Tag Archives: #Gronk

The Patriots and the Pony Express

Some remember the famous “Pony Express” from Southern Methodist University. This was when Craig James and Eric Dickerson dominated the college football world.

Rumblings have indicated the Patriots will unveil their own Pony Express, due to the Chargers weak linebackers, and inabilities to cover running backs in the passing game.

The Patriots Pony

When saying pony, this means something a little different than just two running backs splitting time. A pony formation entails a two running back set, meaning some combination of Michel, White, and Burkhead.

The expectation is that the Patriots will use running back heavy sets to exploit the weaknesses in the Chargers defense.

James White & Rob Gronkowski

The Patriots have had great success this season with James White. He seemed to be a key to victory in several games for them. This leads many to key in on his involvement Sunday, as he could draw more attention from Chargers defenders. This will lead to more opportunities for Michel and Burkhead.

The beauty of the Patriots offense is the Chargers do not have the personnel to match up against the running backs and Gronkowski. Gronk had an uninspiring season, but the Chargers lack the personnel to cover both Gronk and the running backs. This could lead to either the backs or Gronk finding themselves open in Sunday’s game. The Chargers do not have four Derwin James clones at their disposal, the likely match-up with Gronk.

Danger For The Chargers Defense

With the concerns of Gronk and James White for the Chargers, the pony formations could be too much to handle. The possibility of the Patriots breaking out those two running back sets ,with the emphasis on Gronk and White, leave another running back matched up against a linebacker. The danger this Chargers defense is playing with is unprecedented.

A defensive adjustment to take care of the running backs out of the backfield would take away some of the best Chargers pass defenders. This could free up Gronk and Edelman, or even dark horse characters like Chris Hogan or Phillip Dorsett.

It is yet to be seen what the game plan will be going into the game Sunday, but the Patriots will have many ways of creating mismatches against the Chargers’ defense. Be fully prepared for the Patriots to unleash their version of the Pony Express on Sunday.

DFS Fantasy Notes

Also, for those DFS fantasy fans, I would call the Patriots running backs potential plays for this weekend. White is priced at $7,500 on FanDuel and $5,100 on DraftKings. Michel is priced at $6,600 on FanDuel and $4,700 on DraftKings. Burkhead is priced at $5,500 on FanDuel and $3,600 on DraftKings.

If you have any comments or questions, feel free to message me on Twitter @maxleemcauliffe

Is a new rival emerging for New England?

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As the Steelers appear to be a dilapidated, down the pan team, headed for a fiery, violent crash, it is time to question wether they will be considered a rival of ours next year. Of course, the Patriots’ run should come to a close once their older veterans leave, like Brady, Gronk, Belichick. However, different from the Patriots, the Steelers main problem is keeping their younger stars happy. We all know about the Bell debacle that developed over a two year period. Now, the Steelers are considering exploring the trade market for Antonio Brown this offseason. Big Ben is not getting any younger and although he would still have Juju Smith-Schuster as a target, life without Brown for an older quarterback like Roethlisberger would be a painful and embarrassing season for him. Life without Antonio Brown, who holds a spot in every discussion of the best receiver in the league, would almost force Big Ben to hang up the cleats. The locker room in Pittsburgh is toxic and out of control, leadership is flawed, and teammates turn on each other faster than rats abandoning a sinking ship. Tomlin might have his moments as a good football mind but relying on him to control his team’s behavior or even his own is a dangerous risk.

***Andrew Luck*** by Keith Allison on 16 September 2018

Out with the old, In with the new

Meanwhile, watching Andrew Luck pitch to a receiving corps lacking any huge star is scary. TY Hilton is pretty good, but not a guy who scares the living daylights out of defensive coordinators. The Colts put together fantastic performances versus the Titans and Texans, both divisional opponents with good defenses. The Colts are the future. Their whopping projected 118 million dollar cap space in 2019 is scary for a team that is currently making a playoff run. The Colts may not win it all this year but they will be a daunting force to any team not prepared for them in 2019 and beyond. With their main needs being a running back, defensive linemen and defensive backs, there is no better year to grab one of each through either the draft and or free agency. Discussion and rumors already link Le’Veon Bell to the Colts, which would make a huge difference to their already thriving offense. I will assure you, every running back on the free agent market is salivating at the sight of Indianapolis. A team with a boat load of money, a great offensive line, and an indoor stadium is running back paradise. If the Colts check off all the needs on their shopping list this offseason, that team would be a group no one would want to face.

So, New England, forget Pittsburgh, they are as dead as a maggot in a freezer. The Colts, who we hated during the Manning years and after the whole Deflategate saga are the guys to hate again. Which is convenient because they already hate us back. A marque matchup of Brady vs Luck is something that Pats fans should be accustomed to over at least the next one or two seasons.

Brady and Gronk-Both Back at Full Strength

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Good News In New England on Thursday

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

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

Patriots Superstars Not Held Back In Thursdays Practice

Via USA Today

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

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

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

Getting Healthy at The Perfect Time

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

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

Gronkowski’s back-Not holding him back this week

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

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

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

Max Kellerman – “Tom Brady has a wet noodle for an arm right now”

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Tom Brady’s Camped out On Max Kellerman’s Cliff Watching Game Film

Tom Brady has been the focal point of Max Kellerman’s ridiculous career. Kellerman started out with a bang, saying “Tom Brady would be a bum in short order.” I’m not sure what his issue is with Brady, maybe Tom didn’t shake his hand at an event? Who can forget Max’s prediction that Brady will fall off a cliff. I’d like to remind Max Kellerman that those ignorant claims came on July 25th, 2016. Yes July of 2016. Max made two predictions. One was just ignorant, while the “cliff” comment was just not smart. Tom Brady has made him look foolish and ignorant.

Patriot fans all know that the days of Tom Brady dominating won’t last forever. He hasn’t played great in a couple games, but we’ve seen this movie before. Brady’s been part of a 6 game winning streak in 2018. He’s led this offense by scoring over 30 points per game for four weeks straight, tying an NFL record. I’m not a quarterback guru or a boxing commentator like Max so what do I know? Here is Max getting schooled by everyone on First Take. He actually said, “Brady finally did something,” speaking about the first game of 2018 and quickly got ripped apart.

After the first game of the 2018 season, Kellerman was laughed at by Steven A Smith, Damien Woody, and Molly Querim for not owning up to being wrong about the “cliff.” It’s quite apparent to everyone Brady has performed better at his age than anyone before him. It’s clear Kellerman the “TV personality” was way off, but enough about the cliff. After a couple subpar games and a single loss, let’s see where Max takes it now.

“A Wet Noodle For An Arm”

Kellerman’s latest hot take is now going after Brady’s arm. I don’t remember hearing much about this during the Pats win streak, but I’ll play along. Sure the last three weeks Brady hasn’t played like his usual self. He has 1 TD in 3 games. Two wins and a loss, and the loss is why this annual “Brady’s Done” take circulates through ESPN.

(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

As I watched the Patriots lose to Tennessee, I didn’t see the MVP, Tom Brady. I did, however, see that Marcus Cannon was out, the offensive line was banged up. I saw Brady trying to work with what he had, or didn’t have. Max Kellerman said, “Tom Brady has a wet noodle for an arm.” Max has been waiting for Brady’s demise since he started on ESPN’s morning show First Take. Max saw a “wet noodle arm” but completely ignored Tom Brady’s surroundings. Brady and the offense against Tennessee was a bad matchup from the start. Brady didn’t have his best game, but his arm strength was no concern.

Look At What TB12 Is Working With MAX

Max has no leg to stand on now that Brady has played well past his “expiration date.” I watched every snap of the Tennessee game, and I’d bet my house that Max did not. Like I said Brady didn’t play great, but instead of claiming he’s washed up, take a look around him. I remember numerous passes hitting receivers in the hands, his arm wasn’t the problem.

Rob Gronkowski did not play, he is one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL. Brady had no protection as the offensive line was missing its best players. Dwayne Allen was in and out of the game which hurt the line even more. Brady’s weapons were not healthy, Sony Michel was limited coming back from a knee injury. Josh Gordon was targeted 12 times and had 2 receptions and multiple drops. Brady didn’t play well, I’ll admit that, but I’m not blind. With no tight ends, no protection, and a limited running back, who could’ve played well in that game?

New England had a bad day, it happens to everyone. Sorry, Max, it’s not the defense winning these games, that’s obvious. Kellerman’s latest hot take is nothing more than another ridiculous comment from a boxing commentator, who maybe should stick to boxing. Sunday, the Patriots will be back from their bye week. Tom Brady is going to come out on fire for the rest of the season, and Kellerman will be eating his words again.

TNF Preview-Colts At Patriots

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Patriots and Colts kick off week 5

New England welcomes the Colts to Foxborough to start week 5 in a prime time showdown Thursday night. Indianapolis comes into this game following a long 70 minute loss to the Texans. With a 1-3 record the Colts season hangs in the balance just 4 games into the year. New England enters October at 2-2 after a 38-7 win over the Dolphins. Indy is banged up and New England is getting Edelman back, can Luck Win his first game against Brady?

(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

KEYS TO THE GAME

New England has the luxury of playing at home on this short Week, with Julian Edelman making his return. Tom Brady now has Edelman and Gronk on the field together for the first time in 31 games. The Colts are missing T.Y Hilton, and are 0-5 vs the Pats with Luck starting at QB.

(Staff Photo By Matt Stone/ Boston Herald)

No Need To Show To Much On Offense If Possible

The Patriots will need the offensive line to play well this week, not just for the running game, but to hold off the Colts pass rush. Last week the Offense showed improvement as Tom Brady got everyone involved, resulting in 24 points in the first half.

Finally Julian Edelman is back, he will help the Patriots Offense on third down which has been an issue for this team in 2018. Tonight this Patriots Offense will have all their weapons back, and New England hasn’t forgotten what the Colts started in 2014 about some footballs.

New England will once again get the running game going, they will try to jump out to an early lead and come out of this game unscathed. Expect to see more of the running backs, as I think the Patriots will look to run the ball early and often. This Colts team is coming in tired and banged up.

New England’s Defense Looks Improved

Historically New England has had to take T.Y Hilton out of the game with multiple players. Tonight that won’t be a problem as Hilton is out with a hamstring and chest injury.

The front seven needs to get after Luck, keep him in the pocket and force bad throws. Last week Patrick Chung and Trey Flowers returned and will be factors against Andrew Luck. Without his main target this week, expect the Colts to try to control the clock. Keeping Brady and the offense on the bench is always a smart play if you can do it.

Indianapolis has a speedy running back Nyheim Hines, who’s more of a receiving threat than a rusher. His name could be called a lot tonight on screen passes and wheel routes. New England’s Linebacker’s and safety’s will need to keep an eye on him. Without Hilton playing, the biggest receiving threat would be Eric Ebron who leads the colts in targets and red zone targets. I think tonight’s gameplan for New England is simple, no chunk plays, make Luck uncomfortable all while not showing to much.

Being very vanilla on defense and offense for the Patriots could be part of their plan. Knowing the Colts are coming here banged up, after a long overtime loss, without their best weapon. Keeping as much as they can off game film will benifit them moving forward. To do this, jumping out to a big lead is imperative. With a huge matchup next Sunday, staying healthy and not showing much if possible may be the gameplan. Although there is bad blood between these two teams, and Bill may want to try and make a statement. Belichick never forgets, same goes for Tom Brady.

Patriots vs Colts Prediction

My prediction for tonight’s game is not because I like one team better than the other. I’m looking at the facts, the injuries and history. Tom Brady is coming into this game, remembering what the Colts started which led to his suspension. He is at home, with Gronk, Edelman, Gordon and James White at his disposal. Sony Michel could come out and have a Jonas Gray game. I can’t see this Colts defense being able to keep up.

I believe the Patriots are still angry from “deflategate.” The Colts are coming into this game banged up, off a horrible overtime loss last week. Andrew Luck has never beat the Patriots and that will continue. Adding all of this up I have a big night from New England, winning 42-14.

Gronk spikes trade deal – No Brady, No Dice

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TRADE TALK BEFORE THE 2018 DRAFT

Rob Gronkowski was almost traded to the Detroit Lions during the offseason, leading up to the Draft. After Sunday’s loss to Detroit, Rob Gronkowski was asked about all the rumblings of the trade. Gronk casually answered saying, “Yeah it happened, Tom Brady’s my quarterback, that’s all. Wasn’t going anywhere without Brady.”

Staff photo by John Wilcox.

Before the 2018 NFL Draft, Bill Belichick was looking to deal Rob Gronkowski. Rumors of talks with the Lions and Titans were being thrown around. Bill was talking with his ex Patriot friends in an attempt to move the All World tight end. Adam Schefter went on WEEI’s morning show ‘Kirk and Callahan’ Monday for an interview about the situation. According to Schefter “It would’ve been a trade involving draft picks, that was the basic trade.” He continued on about Gronkowski, “He was the only player involved in the trade and it would’ve been a combination of picks.”

HOW GRONKOWSKI NIXED THE TRADE

During the offseason Rob Gronkowski was uncertain about things, he made that clear minutes after the Super Bowl. Since Gronk showed signs of uncertainty, Bill had to keep thinking about the team and its future. Bill has never been one to wait and see about a player, he makes the necessary moves for the team. Apparently, he did and the trade was pretty much done until Gronkowski caught wind of the situation. Schefter again noted, “Basically the deal was all but agreed to, he was going to go to Detroit, and when he found out he called the Patriots.”

Now, this is coming from an NFL insider, not the Patriots or Rob Gronkowski, yet it does seem to line up with the offseasons timeline of events. Gronk and the Patriots did have a meeting before the draft, which was newsworthy because it ended the trade speculation. As Rob Gronkowski said Sunday night, he wasn’t going anywhere without Tom Brady. So what was said during the meeting is unknown to the public, but the end result is clear. New England was the only team Rob Gronkowski would play for, it did not matter if it was the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. If Brady wasn’t throwing him the ball, he was ready to retire.

Via USA Today

NO TRADE WITH A HAPPY ENDING

For Patriot fans, the meeting between the Patriots and Gronkowski’s camp, right before the draft worked out. Rob was adamant about what he wanted, which led to Bill Belichick and the Pats agreeing to keep the tight end. I’m sure Bill had his own demands for Gronkowski as well, in the end, it all worked out.

Rob Gronkowski wasn’t traded, his deal was reworked with incentives again. If he reaches those incentives he will receive $4.3 million this season. New England doesn’t have to worry about the cap hit because of Gronkowski’s new deal, it barely changes. So, in the end, both sides seem to have benefited from that meeting before the draft. For fans of the Patriots, everything turned out great. If it wasn’t for Gronk calling the team to have a meeting, a lot of things in New England could’ve changed not just the TE. Luckily this is in the past, everyone has one goal in 2018 and that’s bringing home the Lombardi.

Matty P the Magician?

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“I think we’re talking about something that’s pretty common to when you have to face an opponent, there’s going to be things there that you’re very familiar with”

The Patriots New Nemesis

Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia was quoted as saying this in response to several Jets players “knew what plays were coming”. However, this also applies to the upcoming Sunday Night matchup with his former employer, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Even with beginning his career as head coach 0-2, he still possesses an undeniable advantage. Patricia has been a benefactor of seeing Tom Brady every day in practice for 14 seasons. The last six was in his capacity as defensive coordinator and crafting the plays and philosophy charged with stopping him. In case you haven’t heard, #12 is pretty good.

So, will Matty P enjoy success and give his new team in the Motor City a puncher’s chance to win? All depends on his defense. Having the bend, but don’t break schooling drill into him can have its advantages. With him manning the controls, the former aeronautical engineering can apply every complex algorithm that he can muster. He will have to.

A Team with Nothing to Lose

The Lions are entering crisis mode. Injuries to two of the most talented players on the defense will limit their impact. Darius Slay (concussion) and Ezekiel Ansah (shoulder) will either be out or severely curtailed in effectiveness. This is today’s NFL and getting to the quarterback and covering his favorite target are premium positions. Will he be able to hold Brady enough to give his own gunslinger in Matthew Stafford a chance to score some points? He’s gonna have to get weird.

The Patriots can be stumped by unique and unusual formations. The Wildcat offense allowed the late Tony Sparano to eek out a win in 2008. Rex Ryan often deployed a new defensive wrinkle in order to even the odds. Sometimes they worked and sometimes they don’t.

The Plan

In order to roll the dice and come away with the win, Patricia is going to have to gamble. Disguising pressure with pre-snap movements will be the order of the day. A phrase that has often been heard in New England is “manufacturing” the pressure. Stunts and exotic rush combinations can confuse an offensive line group and make Brady feel uncomfortable in the pocket. This can be done without exposing defensive backs to big plays and reducing coverages. Overloads on one side of the line can saturate the blockers without blitzing. And finally, delayed blitzes can allow someone who was not initially on Brady’s radar as a rusher to suddenly appear and force him into sub-par throws. I expect Patricia to explore any and all of these in the desperate attempt to get hands on Brady before he throws.

Could we see some strange and unusual personnel groupings? Two down linemen, two or even one linebackers and the remainder defensive backs? He could just flood the field and play the hand on the run and see what happens. Patricia could go the other route and blitz five, six or even seven players. The hope that one of them could get home before Brady can find the open man throw an on-target pass. Double-teaming Rob Gronkowski, especially in the end zone has proven to be effective for stretches. This would work particularly well as the Patriots are still sorting out the pecking order and effectiveness of its wide receivers.

The Counter Plan

All of these thoughts and ideas carry their own risks and rewards. The Lions are around a single touchdown underdog with what should be a high octane offense playing against an underperforming defense. I could see this as a signature game for Matt Patricia the head coach as he plays his “Super Bowl” against this old boss. A win, or an unveiling of a new defense that can flummox two Hall of Famers, will go a long way to quieting the Lions fans. You can bet that he is spending extra hours watching film, eating his meals at his desk and scribbling with his signature #2 pencil. Doing the same this week will serve the Patriots well.

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

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FLASHback to 2007’s Offense

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COMPARING THE 2007 SEASON TO THIS YEARS TEAM OFFENSIVELY

In 2007, New England was a juggernaut on offense. As far as regular seasons go, well, the Patriots went undefeated. Of course, this season won’t be perfect, the offense could look quite familiar. Josh Gordon recently picked up by New England, has many fans very excited. First and foremost, he is not Randy Moss 2.0. I want to make that clear.

However, if Gordon can fall in line, keep his nose in the playbook and contribute all season, then we could be in for quite the show. The comparisons this year to the undefeated regular season are fair, hear me out.

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

DIFFERENT NAMES – SAME GAME

New England’s offense in 2007 was unstoppable, mainly because of Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Other key players had their roles as well, only one player remains – Tom Brady. 2007 will go down as one of the best complete football teams of all time, if not the best. Here is what the offense looked like.

Starting off is Tom Brady, who has seemed to have gotten better with age. As he admits himself, “I feel like I’ve played better the last eight years then I did my first ten.”

Next, let’s look at the running game. Laurence Maroney handled the heavy workload. Patriots HOF’er Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris as the 3rd down change of pace backs. Heath Evans was the fullback.

Jumping ahead to this season, SB hero James White, Rex Burkhead, and rookie Sony Michel can all either be RBs or receivers in the slot or split out wide. In today’s NFL, I’d give the slight edge to this season’s RB core, as moving the ball through the air is more important than ever. Defenses can’t tell whether it’s a run or pass play when any of these players step on the field. Also, James Devlin is used at FB to open up running lanes and catch the ball as well.

Photo Courtesy of Sports Illustrated

PASS CATCHING COMPARISONS

Randy Moss is in the HOF, Josh Gordon is not Randy Moss. However, if Gordon is the best version of himself, he will fill the Moss role, which is taking the top off the defense with his size and speed. Brady hasn’t had this since Randy Moss, with the obvious edge going to Moss, with one caveat – the rest of the pass catchers overall compared to this year.

With Gordon attempting to do his best Moss impersonation, Brady now has a real deep threat. His targets also include Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, and Philip Dorsett with special teams ace, Corderelle Patterson, being involved in some packages each game.

Josh Gordon opening up the field for these receivers will not allow defenses to double. If they do, Brady will find one of the open players. Looking at this year’s pass catchers and 2007 receivers, it’s the same concept with similarly skilled players except for Moss. Now, 2018 now has a beast like him plus Rob Gronkowski. That alone is scary for opponents.

Edelman will be back in the slot, with Gordon opening up the field. Just like Welker did in 2007

Patriots offensively in 2007, besides Randy, had an aging local legend in Troy Brown, another Patriot HOF player, along with Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, and Jabar Gaffney. They didn’t have a huge part of this comparison in Rob Gronkowski. Ben Watson was good along with Brady, but it’s not close to Gronk alone. 2018 also adds Hollister in the mix. So, can this year’s team look anything like the 2007 Patriots?

IN CONCLUSION, WHERE DOES THIS SEASON’S OFFENSE STACK UP?

Going through it by positions was interesting, and all these comparisons depend on one player, who’s never been dependable. In the event Josh Gordon does click with Tom Brady, this year’s Patriots team will do some serious damage. As I see it, this years RB group can be better than 2007.

Pass catchers; if everything goes to plan, will put up eye-popping numbers. Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon and Chris Hogan with the RBs will keep defenses up at night.

No, this season won’t be as prolific as the undefeated team but will have a similar feeling to it. As always, health will play a factor as well of the offensive line.

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are still here, with players comparable or better to the 2007 team. Still, it’s too early to tell what will happen next.

No Tom Brady led offense will ever be as good, but this year is the closest it will get. Imagine all of this coming after the recent WR drama throughout the last few months.

The 2018 NFL Season is a week away

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Patriots Season Begins A Week From Today

Here we go it officially is one week until the start of the 2018 NFL season. The weather will start to get cooler and the smell of football will be in the air. The Patriots and the rest of the NFL cut their roster to 53 yesterday. The Patriots open the season against the Houston Texans next Sunday. The most notable cuts made on Saturday was RB Mike Gillislee, QB Danny Etling, Cyrus Jones, LB Marquis Flowers, RB Brandon Bolden, and WR Riley McCarron. All the drama in the offseason has been pushed aside after Brady and Gronkowski have restructured their contracts. Now it’s all about the actual game itself finally.

Photo Courtesy of USA Today

We’ll see the offense run without Edelman for September

As we look into the regular season we start with this month as Edelman will be out the first four games. Talks of getting a receiver are pretty quiet around New England about adding one. But knowing Belichick you never know what he has up his sleeve. Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, and Cordarrelle Patterson will have to step it up. Tight end Rob Gronkowski wants to play as much as possible to reach those incentives so he can make his money. Except James White to lead the running back position, along with Rex Burkhead, and rookie Sony Michel when healthy.

Patriots Initial Roster Includes Just 52 Players, Three Full-Time Receivers

Photo Courtesy of NESN

On the defensive side, Jason McCourty seems to have made the team. There was speculation whether or not he would because he played Thursday night in the last preseason game against the Giants. Stephon Gilmore will be the cornerback who had a great training camp this year. Jordan Richards finally is off this team and was traded Friday to the Atlanta Falcons. All of the bad defenders from the Super Bowl are off the team to begin the 2018 season. From Richards who again is on the Falcons to Johnson Bademosi who’s now playing for the Texans.

The Patriots as long as they still have Brady they’ll be good. We’ve been saying that for along time now. Edelman will come back in October ready to go and be a contributor to the offense. I expect Sony Michel when he is healthy to be a full force in the running game. Coming out of college he was being compared to Dion Lewis I’d like to see him be explosive out of the gate for the Patriots. Overall it should be a fun exciting year and another division win. A first-round bye and a chance at another Super Bowl.

Rob Gronkowski Feeling 100 Times better than last year

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Last offseason Rob Gronkowski found himself at a cross-road. Another last second Super Bowl Hail Mary, another incompletion. The word retirement came up post game to shock Patriot nation. Gronkowski was weighing his options. Understandable after a loss like that.

He says he feels 100 times better this year. Gronk had a monster season in 2017, tallying 69 receptions totaling 1,084 yards and 8 TD’s. We may see the best year he’s had as a Patriot.

Photo by Associated press/Fulton Sun.

GRONKOWSKI FEELING IT IN 2018

The All World TE spoke recently about the difference between last year and 2018. Which by Patriots standards is out of the norm. Bill Belichick has the team accustomed to forgetting about the past, but this relates more to Gronkowski’s mindset, not a game.

Since returning to camp he seems to be very clear-headed and engaged. Especially compared to where his mind was at this time last year.

”I just love playing the game” Gronk says, “I feel good right now. I definitely feel like 100 times better than I did last year during training camp” Gronk continues unlike a usual Patriots press conference. “When you’re feeling good, you love playing the game. I felt good enough to where I thought I could come back, go through the whole season, go throughout the camp and just keep playing the game and be enjoying it. That’s how it’s been and when you’re enjoying the game, and feeling good, you just love playing the game. It’s just something when you’re out on the field, like your mind is just in another place because you’re just focusing on what you got to do”

ROB GRONKOWSKI STILL LEARNING

During a recent interview Rob Gronkowski says he is learning as the seasons pass, and his football IQ is already very high. Learning how to be better coupled with “feeling 100 times better than last year” may lead some to suspect this might be Gronk’s greatest season yet.

Staff photo by John Wilcox.

Gronk talked about keeping his body in shape, now that he’s older he is doing things much differently. He continues his response.

“Like I said, I just try to focus on my body every single day like after practice now and just try to get better every day and get the recovery going ASAP, right after the meetings and stuff so you feel good the next day.” “There’s times I remember when I was back rookie year, second year, you would just practice, go to meetings and you would do absolutely nothing“

Gronkowski is focused on staying healthy, and feeling 100 times better than last year. He’s going to have to keep that mindset as he will be the focal point of this team’s passing attack moving forward.