed by Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead.

Amendola has consistently served as Brady’s security blanket in the playoffs, but the pass catching depth around him has been constantly changing. Brandon LaFell was the guy in 2014 before Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell took over the outside roles in 2016. With Gronkowski sidelined, Martellus Bennett became the primary tight end in 2016. This year, the outside receivers are likely to be Hogan and Brandin Cooks. If Gronkowski can’t go, Dwayne Allen will become the top tight end on the depth chart.

Over the three Super Bowls, Brady is likely to lean on five separate running backs, six receivers, and possibly three tight ends. That averages out to a completely new starting cast every single season. No offense should be able to function at this level of efficiency with this much turnover. In spite of that, somehow the Patriots manage.

Defensive Role Players Stepping Up

The defense has gone through even more turnover. Hightower is the last player left in the front seven from the 2014 Super Bowl squad, and he’s missed the majority of the season. New England has completely redone its defensive front in four years, and still managed to put together a Super Bowl caliber unit.

The secondary has had relative consistency, but there’s still been moving parts. The safety trio of McCourty, Patrick Chung, and Duron Harmon have been a part of all three units. Butler’s been in all three Super Bowls, starting two. The opposite cornerback spot has constantly rotated. In 2014, it was Brandon Browner. In 2016, it was Logan Ryan. With Ryan’s free agent departure, Stephon Gilmore was signed to fill the role.

Success isn’t supposed to happen like this. Teams aren’t supposed to consistently dominate in the face of constant change. This ability to succeed in the face of a consistently different cast of players truly highlights what makes Brady and Belichick so special. It doesn’t matter who they put out there, as long as that duo is around, the Patriots will always be the team to beat.

 

Cover image courtesy of The Denver Post.

Super Bowl LII Preview and Prediction

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Super Bowl LII

After all that developed during the 2017-2018 season, it will conclude with the two top-seeded teams squaring off in U.S. Bank Stadium. Fans and media have huddled around the drama, adversity and success (or lack thereof), of each NFL franchise since August. This year’s playoffs featured twelve teams which all had the potential to have their ticket to the Super Bowl punched. The Bills made their first playoff appearance in decades. Chiefs fans left Arrowhead Stadium disappointed after the Titans pulled off a comeback upset in the Wild Card. The Saints were one play away from advancing to the NFC Championship, until the Minneapolis Miracle happened. The postseason has been filled with surprises and highlights, but in the end, there can only be one victor.

On February 4th, the New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles, will battle to make history. All thirty-two teams in the NFL share a common goal: to win the Super Bowl. Every franchise grinds from August to January to earn a spot in the playoffs. The twenty that fail to make it plan accordingly to ensure that they will be present in January next season. The Super Bowl is the mecca of the football world, where sports and entertainment collide. Numbers, statistics and odds circle around the media in the two week break between the Championship games and the Super Bowl. This guide contains for betting on an array of props in the Super Bowl, ranging from points scored to the color of Gatorade poured on the winning coach.

Super Bowl LII- Patriots vs. Eagles: Three Things to Know

1. Experience is Key

Nick Foles will be making his first Super Bowl appearance, to add to his four postseason starts, in his six year career. Though impressive, it is a ninth of Tom Brady’s thirty-six starts in the playoffs. This will be Brady’s eighth Super Bowl appearance in his career, he has only lost in two of them. Coincidentally, the last time the Eagles appeared in the Super Bowl was in 2004, and they lost to none other than Tom Brady and the Pats. Fast forward fourteen years, both teams are completely different except for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady leading New England.

Brady and Belichick might have the upper edge with Super Bowl experience, but they have not faced the Eagles since 2015. Head coach, Doug Pederson, is a crafty play caller and defensive coordinator. Jim Schwartz coaches a young and hungry defense, that leads the league in defensive scoring. Nick Foles might be rattled in his first few drives in a Super Bowl environment, but the Eagles’ planning prior to kickoff could cause a few surprises.

2. Offensive Maestros

Nick Foles unexpectedly became a starter for the Eagles late into the season, after Carson Wentz suffered an ACL injury. He started out rusty the first few games, but was able to pull out a win in each of his starts, except for one. Foles is a talented veteran, and a scary backup, to have on a team. He picked up right where Wentz left off, with little turbulence.

Carson Wentz might have locked up the first seed in the playoffs for the Eagles, but it’s no fluke that Foles has gotten the team to the Super Bowl. In the NFC Championship, Foles tore apart the Vikings’ stingy defense. He posted 352 passing yards, and three touchdowns, in a blowout victory. The Eagles’ running back trio of Jay Ajayi, LaGarrette Blount, and Corey Clement, are all great weapons for Foles to utilize in the backfield as well. The Eagles’ boast a stacked receiving corp as well. Wrapping up the offense, Lane Johnson and his o-line, are one of the best in the league.

The opposing offense is extremely resilient. The Patriots are missing multiple starters to injury, but still cannot seem to lose. Dion Lewis is having a career year at the team’s primary running back position. Rob Gronkowski, whose availability is up in the air at the moment, can be a spark to the offense on every drive. Both Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola, are posting career numbers in the playoffs. Amendola has been a key receiver in the playoffs, and came in clutch on Sunday against the Jaguars.

However, only one team has Tom Brady. He has mounted a whopping eight postseason comebacks, upon a plethora more in the regular season. He completed an MVP-worthy season, without one of his best receivers, and an occasionally faulty offensive line. Only Brady could make a season like this look like a clinic.

3. Protect the Throne

Coming into this year, almost everyone expected the Patriots to make a deep playoff run. No one held the Eagles to the same standard. The Eagles are hungry for a Super Bowl trophy. Despite losing their starting quarterback, they came out swinging in every playoff match-up. They are not scared of Tom Brady, or the Patriots, but rather they are excited to dethrone them:

The Eagles want nothing more than to have a repeat of the beat-down they gave to the Vikings. Though they are the one seed in the NFC, they were written off in the Divisional Round. The Eagles embraced their underdog role, and played their hearts out throughout the playoffs. Now in the Super Bowl, the odds are against them once again. This time, however, they will battle one of the most methodical teams in the NFL. The Patriots are elite because of the preparation they put into each game. Their game-plan changes depending on what team they face. They have two weeks to study film, and see how the Eagles play. Bill Belichick is amazing at pointing out teams’ weaknesses, so it is safe to say the Patriots will be ready. We’ll all have to see how this match-up fares out on Super Bowl Sunday.

Prediction: 33-24 Patriots

 

Cover image courtesy of PennLive.com.

New England’s Unsung Defensive Heroes

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It is ridiculous to think that the New England Patriots are headed to another Super Bowl. Tom Brady has been an NFL starter for sixteen seasons and will be under center for his eighth Super Bowl. At this point only the mentally challenged debate the GOAT argument.

But Brady will be the first one to tell you he didn’t get here alone. In the ultimate team sport, he is the ultimate team guy. In that light, we should take some time to recognize the guys not getting the attention they deserve for what they’ve done this post-season.

Stephon Gilmore

It was a hard adjustment for Gilmore in New England. No question at all, he struggled in the first half of the season. Unlike his Bills teammate Mike Gillislee, Gilmore made the necessary adjustments, learned the system, and blossomed into everything for which we could have hoped.

If the Patriots go on to win their sixth Lombardi, Gilmore’s pass defense on fourth and fourteen will go down as one of the greatest defensive plays in Patriots history. It was game saving. Westbrook would have walked into the end zone if Gilmore missed.

Photo Credit: SI

But Gilmore has contributed much more than that single play. He was literally perfect in the divisional round game against Tennessee. He didn’t allow a single catch in four targets.

Malcolm Brown

Whatever happened to Leonard Fournette and the Jaguars ground game that led the league in rushing? Malcolm Brown happened. The third year tackle out of Texas has become the run-stuffer we’ve needed since Big Vince left for Houston.

Credit: NBC Sports

Brown has led a front four that has shut down Fournette, Derrick Henry, and contained two run-threat QBs in these playoffs. He’s done it without the help of Alan Branch or Dont’a Hightower. For New England to beat Philadelphia, we will need another huge game from the big man in the trenches.

James Harrison

After missing three weeks with an injury down the stretch, Kyle Van Noy returned to form against the Jags (nine tackles, one sack, one forced fumble). But his impressive stat line shouldn’t take away from the contributions of Harrison. Too old and slow to get on the field in Pittsburgh (good call Tomlin), Harrison has been a key contributor since arriving in New England. His Week 17 introduction (five tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble) against the Jets gave us a glimpse of what he might have left in the tank. The way he set the edge against Tennessee kept Mariota in the pocket and forced the run right into the big guys in the middle.

Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images via USAToday

Harrison was equally effective Sunday against Jags – containing the edge, swarming to the ball, and applying pressure on Bortles. It was Harrison who busted around the left edge to get to Bortles first as Van Noy hit him from the center for the key nine yard sack on second down taking us to the two-minute warning. Two plays later Gilmore sealed the game.

Great Defensive Schemes Wins Championships

There is a symbiotic relationship between offense and defense in football. Rarely can you win with only one championship caliber squad. Even in the years that the Pats won with marginal defenses, they were always great situationally, stellar in the red zone, and usually among the league leaders in turn-overs.

This year’s defense is not the ’85 Bears. But, they don’t have to be. All they have to do is continue to make key stops and keep the game close. The defensive adjustments the Pats made at halftime Sunday were every bit as important as Tom Brady to the win. Taking away the run and preventing Jacksonville from running out the clock. Applying pressure on Bortles late in the game. Great play after great play by an unheralded but truly elite secondary. These are the reasons New England even had a chance to win at the end.

These are also the reasons why Matt Patricia should be the runaway choice for the Associated Press’ NFL Assistant Coach of the Year. When Matty P moves on to coach the Lions, the next Patriots defensive coordinator will have big shoes to fill.

 

How Do You Beat Brady and The Hoodie ?

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I think it is time to ask the question again that many NFL teams have been asking themselves for years.  The pressing question is “How do you beat Brady and the Hoodie?”  The answer is really not complicated, but it is the execution that’s so difficult.  In this article I will elaborate a little further to show you why Brady and the Hoodie make such a formidable tandem.

 

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

The Real Answer is Quite Simple

If you really want to beat Tom Brady and Bill Belichick then you just need to out- work them.  See what I mean, it is not a complicated answer so why does it not happen more?  The reason why it is hard to out-work TB12 and Coach B is that they constantly work and try to improve.  Their sheer dedication and desire to  to win and improve makes them just so damn good.

Think about how dedicated you would have to be to win and improve if you were Tom Brady.  He has already won more then almost anyone else that has ever played in the NFL, so why the desire?  That is the intangible that makes Brady better then anyone that has ever played the QB position in the league’s history.  The very same thing can be said about Bill Belichick when it comes to wanting to win and improve.  Both of these men still have as much desire as they have did when they joined the league.

You Just Have To Out Work Them

As I have been saying, the way to beat Brady and the Hoodie is to just out-work them.  That is such a simple but impossible thing to actually accomplish though.  It is your off day as an NFL player, and you decide that you are going to hang out with some buddies.  This is where you have already lost. Tom Brady is at home with his clicker in hand watching video of your team.  Tom has looked at every defensive scheme your team can use against him.  Not only that, but already figuring out how to beat them as well.  That is why Tom Brady is a winner and your team comes close but does not win.

Coach Belichick is a man that constantly studies football.  Coach does not spend any time using all that social media like Snapface, because he has better things to do.  There is not a scenario that Coach B and his other coaches are not prepared for when playing the game.  The best team in the NFL at making adjustments at all points of the game is Belichick’s Patriots.  BB is always the next move ahead of you, which makes beating him very difficult to anticipate.  It is evident to anyone watching that Brady and Belichick are playing chess and the others are playing checkers.

 

Do You Have The Dedication To Beat Them?

The biggest question that opposing players and coaches have to ask themselves is “are we dedicated enough?”.  Unless you are not willing to put in more work than ever then you cannot expect to win.  The tandem of Brady and Belichick are just willing to out work anyone and everyone in their path.  You would have to expect to lose unless you can match their dedication and work.  Both of these men have forgotten more then most players and coaches will ever remember about football, period.  Unless you have the dedication to give your blood, sweat, and tears to the sport then you will just come close but not win as much as you think.

 

 

Stop Taking Greatness for Granted

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There is something inherently wrong with that large segment of American culture that sees greatness and feels victimized by it. Rather than appreciate it for what it is, they feel the need to attack it.

As Patriots fans, we’ve seen that for years in the petty jealousies of vanquished foes and corrupt league officials. We are also more than accustomed to local beat writers who hate the local teams. Rather than report on the game, they disparage the team’s accomplishments, take exception with the leadership, and attack the players. They do this because the coaches and players do what those writers only dream they could. Yes, Dan Shaughnessy, I’m talking about you.

From Foxborough to Tuscaloosa

As awful as life may be outside your chosen athletic distraction, it’s pretty good as a New England fan. As sports fans we should recognize that we live in magical times. To answer for the brutal awfulness of Saturday’s NFL playoff games, Monday’s College Football National Championship game was a gift from the football gods to remind everyone why we watch sports.

Photo Credit: SI

Love Nick Saban or hate him, Alabama football is a thing of beauty. And they are not alone. From UConn’s women’s basketball to Duke’s men’s team, and from the San Antonio Spurs to the New England Patriots – there are organizations today that defy the norm and achieve on historic levels in every sport. We should recognize and appreciate their greatness, even if they’re not our team.

What Saban has accomplished in Alabama – five national championships in the last nine years – is astounding. Given that there are 129 NCAA Division I FBS football programs, all of which get 85 full-ride scholarships – or about 25 new scholarship athletes per year – the recruiting playing field is level. Saban doesn’t get all the best players, there is talent enough to go around. How else can the University of Central Florida go undefeated and beat SEC powerhouse Auburn in a bowl game?

Despite a level playing field and abundance of talent, the Tide consistently out-recruit and out-play the rest. Like the Patriots, Alabama is a case study in excellence.

Appreciate the Greatness

Like many, I have predicted that the Patriots will lose both Patricia and McDaniels this offseason, and that the dynasty is nearing its end. Barring some draft, free agency, or a series of medical miracles that will fix Jules’ knee, keep Gronk healthy, and prolong MVP-caliber performance from the oldest guy in the league, I still believe that to be true.

But so what? There is a game to play this weekend. The Patriots should be in the Super Bowl this year. Things happen so quickly in the NFL that we should savor what we have today. And, on top of all that, we know that the New England Patriots are the gold standard for organizational excellence.

The NFL is the most competitive league in professional sports. It is designed to ensure everyone is equally competitive.  From the salary cap, to draft and waiver order, to schedules designed to challenge better teams with stiffer competition, the NFL tries to level the field. Despite their efforts, for the past sixteen years the New England Patriots have won at the most impressive, historic rate imaginable. Nothing comes close to their five Lombardi’s, seven conference championships, and an absurd fifteen division titles.

Trust the Hoodie

The modern New England Patriots stand alone as the greatest professional sports dynasty in American history. And, rather than relish in the hyperbolic attacks by agenda driven morons in Bristow, Connecticut or professional naysayers at the Boston Globe, we ought to just appreciate what they’ve accomplished. We, myself included, should also trust that Kraft and Belichick are smart enough to keep this training rolling for a while longer.

Apocalypse Now?

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Following New England’s Super Bowl XXXIX victory over Philadelphia, Bill Belichick memorably embraced Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, his offensive and defensive coordinators. Both men were off to head coaching positions – Weis to Notre Dame and Crennel to the Cleveland Browns. Both were great coordinators and ultimately awful head coaches.

Image source: Boston.com

Today, as the Patriots prepare for a run at a historic sixth Lombardi Trophy, they again face the same prospect. Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia are both likely to receive one or more head coaching offers. Linebackers coach Brian Flores is also being considered for the Cardinals defensive coordinator position. (SBNation)

Closing Window of Opportunity

Even with Brady in his prime, it took New England ten years to win a Super Bowl after Weis and Crennel left. Brady doesn’t have ten years left. If his avocado ice cream and magic $200 jammies keep him healthy, he has maybe three high-quality seasons in him. And, after trading Jimmy G, we have no heir to the throne.

This is a flawed team. They can’t pressure the quarterback on defense and can’t protect our own on offense. The weakness of the defensive line forces the secondary to cover receivers for five to seven seconds on every passing play. Nobody can consistently do that. That’s why players as talented as Gilmore and Butler end up conceding monster yards almost every game. Make no mistake, the Pats secondary is one of the best in the league. They’re just asked to do the impossible every week.

The struggles of the OL have been obvious for a couple of years. They manifest themselves in sacks, hurries, hits, and poor QB decisions resulting from a desire to get rid of the ball. It is not a coincidence that Brady struggled down the stretch against Miami, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo – all teams who can bring pressure without blitzing. Brady was sacked 35 times this year, which is almost double last year’s rate (15 in 12 games).

Brady has been as good as anyone could ask in what should be his third MVP campaign. In addition to leading the league in yards and throwing 32 TDs against 8 INTs, he and Alex Smith are the only quarterbacks this year with a passer rating over 100 who’ve been sacked more than 28 times (pro-football-reference). We couldn’t ask for more from Tom. And we can’t expect more in the future.

Win Now

Despite their flaws and how poorly they’ve played down the stretch, this team is New England’s best chance at a sixth Lombardi for years to come. There is enough talent on this roster that the Pats should find themselves playing in Minneapolis on February fourth. Having the bye-week and home field advantage only help that cause.

The return of Hogan, White, Burkhead, and Mitchell will give Brady the options he’s lacked for a month. Those options will provide the over the middle safety net Brady needs to compensate for a weak line.

Image Source: Pro Football Rumors

The addition of James Harrison (5 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble on 28 snaps this week) and the return of Kyle Van Noy (and hopefully Alan Branch) will certainly improve the front end of the defense. Branch’s presence should improve the run defense and free up linebackers to pressure the quarterback or help in coverage. Van Noy should return fully healthy from his Week 13 calf injury.

With an improved front seven finally helping the secondary on defense and more options on offense to mitigate the weakness of the line, this year’s Patriots should be legitimate contenders for their sixth Lombardi. They need to take this opportunity, because history tells us that in losing both McDaniels and Patricia, the next one might be a long time in coming.

James Harrison: The Savior of The Pats’ Defense

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There are lots of cliches that could be used in this article, but “if you can’t beat them, then join them” could top the list.  It’s just a small part of the story which brought James Harrison to the Patriots.  The clown show that runs the Steelers thought that Harrison was done.  Pittsburgh thought his best days were long gone, but as we saw Sunday, wrong again Steelers.  Let me tell you why I feel that Harrison could become the savior of the beaten up Pats’ defense.

Via The Big Lead

Some Players Just Want To Win

The fact that James Harrison was cut by the Steelers seemed like a strange development to me.  Harrison terrified me when the Patriots played the Steelers.  The Steelers told the media that Harrison would not contribute much and they didn’t plan to play him.  Unless they live under a rock, they would see that Harrison is a workout monster.  His workouts include a game of volleyball using medicine balls.   Just picture that for a minute.  The Steelers also declared Harrison as too old and did not fit their schemes anymore. As you can see in the photo above, age does not matter if you are great.  Harrison evidently has a sense of humor as well. The picture above on his Instagram was followed with “finally a teammate older then me.”

Harrison wants to win and wants to play where he can contribute.  Watching Harrison on Sunday, he wants to win and hasn’t lost too many steps at all.  In limited playing time Sunday against the Jets, Harrison recorded five tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.  Does that sound like a player that has lost anything or does not want to play anymore?  Imagine when Harrison  learns the defense and his teammates better.  Be afraid, be very afraid.

 

Harrison  — The Piece The Pats D Has Lacked

Every team in the NFL has injuries.  Not exactly a newsflash there.  The Patriots have certainly had their fair share, if not more then a few other teams.  Already missing some key defensive players like Hightower made the Pats’ D vulnerable. James Harrison will give us a solid and sustained pass rush which has been an issue for the Pats.  Other then Trey Flowers and blitzing occasionally, the Pats have not posed a threat to the opposition’s QB.  Sunday could mark the turning point for this dilemma the D has faced all season.  James Harrison, inserted after minimal practice,  looks like the scary monster of the past.  He looks like the defensive savior we have needed this season.

The opponents of the Patriots now have consider potential pass rushes from both sides.  Flowers on one side and Harrison on the other is not an easy puzzle for any team to solve.  I think James Harrison may have just saved the Patriots in the one true area of vulnerability.  Our pass rush issues did not seem like much of a problem on Sunday.  Granted, we played the the Jets, but I do not think it would have mattered a great deal who it would have been.

 

Could Harrison Be ‘The Guy’?

It is a lot to ask for one player, but in his own way he joins the roster in the nick of time.  Isn’t it the Patriot Way to take players with something to prove and give them a platform to do it?  Harrison joins the likes of Randy Moss, Rodney Harrison and others players that have found a new home in Foxboro.  It is hard to believe after watching Sunday that Harrison will do anything but get better.

I would like to formally thank the Pittsburgh Steelers for allowing us to have James Harrison.  Once the Steelers find their way to winter vacations before the Super Bowl, they will realize that this was a stupid move on their part.  James, we are so glad to have you and look forward to you looking Goodell in the eyes in February.  I am sure that Goodell will just love handing you the Lombardi trophy and we will love seeing you hoist it as our savior.

Way Too Early 2018 Patriots 3-Round Mock Draft

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As the 2017 NFL regular season is coming to a close in a few weeks, analysts are beginning to look into each team’s future. The 2018 Draft is slowly approaching and now is the time to start to think about how college talent is going to be translated into the league next year. Some teams that were out of luck this season aim for renewal in 2018 as they hope whatever piece they bring in will be a game-changer. For others much like the Patriots the draft is for acquisitions that will be ready to go when their name is called. That could come in midseason of their rookie year, or the beginning of their third in the NFL. With the current state of the Patriots, there is no need for panic.

The Patriots are always silent when it comes to their plans for the future. We have seen two different front office approaches from the Patriots in the past. Back in 2012 they hit a home run by drafting both Dont’a Hightower and former Patriot Chandler Jones. Adversely last season they belted out their early picks as draft night approached for immediate talent like Brandin Cooks. The Patriots are not afraid to pass up on young talent in the draft, and through whatever algorithm they use they do not select many busts. Now five months away until the 2018 Draft, the Patriots currently have the following picks:

1st round pick (NE)

2nd round pick (NE)

2nd round pick (via San Francisco, acquired in the Garoppolo trade)

3rd round pick (NE)*

4th round pick (NE)*

6th round pick (NE)

7th round pick (NE)**

The Patriots will either have to give up their 3rd or 4th round pick to the Eagles due to a deal made for Eric Rowe back in 2016. This will be decided based on his snap percentage since 2016. Due to the playing time he has missed this season from injury, I can only see it feasible that the Patriots will have to give their 4th. The Seahawks own New England’s 5th round pick from a deal for Cassius Marsh in the offseason. Finally, the Pats might also owe their 7th round pick to the Bengals after acquiring Marquis Flowers from them back in August. However, it is unconfirmed if the pick was for 2018 or not.

The following mock draft will change a lot from now to April 26th due to draft order, team needs, free agency grades, etc. Some college prospects listed have not even declared for the 2018 draft yet.

1st Round: Ben Banogu, DE/OLB, TCU

If there’s one element that the Patriots need help with the most, it’s help with their pass rush. Their defensive line has not been the same since Rob Ninkovich retired in the offseason. Watching the likes of Josh McCown be able to dance around in the pocket and avoiding sacks is pretty frustrating for fans, and even more for defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. ESPN’s Todd McShay has Banogu as the Patriots’ first pick in his first mock draft for 2018. Ben Banogu can add depth behind Dont’a Hightower and is capable of moving down to help out Trey Flowers as well. This pick could be up in the air since 2017 pick Derek Rivers has not yet proven himself after suffering a torn ACL in the preseason. Banogu recorded 15.5 TFL and 8.5 sacks in 2017, which fell below the radar a bit. But underrated and versatile prospects are what Bill Belichick loves. He served in a 4-2-5 defense at TCU, which is similar to the Patriots’ scheme. This pick would be great to quickly address the team’s pass rushing problems.

2nd Round: Mason Rudolph, QB, OSU & Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida

Even though we all wish he could, Tom Brady can’t play forever. With a presumably early 2nd round pick from the 49ers, the Patriots will have a whack at getting one of the many promising QBs that this draft class offers. Mason Rudolph is one that could be slept on in the first round, making him irresistible early in the second. In his four years at Oklahoma State Rudolph threw for 13,267 yards and 90 touchdowns with a QBR of 159.3. A strong-arm quarterback that operates under a spread system is something to raise eyebrows at if he were to become a Patriot. A few years under Tom Brady will give Rudolph the intangibles to lead the team in the future.

Mike Hughes is a solid corner that is projected to be taken in the 2nd or 3rd round. In 2017 he posted five interceptions, eleven passes blocked, a forced fumble, and forty four tackles. His return skills add another dimension into his game as well. His leadership at Central Florida helped bring the team to an undefeated season. Malcolm Butler could potentially walk after this season if contract negotiations don’t go well. Adding depth at corner will certainly help Stephon Gilmore, who is finally showing his talent on the Patriots.

3rd Round: Jaylen Samuels, FB, NC State

This is assuming that the Patriots get to keep their third rounder from the Eric Rowe trade.

Don’t be deterred by the fullback listing; Jaylen Samuels is probably one of the most versatile players in this draft class. Samuels plays tight end for NC State, but also lines up to take carries out of the backfield and gets splits outside. In 2017 he has 69 receptions for 551 yards and four touchdowns through the air. On the ground averages 5.4 yards per carry for 383 yards and 11 touchdowns. He can be a great back to have on third down for the Patriots because of his unpredictability. Coach Belichick has a history of taking versatile players in the draft, Julian Edelman being a prime example.

Follow Mike Clement on Twitter: @MClementMedia

Dwayne Allen Can Make up for Disappointing Season Against Dolphins

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Dwayne Allen hasn’t had the most successful season with the Patriots to say the least.

The Patriots acquired Allen and a 2017 sixth round pick this past offseason from the Colts for 2017 fourth rounder. The 6th year tight end came to New England with 1451 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns under his belt. His highlight performance thus far came almost a year ago, where he recorded three touchdown catches in the first half against the Jets. That was the Dwayne Allen Coach Belichick wanted on his squad coming into this season. The Dwayne Allen that decimated the Jets’ defense in 2016 would be dangerous when lined up with Rob Gronkowski. Bill Belichick envisioned Allen as being a perfect backup to Gronk after Martellus Bennett left the team for Green Bay. With his catching and blocking abilities Allen was theoretically one of the more exciting additions to the team last offseason. Or at least fans thought.

Unexpected Disappointment

The average NFL season possesses a certain level of entropy. A team that is successful one season might not be the next. A prime example is just about every team from the AFC West this season. The same principle goes for individual players as well. Dwayne Allen was one of the centerpieces of the Colts’ offense last season. Dubbed “Pylon Allen” by BSE’s Jeff Jardine, he has been the opposite of that so far in New England. He expected a decline in numbers when he took a secondary role on the Patriots. However, this season has been disappointing, even in backup standards. Allen has caught a mere five passes on thirteen targets. An easy drop in the home opener against the Chiefs set the tone of his season. The 406 receiving yards he put up in 2016 are ten times the amount of what he has this season.

It has been tough skating for Dwayne Allen in New England, but he doesn’t seem the slightest bit defeated. With Gronk serving a one game suspension, he will likely get the start for the first time as Patriot Monday night. Allen hopes to have similar results as Gronk when he tore up the Dolphins’ defense in Foxborough two weeks ago.

A Story of Redemption

Dolphins’ defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh told reporters that it is his job on Monday night to get in Tom Brady’s head.

“My job is to piss him off and have him yelling at his offensive linemen for not blocking me, his coach and everybody on the sideline.”

With the Patriots’ offensive line riddled with injuries as of late, the Dolphins’ defensive game plan will be focused on pressure. The only way to slow down the Patriots is to send Brady to the ground early and often. They expect that with Gronkowski out this week the Patriots will focus on their run game and passing short. Dolphins’ scouts have seen Dwayne Allen’s stats this year and have ruled out him being a factor on offense.

But Coach Belichick likes to keep defenses thinking, and I can see him using Dwayne Allen without hesitation early into the game. Quick slants and cross routes down the middle of the field will be a reliable outlet for Brady to get the ball out of his hands. Dwayne Allen won’t let this opportunity to be a focal point of the offense go to waste when his name gets called.

 

Josh McDaniels Controls His Own Future

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Another head coaching opportunity might be available for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels this offseason. The New York Giants have reportedly reached out to McDaniels as a potential candidate for their vacant head coach position after firing Ben McAdoo earlier this week. NBC Sports’s Mike Giardi reports that when asked about his interest in the position in a conference call on Tuesday, McDaniels gave a reserved response:

“I’m just interested in the Dolphins right now. That’s where my focus is at and that’s where it’s going to stay.”

Josh McDaniels has not served as a head coach since 2010 with the Denver Broncos. However, he has been in the running for head coaching positions that have popped up in the past two offseasons. He fielded interest from the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers for their head coach vacancies in the past two years. He shut down each offer, and expressed that he is more than content in New England.

McDaniels has built up a tremendous résumé with the New England Patriots. After his promotion to offensive coordinator in 2005 his work has been instrumental for the team. In 2007, his offense set records after scoring 67 touchdowns on offense. Though he left the Patriots from 2009-2011, he has been present for all five of the team’s Super Bowl wins. Though he is satisfied with his current position on the Patriots, he still longs to be a head coach again. In come the Giants.

An Offer of a Lifetime

The Giants are much different from teams that haven given McDaniels offers in the past. They are at a very interesting point currently after clearing out Ben McAdoo and GM Jerry Reese. This has been a fluke season for the Giants. Injuries to Odell Beckham Jr., upon many others, crippled the team. No one going into this season saw the Giants having a losing record with the intangibles that they have. Injuries and poor coaching from McAdoo destroyed all passion that players had this season. Eli Manning briefly sitting on the bench caused him to realize his mortality in the league. If he decides to leave New York this offseason this could be a very interesting change in the team. The Giants can bounce right back by taking one of the premier quarterbacks this class has to offer.

Josh McDaniels is perfect for this role. He has the potential to do amazing things for the Giants franchise. This is a perfect opportunity to get to head coach one of the marquee franchises in the league. That said, he also could have a head coach role in the future where he is right now.

An Heir to the Dynasty

Though it could be a few years the road from now, Josh McDaniels could potentially receive a promotion. McDaniels has a very good shot at being the successor to the head coaching job in New England once Bill Belichick calls it quits. In a recent take on McDaniels’s future from NESN’s Doug Kyed, he suggests that Josh and director of player personnel Nick Caserio could work together to fill the head coach vacancy. The Patriots are known to promote from within once a position becomes available, so it is very possible that he could take over after Belichick retires.

The current question about that, however, is if he would rather stay in New England or take a current vacancy in New York. The reason why Josh McDaniels has turned down job offers in the past two years may allude to him potentially wanting the head coach job in New England in the post-Belichick era. Only in his 40’s, he could possibly stay with the Patriots for a number of years until Belichick retires. Josh McDaniels’s history in New England could keep him with the team for the long-run, and Patriots fans would love to see him take the reins in years to come.