Tag Archives: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The New England Patriots Offense Is Very Much Underrated

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.

Julian Edelman

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.

Phillip Dorsett

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.

Josh Gordon

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.

Demaryius Thomas

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.

Ben Watson

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!

Patriots-Lions Week Headlines, Notes, and Observations

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!

Five Wide Receiver Options for the Patriots

The immediate feeling around the NFL was that Julian Edelman will recover from his thumb injury in time to be healthy for the preseason. However, it now seems like this is not the case. On the bright side, there are a few options at the Wide Receiver position available.

Let’s take a look at five of them right now.

Kelvin Benjamin

Although he had what most would consider to be a down season last year and has played for three teams in the past two years (all three sent him packing), Kelvin Benjamin is still a solid option at the Wide Receiver position. Tom Brady would have a field day with a guy of his stature. His size creates the opportunity for for him to be used as a Receiver or a hybrid Tight End. Perhaps some time in New England would repair Benjamin’s “lazy” reputation.

Mike Wallace

Although he is one of the older options available, Mike Wallace can still put up great numbers when healthy. He is just two years removed from a 72 catch season with the Baltimore Ravens. In fact, Wallace has had only two seasons in which he amassed less than 50 receptions. Wallace and Edelman are also about the same size, so perhaps the Patriots could also use him in a similar role.

Terrance Williams

Terrance Williams is a Wide Receiver that showed some promise while he was with the Dallas Cowboys until last season when he was derailed by a foot injury and a suspension for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. The Patriots wouldn’t lose much by simply inviting him in for a tryout. Williams can easily give a team 50-60 receptions a season, and Edelman is essentially the only pass catcher on the Patriots that can be relied upon for numbers like this. The bottom line is, Tom Brady needs a reliable pass target and Williams is the most cost efficient option available.

Michael Crabtree

If the Patriots are looking for a big play Wide Receiver, Michael Crabtree is the best man for the job. Crabtree is only 31 so he has a few more good years left in him. He might even be the team’s number one receiver once Edelman is healthy. The addition of Crabtree would soften the retirement of Rob Gronkowski (something we’ve already covered).

Brandon LaFell

Before you guys bring up his disastrous 2015 season, let’s look at 2014. In 2014, Brandon LaFell established career highs in almost every category and won a Super Bowl with the Patriots. It’s also worth noting that he was hurt in 2015. A reunion would do nothing but good for both sides. The truth is LaFell knows the Patriots offense better than any player on this list and Brady will already trust him. With Edelman on the shelf no Wide Receiver on the roster will have had Tom Brady as their Quarterback. With that being said, bringing back a former Patriot that can still play makes sense. If he plays anything like 2014 or his two years with the Bengals, why not call him?

Sophomore Snapshot: The Good, the Bad, the Incomplete

Training camp has opened and the season is fast approaching. The 2018 Patriot draft class has some good, some bad and some incompletes. This sophomore snapshot gets you caught up ready for your first preseason game.

The Good

Aug 9, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley (51) tackles Washington Redskins running back Byron Marshall (34) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

J.C. Jackson

The biggest surprise from the rookie draft picks came from an undrafted defensive back! A day two talent that fell due to off the field questions and some poor testing shined for the Patriots. As part of the top rotation in the backfield he has impressed with his speed and physicality, even against bigger wide receivers and tight ends. His aggressiveness caught up to him and he began acquiring penalties in the playoffs, and his usage began to dip. Has a real shot at taking the next step and being the number two option at cornerback, opposite Gilmore on game day.

Ja’Whaun Bentley

When training camp broke in 2018, the defense looked like it had a new wrecking force playing at linebacker. In the first three games he amassed more statistics than most rookie linebackers do all season. He collected a single interception, pass defensed, tackle for loss, and a QB hit. Bentley also had nine solo tackles and five assisted tackles. A torn biceps landed him on injured reserve prior to week 4, otherwise the Bentley legend could have grown. He goes into 2019 being the top option behind Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy. While he does have some competition from Elandon Roberts and reacquired Jamie Collins, he easily could never leave the field.

Trent Harris

What does a team do when a pro bowl defensive end leaves in free agency? You have his replacement ready to go the next year. Most expect Dietrich Wise to step in take the next step. I for one am jumping on the Trent Harris train for this. His impressive preseason in pressuring the quarterback, and season long stint on the practice squad, will prepare him for a bigger role on the defense for the 2019 campaign. Don’t be surprised when you hear his name called again and again this year. The time is ripe for the next great defender on the Patriots.

The Bad

Sep 30, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (26) and running back James White (28) warm up before the start of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Duke Dawson

What does it mean when a team gives a prospect every opportunity to get on the field and make an impact and he can’t even be active for a game? I don’t know either, but it’s not good. Numerous reasons conspired against the highly-touted second round pick. A hamstring injury landed him on the injured reserve at the beginning of the season. But unlike most of his fellow rookies, the Patriots used one of its IR activation spots on him. He could never crack the game day roster the rest of the season due to a healthy secondary that was playing well. With that disappointment behind him he needs to be ready and compete for playing time. Cutting Dawson prior to opening day is unlikely, anything else can happen. Change of scenery trade, another IR stint, or being inactive all season will be extremely negative to his career path. No one wants to see another Ras-I Dowling or Cyrus Jones happen.

Sony Michel

I debated placing Michel in the incomplete. He ultimately lands in the bad due to the chronic nature of his health problems and the competitiveness of his position. Michel had a very good rookie year and a perfect postseason run on the way to a Super Bowl ring. How could six regular season touchdowns, six postseason touchdowns and over 1250 rushing yards land him in the bad? Two knee surgeries, two knee injuries and multiple missed games and practices will do it. The Patriots also drafted a potential backup/replacement in Damien Harris. This is in addition to returning running backs in Rex Burkhead and James White. All of this paints a clouded picture of the second year back’s future.

Danny Etling

Oh Danny boy! I wish things could be turning out differently. When the Patriots drafted Jarett Stidham in the fourth round, Etling’s path to a regular season spot became nearly impossible. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad. The plan is to compete with veteran Brian Hoyer for the backup spot. Winning that battle is becoming imperative post-draft. The Patriots will likely carry three quarterbacks on the active roster this year, as stashing Stidham on the practice squad is very risky. This would make Etling’s potential spot on there that much more unlikely. I hope he can make it. If not we’ll always have the fourth preseason game.

The Incomplete

Georgia offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn (77) looks to block Florida defensive lineman Cece Jefferson (96) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Isaiah Wynn

The New England Patriots have had an uncharacteristic period of instability at the important left tackle position recently. In 2017 Nate Solder was the starter, in 2018 it was Trent Brown. There will be a different player protecting Tom Brady’s blind side in 2019. The favorite is the second year player from Georgia. This could be more of a rocky transition than with Brown. Wynn is coming off one of the worst injuries in football. The torn Achilles he suffered in the second preseason game is reportedly healed as he avoided the PUP list to open camp. Is he suitable for the left tackle position in the NFL? As long as Tom Brady is back there and Dante Scarnecchia is teaching the group they will be ready on game day.

The Injury Squad

When you have a team that finishes the season as the second seed and dominates the playoffs enroute to a third Super Bowl appearance in four years you could expect some contribution from its rookies. This is a team that saw five of its rookie picks hit the IR before the season began. Included were Braxton Berrios, Christian Sam and Ryan Izzo. All are expected to hit the ground running and make some noise if they want to secure their roster spots this season, and the years to come.

Thank you for reading this article written by Andrew Lykins. You can find the rest of my work over at https://bostonsportsextra.com/author/@alykins32

You can find many other fine articles on all Boston sports at Bostonsportsextra.com
My mind resides at twitter under @ALykins32

All statistics were found at https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ unless otherwise noted.

LFG for the 7th Ring in 2019!!

Patriots Players To Consider Heading Into Fantasy Season

As football season fast approaches, so does fantasy season. For the Patriots, their fantasy options seem a little more scattered than everyone is used to. The departure of Gronkowski and suspension of Watson leaves a gap in the position. Injuries also bring with them questions on who will be ready to go by the team’s first game. When it comes to picking up a Patriot for your fantasy roster, great consideration must be taken. 

Best picks

Julian Edelman

Heading into this season, Edelman will surely be the receiver with the most catches and fantasy points for the Patriots. Currently he is out with a thumb injury and is expected to miss most of camp. Edelman being out is not much of a concern when it comes to him being on the field week one. Expect him to not only be back, but back to solidify his Super Bowl 53 MVP title.

In both PPR and Standard fantasy leagues, Edleman is a solid choice and will contribute great numbers each week. Chances are he will remain available through the entirety of the first round and second, but if you’re trying to establish a strong wide receiver duo, plan accordingly.

James White

The Patriots did a good job of utilizing White and Michel in the back field last season. White will be participating in camp and with the possibility of Michel’s injury impacting the start of his season, White will obviously share more of the RB responsibility. 

While there are other running backs that will be snatched before White, he is a great second back to keep in mind. Last season he had 87 receptions for 751 yards, and 94 rush attempts for 425 yards. He maintains solid numbers that will surely contribute to any good RB duo.

Tom Brady 

There is not much to be explained here. Brady is consistent, and that is why he has six Super Bowl rings. The man’s numbers are not always top of the fantasy leaderboard, but he is reliable in almost any game and for many rosters this season, that is enough. 

Mid-Round

N’Keal Harry

Grabbing a rookie early is (almost) always a nerve-racking move. Harry’s film doesn’t lie, the kid is bound for great things in New England. However, given that this is the former Sun Devil’s first year in the league, fantasy-wise, you should not put all your eggs in this basket.

Drafting Harry as your second WR or someone to rotate in is the better choice. Being behind Edelman, he is surely not going to be Brady’s favorite target from the jump. Give the kid some time to adjust to the league, and the points may start to reel their way in. 

Sony Michel

Most know by now that Michel is out on PUP for what looks like most of training camp, if not more. Michel had a breakout rookie season rotating in with White, which makes him a quality second back. If he comes back from injury in top shape, he could be a good guy to have on your team.

What might be the threat to Michel’s RB-2 status in fantasy and on the Patriots roster may not be an injury, however, it may be the guy up next.

Damien Harris

The Patriots third-round 2019 draft pick is a solid back from Alabama. Harris is undoubtedly using Michel’s injury as an opportunity to try and snag that RB-2 spot. Michel missing from camp might be the chance for Harris to show Belichick and McDaniels what he can do.

This also creates an opportunity for Harris to show fantasy drafters what he can do. It seems unlikely at the moment that Harris is going to replace Michel under any circumstance, but then again, anything is possible in the NFL. Harris is a kid to keep your eye on this training camp because he might just surprise you.

Other guys to keep in mind

Benjamin Watson

With the departure of Gronkowski, the tight end spot blew wide open. Veteran Ben Watson came out of his brief retirement to sign with a team newly in need of some big-man help. The pros of a veteran tight end is the experience, but the cons is the wear and tear on the body.

Watson is a risky take because he will be serving a four game suspension to start the season for a substance violation. It seems likely that he will be utilized when he is back, but the question becomes how much and how often?

Phillip Dorsett

A reliable guy, but by no means Brady’s favorite target, Dorsett might be a late round guy to think about. Dorsett has come up clutch in many situations and proven a solid man in the WR-3 spot. If you’re looking for a receiver to keep around on your bench, he might be a good choice. 

Matt LaCosse

With Watson’s suspension to start the season, tight end Matt LaCosse might slip into the first spot on the roster. He’s 26, played on a few different teams, but has not seen the results that Patriots fans would hope for in a starting guy.

The upside to LaCosse is that he is joining one of the most solidified offenses in the game. If he can learn the system well, connect with Brady but be the big man up front when needed, he might find his place in New England. He is not a guy to fight for, just someone to think about in the later rounds of your draft.

A Reunion with Collins

Do you believe in second chances? Can you improve on first impressions? Is it possible to go back home? Can Jamie Collins come back to the team that drafted him?

So many questions…

These are questions that the New England Patriots and linebacker Jamie Collins are going to find the answers to when training camp opens for the 2019 NFL season. Collins was unceremoniously shipped off to the Cleveland Browns late October of 2016. Coming during the bye week of a tumultuous season it provided a much needed break for both parties.

The Patriots received draft capital for an individual it was likely not to resign. The Cleveland Browns got their hands on top tier free agent, one who might not have even taken a phone call from management. The Browns quickly inked him to a four year deal.

Bill Belichick walked away from the deal as the eventual winner, as they helped turn that third round pick into Brandin Cooks, Isaiah Wynn and numerous other draft day maneuvers. Oh, and two Super Bowl rings and an additional appearance. So, that worked out ok.

What led to his exit?

Similar to Patrick Chung‘s career arc, Collins has returned a wiser and more experienced football player. During his initial stint, he won on athleticism and speed. Every fan in New England remembers his leap over the head of the long snapper to block that kick. It was his freelancing ways that drew the ire of the coaching staff and contributed to his banishment to Cleveland. His contract situation also contributed. And like so many Patriots before him, he was seeking riches that the team was not willing to part with.

Now that the Cleveland Browns shelled out the cash for him, what do the Patriots have in store for the experienced vet?

What are the Patriots getting?

Jamie Collins and Myles Garrett attempt to rush the Passer: Photo credits by Erik Drost Flickr

A versatile, dynamic linebacker on the cheap for one. His contract is an extremely reasonable one year deal that guaranteed just $250k, and up to $5 million dollars in mostly incentive based language.

Snaps for another. With Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy returning as roster locks, and second year Ja’Whaun Bentley coming back from injury, there are only three sure linebackers on the roster for week one.

KVN accounted for 90.70% of the defensive snaps, as well as an additional 125 snaps on special teams. Hightower followed him with 74.21%, and 74 snaps on defense and special teams respectively. After that was a whole lot of part timers on both units.

Collins did miss ten games in the 2017 season with a concussion and a season ending MCL tear. He bounced back in 2018 but still look a touch slow. Collins will have to prove that he is fully healthy in order to stick with the team. He will also have to show up willing to work and listen to the coaching staff. With Belichick having a greater hand on the defensive side of the ball, I doubt he will allow the amount of improvisation that Collins is capable of.

The expectations for the 2019 season?

Jamie Collins readies himself for another practice rep. Photo: Erik Drost Flickr

Collins can come in and prove his professionalism. He can get caught up with the new play book and bring his unique playing styles to the team. If the Patriots break camp with a healthy four man rotation of Hightower, KVN, Bentley and Collins, that would constitute one of the deeper and more talented units across the league.

Whatever happens, Belichick will select his guys, get them ready, and put the best game plan to win football for the 2019 season.

Thank you for reading this article written by Andrew Lykins. You can find the rest of my work over at https://bostonsportsextra.com/author/@alykins32 You can find many other fine articles on all Boston sports at Bostonsportsextra.com
My mind resides at twitter under @ALykins32

All statistics were found at www.pro-football-reference.com unless otherwise noted.

LFG for the 7th Ring in 2019!!

The Men Behind Some Of Tom Brady’s Firsts

It is easy to talk about the Tom Brady that everyone knows now. The records have all been set and more remain within reach, but at one time, Brady was not a record holder. Brady was not arguably the greatest in the world. 

In 2001, Brady stepped into the starting quarterback spot for the Patriots after Drew Bledsoe was injured during a week two matchup against the Jets. The young quarterback was just given an opportunity to make a name for himself in the league. 

Most know the story of Brady’s rise to football stardom, but many do not some of the people that were first to contribute or try to get in the way of it.

First Touchdown Pass: Terry Glenn, Wide Receiver

Week 5, 2001

Tom Brady and Terry Glenn, coming from opposing Big Ten schools, came together to help lift the Patriots out of a 1-3 start to the season. The pair had an unusual beginning to their season before that play. Glenn came off the bench from a four-game substance-abuse suspension. And Brady, well, everyone knows how that story goes. In this game, Glenn caught a 21-yard pass to record Brady’s first touchdown pass.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Gleen played at home for The Ohio State Buckeyes. The walk-on received the Biletnikoff Award for being one of the top college receivers. He was the Patriots seventh pick in the first round of the 1996 draft. Once in the league, he played 11 seasons for the Patriots, Packers, and Cowboys. 

The wide receiver had a troubled personal life outside of football. He often found himself in trouble with the law, issues spawning from domestic violence to public intoxication and auto theft. Glenn’s life came to a tragic end in 2017 at age 43 in a rollover car accident. He left behind children and a fiance, who was injured in the accident. 

First Sack: Brad Scioli, Defensive End

Week 6, 2001

Another first, another former Big Ten player. Scioli was in his third season with the Colts. The defensive end was up against a young, seemingly unknown quarterback who just stepped into the position. And when it was time to make a big play, it was Scioli that got that first sack. 

Originally from Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, Scioli stayed in-state to play at the college level, playing for a tough Penn State program headed by Joe Paterno. He finished his degree in hotel, restaurant, and institutional management and was then drafted in the fifth round by the Colts in 1999. His NFL career was spent in Indianapolis before injuries forced his retirement in 2004. 

Following his exit from the league, Scioli went into teaching. He received a teaching certification from West Chester University and received a master’s from Wilkes University. Eventually, Scioli moved back home and is now working for the Upper Merion Area School District. 

First Interception: Denard Walker, Safety 

Week 6, 2001

This 2001 Patriots team was on the edge of turning their season around, and up next on their to-do list was Denver. While the Patriots maintained a lead to start the game, the Broncos won it in a strong second-half effort. Many big plays helped the mile-high team secure their comeback, including the play made by Walker, causing Brady’s first interception of his career. 

Denard Walker was born in Dallas Texas and attended LSU. He was drafted in the third round of the 1997 NFL draft to the Tennessee Oilers and was with the team as they became the Tennessee Titans. Walker bounced from the Titans to the Broncos, next to the Vikings and ended his career with the Raiders in 2005.

The Brady Difference

The best way to succeed in life is through hard work and determination. The Brady difference as I like to call it, is what sets him apart from any other QB in the NFL. Brady’s quickly approaching his 42nd birthday in August, but if you didn’t know this you’d think he was in his 30’s.

Brady’s Training like A Mad Man

https://twitter.com/patsnationtm/status/1147250290028138497?s=21
This is from Tom v Time

The soon to be 42 year old will do anything it takes to improve his game. He’s looking faster and stronger in 2019 which shows his dedication and commitment. His critics will say he doesn’t have a strong arm, one even going as far to call it a wet noodle. Hi Max! Brady took to his Instagram account to fire back at the known troll.

The Caption Brady had on his post read, “He’s gonna fall off a Cliff” along with ? ? emojis.

It’s safe to say he’s still using everything negative he’s ever heard as fuel to his fire. The Brady difference at its finest.

Tom Brady’s Leadership is Incredible like usual

After winning a Super Bowl as a 41 year old, Tom is showing everyone what a true leader looks like. Josh Gordon is trying to get back on the field in time for training camp. Brady wanted to make sure he knew the team still has his back and got him to come out and throw the ball around.

“Brady to Gordon”
Hoping to hear that all season
Brady isn’t just having Gordon catching footballs. The two have been going out to dinner and spending time together like true friends.

Gordon isn’t the only player Brady’s been working out with, his pal Edelman has been catching passes with other teammates. Baron Davis was spotted with Brady too, and he’s got great hands according to Tom.

Tom’s not just doing all of these things for fun either. He wouldn’t admit it but he wants the Patriots to break the tie with Pittsburgh for SB wins. Great leaders don’t care about personal achievements. For Brady it doesn’t matter what his stats are as long as the Patriots get the win.

Brady doesn’t pad his stats and will gladly hand the ball off at the 5 yard line. After Brady’s incredible throw to Gronk in the Super Bowl to get to the 5 yard line he did the smart thing and handed it off. Most QBs would want that TD pass, that’s the difference. “The Brady Difference.”

Gronkowski Still has ‘The Itch’

Rob Gronkowski held his 7th annual Citi, Pro Camp for kids. Helping the Boston food bank along with the kids who all brought food for a great cause.

Gronk was his usual happy self on the first day of his camp this year. The future HOF TE was running around playing quarterback, catching passes and teaching kids the importance of teamwork. He’s a great role model and it showed all day.

Everyone Including 800 Children had the same question for Gronk

https://twitter.com/boston_sports18/status/1138166870027177984?s=21

The Patriots could surely use his services on the football field, but for now he is enjoying retirement. Rob is helping out in the community like he’s always done in the past.

This year the whole Gronkowski gang was out participating and having a blast. The event along with the kids brought in over 6,500 food items for the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Over 6500 items of food for the Greater a Boston Food Bank. (Mike Quilty)

The greatest TE I’ve ever seen is just as clutch when it comes to the community as his catches were this postseason and Super Bowl.

Gronkowski could potentially come back to the Patriots at some point this upcoming season. The decision will probably be unexpected and a surprise.

The TE had one amazing surprise for two of the Pro Camp participants, what a class act.

https://twitter.com/boston_sports18/status/1137434664975704064?s=21

Gronkowski always knows how to make someone smile, whether he’s off the field continuing his charities, or suiting up for the Patriots at some point in 2019.

The decision to retire is respected by everyone, but some of his ex teammates said they know he can still play and wouldn’t be surprised by a return. Gronk is going to be Gronk whatever he decides to do, he’s a Champion on and off the field.

Thank you to the Gronkowski’s, Rob in particular and everyone involved in a winning Saturday.

The end of a great day


Brady Addresses the “Tom Terrific” Controversy

Another year, another Tom Brady “controversy”. This one led to New York Mets fans losing their minds. The issue for the easily outraged was over a nickname.

Tom received massive blowback due to Brady’s marketing team filing for the trademark “Tom Terrific”.

Baseball HOF pitcher Tom Seaver was known by fans as Tom Terrific and were not happy hearing about Brady’s plan. The fact this really took place is pure comedy.

Brady Spoke on the situation at his press conference today

Brady’s first press conference of the 2019 season had many asking about this entire debacle. “It’s unfortunate” Brady said, adding “I was actually trying to do something because I didn’t like the nickname and I wanted to make sure no one used it because some people wanted to use it.”

Brady Said he learned a good lesson…

The quarterback went into more detail saying, “I was only trying to keep people from using it, and then it got spun around into something different than what it actually was.” Why this is such a big deal in my opinion is obvious, it’s only because it’s Tom Brady. Any other athlete named Tom who decided to do this, none of this nonsense would’ve been news.

The fact Brady is speaking about this at his press conference is silly to me. Telling reporters “it was a good lesson learned, and I’ll try to do things differently in the future.”

TB12 has already said he hates being called the GOAT and expanded on people praising him in general

Continuing to explain himself to reporters Brady went on saying “I don’t like when people give me too many nice compliments, especially that. It wasn’t something I was trying to do out of any disrespect, ill manner, or anything like that.”

Anyone with a brain already knew that Brady wasn’t being disrespectful to the baseball legend, let’s hope this story is over.