The New England Patriots have prided themselves over two decades with their offense. They obviously have Tom Brady, who is arguably the greatest QB to ever play in the NFL. But coming into the 2019 season, the rest of the offense around Brady has been questioned. This Patriots offense is very underrated and here are the reasons why.
If you’re going to start anywhere, it might as well be with Julian Edelman. Edelman is coming off of a Super Bowl MVP performance. He is also nursing a hand injury currently. But none of that should matter! Brady and Edelman have great chemistry between the two of them. “Minitron” has also quietly come up as one of the most reliable receivers in the entire NFL. As long as Edelman is ready to go week one against Pittsburgh, the Patriots offense will continue to move forward.
With Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan both gone, the role of Phillip Dorsett just got larger. Dorsett had a big role in the AFC Championship game last year, including a big touchdown reception. He did have three touchdown receptions last season, so he can contribute to this offense. With Dorsett on deep routes, it can open up the field for Brady and company during the 2019 season.
This is an interesting case to discuss. Josh Gordon had 40 receptions for the Patriots, with three of them being for touchdowns. Gordon helped Tom Brady when the Patriots needed a spark to their offense. However, Gordon is facing suspension from the NFL. He filed for reinstatement the other day, so we’ll see what happens there. If Gordon gets reinstated and back on the field with the Patriots, it makes their offense that much better.
This is one of the newest members of the Patriots receiving core. The signing itself can be seen as a low risk, high reward type of signing. Demaryius Thomas has hurt the Patriots in the past. So, it is nice to have him alongside Tom Brady for a change. Thomas is coming off a big injury to his Achilles, so the questions are there. But, he was effective for Houston last season with 59 receptions, with five of them being touchdowns. Thomas can be the veteran presence that replaces a Chris Hogan or Danny Amendola. Personally, I can’t wait to see what Thomas brings to the Patriots offense.
This was a signing that raised a few eyebrows during this past off-season. Ben Watson spent the first six years of his career in New England. So it makes sense that he is essentially ending his career where it all began. Watson is entering his age 39 season, so the question of production is obviously there. Plus, he’s serving a four game suspension for PED violations. He’s not going to replace Rob Gronkowski, that’s obvious. But, he can be a factor that gives you a little bit of what Gronk used to give.
The Patriots have a lot more offensive weapons than people think. Their offense is going to be fine once the chemistry evolves in training camp. The Patriots have a title to defend. So the offense will be extra motivated to run the league. Boy, will this Patriots offense be fun to watch come September!
The NFL season is just around the corner. That means that training camp is in full swing and joint practices are starting up. The New England Patriots open up their 2018 title defense with a preseason game this week against the Detroit Lions. With the Patriots and Lions getting their join practices underway, let’s take a look at a few story lines to look at this week.
Bill Belichick vs. Matt Patricia
This is a classic case of the teacher versus the student in a head to head matchup. We all know that Matt Patricia was the defensive coordinator for the Patriots for two of their Super Bowl runs. Then in the 2018 off-season when the Lions came calling, Patricia took the head coaching job. Keep in mind, the Lions finished 6-10 in Patricia’s first season at the helm. Oh and by the way, his first win was against the Patriots. It’s going to be interesting to see how the dynamic pans out for these two former colleagues. Will Matt Patricia be smart and not tell Bill Belichick any secrets? Will Belichick see something in Patricia’s system that he could use for his own benefit? We’ll see once the week unfolds.
Jarrett Stidham
This is more of a headline that I’m interested in seeing unfold. Jarrett Stidham is the Patriots 4th round selection out of Auburn University. People aren’t paying too much attention to him. Tom Brady obviously signed his extension through 2021 yesterday, and Brian Hoyer is the backup. But, nobody is giving Stidham much of a chance. Think about this for a second. He was a First Team All-SEC quarterback in 2017, and played in arguably the best conference in College Football. Stidham also threw for 36 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Tigers. Could Belichick be getting Stidham ready for the future? Maybe. It will be interesting to see how Belichick utilizes Stidham throughout the preseason.
The Wide Receiving Core’s Health
One of the big questions of the entire off-season has been the Patriots wide receivers. Will they be healthy enough to be ready for the season as perform? Well right now, Julian Edelman is out with a hand injury. Demariyus Thomas has the questions of coming back from an Achilles injury. A guy like Braxton Berrios is on the fence for just making the Patriots roster. This team needs some healthy bodies at wide receiver, and they need them quickly. With a retired Gronk, the wide receivers will be depended upon more than ever for Tom Brady.
In Conclusion
There is a lot to look at between these two teams. The Patriots always win the AFC East with relative ease. The Lions are competing in a tough NFC North division with Green Bay, Chicago, and Minnesota battling it out every season. The Patriots do not play the Lions this upcoming season. Plus, there was a time last season where the Patriots lost in Detroit and people thought the Patriots were done. Maybe Belichick and company want a little payback for last season. Well…maybe not because it’s preseason. But football is back and it’s time to get technical once again. Cue up NFL RedZone!
The Patriots are at it again and developing within. Last year’s seventh round draft pick out of LSU, Danny Etling, is making the transition from quarterback to wide receiver.
There has been success in similar transitions before. Julian Edelman was a quarterback-turned-wide receiver. Edelman, however, made the transition before the draft, not into his professional career.
So what can be expected from Etling as receiver? Well, for starters, his speed and size is promising.
At 6 foot 3, Etling posted a 4.76 40-time at the combine in 2018. He was in the top five for quarterbacks at the combine, coming in at number four.
His height also give him the slight advantage over a 5 foot 10 Edelman and Phillip Dorsett. However, rookie receiver N’Keal Harry stands at a slightly taller 6 foot 4.
Working alongside the likes of Harry and Edelman will be to Etling’s advantage in this situation. You have a once quarterback-turned-receiver in Edelman who will understand the ins and outs of the process. This will likely offer the most valuable guidance. Not to mention, Edelman is a top receiver in the league and reining Super Bowl MVP.
The best advice for Etling heading into this new avenue will be to stick by Edelman’s side as much as possible. There may not be a better teacher for the kid.
Harry will be another man Etling will want to learn from if he is to ever get on the receiver rotation. This rookie’s film is impressive itself, but getting the chance to watch him work will be worthwhile for Etling’s transition.
With one year already in the New England system, Etling has another advantage in knowing how this offense operates. Understanding the playbook from a quarterbacks perspective has to give him a slight mental edge. Now, it is a matter of his feet and hands catching up to the challenge.
New England sees the benefits in successfully transitioning Etling to receiver. They can develop a guy that already has some good qualities, like speed and size, and make him a player taylor-made for their system. If successful, this could add good depth to the receiver rotation.
Chances are Etling will not see the field this year as a receiver. As the season goes on and he continues to develop, next year may be his time to get some regular season reps. Right now, Etling should focus on putting his nose to the grindstone and impressing in practice.
The Patriots have a pretty solid duo in Edelman and Harry, a tandem that seems to be a solid bet for the next few years. Dorsett sits at number three, and if Etling impresses in the next year or so he could be competing to take that third slot. But really, any spot on that rotation will be a move in the right direction for him.
It is going to be a hard transition without a doubt, but not impossible. Certainly, it will be interesting to see if Etling can live up to the challenge and find himself on the roster as a receiver.
Julian Edelman will be sidelined for the first three weeks of training camp with a thumb injury. Edelman’s injury has caused speculation about the abilities of the Patriots receiving corp. Currently, only Phillip Dorsett has caught a pass in an NFL game from Tom Brady. However, Edelman’s injury could be a much needed kick start to the team’s passing game.
Developing Rapport
Edelman will miss the first three weeks of training camp with a reported thumb injury. (Credit: Getty Images)
With Edelman sidelined, the Patriots receiving corp for camp includes Philip Dorsett, N’Keal Harry,Braxton Berrios, Maurice Harris, and Dontrelle Inman. As previously mentioned, only Dorsett has caught passes in a game from Brady.
How is this positive?
For the first three weeks of camp, Brady needs to get on the same page with these new receivers. His ability to click with new and young receivers has been heavily criticized in recent years. The initial absence of Edelman can accelerate the development of trust between Brady and the rest of the receiving corp. Additionally, it’s a tremendous opportunity for those receivers to prove themselves as viable options in the passing game.
Back to Basics
Credit: USA Today Sports)
It’s obvious how great Tom Brady is. That does not mean he is invulnerable from criticism. Particularly, Brady has always been associated with the “favorite receiver is the open receiver” cliche. In recent memory, this hasn’t always been the case. There have been egregious forced passes to Josh Gordon and Rob Gronkowski, multiple times ignoring an open Chris Hogan on downfield routes, and perhaps the most notable moment was missing an open James White on the sack-fumble that ultimately cost the team Super Bowl 52.
Why rehash these sour moments for fans? Without Edelman in training camp, it’s a chance for Brady to revert back to that basic principle of “my favorite receiver is the open receiver.” Developing that rapport with the rest of the receivers will allow him to trust those players when they create separation or get open.
Kick Start, Not Replacement
(Credit: Getty Images)
The Patriots are not a better team without Julian Edelman in the receiving corp. His return will bolster both the passing game and run game due to his impact on defenses. His absence at the start of training camp has the chance of being a great kick start to the potential development of the rest of the offense. It’s up to the other receivers and the greatest quarterback of all time to do the rest.
— Bauston Diehards 🏈 ⚾🏀🏒⚽ (@BaustonDiehards) July 20, 2019
Julian Edelman held his Pro Camp for kids in Sudbury Massachusetts. Kids in grades 1-8 get the chance to catch a pass from the Patriot great. They also learn some fundamentals of the game. Even though it is $249 a person, the turnout was still a big one even on a very hot day. With the Pro Camp being held that means football is right around the corner. Training camp begins Thursday in Foxborough.
Edelman is excited for the season to start
Edelman told reporters at the camp “We had summer break, [now] you get to see all the fellas. This is where you learn your team and learn each other and become accountable for each other and work hard together and create a consistency together.”
He also has done a lot for charity
Edelman not only does he do a lot on the football field, he does a lot for charity. Right after the Super Bowl his beard was shaved on the Ellen Degeneres Show in exchange for $10,000 donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Boston. He would also donate another $10,000 for a total $20,000 donated to the Boys and Girls Club. Edelman really does a great job teaching the kids different techniques and plays that are used even on the Patriots.
Edelman did speak about a great opportunity this is for these kids to have a chance to learn the game from the best. He said, “We’re showing them some techniques, giving them little pointers that are fundamental things we do in the pros. That you still have to work on.” Each person goes to each station to learn something new, whether it be on offense or defense. It really is a fun full day of football. Kids also receive Edleman merchandise for participating.
Julian Edelman Is a Massive asset for the Patriots
Julian Edelman’s impact on the Patriots is massive. The three-time Super Bowl Champion, and most recently Super Bowl MVP, has come up in big spots in big games. He’s also earned the trust of quarterback Tom Brady. Edelman brings that power and drive to the offense on the receiving side, and the chemistry between him and Brady is so good it’s the best in the league. He has a career 30 touchdowns and 5390 yards. His memorable catches are many, especially during the Super Bowl win against the Falcons.
Edelman comes up in big spots
When the offense was struggling last season it was Edelman who stepped up big and delivered, just as online gambling sites anticipated. He and Brady always stay on the same page and workout together consistently. Without Edelman Brady would have few reliable targets to throw too. If defenders double cover Edelman it makes way for other receivers to step up and get open. Edelman can do anything from running, catching, and even throwing. When Amendola was on the team, those two had great chemistry and made defenses work harder.
Via Boston Herald
First-round pick N’Keal Harry is already working with Edelman and Brady. Edelman can teach the new guys techniques and advantages they can use during the games. Harry is learning from the best. From the coach all the way to the players. As Edelman singed his contract extension last week, it’s clear he’s here because Brady is here and they both want to win more championships. Without Edelman, it would be much harder for Brady to find guys open and get the offense going. Edelman finished the Super Bowl with 10 catches for 140 yards. It was very low scoring, but he was always in the right place at the right time.
The Super Bowl catch against the Atlanta Falcons will go down as the greatest Super Bowl catch of all time. It is even better than the David Tyree catch in Super Bowl XLII. The Tyree catch is probably second, but in general, having number 11 on the Patriots is so huge. Brady is going to be 42 in August and needs a reliable receiver out there catching passes and making big plays. Julian Edelman sure is that.
There is no denying the Patriots are depleted at wide receiver. They only have Julian Edelman signed for 2019, with Josh Gordon a restricted free agent. Assuming Gordon, and at least one of Dorsett, Patterson, or Hogan return, New England will still need another slot receiver.
Previously on BSE, we mentioned some of the potential free agent wideouts New England could target. Veteran slot receiver Golden Tate is one of the most prominent names. The former Lion is one of the premier receivers on the market, and he mentioned on Wednesday he would love the chance to come to Foxboro.
“I would love it, I would love it,’’ he told ProStyle Podcast. “That organization, they have proven to be champions year in and year out. They work hard for sure, but you know where you’re going to be at the end of the season: you’re going to be not only looking at the playoffs, but you’re looking at maybe a first-round bye with this team. You gotta admire that organization, they do things right, they’ve been doing it for a long, long, long time.’’
It has been common knowledge that Tate wants another chance at a ring before he retires. He’s mentioned that he is on the tail end of his career, and is craving another Super Bowl run. A member of the dominant 2013 Seattle squad, he already has one ring to his name. In the past, where have countless veterans gone to win a Super Bowl at the end of their careers? Three guesses.
Tate obviously makes a ton of sense for the Patriots in free agency. He is a proven receiver with playoff experience, filling up the stat sheet for the last three seasons. After a down year in 2018, and being over 30, the price could be right for New England.
The Patriots need another dynamic receiver for Tom Brady, and Tate fits that bill without breaking the bank. If the feeling is mutual between the two parties, there is a very real possibility this comes to fruition.
It also helps that New England boasts the greatest quarterback of all time, which Tate clearly acknowledges. He said this later on in the interview:
“I would definitely love being a part of something like that and catch a few passes from old Tommy Boy,’’ Tate said. “Julian [Edelman] is a buddy of mine, I’m really good buddies with him. I’ve heard good things from Kyle Van Noy, who got traded from Detroit and went there and has just been balling out since. It’s, as I said, a great organization. I definitely would not mind going over there for sure.’’
Tate is the prototypical player the Patriots go after in free agency. He is on the back end of his career, coming off a down season, and is still a productive player. He fills a huge need for the Pats, and has a ton of interest in venturing over to 1 Patriot Place. And after this interview, you can bet Julian Edelman will be recruiting Tate like crazy.
The price should be right for New England, assuming Tate wants a one to two year deal worth around five million a year. When free agency starts on March 14th at 4:00 P.M. est, look out for Golden Tate to potentially be the Patriots marquee signing.
The New England Patriots drafted Miami wide receiver Braxton Berrios in the sixth round of the 2018 draft. The stereotypes were all present: quick, agile, white slot receiver with good hands and route running. Many draft analysts called this pick weeks in advance, and when it happened it seemed Berrios could be of help early on.
New England had just dealt Brandin Cooks to the Rams and lost Danny Amendola to the Dolphins, so receiver was an area of need. They did have the likes of aging Kenny Britt and Jordan Matthews on the roster, but the loss of Amendola was what really concerned people.
With Julian Edelman sidelined in 2017 and suspended for four games in 2018, slot receiver depth was depleted. Enter Braxton Berrios.
After a very successful career at the University of Miami, Berrios projected to be a late round pick due to his of lack of NFL traits. His height was a concern, being 5’9″, and his catchability was also brought into question because of this. Scouts believed him to be good enough to potentially be a backup or on special teams, similar to what Julian Edelman projected.
Even with his negative characteristics, Bill Belichick obviously liked him enough to not wait until after the draft. He nabbed him with 210th overall pick, and must have had good thoughts in mind because he was the only receiver Belichick drafted. With Edelman suspended and not 100%, and Amendola cashing in, Berrios seemed to have a starting job staring him in the face.
Riley McCarron was the only slot receiver on the roster at the time, but Berrios seemed to have a better skill set. The preseason was going to be the ultimate determination on which slot guy the Pats would carry. However, that decision was made for New England, as Berrios got injured and was placed on Injured Reserve.
So, assuming he’s fully healthy at the start of OTA’s, what does the future hold for Berrios? He will have an opportunity to earn his roster spot, as the Pats only have Edelman signed for 2019. Although, this is going to change, with multiple receivers expected to be signed for next season. There are a few big slot receivers on the market, especially Golden Tate and Adam Humphries.
While Berrios will have his work cut out for him when these receivers are signed, he does have an advantage. He was able to learn the playbook and play with the offense for training camp last year. Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio also had some encouraging things to say about him:
“[He’s] an impressive kid,” Caserio said following the draft. “This guy’s really, really smart. He graduated in, I want to say three to three-and-a-half years, whatever it was. Played inside the formation at the University of Miami, really productive, really tough, good traits, smart, good quickness.”
While it is obvious the Patriots like his ability and potential, there simply might not be room for him. It is within the realm of possibility that Berrios could beat out some of the free agents or draftees mentioned earlier. However, the more likely scenario is Berrios ending up on the practice squad.
New England prefers to hang onto their late round draft picks instead of cut them, and that’s the foreseeable future for the former Hurricane. He has the traits and ability to maybe, potentially, be the heir to Julian Edelman’s throne. Of course, that hinges on Berrios sticking around for another 3-4 years.
Berrios could stay on the active roster in the meantime on special teams, similar to 2009-2010 Edelman. He would be the backup to the backup slot receiver, Dwight Schrute style, but he would be getting valuable reps. His punt return ability is also something the Patriots value greatly and could also land him a roster spot. This is less likely than the practice squad, but is still possible with how little depth the Pats currently have.
However, another question is: Could Berrios be cut?
The answer is yes, but winding up on the practice squad is still the biggest possibility. The Patriots had a similar situation with Austin Carr a couple years ago; Carr was an undrafted slot receiver but there was not enough room on the active roster. After a very successful preseason, New England opted to cut Carr rather than place him on the practice squad.
He was immediately gobbled up by the Saints and placed on their practice squad. Carr is now a productive player for New Orleans, and the Pats certainly could have used his depth in 2018.
Berrios is similar, and should be signed to the practice squad if he performs well. If he comes into training camp and tears it up however, there is a real possibility that his versatility could land him a spot on the 53. This would most likely be for special teams and depth reasons, but the opportunities would be there.
If he does not perform though, it is possible that he ends up on the practice squad. But being cut as apart of roster cutdowns is more than likely to happen if he does underperform.
So to answer the question, “Cut candidate or slot receiver of the future?”, it is easier to see the former. Berrios is going to have a ton of competition come summer time, and is still a sixth round pick. He does have special teams value, which could land him a roster spot. “Slot receiver of the future” on the other hand does not seem feasible at this point though.
In 2019 free agency, the wide receiver position is going to see a lot of turnover in New England. Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, and technically Josh Gordon are all free agents. It is reasonable to think that the Patriots can bring back two of these players, including Josh Gordon.
However, New England will need to retool the receiver position with new faces regardless of who stays and goes. In years past, it hasn’t been as necessary to bring in dynamic weapons due to Tom Brady being Tom Brady. As TB12 nears age 42 though, the playmakers around him will need to be better than ever before.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing options at wide receiver for New England this offseason:
Adam Humphries, UFA
Perhaps one of the most sought after free agents this year, Adam Humphries is a perfect fit for New England. Setting aside the small, white slot receiver narrative, Humphries would slide right into Josh McDaniels’ offense. He’s mainly worked out of the slot during his time in Tampa Bay, racking up nearly 900 yards and five touchdowns this past season. Although, he’s able to work other receiver positions as well, similar to what Danny Amendola did for five years.
This style of receiver complements Julian Edelman extremely well, but Humphries won’t be an easy get. He has a multitude of suitors due to his playmaking and catching ability, and could be overpaid this offseason. The Browns and Colts are two teams that have been linked to him, and they have double the cap space New England does. Humphries is perhaps the best fit out of all the available receivers, but will have a hefty price tag.
Golden Tate, UFA
Patriots fans have been coveting someone like Golden Tate for years, and the opportunity has arrived to make it happen. Tate had a decent 2018 campaign, going for nearly 800 yards and four TD’s. Although his ability to be a “do-it-all” type receiver is much more attractive than stats.
Tate mainly plays out of the slot, but is quick enough that he can be a solid deep threat. Like Humphries, the former Lions standout complements Julian Edelman perfectly, and is a natural fit for what the Patriots do on offense.
It’s been reported that Tate would like to stay in Philadephia, but the Eagles aren’t expected to pursue him. When the 2019 season starts, Tate will be 31, but has shown that he still has some gas left in the tank. His market won’t be nearly as competitive as Humphries’ will, and the price tag will be significantly less.
Jermaine Kearse, UFA
A former Seahawk, Kearse has been one of the most underappreciated wideouts in football for years. His stats are always competitive, even when he was with the bumbling Jets, and he is a playmaking machine (see the 2014 Super Bowl). Unlike Humphries and Tate, Kearse plays on the outside a majority of the time, and would likely take over Chris Hogan’s position if he’s signed.
There is a definitely a need for someone like Kearse, who would most likely come on a relatively cheap deal. Chris Hogan was unable to get separation a lot of the time on the outside, and Kearse is very well known for his ability to get a step on cornerbacks. His history of dropped passes is a little concerning, but that’s why he would come on a team-friendly deal. It’s worth looking into, but there are certainly better options on the market.
Cole Beasley, UFA
Another receiver linked to the Patriots due to his race and position, Beasley made it very clear he wants out of Dallas. New England is going to sign or draft a slot receiver this offseason, it’s inevitable. There was a clear need for a Danny Amendola type player in 2018 to match up alongside Edelman, and Beasley fits the bill.
He has a very similar play style to Edelman, as he plays hard and racks up a ton of yards after the catch. Even with the dysfunction in Dallas, he garnered 672 yards and three touchdowns in 2018. Between Beasley, Humphries, and Tate, Beasley could be the best overall option. His price tag won’t be significantly high, he’s a tad younger than Tate, and of course is a bona fide fit. It is likely that this is who the Patriots will ultimately sign for the slot unless Tate comes cheaper.
Demaryius Thomas, UFA
Thomas had a rough 2018 season, posting his worst numbers since 2011, and tearing his Achilles late in the year. He won’t be ready to play until the end of summer and is the oldest receiver on this list at age 31. Even with all of this, New England should try to take a flier on Thomas.
It wouldn’t be anything more than a one or two year deal, but we all know the Patriots’ success with veteran wideouts. Bill Belichick has seen plenty of Thomas from his time with Denver, and knows how good of a receiver he is. Even if it is just for preseason depth, there is very little risk to bring Thomas in to see how much he can still contribute. It’s also worth noting that if Josh Gordon can’t get reinstated, the former Bronco would slide nicely into Gordon’s position.
Antonio Brown, Trade
This name is on this list simply because it has to be. Is there any chance the Steelers trade away their perennial All-Pro to the Pats? Of course not. Do the Patriots have the capital to make it happen though? Absolutely.
Brown comes with his own set of challenges, with his recent diva act being quite the cause for concern. However, there was another All-Pro receiver that had similar problems in 2006 and was traded away to the Pats for nothing in 2007. Ring any bells?
However, Oakland trading Randy Moss to New England wasn’t doing Oakland any harm. The two teams rarely play and the Raiders weren’t going anywhere in the playoffs. The Steelers on the other hand, see the Patriots once, sometimes twice a year. Which means if they did deal Brown to New England, they would most likely watch their former star dismantle Pittsburgh’s zone defense at least once every season.
There are very few scenarios in which Brown puts on a Patriot jersey. The 49ers are the most probable destination. Although, the asking price for Brown may be too high for some teams because of his recent quitting act. In this scenario, there is a chance the Patriots package a couple of higher draft picks to land the receiver.
Odell Beckham Jr., Trade
While at first this might seem like another Antonio Brown type pipe dream, it’s not as crazy as the previous trade scenario. Odell Beckham Jr. can be the most dynamic player in football when healthy. He can also be the league’s most dramatic prima donna when things don’t go his way.
Unlike Brown, Beckham is more affordable and a more likely trade target. The Giants wouldn’t necessarily mind trading with the Patriots, and they probably wouldn’t ask for the farm either. A high draft pick, second or third round, packaged with another young player could make the deal work.
The only question is would the Giants be willing to part ways with the wideout. It depends on which way New York is leaning in regards to their rebuild. They have a bright future with Saquon Barkley and the sixth draft pick in 2019, which will be used on a quarterback. The rest of the team though, is abysmal to say the least. The Giants won’t be competitive for a couple of years, and with OBJ’s injury history and hefty five year contract, the timing could be right.
The Patriots just finished up winning their Sixth Super Bowl. After seeing Brady, Edleman, and Belichick embracing and talking about still being here, and the post-game comments from Robert and Jonathan Kraft that were giddy but edged, it all adds up to one thing: The Patriots have unfinished business. What else do they need to accomplish? They are being compared to the greatest dynasties in all sports. Brady arguments are starting with Jordan and Russell, not Montana and Starr.
This team once finished a season 18-1. That nasty taste in the back of all Patriots fans throats is still there. The Patriots have very few goals left to achieve. Let’s look at what might very well be in store for the 2019 off-season.
It Starts With Motivation
The Patriots 13-3 win was by the biggest margin in their Super Bowl history. But according to most outlets, this was a boring Super Bowl. No buzz. More an indictment on the Rams and Sean McVay than a Patriots win. Sure, there’s the occasional 2/3rds of the Ringer football staff, or Greg Bedard, who champion this team’s accomplishments. But this is a taste of what you get when you search ‘Patriots boring’ into google:
Don’t think for a minute Coach Belichick hasn’t noticed. We just saw what happens when Belichick regains control of the team and uses motivation to maximum effect.
Again, the Patriots just pulled into a tie with the Steelers for all time Super Bowl wins. Tom Brady stands alone as the player with the most Super Bowl rings. Coach Belichick can do things like this:
Bill Belichick has renamed and repainted his boat to VIII Rings eight days after Super Bowl 53.
Freddy Mitchell, a part time player, was used as motivation against the Eagles in Super Bowl 39. What do we think a national movement belittling this Super Bowl can do?
Salary Cap & Draft Capital
The NFL salary cap can be convoluted. But the bottom line is the Patriots currently have around $18 Million in cap space. Between potential retirements and restructurings that number could grow to around $50 Million or more. That’s enough cheddar to do some serious damage.
As far as draft picks, the Patriots have 5 in the first four rounds. When have they ever used all their draft picks? Now they have an extra upper round pick to parry with.
All this adds up to a lot of possibilities.
Potential Moves
What are the kind of players we could be talking about? Randy Moss was traded for a 4th round pick in 2007. Aqib Talib was traded for a 4th round pick in 2012. Brandin Cooks was traded for first and third round picks in 2017.
There is a certain Steeler wide out who has just requested a trade. Yes, Antonio Brown, probably the best wide receiver in the NFL, is not outwardly Patriot material. He put the post-game locker room on Facebook live. He doesn’t show up for work at times. Brown also just missed a court date, so is now a convicted reckless driver.
The Steelers will have to be desperate to trade Brown to the Patriots, but his radioactivity might make it possible. With him missing the final game of the season, and now a reckless driving conviction in Pennsylvania, the price could be coming down from 1st round pick territory. Brown is owed a lot of money, around $12 to $13 Million a year for the next three years. But his contract isn’t guaranteed. It’s easy to see a reworked one or two year deal, a la Darrelle Revis in 2014. It’s also easy to see a hardworking, nose to the grindstone Antonio Brown looking to rebuild his value.
Brown on his own wouldn’t be enough. Belichick is always ready to praise the opposition. He just saw the Rams defense do a great job against Brady and Co. Someone like linebacker Donte Fowler, Jr., who is a free agent, would look great next to Dont’a Hightower in the Patriots defense.
Re-signings to look for
A push for an undefeated season would include convincing Gronk to go for it one more year as well. Why go through the pain and hard work? The same reason Belichick and Brady are still doing it. To achieve the unattainable, the immortal.
And of course this would include bringing back Trey Flowers. As stated above, there is room on the Patriots cap, with some massaging, for a few big moves.
The Patriots have the motivation and ability to go all in for an undefeated season in 2019. Let’s put those ’72 Dolphins out to pasture, we want our own insufferable undefeated toasts every year.
