Tag Archives: #BillBelichick

The Patriots Travel to Miami to Take on the Dolphins

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Monday Night Football

FOXBORO, MA – NOVEMBER 26: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

The Patriots travel to Miami to play the Dolphins on Monday night without Rob Gronkowski. He lost his appeal and will serve his one game suspension on Monday night. The Patriots however should beat the Dolphins without Gronk anyway. Far from elite quarterback Jay Cutler, who will be playing on Monday night, has never beaten the Patriots in his career. In the three times Cutler has played the Patriots his team was outscored by 34, 29, and 28 points. In two of the three times Cutler didn’t even finish the game.

Bill Belichick on Playing Without Gronk

ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 30: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball during NFL game action as Robert Blanton #26 of the Buffalo Bills and Zach Brown #53 and Jonathan Meeks #36 and Stephon Gilmore #24 gang tackle him at New Era Field on October 30, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

With Gronk not playing Bill Belichick was asked if the offensive game plan will change during his weekly Wednesday press conference:

“Well, we’ll just do what we always do. Take the players that we have available and match them up against the great team that Miami has, their defense and how difficult they are to play against and block and move the ball. Try to come up with the best plan that we can to be competitive with them Monday night.”

Another good question from today was how Brady was playing at such a high level at the age of 40.

“Yeah, well, Tom works hard. I think Tom’s talked a lot about that and discussed his personal training methods and so forth. So, I mean, he’s probably a better person to comment on that than I am, but Tom works hard.  He’s here every day and puts an awful lot into his preparation, both physically and mentally for the game. So, I think that has a lot to do with it.”

The Patriots Should Win Monday Night

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Patriots should be clear winners on Monday night. They are 10 point favorites and were 12 before Gronk lost his appeal. The defense is playing better and should be all over Cutler, who doesn’t want to play for the Dolphins anyway. The Patriots should walk away with a 34-17 win. Then it’s on to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers a week from Sunday.

BSE Week in Review

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Hey Boston Sports Extra Fans! The writing crew came through this week and worked off the post-Thanksgiving pounds, so you didn’t have to. There are many new original articles by our fantastic writers. Support and spread this Week in Review around and comment on the articles.

@PatriotExtra News

https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2017/12/five-forgotten-classics-bills-patriots-rivalry

https://bostonsportsextra.com/nfl/2017/12/brady-better-eli-period

https://bostonsportsextra.com/nfl/2017/11/will-garoppolo-return-new-england-patriots

https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2017/11/patriots-fans-nothing-worry-last-month-season

https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2017/11/jardines-means-will-beat-bills

https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2017/11/inactive-mike-gillislee

@CelticsExtra News

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-celtics/2017/12/will-celtics-go-streaking

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-celtics/2017/11/kyrie-irving-boston-may-win

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-celtics/2017/11/boston-celtics-ups-downs-week-6

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-celtics/2017/11/celtics-offense-catches-fire-blowout-win-orlando

@BruinsExtra News

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-bruins/2017/12/charlie-mcavoy-gone-beyond

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-bruins/2017/11/rasks-rough-start-costing-bruins

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-bruins/2017/11/jake-debrusk-future-nhl-superstar

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-bruins/2017/11/short-term-solution-bruins-season

@RedSox News

https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2017/12/five-forgotten-classics-bills-patriots-rivalry

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/12/trade-jackie-bradley-jr

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/12/greatest-left-fielders-red-sox-history

https://bostonsportsextra.com/mlb/2017/11/hof-case-moose-schill

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/greatest-shortstops-red-sox-history

https://bostonsportsextra.com/mlb/2017/11/roger-clemens-make-hall-fame

News from around the Sports World

https://bostonsportsextra.com/nfl/2017/12/rising-ashes-josh-gordons-return-gridiron

https://bostonsportsextra.com/uncategorized/2017/11/roger-goodell-fickle-father-nfl-football

https://bostonsportsextra.com/mlb/2017/11/barry-bonds-needs-hall-fame

https://bostonsportsextra.com/nfl/2017/11/unlikely-best-afc-west-emerging

https://bostonsportsextra.com/uncategorized/2017/11/analyzing-cfb-contenders-chances

https://bostonsportsextra.com/nfl/2017/11/eli-mannings-career

Patriots’ Keys to Victory Against the Bills

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This weekend the Patriots aim to continue their siege upon the AFC East as they head north to Buffalo.

Weirdly enough this will be only the Patriots’ third division game this season and first against the Bills. Ranking second in the division, the Bills are just above 0.500 at 6-5. They have had a few huge wins coming against the Falcons, Broncos, and Chiefs due to their stingy defense. However, in recent weeks the Bills have looked absolutely lost in some games. They went from beating the Raiders by a 20 point margin to getting manhandled by the Jets, Saints, and Chargers consecutively.

The entire season up until week nine the Bills’ defense only allowed their opponent to score over twenty points twice against the Bengals and Bucs. From week nine to now that stat flip-flopped, and the defense allowed more than twenty points in every game but one. Going into the midpoint of their season (week 9), the Bills had allowed 115 points. From that week to now alone they have allowed 145 points in four games.

The Nathan Peterman experiment dissipated after his unruly NFL debut against the Chargers. Tyrod Taylor is the team’s current answer as signal-caller if the team has playoff aspirations. The Bills are the captain of their own ship, and only head coach Sean McDermott can make it sink. In their first home game since they were annihilated by the Saints’ running game, the Bills are determined to get a statement win against their big brother in the AFC East. The Patriots rolling into town is always a huge game for the Bills, and if they can demonstrate any form of dominance they are very much alive in the wildcard race. Here are three keys to this game for the Patriots in order to rain on the Bills’ parade:

Dion Lewis Needs to Run Rampant

For the first time in his career last weekend Dion Lewis rushed for over 100 yards. With a slippery back like Lewis coming off a hot week the Patriots would be remiss to script their start of this game around him. The Patriots began their game against the Raiders running it down their throats until they tired it out and then took to the air. It worked then and it will work now, especially with the Bills’ rushing defense woes as of late. The Saints were able to post 298 rushing yards with 6.2 yards per run on the Bills with their running back committee of Ingram and Kamara. Dion Lewis could set the tempo of this game if he is able to return to a performance similar to last week against Miami.

It All Rests on Elandon Roberts’s Shoulders

Linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Marquis Flowers, and Trevor Reilly all questionable this week. With these integral parts of the defense potentially gone, Elandon Roberts has tough sledding ahead. All three linebackers were limited in practice this week. Worst case scenario David Harris and Nicholas Grigsby will assume the workload. Regardless, Elandon is tasked with stopping Bills’ workhorse LeSean McCoy. Bills’ offensive starters Kelvin Benjamin out and Jordan Matthews and Charles Clay are questionable this week as well. The Bills’ playbook this week will potentially be run-heavy in their absence. Roberts will be tasked with keeping the one-cut back at bay this weekend.

Watch out for Will, Mike, and Sam

The Patriots’ offensive line needs to protect Tom Brady. Period. The amount of hits Brady took last week against the Dolphins slowly got to him during the game. He began trying to force passes and ended up throwing a rare interception. Marcus Cannon is out and LeAdrian Waddle and David Andrews are questionable, which is not a good sign.

The Bills are aware of the Patriots’ o-line ailments, and will likely go for Brady as much as possible. Lorenzo Alexander will come for Brady’s head on a Sam (strong side) blitz. Ramon Humber will come on a Will (weak side) blitz. The duo will likely aim for the edges of the line if Nate Solder and Cameron Fleming are alone in their positions pending Marcus Cannon’s status. If Ted Karras gets another start this week in David Andrews’s potential absence he will have to look out for a Mike (down the middle) blitz. Buffalo is a difficult place to play in if the Bills’ defense is getting their way.

Why Brady Is Better Than Eli — Period

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I don’t know about you, but I am sick and tired of all the talk about Eli Manning this week. His team is playing like a bunch of pylons and Coach McAdoo decides to bench Eli Manning. Personally, that’s like firing the engine room guy when it’s the coach steering the ship. Also, with this benching there has been a lot of talk from Giants’ fans how Eli is better than Tom Brady. Well, other than the two Super Bowl victories over the Patriots, there is not really anything for a comparison.

Bitter Giants’ fans are trying to use the two Super Bowl victories over Brady to make this ridiculous statement. I think there is no way you can even attempt to make a statement like that. You first need to compare their careers overall and not just two games. That is why I will show you once and for all that Brady is the GOAT and Eli is just a sad sheep.

 

IT’S LIKE COMPARING APPLES AND ORANGES

The best analogy I can think of when comparing Eli Manning to Tom Brady is that it’s like comparing apples to oranges. Yes, both of these players are quarterbacks who have won Super Bowls and have had long careers. Manning is entering his 14th NFL season and has had a very solid career. Eli Manning has won two Super Bowls (both over the Brady-led Patriots), and has put up some impressive career stats. He has passed for more than 50,000 yards in his career and also for 334 touchdowns, which are both impressive milestones. Manning has also been the reigning NFL iron man for quarterbacks, with 212 straight starts since his career began. All in all, I would give Eli a career grade of B+, or maybe even an A-.

Now Giants’ fans are trying to say that Eli is better than Tom. This is why it’s not true. Brady has won five Super Bowls, more than the entire Manning family, including their father Archie.  That should be enough to win all comparisons all by itself but I have much more. Tom is playing in his 18th season in the NFL and plays better now then he likely ever has. Eli can’t say the same thing in that regard.

Before all of you Giants’ fans and Brady haters go even more nuts, think of this. Tom has dealt with as many injured players and issues if not more than Eli ever did. Tom and the Patriots played most of last season without Gronk and won the Super Bowl. Brady played most of last week’s game with a third-string player on his offensive line and threw for four touchdowns. Eli is without Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall this season, and that is tough for sure. Brady is without Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, and the list goes on. That excuse is just that; a sad reason to explain why Eli is declining or at least slowing down.

There are a couple of other stats that make this whole foolish comparison a moot point as well. The biggest stat that leaves no doubt that Brady is so much better than Eli is the number of respective wins. Brady has the most wins in NFL history by any quarterback, including the post season. Brady’s 217 regular-season wins and 25 post-season wins are just marks that may not ever be matched. How can you even think that Eli is in that class, let alone ahead of Brady? Manning has 118 wins, so just digest that stat for a minute. Brady is ahead of him by almost 100 wins, the equivalent of winning out including playoffs for five straight years.

Another stat that Eli is far behind Brady in would be their career TD/INT ratios. Eli has thrown an impressive 334 TD passes over his career but has amassed 222 INTs also. Tom Brady has thrown a jaw dropping 482 career TD passes and only 155 INTs over his playing time. Brady has significantly more TD passes, and not just because he has played longer. The fact that Brady has played quite a bit longer with only  he only 155 INTs, almost 70 less than Manning, is amazing.

(Mexico City 11/19/17) New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady congratulates wide receiver Brandin Cooks’s touchdown during the third quarter of the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Azteca Stadium on Sunday, November 19, 2017. Staff Photo by Matt Stone

NOT A FAIR FIGHT

Besides the number of Super Bowl appearances and wins versus Manning, there is another reason why Brady is just plain better. You will never see Tom Brady complain to the media or anyone that he does not have the tools to do his job. I honestly think that Brady could have a great season with only using other teams’ players that they released from their rosters. There is no way you could ever say the same thing about Eli Manning.

Tom Brady also realised that he must stay in fantastic shape to be able to play at age 40.  And Brady is not just playing at age 40, he’s excelling. He remains one of the front-runners for the league MVP this season. He has adapted his playing style to bounce around in the pocket to allow his receivers to get open. Eli Manning has the agility of a refrigerator and is just a sitting duck in the pocket.

Before all of you Giants’ fans and haters go off on a tangent of saying that Brady plays in the weak AFC East, just hang on a minute. Brady also plays in the AFC, which has been the stronger conference in the NFL for some time. The AFC contains teams like the Steelers, Ravens, Chiefs, Raiders, Bengals, who have been consistently solid for many years during Brady’s career. The NFC usually has the Packers, Seahawks, Saints and maybe one team for the NFC East be solid every season. It is just not a fair fight to say that where you play makes that much difference.

The NFL schedule is also weighted, where the better you finish the previous season gives you a harder time next year. The Patriots won the Super Bowl last year and are at a record of 9-2 at this point of their schedule. It has not been a cake walk and the team and the Patriots are dealing with a boat load of injuries and not missing a beat. Can Eli Manning and the Giants say anything like that? I didn’t think so, but thanks for trying.

Before Giants’ fans or Brady haters start spreading fertilizer all over social media, they should check their facts. The only thing that matters is the W and Tom continues to put those up regardless. You do not see him whining about things other players or his coaches are doing. You certainly wouldn’t see him crying in the locker room about it to the media. Get used to it people, you hate us cuz you ain’t us and that’s about it.

 

 

Jardine’s Means : How We Will Beat the Bills

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Fresh off a lovely victory over the very sad, chippy Miami Dolphins and we are “on to the Bills”. I have a question for everyone: how is Suh still allowed to play in the NFL? Sorry I digress, and back to the matter at hand. The Patriots play this coming Sunday against the Buffalo Bills and their multiple personalities. Will the Patriots be facing the scrappy Bills team that just defeated the Chiefs? Or will they be facing the squad that looked like a bad high school team and were passing out interceptions like Santa passes out presents? Either way, it will require a solid game plan to take this Bills team down. Let me tell you what I feel are the keys to defeating the Bills and keeping our winning streak alive.

AS USUAL IT STARTS WITH BRADY

The key for the Patriots to beat any team is to rely on Tom Brady. That is not exacting rocket science to come up with that little tidbit. Basically the Patriots will be as good as Brady is, which is stellar most days. Tom Brady’s success may also be predicated on the running game being efficient. Against the chippy Dolphins, RB Dion Lewis ran for 112 yards and opened up the passing game. By controlling the ball with the run, the passing game and the play action will shred the Bills.

Once the run is established, expect the Patriots to pick apart the Bills with their passing game. The Bills tend to play a huge amount of basic zone coverages such as Cover 2, and Cover 3 in their defense. This defense is key if the Bills are able to get some pressure on Brady. If the Bills are not able to put pressure on Brady then this game will be an air show and the Bills will get whooped.

KEEP THE BILLS’ D LINE IN CHECK

The Bills are going to try desperately to get to Tom Brady and disrupt his rhythm. This also sounds like a broken record, but it is the key to the Bills’ defensive success. Being a little vulnerable in the defensive secondary, the Bills need to get pressure on Brady.  The Bills also need to stack the box and stay close to the line to control any running game.

It goes without saying, Brady and friends should be well prepared for the Bills and what they may bring. Brady has more weapons on offence then some nations have in their armouries to defend a country. Picking just the right weapon to go to is what Brady does so well and has for about a hundred years.

If Brady is getting a lot of pressure then expect to see a lot of screen passes and a lot of short crossing patterns. This allows Brady to get rid of the ball quickly and gain positive yards. Having the blocking of our O-line on point, then expect some of these Bills’ line rushes to be met with gashing running plays. Having Brady keep the Buffalo’s D line off-balance should allow for another Patriots’ victory.

For the Patriots want to wear out an opponent’s D line, then there is only one answer. All that would be required to wear out the Buffalo defense is up tempo no huddle. This mantra of mine seems to wear out defenses, limit substitutions, and allow the Pats to get the lead.  Let’s hope the Pats just do this and do not require me screaming at my TV.

STOPPING MCCOY AND CONTAINING TAYLOR

When drawing up a game plan to face an opponent, the Patriots’ staff tend to focus on one or two players to stop. The theory is that it would be harder for the other players to beat them then it would be for the stars. In the case of Buffalo, the Patriots will have to stop Shady McCoy and all of the aspects that he brings to the Bills’ offence. McCoy is a great runner and also one of the better backs in the NFL at pass catching. I would expect McCoy to be the personal assignment of Patrick Chung who will try to disrupt McCoy’s day. I also expect that McCoy will see a lot of Devin McCourty as well depending on the play.

The Bills’ starting QB Tyrod Taylor can be a dangerous weapon for their offence. If Taylor is allowed to scramble around and keep the Patriots’ defense off-balance then he will be quite effective.  Lessening Taylor’s impact on the game is key. Taylor must be forced to be a passer first. Also by keeping contain on Taylor, the Patriots limit the damage he can do with his legs. Taylor is better passer then he was when he first started in the league, but it is still his weakest aspect.

CLOSING WITH A VICTORY

If the Patriots’ coaching staff prepares their team like they always do then I like their chances. Taking what the defense gives you and executing is the key to Brady’s game. Controlling the tempo of the game with the up tempo, no huddle should allow the Pats to come away this Sunday with another victory. I guess we will all just have to tune in and find out for sure, but I like our chances.

 

 

 

What’s up with Mike Gillislee?

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Fans have been seeing a lot less of running back Mike Gillislee in the last few weeks.

The man we saw taking the majority of snaps in the early games of the regular season has been inactive for three straight weeks. All three have been healthy scratches from the active list. Gillislee joins the inactive list with Marcus Cannon, David Andrews, and Chris Hogan, who were ruled out on Friday. Cornerback Eric Rowe will miss his seventh consecutive game, and Matthew Slater will miss his second. Martellus Bennett will miss his first game as a Patriot with an ailing shoulder.

Where Has Mike Been?

Mike Gillislee started his stint with the Patriots with a boom, racking up three touchdowns in the team’s home opener. His rushing numbers have not been nothing too impressive as he has not surpassed 69 yards all season. This was to be expected however since he shares the backfield with Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead, and James White. In recent games Lewis has controlled the rushing game while Burkhead has been the recipient of most check-down passes. James White has been a viable backup for either role.

A four halfback committee isn’t necessary to have every game. The Patriots’ offense prepares for one game at a time, and each defense that they face calls for different play-calling. The Lewis-Burkhead duo has been the fit as of late.

With two backs on a hot streak, the question after that is how Gillislee has performed on special teams. He has been in a battle for an active spot on special teams with tight end Jacob Hollister. Who would you rather take: another return man like Gillislee or a big guy to play the front lines like Hollister? The answer for Coach Belichick has been the latter.

The Future for Gillislee

The Patriots’ backfield is composed of guys who have the ability to start any given week. Rex Burkhead has proved his worth as more of a receiving back on passing downs. Dion Lewis has demonstrated in the past and this season that he is a viable runner and returner now that he is healthy. James White is a combination of the two with his versatility being showcased in the playoffs last year. Gillislee is a one-cut back who can make a splash in any team’s running game. The only problem with that is that the Patriots have an abysmal rushing presence. Are they in need of one? With Tom Brady at the helm it isn’t essential.

Mike Gillislee might be in jeopardy of his job with the Patriots. His contract is too much for him to just glide in and out of the inactive list. This doesn’t mean that his playing ability has not been up to the team’s standards. This is more of a “it’s not you, it’s me” type situation. The Patriots have realized they don’t need a workhorse runner like Gillislee every game. Whatever happens there is reason to believe that there will not be bad blood between the Patriots and Gillislee.

Is This the End of the Legion of Boom?

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If you have been an NFL fan for a number of years, you likely have witnessed some great team defenses. Going back a few years, there was the Steel Curtain of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 70’s and more recently the Ravens with Ray Lewis and Co. In more recent times, one of the most feared defensive units has been the Seattle Seahawks’ Legion of Boom.

This once feared unit has taken quite a hit this season and could be nearing it’s end. With season-ending injuries to Richard Sherman (achilles) and more recently Kam Chancellor (neck, back, spine), they have been greatly depleted. These two perennial All-Pro players might just be a portion of this unit, but they are a vital part. Personally, I feel like these injuries will be the beginning of the end.

 

Once a Blueprint for Any Defense

For the better part of the last five or six seasons, the Seattle Seahawks’ defense has been very formidable. Over this time they have developed the nickname of the Legion of Boom, and for good reason. This unit has been near the top in fewest yards allowed, points allowed, and punishing hits given out for quite some time. With great players like Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, Cliff Avril, and Michael Bennett, this unit was deep and dangerous. This same unit added Sheldon Richardson from the Jets this season and looked like they might be invincible. As it turns out, this is definitely not the case. As a matter of fact, not even this great unit is immune to the injury bug.

Injuries That Really Hurt

The Seattle Seahawks’ defense had been pretty good this season but not really up to their standards of the past. Things changed drastically recently with the season ending achilles injury to CB Richard Sherman. Taking away any team’s shut down corner can hurt a defense, but an All-Pro is an even bigger hit. This injury suffered by Sherman will keep him out till at least training camp of next season. That is a big blow for the Seahawks’ defense but a bigger blow was to come soon after.

Within the last week it turns out that SS Kam Chancellor will likely miss the rest of the season as well with a severe neck injury. Chancellor, the heart and soul of the Legion of Boom, had been reporting “neck stingers” initially. Stingers are just that a stinging, burning, throbbing sensation felt when there has been pressure applied to the nerves in the injured area. Normally this sensation goes away after anywhere from a few minutes to a few days at the most. This injury turns out that it is much more then just a “stinger” as formerly reported. The closest injury to this in recent times is the injury that was suffered by Peyton Manning. Peyton required neck surgery which kept him out for an entire season with the Colts.

The way that Chancellor plays is probably the biggest reason that he sustained this kind of injury. This Legion member played the position like a linebacker because he was bigger then most safeties. When Chancellor hit you, you were the bug and Chancellor was the windshield. He hit you with the intention of making sure you remember. An opposing player might think twice before coming his way again. This thunderous wear and tear is the thing that likely caused his injury he is suffering with now. In my opinion, he is going to require surgery to repair this issue he is having.  If things go well he should fully recover. An injury like the one that Chancellor has suffered could easily be career threatening, and in this case I think it may just be.

 

Can They Come Back the Same as They Were?

Both of these players are phenomenal athletes, but they have sustained some serious injuries. Can they possibly come back the same as they always were as players? I would never say never, but I don’t think I would bet on it happening in this case. Both of these players are going to be 30 years old next season, and that is not young in the NFL. Playing the positions that they do, and facing the long stretches of rehab ahead of them it will be very tough to come back the same.

Do not be surprised if one or both of these players seriously considers retirement from the NFL. Sherman is a very smart, Stanford educated man and could easily end up in another safer career. Chancellor would have to give retirement a serious thought as well. His injury is quite scary for him to try and resume playing the position that he does. I really do think this is the beginning of the end of the Legion of Boom. I guess only time will tell for certain if this is true.

Marquis Flowers is Blooming into Patriots’ Injured Linebacker Corps

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The Patriots have a history of nurturing young seeds into full bloom. Bill Belichick handles his crops with such care that once playoff harvesting season comes around they will win him the big blue ribbon at the county fair. Belichick has done just that with linebacker Marquis Flowers in the past week.

All gardening puns aside, the Patriots defense in the past few weeks have substantially improved. This has come as a surprise to fans as defensive starters like Dont’a Hightower, Malcolm Brown, and Eric Rowe have been riddled with injuries. Since their second loss of the season against the Panthers, the Patriots’ defense has improved substantially each week. From Weeks 1 to 4 the defense let up 128 points. Ever since they have allowed only 75, not letting their opponent surpass 20 points in the past six games. Rocket scientist Matt Patricia has found the perfect playbook for his defense, and it all revolves around help defense.

One area of the defense that has struggled for the majority of the season have been the linebacker corps. The depth has been thin to start the season and has continued to diminish after Dont’a Hightower, Harvey Langi, and Shea McClellin were placed on injury reserve. Elandon Roberts has been tasked with filling the hole in the defense that Hightower’s absence has created. He has done a significant job thus far but was inactive against the Raiders due to injury. Kyle Van Noy has been a constant as of late in a system of changing parts.

Flowers are Blooming in November

This weekend fans saw third year linebacker Marquis Flowers play alongside Van Noy. The Patriots acquired Flowers from the Bengals back in August in exchange for a 2018 seventh round draft pick. He started 35 of 50 games at the University of Arizona, logging 272 career tackles, 7½ sacks, five interceptions, and five forced fumbles. In the NFL he has bounced from the Panthers in 2014 to the Bengals until this offseason.

Flowers served a role on special teams at the beginning of the season and became a reserve linebacker up until this weekend. Against the Raiders he shared reps are the starting linebacker along Van Noy, racking up four tackles and a forced fumble that kept the Raiders out of the end zone in the first half. The fumble came deep in the red zone where Raiders receiver Seth Roberts almost cut the Patriot lead in half. Roberts held the ball away from his body as Jonathan Jones kept him in place. Marquis Flowers saw the opportunity and punched the ball out of Roberts’s hand, keeping the Raiders from converting any points in their one scoring position in the first half.

“Huge play,” Marquis Flowers reflected to reporters.

“A lot of times when a guy is trying to break a tackle, their ball security, they’re just trying to make a play and, not intentionally, but the ball is usually loose, especially the skill players,” Flowers explained. “When I went over there to go grab a tackle I thought I saw him re-grab the ball. I thought he almost dropped it the first time. So just basically tried to wrap my arms around where his hands were, and the ball came out.”

A New Chance in New England

With Elandon Roberts nursing an ankle injury, it is possible that Flowers could earn more snaps soon. In the Belichick system, more preparation and practice translates to more playing time Flowers has done just that this season. Last weekend Flowers played 19 snaps against the Broncos. This weekend he was a regular on the defense’s third down unit.

“I’m thankful that I went to an organization that allows you to compete, and when you are doing something well they allow you to play to your abilities,” Flowers said.

It’s no surprise to fans now that the Patriots have utilized yet another player acquired in the offseason. This is one of many instances this season alone where this has happened. Johnson Bademosi, traded from the Lions in August, has earned a significant increase in snaps after shutting down Julio Jones in Stephon Gilmore’s absence earlier this season. Cassius Marsh, a defensive end traded from the Seahawks in the preseason, also has been able to add depth to a once ailing left side of defensive line after Rob Ninkovich retired. Flowers is the newest addition to the role players that have come up big for the Patriots this season alone. The Patriots thrive upon bringing in players that were insignificant on one team and exploiting their strengths.

It just comes to show that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Coach Belichick can convert just about any player to look like a star for the Patriots.

BSE Week in Review

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Take a look at all the articles posted by the Boston Sports Extra crew from last week. Enjoy and restart the discussion!

 

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/mchales-musings-vol-4-whirlwind-week

@PatriotsExtra News

https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2017/11/bennetts-rotator-cuff-injury

https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2017/11/bennett-returns-to-new-england

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What Bennett’s Rotator Cuff Injury Means for the Patriots

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If you are an NFL fan then you likely have heard that Martellus Bennett is back in New England. The big, fun loving tight end was picked up by the Patriots on November 9th after being released by the Packers. The reason why Bennett was released is that he has a confirmed torn rotator cuff. Before you all say “oh great another broken player”, let’s look at this for what it is. I will tell you how I feel that Bennett will play through this injury and help the Patriots win.

in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

WHAT CAN MARTY GIVE THE PATRIOTS ?

I sincerely do feel that Martellus Bennett, who could be called one of the world’s largest cheerleaders, is going to play through his rotator cuff injury. The reason why I feel that Marty can do this is fairly simple. The tear that Bennett is experiencing is located where the tendon that holds the muscles of your shoulder stable. Does this sound sore? Oh yes it does and speaking from experience it is. He can play through this injury because of the fact that he does not have to throw. The rotator cuff is more for stability of the shoulder muscles when using a throwing motion.

Now that the Patriots have two QBs I do not think Bennett will be needed. Also, the Patriots have Rob Gronkowski, Dwayne Allen, and Jacob Hollister which could easily allow Bennett to manage his snaps. Bennett would not have to do a huge amount of blocking and could be used only as desired by the offense.

A few of the movements that Bennett would be using will be painful. Catching passes over his head and lifting his arms out to full extension will be painful but definitely not anything he could not play through. I do believe that blocking would be the roughest as the muscles would be pushed hard and not be as stable as usual. This would be something that Bennett would be able to manage and handle I believe.

IF THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A MANAGEABLE INJURY, THIS IS IT.

The rotator cuff injury, as I have said, is somewhat manageable so I say that he plays. If the Patriots and Bennett manage his snaps and allow him to play in the “safest” situation possible, then he can play. The other positive about this, if there is such a thing with an injury, is that Bennett should not be able to hurt this any worse by playing. As long as he gets the proper attention before, during, and after games then I think the “Imagination Agency” is back open for business in New England.

Bringing a player into the fold at this point of the season is normally very difficult. In this situation, you are bringing back a player who was there just last year. Picking up the plays won’t be that hard for Bennett. Definitely one of the hardest parts will be finding out how good Bennett’s snaps can be managed. Bennett’s pain tolerance is also going to be tested as well. Like I said before, I had this injury and played varsity rugby for an entire season. Yes it was painful, but so is the game in general.

Bennett will likely receive a dose of “Dr. Feelgood” before games to help him manage the pain. The whole concoction is not as sinister as it sounds. Players can often receive a pregame injection of a drug called Toradol (ketorolac) mixed with lidocaine. Ketorolac is the strongest non-narcotic pain reliever available, and also legal. Toradol can often be mixed with lidocaine which is a local anesthetic in the same family as Novocaine (that your dentist uses) to deaden pain also. This injection works almost immediately and should last for the entire game.

WHY WE REALLY NEED BENNETT BACK !!

The main reason the Patriots could use Bennett back is to help with our red-zone TD conversions. The Patriots have been settling for too many field goals and keeping games closer then they should be. The Patriots need another tall big target in the red-zone will also take pressure off of Gronk and should also help open up some other plays.

Bennett is also a helluva lot of fun to have around. He is not a dull player to have on your roster and can bring a refreshing air of lighthearted fun. Patriot fans have seen that Bennett can be a very serious player but also can be a “riot” depending on what is needed. Let us just hope that the second semester of the “Imagination Academy” ends as good as the first one did.